Butterfly Freitas ALC vs Stiga Carbonado 145: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Freitas ALC | Stiga Carbonado 145 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft | stiff, direct and rather linear with a large sweet spot, but the very thin TeXtreme layers keep the vibration close to a 5-ply all-wood blade |
| handle | Flared/Straight/Anatomic | FL/ST (also offered as Legend and penhold) |
| plies | 5+2 arylate carbon (ALC) outer — Limba-ALC-Limba-Ayous-Limba-ALC-Limba | 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon (5+2 composite) with the carbon fibers laid at a 45 degree angle for torsional bendability |
| speed | OFF | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| weight_g | 88 | 85 |
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Freitas and Carbonado 145 are both outer-carbon blades, but Carbonado 145 (OFF+, 85g) is noticeably faster and stiffer than Freitas (OFF, 88g). Carbonado 145’s lab-verified wood-like vibration is remarkable for a carbon blade, but it demands clean contact and solid technique. Freitas is softer, more forgiving, and better for heavy topspin loops.
Freitas suits loopers prioritizing dwell and spin consistency. Carbonado 145 is the aggressive two-wing attacker’s choice: stiff, fast, and unforgiving. Carbonado 145’s now-discontinued status makes sourcing difficult; Freitas offers modern availability and reliability. Freitas is the safer intermediate choice; Carbonado 145 is the premium option for advanced attackers willing to adapt to its demanding character.
FAQ
What does lab-verified wood-like vibration mean for my game?
It means Carbonado 145 provides more feedback and communication than typical carbon blades—closer to all-wood feel. For experienced players, this enables better shot selection. For developing players, Freitas’ softer feedback is more reassuring.
Is Carbonado 145 harder to control than Freitas?
Yes. Carbonado 145 is stiffer, faster, and less forgiving on off-center hits. Freitas is more accommodating for players still developing consistency. If control is priority, choose Freitas.
Should I hunt for Carbonado 145 if it’s discontinued?
Only if you’re an advanced player who genuinely values its stiff, fast character and wood-like feedback. For most developing players, Freitas offers better current availability and easier playability.