Sanwei V5 Pro vs Stiga Carbonado 45: Which Should You Buy?
| Sanwei V5 Pro | Stiga Carbonado 45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | hard, fast, crisp all-wood with strong vibration and a high-pitched ping | Moderately stiff with deep reverberating vibrations; more wood-like dwell than typical carbon blades; high throw angle |
| handle | FL/ST | Straight/Flared/Anatomic (coal-grey dyed wood) |
| plies | 7W (all wood) — ash outer plies over an ayous core | 7-ply with TeXtreme carbon (5 wood + 2 carbon at 45-degree angle) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 6.3 | 5.7mm |
| weight_g | 90 | 85-91g |
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The V5 Pro is a pure speed machine — fast all-wood with crisp feedback and a forgiving sweet spot that rewards solid technique. The Carbonado 45 trades raw pace for loop-friendly vibration and nimble weight, trading the V5’s power for spin consistency and close-to-table feel. Both reward advanced play and demand good fundamentals, but the V5 suits attackers who want pace and power on a shoestring, while the Carbonado excels for loop-dominant players near the table.
The V5 Pro will feel quicker and more responsive off a hard ash surface; the Carbonado delivers deeper information through wood-like dwell, aiding topspin techniques. If smashing from mid-distance matters to you, take the V5. If loops and drop shots are your bread and butter, the Carbonado’s high throw and softer feel will serve you better. Speed rating is identical (OFF), but execution styles diverge sharply.
FAQ
Which blade is faster?
Both are rated OFF speed, but the V5 Pro feels quicker in real play due to its hard ash surface and stiff all-wood construction. The Carbonado’s carbon layers make it stiffer overall, but its softer play style and higher throw angle prioritize topspin over flat acceleration.
Which is better for beginners?
Neither is ideal for true beginners — both demand solid stroke technique. The Carbonado is slightly more forgiving due to its wide sweet spot and wood-like feedback, while the V5 Pro will punish imprecision.
Which has better control?
Surprisingly, the V5 Pro offers excellent short-game control for its speed, though the Carbonado 45 is specifically praised for outstanding drop shots and serve control, giving it the edge in touch play.
Which pairs better with different rubbers?
The V5 Pro’s all-wood stiffness pairs well with medium or medium-hard rubbers; the Carbonado 45’s high throw angle specifically aids heavy topspin rubbers and works beautifully with tacky loop rubber.