Weight
90g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Carbonado 190
Stiga Carbonado 190 is a high-performance offensive blade that merges advanced TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon technology with a 7-ply construction. Engineered for aggressive players, it delivers a stiff, hard feel with exceptional speed and a direct, medium-low throw angle. The 90-degree carbon fiber orientation provides remarkable stability and a large sweet spot, making it a potent weapon for powerful loop drives and fast counter-attacks near the table. Crafted in Sweden, it represents a premium choice for players seeking to dominate with speed and precision.
This 5+2 ply construction, with Limba outer veneers and TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon at a 90-degree angle, provides a stiff feel, high speed, and direct ball trajectory. The Ayous core layers contribute to the overall stability and power transfer.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Carbonado 190 is renowned for its exceptional speed, attributed to its TeXtreme® carbon layers and stiff construction. It allows for powerful drives and fast counter-attacks. While not the absolute fastest blade available, it offers a significant speed advantage for offensive players, especially in close to mid-distance exchanges.
Despite its high speed, Carbonado 190 offers a commendable level of control, particularly for advanced players. The TeXtreme® carbon and the blade's construction contribute to a large and high sweet spot, which aids in consistent ball placement. However, its offensive nature means control can be challenging for beginners or players with less refined technique.
The combination of Limba outer plies and TeXtreme® carbon layers at a 90-degree angle results in a distinctly hard and stiff feel. This provides direct feedback and rapid energy transfer, appealing to players who prefer a crisp connection with the ball.
Carbonado 190 produces a flatter and more direct trajectory. This medium-low throw angle is beneficial for powerful, flat drives and aggressive counter-attacks close to the table.
While the blade is stiff and fast, the TeXtreme® carbon construction, particularly with the 90-degree angle, provides a good dwell time for its class, allowing for spin generation. It offers more dwell than some other stiff carbon blades, aiding in spin-heavy shots when paired with appropriate rubbers.
Carbonado 190 is characterized by its stiffness. The 90-degree angled TeXtreme® carbon layers contribute to a rigid blade structure, minimizing flex and maximizing speed and stability for direct attacks.
The stiff construction and carbon layers result in moderate vibration. It provides good feedback without being overly harsh, often noted for a pleasant sound. Players accustomed to softer, all-wood blades might perceive it as having more vibration.
Stiga's manufacturing in Sweden is evident in the exceptional quality of Carbonado 190. The finish, materials, and overall build are consistently rated as excellent, reflecting its status as a premium, professional-grade blade.
Technology
Stiga Carbonado 190 features proprietary TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon technology. This involves arranging carbon fibers in a spread tow structure, resulting in exceptionally thin and flat carbon sheets. Integrated into the blade at a 90-degree angle, this technology enhances flexural bendability, leading to a stiff feel, superior stability, and significant power transfer. The 5+2 ply construction with Limba outer veneers refines the blade's characteristics, offering a large sweet spot and direct ball feedback. This innovative approach to carbon fiber placement allows for optimized energy efficiency and a unique playing sensation.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Pär Gerell
Pär Gerell, a prominent Swedish table tennis player, has been associated with Stiga Carbonado 190. His aggressive, offensive style, characterized by powerful loop drives and fast counter-attacks, aligns well with the blade's speed and directness. His use highlights its suitability for high-level offensive play requiring both power and a degree of control.
Kristian Karlsson
Kristian Karlsson, another skilled Swedish player, has been featured using Stiga Carbonado 190. His dynamic playing style, which often involves close-to-the-table attacking and aggressive third-ball plays, benefits from the blade's speed, stiff feel, and flat trajectory. His adoption underscores its effectiveness for modern offensive table tennis.
Xu Xin
While Xu Xin is famously associated with other blades, he was involved in the review and testing of Stiga Carbonado 190 during its development and promotion. His participation suggests the blade was designed to cater to top-tier offensive players, signifying its potential for elite performance.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is frequently compared to Stiga Carbonado 190 due to their similar 5+2 ply construction with carbon and offensive capabilities. Both blades offer speed and a stiff feel favored by attacking players. Our analysis suggests Carbonado 190 might have a slightly flatter trajectory and potentially a higher sweet spot, while Viscaria is often noted for its balanced feel and slightly different throw angle.
Stiga Intensity Carbon
Stiga Intensity Carbon is another offensive blade from Stiga that shares similarities in speed and power. However, Carbonado 190 is generally considered to be faster and stiffer, offering a more direct and aggressive playing experience. Carbonado 190's TeXtreme® carbon technology also provides a distinct feel and stability compared to the Intensity Carbon.