Weight
88g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
16.7x16.2
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
New Defence
Nittaku New Defence redefines defensive play with a modern oversized design. Its 5-ply hybrid construction combines soft Hinoki outer plies with carbon layers, creating a large sweet spot for exceptional control and forgiveness. This blade excels in chopping and blocking while offering enough stability and pop for confident counter-attacks. Japanese craftsmanship ensures a durable, high-quality tool that supports a versatile defensive strategy, making it a reliable choice for players who value precision but want offensive options.
The 5-ply, 3+2 construction features Hinoki outer plies for a soft feel and control, two inner carbon layers for stability and a larger sweet spot, and a central wood core. This layering is designed to balance the touch needed for defense with the structural integrity for counter-attacks.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Classified as a defensive blade, New Defence offers more speed than typical all-wood defenders thanks to its carbon layers. It provides enough pace for effective counter-attacks and transitioning from defense, but it's not built for pure offensive power. Players report a balanced speed that supports a controlled, strategic game.
Control is the defining strength of this blade. The oversized head, balanced weight, and soft feel create an exceptionally forgiving and precise platform. It allows for consistent placement on defensive shots like chops and blocks, making it highly reliable for players who build their game around consistency and tactical placement.
New Defence provides a medium-soft feel characterized by a soft touch and ball impact. This offers excellent feedback, allowing players to sense the ball clearly during strokes, which is crucial for precise defensive play and spin manipulation.
The throw angle tends to be medium-low, which is typical and advantageous for defensive blades. This promotes a predictable, controlled trajectory ideal for pushes, chops, and consistent blocking.
The blade offers good dwell time, aiding in spin generation on serves and defensive chops. This extended contact helps players impart and control spin variations effectively, a key asset for a defensive style.
It has a medium level of flexibility. This provides enough give to absorb power and aid spin generation on defensive shots, while maintaining sufficient stability and responsiveness for attacking strokes when needed.
Vibration is well-controlled. The carbon layers help dampen excessive feedback, resulting in a solid, comfortable feel without being overly harsh or numb, providing just enough sensation for good touch.
Nittaku New Defence exemplifies the brand's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. The materials are carefully selected and the construction is precise, resulting in a durable and reliable blade. This level of build quality ensures consistent performance and longevity, even with frequent use.
Technology
Nittaku New Defence employs a 3+2 construction, sandwiching two thin carbon fiber layers between three wood veneers, with Hinoki used on the outer plies. This design enhances stability and significantly expands the sweet spot while preserving the soft, elastic feel vital for touch shots. The Hinoki contributes traditional control and feedback, while the carbon adds modern stability and power potential. This fusion of materials allows the blade to excel in precise defensive maneuvers while providing a solid foundation for offensive counter-play, embodying a blend of classic craftsmanship and contemporary performance engineering.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive
Often compared directly, the Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive is another classic Japanese defensive blade with a similar hybrid construction philosophy. Both target the modern defender seeking excellent control and a large sweet spot, with high-quality craftsmanship. The differences are often subtle, relating to minor variations in feel, weight distribution, or handle design.
Butterfly Defence Pro
Butterfly Defence Pro is a high-quality alternative for players focused on defensive fundamentals. While both blades offer great control and stability for chopping and blocking, New Defence integrates carbon for a unique feel and enhanced counter-attack ability, whereas the Defence Pro typically emphasizes a purer wood feel for exceptional touch on defensive actions.