The Lion Defence blade is a traditional all-wood defensive blade crafted for players who prioritize control, feel, and consistency. With its compact construction and soft feel, this blade is ideal for classic choppers who like to stay away from the table, control the pace of the game, and rely on variation and precision to outmaneuver opponents. Thanks to its moderate speed and excellent damping, it’s also a comfortable choice for passive blockers, tactical pushers, and defenders transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate level.
Specs
Type: Defensive
Plies: 3-ply all-wood
Material Highlight: Soft outer plies, likely Limba or similar
Head Size: Approx. 161 x 157 mm (standard DEF head)
Thickness: ~5.0 mm
Weight: ±65 g
Handle Type: ST (Straight)
Speed Rating: DEF-
Feel / Hardness: Soft
Vibration: Low to Medium
Balance: Handle-heavy
Made In: China
Pros
Excellent control and feedback for defensive play
Lightweight and well-balanced for long chopping rallies
Very affordable compared to premium DEF blades
Great pairing with OX long pips or anti-spin rubbers
Soft touch for short game and service return
Cons
Lacks the finishing quality of higher-end Japanese or European blades
Not ideal for modern defenders who seek offensive potential
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Rebound Dampening
4.5
The blade offers strong dampening, effectively neutralizing high-speed loops.
Control
5.0
Outstanding control in chops, pushes, and blocks, especially with OX or Long Pips rubbers.
Stability
4.0
Maintains structural integrity well during long rallies, with minimal wobble.
Vibration Feedback
4.0
Soft but clear feedback; good ball contact feel without excessive vibration.
Weight Balance
4.0
Slightly handle-heavy, promoting easy wrist movement for chops and touch shots.
Build Quality
4.0
Clean finish, smooth edges, and solid construction, though not premium-tier polish.
The Lion Defence blade is a quiet gem in the defensive blade category. With its soft composition and moderate speed, it excels in classical defensive scenarios, particularly for players who prefer to chop from mid-to-long distances with precision rather than aggression.
Chopping with this blade is smooth and forgiving. It absorbs incoming speed well, giving players ample time to reset and redirect shots with varied spin. This makes it a favorite for long-pip users looking to generate awkward returns with minimal effort. It pairs particularly well with ox or spongeless rubbers, such as Dr. Neubauer Viper, helping to amplify spin reversal and control.
Blocking and pushing close to the table are equally impressive. The blade’s slower rebound and balance make it easy to execute soft, spin-sensitive pushes and controlled passive blocks. While it doesn’t work well in aggressive counters, it offers enough feedback to perform surprise attacks when paired with a faster inverted rubber on the forehand.
For service receive, the low-speed and soft touch help neutralize spin and keep returns short, crucial in disrupting fast attackers. The blade also performs reliably in transitional moments, giving defenders the confidence to pivot into occasional counter-hits or controlled loops.
When compared to more expensive options like the Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk or Victas Koji Matsushita, the Lion Defence lacks some of the refined finish and composite support, but offers a surprisingly solid performance at a fraction of the price. For developing choppers or budget-conscious defenders, it presents great value.
The blade’s durability holds up well over time, especially since most defenders don’t exert the same mechanical stress on their blades as power loopers do. The handle is comfortable, and the build quality, while not luxurious, is certainly dependable.
If you’re considering Lion Defence for your next setup, be sure to explore current deals and trusted retailers below.
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