Weight
85g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Optimum Plus
Stiga Optimum Plus is an offensive table tennis blade built for players who want a powerful yet controlled game. Its 5-ply all-wood construction uses the same outer layers as the classic Stiga Offensive Classic but is enhanced with Stiga's Crystal Technology. This surface hardening process boosts speed and creates a lighter, crisper feel. The blade delivers a direct, explosive response perfect for aggressive looping and hitting from mid-distance, while its soft-medium touch aids spin-heavy serves and precise short play.
The blade uses a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. The outer plies are the same as those on the Stiga Offensive Classic. A thicker 'power ply' replaces the spruce layer found in the Classic, contributing to increased speed and a harder feel while maintaining the all-wood character. Crystal Technology is applied to the surface of these outer layers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Optimum Plus is designed for offensive speed, outpacing its predecessor and the classic Offensive Classic. The Crystal Technology hardens the surface, enabling explosive acceleration and fast shots. While not a carbon composite, its speed rivals some hybrid blades, making it a powerful choice for aggressive attacking play from mid to long distance.
Despite its focus on speed, Optimum Plus maintains very good control. Players report it offers surprising precision and is faster yet more controllable than some composite blades. The trade-off is that the hardened surface demands earlier timing on soft shots and delicate short game touches, requiring a slight adjustment in technique.
Optimum Plus presents a unique feel that blends a soft-medium base with a crisp, direct response from the hardened surface. This aids spin generation and touch but requires earlier timing on loops and can make drop shots play longer. It's a distinct sensation that differs from a traditional soft all-wood blade.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for creating aggressive, arcing loops with plenty of topspin, which complements its offensive design and speed characteristics.
Dwell time is estimated to be medium. The soft-medium core wood provides a good foundation for holding the ball and generating spin, though the surface-hardening Crystal Technology may slightly reduce dwell compared to a purely traditional construction, resulting in a balanced contact.
Flexibility is estimated as medium. As a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade, it has a characteristic flex. The Crystal Technology may contribute to a slightly firmer, more direct feel than a traditional 5-ply, but it is not described as exceptionally stiff.
Vibration is estimated at a medium level. The blade offers a crisp, direct feedback. Being all-wood, some natural vibration is present, but the Crystal Technology's hardening effect likely creates a cleaner, slightly more muted feel than a completely untreated wood surface.
This blade features solid finishing quality and robust construction. The use of high-quality woods and Stiga's manufacturing processes, including the integrated Crystal Technology, results in a well-built, durable product that feels reliable and consistent in hand.
Technology
Stiga's Crystal Technology (CT) is the defining feature. This unique process hardens the blade's surface, significantly increasing speed and creating a lighter, crisper feel. Combined with using the same outer plies as the Offensive Classic and a thicker 'power ply' in the core, the technology aims to deliver enhanced offensive power with a direct response, setting it apart from traditional all-wood blades.
Similar Blades
Stiga Optimum Sync
The Optimum Sync is a close relative, often considered a predecessor. Optimum Plus is notably faster, while the Sync is slightly lighter and may offer a touch more dwell time. Choose the Sync if you prioritize a lighter, slightly slower blade with potentially more feeling; choose the Plus for maximum offensive speed within this family.
Stiga Offensive Classic
Sharing the same outer plies, these blades have a familial connection. Offensive Classic provides a more traditional, softer, and flexier all-wood feel with slightly less outright speed. Optimum Plus, with its Crystal Technology and different core, delivers a crisper, harder, and faster response. It's the modern, power-oriented evolution of that classic concept.