Weight
90g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Clipper Classic
Stiga Clipper Classic is a legendary 7-ply all-wood table tennis blade, first released in 1981 and crafted in Sweden. Renowned for its exceptional speed and power, it delivers a consistent performance for offensive players both close to the table and from mid-distance. The blade offers a unique medium-hard feel that balances stiffness for powerful shots with enough flexibility for spin-oriented play. Its high-quality craftsmanship and timeless design make it a favorite among professionals and developing players seeking a reliable, high-performance blade that supports an attacking game for years.
This 7-ply all-wood construction, featuring Limba outer plies and Ayous inner plies, provides a stiff yet responsive feel. The multiple layers contribute to the blade's power and speed, while the wood composition offers a good balance of dwell time and feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Clipper Classic is widely recognized for its impressive speed capabilities, earning an OFF+ classification. This is attributed to its 7-ply all-wood construction, which provides a stiff feel that generates significant power on drives and hard loops. While not a carbon blade, its speed allows it to compete with some composite blades, making it ideal for players who rely on power to win points.
Despite its high speed, Clipper Classic offers a commendable level of control. This control stems from its inherent stiffness, which provides a stable platform for blocking and counter-attacking, and a decent dwell time that aids in spin generation. Players often note that while it rewards powerful strokes, it still allows for precise placement and touch shots, especially for those with well-developed technique.
Clipper Classic provides a medium-hard feel. Its 7-ply construction lends a certain stiffness, offering direct feedback on ball contact. While some describe it as having a 'woody feel,' it's generally perceived as less soft than many 5-ply blades. This firm feel is advantageous for powerful strokes and solid blocking, yet it retains enough dwell time for players to feel the ball, facilitating spin-oriented shots.
Clipper Classic tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, especially when combined with faster rubbers. This higher trajectory is beneficial for clearing the net on powerful loops and drives, allowing players to attack with greater margin. The medium-high throw angle also aids in creating spin and depth on attacking shots, making it effective for players who like to dictate play from mid-distance.
Clipper Classic offers a respectable dwell time for an offensive blade. This allows for good ball pocketing, especially when executing powerful forehand and backhand loops. The extended contact time with the ball aids in imparting spin and control, even when hitting with significant force. This characteristic is crucial for players who rely on spin to set up their attacks or to make controlled retrieves.
This blade is on the stiffer side of the spectrum. While it's not a completely rigid blade, it doesn't offer significant flex, which contributes to its speed and power. This stiffness is beneficial for driving and blocking, providing a stable platform. However, players who prefer a very flexible blade for extreme spin generation might need to adapt their technique or consider softer rubbers to compensate.
Clipper Classic exhibits moderate vibration levels. While its stiff construction can transmit some feedback, it's generally not considered overly harsh or jarring. This controlled vibration contributes to a more direct feel and responsiveness, allowing players to gauge the impact and make necessary adjustments during play.
Stiga blades are known for their quality, and the Clipper Classic is no exception. Manufactured in Sweden, it benefits from decades of experience and precision craftsmanship. While most users report excellent build quality, a few mention that the handle finishing or edges might require minor sanding for optimal comfort. However, the overall sentiment is that the blade offers exceptional quality for its price point, with many appreciating its classic feel and durability.
Technology
Stiga Clipper Classic benefits from Stiga's long-standing expertise in blade manufacturing, with a focus on optimizing 7-ply all-wood construction. While the 'Classic' version may not feature advanced technologies like carbon integration, its design is a testament to traditional craftsmanship. Variations like the Clipper CR incorporate technologies such as CR (UV-varnished surface for enhanced speed and hardness) and WRB (Weight Balance, Recovery, and Ball Sensitivity system for reduced weight and improved feel). These enhancements aim to boost speed and responsiveness while retaining the core characteristics of the Clipper wood. The manufacturing process in Sweden ensures precision and quality, upholding Stiga's reputation for durable and high-performing blades.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Liu Guoliang
Liu Guoliang, a former World and Olympic Champion and influential figure in Chinese table tennis, is famously associated with the Stiga Clipper Wood. He utilized this blade during a significant period of his career, benefiting from its power and control to execute his aggressive, all-round game. The Clipper's ability to generate speed and spin made it a suitable choice for his dominant playing style, contributing to his numerous major titles. Its consistent performance and classic feel likely aligned with his preference for reliable equipment that maximized his technical prowess.
Jean-Michel Saive
Jean-Michel Saive, a highly decorated European table tennis player and Olympian, has also been known to use the Stiga Clipper Wood. Saive's dynamic playing style, characterized by powerful attacks and solid defense, found a good match in the Clipper's speed and control. He likely appreciated the blade's ability to generate pace on his drives and loops, while its inherent stiffness provided stability for his blocking game. The Clipper's consistent performance and adaptability allowed Saive to compete at the highest level for many years.
Similar Blades
Stiga Offensive Classic
Stiga Offensive Classic is another highly regarded 5-ply all-wood blade from Stiga. While the Clipper Classic is a 7-ply blade known for its speed and stiffness, the Offensive Classic offers a slightly softer feel and more dwell time, making it excellent for spin-oriented players. Both blades are suitable for offensive play and are manufactured in Sweden, but the Offensive Classic might be preferred by players who prioritize feel and spin over raw power and speed.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a 5-ply all-wood blade that shares some characteristics with the Stiga Clipper Classic, particularly in its offensive capabilities. It is known for a good balance of speed, control, and feel, often favored by players who employ an attacking style. While the Clipper Classic is a 7-ply blade offering more stiffness and power, the Ma Lin Extra Offensive provides a slightly softer touch and more dwell time, making it a viable alternative for players seeking a powerful yet controllable blade with a different wood construction.