Weight
86g
Thickness
5.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x159
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Stratus Power Defense
Tibhar Stratus Power Defense is a highly regarded defensive blade built for modern play with an offensive edge. Its 5-ply all-wood construction and slightly oversized head create a forgiving sweet spot and consistent performance across the entire surface. Weighing around 80-86 grams, it feels lightweight and maneuverable, perfect for quick reactions during long rallies. Players praise its exceptional control and versatility, making it ideal for those who mix defensive chops and blocks with sharp counter-attacks.
The blade is constructed from 5 all-wood plies, a common configuration for defensive blades that emphasizes feel and control. While specific wood types aren't detailed, this layering provides a relatively hard surface while maintaining enough flexibility for defensive play and offensive transitions.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stratus Power Defense delivers moderate speed that leans toward the faster side for a defensive blade. It provides enough pace for effective counter-attacks and put-away shots when you seize the opportunity. This balanced speed allows defenders to switch gears smoothly, adding pressure without sacrificing the control needed for their primary game.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. Players report exceptional precision for chopping, blocking, and ball placement, allowing you to dictate the pace and exploit opponent weaknesses. This high level of control gives defenders the confidence to execute deceptive shots and maintain consistency during long rallies.
The blade offers a relatively hard, crisp feel on impact that supports offensive shots, yet it retains enough dampening for controlled defensive strokes. This creates a solid connection with the ball—some describe it as having a 'dead' feeling that absorbs excess vibration while maintaining good feedback.
Given its harder feel and offensive capability, the blade tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, especially on attacking strokes. This facilitates more aggressive loops and drives that can trouble opponents from a defensive position.
The 5-ply wood construction provides sufficient dwell time for generating spin on chops and controlled topspins. This helps with effective ball placement and adding deception to your shots, especially when paired with suitable rubbers.
Stratus Power Defense is slightly flexible, striking a balance between stiffness for power and flex for control. This allows for good dwell time on strokes to aid spin generation, without becoming too whippy for confident offensive actions.
Vibration dampening is medium, effectively reducing excessive feedback without feeling completely dead. This contributes to a comfortable feel during play and aids in executing precise defensive maneuvers without jarring the hand.
Stratus Power Defense is a well-built blade with good materials and construction. It offers fantastic value, delivering performance characteristics that often rival more expensive options. The workmanship feels solid and reliable, making it a trusted choice for serious defensive players.
Technology
Tibhar Stratus Power Defense relies on traditional craftsmanship with a 5-ply all-wood construction. Instead of modern composites, it uses carefully selected wood veneers to achieve a balanced feel and enhanced control. The key design element is the slightly enlarged head size, which expands the sweet spot and improves consistency across the blade face. This construction aims to provide a relatively hard surface for offensive capability while maintaining the inherent control and dwell time of wood, creating a versatile tool for modern defensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Park Miyoung
Park Miyoung, a renowned South Korean defensive player, has been associated with this blade. Her style involves strong chopping and blocking from mid-distance, often using long pips. Stratus Power Defense's excellent control and spin generation on defensive shots would be crucial for varying her chops and returning powerful attacks while maintaining offensive options.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Matsushita Power Defense
This blade shares similar characteristics, focusing on defensive play with good control and power generation. Both are 5-ply wood constructions designed for modern defenders who need a reliable platform for chopping and blocking but can also transition to attacking shots.
Yasaka Sweden Guardian
Some players consider the Yasaka Sweden Guardian a slightly faster alternative. Both are defensive-oriented blades, but the Sweden Guardian might offer a bit more speed for aggressive play while retaining good control, making it suitable for those looking to increase their offensive output.