Weight
90g
Thickness
5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
167x160
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Carbon 2000 Defence
Best Of Five Carbon 2000 Defence is a specialized blade crafted for defensive players who value precision and control. Its unique hybrid construction integrates thin carbon layers within a multi-ply wood body, creating a soft, flexible feel perfect for chopping and blocking. The oversized head expands the sweet spot, offering greater consistency and forgiveness on defensive strokes. While optimized for defense, it provides enough power for smooth offensive transitions. Manufactured in Germany, this blade was celebrated for blending traditional defensive qualities with modern material technology, though it is no longer in production.
The blade features a 5-ply construction with two thin carbon layers integrated within the wood plies. This hybrid design enhances control and feel while providing a degree of stiffness and speed boost typical of carbon blades, albeit in a more subdued manner for defensive purposes. The thinness of the carbon plies is crucial for maintaining the blade's flexibility and soft feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed rating reflects its primary role as a defensive blade. It isn't designed for high-speed attacks but provides enough pace for controlled blocks and counter-attacks, keeping opponents on their toes. Players report its speed as low to medium-low, making it well-suited for defensive strategies that rely on placement and spin over raw power.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. Its design prioritizes exceptional maneuverability, allowing for precise placement of chops and blocks. The large sweet spot and flexible nature contribute to outstanding ball feedback and predictability, making it easy to execute defensive maneuvers with confidence. Many players find it offers top-tier control for a defensive setup.
The blade offers a flexible and soft, medium-soft feel. This characteristic allows for significant dwell time, which is beneficial for generating spin on chops and provides a comfortable, connected sensation with the ball. The thin carbon layers contribute to this feel without making the blade overly stiff.
The combination of flexibility and dwell time suggests a medium-high throw angle, particularly beneficial for defensive shots like chops and pushes. This allows the ball to arc effectively over the net with significant backspin.
The flexible and soft nature of the blade, combined with its thin carbon layers, results in excellent dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade's surface, enabling players to impart heavy spin on defensive shots and control the game's pace effectively.
The blade is described as flexible, a key attribute for defensive players. This flexibility aids in absorbing incoming power, producing heavy spin on chops, and providing a softer touch for blocking and all-around defensive play.
While not explicitly rated for vibration, the blade's construction and focus on control suggest low to medium-low vibration. The softer feel and flexible nature help absorb excess vibrations, contributing to a more comfortable playing experience and better ball feedback.
The blade is noted for its excellent build quality and finish. Despite being out of production, reviews highlight its durability and high standard of craftsmanship, which contribute to its positive reputation among defensive players. Our assessment places it in the good to excellent range for overall construction.
Technology
Best Of Five Carbon 2000 Defence utilizes a 5-ply construction incorporating thin carbon fiber layers. This technology blends the superior control and dwell time of traditional wood defensive blades with the enhanced stability and slightly increased speed offered by carbon. The specific placement and thinness of the carbon plies are critical to maintaining the blade's flexibility and soft feel, differentiating it from harder, faster carbon blades and tailoring it specifically for defensive play. German manufacturing contributes to its high-quality finish and reputation.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive is a highly regarded defensive blade designed for similar playing styles. It shares the focus on exceptional control, feel, and dwell time, making it suitable for choppers and players who prioritize defensive prowess. Both blades aim to provide a large sweet spot and the ability to generate heavy spin.
TSP Defense Classic
TSP Defense Classic is another defensive blade that emphasizes control and feel. While it's an all-wood blade, it offers a comparable playing experience for defensive players, focusing on precision, dwell time, and the ability to execute a variety of defensive strokes.