Donic Waldner Legend Carbon vs Stiga Carbonado 145: Which Should You Buy?
| Donic Waldner Legend Carbon | Stiga Carbonado 145 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | Stiff, hard, linear with clear ball feedback | 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 | Concave (flared), Straight | FL/ST (also offered as Legend and penhold) |
| plies | 5-ply: kiso hinoki (outer) + carbon + kiri (core) + carbon + kiso hinoki | 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 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| weight_g | 84-85 | 85 |
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Both are advanced carbon blades at similar price and speed tier but with distinct feels. The Legend (8.3 rating, OFF+) is modern, stiff, and linear. The Stiga Carbonado 145 (8.4 rating, OFF+, discontinued) employed teXtreme carbon at 45-degree angle for wood-like vibration despite stiffness—a rarity in carbon design.
Both excel at aggressive blocking and mid-distance pace. Legend is available and consistent. Carbonado 145 (now discontinued, harder to source) was praised for communicative feedback that experienced players loved. Choose Legend for current availability and reliability; seek out Carbonado 145 if you value unique feedback character.
FAQ
Why is Carbonado 145 discontinued?
Stiga replaced it with improved Carbonado variants (45, 290). Discontinuation doesn’t reflect poor quality—it was well-regarded—just represents model evolution. Original units command collector interest now.
How different is the wood-like vibration?
Lab-confirmed surprising result: despite two TeXtreme carbon layers at 45-degree angles, vibration remained close to pure wood. This unique feel appealed to advanced players who wanted carbon speed with wood feedback—rare achievement.
Which is easier to source?
The Legend is readily available. Carbonado 145 is increasingly hard to find—inventory depleted as newer models replaced it. If sourcing matters, Legend wins by default.
Are they equally demanding?
Both demand advanced technique. Carbonado 145 was noted as unforgiving for inconsistent players; feedback clarity requires precise contact. The Legend is similarly demanding. Both suit advanced two-wing attackers.
Should I search for Carbonado 145 or buy Legend?
Buy Legend unless you specifically want 45-degree TeXtreme carbon character. Legend is faster available, cheaper, and equally well-made. Searching for discontinued Carbonado 145 is collector behavior, not practical primary blade choice.