Weight
91.5g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fortius FT
Mizuno Fortius FT is a 7-ply all-wood table tennis blade celebrated for its harmonious blend of speed, control, and feel. Designed for offensive players, particularly those with a European-style game, its 'Fine Touch' designation highlights a soft, responsive feel that excels in spin generation. Ideal for close to mid-distance play, it thrives in topspin rallies and counter-drives while offering confidence in the short game. This blade provides a solid, classic wood experience with a distinct Mizuno quality, making it a reliable choice for players seeking power with precision.
Fortius FT features a classic 7-ply all-wood construction, with Limba forming the outer veneers and Ayous making up the inner five plies. This configuration is renowned for providing an optimal balance of speed, dwell time, and feel, creating a solid foundation for consistent and powerful offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Fortius FT delivers a strong level of speed, fitting comfortably into the OFF to OFF+ category. While it doesn't reach the sheer velocity of composite blades, its speed is more than sufficient for offensive topspin and drive play, especially from close to mid-distance. The 7-ply construction ensures efficient power transfer when you make a strong impact, allowing you to execute forceful attacks with confidence.
Control is a defining strength of the Fortius FT, thanks to its soft touch and ample dwell time. This combination allows for precise ball placement, effective management of short game situations, and accurate shot execution during intense rallies. The blade's well-balanced nature makes it forgiving and easy to handle, even when paired with heavier rubbers, giving players great confidence in their touch.
The 'Fine Touch' designation is accurate, as Fortius FT provides a softer, more sensitive feel compared to many stiffer 7-ply blades. This enhanced feel offers better ball feedback, improves spin generation, and builds greater confidence in touch shots and short game play, making it a joy to use for players who value connection with the ball.
Fortius FT produces a medium to high throw angle, which is highly beneficial for generating aggressive topspin shots with a good arc. This higher trajectory helps clear the net easily and puts consistent pressure on your opponent during rallies.
The Limba outer plies and all-wood construction contribute to a notably good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This extended contact is crucial for generating high spin on serves and topspin shots, while also providing a controlled, confident feel during blocks and drives.
The blade is relatively stiff yet possesses enough flex to effectively generate spin. It doesn't feel overly rigid like some composite blades, instead offering a solid feel that aids in powerful strokes. This balance between stiffness and flex creates a versatile platform for various offensive techniques.
Players report that Fortius FT has very low vibration, offering a clean and direct feel upon impact. This minimizes unwanted feedback, allowing you to focus purely on the ball and execute shots with precision, which significantly contributes to its excellent control characteristics.
Mizuno's reputation for manufacturing excellence is fully realized in the Fortius FT. Our testing shows consistently excellent craftsmanship, a fine finish, and durable construction. The blade often requires no sealing and has a pleasant, premium feel in hand, contributing to its overall high perceived quality and reliability.
Technology
Mizuno Fortius FT showcases Mizuno's expertise in wood craftsmanship through its precisely engineered 7-ply all-wood design. It utilizes Limba outer plies and five inner Ayous plies, a specific combination engineered to deliver the unique 'Fine Touch' (FT) experience. This technology focuses on enhanced control and dwell time, bridging the gap between classic wooden blades and modern offensive play. The goal is to provide superior spin generation and feel without compromising on speed, resulting in a blade that is both forgiving and potent, empowering players to execute a wide range of strokes with confidence.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Yuya Oshima
Yuya Oshima, a prominent Japanese professional, has been associated with Mizuno Fortius FT. His preference underscores the blade's suitability for a high-level offensive game built on spin, control, and precise shot-making. Oshima's style, which involves aggressive topspin attacks and strong defensive capabilities, aligns perfectly with the Fortius FT's balanced characteristics. The blade's ability to deliver both a soft touch for spin and sufficient power for offensive drives makes it an ideal, reliable tool for players who aim to dictate the pace and placement of play.
Ai Fujinuma
The Mizuno Fortius FT was developed with input from former Japan national team member Ai Fujinuma. Her expertise ensured the blade meets the requirements of elite players, particularly focusing on the control and offensive capabilities favored in the Japanese playing style. Her involvement in the design process highlights the blade's professional pedigree and its engineering for top-tier performance.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Korbel SK7
Fortius FT is frequently compared to the Butterfly Korbel SK7, another well-established 7-ply all-wood offensive blade. Both share similar construction principles and aim to deliver a classic wood feel with good speed and control. Many players find the Fortius FT to be a strong alternative or even an improvement in some aspects, offering comparable or better control and feel while maintaining robust offensive capabilities. Players familiar with the SK7 might find the Fortius FT a comfortable transition or a worthy upgrade.
Stiga Clipper Wood
The classic Stiga Clipper Wood is another 7-ply all-wood blade often mentioned alongside Fortius FT. Both are designed for offensive play and appreciated for their solid feel and power. While the Clipper Wood is known for its directness and speed, Fortius FT is often highlighted for its superior control and softer touch, making it a potentially more forgiving option for players who prioritize feel and spin generation without sacrificing too much offensive capability.