Azalea Offensive

Weight

84g

Thickness

5.8mm

Plies

5-ply

Handles

FL / ST

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Stiga

Azalea Offensive

Sweden
2018

Stiga Azalea Offensive is a lightweight 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for offensive players who value precision and feel. Developed with Japanese female players, it delivers a perfect balance of speed, power, and control, making it versatile for close-to-mid distance play. The blade features a harder second layer compared to the Allround version, enhancing its offensive kick while maintaining a pleasant, crisp touch. Handcrafted in Sweden with elegant pink and lavender accents, it performs effectively with the ABS ball and suits players seeking a responsive, maneuverable blade with classic craftsmanship.

5-Ply Construction

A symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. Outer Limba layers offer fine control for touch play, while inner Spruce layers provide power. The harder second Spruce layer compared to the Azalea Allround increases speed and power, enhancing the blade’s offensive performance.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.5

Rated as an OFF- blade, Azalea Offensive offers a good level of speed suitable for offensive play. Its harder second layer provides a noticeable increase in speed compared to the Allround version, delivering a strong kick after the bounce. While not a pure power-hitting blade, it supplies sufficient pace for mid-distance play and works well with fast rubbers, making it effective for aggressive shots without sacrificing control.

Control
8.5

Control is a standout feature, consistently praised for its precision and maneuverability. The lightweight, balanced construction allows for confident execution of precise shots, blocks, and touch play. Players find it easy to adjust position and angle, and the blade remains manageable even during faster offensive strokes, offering excellent feedback and stability.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

Azalea Offensive offers a distinct feel with soft outer Limba layers for touch play and harder inner Spruce layers that engage for power, providing a noticeable kick. Players describe it as crisp with some vibration, well-managed, and offering a perfect balance between speed, power, and feeling. Initial slight hollowness may improve with different rubbers or over time.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Throw angle is medium-high, conducive to aggressive, arcing shots. The blade’s ability to generate powerful loops with good speed and kick supports an offensive style, making it effective for topspin rallies and attacking play.

Dwell Time
7.0

Dwell time is good, allowing for effective spin generation thanks to the softer Limba top layer and blade flex. While not exceptionally long, it provides enough time on the ball for controlled looping and strokes, particularly in close-to-table rallies, enhancing spin and touch.

Flexibility
7.0

The blade is fairly flexy, providing a good amount of flex for looping shots and spin generation. While not as stiff as some carbon blades, it combines flexibility for spin with enough stiffness for speed when needed, making it versatile for offensive play.

Vibration
6.0

Vibration is moderate and well-managed, with some crisp feedback when hitting toward the blade’s end. It’s not detrimental to control or feel, offering a balanced sensory experience that many players find agreeable for feedback during play.

Quality
9.0

Azalea Offensive is beautifully designed and handcrafted in Sweden, reflecting high-quality materials and construction. The aesthetics, with pink and lavender accents, are noted for their beauty, while the reliable performance and craftsmanship uphold Stiga’s reputation. Users appreciate its durable build and consistent feel, making it a well-made product that delivers both visually and in play.

Technology

Stiga Azalea Offensive is a 5-ply all-wood blade handcrafted in Sweden, featuring a specific construction with a harder second layer compared to the Azalea Allround. This enhancement boosts speed and power for more offensive capability. Outer Limba layers provide a soft touch and fine control, while inner Spruce plies add power during harder strikes. This layered design aims for a perfect balance between speed, power, and feeling, optimized for modern play including the ABS ball, making it a responsive choice for offensive players.

Similar Blades

Stiga Azalea Allround

Azalea Offensive is directly compared to its sibling, the Azalea Allround. The Offensive version features a harder second layer, significantly increasing speed and power for a more offensive option. The Allround version, with a softer second layer, emphasizes control and a softer touch, making it better for players who prioritize dwell time and feel over outright speed. Both share a lightweight design and Japanese-inspired aesthetics.

Stiga Infinity VPS V

Our testing shows Azalea Offensive lies between the Azalea Allround and the Infinity VPS V, sharing the light weight of the Allround but having some of the harder feel of the Infinity during aggressive play. The Infinity VPS V is generally stiffer and potentially faster, offering different performance characteristics for players seeking more rigidity and power.