Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
BALSAdef
Giant Dragon BALSAdef is a table tennis blade crafted specifically for defensive specialists. Its defining feature is a balsa wood core, prized for its extreme lightness and natural vibration absorption, which creates a soft, comfortable feel and outstanding control. This blade excels in defensive play, providing a stable and forgiving platform for precise chopping and blocking, especially effective with long pips rubbers. The BALSAdef offers a slow, controlled pace that maximizes spin reversal, allowing defenders to dictate rallies and build dangerous counter-attacks. It prioritizes consistency and reliability, making it a trusted choice for players whose game is built on precision and tactical defense.
The blade uses a 5-ply all-wood construction with a distinctive balsa wood core. This low-density core provides excellent shock absorption for a soft feel and reduced vibration. The outer wood layers complement the core by adding structural integrity and enabling adequate spin generation for defensive shots.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 7.1, the BALSAdef is a relatively slow blade, a deliberate feature for defensive play. This pace allows for greater dwell time on the ball, facilitating effective chopping, blocking, and spin manipulation. It's designed not for powerful loops but for controlling the rally's tempo and setting up strategic defensive maneuvers with precision.
Rated at 8.9 for control, the BALSAdef offers exceptional maneuverability and precision. This high level of control is vital for defensive players who depend on accurate placement for their chops, blocks, and pushes. The blade provides a stable, predictable feel that is forgiving and easy to manage, even during long, demanding rallies.
The balsa wood core is the heart of this blade's soft feel. It creates a significant dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball securely on the racket face. This tactile feedback is essential for executing precise defensive strokes like controlled chops and blocks.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle. This provides sufficient arc on defensive chops and pushes to keep the ball safely in play, while also offering enough lift for controlled offensive shots when the opportunity arises.
The soft balsa core and defensive design result in a long dwell time. This extended ball contact allows players to impart more spin and provides a greater sense of control over the ball's trajectory, which is particularly beneficial for spin-heavy defensive play.
As a defensive blade with a balsa core, the BALSAdef possesses a medium level of flexibility. This provides enough flex to generate spin and control during defensive shots without being overly stiff, which helps maintain good touch and feel on the ball.
Balsa wood is renowned for its vibration-dampening properties. The BALSAdef effectively absorbs a significant amount of impact shock, resulting in a dampened, comfortable feel. This reduces hand fatigue and allows players to focus on technique during long sessions.
While specific metrics are limited, the consistent positive feedback from players suggests the Giant Dragon BALSAdef is well-constructed for its category. Users appreciate its reliable performance and consistent feel, indicating good manufacturing standards and durability that meet the expectations of defensive players.
Technology
The core technology of the Giant Dragon BALSAdef is its use of a balsa wood core. Balsa is an exceptionally lightweight and porous wood known for its natural vibration-dampening capabilities and soft touch. This core is strategically sandwiched between layers of conventional wood to add structural integrity and refine the overall playing sensation. The specific ply arrangement in the BALSAdef is optimized to maximize dwell time and control, making it exceptionally effective for defensive techniques like chopping and blocking, and enabling powerful spin reversal.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Ludeack
The Nittaku Ludeack is another highly regarded defensive blade that shares core characteristics with the BALSAdef. It is known for its excellent control and dwell time, making it a strong choice for chopping and blocking. While its wood composition differs, both blades serve defensive players seeking a reliable, spin-oriented platform.
Tibhar IV-L Soft
The Tibhar IV-L Soft is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade that offers a similar soft feel and high control profile. Designed for players who prioritize spin and placement in their defensive game, it provides a comparable balance of dwell time and control, making it a viable alternative for defensive strategies.