Weight
94g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150.5
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Carbonado 290
Stiga Carbonado 290 is a high-performance blade engineered for aggressive offensive players seeking extreme speed and a direct trajectory. Its 5+2 ply construction incorporates high-density TeXtreme® Spread Tow carbon fibers oriented at a 90-degree angle, delivering exceptional stiffness, power, and a crisp, hard feel. This design is ideal for dominating close-to-the-table rallies and fast-paced attacks with razor-sharp precision and a wide sweet spot. Manufactured in Sweden, it represents Stiga's commitment to quality and innovation, demanding excellent technique and footwork to master its formidable capabilities.
The 5+2 ply construction features Limba outer plies and high-density TeXtreme® carbon layers oriented at a 90-degree angle. This configuration, with the carbon placed directly beneath the outer wood, contributes to the blade's stiffness, high speed, and direct feel. The inner plies are made of Ayous wood.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stiga Carbonado 290 is widely recognized as an extremely fast blade. Its 90-degree oriented, high-density TeXtreme® carbon layers contribute to exceptional speed, making it suitable for aggressive attacking play. It offers explosive acceleration and a direct trajectory, allowing players to overpower opponents with fast drives and smashes. This speed is on par with other top-tier offensive blades, placing it firmly in the OFF+ category.
Despite its high speed, Carbonado 290 offers a respectable level of control for an OFF+ blade. This is attributed to its solid feel and stability, which aids in executing precise shots even in fast rallies. Players with good technique can leverage this control for effective blocking, pushing, and short game maneuvers, though it remains a blade that rewards advanced skill over forgiveness.
The blade provides a hard and stiff feel due to the dense carbon layers and 90-degree orientation. This results in a crisp, direct contact with the ball, allowing for powerful shots with minimal flex. While some may perceive this as less 'woody,' it contributes directly to the blade's speed and immediate responsiveness on impact.
Carbonado 290 is characterized by a low throw angle, meaning shots tend to have a flatter trajectory that contributes to their directness and speed. While advantageous for offensive players aiming for powerful, penetrating shots, it requires careful timing and technique to ensure adequate net clearance, especially on loops.
Due to its stiffness and speed, Carbonado 290 offers a relatively short dwell time. This means the ball doesn't stay on the blade for an extended period, allowing for quick release and powerful shots. While this can reduce spin potential compared to blades with longer dwell, it enhances speed and directness for aggressive play.
The 90-degree oriented TeXtreme® carbon layers, combined with a thick carbon layer, result in a very stiff and inflexible blade. This characteristic is key to its high speed and direct power, minimizing energy loss through flex and providing a solid platform for powerful strokes.
The high density of carbon fiber and the blade's stiff construction leads to a medium vibration feedback. This is often described as a crisp sensation that complements the hard feel and speed of the blade, providing clear feedback without being excessive or uncomfortable during play.
Stiga Carbonado 290 is consistently praised for its high build quality. Stiga's manufacturing in Sweden, combined with premium materials like TeXtreme® carbon, results in a durable and well-finished blade. This contributes to its consistent performance and longevity, with players noting the top-notch construction and excellent finish that justifies its position as a premium offering.
Technology
Stiga Carbonado 290 utilizes proprietary TeXtreme® Spread Tow carbon fiber technology. This advanced material features a unique weave structure that allows for straighter fibers, resulting in a thinner, flatter, and lighter carbon layer compared to conventional carbon fiber. The Carbonado 290 specifically employs high-density (200 g/m²) TeXtreme® carbon oriented at a 90-degree angle. This placement enhances flexural bendability, providing a stiffer feel, increased stability, and maximum speed. The 90-degree orientation is optimized for direct trajectory and power-driven shots, making it ideal for modern offensive table tennis.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Truls Möregårdh
Truls Möregårdh, a rising Swedish star, has been noted to use Stiga Carbonado 290. This blade's exceptional speed and directness align well with Möregårdh's aggressive, modern playing style, which often involves powerful attacks and fast transitions between offense and defense. The blade's ability to generate high velocity and maintain stability during rapid exchanges makes it a suitable choice for his dynamic game.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC
Our testing shows Stiga Carbonado 290 shares close proximity to Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC in terms of elasticity and speed. While Carbonado 290 offers a sharper feeling at the index finger due to its construction and Limba top layer, Zhang Jike Super ZLC provides a similar level of high elasticity and speed with its Koto top layer and different fiber composition, making it a comparable option for players seeking an extremely fast offensive blade.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
Some players perceive Carbonado 290 to have a more 'woody' feel compared to the crisper carbon sensation of Timo Boll ALC, despite similar speed characteristics. For players who prefer this woodier sensation while maintaining high offensive capabilities, Carbonado 290 could be considered an alternative, though it leans toward higher speed and directness than the Timo Boll ALC.