Weight
84g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Maplewood NCT V
Stiga Maplewood NCT V is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade celebrated for its outstanding feel and control, making it a top choice for players who value spin and precise placement. Its unique maple outer veneers deliver a distinct playing character that emphasizes ball dwell time and a natural wood sensation. The blade's inherent flexibility, enhanced by Stiga's NCT (Nano Composite Technology), boosts both speed and spin potential while preserving the crucial tactile feedback needed for aggressive play. This balance creates a versatile tool for players developing an all-around game, especially those focused on powerful looping and controlled attacking strokes.
This 5-ply all-wood construction uses maple as the outer plies, which contributes significantly to the blade's feel and spin potential. The specific types of inner wood plies are not detailed in available information.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Maplewood NCT V is fast for a 5-ply wood blade, though it doesn't reach the highest offensive categories. Our testing shows it delivers ample speed for offensive play, slightly trailing carbon blades, and can produce a noticeable catapult effect when stroked with full power.
Control is a primary strength of this blade, consistently rated high by players. It enables precise shot execution and reliable placement, making it an excellent choice for attackers who prioritize accuracy in their game.
Maplewood NCT V delivers a nuanced feel that is soft and flexible overall, providing comfort at the palm. Yet it also offers sharp, clear feedback at the index finger for precise stroke execution, creating a responsive and tactile experience.
Maplewood NCT V produces a long trajectory, especially on spinny balls, suggesting a medium-high throw angle that helps create deep, arcing loops that challenge opponents.
This blade excels in dwell time, with its soft nature and deep ball-holding capabilities allowing players to impart significant spin and maintain extended contact with the ball.
The blade is frequently described as flexible and soft, which contributes directly to its excellent dwell time and spin-generating capabilities for controlled yet powerful strokes.
Players report noticeable vibration that many find enhances touch and contributes to a catapult effect on powerful shots, though some may find it pronounced during certain strokes.
Maplewood NCT V is generally considered well-crafted with quality wood materials. The integration of NCT technology and reports of durability and a pleasant feel indicate solid manufacturing standards and good build quality.
Technology
Maplewood NCT V incorporates Stiga's NCT (Nano Composite Technology), which integrates nano-composite materials into the wood layers during manufacturing. This technology aims to enhance the blade's properties—increasing speed, spin potential, and durability—while carefully preserving the natural wood feel that players value. The result is a more versatile offensive blade that generates power and spin more effectively than traditional all-wood constructions.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Xu Xin
While Xu Xin is famously associated with the Stiga Rosewood NCT V during his rise to World No. 1, there's no direct evidence of professional match use of the Maplewood NCT V. However, as a top Chinese player signed by Stiga who favors high-end wood blades, it's plausible he tested or used similar blades like the Maplewood NCT V in training scenarios.
Similar Blades
Stiga Rosewood NCT V
Rosewood NCT V is a direct sibling in Stiga's hardwood series, often compared to the Maplewood version. While the Rosewood is described as slightly faster and softer, Maplewood NCT V offers an even deeper ball hold and unique feel. Both provide excellent control and are favored by offensive players, making them viable alternatives depending on preference for specific feel and dwell time characteristics.
Butterfly Korbel
Butterfly Korbel serves as a benchmark for 5-ply wood blades. TTSensei experts note that Stiga's Rosewood NCT V shares similarities with the Korbel, and by extension, Maplewood NCT V—with its comparable characteristics—can be considered an alternative for players seeking a similar classic wood feel with Stiga's distinctive touch and feedback.