Weight
86.5g
Thickness
5.05mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Intensity NCT Carbon
Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon is engineered for aggressive offensive players who want a lightweight yet powerful blade. It masterfully blends the speed and stability of carbon layers with the natural touch of premium wood, enhanced by Stiga's Nano Composite Technology. This 5+2 ply construction features ultra-thin carbon to boost power and speed without sacrificing control or a natural wood feel. Designed for players who rely on speed and spin to dictate the game, it offers excellent dwell time, high spin potential, and quick recovery, making it ideal for topspin-heavy play and mid-distance rallying. Its balanced performance and responsive feedback provide confidence in attacking close to the table or from further back.
This 5+2 ply construction combines the hardness and vibration-dampening qualities of walnut and spruce outer plies with a central ayous core for responsiveness. Two ultra-thin carbon layers are strategically placed to enhance speed and power while maintaining a degree of flex and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon delivers high speed, significantly boosted by its integrated carbon layers. This makes it ideal for powerful drives, attacks, and counter-attacks, especially from mid to far distances. While fast, many players find it remains controllable rather than overwhelming, allowing for precise shot placement even at high velocities.
Despite its offensive capabilities, Intensity NCT Carbon is praised for its surprisingly high level of control. This stems from its balanced construction and the way the carbon layers are integrated, allowing for precise ball placement and manipulation. It provides good feedback, helping players understand trajectory and make necessary adjustments during play.
The feel offers a good balance between carbon stiffness and natural wood touch. Players describe it as medium-hard, providing a solid connection to the ball without being overly stiff. There's a noticeable, often loud sound on impact. While it may lack the deep flex of all-wood blades, it delivers enough feedback for controlled play.
The trajectory is frequently described as high or long, indicating a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates powerful topspin loops that clear the net with ease and land deep on the opponent's side, making it effective for players who attack from a slight distance or aim for aggressive, deep shots.
The blade offers excellent dwell time, crucial for generating heavy spin. This allows players to grip the ball effectively during topspin shots, leading to high-arcing, spinny loops. The extended dwell contributes significantly to both spin generation and control, especially for spin-based attacks.
The blade exhibits a medium level of flexibility. Carbon plies provide stiffness for power, but the wood construction allows for some flex, particularly when hitting hard. This balance is beneficial for looping, enabling players to generate spin while benefiting from carbon stability.
A key characteristic is remarkably low vibration, especially considering its speed and carbon construction. This contributes to a more comfortable feel and helps players maintain consistency and control during aggressive exchanges, minimizing hand shock.
Stiga is known for quality craftsmanship, and Intensity NCT Carbon generally reflects this. The materials are perceived as good, and the blade holds up well to aggressive play. Some players recommend sanding handle edges and varnishing for longevity, indicating that while core quality is high, minor finishing touches can enhance the user experience.
Technology
Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon incorporates Stiga's Nano Composite Technology, which utilizes ultra-thin carbon layers. This technology enhances the blade's speed and power by creating stronger, tighter bonds within the composite structure. NCT aims to boost performance without significantly compromising natural feel or lightweight characteristics, making it suitable for offensive players who demand both speed and control.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Xu Xin
Xu Xin, a former World No. 1 and highly decorated Chinese player, has been known to use blades from the Stiga Intensity line, including the NCT Carbon. His preference stems from their lightweight nature, excellent control, and spin-generating capabilities, which align with his powerful topspin-oriented, yet highly controlled, playing style. The blade's balance of speed and feel allows him to execute his signature forehand and backhand loops effectively.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Extra Offensive (YEO)
Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon shares similar playing qualities with Yasaka Extra Offensive. Both are often described as excellent looping blades with good control and spin potential. YEO is a well-regarded 5-ply all-wood blade known for its excellent feel and versatility, while Intensity NCT Carbon adds carbon layers for increased speed and power, making it a faster but potentially less flexible alternative.
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is a popular composite blade often used as a benchmark for offensive play. While Viscaria is known for its speed and excellent spin, Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon offers a different feel, potentially more dwell time or a different balance of stiffness and flex, while still providing high speed and control suitable for aggressive attackers.