Weight
90g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150.5
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Carbonado 45
Stiga Carbonado 45 merges innovative TeXtreme® carbon fiber technology with a traditional wood construction to deliver a highly responsive and controllable offensive blade. The 45-degree angle of the carbon layers enhances torsional bendability, creating a unique blend of flexibility and stiffness for a large sweet spot and high trajectory. Ideal for offensive players, it bridges the gap between pure wood feel and aggressive carbon speed, offering excellent stability and precision for powerful loops, effective blocks, and tactical play.
The 5+2 ply construction consists of five wood layers and two layers of TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon fibers. The carbon layers are positioned at a 45-degree angle, providing torsional bendability which contributes to the blade's flexibility and stiffness. This specific angle and the use of thinner TeXtreme® carbon are designed to enhance wood feel and control compared to blades with higher density carbon.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Carbonado 45 is rated as a very offensive blade with speed generally in the high 8s. Our testing shows it offers good speed and penetration suitable for offensive play, though it isn't as fast as some other high-end carbon blades. Its speed is well-balanced with control, making it a versatile choice for aggressive players who still value precision.
Players consistently praise Carbonado 45 for its excellent control, a key characteristic that differentiates it from purely speed-focused carbon blades. This high control allows for precise shot placement, effective blocking, and a greater feel for the ball. Many players find it offers a level of predictability that supports tactical play and consistent rallies.
Carbonado 45 offers a unique feel that blends carbon's stiffness with a noticeable wood-like touch. This is attributed to the thinner TeXtreme® carbon layer, which allows for greater ball dwell and feedback compared to blades with thicker carbon. Players report a crisp, responsive sensation that still provides good tactile information on impact.
Carbonado 45 is known for producing a high trajectory, which is advantageous for offensive players, particularly when executing powerful topspin shots. The angled carbon construction naturally creates a higher arc that helps clear the net with margin while maintaining offensive pressure.
Despite being a carbon blade, Carbonado 45 offers surprisingly good dwell time. This allows players to generate significant spin on their shots and provides a satisfying feeling on impact, especially during looping. The torsional flexibility from the angled carbon contributes to this extended contact.
The 45-degree angle of the carbon layers provides torsional bendability, giving the blade a degree of flexibility that enhances control and feel, while the carbon itself imparts stiffness for power. This creates a unique playing characteristic that's both responsive and forgiving.
The blade transmits vibrations effectively, providing players with good feedback on ball impact. This controlled vibration enhances the player's connection to the ball and aids in shot execution. It's not overly dampened, giving a lively feel that many offensive players appreciate.
Stiga's blades, particularly those made in Sweden, are generally recognized for their high build quality and attention to detail. The use of TeXtreme® carbon fiber and quality wood plies contributes to a durable and well-constructed blade. TTSensei experts note the craftsmanship results in a solid, reliable product that holds up well over time.
Technology
Stiga Carbonado 45 utilizes proprietary TeXtreme® Spread Tow Carbon fiber technology, a unique material developed in Sweden. This carbon fiber has a flatter, thinner structure compared to conventional carbon, requiring less epoxy. The TeXtreme® carbon is woven at a specific 45-degree angle within the blade's construction, providing torsional bendability that enhances flexibility and stiffness simultaneously. This creates a large sweet spot and high trajectory while maintaining significant wood feel. The 64 g/m² density of the TeXtreme® used is lower than in other Carbonado models, further contributing to enhanced control and tactile feedback.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Chen Meng
Chen Meng, a highly decorated Chinese professional and former World No. 1, has used Stiga Carbonado 45. Her powerful and precise offensive game, characterized by strong forehand and backhand topspin attacks, aligns well with the blade's speed, control, and high trajectory. Carbonado 45 provides her with necessary tools for aggressive play while maintaining the touch and feel required for delicate short game and tactical placement.
Zhu Yuling
Zhu Yuling, another prominent Chinese professional player, has been associated with Stiga Carbonado 45. Her game emphasizes consistent, powerful topspin rallies with excellent control and spin generation. The blade's ability to produce a high arc and its large sweet spot benefit her offensive strategy, allowing her to maintain pressure on opponents from mid-distance and further back. Its balance of speed and control complements her tactical approach.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is a widely popular offensive blade that shares many characteristics with Carbonado 45, including its 5+2 ply construction and carbon fiber use. Both blades are favored by offensive players for their speed, control, and large sweet spots. However, Viscaria is often perceived as slightly faster and stiffer, whereas Carbonado 45 is noted for its greater emphasis on wood feel and control due to its specific carbon placement and thinner TeXtreme® layers.
Stiga Dynasty Carbon
Stiga Dynasty Carbon, particularly the Xu Xin edition, is another high-performance blade from Stiga that aims to balance traditional wood feel with modern carbon technology. While Dynasty Carbon may offer a more pronounced wood feel, it competes in a similar performance category. Carbonado 45, with its 45-degree carbon angle, offers a distinct feel and trajectory that differentiates it, making it an option for players seeking that specific blend of flexibility and power.