STIGA Mantra Control is an ITTF-approved table tennis rubber, designed in Sweden and manufactured in Japan, specifically developed for beginner and intermediate level players looking to improve technique focused on control and spin. This rubber, part of the Stiga Mantra product line, is an excellent choice for players assembling their first custom racket and seeking a lightweight, controllable rubber that helps develop precision and playing style.

The standard topsheet with shorter pimples, featuring increased natural rubber content, provides good grip enabling high spin generation (~13.5/20) and a balanced ball trajectory (7.8/10). The soft 45° sponge offers excellent control (~9.7/20) and sufficient speed (~12.5/20), making it ideal for technique development, particularly when executing topspin shots, serves, and backspin play.

The rubber is lighter than most market alternatives (approx. 43.0g with 2.0mm sponge), facilitating better racket handling and reducing fatigue during extended training sessions. Mantra Control is optimized for ABS balls, with high durability thanks to its natural/synthetic rubber blend. Available in ITTF-approved red and black colors with 2.0mm sponge thickness, suitable for all-round and balanced offensive playing styles.

Compared to Stiga ECO Future M (~14.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin), Mantra Control provides lower speed and spin but superior control. Player testimonials highlight that the rubber "delivers exceptional control feel," "is easy to handle for beginners," and "helps improve topspin technique," making it perfect for players prioritizing precision and seeking an ecological alternative.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Smooth), standard topsheet

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~45°)

• Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm

• Speed: 99/100 (~12.5/20 on general scale)

• Control: ~97/100 (~9.7/20 on general scale)

• Spin: 108/100 (~13.5/20 on general scale)

• Trajectory Height: 7.8/10

• Topsheet Properties: Standard, optimized for grip and control

• Technologies: Natural Rubber Blend

• Color: Red, black

• Country of Origin: Japan (designed in Sweden)

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Playing Style Suitability: All-round and balanced offensive play, topspin strokes, backspin play, short game, technique development

• Player Level: Beginner, intermediate (Beginner/Intermediate)

Unique Characteristics & Playing Performance:

STIGA Mantra Control is the ideal rubber for beginners and intermediate players seeking to improve technique and playing style while maintaining high control (~9.7/20), good spin (~13.5/20), and adequate speed (~12.5/20). Its standard topsheet with shorter pimples enhances surface contact between sponge and blade, generating substantial spin and balanced trajectory (7.8/10) suitable for topspin shots, serves, and backspin play.

The soft 45° sponge provides extended dwell time that enhances shot feel and control, particularly for technical strokes like topspins or push shots in short game. An excellent choice for players assembling their first custom racket, as its lightweight nature (~43.0g) and high control facilitate the learning process. Mantra Control suits players developing precision and spin while maintaining stability at the table or during close-range play. Player reviews emphasize the rubber's "exceptional control feel," "beginner-friendly handling," and "ability to improve topspin technique," making it perfect for those pursuing stability and technical progression.

Topsheet Composition:

Mantra Control features a standard topsheet optimized for grip and control, with shorter inverted pimples that increase surface contact between sponge and blade. The enhanced natural rubber content ensures high spin (~13.5/20) and durability, particularly during topspin shots, serves, and backspin play.

Compared to Stiga ECO Future M (~14.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin), Mantra Control offers lower speed and spin but better control. Versus Yasaka Mark V (~12.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~12.0/20 spin), it provides slightly higher speed and spin with superior control.

The topsheet ensures reliable grip for adequate spin generation even for beginners, especially during topspin shots or serves. Players note the topsheet is "highly controllable for technical strokes," "stable in backspin play," and "offers good grip," making it ideal for those valuing control and longevity. Less sensitive to opponent's spin than tacky rubbers, it simplifies serve reception and short game. High durability from natural rubber maintains grip integrity even with intensive use when properly maintained.

Sponge:

Mantra Control utilizes a soft sponge (~45°) that balances adequate speed (~12.5/20), high spin (~13.5/20), and excellent control (~9.7/20), delivering a "soft and controlled feel." The sponge structure creates a mild catapult effect with direct feedback, strengthening rubber-blade contact for clear impact sound.

The 2.0mm sponge thickness provides balanced speed-control synergy for all-round and balanced offensive styles. Compared to Stiga DNA Platinum S (~42.5°, ~19.5/20 speed, ~9.2/20 control, ~17.5/20 spin), Mantra Control has lower speed and spin but better control. Versus Butterfly Rozena (~13.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~13.0/20 spin), it offers slightly lower speed but higher control and comparable spin.

Players highlight the sponge's "pleasant shot feel" and "effortless ball control," especially during close-table play.

Spin & Trajectory:

Mantra Control demonstrates high spin potential (~13.5/20), particularly in topspin shots, serves, and backspin play. The standard topsheet with shorter pimples and soft sponge extends dwell time, generating manageable spin that's beginner-friendly.

The rubber's trajectory (7.8/10) is balanced and slightly arched, ensuring stable ball flight ideal for topspin shots, short game, and backspin exchanges. Players note it's "excellent for beginner spin generation," "easy to control in backspin shots," and "provides stable trajectory," suiting control-oriented technical development.

Compared to Donic Baracuda (~13.0/20 spin), Mantra Control offers similar spin with better control.

Control:

Mantra Control delivers exceptional control (~9.7/20) in its category, especially during topspin shots, serves, backspin play, and blocks. The soft sponge (~45°) provides stability and forgiveness on off-center hits versus harder rubbers like Stiga DNA Platinum M (~8.8/20 control).

Compared to Stiga ECO Future M (~9.5/20 control), it offers superior control with lower speed/spin. Versus Butterfly Rozena (~9.0/20 control), it provides better control. Players emphasize its "excellent handling in technical strokes" and "precision ball placement," particularly during backspin shots, serves, and short game.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (99/100, ~12.5/20): Adequate speed for topspin shots, backspin play, and short game. Slightly slower than Butterfly Rozena (~13.5/20 speed).

• Control (~97/100, ~9.7/20): Outstanding control for topspin shots, serves, backspin play, and blocks. Superior to Stiga ECO Future M (~9.5/20 control).

• Spin (108/100, ~13.5/20): High spin potential for topspin shots, serves, and backspin play. Exceeds Yasaka Mark V (~12.0/20 spin).

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Shots: 8.5/10 – Effective topspin shots, especially backhand, with high spin and superb control.

• Backspin Shots: 9.1/10 – Effective chops with heavy backspin, easily controlled.

• Blocking: 9.4/10 – Stable against topspin shots thanks to standard topsheet and soft sponge.

• Push Shots: 9.5/10 – Precise pushes in short game with disruptive spin.

• Chopping: 9.0/10 – Effective backspin shots for all-round styles.

• Counter-Hitting: 8.4/10 – Stable counter-attacks with good control balance.

• Smashing: 8.2/10 – Effective offensive shots for balanced attacking.

• Serves & Receive: 9.4/10 – Effective serve reception/spin generation with easy control.

• Flick Shots: 9.2/10 – Stable banana flicks in short game with good spin/control.

Blade Compatibility:

Mantra Control pairs optimally with all-round and lightweight offensive blades complementing its control, spin, and speed:

• Stiga Allround Classic (~10.0/20 speed, ALL): Enhances control for beginners/all-round players.

• Butterfly Korbel (~11.0/20 speed, OFF-): Complements spin for topspin play.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~9.5/20 speed, ALL+): Balances speed and control.

• Tibhar Stratus Power Wood (~11.0/20 speed, OFF-): Boosts speed for topspin shots.

• Yasaka Sweden Extra (~10.5/20 speed, ALL+): Combines topspin with control.

For maximum control, use on all-round blades (e.g., Stiga Allround Classic). For slightly more speed, pair with lightweight offensive blades (e.g., Butterfly Korbel).

Additional Information:

Mantra Control is a versatile rubber for beginners/intermediates combining adequate speed (~12.5/20), high spin (~13.5/20), and outstanding control (~9.7/20). Versus Stiga ECO Future M (~14.5/20 speed, ~9.5/20 control, ~15.5/20 spin), it provides lower speed/spin but higher control. Compared to Butterfly Rozena (~13.5/20 speed, ~9.0/20 control, ~13.0/20 spin), it has slightly lower speed but better control and similar spin.

Player feedback emphasizes its "exceptional control feel," "beginner-friendly handling," and "topspin technique improvement," especially with 2.0mm sponge. Lighter than most rubbers (~43.0g), it reduces racket weight and arm fatigue. The soft sponge and natural rubber topsheet deliver pleasant shot feel with clear acoustic feedback for stroke precision.

Maintain with specialized cleaners (e.g., Stiga Rubber Cleaner) and protective film. Its lightweight design, high control, and price-performance ratio make Mantra Control an outstanding choice for beginners/intermediates developing technique with confidence!

Ideal For:

• Beginners/intermediate players (0-5 years experience): Seeking adequate speed, high spin, and superb control.

• All-round/balanced offensive players: Focusing on topspin, backspin, serves, and short game.

• Control/technique development: Prioritizing precision and spin cultivation.

• Forehand/backhand sides: Suitable for both due to high control.

• First custom rackets: Perfect for players assembling their first racket.

Advantages:

• Speed (12.5/20): Adequate for topspin, backspin, and short game.

• Control (9.7/20): Outstanding for topspin, serves, backspin, and blocks.

• Spin (13.5/20): High potential for topspin, serves, and backspin.

• Trajectory (7.8/10): Balanced and slightly arched for stability.

• Soft sponge: Provides extended dwell time and controlled feel.

• Standard topsheet: Ensures reliable grip and spin.

• Lightweight: Lighter than most rubbers (~43.0g) for better handling.

• Durability: Natural rubber enhances longevity.

• Price-performance: Excellent value for high control/versatility.

• Quality: ITTF-approved for competition.

STIGA Mantra Control is a versatile rubber combining adequate speed, high spin, and exceptional control, designed for beginners/intermediates developing technique. Its soft sponge, standard topsheet, and lightweight design make it ideal for cultivating precision and spin while maintaining stability and confidence in play!

Mantra Control

Mantra Control

Mantra Control