Weight
85g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
164x157
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Tube Defensive WRB
Stiga Tube Defensive WRB is a classic defensive blade engineered for exceptional control and spin. Its unique construction prioritizes a large sweet spot and a predictable feel, making it ideal for players who rely on precise placement, heavy topspin, and effective blocking. The WRB system enhances feel and reduces vibration, contributing to a comfortable and consistent playing experience. This blade offers substantial dwell time, allowing for deep ball penetration and superior spin generation while maintaining enough speed for offensive capabilities when needed. It's a testament to Stiga's legacy in producing high-quality, player-centric equipment.
A classic 5-ply all-wood construction featuring Limba outer plies for feel and spin, Spruce for stiffness and speed, and an Ayous core for control and elasticity. This combination creates a blade that is both resilient and responsive to player input.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tube Defensive WRB offers moderate speed. It provides sufficient power for offensive shots like loops and smashes, but its primary focus is control and spin rather than raw speed. This makes it suitable for players who can generate their own pace effectively during rallies.
Control is where Tube Defensive WRB truly shines. Its excellent feel and large sweet spot allow for exceptional placement and precision, making it ideal for defensive play, controlled rallies, and intricate shot-making. Players report a high level of confidence in their touch shots.
The blade offers a soft to medium-soft feel, providing good feedback from the ball. The WRB system in the handle further enhances this by reducing harsh vibrations, leading to a comfortable and connected sensation that many players appreciate for touch play.
The blade typically produces a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for offensive loops and generates good height on the ball, allowing for more spin and arc on attacking shots.
Tube Defensive WRB exhibits long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This characteristic is crucial for generating heavy spin on serves, loops, and chops, and for executing precise defensive maneuvers with excellent ball control.
This blade offers good flexibility, which aids in dwell time and spin generation. The controlled flex allows players to feel the ball securely and execute powerful shots with added spin, particularly useful for looping from mid-distance.
The WRB technology significantly dampens vibrations, resulting in very low vibration transmission. This contributes to a clean and pure feel of ball contact, minimizing hand fatigue during long matches and practice sessions.
Stiga is known for high-quality craftsmanship, and Tube Defensive WRB is no exception. The blade is well-constructed with durable wood plies, offering consistent and reliable performance over time. Our testing shows it maintains its playing characteristics well with proper care.
Technology
Stiga Tube Defensive WRB incorporates Stiga's proprietary WRB system (Wide Racket Blade). This technology involves hollowing out the handle to reduce weight and improve balance, as well as to transfer more feeling to the hand. This not only makes the blade lighter and more maneuverable but also enhances the player's connection to the ball and reduces unpleasant vibrations, contributing to a purer feel and greater control during play. The blade's construction relies on a 5-ply all-wood design, which is a hallmark of many classic Stiga blades, emphasizing natural wood properties for optimal feel and performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jorgen Persson
Jorgen Persson, a legendary Swedish player known for his powerful forehand and strong all-round game, has been associated with Stiga throughout his career. While his exact blade configuration may have evolved, Stiga Tube Offensive and Defensive models, particularly those incorporating WRB technology, align with the type of controlled yet offensive blades favored by players of his caliber. The blade's emphasis on feel and control would have supported his tactical prowess and ability to vary pace and spin effectively.
Similar Blades
Stiga Allround Classic WRB
Stiga Allround Classic WRB shares the 5-ply all-wood construction and WRB technology with Tube Defensive WRB. Both blades are renowned for excellent control and feel. The Allround Classic is often considered slightly faster and more versatile for an all-round game, while Tube Defensive emphasizes more pronounced defensive capability with enhanced dwell time and spin-friendliness.
Yasaka Sweden Extra
Yasaka Sweden Extra is another highly regarded 5-ply all-wood blade known for excellent control and feel, similar to Stiga Tube Defensive WRB. It's often praised for its versatility and good dwell time. While it doesn't feature WRB technology, it offers a comparable playing experience for players who prioritize a classic wooden blade feel with strong emphasis on control and spin generation.