Stiga Carbonado 145 vs Stiga Carbonado 290: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Carbonado 145 | Stiga Carbonado 290 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | 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 | very stiff, hard, crisp and direct carbon feel with a high-pitched sound; fast and linear with a low throw |
| handle | FL/ST (also offered as Legend and penhold) | FL |
| plies | 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon (5+2 composite) with the carbon fibers laid at a 45 degree angle for torsional bendability | 5 wood + 2 carbon (7-ply), TeXtreme carbon |
| speed | OFF+ | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| type | — | OFF+ |
| weight_g | 85 | 95 |
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The Carbonado 145 and Carbonado 290 are close siblings, both stiff 5+2 TeXtreme carbon OFF+ blades, but they tune the formula differently. The 145 is a fast carbon engine with plenty of mid-distance power and lab-confirmed wood-like vibration despite its two carbon layers. It has a large, consistent sweet spot, very strong aggressive blocking on both wings and communicative feedback that experienced players love.
The Carbonado 290 pushes harder still, using doubled 200 gram TeXtreme carbon for extreme power, exceptional and very stable blocking and long, low loop drives. It carries more feel than many carbon blades but is stiff, heavier at around 95 grams versus around 85 grams for the 145, and throws very low, which can cause netting until you adapt.
Both demand solid technique and reward two-wing attackers, so the choice comes down to feel and availability. The 145 offers slightly more wood-like communication and a notably large sweet spot, while the 290 is the harder-hitting, more linear option. With a rating around 8.4 for the 145, both are premium-tier blades, but the now-discontinued 145 can be hard to source new, which often makes the 290 the more practical buy.
FAQ
How do these two Carbonados differ?
Both are stiff OFF+ carbon blades, but the 290 uses doubled 200 gram TeXtreme for more raw power and a lower throw, while the 145 leans on wood-like feedback and a large sweet spot.
Which has a bigger sweet spot?
The Carbonado 145 is noted for a large sweet spot that stays consistent even on off-center hits, making it a touch more forgiving than the 290.
Is the Carbonado 145 still available?
The 145 is now discontinued and hard to source new, so players often turn to the still-available Carbonado 290.
Which loops with more spin?
Neither is a spin specialist, and the 145 is noted to put less spin on loops than the softer Carbonado 45; both 145 and 290 favor stiff, direct, linear offense.