Butterfly Freitas ALC vs Stiga Clipper Wood: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Freitas ALC | Stiga Clipper Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | Medium-soft | solid, medium-stiff, hard fast all-wood with a big sweetspot |
| handle | Flared/Straight/Anatomic | FL/ST/AN/PEN |
| plies | 5+2 arylate carbon (ALC) outer — Limba-ALC-Limba-Ayous-Limba-ALC-Limba | 7W (all wood) - limba outer plies over an ayous core, no carbon or synthetic layers |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| weight_g | 88 | 90 |
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Freitas (OFF, carbon, 88g) and Clipper Wood (OFF, all-wood, 90g) both deliver solid all-round offensive platforms, but with contrasting feels. Freitas is faster, more consistent, and ready out-of-box. Clipper Wood is a heavier 7-ply blade delivering excellent control, forgiveness, and a large sweet spot—classic Stiga construction that’s stood the test of time.
Freitas suits competitive attackers ready to embrace carbon engineering and off-table pace. Clipper Wood suits players who value all-wood feedback, a confident sweet spot, and forgiving timing. Clipper Wood runs heavier (fatigue risk in long sessions) but offers superior short-game control and blocking. The Stiga splintering tendency is a known issue requiring sealing. For modern competitive play, Freitas wins; for control-focused or historically-minded players, Clipper Wood is an evergreen choice.
FAQ
Should I seal Clipper Wood against splintering?
Yes, many owners do. Known Stiga splintering tendency means sealing the top veneer extends blade life and prevents finish deterioration. It’s an investment but worth it for long-term durability.
Is Clipper Wood heavy for extended play?
At 90g, it’s on the heavy side. Players with smaller frames or those sensitive to fatigue may find extended sessions tiring. Freitas at 88g is lighter and easier to sustain through long training.
Which blade offers better short-game control?
Clipper Wood. Its all-wood construction, large sweet spot, and stable blocking response make it exceptional for pushes, flicks, and short-range touch. Freitas can handle short game well but isn’t its forte.