Butterfly Viscaria vs Stiga Carbonado 45: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Viscaria | Stiga Carbonado 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | medium-hard | Moderately stiff with deep reverberating vibrations; more wood-like dwell than typical carbon blades; high throw angle |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | Straight/Flared/Anatomic (coal-grey dyed wood) |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | 7-ply with TeXtreme carbon (5 wood + 2 carbon at 45-degree angle) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.7mm |
| weight_g | 87 | 85-91g |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Butterfly Viscaria (9.0) is an elite-tier arylate-carbon blade delivering deep power, quick crisp release, and proven championship pedigree (carried Fan Zhendong to a treble early in his career). The Stiga Carbonado 45 (8.4) prioritizes wood-like feel, informative vibrations, and a high throw angle optimized for heavy topspin loops and spin-heavy close-to-table play.
Both play OFF speed and weigh similarly (87g and 85-91g), but pursue opposite design philosophies. Viscaria is forgiving and consistent for a carbon blade despite demanding an active stroke, offering versatility across looping, blocking, flat hitting, pushing, and short game—a proven elite choice. Carbonado 45 is deliberately slower than most carbon blades, trading speed for wood-like feel and consistency, with outstanding short game and drop shots but lacking pace on smashes and requiring extra effort from mid-distance. Viscaria’s deep power and large sweet spot suit players with complete loop-driving strokes; Carbonado 45’s high throw angle and spin-heavy design suit loop-dominant specialists playing close to the table. The expense differential is significant: Viscaria is premium tier internationally and well over 1000 RMB at home, demanding an active stroke to unlock its deep power, while Carbonado 45 is more accessible and emphasizes feel and control.
Choose Viscaria if you are an attacking shakehand player with complete technique seeking high-ceiling power and versatility. Choose Carbonado 45 if you are loop-dominant, prioritize spin and consistency, and value wood-like feel over raw speed.
FAQ
Which is better for deep power?
Viscaria (9.0 rating) delivers deep power and quick crisp release, carrying proven championship pedigree. Carbonado 45 is slower than most carbon blades.
Which is more versatile?
Viscaria excels across looping, blocking, flat hitting, pushing, and short game. Carbonado 45 specializes in loop-dominant, spin-heavy play close to the table.
Which is more forgiving?
Viscaria is unusually forgiving for a carbon blade with a large sweet spot. Carbonado 45 also excels at consistency but with a different (wood-like) feel.
Which is better value?
Carbonado 45 offers better value. Viscaria commands premium pricing as elite-tier equipment.