Weight
79g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x165
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Defensio
Animus Defensio is a meticulously crafted, all-wood table tennis blade designed for defensive and all-round play, emphasizing exceptional control and feel. Its five-ply construction of African Ceiba, Hinoki, and Fir provides precise ball placement for blocks and pushes, while delivering surprising speed and a kick effect for attacks. Available in different head sizes, it's a versatile choice for players seeking a perfect balance between defensive stability and offensive capability, making it ideal for those who value touch and versatility.
The 5-ply all-wood construction uses African Ceiba on the outer layers for a good feel and control. Hinoki in the intermediate layers adds elasticity and a touch of speed, while the central Fir core provides crucial stability and enhances dwell time, making it ideal for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Animus Defensio operates at a moderate speed level, perfectly aligned with its defensive identity. This rating makes it excellent for controlled defensive maneuvers and precise placement shots rather than relying on raw power. Players find it provides just enough pace for effective counter-attacks without sacrificing the stability needed for chops and blocks.
This blade delivers exceptional, top-tier control. The specific all-wood layering creates an outstanding feel and precision, allowing players to execute blocks, pushes, and chops with remarkable consistency. It gives you the confidence to place the ball exactly where you intend, which is the hallmark of a superior defensive tool.
The combination of Fir, Hinoki, and Ceiba woods provides a very good, distinct connection to the ball. It offers a medium feel that is neither too hard nor too soft, delivering crucial feedback for precise defensive play and subtle touches.
In line with its defensive focus, Animus Defensio typically produces a medium-low throw angle. This trajectory aids in control and consistency, making it easier to keep defensive shots low and over the net with safety.
Thanks to its all-wood nature and Fir core, Animus Defensio provides a long dwell time. This enhances spin generation on serves and loops and allows for better ball absorption and control during passive defensive strokes.
The five-ply wood construction strikes an excellent balance of flexibility. It is flexible enough to aid dwell time and spin generation but maintains sufficient stability, avoiding any feeling of being overly stiff or uncontrollably wobbly.
As a control-focused defensive blade, it features low vibration. This contributes to a softer, more dampened touch and provides clear, direct feedback from the ball, which is essential for feel-oriented play.
Handcrafted in Italy, the Animus Defensio exhibits a high level of craftsmanship. Players consistently praise its great feeling and precise construction, indicating reliable build quality and attention to detail that results in a consistent playing experience.
Technology
Animus Defensio embodies the brand's commitment to handcrafted quality, with each blade made in Italy through a partnership between players and craftsmen. The technology lies in the meticulous selection and assembly of specific wood veneers. The engineered 5-ply all-wood design pairs an African Ceiba outer layer for feel with Hinoki intermediate layers for elasticity, all built around a stabilizing Fir core. This precise material synergy is crafted to deliver exceptional control, a unique playing character, and a balanced experience suitable for both classic defense and modern all-round tactics.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Combi Wood Attack
TTSensei experts note that Animus Defensio draws inspiration from the now-discontinued Nittaku Combi Wood Attack. This suggests similar playing characteristics, particularly in its suitability for combination (combi) players and its well-regarded defensive capabilities.