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Mantis Tour (4 Ball Tube)
The flagship of the range, the Mantis Tour is a technical marvel in 2026, using a unique cloth blend of 60% wool, 27% nylon, and 13% cotton. This specific Playne's cloth formulation ensures that the ball maintains its 'new ball feel' for roughly 25% longer than standard premium balls. In tournament conditions, the Mantis Tour is known for its remarkable pressure retention; players report that even in the third set of a heavy-hitting match, the bounce height remains within 95% of its original spec. It is the official ball of the Champions Tour and the Junior Davis Cup, proving its pedigree at the elite level. While it plays slightly faster than the All Court version, it retains that signature Mantis 'soft' impact that allows for exceptional touch on volleys and drop shots.
Brand
MANTIS
Felt Type
premium all-court
Rating
9.1/10⭐ 4.8/5
Speed Level
medium
Durability
9/10
Expert Advice
A sleeper premium ball—excellent if you want tour-level consistency without the marketing hype.
Community Feedback
Often compared favorably to big-name tour balls like Wilson US Open.
Best For
Court Types
Skill Level
Player Type
- advanced competitors
- match play
- players sensitive to bounce changes
Performance Characteristics
Spin Potential
high
Bounce Consistency
very high
Feel at Contact
premium soft-neutral
Pressure Retention
excellent
Arm Friendliness
high
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use cotton in the felt blend?
The 13% cotton content helps the felt absorb moisture and maintain its weight and aerodynamic properties in humid or slightly damp conditions.
Is it worth the extra cost over the All Court?
For match play, yes. The woven felt provides much better spin response and bounce accuracy.
What is the unique Playne's cloth formulation?
It uses a unique cloth blend of 60% wool, 27% nylon, and 13% cotton that ensures the ball maintains its 'new ball feel' for roughly 25% longer than standard premium balls.
Is this ball used in professional tournaments?
Yes, it's the official ball of the Champions Tour and the Junior Davis Cup, proving its pedigree at the elite level, with remarkable pressure retention that keeps bounce height within 95% of original spec even in the third set.