LION Defence is a soft 3‑ply all‑wood blade inspired by the Stiga Tube Def, designed for maximum damping and control. It absorbs power luxuriously, delivering a soft, low bounce that is ideal for classic chops, passive blocks, and consistent chops at mid-distance. Its oversized head (161 × 157 mm) provides precision and forgiveness in touch play. The thin, flexible profile ensures excellent dwell time and feel, making it perfect for traditional choppers, close-to-table defenders, and spin disruptors.
Ideal for: Classic defenders who prioritize precision, disruption, and exceptional control over offensive power.
Exceptional control in chops, pushes, and passive blocks
Oversize head enhances forgiveness and dwell
Strong damping with soft wood ideal for long‑distance defense
Excellent match with long‑pips and anti‑spin rubbers
Cons
Not suitable for modern defenders seeking aggressive offense, lacks stiffness and speed
May feel too soft for players used to harder, stiffer blades
Limited capacity for active, high‑speed transitions and counter‑loops
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Rebound Dampening
5.0
The soft Ayous/spruce build absorbs attack energy exceptionally well, resulting in short, dead bounces that are ideal for disruptive defense.
Control
5.0
High control enables elite-level chop placement and touch, providing reliability across pushes, chops, and blocks.
Stability
4.0
Slight flex due to thin 3‑ply construction offers tactile feedback and makes it slightly less stable under extreme power; still consistent in defense.
Vibration Feedback
4.0
The dampened yet responsive feel (“good sense of recoil”) gives tactile cues without harsh resonance.
Weight Balance
4.0
Lightweight and head-heavy, this blade is agile for table play and transitions, great for footwork and blocking.
Build Quality
4.0
Clean finish, smooth edges, and solid construction, though not premium-tier polish.
Core Defensive Performance
Chopping Performance (far/mid distance)
The 3‑ply wood configuration on LION Defence enables deep, heavy chops with a low arc due to high damping. The blade absorbs incoming power so effectively that spin variation remains crisp and controlled.
Push and Block Control (at the table)
Pushes stay low and spin‑laden, and blocks remain dead‑bounce, reducing the opponent’s follow‑up options. The oversized profile facilitates precision, while the smooth handle provides a comfortable grip.
Passive vs. Active Defense Transitions
While the Lion Defence excels in passive defense, its flexible nature allows for mild offensive returns. However, users seeking aggressive counter-attacks should look at stiffer alternatives.
Vibration, Rebound, and Dwell Feel
Feedback is subtle yet informative; you feel the ball dwelling without sharp vibrations. Combined with a muted bounce, this grants defenders maximum dwell time to manage spin and placement.
Forehand: Low‑catapult tacit inversions like Donic Slice 40 or DHS Hurricane 3 for controlled offense with spin potential.
Blade Comparison in Category
Against the Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk, the LION Defence delivers comparable damping and control but at a significantly lower price and with simpler wood build. It’s a soft, dependable alternative to high-end blades, trading raw power for consistency in feel and spin manipulation.
Ideal Player Match
Classic choppers, spin disruptors, and defenders who favor consistency and feel over speed. Also great for developing defenders on a budget who want a premium damping experience.
Considering both performance and compatibility, the LION Defence offers a dependable option for players who prioritize precision and disruption over speed.
LION Defence stands as a masterful 3‑ply defensive blade that delivers top-tier control, exceptional damping, and unmatched feel, without the premium price tag of big-name brands. It’s a strategic tool for both classic and modern defenders, enabling precision spin manipulation with deceptive ease.
If you’re seeking a defensive blade that prioritizes feel, control, and reliability, the LION Defence is a strong candidate. Browse trusted retailers to explore deals and configurations, and pair it with your favorite rubber setup to elevate your defensive game.
