Weight
90g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Clipper CR (WRB)
Stiga Clipper CR WRB is a legendary 7-ply all-wood offensive blade built for power and speed. Its signature CR surface treatment hardens the outer veneer for enhanced responsiveness, while the WRB system hollows the handle to optimize weight distribution, creating a head-heavy feel for explosive shots. This Swedish-crafted blade delivers a direct, crisp feel that aggressive players love, offering a remarkable balance where high speed doesn't sacrifice control. It's a classic choice that provides a solid, reliable platform for finishing points decisively, whether you're looping with power or executing precise touch shots.
This is a symmetrical 7-ply all-wood construction. It features Limba wood as the outer plies, with the outer layer receiving a CR treatment. The five inner plies are all Ayous wood, creating a solid and consistent core that provides the blade's foundational feel and power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Clipper CR WRB is consistently rated as a very fast blade. The CR treatment on the outer ply provides a significant speed boost, enabling powerful drives and rapid attacks. While weight can vary between samples, the modern iteration maintains high speed with clear ball feedback, making it a top choice for players who rely on explosive power to pressure opponents.
Despite its high-speed rating, this blade offers commendable control. Players report it allows for accurate shot placement, especially in the short game and during touch play. This balance means you can unleash offensive power without feeling like you're sacrificing the ability to guide the ball precisely where you want it.
The feel is direct and crisp with good feedback. The 7-ply construction and CR treatment create a stiffer, more solid sensation compared to softer blades. The WRB handle adds a layer of sensitivity to vibrations, resulting in a unique tactile experience that many find responsive and engaging.
Clipper CR WRB generally produces a low to medium throw angle. This characteristic is beneficial for players who prefer to generate their own trajectory and spin, allowing for flatter, more direct attacks. It often pairs well with high-throw rubbers to create a more aggressive, looping arc.
The solid 7-ply wood construction provides a good dwell time, allowing effective brushing for spin generation. It strikes a favorable balance between holding the ball for spin-loaded loops and a quick release for fast attacks, making it highly effective for offensive topspin play.
Leaning towards the stiffer side of medium, the blade's flexibility is influenced by the CR treatment and its 7-ply build. This stiffness is a key contributor to its speed and direct feel, making it excellent for powerful, driving strokes. It offers less inherent flex than softer blades, which can be less forgiving for beginners relying heavily on blade bend.
The WRB technology, with its hollowed handle, is designed to enhance ball feel by increasing sensitivity and vibration. This provides players with clearer feedback on impact, contributing to better touch. The unique resonance is a distinctive characteristic that many players find adds to the blade's personality.
Exemplifying Stiga's renowned craftsmanship, the Clipper CR WRB is praised for its excellent build quality and durability. It's consistently described as a classic that lives up to its reputation, offering reliable performance that stands the test of time. The fit and finish reflect its Swedish manufacturing heritage.
Technology
Stiga Clipper CR WRB incorporates two signature technologies. The CR (Crystal Carbon) system applies a UV-hardened finish to the outer veneer, stiffening the surface to significantly boost speed and responsiveness. The WRB (Weight Balance Reduced) system features a hollowed-out section within the handle. This design reduces overall weight and shifts the balance point towards the head, resulting in improved maneuverability, faster swing speed, and enhanced ball sensitivity through subtle vibrations felt in the hand.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jean-Michel Saive
The legendary Belgian player's aggressive, all-around style, characterized by powerful forehand drives, benefited from the reliable platform of the Clipper series. The blade's blend of speed and control would have provided the consistent performance needed for high-level international play.
Misaki Morizono
The Japanese professional is a noted user of this blade. Its combination of offensive speed for dynamic rallies and control for precise placement aligns well with a style that aims to maintain constant pressure on opponents.
Sun Chen
As a user of the Clipper CR WRB, Sun Chen would leverage the blade's characteristics to support a fast-paced, aggressive game focused on direct and powerful attacks, a common preference among top offensive players.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
The original version without CR or WRB technologies. It offers a similar 7-ply all-wood feel but with a more traditional, controlled character. This is an excellent alternative for players who appreciate the Clipper's solid foundation but prefer less enhanced speed and a classic wooden blade experience.
Stiga Clipper CC
A variant within the series that often incorporates carbon materials, resulting in a stiffer and faster blade. Players seeking an even greater speed boost and a harder, more direct feel might consider the Clipper CC, though it may trade away some of the nuanced dwell time and wood feel found in the all-wood CR WRB.