Stiga Carbonado 145 vs Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Carbonado 145 | Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 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 outer oak veneer, medium throw, solid dwell, consistent blocking |
| handle | FL/ST (also offered as Legend and penhold) | Flared, Straight, Anatomic |
| plies | 5 wood plus 2 TeXtreme carbon (5+2 composite) with the carbon fibers laid at a 45 degree angle for torsional bendability | carbon composite (oak outer + carbon fleece CFNW inner, 5+2 layers) |
| speed | OFF+ | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7 | 5.5-5.6 |
| weight_g | 85 | 87-90 |
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The Carbonado 145 is a premium, stiff, fast OFF+ carbon designed for aggressive two-wing attackers who want maximum pace and power, while the Sweden EK Carbon is a gentler, forgiving entry-to-carbon blade optimized for club-level intermediate attackers who value consistency and stability. The 145 is a specialist weapon; the Sweden EK is a practical, all-round intermediate blade. The gap in target audience is significant.
The Carbonado 145 is direct, stiff, and demanding — you get off-the-bounce power and excellent blocking, but only if you have the technique to handle fast, unforgiving carbon. The Sweden EK Carbon is more forgiving, with a large sweet spot and consistent blocking suitable for near-table play; the carbon fleece absorbs impact and reduces the speed advantage to OFF level. The 145 suits aggressive, established two-wing players; the Sweden EK suits intermediate club players working on consistency. The 145 demands precision; the Sweden EK rewards it with easier, more stable play. If you want premium carbon power and already have strong technique, the 145 delivers. If you are an intermediate attacker upgrading to carbon while staying grounded in consistency and forgiveness, the Sweden EK is the smarter choice.
FAQ
Which is faster?
The Carbonado 145 is OFF+ speed — faster than the Sweden EK Carbon (OFF speed). The 145 delivers more inherent pace off the bounce; the Sweden EK has early ball release that makes heavy topspin harder.
Which is better for a player upgrading to carbon?
The Sweden EK Carbon is much better for carbon newcomers — forgiving CFNW carbon fleece, consistent blocking, and easier to control. The Carbonado 145 is for players already comfortable with fast carbon.
Which has a larger sweet spot?
The Sweden EK Carbon has a larger, more forgiving sweet spot. The Carbonado 145’s large sweet spot is consistent but less forgiving on off-center hits due to stiffer carbon construction.
Which is better for blocking?
The Carbonado 145 excels at aggressive two-wing blocking with direct, stiff feedback. The Sweden EK Carbon is very good at near-table blocking with excellent stability and absorption.