Stiga Mantra M

The Stiga Mantra M is a versatile tensor rubber designed primarily for offensive play. It is widely recognized as a strong candidate for backhand usage due to its high level of control and ease of handling during backhand-to-backhand rallies. Players often favor it for its forgiving nature, which assists in developing technique and maintaining consistency across a variety of strokes, including flicking serves and executing backhand loops.

Performance Characteristics

• Spin and Speed: The rubber offers a balanced blend of speed and spin potential. While it may not reach the extreme speed thresholds of some high-end alternatives, it provides sufficient power for attacking shots close to the table and maintains effectiveness from mid-distance.
• Control and Dwell: It features a grippy, non-tacky topsheet that provides good tactile feedback and high control. This makes the rubber particularly reliable for blocks, punches, and managing the short game. It is notably less sensitive to incoming spin compared to modern thin-topsheet rubbers.
• Trajectory: It produces a medium to medium-high throw angle, facilitating the ability to lift backspin balls effectively.
• Durability: The rubber features a noticeable catapult effect, contributing to its performance, though users have frequently noted that the topsheet material is relatively fragile and can show signs of wear or degradation more quickly than some premium competitors.