Stiga Allround Evolution vs Stiga Carbonado 290: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Allround Evolution | Stiga Carbonado 290 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | soft, high feedback | 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 (all wood) | 5 wood + 2 carbon (7-ply), TeXtreme carbon |
| speed | ALL+ | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| type | — | OFF+ |
| weight_g | 80 | 95 |
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The Stiga Allround Evolution and Carbonado 290 sit at opposite ends of Stiga’s offensive range. The Allround Evolution is a soft 5-ply all-wood blade rated ALL+, offering outstanding control, touch and feedback that make it one of the best blades to learn strokes on. It is a small, safe step up in speed from the Allround Classic, with plenty of dwell and good spin from the right rubber, all in a light, well-made package.
The Carbonado 290 is a true OFF+ blade with 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon plies. It brings extreme power, very stable blocking and long, low loop drives, but it is stiff, heavier at around 95 grams and throws very low, asking you to adapt your bat angle.
Choose the Allround Evolution if you are still developing strokes and want maximum control with a touch more pace than the Classic, pairing it with medium or medium-hard non-tensor rubbers. Choose the Carbonado 290 if you are an advanced, aggressive attacker who finishes points fast and already has the technique for a very stiff, very fast carbon blade. With a rating around 8.2 for the Evolution, it remains a learning tool, while the 290 is built to end rallies.
FAQ
What is the main difference between these blades?
The Allround Evolution is a soft, control-first ALL+ all-wood blade for learning, while the Carbonado 290 is a stiff OFF+ carbon blade built for power and finishing.
Which is easier to control?
The Allround Evolution, with its soft feel, high feedback and abundant dwell, is far easier to control than the stiff, fast Carbonado 290.
Will the Allround Evolution feel too slow?
It is slow by modern standards and asks you to supply pace with good technique, so ambitious attackers may outgrow it, unlike the inherently fast 290.
Which weighs more?
The Carbonado 290 is heavier at around 95 grams versus around 80 grams for the light Allround Evolution.