Stiga Carbonado 145 vs Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Carbonado 145 | Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 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 | hard outer + soft core, linear |
| handle | FL/ST (also offered as Legend and penhold) | FL/ST/AN/CS |
| plies | 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon (5+2 composite) with the carbon fibers laid at a 45 degree angle for torsional bendability | 5W (all wood) |
| speed | OFF+ | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| weight_g | 85 | 88 |
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The Carbonado 145 is a stiff OFF+ 5+2 TeXtreme carbon blade with mid-distance power, a large sweet spot, strong two-wing blocking and wood-like feedback. It is unforgiving for players still building consistency and is now discontinued.
The Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is an all-wood OFF blade with a hard outer over a soft core, delivering outstanding consistency, pinpoint placement and a superb short game. It is light, has many gears and a large sweet spot, and offers unbeatable value, but it is linear with no carbon catapult, loses a touch far from the table, and demands a technically sound, aggressive stroke.
Choose the Carbonado 145 if you want carbon speed and aggressive blocking for close-to-mid offense. Choose the Ma Lin Extra Offensive if you are an offensive or control looper, including a traditional Chinese penholder, who prizes a superb short game, precise placement and all-wood value, and is happy to supply the power yourself.
FAQ
Which blade has the better short game?
The Ma Lin Extra Offensive is the short-game specialist, with a hard outer over a soft core giving easy ball placement and a superb touch. The Carbonado 145 leans toward attacking power and blocking.
Carbon or all-wood feel?
The Carbonado 145 is a 5+2 carbon blade kept wood-like by thin TeXtreme layers, while the Ma Lin Extra Offensive is fully all-wood with linear, catapult-free response.
Which is better far from the table?
The Carbonado 145 holds up better with its OFF+ carbon power. The Ma Lin Extra Offensive loses out a touch far back and can feel effortful there.
Are both suitable for penholders?
Yes. Both come in penhold-friendly options, and the Ma Lin Extra Offensive in particular suits traditional Chinese penhold players who want all-wood control and placement.