Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Optimum Sync
Stiga Optimum Sync is an advanced 7-ply all-wood blade engineered for players seeking a harmonious blend of power and finesse. It excels at generating heavy spin while offering precise control, making it a versatile choice for aggressive offensive players who also value tactical play. The blade provides a solid foundation for developing players and a reliable tool for seasoned professionals, empowering dynamic strokes and intricate shot-making with its consistent performance and exceptional feel.
It features a 7-ply all-wood construction with an Ayous core sandwiched between two layers of Koto, and outer Limba plies. This configuration is designed to provide a stiff yet elastic feel, promoting good speed and spin generation while maintaining a pleasant touch and feedback. The Limba outer plies contribute to a slightly softer feel at impact, enhancing dwell time and spin potential.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Optimum Sync is rated as a fast offensive blade. Its 7-ply all-wood construction provides a stiff feel that translates to good power for attacking shots like loops and drives. While not in the highest echelon of speed like some composite blades, it offers ample, well-balanced speed that allows for consistent and effective offensive execution without sacrificing control.
A standout feature is its excellent control. Despite its offensive capabilities, the blade offers a reassuring level of predictability, largely due to the significant dwell time provided by the all-wood construction. This allows players to feel the ball and make precise adjustments, excelling in placement, blocking, and soft touch shots for a varied game.
Optimum Sync offers a medium-hard feel, providing a good sense of the ball's impact without being overly harsh. The Limba outer plies give a touch of softness at initial contact, while the underlying 7-ply structure lends a firm and responsive character. This direct feedback is ideal for spin generation and precise shot-making.
The combination of speed, stiffness, and dwell time results in a medium-high throw angle. Powerful topspin shots tend to arc relatively high, providing a good margin for error when clearing the net, which is beneficial for players who like to loop over the table and engage in fast topspin rallies.
The 7-ply all-wood construction, particularly with the Limba and Ayous layers, creates significant dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade's surface longer, enabling players to impart maximum spin on serves and topspin shots. The extended contact also aids control during passive strokes like blocking and pushing.
This blade is on the stiffer side for an all-wood blade. The 7-ply construction with denser wood choices results in limited flex, which contributes to its speed and directness for powerful drives and smashes. It offers good dwell time for spin but lacks the noticeable flex of softer blades.
Designed with relatively low vibration, it contributes to a controlled feel. While fast, the construction minimizes excessive buzzing, offering a solid connection with the ball and only a mild, pleasant vibration feedback during powerful shots.
Stiga's renowned manufacturing quality is evident in the Optimum Sync. The blade exhibits excellent craftsmanship with precisely layered wood plies and a durable finish. The high-grade materials contribute to consistent performance and longevity, resulting in a well-built product that reliably withstands rigorous play.
Technology
Stiga Optimum Sync is built using advanced 7-ply all-wood technology focused on maximizing dwell time and spin while maintaining offensive power. The specific selection of wood veneers—Limba for the outer plies, Ayous for the core, and Koto for intermediate layers—is engineered to provide a unique feel and response. This precise layering and bonding process ensures consistency and durability, allowing players to rely on its performance characteristics over time.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
While not his primary blade, Zhang Jike was known to experiment with various Stiga blades. The Optimum Sync, with its emphasis on spin and control within an offensive framework, aligns with his powerful yet nuanced game style that relied heavily on aggressive topspin and precise placement. Its solid feel and good dwell time would have complemented his powerful forehand and tactical backhand.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
Stiga Clipper Wood is another classic 7-ply all-wood offensive blade. While the Optimum Sync offers a slightly softer feel and more emphasis on spin due to its Limba outer plies and specific internal wood selection, the Clipper Wood is known for its robust power and direct feel. Both blades are suitable for offensive players prioritizing spin and control, with the Optimum Sync potentially offering a bit more dwell time and a slightly more refined feel.