Tibhar Ellen DEF is a high-quality anti-spin table tennis rubber, ITTF-approved, manufactured in Germany, and designed for defensive players seeking maximum control against opponents' topspin attacks. This rubber stands out for its insensitivity to spin and pronounced braking effect, ensuring unmatched ball control (~11.9/20). Tibhar Ellen DEF comes in two variants: Ellen DEF with a soft sponge (~35° ± 3), ideal for defensive play—especially for players sensitive to topspin attacks—and Ellen OFF with a hard sponge (~45° ± 3), tailored for a more active game, combining defense with offensive elements. Thanks to its anti-spin surface, which neutralizes opponents' spin, and its balanced sponge, Tibhar Ellen DEF is an excellent choice for defensive players looking for stability, control, and the ability to variably respond to opponents' attacks.

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Anti-spin (Anti)

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~35° ± 3, Ellen DEF); Hard (~45° ± 3, Ellen OFF)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm

• Speed: 30/100 (~3.8/20 on the universal scale)

• Control: 95/100 (~11.9/20 on the universal scale)

• Spin: 25/100 (~3.1/20 on the universal scale)

• Trajectory Height: 4.5/10

• Top Sheet Properties: Anti-spin, spin-insensitive, with a strong braking effect

• Technologies: Anti-spin surface optimized for braking effect and control

• Color: Red, Black (top sheet)

• Country of Origin: Germany

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Defensive play, chopping, blocking, topspin neutralization, controlled counterattacks, short game

Unique Features and Playing Characteristics:

Tibhar Ellen DEF is a specialized anti-spin rubber designed for defensive players who aim to neutralize opponents' topspin attacks while maintaining high control in intense rallies. Its anti-spin surface is insensitive to spin, effectively dampening the opponent's generated spin, allowing players to easily block topspin shots and execute precise chops. Due to its pronounced braking effect, the ball returns with a low trajectory (4.5/10), often creating a "flat" or "sinking" effect that complicates the opponent's attack.

• Ellen DEF (Soft Sponge, ~35°) provides a gentle feel and maximum control (~11.9/20), making it ideal for defensive play away from the table, especially for chopping and passive blocks.

• Ellen OFF (Hard Sponge, ~45°) offers slightly more speed (~4.0/20) and suits a more active game, including counterattacks and short play near the table.

Due to its low speed (~3.8/20) and spin (~3.1/20), the rubber is highly forgiving on off-center hits, making it suitable for both beginner defenders and advanced players seeking stability and control.

Top Sheet Composition:

The Tibhar Ellen DEF anti-spin surface is engineered to maximize spin neutralization, ensuring minimal ball spin potential (~3.1/20). The top sheet features a smooth, low-grip texture that suppresses topspin effects and creates a braking effect, allowing for low, controlled returns. This surface is particularly effective for chopping, passive blocks, and short pushes, as it enables precise ball direction control and spin neutralization. It also ensures stability when receiving serves, especially against strong topspin and sidespin, making it ideal for defenders who want to disrupt opponents' attacks.

Sponge:

Tibhar Ellen DEF comes in two versions: Ellen DEF with a soft (~35°) sponge and Ellen OFF with a hard (~45°) sponge. Both have an open-pore structure but differ in feel and playstyle.

• Soft Sponge (1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm thickness) provides a gentle feel, extended ball contact, and extremely high control (~11.9/20), making it ideal for defensive play away from the table, especially for chopping and passive blocks.

• Hard Sponge (1.5 mm, 1.8 mm thickness) offers slightly higher speed (~4.0/20) and firmness, enabling more active strokes such as counterattacks and flat hits near the table.

Sponge Thickness Comparison:

• 1.2 mm: Best for players seeking maximum control and stability.

• 1.5 mm: Balanced control and speed.

• 1.8 mm: Enhances offensive potential, suitable for active defenders.

Comparison with Other Rubbers:

• Juic Neo Anti (~3.5/20 speed, ~12.0/20 control, ~3.0/20 spin): Similar speed and spin but slightly less control.

• Dr. Neubauer ABS 2 (~3.0/20 speed, ~12.2/20 control, ~2.8/20 spin): Ellen DEF is slightly faster but less controlled, making it more versatile.

Spin and Trajectory:

Tibhar Ellen DEF has an extremely low spin potential (~3.1/20), typical of anti-spin rubbers. Due to its spin insensitivity, it effectively neutralizes opponents' topspin, facilitating easy blocks and chops with minimal spin. The rubber's braking effect produces a low trajectory (4.5/10), often creating a "sinking" ball effect that complicates opponents' attacks. This trait is especially useful for defensive play away from the table, where players can control rallies with deep chops and passive blocks. It also aids in serve reception, particularly against strong topspin and sidespin, ensuring stability and accuracy.

Control:

Tibhar Ellen DEF offers high control (~11.9/20) in its category, especially for chopping, blocking, serve reception, and short pushes.

• Compared to Dr. Neubauer ABS 2 (~12.2/20 control): Slightly less control but more versatile due to sponge options.

• Compared to Joola Badman (~3.3/20 speed, ~12.0/20 control, ~3.5/20 spin): Faster but with similar control, suitable for players seeking stability and forgiveness.

Technical Ratings:

• Speed (30/100, ~3.8/20): Low speed, ideal for defensive play, chopping, and passive blocks. Slightly faster than Dr. Neubauer ABS 2 (~3.0/20).

• Control (95/100, ~11.9/20): High control, especially for chopping, blocking, serve reception, and short pushes. Comparable to Juic Neo Anti (~12.0/20).

• Spin (25/100, ~3.1/20): Extremely low spin, effectively neutralizing opponents' spin. Generates slightly less spin than Joola Badman (~3.5/20).

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Shots (4.0/10): Limited topspin potential due to anti-spin surface, but suitable for controlled shots with minimal spin.

• Backspin Shots (8.8/10): Effective chops with low trajectory, ideal for defensive play away from the table.

• Blocking (9.5/10): Highly effective in blocking topspin attacks at the table, with excellent spin neutralization.

• Push Shots (8.7/10): Precise pushes against backspin or dead balls, with good trajectory control.

• Chopping (9.6/10): Excellent backspin generation, especially with soft sponge, suitable for deep defensive shots.

• Counter-Hitting (7.8/10): Stable counterattacks near the table, especially with hard sponge (Ellen OFF).

• Smashing (7.5/10): Limited flat hits but effective with hard sponge in short play.

• Serves & Reception (9.3/10): Effective serve reception, especially against topspin and sidespin (passive receive 9.4/10, active receive 9.2/10).

• Flick Shots (7.0/10): Limited banana flicks due to low spin potential but stable with hard sponge.

Blade Compatibility:

Tibhar Ellen DEF pairs well with defensive and all-round blades that complement its control and braking effect:

• Tibhar Defense Plus (~10.5/20 speed, DEF): Enhances control and chopping efficiency, ideal for classic defensive play.

• Butterfly Joo SaeHyuk (~11.0/20 speed, DEF): Complements braking effect and spin neutralization, suitable for advanced defenders.

• Stiga Defensive Pro (~11.5/20 speed, DEF+): Improves stability and precision, ideal for chopping and blocking.

• Donic Defplay Senso (~10.8/20 speed, DEF): Suitable for players seeking control and a soft feel.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon (~12.0/20 speed, ALL+): Fits active defenders combining chops with counterattacks.

Recommended Setup:

• Ellen DEF (1.2 mm or 1.5 mm sponge) for classic defensive play on defensive blades (e.g., Tibhar Defense Plus) to maximize control and chopping potential.

• Ellen OFF (1.8 mm sponge) for active defenders on all-round blades (e.g., Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon) blending defense with attacks.

Additional Information:

Tibhar Ellen DEF is a specialized anti-spin rubber combining low speed (~3.8/20), extremely high control (~11.9/20), and minimal spin (~3.1/20), making it ideal for defenders who want to neutralize topspin and disrupt opponents' attacks.

• Compared to Juic Neo Anti (~3.5/20 speed, ~12.0/20 control, ~3.0/20 spin): Slightly faster with similar control.

• Compared to Dr. Neubauer ABS 2 (~3.0/20 speed, ~12.2/20 control, ~2.8/20 spin): Faster and more versatile due to sponge options.

User Feedback Highlights:

• "Excellent control"

• "Effective spin neutralization"

• "Stable blocking"

• "Forgiving on off-center hits"

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean regularly with a rubber cleaner (e.g., Tibhar Rubber Cleaner).

• Use a protective film to prevent damage.

Who Is Tibhar Ellen DEF For?

This rubber suits defensive and all-round players seeking control and spin neutralization:

• Beginner to Intermediate Defenders (1–7 years of experience): Looking for a controlled anti-spin rubber with high forgiveness.

• Defenders Away from the Table: Emphasizing chops, passive blocks, and spin neutralization.

• Active Defenders (Ellen OFF): Blending defense with counterattacks and flat hits near the table.

• Backhand Players: Seeking control and spin neutralization on backhand strokes.

• Players Seeking Stability: Ideal for those who want a reliable rubber against strong topspin.

Advantages of Tibhar Ellen DEF:

• Speed (3.8/20): Low speed, ideal for defensive play and chopping.

• Control (11.9/20): High control, especially for chops, blocks, serve reception, and pushes.

• Spin (3.1/20): Extremely low spin, effectively neutralizing opponents' topspin.

• Trajectory (4.5/10): Low trajectory with braking effect, complicating opponents' attacks.

• Soft/Hard Sponge Options: Choice between gentle feel (Ellen DEF) and firmer response (Ellen OFF).

• Anti-Spin Surface: Ensures excellent spin neutralization and stability.

• Durability: High-quality top sheet ensures long lifespan with proper care.

• Value for Money: Excellent price for high-quality defensive performance.

• Premium Quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.

Final Verdict:

Tibhar Ellen DEF is a controlled anti-spin rubber that combines high control, effective spin neutralization, and stability, giving defensive players the ability to disrupt opponents' attacks and dominate with chops and blocks. Its anti-spin surface and dual-sponge options make it an excellent choice for both classic and active defenders seeking precision and consistency!

Tibhar ELLEN DEF

Tibhar ELLEN DEF

Tibhar ELLEN DEF