Plies
5-ply
Head Size
nullxnull
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Stellan Bengtsson
Stiga Stellan Bengtsson is a classic 5-ply all-wood table tennis blade that honors the legacy of the Swedish World Champion. Introduced in the 1970s, it embodies a traditional playing style focused on exceptional feel and control. With a medium-hard feel, it strikes a perfect balance between dwell time for spin generation and a crisp response for counter-attacks. Renowned for its consistent performance, this blade is a reliable choice for players who appreciate a classic, all-around game with a strong emphasis on touch and precise placement. Its timeless design and enduring quality make it a sought-after piece for both collectors and players who value heritage in their equipment.
A classic 5-ply all-wood construction featuring Limba outer and inner layers with an Abachi core, offering balanced feel and excellent dwell time crucial for generating spin and controlling the ball. This composition is typical of traditional Stiga blades that emphasize natural feedback and playing feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stiga Stellan Bengtsson offers a speed rating around 7.9, placing it at the upper end of the Allround category and bordering on offensive. While not a speed demon by modern standards, it provides sufficient pace for offensive shots, especially when paired with faster rubbers. Its strength lies in balanced speed that supports controlled offensive play without sacrificing touch.
Control is a major strength of this blade, consistently rated around 9.0. This exceptional control comes from its excellent feel and dwell time, allowing players to precisely place shots, execute spin variations, and maintain consistency throughout rallies. It's ideal for players who prioritize placement and spin over raw power.
Players report a crisp, responsive feel with excellent feedback. The blade offers a good blend of ball contact and responsiveness, allowing players to feel the ball well for spin and placement while providing a solid foundation for offensive strokes. Some users note it has slightly more vibration and flex compared to modern replicas.
The combination of medium flexibility and excellent dwell time creates a medium-high throw angle, particularly beneficial for looping and topspin shots. This trajectory makes it easier to clear the net and land attacking shots deep on the opponent's side while maintaining good control.
The all-wood construction and moderate flexibility contribute to excellent dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for enhanced spin generation on serves and loops. This characteristic is crucial for players who rely on spin to control the game and create attacking opportunities.
Stiga Stellan Bengtsson possesses moderate flexibility, striking a balance between the stiffness needed for power and the elasticity required for feeling and spin. This pliability allows for good absorption of ball impact, contributing significantly to its control and dwell time characteristics.
The blade exhibits a medium level of vibration that contributes to its excellent feedback. This allows players to clearly feel the ball's impact, aiding in shot execution and adjustment. While present, the vibration is generally considered manageable and beneficial for developing touch and control.
Built with the renowned craftsmanship of vintage Stiga, the Stellan Bengtsson blade demonstrates high quality. Selected wood veneers and traditional construction methods result in a durable, well-crafted instrument that has stood the test of time. This attention to detail makes it both a reliable playing tool and a desirable collector's item.
Technology
Stiga Stellan Bengtsson represents traditional Swedish table tennis craftsmanship at its finest. Manufactured in Sweden with its rich table tennis heritage, these blades were often handmade with emphasis on quality wood selection and precise veneer construction. The 5-ply all-wood design is a hallmark of classic blades, allowing for natural feel and direct feedback. This approach prioritizes player feel and control—a stark contrast to modern blades that incorporate synthetic materials for increased speed. The blade was specifically designed to embody Stellan Bengtsson's playing style, focusing on balanced performance that supports spin-oriented play, precise placement, and consistent rallies through finesse rather than brute force.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Stellan Bengtsson
Stellan Bengtsson is intrinsically linked to this blade, as it was designed and named in his honor to reflect his playing style and success. As the first Swede to win the World Championships in singles in 1971, Bengtsson was known for exceptional touch, control, and spin artistry. This blade was crafted to provide the characteristics he favored: excellent dwell time for spin generation, precise placement, and high-level feedback for nuanced play, enabling him to execute his strategic game at the highest level of competition.
Similar Blades
Stiga Offensive Classic
Stiga Offensive Classic is often mentioned alongside Stellan Bengtsson, sharing a similar era of production and Stiga's traditional all-wood 5-ply construction. Both blades are known for excellent feel, control, and suitability for spin-based play, making them good alternatives for players seeking classic feel. While the Offensive Classic might lean slightly more toward offensive capabilities, both offer balanced all-around performance that appeals to players who appreciate traditional blade characteristics.
Stiga Allround Classic
Stiga Allround Classic is another foundational blade from Stiga's heritage, sharing the 5-ply all-wood construction and strong emphasis on control and feel. It's often considered a slightly slower and more controlled counterpart to Stellan Bengtsson. Players looking for similar classic feel and excellent touch for short game and spin development would find Allround Classic a comparable option, though perhaps less offensive-oriented than the Bengtsson blade.