Weight
85g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Offensive CR WRB
Stiga Offensive CR WRB is an attacking blade built for fast, technical play. It merges the classic Stiga feel with modern speed enhancements from its CR and WRB technologies. This 5-ply all-wood design provides a balanced mix of speed and control, ideal for offensive players executing powerful drives and loops. The WRB system shifts the center of gravity toward the contact point for increased power and quicker recovery, while the CR treatment hardens the outer veneers to boost speed. Its lightweight nature ensures excellent maneuverability and swift directional changes.
This is a standard 5-ply all-wood construction. While Stiga does not disclose specific wood types for this model, such blades commonly use Limba or similar woods for outer plies and softer woods like Kiri for the core to balance speed, feel, and flexibility. The CR treatment is applied to the outer veneers to increase hardness and speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Offensive CR WRB is a fast blade, with TTSensei experts noting scores around 8.0/10. The CR system hardens the outer veneers, increasing speed potential, and the WRB system's weight balance provides a noticeable boost over traditional all-wood blades. This makes it well-suited for aggressive, fast-paced play, especially from mid-distance.
Despite its offensive focus, Offensive CR WRB retains good control, a hallmark of Stiga's touch. The 5-ply construction and inherent flexibility offer decent dwell time for controlled blocks, chops, and placement shots. While not as controlled as a pure defensive blade, it provides a solid platform for developing and advanced players who can manage its speed.
The CR treatment hardens the outer veneers, contributing to a medium-hard feel. However, the 5-ply wood construction and WRB system's effect on vibration still provide a tactile connection to the ball. Players describe it as having great touch with a hardness surface that offers good feedback.
The combination of CR treatment and the blade's inherent characteristics results in a medium-low to low throw angle. This benefits players who prefer flatter, faster shots and loops with less arc, making it effective for mid-distance attacking and direct topspin.
This blade offers respectable dwell time, allowing for good spin generation on loops. The flexibility of the 5-ply wood, even with CR treatment, lets the ball sink into the blade to create spin, which is crucial for heavy topspin and aggressive looping.
Despite the CR treatment, the blade is described as very flexible. This flexibility contributes to a high catapult effect, making it easier to generate power on loops. It also aids in control for blocking and creates a good gearing effect for spin variations.
The WRB system's hollow handle can introduce a moderate amount of vibration. Some players find this enhances feel and sensitivity, while others might perceive it as slightly more than desired. It's generally considered medium, contributing to a lively feel without being excessive.
Stiga is renowned for quality manufacturing, and Offensive CR WRB lives up to that reputation. Players report praise for its construction, feel, and durability. The combination of fine wood veneers and CR treatment results in a blade that feels solid and well-balanced in hand.
Technology
Stiga Offensive CR WRB incorporates two key technologies. The CR (Crystal) System applies a special UV-finish or hardening process to the outer wood veneers, increasing speed and hardness without compromising the wood's natural feel. The WRB (Weight Balance) System features a hollowed-out handle that shifts the blade's center of gravity closer to the impact point, resulting in faster returns, increased power, enhanced sensitivity, and improved maneuverability due to lighter overall weight.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Liqin
Wang Liqin, a world-class offensive player known for his powerful forehand loop and flat hits, used versions of the Offensive Classic CR. The Offensive CR WRB would have suited his aggressive, fast-paced style, providing necessary speed and spin for attacking play, while the WRB system could have offered enhanced power and quicker recovery.
Similar Blades
Stiga Offensive Classic WRB
Stiga Offensive Classic WRB shares the same 5-ply all-wood construction and WRB system but lacks the CR treatment. This makes it slightly slower and less stiff than the Offensive CR WRB, offering more dwell time and a potentially softer feel. It's a good option for players who prioritize control and feel over raw speed.
Stiga Allround Classic CR WRB
This blade is a 5-ply all-wood construction with both CR and WRB technologies, classified as an Allround blade. It offers more control and dwell time than the Offensive CR WRB, with less speed. It's suitable for players transitioning to offensive play or those preferring a balanced approach between offense and defense, while still benefiting from CR speed enhancement.