Nittaku Acoustic vs Stiga Carbonado 45: Which Should You Buy?
| Nittaku Acoustic | Stiga Carbonado 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | Crisp all-wood feel with a large sweet spot, long dwell and a signature acoustic sound | Moderately stiff with deep reverberating vibrations; more wood-like dwell than typical carbon blades; high throw angle |
| handle | FL/ST | Straight/Flared/Anatomic (coal-grey dyed wood) |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer veneers over a tung and ayous core) | 7-ply with TeXtreme carbon (5 wood + 2 carbon at 45-degree angle) |
| speed | OFF- | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.7mm |
| weight_g | 88 | 85-91g |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Nittaku Acoustic (8.7 rating) is class-leading all-wood control with class-leading feel: large sweet spot, long dwell, crisp acoustic sound, and excellent spin for an OFF- all-wood blade. It flatters a wide range of rubbers and suits players who prioritize control, feel, and short-game touch over raw speed. The Stiga Carbonado 45 (8.4 rating) is a carbon blade with wood-like feel, clearly felt vibrations, wide sweet spot, high throw angle for topspin, and outstanding short game. Both rate OFF-range speed, but Carbonado adds carbon for genuine speed while Acoustic stays pure all-wood.
Acoustic excels at feedback and control; Carbonado balances wood-like feel with carbon pace. Acoustic is premium-priced all-wood; Carbonado offers carbon speed without losing feel. Acoustic’s standard flared handle runs small, demanding grip tape for larger hands; Carbonado’s multiple handle options include Anatomic. Acoustic generates more raw spin on loops; Carbonado aids topspin through its high throw angle. Both suit loop-dominant, spin-heavy styles close to the table, but Acoustic is lighter and crisper while Carbonado is moderate and stiff.
Choose Acoustic if you are intermediate-to-advanced, value pure all-wood feel and feedback above carbon speed, and play mid-distance looping. Choose Carbonado if you want genuine carbon pace while retaining wood-like vibrations and high-throw-angle looping.
FAQ
Which is faster?
Both rate OFF-range. Carbonado feels slightly faster due to carbon; Acoustic feels lighter and crisper but maxes out at OFF-.
Which has more spin?
Acoustic has excellent spin across distances through pure wood. Carbonado’s high throw angle aids topspin loops but does not peak as high.
Which feels more like wood?
Acoustic is pure all-wood with signature crisp acoustic sound. Carbonado is carbon but with wood-like vibrations and dwell that exceed typical carbon.
Which is better for short game?
Both excel at short game. Acoustic offers class-leading feel; Carbonado offers outstanding consistency and drop-shot control.
Which is easier for larger hands?
Carbonado offers multiple handle options including Anatomic. Acoustic’s flared handle runs small; larger hands typically need grip tape or the LG version.