Sanwei Nova Carbon vs Stiga Clipper Wood: Which Should You Buy?
| Sanwei Nova Carbon | Stiga Clipper Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | stiff, linear, direct | solid, medium-stiff, hard fast all-wood with a big sweetspot |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL/ST/AN/PEN |
| plies | 5-ply: Hinoki + carbon + Kiri core | 7W (all wood) - limba outer plies over an ayous core, no carbon or synthetic layers |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| weight_g | 90 (plus or minus 5g) | 90 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Nova Carbon is a stiff, linear intermediate option with Hinoki-carbon construction. It demands good contact and provides reliable feedback, but stiffness reduces dwell and forgiveness.
The Stiga Clipper Wood is a legendary 7-ply control blade with a rock-solid reputation spanning decades. Its big sweet spot and excellent blocking inspire confidence, and classic 7-ply feel pairs beautifully with faster rubbers. Trade-off: real-world speed sits in OFF despite its OFF+ reputation, and weight can exceed 90g causing fatigue. Both cost a fraction of flagship blades. Pick Nova for direct attack feedback; choose Clipper Wood for time-tested control and blocking authority.
FAQ
Which is faster?
Roughly equal — both around OFF speed. Clipper feels slower in passive play but gains pace with faster rubbers.
Which has a bigger sweet spot?
Stiga Clipper Wood. Its 7-ply all-wood design delivers a larger, more forgiving sweet spot.
Which blocks better?
Stiga Clipper Wood. Its solid, medium-stiff character and big sweet spot make blocking rock-solid and absorbing.
Weight and fatigue?
Clipper often runs near 90g which can fatigue over long sessions. Nova at 90 ±5g is lighter on average.
Best all-purpose control blade?
Stiga Clipper Wood. Its legendary reputation, versatility, and blocking make it a safer choice for all-round play.