Master Mao Review
Baseline Comparison:
Astrox 100ZZ 4U
Mizuno JPX Limited
All 3 rackets are strung with the BG66 Ultimax at 24/26 with the same stringer.
All 3 rackets are set-up with an overgrip on top of the original factory grip.
Final weights with the overgrip and string are 93 grams on the Master Mao, 91 grams on the 100ZZ 4U and 92 grams on the JPX Limited.
Reviewer is a 46 year old singles player. Solid Intermediate.
Reviewer also owns 2 outdoor badminton courts at his home and in his rest house where plastics are used and goes to his club at least twice a week where feathers are used.
First Impressions: The moment this racket arrives you just feel a sense of awe with the case and accessories that accompanied it. Package actually looks like one of my rifle cases. The thing is that I actually received a sniper rifle with the package. But more on that later. In terms of looks, the Master Mao is a piece of art. Metallic Pink on Green is very risky but it came out classy. The 100ZZ and the JPX Limited are not far behind in looks. Both are classy too with their understated/minimalist look. Upon swinging it without strings, it felt fast and agile. Not 100ZZ 4U fast nor JPX Limited fast but certainly agile for a 3U racket. The Master Mao is rated 4 of 5 on the head heavy scale, but feels evenly balanced like the 100ZZ and JPX Limited.
Initial Feel: When I first play with advanced rackets, I usually have that getting to know and adjustment period. I never had that adjustment period though with the JPX Limited. Maybe because it has the least shaft stiffness among the 3. That racket is very easy to use. I had the adjustment period with the 100ZZ. It took me about 3 sessions of 3-4 hours each to begin to appreciate its merits. Once I got the hold of it, the 100ZZ continued to shine and surprise. The Master Mao, I would not lie, gave me the longest adjustment period among the 3. Initially, I was not generating much power with the racket and it felt a bit unresponsive. After 6 sessions though of 3-4 hours each, hitting both feather and plastic shuttles, the racket slowly but surely began to show signs of vigor. It was suddenly behaving like a true top of the line racket.
Clears, Lobs, Drives, Defense: This one once over the break in and getting to know period will put that bird consistently on the back lines. You have to put a bit of effort behind it though. The bonus is that, it will put it right where you want it to be. I play exclusively singles and the placement of my high clears and attacking clears needed to be right out there at the very edge to be able to compete with much younger players and move them back and front repeatedly without causing too many out of bounds shot. The Master Mao and the 100ZZ both excel at this. I had noticeably more out of bounds shot with the JPX Limited. Drives are fast and it is certainly capable in fast exchanges. On defense, short cross court lifts are easy and one could tire out and frustrate a heavy attacker with its pinpoint defensive returns.
Net shots, Drop Shots, Slices, Blocks: This is an area where the Master Mao and 100ZZ shone the brightest. Excellent control on both once I get the feel of it. At first, I was netting a lot of shots as these two do not have that bounce at net shots like the JPX Limited. Once I got the hang of it, you can even place that bird on top of the net cord. Tumbling net shots and drop shots are easy on these. Slices are right on the money. Blocks, an integral part of my game are controlled and never all over the place. These two behaved like the old Arc 10/11 at the net. Just fascinating control and precision.
Smash, Kills: The 100ZZ has the bigger/heavier smash among the 3 rackets. The 100ZZ was rated extra stiff but that solid core, hyper slim shaft gave it that extra whip for that extra power. The JPX Limited came in second and the Master Mao came in a close third. The shaft of the Master Mao for me felt the stiffest among the 3 and I truly understand why it will lag behind the other 2 in terms of smash power. I read a review on the Master Mao on this thread mentioning that it produces fast but not necessarily heavy smashes. I agree with that view. I do believe though that the Master Mao was never designed to be a doubles backcourt weapon. If you are looking for a hammer, you will not like this racket. Like the 100ZZ, it is a control racket at the truest sense of the word. The smash though it produces is just right for me. It is more than enough to finish off weak replies and end half hearted attempts. If you are a singles player that move their opponent a lot and is patient enough to draw out a short return before unleashing your smash then this racket is just right in terms of kill power.
Conclusion: I wrote earlier that I was sent a sniper rifle with the package and that remains true. The Master Mao is a tack driver. You will place that bird exactly where you want it to be. It is not a perfect racket like everything out there. It could use a little more power, it is certainly not for a beginner nor for a low intermediate as it will ask a bit from you and requires a good amount of technique and skill to fully harness its prowess. That is just about it in terms of its weakness. It is certainly better all around than the JPX Limited, but I would still give the edge overall, at this point to the 100ZZ. IMHO it is still the bench mark among control rackets. The 100ZZ though has been in my hands now for quite a while. Familiarity is on its side. However, I feel that the Master Mao is a racket that grows on you. I play better with it at every passing session. I alternately play now with the 100ZZ and the Master Mao and after each play day, the difference in performance is becoming ever slightly more unnoticed.
The Master Mao is my first ever Kawasaki racket. It has pleased me enough that I have already ordered the Master 900 3U and the King K9 3U. Hopefully, those are also gold finds. Good job Kawasaki. Cheers!
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