The STIGA Mantra Pro M is a high-performance pimple-in rubber designed for modern offensive and all-round players seeking a balanced blend of speed, spin, and control. Featuring a medium sponge hardness, highly grippy topsheet, and cutting-edge Japanese rubber technology, this rubber delivers dynamic power while preserving excellent touch and precision. It excels in loop-based play, quick counterattacks, and punchy third-ball finishes, making it ideal for spin-oriented attackers, aggressive all-rounders, and players transitioning to advanced competition.
Specs
Type: Pimple-In (Offensive / Allround)
Top Sheet: Grippy, semi-elastic surface (Smooth, Not Sticky)
Sponge Thickness: 2.1mm
Sponge Hardness: Medium (47°)
Throw Angle: Medium-High
Color Options: Red, Black
ITTF Approved: Yes
Made In: Japan
Pros
Excellent balance of spin, speed, and control
High-quality Japanese sponge ensures a consistent feel and bounce
Medium sponge suits a wide range of playing styles
Works well in loop-based and aggressive blocking styles
Maintains performance over long-term use
Cons
Requires good technique to unlock full spin potential
Not ideal for beginners due to medium-hard sponge
Slightly less forgiving than softer alternatives in the short game
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
4.5
Offers fast acceleration on drives and topspin attacks, with reliable rebound and energy return.
Spin
4.5
Strong spin potential on loops and serves thanks to the grippy surface and deep dwell time.
Control
4.0
Maintains a stable, predictable response even under pressure, great for touch shots and blocking.
Grip / Tackiness
4.5
Grippy (not sticky); allows for strong spin manipulation without being overly sensitive to incoming spin.
Throw Angle
4.0
Medium-high arc, making looping and topspin rallies easier to control and consistent.
Durability
4.5
Excellent longevity for a pro-level rubber retains spin and elasticity with proper care.
The STIGA Mantra Pro M features a medium sponge hardness (~47°), providing a powerful yet controlled bounce that makes it well-suited for aggressive loopers, counter-drivers, and intermediate to advanced players seeking an upgrade in their offensive weaponry.
Looping and Serving Performance The Mantra Pro M’s medium sponge paired with a grippy top sheet makes it an outstanding choice for spin-heavy loopers. Whether you’re brushing the ball or power looping, the rubber offers enough dwell time to generate deep, arcing topspin shots. Serving is also a strong point: players can create tight underspin, as well as tricky sidespin and topspin variations.
Short Game Control and Passive Receive In passive play, such as pushing or receiving short serves, the Mantra Pro M remains stable and precise. Its elasticity helps keep the ball low, and the topsheet grip prevents unintended float. That said, the medium sponge requires a confident touch, so beginners may find it slightly fast when playing short.
Blocks and Counter-Loops This rubber excels in fast-paced blocks and counter-loops. Whether you’re holding your ground against strong loops or countering with aggression mid-distance, Mantra Pro M remains consistent and responsive. Its arc is forgiving enough to absorb power but low enough to maintain pressure.
Performance Under Pressure In intense rallies or fast third-ball exchanges, the Mantra Pro M holds up extremely well. Its linear response allows players to switch seamlessly from spin to flat hits, giving it strong adaptability during pressure points. You won’t feel out of control, provided you have the footwork and technique to keep up.
Comparison to Similar Rubbers Compared to other well-known rubbers in this class:
vs. Tenergy 05: Mantra Pro M offers a slightly lower arc and more linear control, with less bounce sensitivity.
vs. Xiom Vega Pro: Mantra Pro M is faster and has a cleaner finish on serves and drives.
vs. Donic Acuda S2: Slightly faster and firmer feel, but with comparable spin potential.
Ideal Blade Pairings For best performance, pair Mantra Pro M with:
All-wood blades (like STIGA Infinity VPS) for enhanced dwell and feel
Stiff carbon blades (like STIGA Carbonado series) for added speed and directness
Avoid ultra-soft blades, as it may cause a mushy feel due to the sponge’s softness overlapping
Player Suitability
Beginners: Not ideal, too fast and firm
Intermediate: Excellent step-up rubber for loop-based play
Advanced: Great for aggressive loopers, power blockers, and counter-attackers
StyleMatch: Two-wing loopers, balanced attackers, modern all-rounders
Long-Term Value STIGA’s Japanese-manufactured sponge and topsheet provide above-average durability for a high-performance rubber. With proper care (cleaning, protective film), players can expect consistent playability for 4–6 months of regular training. Spin and bounce retention remain strong throughout.
If you’re considering STIGA Mantra Pro M for your next setup, be sure to explore current deals and trusted retailers below.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze traffic, and show relevant content. You can accept all, reject all, or customize your preferences. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
Required
Always active
These cookies are essential for basic website functionality and cannot be disabled.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Analytics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.These help us understand how visitors interact with the site by collecting anonymous data.
Advertising
These cookies are used to deliver relevant ads or track browsing across websites.