Weight
96g
Thickness
6.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Carbokev
Stiga Carbokev WRB is an offensive table tennis blade built for players who want a powerful yet responsive tool. It merges the rigidity of carbon fiber with the softer touch of Kevlar in a hybrid construction, designed to expand the sweet spot and deliver explosive speed. The integrated WRB system optimizes weight balance and recovery, enhancing ball sensitivity for more precise control during aggressive attacks. This combination makes it ideal for intermediate to advanced players who rely on fast-paced, powerful strokes but still appreciate feedback for placement and finesse.
The blade uses a 7-ply, 5+2 construction with wood outer plies, a wood core, and inner layers of carbon and Kevlar. This symmetrical hybrid layering is designed to deliver the speed and stiffness of carbon with the feel and vibration characteristics of Kevlar.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Carbokev WRB is consistently rated as a very fast blade, with speed characteristics placing it in the high offensive range. The combination of carbon fiber and its specific construction maximizes acceleration and sweet spot performance. This design delivers explosive power for quick, forceful shots, making it a prime choice for players who rely on aggressive drives and counter-attacks.
Control ratings for this blade reflect its offensive nature. While it offers more manageability than the fastest pure-carbon options, precise placement requires good technique. The hybrid construction and WRB system provide a degree of feedback and stability, but players should expect a focus on power that necessitates adjusted touch for finesse shots.
Carbokev WRB delivers a feel that leans toward the harder side of medium. The carbon provides stiffness and direct feedback, while the Kevlar adds a slight dampening effect compared to pure carbon blades. This results in a crisp, responsive touch that some players find offers clear sensation without extreme softness.
This blade produces a medium-low throw angle, which is typical for fast, stiff offensive designs. Players may need to adjust their technique, especially with slower rubbers, to generate sufficient arc on loops and ensure the ball clears the net consistently.
Dwell time is moderate, benefiting from the Kevlar's influence to be slightly longer than stiff all-carbon blades. This allows for effective spin generation on powerful loops and drives, though it doesn't provide the extended dwell characteristic of softer, all-wood designs.
Carbokev WRB is a stiff blade. The carbon layers provide significant rigidity, and while Kevlar can introduce some elasticity, the overall construction is geared for speed and power, resulting in a firm, low-flex profile ideal for direct hitting.
The blade transmits a moderate level of vibration, offering tangible feedback on ball contact. The hybrid construction and WRB system influence this sensation, providing enough feel for players to gauge their shots without being overly harsh or muted.
Built by a reputable brand, Carbokev WRB features a premium construction with carbon and Kevlar materials. Stiga's manufacturing standards suggest good to very good overall quality, with attention to detail in the layering and handle integration. The blade feels solid and well-made, typical of higher-end offensive equipment.
Technology
Stiga Carbokev WRB utilizes a hybrid material core combining carbon fiber for rigidity and Kevlar for strength and a dampened feel. This aims to enhance both speed and controllable touch. The blade integrates Stiga's proprietary WRB (Weight Balance, Rate of Recovery, Ball Sensitivity) system into the handle. This technology features a recessed design to optimize weight distribution, reduce overall mass, and improve stroke recovery and ball sensitivity for more precise, powerful play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
While not definitively confirmed as his primary equipment, the blade has been associated with the legendary player's era, particularly noted around his final Swedish Championship victory. Its performance profile aligns with the offensive, touch-oriented style he was known for.
Similar Blades
Stiga Carbonado Series
Models like the Carbonado 45 offer a similar 5+2 ply composite construction with TeXtreme carbon fiber. They are designed for offensive play, providing a comparable balance of speed, control, and modern feel, making them a direct alternative within Stiga's high-performance lineup.
Butterfly Viscaria
This popular blade also uses an arylate-carbon composite (ALC) layer. It's renowned for its excellent speed, spin potential, and well-balanced feel, placing it in a similar performance class for offensive players seeking a blend of power and control.