Tag: Bonny Classic Carbon J20 Steel-Wings

Mid-cycle updates and iterations in vehicle models have different implications. During a model’s lifecycle, the more exceptional and promising a model is, the more attractive its mid-cycle update becomes, often approaching high completion. On the other hand, iterations become more meaningful when a model reaches the end of its life cycle. One represents the pinnacle, while the other signifies a new beginning.

Babolat’s Steel Wing recently underwent a mid-cycle update. I’ve been using this racket for some time, and the change in its appearance compared to the original color was significant enough that I needed some time to adjust. However, it hasn’t reached its peak.

Specifications:

• 4UG5
• With cap
• Total weight: 93.18g (in used condition)
• Balance point: 294mm
• Shaft length: 218mm
• Medium stiffness
• Wind-breaking frame
• 76-hole string bed
• 9-3 o’clock string grooves
• Warranty: 30 lbs
• Strung with VBS69N at 25-27 lbs

The previous Steel Wing J20, which benefited from the use of boron fiber, achieved good market performance last year. The new color and adjustments for the current model have transitioned from the original silver-white to gold, so I’ve started referring to it as “Gold Wing.” In terms of appearance, the only difference between the new and old versions is the color; the design and stickers remain the same, so refer to the previous Steel Wing for appearance details. I forgot to take photos after using it, so please make do with the available images.

The Gold Wing features some changes, notably the fish-mouth cone cap, reminiscent of the Thunder series from the Red Factory. I still miss Babolat’s previous flat cone cap. This new cone cap addresses the issue of stabilizing the thumb during reverse shots and enhances the racket’s rebound performance due to the increased deformability of the shaft. This change is commendable. The adaptation of boron fiber to new elements also shows promising results.

The Gold Wing has become much more user-friendly, with improved elasticity. After the shaft stiffness was adjusted, the racket’s feel became lighter and smoother, making the swing process more effortless. This adjustment alleviates the stiffness that was a challenge with the original version, making it easier for players who struggled with the original Steel Wing.

The most notable improvement is in handling passive shots. Previously, the combination of a short, stiff shaft and high rigidity made it difficult to return shots effectively, often leading to an exposed net. Now, even under pressure, a well-placed shot can quickly balance the game.

The enhanced feel of the Gold Wing significantly improves its performance in play. As one friend noted, this change in “tolerance and ball control” allows for a more refined small ball control, making net play more manageable and creating opportunities for offensive plays. Its lightweight and speed attributes maintain its agility in deceptive shots and soft net play.

However, the Gold Wing’s response in fast-paced drives is slower compared to its predecessor, making it harder to adapt. The defensive rhythm also feels slightly sluggish when transitioning from defense to offense.

For advanced users, the Gold Wing’s performance in the backcourt is somewhat lacking. While the reduced power requirements improve the racket’s consistency and endurance, each shot feels softer, making it challenging to produce high-speed shots with enough threat. In long-distance shots requiring heavy smashes and precise placement, confidence might be slightly undermined.

Overall, the Gold Wing is the most user-friendly boron fiber racket from Babolat to date. For entry-level players, this racket is a solid choice for the season, providing a well-rounded option for those looking for a versatile and effective racket.

The mid-cycle refresh and iteration of a vehicle carry different meanings. During a model’s lifecycle, the more outstanding and promising the model is, the more attractive the mid-cycle refresh becomes, approaching a higher level of completion. However, when a model’s life cycle nears its end, iteration becomes a more meaningful approach—one represents a peak, while the other signifies a rebirth.

Bonny’s Steel Wing recently underwent a mid-cycle refresh, and I’ve been using this racket for quite some time. The change in its aura compared to the original color is so significant that it took me a while to adapt. However, it hasn’t yet reached its peak.

Specifications: 4UG5, with a grip, total weight in use 93.18g, balance point 294mm, shaft length 218mm, medium stiffness, aero frame, 76-hole string bed, 9-3 point string grooves, warranty for 30 lbs, strung at 25-27 lbs VBS69N.
Last year, the J20 Steel Wing, which performed well in the market thanks to the advantage of boron fiber, now comes with a new color scheme and new tuning. Since the new product has changed its appearance from the original silver-white to gold, I’ve grown accustomed to referring to it as “Golden Wing.” In fact, in terms of aesthetics, the only difference between the old and new versions is the color. The design patterns and stickers remain unchanged, so you can refer to the previous Steel Wing for the appearance description.
I forgot to take pictures after this test, so the pictures you see here are just for reference.

There are some changes in the configuration of the Golden Wing, the most notable being the fish-mouth cone cover, which somewhat resembles the Red Factory’s Thunder series. Although I do miss Bonny’s previous flat cone cover. On one hand, this cone cover reinforces the previous version’s smooth cone, which made it difficult for the thumb to stabilize during backhand power shots. On the other hand, the exposed recess also increases the shaft’s deformation length, bringing stronger rebound performance to the racket, which is commendable. The compatibility between boron fiber and the new elements is also worth looking forward to.
This change has made the Golden Wing quite forgiving, while the racket’s elasticity remains intact. With the shaft stiffness adjusted, the “swinging” feeling of the racket happens more easily. The light tone already makes the swing process smooth, and the shaft’s elasticity is more easily activated, so there’s no longer a need to apply extra force to overcome the hardness, as was the case with the original Steel Wing when playing high, far shots. Players who struggled with the original version of Steel Wing will find this a blessing.

The most notable improvement is in handling passive shots. The previous issue where the short, stiff shaft and high-rigidity frame combination made it difficult to return the ball, often resulting in poor placement and vulnerability to net play attacks, has been resolved. No matter how aggressive the opponent’s pressure, the racket’s rebound to the baseline instantly evens out the situation.
The enhanced ball-holding feel of the Golden Wing has brought a significant change in its handling during rallies. Quoting a friend, the racket’s increased tolerance and sticky ball feel represent a “judgment time” change. The greatly improved release adjustment window has given the Golden Wing’s small ball control a surprising advantage, making net play more controllable. This allows for precise net maneuvers, forcing the opponent to lift the ball and giving teammates more opportunities to attack. Its lightweight and speed-oriented attributes still make the Golden Wing agile for intercepting shots and blocking at the net.

However, the racket’s slower ball response during fast-paced exchanges took me some time to adjust to. In defensive rhythm, trying to create opportunities for counterattacks through lateral play also felt a bit cumbersome.
For advanced users, the Golden Wing’s performance in backcourt smashes is indeed lacking in power. Although the reduced power requirement improves the racket’s continuity and endurance, the feel of each attack is somewhat soft. Even when there’s a chance to exert full power, it’s difficult to generate sufficiently threatening high-speed shots, leading to a feeling of underwhelming force. In scenarios requiring powerful smashes and precise placement over long distances, confidence can be lost.
Nevertheless, it should be acknowledged that this is also the most user-friendly racket Bonny has developed in its boron fiber series so far. For beginner players, this season brings a nearly perfect racket option that can be an excellent choice right from the start.