Weight
91g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x151
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Defensiv D
Red+Black Defensiv D is a meticulously crafted defensive blade for players who prioritize control, spin, and strategic play from the back of the table. As the slowest and most defensive option in the Kazak series, it facilitates deep dwell time and heavy underspin on chops and pushes. Its 5+2 inner soft-carbon construction provides a nuanced balance, enabling surprising counter-attacks with a well-timed forehand loop. The blade offers a plush, muted feel that allows for high, safe arcs and exceptional precision, making it ideal for modern defensive players aiming to disrupt opponents' rhythm and create offensive opportunities.
The Defensiv D features a 5-ply wood construction with two inner layers of soft carbon. This configuration is designed to enhance dwell time and feel, characteristic of defensive blades, while the inner carbon layers provide a subtle increase in power and a more direct response for offensive shots without compromising overall defensive capabilities.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Red+Black Defensiv D is positioned as a slow blade, prioritizing control and spin over raw speed. Its defensive orientation means offensive shots require significant player input to generate pace. The soft carbon layers offer a slight boost, but it remains firmly in the slower range, ideal for defensive play and strategic shot placement.
Control is the paramount characteristic of the Defensiv D. Its design emphasizes a large sweet spot, a soft feel, and excellent feedback, allowing players to place the ball with high precision. This makes it ideal for executing defensive shots like chops and pushes with great accuracy and spin, providing a reliable platform for tactical play.
Defensiv D delivers a plush and muted feel, characteristic of a softer blade that allows for good ball contact and dwell time. This medium-soft sensation is essential for defensive play and spin generation, providing a soulful and responsive touch during rallies.
Defensiv D produces a high throw angle on strokes, beneficial for defensive shots like chops. This allows the ball to land deep on the opponent's side with a safe arc, enhancing spin and placement accuracy from a distance.
The combination of soft wood veneers and inner soft carbon layers contributes to an extended dwell time. This allows players to impart more spin on defensive strokes and provides a stable platform for counter-attacking loops, enhancing control and tactical versatility.
While primarily defensive, the wood plies and soft carbon layers provide a moderate level of flexibility. This aids in absorbing pace and generating spin, contributing to the blade's high dwell time and controlled feel, making it responsive yet forgiving.
Vibration is well-controlled and dampened by the blade's construction, resulting in a muted feel. This stability is desirable for defensive players who need a predictable response without excessive jarring, ensuring consistent performance during long rallies.
As a product from Red+Black, a European manufacturer known for specialized equipment, the Defensiv D offers good build quality. The plush and muted feel suggests a well-constructed blade that dampens excess vibration, contributing to a pleasant playing experience and solid longevity for dedicated defensive players.
Technology
Red+Black Defensiv D employs an inner soft-carbon construction, integrating carbon fiber layers within the wood plies closer to the core. This hybrid technology balances the soft, controlled feel of traditional wood with added power and a larger sweet spot from carbon, while maintaining high control for defensive play. The specific soft carbon is less stiff and more flexible, further enhancing dwell time and tactile feedback, making it ideal for spin-oriented strategies.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Special
Victas Koji Matsushita Special is a well-regarded defensive blade known for its excellent control, dwell time, and soft feel, similar to the Defensiv D. It also features a hybrid construction with carbon, offering a good balance for defensive players who wish to attack. Both blades provide a high arc and ample spin for defensive strokes while retaining enough power for counter-offense.
Donic Defplay Senso
Donic Defplay Senso is another classic defensive blade recognized for its superb control and feel. While it is an all-wood blade, it shares the Defensiv D's emphasis on dwell time and high trajectory, making it suitable for players who rely on heavy spin and precise placement in their defensive game. It offers a similar playing experience in terms of control and tactile feedback.