Weight
101g
Thickness
6.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
160x153
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Mazunov
Butterfly Mazunov is a high-performance all-wood blade built for aggressive offensive play. Crafted in Japan, this 5-ply design delivers exceptional speed and power with a hard, direct feel that supports powerful loops and solid blocks. Its substantial weight and stiffness make it one of Butterfly's fastest pure wood offerings, yet many players find it offers surprising control, especially when paired with softer rubbers. A classic choice for players seeking a no-compromise offensive weapon.
Mazunov features a 5-ply all-wood construction with hard outer plies for speed and a stiff core to support powerful attacks. While specific wood types aren't consistently detailed, this layered design contributes to its hard feel and direct feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Mazunov is consistently rated as one of Butterfly's fastest all-wood blades, with scores nearing the top of the scale. It delivers extreme speed capable of rivaling some carbon blades, attributed to its stiff construction and hard outer plies. This makes it an excellent choice for players who prioritize outright pace and offensive firepower.
While primarily an offensive blade, Mazunov offers surprisingly good control for its speed, especially for players with a solid technical foundation. Control is generally considered good for blocking and short game play. However, control can be compromised with very hard rubbers or for beginners who may find the blade's power overwhelming.
Mazunov is characterized by a hard and stiff feel due to its 5-ply all-wood construction. This provides direct, crisp feedback that benefits offensive play and helps players understand ball impact. Some players might prefer a softer feel, often compensating by using softer rubbers.
The blade's OFF+ classification and emphasis on speed suggest a medium-high throw angle, conducive to powerful, arcing shots and fast attacks that clear the net with authority.
Despite its stiffness and speed, Mazunov offers moderate to good dwell time, allowing for sufficient ball contact to generate spin. This characteristic becomes particularly evident when paired with appropriate rubbers, enabling players to execute powerful topspin shots with good spin potential.
Mazunov is a stiff blade offering minimal flex. This characteristic is crucial for its speed and direct power transmission, but it means players seeking a flexible blade for extreme spin variation might need to consider other options.
Mazunov exhibits a noticeable level of vibration that contributes to its lively feel and feedback. This vibration is generally considered within acceptable limits for an offensive blade and can actually aid in generating spin and understanding ball contact during play.
Mazunov is regarded as a high-quality blade, crafted with durable wood and excellent construction. Players praise its solid build and exceptional feedback, which contributes to its long-standing popularity. The 'Made in Japan' origin further underscores its reputation for consistent quality and craftsmanship.
Technology
Butterfly Mazunov showcases Butterfly's expertise in crafting high-performance all-wood blades through precise wood selection and layering. While not featuring artificial fibers, its construction utilizes specific wood types—including Planchonella outer layers mentioned for contributing to great speed—to achieve characteristic stiffness and offensive capability. Butterfly's meticulous wood storage, processing, and bonding techniques ensure consistent quality and performance, allowing Mazunov to deliver a powerful, direct playing experience through traditional wood craftsmanship.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov, the legendary Belarusian player, used Butterfly Mazunov particularly in earlier stages of his career. The blade's power and speed aligned perfectly with his aggressive, looping-oriented style, allowing him to generate significant pace on his shots. His preference highlights the blade's suitability for top-level offensive play.
Dmitrij Mazunov
The blade is named after Dmitrij Mazunov, former Russian #1 player. While direct evidence of exclusive use throughout his career is less documented than Samsonov's association, the blade's design and name strongly suggest it was tailored to his offensive playing style, emphasizing the power and speed characteristics he favored.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
Stiga Clipper Wood is frequently cited as comparable to Butterfly Mazunov. Both are 5-ply all-wood offensive blades known for speed, power, and solid feel. The Clipper Wood shares a similar weight range and stiffness, offering a direct playing experience, though Mazunov is often described as slightly faster and stiffer.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood is another 5-ply all-wood blade offering comparable speed and power to Mazunov. Designed for offensive play with a direct feel, it suits aggressive attackers and shares characteristics like substantial weight and hard feel, making it a viable alternative for players seeking similar performance.