Weight
82g
Plies
9-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Optimum Carbo
Stiga Optimum Carbo is engineered for aggressive, offensive players who demand maximum speed and power. This 9-ply hybrid blade combines premium wood with ultra-thin carbon fiber layers, creating a stiff and fast playing surface with a large sweet spot. Featuring Stiga's Crystal Technology to harden the surface, it delivers a direct feel ideal for powerful drives, fast counter-attacks, and quick flicks. Designed in Sweden, it's a formidable weapon for players who prioritize explosive offense and can harness its high-speed potential.
The blade features a symmetrical 9-ply construction with five wood and four carbon layers. Thin carbon fiber plies are sandwiched between wood layers in this sequence, a design intended to maximize stiffness and speed while maintaining a structural balance and a larger effective sweet spot.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Optimum Carbo delivers exceptional speed, living up to its reputation as one of Stiga's fastest blades. The synergy of premium wood, multiple thin carbon layers, and Crystal Technology creates a very fast surface perfect for powerful drives and aggressive attacks. Players report it excels at dictating play with sheer pace, making it ideal for those who want to overwhelm opponents with speed.
Control here demands respect and skill. Rated 7.1, the blade's high speed and stiffness require precise technique and good touch to manage effectively. While advanced players with solid fundamentals can achieve good control, it requires conscious adaptation. Beginners or those with less developed touch may find it challenging, as the aggressive nature prioritizes power over forgiveness.
Optimum Carbo offers a relatively hard, direct feel due to its carbon construction and Crystal Technology. This enhances speed and power transfer, providing a clear connection to the ball. The trade-off is less cushioning compared to all-wood blades, which some players might perceive as a slightly hollow sensation on contact.
The combination of speed, stiffness, and carbon layers typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates powerful, arcing shots, especially when paired with modern inverted rubbers, allowing for aggressive loops and attacks over the table.
Dwell time is moderate, a result of the stiff construction from multiple carbon layers and Crystal Technology. It prioritizes speed and directness over extended ball contact. Players seeking heavy spin generation might pair it with softer rubbers to help compensate and create more dwell.
This blade is very stiff, a deliberate design choice from its carbon fiber composition and Crystal Technology. This rigidity is crucial for generating high speeds and a direct, immediate ball response, making it significantly less flexible than traditional wooden blades.
Vibration is noticeable but managed. The carbon layers and stiff build transmit more feedback than pure wood blades, but the multi-layer construction and Stiga's techniques help dampen excessive or unpleasant vibrations. The result is a direct, communicative feel that isn't overly harsh.
Optimum Carbo generally earns good marks for quality, reflecting its Swedish manufacturing and premium materials. The Crystal Technology application contributes to a durable playing surface. However, some players note the wood can be prone to chipping, suggesting careful handling is advisable to maintain its pristine condition over time.
Technology
Stiga Optimum Carbo incorporates Crystal Technology (CT), a unique surface hardening process that increases the blade's speed and performance by making the playing surface harder and more direct. Additionally, the blade features a sealed surface, which is beneficial for players who frequently change rubbers using speed glue. The core construction marries five layers of premium wood with four ultra-thin layers of carbon fiber, engineered to maximize power and create a large sweet spot.
Similar Blades
Stiga Carbo 7.6
Stiga Carbo 7.6 is another carbon-infused offensive blade often compared to the Optimum Carbo. Both are built for speed, but player discussions reveal differing opinions on which offers more control or raw pace. Some users find the Carbo 7.6's characteristics provide a preferable balance, making it a compelling alternative within Stiga's lineup.
Stiga Optimum Plus
Stiga Optimum Plus, from the same series, shares construction principles like 5 wood plies and Crystal Technology. While the Optimum Carbo is notably faster, the Optimum Plus offers a more balanced performance with slightly enhanced control and dwell time. It's a strong alternative for players who find the Carbo's extreme speed a bit too demanding.