Stiga Allround Classic vs Stiga Carbonado 45: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Allround Classic | Stiga Carbonado 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | soft, high control | 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 | 7-ply with TeXtreme carbon (5 wood + 2 carbon at 45-degree angle) |
| speed | ALL | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.1 | 5.7mm |
| weight_g | 75 | 85-91g |
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The Allround Classic is a teaching tool and a timeless entry blade — slow by design, with exceptional control, high dwell, and honest feedback that builds your stroke foundation. The Carbonado 45 is a modern loop specialist using carbon to preserve wood-like feel while adding stiffness for topspin — fast enough for advanced play but not a true speed blade. These occupy entirely different points on the skill and style spectrum.
The Classic will feel soft and rewarding, asking you to supply all the pace; the Carbonado gives you more inherent speed while maintaining vibration and spin consistency. The Classic suits beginners and control-oriented blockers; the Carbonado is for advanced looping attackers who play close to the table. The Classic’s great versatility — simply swap rubbers to change styles — makes it a long-term keeper; the Carbonado demands specific, spin-focused play. If you are building technique and value a blade that lasts years, the Classic wins. If you want to loop at a competitive level with premium feel, the Carbonado is the better tool.
FAQ
Which is faster?
The Carbonado 45 (OFF speed) is noticeably faster than the Classic (ALL speed). The Carbonado still lacks the pace of most true carbon blades and requires extra physical effort for power shots from mid-distance.
Which is better for beginners?
The Allround Classic is purpose-built for beginners — slow, forgiving, and feedback-rich to help you learn. The Carbonado is for advanced players and will feel too demanding and punishing for new players.
Which has a bigger sweet spot?
The Allround Classic has a medium-small sweet spot that asks you to supply pace and good contact. The Carbonado 45 has a wider sweet spot and excellent stability, especially in blocking.
Which lasts longer as a player’s blade?
The Allround Classic is a legendary long-term keeper — many players stay with it for years, mounting faster rubbers as they improve. The Carbonado is more specialized and may become limiting as your game develops.