Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Arctic Wood
Stiga Arctic Wood is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade crafted in Sweden, designed for players seeking a unique blend of speed, control, and feel. Its distinctive pale outer veneer, sourced from slow-growth Arctic wood, combines with Stiga's Veneer Precision System (VPS) to deliver exceptional stability and reduced vibration. This construction creates a playing experience often likened to carbon blades while preserving the nuanced feedback of wood. With a balanced weight and crisp feel, it excels in close-to-table topspin attacks, offering controlled power and precision for aggressive players.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction with unique pale Arctic wood outer veneers known for hardness and slow growth. The second layers utilize Stiga's Veneer Precision System (VPS) with treated spruce to reduce vibration and enhance stability. The core is Ayous wood, providing a solid foundation for this offensive all-wood design.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stiga Arctic Wood is positioned as a fast offensive blade, with official figures suggesting high speed. Our testing shows it outperforms classic 5-ply all-wood blades but sits slightly behind premium hardwood models. Players report strong speed capabilities that support aggressive play, making it suitable for powerful topspin attacks and quick counter-hits.
Despite its offensive nature, Arctic Wood maintains impressive control. Its moderate elasticity and 'deep hold' characteristic help players manage powerful shots and execute precise topspin strokes, especially in close-to-table situations. Many players find it offers good maneuverability and stability, allowing for consistent placement and tactical variety.
Arctic Wood delivers a unique feel that blends a harder outer veneer with a softer core. Players describe a crisp, sharp sensation at the fingertip, yet it maintains a forgiving touch that adapts well to different rubbers. The feel can shift between soft initial contact and firm response during powerful strokes, offering versatile feedback.
Arctic Wood produces a medium-high throw angle that helps generate powerful topspin shots with a good arc. This characteristic allows the ball to clear the net comfortably and land deep on the opponent's side, making it particularly effective for aggressive topspin attackers who want to combine power with safety.
The blade's construction promotes a moderate to long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the surface for enhanced spin generation. This 'deep hold' characteristic is particularly beneficial for looping strokes and spin-based attacks, giving players more time to impart rotation and control the ball's trajectory.
While described as stiff, Arctic Wood possesses noticeable flex during looping strokes. This combination allows players to generate significant spin by engaging the blade's flex, while the underlying stiffness provides the speed needed for offensive shots. It strikes a good balance between power and spin potential.
Designed with vibration reduction in mind, Arctic Wood features temperature-treated middle veneers (VPS) that minimize feedback. This creates a stable, dampened feel similar to carbon blades, enhancing control during powerful shots and providing a solid, confident connection with the ball.
Manufactured in Sweden with high standards, Stiga Arctic Wood is recognized for its excellent construction. The beautiful wood grain and solid feel are frequently praised by users. TTSensei experts note that the specialized materials and precise manufacturing contribute to a blade that feels durable and performs reliably over time.
Technology
Stiga Arctic Wood incorporates several key technologies: the rare pale Arctic outer veneer, selected for its slow growth and hardness, provides stiffness and speed. This pairs with the Veneer Precision System (VPS) in the second layer, featuring temperature-treated spruce to enhance stability and reduce vibration. The overall 5-ply construction follows Stiga's traditional offensive blade philosophy, balancing power, control, and nuanced feel in a modern all-wood design.
Similar Blades
Stiga Infinity VPS V
Both blades share Stiga's VPS technology and 5-ply all-wood offensive construction. TTSensei experts note that Arctic Wood offers a slightly different feel due to its unique outer veneer and may provide more 'deep hold,' while Infinity VPS V remains a solid, consistent performer in the same category.
Nittaku Acoustic / Butterfly Korbel
These classic 5-ply all-wood blades serve as benchmarks for comparison. Our testing shows Arctic Wood is generally faster and stiffer than these traditional models while maintaining the all-wood feel and control characteristics. It represents a more modern interpretation of the classic offensive wood blade concept.