Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber manufactured in Germany, designed for defensive (DEF) and versatile defensive-offensive (DEF+) playing styles. This anti-topspin rubber features low sensitivity to the opponent's spin and a pronounced braking effect, ensuring unparalleled ball control (~10.0/20 DEF, ~9.0/20 OFF). ELLEN DEF, with a softer sponge (~28°), is ideal for classical defenders who rely on controlled chops and play far from the table, while ELLEN OFF, with a 10° firmer sponge (~38°), suits versatile players combining defense with active attacks close to the table. Both versions offer limited speed (~2.5/20 DEF, ~3.1/20 OFF) and spin (~6.3/20 DEF, ~5.0/20 OFF) but excel in control, making them an excellent choice for players aiming to disrupt the opponent and maintain stability. The rubber is available in red and black colors, compliant with ITTF regulations, and in two sponge thicknesses (1.5 mm, 2.0 mm), optimized for defensive and all-round playing styles. Compared to Tibhar Grass D.TecS (~8.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~2.0/20 spin), ELLEN DEF provides lower speed but higher control, while ELLEN OFF offers higher speed but slightly lower control. Player feedback emphasizes that the rubber "delivers unmatched control in chops," "effectively neutralizes opponent's spin," and "suits both defense and active attacks," making it ideal for defenders and all-round players.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Anti-topspin (smooth, anti-spin)

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~28° DEF), Soft-Medium (~38° OFF)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm

• Speed: 20/100 DEF (~2.5/20), 25/100 OFF (~3.1/20 on a general scale)

• Control: 100/100 DEF (~10.0/20), 90/100 OFF (~9.0/20 on a general scale)

• Spin: 50/100 DEF (~6.3/20), 40/100 OFF (~5.0/20 on a general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 5.0/10 DEF, 5.5/10 OFF

• Top Sheet Properties: Smooth anti-topspin surface, optimized for disruptive effects and control

• Technologies: Anti-Spin Surface, Control Sponge

• Color: Red, black

• Origin: Germany

• Certification: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Defensive play (DEF), versatile defensive-offensive play (OFF), chopping, blocking, disruptive play against backspin

Distinctive Characteristics:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF is a specialized anti-topspin rubber designed for players seeking high control (~10.0/20 DEF, ~9.0/20 OFF), limited speed (~2.5/20 DEF, ~3.1/20 OFF), and limited spin (~6.3/20 DEF, ~5.0/20 OFF). Its smooth anti-topspin surface, backed by Anti-Spin Surface technology, effectively neutralizes the opponent's spin, while the soft (DEF) or soft-medium (OFF) sponge ensures excellent braking and ball control. ELLEN DEF suits classical defenders who rely on chopping and far-table play, while ELLEN OFF caters to all-round players blending defense with active strokes like blocks, counterattacks, and disruptive shots close to the table. The Control Sponge technology enhances stability, providing a "soft and controllable feel" for precise ball placement. Trajectory (5.0/10 DEF, 5.5/10 OFF) is low and linear, ensuring consistent ball flight ideal for defensive chops and disruptive shots. Available in two sponge thicknesses: 1.5 mm for maximum control/defense and 2.0 mm for balanced defensive-offensive play. Player testimonials highlight its "unmatched chopping control," "effective spin neutralization," and "adaptability to both defense and attack," making it suitable for players prioritizing disruption and stability.

Top Sheet Composition:

The Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF top sheet is smooth and anti-topspin, optimized for disruptive effects and control via Anti-Spin Surface technology. Unlike conventional inverted rubbers, its pips are designed to reduce grip, neutralizing spin and generating limited rotation (~6.3/20 DEF, ~5.0/20 OFF). This enables disruptive shots like chops and blocks that alter ball trajectory and challenge opponents. Compared to Tibhar Grass D.TecS (~2.0/20 spin, ~8.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control), ELLEN DEF offers higher spin and control, while ELLEN OFF provides higher speed but slightly lower control. Versus Dr. Neubauer Super Block (~1.0/20 spin, ~2.0/20 speed, ~10.0/20 control), ELLEN DEF/OFF delivers more spin and speed. The Anti-Spin Surface reduces sensitivity to incoming spin, easing serve reception and topspin play. Players note the top sheet "neutralizes topspin effectively," "disrupts chops," and "offers high control," appealing to those valuing stability and disruption. Durability is high, with anti-spin properties retained under intense use if properly maintained.

Sponge:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF uses a soft sponge (~28°), while ELLEN OFF employs a soft-medium sponge (~38°), balancing limited speed (~2.5/20 DEF, ~3.1/20 OFF), spin (~6.3/20 DEF, ~5.0/20 OFF), and control (~10.0/20 DEF, ~9.0/20 OFF). The Control Sponge enhances stability, offering a "soft, controllable feel" for precise strokes. ELLEN DEF’s ultra-soft sponge suits classical defenders chopping far from the table, while ELLEN OFF’s slightly firmer sponge adds reactivity for all-round play. Sponge thickness options (1.5 mm for max control/defense; 2.0 mm for balanced play) cater to diverse styles. Versus Tibhar Grass D.TecS (~35°, ~8.0/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~2.0/20 spin), ELLEN DEF is slower but more controlled, while ELLEN OFF matches speed but with less spin. Compared to Yasaka Phantom (~2.0/20 speed, ~10.0/20 control, ~1.5/20 spin), ELLEN DEF/OFF offers higher speed and spin. Players praise the sponge for its "soft touch" and "precision in chops/blocks."

Spin and Trajectory:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF generates limited spin (~6.3/20 DEF, ~5.0/20 OFF), typical of anti-topspin rubbers, but its surface creates disruptive spin in chops and backspin strokes. The construction minimizes sensitivity to opponent’s spin, simplifying topspin rallies and serve reception. Trajectory (5.0/10 DEF, 5.5/10 OFF) is low and linear, ensuring stable ball flight for defensive chops and disruptive shots. Players report it "excelently neutralizes topspin," "disrupts chops," and "maintains stable trajectory," ideal for control-oriented strategies. Compared to Dr. Neubauer Super Block (~1.0/20 spin), ELLEN DEF/OFF offers more spin, appealing to versatile players.

Control:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF provides exceptional control (~10.0/20 DEF, ~9.0/20 OFF) in its category, particularly in chops, blocks, backspin strokes, and disruptive shots. The soft (DEF) or soft-medium (OFF) sponge forgives off-center hits, enhancing manageability versus rubbers like Tibhar Grass D.TecS (~9.0/20 control). Compared to Yasaka Phantom (~10.0/20 control), ELLEN DEF matches control, while ELLEN OFF trades slight control for speed. Versus Dr. Neubauer Super Block (~10.0/20 control), ELLEN DEF is comparable, and ELLEN OFF is slightly less controlled but more versatile. Players highlight its "chopping precision" and "ball control in topspin reception."

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (20/100 DEF, ~2.5/20; 25/100 OFF, ~3.1/20): Limited speed, tailored for defensive chops/disruptive shots. Slower than Tibhar Grass D.TecS (~8.0/20) but more controlled.

• Control (100/100 DEF, ~10.0/20; 90/100 OFF, ~9.0/20): Superior control in chops/blocks. Outperforms Tibhar Grass D.TecS (~9.0/20) in ELLEN DEF.

• Spin (50/100 DEF, ~6.3/20; 40/100 OFF, ~5.0/20): Limited spin potential, optimized for disruptive chops. Exceeds Dr. Neubauer Super Block (~1.0/20).

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Strokes: 4.0/10 DEF, 5.0/10 OFF – Limited topspin, suited for disruptive close-table shots (OFF).

• Backspin Strokes: 9.0/10 DEF, 8.5/10 OFF – Effective chopping with disruptive backspin, highly controllable.

• Blocking: 8.8/10 DEF, 9.0/10 OFF – Exceptional topspin blocking due to anti-topspin surface.

• Push Shots: 8.0/10 DEF, 8.5/10 OFF – Precise short-game pushes with disruptive effect.

• Chopping: 9.2/10 DEF, 8.7/10 OFF – Effective backspin chops, ideal for defense.

• Counter-Hitting: 6.0/10 DEF, 7.5/10 OFF – Stable close-table counters (OFF) with limited speed.

• Smashing: 5.0/10 DEF, 6.5/10 OFF – Limited attacking power, suitable for all-rounders (OFF).

• Serves/Receive: 8.5/10 DEF, 8.7/10 OFF – Effective serve reception and spin generation.

• Flicks: 6.0/10 DEF, 7.0/10 OFF – Limited flicks, viable for all-rounders (OFF).

Blade Compatibility:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF pairs well with defensive/all-round blades that complement its control and disruption:

• Tibhar Defense Plus (~6.0/20 speed, DEF) – Boosts control for classical defenders (DEF).

• Butterfly Hadraw Shield (~7.0/20 speed, DEF) – Enhances defensive play (DEF).

• Donic Defplay Senso (~7.5/20 speed, DEF/OFF) – Balances control and moderate speed.

• Stiga Defensive Classic (~6.5/20 speed, DEF) – Maximizes control (DEF).

• Yasaka Extra Defensive (~7.0/20 speed, DEF/OFF) – Supports hybrid defense-offense (OFF).

Recommendation: Use ELLEN DEF on defensive blades (e.g., Tibhar Defense Plus) for max control/chopping, or ELLEN OFF on all-round blades (e.g., Donic Defplay Senso) for added offense.

Additional Notes:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF is a specialized anti-topspin rubber combining high control (~10.0/20 DEF, ~9.0/20 OFF), limited speed (~2.5/20 DEF, ~3.1/20 OFF), and spin (~6.3/20 DEF, ~5.0/20 OFF). Versus Tibhar Grass D.TecS, ELLEN DEF is slower but more controlled, while ELLEN OFF matches speed with more spin. Compared to Dr. Neubauer Super Block, it offers higher speed/spin for versatility. Players praise its "chopping control," "spin neutralization," and "defense-to-attack adaptability," especially with 1.5 mm (DEF) or 2.0 mm (OFF) sponges. The Anti-Spin Surface and Control Sponge technologies enhance durability and performance. Weight is lower than inverted rubbers (~38.0g DEF 1.5 mm; ~40.0g OFF 2.0 mm), favoring lightweight setups. Maintain with rubber cleaners (e.g., Tibhar Rubber Cleaner) and protective film. Ideal for defenders and all-rounders prioritizing control and disruption.

Target Audience:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF suits:

• Beginner/Intermediate Defenders (1–5 years experience): Seeking control/disruption.

• Classical Defenders (DEF): Chopping/far-table play.

• Versatile Defensive-Offensive Players (OFF): Blending defense with blocks/counters.

• Backhand Players: High control/disruption for BH.

• Spin-Neutralizing Strategies: Effective vs. topspin/serves.

Advantages:

• Speed (2.5/20 DEF, 3.1/20 OFF): Tailored for defense/disruption.

• Control (10.0/20 DEF, 9.0/20 OFF): Elite chopping/blocking precision.

• Spin (6.3/20 DEF, 5.0/20 OFF): Disruptive chops/backspin.

• Trajectory (5.0/10 DEF, 5.5/10 OFF): Low/linear for consistency.

• Soft Sponge (DEF): Enhances control/feel.

• Soft-Medium Sponge (OFF): Adds reactivity for all-round play.

• Anti-Topspin Surface: Neutralizes spin effectively.

• Disruption: Challenges opponent’s rhythm.

• Durability: Long-lasting with proper care.

• Value: Professional performance at competitive price.

• Quality: ITTF-approved for tournaments.

Summary:

Tibhar ELLEN DEF/OFF is a specialized anti-topspin rubber merging control, limited speed, and disruptive effects via Anti-Spin Surface and Control Sponge technologies. Its soft (DEF) or soft-medium (OFF) sponge and disruptive top sheet make it ideal for defenders and all-rounders aiming to neutralize spin and dominate defensive rallies. A top choice for players maximizing control and disruption!