Stiga Carbonado 145 vs Stiga Emerald VPS V: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Carbonado 145 | Stiga Emerald VPS V | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Stiff, hard outer surface with medium throw angle and large sweet spot |
| handle | FL/ST (also offered as Legend and penhold) | Flared (FL), also available in ST and Chinese pen |
| plies | 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon (5+2 composite) with the carbon fibers laid at a 45 degree angle for torsional bendability | 5-ply all wood (Ebenholz/dark outer, VPS-treated middle veneers) |
| speed | OFF+ | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| weight_g | 85 | 98 |
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The Carbonado 145 is a stiff, fast carbon composite with wood-like vibration from thin TeXtreme carbon layers, delivering mid-distance power and aggressive blocking. The Emerald VPS V is pure all-wood at OFF+ speed with VPS treatment for dwell, designed for counter-looping and consistent flat drives.
Both target advanced intermediate to competitive attackers seeking maximum speed. The Carbonado 145 is discontinued but was beloved for its balance of speed, consistency, and wood-like feel in a carbon package. The Emerald offers pure-wood appeal with premium build quality. The Carbonado 145 is slightly faster and more aggressive; the Emerald is softer with more dwell for looping. Choose the Emerald if you can source a Carbonado 145, as it represents a classic carbon option.
FAQ
Why is the Carbonado 145 discontinued?
Stiga shifted production toward newer models. The 145 is now hard to source, making pricing variable on secondhand markets.
Which is more forgiving?
The Emerald has a larger sweet spot and large sweet spot. The Carbonado 145 is stiff and demanding.
Which has more wood-like feel?
The Carbonado 145 despite its carbon layers has lab-confirmed wood-like vibration. The Emerald is pure all-wood.
Which is better for topspin looping?
The Emerald with VPS treatment is superior for dwell and consistent looping.
Are they equally stiff?
The Carbonado 145 is stiff and linear. The Emerald is stiff but has slightly more give in the VPS-treated layers.