DONIC ALLIGATOR DEF

Donic Alligator DEF – this is a long pimples table tennis rubber, developed for defensive (DEF, DEF+) and controlled all-round (ALL-) players who aim for exceptional spin reversal and active play close to the table, especially when blocking. This rubber is characterized by a dangerous spin reversal effect, a strong wobble (ball fluttering) effect, and versatility, allowing various strokes – from defensive backspin shots to disruptive attacks. With a medium-hard sponge (or no sponge – OX), long pimples with ribbed heads, Alligator DEF offers high control and is relatively easy to handle, suitable not only for technically skilled players but for all long pimples users. Made in Germany, ITTF approved, the rubber is offered in red and black colors, with OX (no sponge), 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm sponge thickness, ensuring versatility and disruptive impact.

Main features:

• Rubber type: Long pimples
• Speed: 35
• Spin: 63
• Control: 78
• Tensor: No
• Tackiness: No
• Strategy: DEF, DEF+, ALL-
• Surface: Long pimples with ribbed heads
• Sponge hardness: Medium-hard
• Sponge thickness: OX, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm
• Colors: Red, black
• Country of origin: Germany
• Approval: ITTF approved

Donic Alligator DEF stands out with its construction optimized for defense and disruptive play:

• Sponge (medium-hard): Medium-hard sponge (~38–42° ESN scale), offered in 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm thickness, also available in OX (no sponge) version. The OX version provides maximum spin reversal and wobble effect, suitable for classic defense far from the table. The 0.5 mm sponge adds some speed and control, suitable for blocking near the table, while the 1.0 mm version provides more speed and power, effective for counterattacks. Compared to Donic Alligator Anti, Alligator DEF’s sponge is softer, offering more spin and disruption, but less speed.

• Top sheet: Long pimples with ribbed heads provide strong spin reversal, neutralizing opponent’s spin and returning the ball with reverse spin or a wobble effect. The pimples are flexible, allowing a variety of strokes – from defensive pushes with strong backspin to disruptive blocks and attacks. The top sheet is insensitive to incoming spin, making it easier to control opponent topspins. The top sheet is durable, but OX versions have a glue sheet that must be carefully removed when gluing.

• Spin reversal and wobble effect: Long pimples create strong reverse spin, especially in the OX version, neutralizing opponent’s topspin and returning the ball with backspin. The wobble effect (ball flutter) disrupts the opponent’s trajectory reading, especially during blocks or pushes.

• No tensor effect: Alligator DEF has no catapult effect typical of European rubbers such as Donic Bluefire M2. Speed and disruption depend on player technique, and linear power transfer ensures control.

• Spin generation: The rubber generates medium spin (63), compared to anti-spin rubbers like Donic Alligator Anti (25), making it suitable for defensive backspin shots and disruptive attacks.

The rubber weighs about 25–30 g (cut, 1.0 mm thickness; OX ~20 g), making it very lightweight compared to inverted rubbers such as DHS Hurricane 3 (~50 g), making it suitable for lightweight blades. The red and black colors comply with ITTF rules. OX versions require glue (e.g., Donic Vario) and a protective sheet.

Donic Alligator DEF has the following technical characteristics:

• Speed: 35 (controlled). The rubber is slow, suitable for defense, blocking, and pushing. The OX version is the slowest, designed for maximum disruption, while the 1.0 mm sponge adds some speed for counterattacks. The speed is lower than Donic Alligator Anti (77), so the rubber is aimed at disruption, not offense.

• Spin: 63 (high for long pimples). The rubber generates medium spin, especially for defensive backspin shots and pushes. The spin reversal effect neutralizes opponent topspin, returning the ball with reverse spin. The wobble effect enhances disruption. Spin is lower than inverted rubbers like Donic Akkadi Taichi (103).

• Control: 78 (medium). The rubber offers good control for blocks, pushes, and defensive shots. The OX version is harder to control but offers the strongest disruption, while 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm sponges are easier to handle. Control is lower than Alligator Anti (92), but sufficient.

Trajectory: Flat, with a wobble effect, suitable for blocking and pushing near or far from the table. In defensive shots, the trajectory is higher, with strong backspin, and in blocks – low and disruptive. Users praise the “spin reversal,” “wobble effect,” and “easy control,” especially with the OX version.

Donic Alligator DEF suits defensive blades:

• Donic Defplay Senso: Maximizes control and disruption, ideal for OX.
• Donic Alligator Combi: Specialized for long pimples setups.
• Yasaka Sweden Defensive: A control blade, suitable for 0.5 mm sponge.
• Stiga Defensive Pro: Balances speed and disruption, suitable for 1.0 mm.
• DHS D40+: Faster, suitable for 1.0 mm counterattacks.

The rubber pairs best with slow blades, as long pimples benefit from blade control. Recommended for backhand side, paired with an inverted rubber on the forehand, e.g., Donic Akkadi Taichi or DHS Hurricane 3.

Donic Alligator DEF is suitable for players seeking disruption:

• Defensive players (DEF, DEF+): Controlling spin reversal shots, backspin, and blocks near the table.
• Controlled all-rounders: Suitable for active players performing disruptive attacks.
• Disruptive play: Neutralizes spin, creates wobble effect.
• Passive play: Effective for blocking, pushing, and returning serves.
• Aggressive counterattacks: 1.0 mm sponge allows flat hits.

Effective in blocking (9.7/10), defensive shots (9.5/10), pushing (9.3/10), counterattacks (7.8/10, especially with 1.0 mm). Spin (6.3/10) and serves (5.0/10) are limited.

• Speed (35): Controlled, suitable for defense.
• Spin (63): High for long pimples, strong spin reversal.
• Control (78): Good for blocking and pushing.
• Long pimples: Maximum disruption, wobble effect.
• Lightweight: 20–30 g, suitable for light rackets.

• Limited speed: Not suitable for offense.
• Spin: Low, not suitable for spin-based shots.
• Technique requirements: OX version requires experience.
• Disruption: May be less effective against experienced opponents.

ITTF approved, suitable for competition. Popular among defenders on the backhand side, paired with spinny rubber on the forehand. Effective against 40+ balls, offers disruption and control.

Vs. Donic Alligator Anti (Speed: 77, Spin: 25, Control: 92):
Alligator DEF is slower (35 vs. 77), has more spin (63 vs. 25), and is less controllable (78 vs. 92), but offers stronger spin reversal and more disruptive effects. Alligator Anti is better suited for passive blocking and easier control, while Alligator DEF is more versatile and spin-active.

Summary:
Donic Alligator DEF is a long pips table tennis rubber designed for defensive and controlled all-round players who seek maximum spin reversal, disruptive wobble effects, and solid table play. Available with medium-hard sponge (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm) or OX (no sponge), it offers versatility from deep defense to active blocks and attacks. ITTF approved, lightweight, and suited for both experienced and developing long pips users.

Ideal for:
• Classic defenders looking for disruption and control
• Active pushblockers at the table
• Backhand users combining long pips with inverted rubber on forehand
• Players needing strong spin reversal and wobble effect
• Lightweight racket setups

Not ideal for:
• Offensive topspin players
• Beginners unfamiliar with long pips technique
• Players seeking high-speed or heavy spin generation

Price range: ~€30–€40. Made in Germany. ITTF approved.