Weight
89.5g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Carbonado
Stiga Carbonado 45 is a masterfully crafted offensive blade that blends modern carbon technology with a classic wood feel. Its innovative 5+2 ply construction uses TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon fibers at a 45-degree angle, creating exceptional torsional bendability and flexibility. This design results in a large sweet spot, enhanced dwell time, and a higher throw angle, perfect for generating heavy spin. Engineered for offensive players who value consistency and precision, it delivers a responsive, wood-like sensation that bridges the gap between traditional all-wood blades and stiffer carbon options.
This 5+2 ply construction features two layers of TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon positioned below the outer Limba plies and above the inner Ayous core. The 45-degree angle of these carbon layers contributes to the blade's torsional bendability, enhancing flexibility and influencing the higher throw angle and increased dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Positioned as an offensive blade, the Carbonado 45 emphasizes control and feel over extreme speed. It's noticeably faster than traditional all-wood blades but offers a more moderate pace compared to many stiffer carbon options, allowing for consistent and reliable offensive attacks. The TeXtreme® carbon layers provide efficient energy transfer, while the 45-degree angle and thinner carbon density contribute to a more controlled and manageable speed ideal for loops and drives.
Control is a defining strength of this blade. The 45-degree carbon orientation combined with Limba outer plies creates ample dwell time and a large, forgiving sweet spot. This results in excellent feedback and stability, making it highly effective for precise blocking, short game play, and consistent topspin execution. Players find it offers a reassuring level of predictability and touch.
The Carbonado 45 offers a distinctive feel that blends wood and carbon characteristics. The Limba outer plies and the angled TeXtreme® carbon create a softer, more elastic touch compared to many traditional carbon blades. This results in significant dwell time and a pleasant, feedback-rich sensation that players often describe as superior to stiffer alternatives.
The 45-degree lay-up of the carbon layers is designed to enhance torsional bendability, resulting in a higher throw angle. This is beneficial for offensive players, particularly when looping against backspin, as it provides a greater margin over the net and a more aggressive ball trajectory.
Substantial dwell time is a key feature, contributing directly to its excellent control and spin generation. The combination of Limba outer plies and the flexible 45-degree carbon allows for longer ball contact, facilitating deep ball pocketing for powerful, spin-heavy shots.
The 45-degree angle of the carbon layers creates torsional bendability, striking a good balance between flexibility and stiffness. This allows for a higher throw angle and deeper ball pocketing essential for spin play, while retaining enough stiffness for powerful drives and counter-attacks.
Despite its carbon layers, the blade avoids harsh or excessive vibration. It provides clear, informative feedback through a medium vibration level, helping players feel ball contact for precise adjustments. The TeXtreme® technology refines the vibration profile, preventing the numbness sometimes associated with other carbon blades.
Crafted in Sweden, the Carbonado 45 reflects Stiga's reputation for quality manufacturing. The use of TeXtreme® carbon and select wood plies results in a well-balanced, finely finished blade. While the build quality is generally excellent, some players have noted that the outer Limba ply can be sensitive to certain glues or show wear with heavy use over time, which is a minor consideration for an otherwise premium product.
Technology
The Carbonado series utilizes Stiga's proprietary TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon technology. This material features a unique spread tow structure with straighter, thinner carbon fibers, requiring less epoxy resin for a lighter yet stronger layer. In the Carbonado 45, this carbon is applied at a 45-degree angle to enhance torsional bendability, flexibility, and provide a higher throw angle. This construction aims to deliver superior feel and energy efficiency, masterfully blending the directness of carbon with the dwell time and feedback of wood. Each blade is handcrafted in Sweden.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Chen Meng
Chen Meng's powerful offensive style, characterized by strong topspin attacks and excellent control, pairs well with the Carbonado 45. The blade provides the necessary speed for aggressive play while maintaining the precise control and feel required for high-level competition, supporting her consistency and placement in crucial moments.
Zhu Yuling
Zhu Yuling's game, which involves precise placement, powerful loops, and solid defense, is complemented by the Carbonado 45. The blade offers a large sweet spot for consistent stroke execution, good dwell time for generating heavy spin, and sufficient speed for offensive rallies, all while providing the control needed for intricate tactical play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
The Viscaria is a frequent benchmark for high-performance offensive carbon blades. Both blades are known for offensive capabilities, large sweet spots, and significant spin generation. While the Viscaria offers a slightly crisper feel, the Carbonado 45 is often perceived to have more dwell time and a more pronounced wood-like touch, making it a compelling alternative for players seeking similar performance with a different sensation.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
The Timo Boll ALC is another popular 5+2 ply offensive carbon blade. The Carbonado 45, with its 45-degree carbon and Limba outer plies, tends to offer more dwell time and a higher throw angle, appealing to players who prioritize spin and a softer feel. The Timo Boll ALC typically provides a stiffer feel and a more direct trajectory, offering a nuanced alternative for players preferring a different ball response.