Weight
77g
Thickness
5.2mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Defensive Classic
Stiga Defensive Classic is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for defensive specialists and choppers seeking ultimate control and feel. Developed in collaboration with defensive master Masato Shiono, it features soft outer veneers that absorb ball impact, providing a gentle touch and extended dwell time for precise chops and blocks. Its slightly oversized head aids in generating deceptive reversed spin. Lightweight and balanced, this blade excels in defensive maneuvers while retaining enough versatility for controlled counter-attacks, making it a trusted tool for players who prioritize placement and spin over raw power.
This classic 5-ply all-wood construction uses soft Limba wood for the outer layers. This configuration is engineered to provide excellent feel, control, and dwell time—essential qualities for defensive play like chopping and blocking. The soft wood helps absorb the pace of incoming shots and allows for precise ball placement.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stiga Defensive Classic is intentionally designed as a slow blade, prioritizing control and predictability over raw power. This speed profile is ideal for defensive fundamentals like chopping and blocking, allowing players to manage the pace of the rally. While not built for blistering attacks, it provides enough pace for effective, controlled counter-attacks when you pair it with rubbers that complement its character.
Control is the defining superpower of the Defensive Classic. Its soft touch, predictable ball response, and ample dwell time grant exceptional precision for shot placement and consistent execution of defensive techniques. This high level of control makes it a favorite among choppers and any player who values accuracy and feel above all else, providing confidence in every return.
The blade delivers a distinctly soft and gentle feel, a direct result of its soft outer Limba plies and all-wood build. This touch provides excellent, transparent feedback on ball contact, allowing you to precisely sense spin and impact—a crucial asset for delicate defensive touches and controlled attacking shots.
While built for defense, the soft wood construction and enlarged head can produce a medium-high throw angle, especially on controlled loops and drives. This provides a good, secure arc for safely clearing the net and landing offensive shots when transitioning from defense.
Thanks to its soft nature and 5-ply construction, the Defensive Classic offers a long dwell time. This lets the ball sink into the blade surface, giving you more time to impart heavy spin on chops and drives, and to effectively absorb incoming pace for well-placed, controlled returns.
Stiga Defensive Classic exhibits a medium level of flexibility, leaning toward the softer side due to its all-wood makeup. This flex allows for good ball gripping and enhanced spin generation, especially on defensive strokes, without feeling overly mushy or losing its inherent control and stability.
The blade is engineered to provide clear feedback while minimizing harsh vibrations. It transmits enough sensation for excellent control and ball feel but effectively dampens excessive shock, contributing to a comfortable and clean playing experience even during long defensive exchanges.
Stiga Defensive Classic is recognized as a high-quality blade, reflecting Stiga's strong reputation for craftsmanship. The wood selection is excellent, and the construction is solid, resulting in a reliable and pleasant playing feel. Some players note the handle edges can be sharp straight from the factory, but this is a minor issue easily remedied with light sanding for improved comfort.
Technology
Stiga Defensive Classic embodies a classic, feel-first philosophy for defensive play. Developed with Masato Shiono, it leverages a 5-ply all-wood construction with soft outer Limba veneers. These plies are crucial for suppressing ball impact energy, creating a soft touch and extended dwell time that enables precise chops, blocks, and controlled counter-attacks. The slightly oversized head is a subtle design enhancement that aids in generating more reversed spin, a key tactical weapon for defenders. Crafted in Sweden, the blade reflects a commitment to traditional woodworking quality and a deep understanding of the defensive player's needs.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Masato Shiono
Masato Shiono, the renowned Japanese defensive specialist, collaborated closely on the development of the Stiga Defensive Classic. His signature style, built on exceptional chopping and blocking, requires a blade offering extreme control, feel, and predictable trajectory. The Defensive Classic, with its soft touch and ample dwell time, perfectly supports Shiono's technique for consistent defensive maneuvers and setting up effective counter-attacks, allowing him to control the rhythm and pace of the match.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive is another blade highly regarded for its defensive capabilities, often compared to the Stiga Defensive Classic. Both are designed for players who prioritize control and feel. The Koji Matsushita uses a specific 5-ply construction with Kiso Hinoki for excellent control, while the Stiga relies on soft Limba outer plies. Both offer ample dwell time and a soft feel, making them strong choices for choppers and classic defensive styles.
Yasaka Sweden Classic Defensive
Yasaka Sweden Classic Defensive is a well-known 5-ply all-wood blade that shares many core characteristics with the Stiga Defensive Classic. Both are praised for their excellent control, soft feel, and suitability for defensive play, particularly chopping. The Yasaka provides similarly good dwell time and feedback for precise placement and spin generation, positioning it as a direct competitor for players seeking a reliable and controlled defensive tool.