Weight
86g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
166x160
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Shield
Lion Shield is engineered for defensive players who value exceptional control and a disruptive playing style. Its oversized head creates a larger sweet spot, enhancing passive blocks and underspin defense. The blade's 5-ply all-wood construction pairs harder Acacia outer veneers with softer Ayous inner layers, delivering a medium-hard feel with good dwell time. This setup maximizes spin production and control, making it ideal for long pips or a mixed defensive-offensive approach. High-quality processing and standard handle dimensions ensure comfortable, reliable play.
The 5-ply construction combines harder Acacia outer veneers with softer Ayous inner and core veneers. This creates a blade with a medium-hard feel, good dwell time, and the ability to generate significant spin and control, suitable for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Lion Shield is a slow defensive blade, rated around 5.0 for speed. This places it slower than offensive blades but faster than the Lion Defence, optimized for control and defensive maneuvers. It provides enough pace for controlled attacks without supporting outright aggression, making it ideal for players focused on placement and spin.
Control is the standout feature of Lion Shield, consistently rated above 9.0. It delivers exceptional control for defensive play, blocking, and placement shots, allowing players to manage incoming spin effectively and direct the ball with precision. This high level of control makes it a top choice for tactical, disruption-based styles.
Lion Shield delivers a medium-hard feel due to its construction: harder Acacia outer veneers paired with softer Ayous inner and core layers. This balance offers direct feedback while maintaining sufficient dwell time for spin generation, giving players a crisp yet controlled touch.
Lion Shield produces a medium-high throw angle due to its construction and medium-hard feel. This helps generate spin on loops and controlled offensive shots, aiding players in creating effective arcs and placement during attacks.
Lion Shield provides good dwell time, rated around 8.0. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, enhancing spin and control during strokes. It's particularly beneficial for defensive players relying on spin-chops and controlled loops, adding consistency to their shots.
Lion Shield has medium flexibility, contributing to its control and dwell time without being overly stiff or too flexible. This balance supports defensive stability while enabling effective spin generation, making it versatile for controlled offensive transitions.
Vibration is in the medium range, offering a balanced feel that lets players sense the ball without excessive jarring. This tactile feedback is crucial for control during long rallies and defensive play, helping maintain precision and comfort.
Lion Shield features very high-quality processing, with durable construction and attention to detail in manufacturing. Our testing shows it offers reliable performance and longevity, ensuring players get a consistent, well-made product that stands up to regular defensive play.
Technology
Lion Shield's design maximizes control and spin for defensive play through a 5-ply all-wood construction. Harder Acacia outer veneers are paired with softer Ayous inner and core layers, enhancing dwell time and providing a medium-hard feel crucial for spin generation and precise defensive shots. The oversized head size (166 x 160 mm) further increases the sweet spot and stability. This thoughtful build caters to players relying on tactical play, underspin, and controlled offensive transitions, offering high predictability and responsiveness.
Similar Blades
Lion Defence
Lion Shield is positioned as a faster and more offensive option compared to Lion Defence. While both are defensive blades, Shield offers a slight speed increase and better offensive capabilities, making it a natural progression for players moving from the very slow Lion Defence.
Butterfly Hadraw Shield
Butterfly Hadraw Shield is a different 5-ply all-wood defensive blade focused on control. Players report it is significantly heavier and may offer a different feel and speed profile compared to Lion Shield, so it's worth testing both for personal preference.