Weight
88g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Rosewood XO
Stiga Rosewood XO is a premium 5-ply all-wood blade designed for offensive players who prioritize finesse and control. Featuring exclusive aged Rosewood outer veneers, it delivers a unique feel, exceptional touch, and a distinct smooth sound. Introduced around 2008, this blade offers a refined blend of speed and feeling that surpasses its predecessor, making it a favorite for players seeking a responsive and powerful wooden option. Its high-quality construction and aesthetic appeal support spin-oriented attacks and precise ball placement, catering to those who appreciate the nuanced performance of a classic wooden blade.
A classic 5-ply all-wood construction with Rosewood outer veneers for excellent feel, speed, and spin. The inner Ayous core and intermediate wood layers contribute to a balanced blend of flexibility and power, supporting dynamic offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rosewood XO delivers significant speed thanks to its offensive design and Rosewood outer veneers. Our testing shows it provides extra speed and feeling compared to earlier models, generating powerful shots while maintaining a well-balanced character. This makes it suitable for dynamic offensive play without being overwhelmingly fast, allowing skilled players to harness its pace effectively.
Despite its offensive capabilities, Rosewood XO is frequently praised for its excellent control. This stems from its flexible nature and the superior feel of the Rosewood outer plies. Players report good predictability in the short game and stable blocking, enabling precise ball placement and effective spin generation for consistent play.
Rosewood XO provides a distinct feel characterized by a smooth sound and solid contact. It offers a crisper, somewhat stiff outer veneer while maintaining good connection with the ball, allowing players to sense spin and power transfer effectively for a responsive touch.
The blade typically has a medium-high throw angle, which helps generate a good arc on topspin shots, allowing them to clear the net with sufficient height and dip onto the opponent's side for effective attacking play.
Dwell time is generally medium, allowing for good spin generation on strokes. The blade is flexible enough for producing effective spin on loops and aggressive topspin shots while remaining responsive for faster attacks, balancing feel and speed.
Rosewood XO is moderately flexible, with some describing it as stiff while others note it's softer and more flexible than related models. This flexibility aids in spin generation and provides a good feel for the ball across different stroke types.
Vibration levels are moderate, offering nice feedback without excessive harshness. This balance lets players feel the ball upon impact while maintaining control, contributing to an enjoyable and connected playing experience.
The blade is consistently described as having high-quality craftsmanship, featuring aged Rosewood, beautiful wood patterns, and excellent construction for a premium feel and durability. However, some users note inconsistencies in weight and feel between individual blades, suggesting potential variability in quality control that players should consider.
Technology
Stiga Rosewood XO features exclusive outer veneers of Rosewood that have been aged and seasoned since the introduction of the Rosewood line around 2008. This special aging process enhances the wood's natural properties, contributing to the blade's distinct feel, touch, and smooth sound. The use of high-quality wood and precise construction methods reflects Stiga's commitment to premium craftsmanship, offering offensive-minded players a refined and responsive playing experience with classic wooden performance.
Similar Blades
Stiga Rosewood NCT V
Rosewood NCT V is a closely related predecessor, often mentioned as offering a similar feel but with potentially less speed. Players looking for a classic wooden blade experience with slightly more control might consider the NCT V as a refined alternative.
Butterfly Korbel
Butterfly Korbel is a benchmark 5-ply all-wood offensive blade known for its control and feel. While distinct from the Rosewood XO, it serves as a solid alternative for players who appreciate a classic wooden blade with reliable performance and balanced characteristics.