Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
H.S. Cryzer
Butterfly H.S. Cryzer is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade crafted entirely from Hinoki, a Japanese cypress. Its 'Hinoki Speed' designation delivers a unique blend of offensive power and a soft, responsive feel, making it a favorite for players who prioritize looping and spin generation. The blade offers excellent feedback and dwell time, providing a traditional wood experience with the capability for aggressive shots. Though discontinued, its reputation for quality and balanced performance keeps it highly sought after by intermediate to advanced players seeking a high-feel offensive blade.
The blade is constructed from five plies of Hinoki wood. This all-Hinoki build is key to its characteristic soft feel, excellent vibration dampening, and good dwell time, which are beneficial for spin generation and controlled offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
H.S. Cryzer is a fast blade, offering significant offensive power suitable for attacking play. The all-Hinoki construction provides a unique feel where speed is generated with a softer touch, allowing for controlled yet powerful loops and drives. Players report it delivers ample pace for winners while maintaining a level of predictability that supports an aggressive, consistent game.
Despite its speed rating, H.S. Cryzer provides excellent control. This is a direct result of the soft Hinoki wood, which offers good dwell time and clear ball feedback. This combination allows players to execute precise shots, manage short game exchanges effectively, and maintain high consistency during fast rallies, even when playing offensively.
H.S. Cryzer delivers a distinctly soft, communicative feel due to its all-Hinoki construction. This provides excellent feedback on ball contact, allowing players to finely sense trajectory and spin. The soft touch is particularly beneficial for generating spin and offers a comfortable, connected playing experience.
The combination of speed, dwell time, and flexibility results in a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for looping, as it helps the ball clear the net with a good arc while maintaining pace and spin, making offensive topspin play more forgiving and effective.
The soft, all-wood Hinoki construction grants H.S. Cryzer a long dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, giving players more time to impart heavy spin on loops and serves. It also aids in control during touch shots and helps absorb an opponent's power effectively.
Described as 'flexi-fast', H.S. Cryzer exhibits a good degree of flexibility. This flex contributes to a dynamic, whip-like action during strokes, helping to generate power and spin on loops while maintaining a connected feel and control.
Players report a medium level of vibration—enough to provide clear, useful feedback on ball contact without being harsh or distracting. This controlled vibration enhances the overall feel and aids in shot execution and consistency.
H.S. Cryzer is consistently praised for its exceptional build quality and manufacturing consistency. Players note its great construction and reliability, with many commenting on the perfect consistency from blade to blade. This high level of craftsmanship is a hallmark of Butterfly's premium Japanese-made blades.
Technology
Butterfly H.S. Cryzer embodies traditional craftsmanship, centered on the inherent qualities of premium Hinoki wood. The 'Hinoki Speed' (H.S.) designation highlights the use of this Japanese cypress throughout its five plies. Hinoki is renowned for being lightweight, flexible, and having natural vibration-dampening properties. This all-wood composition creates a soft touch and extended dwell time, crucial for players who rely on spin and feel. The design prioritizes a direct, natural wood connection to the ball, delivering consistent feedback and a classic playing experience.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Power Drive II
Butterfly Power Drive II is noted to play similarly to the H.S. Cryzer. As the H.S. Cryzer was itself a successor to the popular Power Drive, the Power Drive II likely offers comparable characteristics. Both are 5-ply Hinoki blades known for their speed and feel, suiting similar offensive, looping-oriented styles.
Jonyer Hinoki
Jonyer Hinoki is often discussed alongside H.S. Cryzer as a reference point. Players describe H.S. Cryzer as a faster, slightly more powerful version of the Jonyer Hinoki. Both share the 5-ply all-Hinoki construction, offering a similar core feel and performance profile, with the Cryzer providing a bit more offensive punch.