STIGA Mantra Sound is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, developed in Sweden and manufactured in Japan, designed for offensive (OFF-) style players who prioritize speed and lightness. This rubber, part of the Stiga Mantra product line, stands out with its lightweight construction that allows players to control the racket quickly and easily while delivering high speed (~17.5/20) and excellent control (~9.5/20). The standard topsheet with shorter pimples, combined with a special blend of natural and synthetic rubber, provides sufficient grip to generate moderate spin (~11.5/20) and a balanced ball trajectory (8.3/10). The soft 42° sponge, reinforced with Oxygen Capsule System (OCS) technology, ensures a strong catapult effect, high speed, and superb control, making it suitable for fast close-to-table strokes, topspin shots, and short-game play. The thinner topsheet accommodates a 2.1 mm sponge, enhancing speed while maintaining lightness and precision. Mantra Sound is optimized for ABS balls and offers high durability due to its specialized rubber composition. The rubber produces a distinct, crisp sound upon impact, enhancing shot feedback and adding an emotional aspect to the game. Available in red and black, complying with ITTF regulations, with a 2.1 mm sponge thickness, it is ideal for players seeking speed and maneuverability.

Compared to the Stiga DNA Platinum S (~18.5/20 speed, ~9.2/20 control, ~15.0/20 spin), the Mantra Sound offers slightly lower speed and spin but better control. Player feedback highlights that the rubber "provides a light and fast playing feel," "produces a clear sound on impact," and "allows easy ball control," making it suitable for a wide range of players—from beginners to advanced.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth), standard topsheet

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~42°)

• Sponge Thickness: 2.1 mm

• Speed: 141/100 (~17.5/20 on the general scale)

• Control: ~95/100 (~9.5/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: 90/100 (~11.5/20 on the general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 8.3/10

• Topsheet Properties: Standard, optimized for speed and control

• Technologies: Oxygen Capsule System (OCS)

• Color: Red, black

• Country of Origin: Japan (designed in Sweden)

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Offensive play, fast close-to-table strokes, topspin shots, short-game play, backspin play

• Player Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Unique Characteristics & Playing Style:

The STIGA Mantra Sound is a high-quality rubber designed for offensive players seeking high speed (~17.5/20), moderate spin (~11.5/20), and excellent control (~9.5/20). Its standard topsheet with shorter pimples ensures sufficient grip to generate spin suitable for topspin loops, serves, and short-game play, while the balanced ball trajectory (8.3/10) is ideal for fast close-to-table shots and backspin play. The soft 42° sponge, enhanced by OCS technology, creates a strong catapult effect that delivers speed and lightness, allowing effortless ball control—even for beginners. OCS optimizes the sponge’s pore structure, extending ball trajectory and producing a softer topspin arc while generating a crisp, audible sound that enhances shot feedback.

The rubber is extremely lightweight (e.g., ~42.0 g with a 2.1 mm sponge), making it ideal for players who prefer a fast and maneuverable racket. Mantra Sound suits a broad spectrum of players—from beginners refining their technique to advanced players relying on fast close-to-table play. Reviews emphasize its "light and fast playing feel," "clear impact sound," and "easy ball control," making it perfect for fast offensive play.

Topsheet Composition:

The Mantra Sound features a standard topsheet optimized for speed and control, with shorter pimples (inverted) that increase surface contact between sponge and blade. A unique blend of natural and synthetic rubber ensures moderate spin (~11.5/20), suitable for topspin loops, serves, and short-game play. The thinner topsheet accommodates a 2.1 mm sponge, boosting speed while maintaining lightness.

Compared to the Stiga DNA Platinum S (~18.5/20 speed, ~9.2/20 control, ~15.0/20 spin), the Mantra Sound offers slightly lower speed and spin but better control. Against the Butterfly Rozena (~13.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~12.5/20 spin), it provides significantly higher speed but slightly less spin and better control.

The topsheet ensures adequate grip for spin generation in simpler situations like topspin strokes or short-game play. Players note that it is "very light and fast," "stable in quick strokes," and "offers sufficient grip," making it ideal for speed and control-focused players. The topsheet is less sensitive to opponent spin than sticky rubbers, easing serve reception and short-game play. Durability is high, maintaining grip even under intense use with proper care.

Sponge:

The Mantra Sound uses a soft sponge (~42°), balancing high speed (~17.5/20), moderate spin (~11.5/20), and superb control (~9.5/20), delivering a "light and controlled feel." The Oxygen Capsule System (OCS) optimizes the sponge’s pore structure, ensuring a strong catapult effect and direct feedback, while expanded pores enhance rubber-to-blade contact, producing a crisp sound. The 2.1 mm sponge thickness offers a balanced speed-control combination, ideal for fast offensive styles and short-game play.

Compared to the Stiga DNA Platinum S (~45°, ~18.5/20 speed, ~9.2/20 control, ~15.0/20 spin), the Mantra Sound provides slightly lower speed and spin but better control. Against the Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (~12.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~12.0/20 spin), it delivers significantly higher speed with comparable spin and control.

Players highlight that the sponge "offers a light catapult effect" and "helps generate quick shots," especially in close-to-table and short-game play.

Spin & Trajectory:

The Mantra Sound offers moderate spin potential (~11.5/20), suitable for topspin loops, serves, and short-game play. The standard topsheet and soft sponge allow for adequate spin generation in simpler situations like topspin strokes or backspin play. The rubber’s trajectory (8.3/10), optimized by OCS, is balanced and slightly arched, ensuring stable ball flight ideal for fast close-to-table shots, short-game play, and backspin exchanges.

Compared to the Donic Baracuda (~12.0/20 spin), the Mantra Sound provides slightly less spin. Players praise its "stability in fast strokes," "easy spin generation," and "balanced trajectory," making it ideal for speed and control-focused play.

Control:

The Mantra Sound excels in control (~9.5/20) for its category, particularly in fast strokes, serves, backspin play, and blocks. The soft sponge (~42°) provides stability and forgiveness for off-center shots compared to harder rubbers like the Stiga DNA Platinum XH (~7.8/20 control). Against the Stiga DNA Platinum S (~9.2/20 control), it offers better control but lower speed and spin. Compared to the Butterfly Rozena (~9.0/20 control), it provides superior control.

Players note that the rubber is "highly controllable in fast strokes" and "allows precise ball placement," especially in backspin play, serves, and short-game exchanges.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (141/100, ~17.5/20): High speed, ideal for fast close-to-table strokes, topspin shots, and backspin play. Much faster than Butterfly Rozena (~13.5/20).

• Control (~95/100, ~9.5/20): Excellent control in fast strokes, serves, and blocks. Superior to Stiga DNA Platinum S (~9.2/20).

• Spin (90/100, ~11.5/20): Moderate spin potential, suitable for topspin loops and serves. Slightly lower than Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (~12.0/20).

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Loops: 8.7/10 – Effective, especially on backhand, with moderate spin and high speed.

• Backspin Play: 8.9/10 – Effective chops with moderate backspin, easy to control.

• Blocking: 9.0/10 – Stable against topspin due to standard topsheet and soft sponge.

• Push Shots: 9.2/10 – Precise short-game pushes with light spin.

• Chopping: 8.8/10 – Effective defensive backspin shots.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.9/10 – Stable counters with good speed-control balance.

• Smashing: 8.8/10 – Effective offensive shots for quick rallies.

• Serves & Receives: 9.3/10 – Effective serve reception and easy spin generation.

• Flicks: 9.1/10 – Stable banana flicks with good speed and control.

Blade Compatibility:

The Mantra Sound pairs well with offensive and balanced blades that complement its speed, spin, and control:

• Stiga Clipper CR (OFF-): Enhances speed for fast close-to-table play.

• Butterfly Primorac Carbon (OFF-): Boosts speed for topspin play.

• Donic Waldner Senso Carbon (OFF-): Balances speed and control.

• Tibhar Stratus Power Wood (ALL+): Improves control for short-game play.

• Yasaka Sweden Extra (ALL+): Ideal for players blending speed with control.

Recommended for OFF- blades (e.g., Stiga Clipper CR) for maximum speed or balanced blades (e.g., Yasaka Sweden Extra) for added control.

Additional Notes:

The Mantra Sound combines high speed (~17.5/20), moderate spin (~11.5/20), and superb control (~9.5/20), enhanced by OCS technology for durability and feedback. Compared to Stiga DNA Platinum S, it trades slight speed/spin for better control. Against Butterfly Rozena, it dominates in speed and control.

Players praise its "light and fast feel," "clear impact sound," and "easy ball control," especially with the 2.1 mm sponge. Its lightweight design (~42g) suits players seeking a maneuverable setup. Maintain with a rubber cleaner (e.g., Stiga Rubber Cleaner) and protective film.

Ideal For:

• Beginners/intermediate players (0–5 years experience) seeking speed, control, and ease of use.

• Advanced players relying on fast close-to-table play, topspin shots, and short-game exchanges.

• Speed-control oriented players prioritizing maneuverability and precision.

• Forehand/backhand use: Suitable for both sides due to lightness and control.

• Close-to-table play: Optimized for fast attacks and short-game control.

Advantages:

1. Speed (17.5/20): High pace for offensive play.

2. Control (9.5/20): Elite-level precision for all strokes.

3. Spin (11.5/20): Adequate spin for versatile play.

4. Trajectory (8.3/10): Balanced arc for stability.

5. Soft Sponge (42°): Light catapult and forgiving feel.

6. OCS Technology: Enhanced durability and sound feedback.

7. Low Sensitivity to Spin: Easier serve reception and short-game play.

8. Lightweight Design: Ideal for fast, maneuverable setups.

Final Verdict:

The STIGA Mantra Sound is a high-performance rubber blending speed, control, and lightness, powered by Oxygen Capsule System technology. Its soft sponge, standard topsheet, and crisp feedback make it ideal for offensive players at all levels, from beginners refining technique to advanced players dominating close-to-table exchanges. A top choice for speed and control enthusiasts!

Mantra Sound

Mantra Sound

Mantra Sound