DHS Gold Arc 8 vs Stiga Mantra H: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Gold Arc 8 | Stiga Mantra H | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 |
| best_side | forehand or backhand | forehand |
| control | medium-high | 8.8 |
| speed | high | 9.4 |
| spin | high | 9.1 |
| sponge_hardness | 47.5 deg (also a 50 deg version), ESN scale | hard (approx. 47.5 degrees) |
| type | non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor, inverted | inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 69 | 65 |
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DHS Gold Arc 8 is a modern, durable balanced tensor delivering good spin and control across all strokes. It works on both wings, maintains longevity, and offers excellent value compared to premium alternatives.
Stiga Mantra H is a hard tensor offering exceptional speed and grippy low-arc trajectories, requiring significant swing speed and precise contact. Its strong catapult and limited durability of approximately three months make it impractical for regular training, and it’s now discontinued in favor of Mantra Pro H.
Gold Arc 8 is the practical choice for lasting performance and versatility. Mantra H appeals only to advanced attackers with fast swings accepting short lifespan—and it’s no longer available.
FAQ
Should I look for used Mantra H?
Not recommended. Its three-month durability makes used stock questionable, and Mantra Pro H is the intended modern replacement.
Can Mantra H be used on backhand?
Not recommended. It’s too hard for backhand. Gold Arc 8 works well on both wings.
Which is faster?
Mantra H is faster with exceptional speed. Gold Arc 8 offers balanced moderate-to-high speed.
Which lasts longer?
Gold Arc 8 significantly. Mantra H was limited to roughly three months. Gold Arc 8 maintains performance much longer.
Which offers better value?
Gold Arc 8 by far due to availability, durability, and versatility. Mantra H’s short lifespan made it poor value.