Butterfly Hadraw VK vs Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Hadraw VK | Stiga Intensity NCT Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| feel | flexible, high dwell, natural wood feedback | medium-soft, good dwell, large sweet spot |
| handle | FL / ST / AN (Shakehand) | Flared, Anatomic, Straight, Chinese Penhold |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (Koto outer, Hinoki, Kiri, Ayous core) | 5 wood + 2 carbon NCT |
| speed | OFF- | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.9 |
| weight_g | 84 | 82 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Intensity NCT Carbon is a beginner-friendly first carbon blade, while Hadraw VK is for intermediate-to-advanced control players prioritizing spin. Intensity uses NCT carbon layers with medium-soft feel and a large, forgiving sweetspot, making it excellent for dwell-heavy loops. Hadraw is all-wood, maximum dwell, lighter at 84g, and more purely tactile.
Intensity is ideal for players transitioning from all-wood to carbon who want to maintain dwell and feel. Hadraw suits those who reject carbon and want true natural wood feedback. Both excel close-to-mid-table with topspin. Intensity at 82g weighs less than many carbons, aiding maneuverability. Hadraw’s greater flexibility rewards brush technique more richly. For players with solid fundamentals seeking their first carbon, Intensity is more approachable. For dwell purists, Hadraw has no substitute.
FAQ
Is Intensity a beginner blade?
Not for absolute beginners, but good for intermediate players transitioning to carbon. Requires solid stroke fundamentals.
Which has better dwell?
Hadraw significantly. Intensity compensates with large sweetspot; Hadraw’s dwell is tactilely superior.
Speed comparison?
Both OFF-. Intensity slightly faster due to carbon layers; Hadraw more elastic feel.
Carbon vs all-wood feel?
Intensity: crisp carbon with decent dwell. Hadraw: warm, woody, rich natural feedback.
Which is cheaper?
Hadraw typically 60-80 USD. Intensity NCT Carbon 90-110 USD.