Weight
80g
Thickness
5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157.5x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Allround Classic
Stiga Allround Classic is a legendary 5-ply all-wood blade that has defined allround performance since 1967. Renowned for its exceptional balance of speed, control, and feel, it has sold over a million units worldwide. This versatile tool is a benchmark for players developing technique and adapting to various styles. Its consistent, forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners and intermediates, while its inherent control allows advanced players to dictate the game's pace. The classic aesthetic and reliable feel contribute to its enduring appeal.
A classic symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction, featuring Limba outer plies for a touch of speed and Ayous inner plies for a soft feel and excellent dwell time. This combination is characteristic of many successful allround blades and provides a consistent, predictable response.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stiga Allround Classic is designed for control and feel rather than outright speed. Its inherent speed is moderate, but players can generate decent pace when using faster rubbers or employing more forceful strokes, leveraging the blade's natural flexibility. Our testing shows it provides enough power for allround play without sacrificing the touch that makes it so popular.
Control is the defining characteristic of the Allround Classic. Its soft feel, long dwell time, and forgiving nature make it incredibly easy to place shots accurately and manage rallies. This high level of control is invaluable for developing players and allows experienced players to dictate the game's tempo with confidence, making every stroke feel intentional and precise.
The blade offers a soft, woody feel with clear vibration feedback, allowing players to feel the ball distinctly on contact. This tactile connection provides a velvety sensation that aids in developing proper technique and understanding ball interaction, making it very forgiving.
The combination of its flexible nature and long dwell time creates a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for generating topspin and placing shots with a confident arc over the net, ideal for loop-oriented play.
The 5-ply all-wood construction provides significant dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade surface. This enhances spin generation and control, particularly for looping and controlled shots where holding the ball a fraction longer makes a noticeable difference.
Allround Classic possesses a good degree of flexibility due to its all-wood construction. This flexibility contributes to its dwell time, spin-friendly characteristics, and ability to absorb pace effectively during defensive play, giving it a lively yet controlled response.
It offers a medium level of vibration, providing clear feedback to the player without being jarring. This helps in understanding the impact and optimizing stroke execution. Some players note a slightly muted feeling at times, but generally, the vibration is seen as beneficial for control and feel.
Stiga Allround Classic is consistently praised for its excellent build quality, reflecting its Swedish manufacturing heritage. Players often remark on the blade's consistent feel and durability, even after many years of use or being passed down through generations. It's a well-made classic that stands the test of time.
Technology
Stiga Allround Classic utilizes decades of table tennis manufacturing experience from its Swedish facility. Its technology lies in the precise selection and layering of five high-quality wood veneers. This traditional construction method, honed over time, results in a blade with a perfect balance of speed, control, and feel. Variants like the WRB system (hollow handle) have been introduced to optimize weight distribution and enhance speed and sensitivity, showcasing Stiga's continuous refinement of this classic design while maintaining its core identity.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jörgen Persson
Legendary Swedish player and former world No. 1 Jörgen Persson used the Stiga Allround Classic during his career in the 1990s. The blade's versatility, exceptional control, and ability to adapt to different situations perfectly complemented his adaptable and technically proficient all-round style, contributing to his numerous national and international titles.
Peter Karlsson
Highly successful Swedish player Peter Karlsson also utilized the Stiga Allround Classic. His all-round playstyle, marked by technical prowess and versatility, aligned well with the blade's characteristics. It provided him with the control needed for his varied game and the feel to execute shots effectively, supporting his multiple championship wins.
Desmond Douglas
Renowned player and 11-time national champion Desmond Douglas formally used the Stiga Allround Classic. Its reputation as a benchmark for quality and workmanship made it a trusted choice. He benefited from the blade's excellent control and feel, which were crucial for his competitive play and numerous victories.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Extra
Yasaka Sweden Extra is often recommended as a comparable allwood blade. Like the Allround Classic, it is known for its excellent control, feel, and allround capabilities. Players who appreciate the classic feel and balanced performance may find the Sweden Extra to be a very similar alternative, offering a slightly different but equally effective playing experience.
Stiga Allround Evolution
Stiga Allround Evolution is considered an upgrade to the Classic. It aims to provide more speed and a slightly more offensive mindset while retaining much of the control and feel. For players who have mastered the Allround Classic and seek a bit more power without sacrificing too much control, the Evolution is a natural next step.
Yasaka All-round
This blade is frequently mentioned as being fundamentally similar to the Stiga Allround Classic. It shares the same 5-ply all-wood construction offering excellent control and feel, making it a direct competitor and a suitable alternative for players who enjoy that specific playing style.