Weight
95g
Thickness
5.95mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Defence Alpha
Sanwei Defence Alpha is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade built for players who prioritize control and heavy spin. Its unique vertically aligned wood core enhances structural support, enlarges the sweet spot, and improves power transfer for more effective returns. This design provides a stable, tactile feel with excellent dwell time, making it ideal for modern defenders who mix chopping with occasional offensive plays. It delivers precise shot placement and reliable spin manipulation, allowing you to control the game's pace and execute defensive strategies with confidence.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction with Limba outer layers and Ayous inner plies surrounding a vertically aligned wood core. This unique core orientation enhances structural support, sweet spot size, and power transfer compared to traditional horizontal core designs.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Sanwei Defence Alpha delivers moderate to moderately fast speed, fitting its defensive role while still enabling effective attacking power. It's not built for extreme pace but offers enough zip for counter-attacks and offensive shots when needed. This balance provides defensive stability without sacrificing offensive capability, letting you transition smoothly between defensive chops and aggressive plays.
Control is exceptional on the Sanwei Defence Alpha, which is its primary strength. This high level of precision allows for accurate placement of chops, blocks, and serves, making it perfect for players who prioritize consistency and accuracy. You'll feel confident executing defensive maneuvers and maintaining tight control over rallies.
Sanwei Defence Alpha offers a tactile, medium-soft feel that provides excellent feedback during ball contact. This characteristic enhances dwell time for good spin generation and precise control, particularly beneficial for defensive shots, soft blocks, and touch play around the table.
Throw angle sits in the medium-low range, facilitating controlled chops and safe net play rather than high-arcing aggressive shots. This characteristic supports defensive strategies focused on consistency and placement over power.
This blade provides excellent dwell time, letting you feel the ball on the racket longer for enhanced spin generation on chops and controlled defensive maneuvers. The extended contact helps with precise placement and heavy spin creation.
Flexibility is medium, offering a balance between stiffness for stability and elasticity for ball pocketing. This characteristic aids in control and spin generation while maintaining enough firmness for consistent defensive play.
Vibration levels are moderate, providing sufficient feedback without being harsh or jarring. The pure wood construction delivers a comfortable feel that lets you sense ball contact clearly during defensive play.
Build quality is generally good for its price, with solid construction and nice workmanship. However, our testing shows there can be production inconsistencies, leading to variations in weight and other characteristics. Buyers should be aware of these potential variations, but overall, it offers reliable performance for defensive play.
Technology
Sanwei Defence Alpha incorporates an innovative vertical wood core alignment, differing from traditional horizontal grain orientation. This construction method increases structural support to enlarge the sweet spot for more consistent contact and enhances power transfer during strokes. Particularly beneficial for defensive play, it compensates for power limitations in chopping while enabling more potent offensive returns. The 5-ply pure wood construction uses Limba outer layers with Ayous or Spruce inner plies, ensuring natural wood feel and excellent ball dwell time for spin-focused players.
Similar Blades
Tibhar CO-S-3 Defence
Tibhar CO-S-3 Defence offers a comparable defensive experience but may feel slower and softer due to its three-layer construction and lighter weight. Players find it suitable for chopping-focused play with slightly different feedback characteristics.
Stiga Defensive Pro (Gold Label)
Stiga Defensive Pro provides similar defensive capabilities with a focus on control and spin. Many players appreciate its consistent performance and build quality for traditional defensive strategies.
Yinhe 980
Yinhe 980 serves as an alternative defensive blade with an oversized head design. Players report it offers good control and spin potential for modern defenders who value a larger sweet spot.
Yinhe 980XX
Yinhe 980XX builds on the 980 design with potential enhancements for defensive play. Our testing shows it provides reliable performance for chopping and controlled rallies with its specialized construction.