Donic Appelgren Allplay vs Stiga Carbonado 290: Which Should You Buy?
| Donic Appelgren Allplay | Stiga Carbonado 290 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | medium, controlled | 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 (abachi core + limba) | 5 wood + 2 carbon (7-ply), TeXtreme carbon |
| speed | ALL | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| type | — | OFF+ |
| weight_g | 85 | 95 |
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These blades sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Donic Appelgren Allplay is a 5-ply abachi-and-limba blade rated ALL, with a medium controlled feel, outstanding consistency and forgiveness and great value as a do-everything learning blade. The Stiga Carbonado 290 is a stiff, hard TeXtreme carbon blade rated OFF+, with a crisp, direct, high-pitched feel, a low linear trajectory and extreme power.
On speed the Carbonado 290 is dramatically faster, delivering true OFF+ pace, exceptional blocking stability and long, sharp loop drives, while the Allplay offers adequate rather than high speed and is built for control. For forgiveness and feel the Allplay is far easier, comfortable for both offensive and defensive play and ideal for beginners, whereas the Carbonado is stiff, heavy at around 95 grams and its very low throw can cause netting until you adapt your bat angle. The two blades both rate around 8.3, but they suit entirely different players.
Choose the Allplay if you are a beginner or all-round player who wants one controllable, forgiving blade to learn every stroke, paired with non-tension rubbers. Choose the Carbonado 290 if you are an advanced, aggressive attacker who finishes points fast with hard drives, smashes and blocking and already has the technique to handle a very stiff, very fast carbon blade at a premium price.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
The Carbonado 290 is far faster, with true OFF+ TeXtreme carbon power, while the Allplay is an ALL-rated blade with adequate rather than high speed built for control.
Which blade is better for a beginner?
The Allplay is the clear beginner choice, with high consistency and forgiveness. The Carbonado 290 is best for advanced attackers who already have strong technique.
Why does the Carbonado 290 cause netting at first?
Its very low throw means shots travel flat and low, so players can net the ball until they adapt their bat angle. The Allplay has a more forgiving, controllable arc.
Which blade is heavier?
The Carbonado 290 is heavier at around 95 grams versus around 85 grams for the Allplay, though some Allplay copies also run a little heavy.