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Stiga Defensive Pro is a table tennis blade designed for players looking for ultimate control and defense in their game. It features a 7-ply construction with limba outer plies and spruce core, resulting in a stiff blade with a hardness rating of 6. The blade offers excellent feedback and precision, allowing for precise shot placement and controlled looping.
One of the standout features of the Stiga Defensive Pro is its high consistency. With a rating of 10 for consistency, this blade delivers a stable and predictable performance, minimizing mishits and providing players with confidence in their game. The blade's low speed rating of 80 makes it ideal for defensive players who prioritize control over speed, allowing for better anticipation and reaction time.
While the blade excels in defensive play, it also offers decent offensive capabilities. The limba outer plies provide a crisp feel and enable crisp counter-attacking shots. The blade's control-oriented nature allows players to keep the ball on the table and construct long rallies, frustrating their opponents.
In terms of overall performance, the Stiga Defensive Pro is highly regarded among table tennis players for its exceptional control, consistency, and defensive capabilities. It is particularly suitable for players who prefer a more defensive or all-around style of play and prioritize control and precision over speed. With a rating of 8.8 out of 10, the blade is a solid choice for players seeking a reliable and consistent blade to elevate their defensive game.
It is a very slow blade when compared to the Yasaka Guardian, although both were marked with the same speed on Revspin.
I gave it a try because I assumed it would have a similar speed, but with greater stiffness and hardness. Ultimately, you need to exert significant physical effort to play defensively with this blade.
Applying pressure on your opponent is challenging, particularly in on-the-table play such as pushing. When chopping with pimples on the sponge, you have excellent control, but that’s about it.
On the forehand, the Victas 401, which excels with the Yasaka Guardian, becomes completely ineffective and produces excessive vibrations.
With this blade, you will not be able to compete against high-level opponents because you cannot generate challenging balls for them. Rotation is minimal, and serves are easily handled.
I have used it for one training session and one competition, and for me, that is enough to abandon it. I am let down by this blade, but it could possibly be suitable for children who are learning defense.
Review text:
Stiga Defensive Pro, straight handle: 88 g, 2 inner ultra-thin carbon layers. I will compare it to Stiga Defensive Classic, which has been my main racket for the last seasons: Pro is 8-10 grams heavier with the same oversized head (165 x 155). I wanted to try the carbon version of the Great Def Classic, expecting a different feeling and a higher speed. Well, surprisingly, the feeling is pretty much identical: soft touch, barely stiffer. I found it slower than the Classic version, which is probably the biggest point! Rubbers are the same as my usual setup (Vertical 20 / DNA Pro H), so the comparison is revealing: Pro is a bit slower than Classic. Chopping is even more consistent with this blade, although Def Classic shines at it. I will continue playing both to make a better idea, but for the moment I prefer Def Classic over Def Pro since I am used to it…
EDIT 06.2023 After several sessions comparing Def Pro and Def Classic with the same rubbers on both, I ended up with some conclusions. - Speed: Pro >= Classic - Tense trajectories: Pro < Classic - Absorbing strong topspins: Pro > Classic - Chops with inverted: Pro > Classic - Percussion: Pro = Classic.
Pro is awesome to face powerful players since it is super stable and absorbs power topspins like a dream. Chopping with inverted is super satisfying. But trajectories tend to be more bended, less flat, and tense especially with the pimple side… At first, I found that Pro has less percussion than Classic, but I ended up thinking that it was not correct. When you engage and unleash the power of the DNA, Pro has a superior top-end speed. But for passive shots, Pro feels slower. They both give you much information while contacting the ball, which is really what I am looking for. Stability is awesome on both, with a bonus for the Pro version. I love both very much! Decisions, decisions…
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