Weight
82g
Thickness
4.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Earth Defence
Lion Earth Defence is a specialized table tennis blade crafted for defensive players who demand ultimate control and feel. Its unique 7-ply construction, featuring a thin profile and flaxseed fiber inlays, excels at ball absorption and disrupting an opponent's rhythm. While too slow for aggressive attacking, it shines in chop, block, and spin reversal, making it ideal for tactical defenders and long pimple rubber users. The blade offers a comfortable handle and neat build quality that minimizes splintering for a durable playing experience.
This 7-ply construction integrates Spruce outer plies with Ayous wood for intermediate and core layers. The strategic inclusion of Flaxseed Fibre as synthetic inlays within the core is key to the blade's thinness, lightweight feel, and its enhanced dwell time and vibration dampening properties.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Lion Earth Defence is exceptionally slow, prioritizing control and ball absorption over speed. This makes it ideal for classic defensive play but severely limits offensive potential. Our testing shows that even with fast rubbers, generating significant pace remains a challenge, reinforcing its role as a specialist defensive tool.
Control is the standout feature of the Earth Defence. Its design facilitates maximum precision, allowing players to place the ball with extreme accuracy. This is crucial for defensive strategies, enabling effective chopping, blocking, and tactical placement to outmaneuver opponents consistently.
This blade offers a medium-soft feel characterized by noticeable dwell time and a dampened response. The sensation is comfortable for defensive players, enhancing control and the ability to absorb incoming pace effectively during rallies.
Lion Earth Defence typically produces a medium-low throw angle. This is beneficial for defensive shots like chops and blocks, helping to keep the ball low and close to the table, making it difficult for opponents to attack effectively.
The thin profile, wood composition, and flaxseed fiber create extended dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, providing enhanced control, superior spin reversal, and the ability to manipulate the ball effectively in defensive exchanges.
Despite its thinness, the construction with synthetic fibers and Spruce outer plies provides a moderate level of flexibility. This contributes to its dwell time and control without becoming overly whippy, maintaining stability for defensive maneuvers.
Vibration is very low, consistent with its defensive design. The blade effectively dampens incoming vibrations, providing a clean and controlled feel for the ball without excessive feedback, which benefits precise defensive actions.
Build quality of the Lion Earth Defence is generally rated as very good. TTSensei experts note neat construction and excellent processing, which helps minimize the risk of splinters and ensures good durability for a defensive blade that sees consistent use.
Technology
Lion Earth Defence incorporates flaxseed fibre within its 7-ply wood construction. This synthetic inlay, combined with thin Spruce and Ayous plies, results in a blade that is exceptionally thin (4.8mm) and lightweight. The design aims to maximize ball dwell time, enhance control, and provide superior vibration dampening—features crucial for modern defensive play and for maximizing the disruptive effect of long pimple rubbers through superior ball absorption and feel.
Similar Blades
Lion Defence Pro
Lion Defence Pro offers comparable speed but is slightly more elastic due to a larger head size and a more top-heavy balance. Unlike the Earth Defence, it is an all-wood construction and is generally considered more robust, making it a solid alternative for defenders who prefer a traditional wood feel.
Lion Aratron Defensive
Lion Aratron Defensive is another lightweight defensive blade with synthetic fiber inlays, sharing a similar concept with the Earth Defence. Players report it as more elastic and slower in passive play, and it is praised for its excellent processing and light weight, standing out as a top choice for tactical 'material players'.