Rp 0

Lion Claw Long Pips-Out

Spin Reversal
Rated 3 out of 5
Disruption
Rated 3 out of 5
Chopping Control
Rated 3 out of 5
Return Stability
Rated 3 out of 5
Speed
Rated 3 out of 5
Durability
Rated 3 out of 5

3.5/5

Overall Score

Quick Summary

The Lion Claw is a classic long pips-out rubber designed for players who thrive on disrupting their opponent's rhythm and exploiting their spin. Its primary strengths lie in high spin reversal, excellent control for chopping, and a significant disruptive effect on the ball's trajectory. This rubber is ideal for modern defenders who blend defensive chopping with occasional close-to-the-table blocking and even surprise attacks. It caters well to both traditional choppers who play away from the table and disruptive blockers who want to create unpredictable returns, making it a versatile choice for defensive players.

Specs

Type: Long Pips-Out
Pip Structure: Thin, long, and widely spaced cylindrical pips with high flexibility.
Top Sheet: Semi-grippy surface with a matte finish. Not entirely frictionless, allowing for minor spin generation.
Sponge Thickness: OX (no sponge), 0.5mm
Sponge Hardness: Soft (rated around 35-38 degrees). The sponge is designed to dampen speed and enhance control.
Disruption Focus: Primarily spin reversal and chop; also very effective for disrupting passive blocks.
Color Options: Red, Black
ITTF Approved: Yes

Pros

Maximum Disruption: Creates highly unpredictable and wobbly returns that frustrate attackers.
Excellent Spin Reversal: Sends heavy spin back to the opponent, especially against high-spin loops.
Superb Chopping: Offers great control and feel for both close-to-table and distance chopping.
Insensitive to Incoming Spin: Makes service returns and blocking against spinny shots much easier to control.
Versatile for Defensive Styles: Suitable for pure choppers, modern defenders, and close-table blockers.

Cons

Lacks Offensive Speed: Attacking potential is very limited; offensive shots require significant physical effort.
Pip Durability: The thin pips can be prone to breaking after extended use, especially with aggressive play.

Scoring Breakdown

Aspect	Rating	Explanation
Spin Reversal	4.0	The flexible, widely-spaced pips excel at grabbing the opponent’s spin and sending it back, creating heavy backspin from topspin loops. It’s highly effective for forcing errors.
Disruption	5.0	The pips produce a wobbly, unpredictable flight path, causing the ball to float, sink, or skid unexpectedly, making it extremely difficult for opponents to time their shots.
Chopping Control	4.0	When chopping away from the table, the rubber offers fantastic control and feel. It allows for deep, low, and heavy chops with great placement, though it requires good technique.
Return Stability	3.0	While it handles spin well, its high disruption can sometimes make passive returns slightly less predictable. It is more stable in active strokes (chops/pushes) than passive blocks against high speed.
Speed	2.0	As expected from a defensive rubber, the Lion Claw is inherently slow. This low speed is an advantage for control and chopping but requires the player to generate their own pace for any offensive strokes.
Durability	3.0	The pips are quite durable for their thinness, but like many long pips, they can break with aggressive use over several months. The sponge, if used, maintains its properties well over its lifespan.

The Lion Claw has carved out a niche as a go-to rubber for defenders seeking maximum disruption without sacrificing control. Its design philosophy is centered around turning the opponent’s power and spin against them.

Defensive Performance:
When defending, the Lion Claw is a monster. In classic chopping from a distance, the rubber truly excels. The combination of the soft sponge (or OX version) and flexible pips allows you to absorb the energy of an opponent’s loop and return a very low, heavy backspin chop that is difficult to re-loop. For chop blocks closer to the table, the rubber effectively takes the pace off the ball, causing it to drop short and low over the net, often with a “sinking” effect that leads to net errors from the opponent. Float returns against weaker topspins are also deceptive, as the ball often travels without spin, which can confuse.

Performance Against Different Attacks:
Against heavy topspin loops, the spin reversal is pronounced. The harder your opponent loops, the more backspin you return. It handles fast, flat rallies by absorbing pace, but requires an active, engaged stroke (like a firm push or block) to maintain stability. Passive blocking can sometimes produce an unpredictable return, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

Compatibility across different blade constructions and Player Level:
The Lion Claw pairs wonderfully with flexible defensive blades (e.g., Donic Defplay Senso, Victas Koji Matsushita). A flexible blade enhances dwell time, maximizing control and the amount of backspin you can generate on chops. On stiffer, all-round blades, it can be used effectively for a more aggressive, close-to-the-table blocking and hitting style, though this requires a higher skill level.

This rubber is best suited for intermediate to advanced defensive players. A beginner would likely struggle with the unique mechanics required to harness its disruptive qualities. For the seasoned chopper, however, it offers a reliable tool to execute a high-control, high-disruption defensive game.

Value and Durability:
Priced affordably, the Lion Claw offers excellent value for its performance. While the pips may not last as long as some thicker, more robust alternatives, its cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice for regular replacement without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering Lion Claw for your next setup, be sure to explore current deals and trusted retailers below.