Stiga Allround Classic vs Stiga Carbonado 290: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Allround Classic | Stiga Carbonado 290 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | soft, high control | very stiff, hard, crisp and direct carbon feel with a high-pitched sound; fast and linear with a low throw |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W | 5 wood + 2 carbon (7-ply), TeXtreme carbon |
| speed | ALL | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.1 | 6.2 |
| type | — | OFF+ |
| weight_g | 75 | 95 |
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These two Stiga blades could hardly be more different. The Allround Classic is a soft 5-ply all-wood blade rated ALL, prized for class-leading control, long dwell and honest feedback that genuinely helps you learn strokes and master touch play. Light at around 75 grams, it is hugely versatile by rubber choice and offers outstanding value and longevity.
The Carbonado 290 is a true OFF+ blade with 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon plies, delivering extreme power, very stable blocking and long, low loop drives. It is stiff, heavier at around 95 grams and throws very low, which can cause netting until you adapt your angle, and it sits at the premium end of the market.
If you are building technique or play a control-first all-round or blocking game, the Allround Classic is the clear choice, since the slow, soft, high-dwell feel gives back exactly what you put in. If you are an advanced attacker who finishes points with hard drives and smashes, the stiff, fast Carbonado 290 supplies the pace the Classic deliberately withholds. With a rating around 8.4, the Allround Classic remains a benchmark for learning, while the carbon 290 is a finishing weapon for seasoned players.
FAQ
Which Stiga blade is better for beginners?
The Allround Classic, by a wide margin. Its soft all-wood feel, long dwell and high control make it one of the best blades to learn correct strokes on.
How big is the speed gap?
Large. The Allround Classic is rated ALL and supplies little inherent power, while the Carbonado 290 is a true OFF+ carbon blade built for speed and finishing.
Which is lighter?
The Allround Classic is much lighter at around 75 grams versus around 95 grams for the stiffer Carbonado 290.
Can the Allround Classic be made more offensive?
Yes. It is versatile by rubber choice, so mounting faster tensor rubbers adds pace, though it will never match the inherent OFF+ power of the Carbonado 290.