Stiga Carbonado 45 Review: The Carbon Blade That Thinks Like Wood

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · blade

The Stiga Carbonado 45 occupies a unique niche in the carbon blade market. While most carbon blades trade wood-like feeling for added speed and stiffness, the Carbonado 45 uses an exceptionally thin TeXtreme carbon layer (64 g/m2) placed at a 45-degree angle, giving it torsional flexibility and a high arc that most players associate with premium all-wood construction. The result is a 7-ply blade (5 wood plies with ayous core and limba outer, plus 2 TeXtreme carbon layers) that measures 5.7mm thick, weighs around 85-91g, and carries a speed rating firmly in the OFF- range. Stiga positions it as the entry point to the Carbonado family, and it is famously used by Chinese women’s team stars Zhu Yuling and Chen Meng, a strong endorsement of its suitability for elite-level technical play.

Performance

In terms of speed, the Carbonado 45 sits at the lower end of the OFF category, noticeably slower than the Carbonado 145 and well below the 290. This is not a flaw but a design choice that delivers dividends in other areas. On FH and BH drives, the blade produces deep reverberating vibrations that communicate exactly where and how the ball made contact, giving skilled players immediate feedback and confidence. FH loops against heavy backspin are consistent and spinny with a noticeably high arc, which keeps the ball safe over the net while threatening depth and kick on the bounce. The blade’s moderate speed means more physical effort is required to generate pace, and flat hits or smashes tend to land mid-table rather than near the endline, making it a poor choice for power-first players.

Close to the table, the Carbonado 45 excels. Blocking is outstanding, with the blade efficiently absorbing incoming loop energy and redistributing it into controlled, consistent returns. The short game is arguably the blade’s biggest strength: drop shots, short pushes, and touch-heavy serve receives all benefit from the combination of moderate speed and excellent dwell. Spin generation is high on serves, with the crisp yet forgiving contact allowing players to keep serves short and loaded. FH flicks are manageable, though the timing window is slightly narrower than with faster blades. Multiple testers paired the blade successfully with both non-tacky European/Japanese rubbers (such as Dignics 09c or Stiga DNA Pro Hard) and more traditional tacky Chinese rubbers, finding that the high-arc characteristic of the blade complements spin-heavy forehand rubbers particularly well.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Across all sources, reviewers agree that the Carbonado 45 is an unusually wood-like carbon blade with excellent control, a wide sweet spot, and a high throw angle. There is broad consensus that it is slower than most carbon blades and that this is a deliberate feature rather than a limitation for its target audience. Where reviewers diverge is on the precise speed feel: some rate it comparable to the Viscaria or similar mid-range carbon blades (around 8.5/10), while a penhold player who tested more than 30 blades placed it closer to 8.2/10. The main point of disagreement is whether the lower speed is an asset or a drawback, which largely comes down to personal play style and distance from the table.

Who Should Buy It

The Carbonado 45 is ideal for loop-dominant, spin-offensive players who compete at advanced or club level and stay close to the table. It suits players transitioning from all-wood blades who want a larger sweet spot and modest carbon boost without losing the feeling they rely on. Players who use tacky Chinese rubbers on the forehand or high-tension non-tacky rubbers on both wings will both find synergy with this blade. It is not the right choice for power hitters who rely on flat drives and smashes, or for players who compete primarily from mid-to-far distance and need a blade that can generate speed without maximum physical input.

FAQ

How does the Carbonado 45 compare to the Carbonado 145?

The Carbonado 45 is noticeably slower and more flexible than the 145, sitting in the low OFF- range versus the 145’s low OFF range. The 45 has a higher arc and more wood-like dwell, while the 145 is more linear and direct. The 45 is better for spin-heavy close-to-table play; the 145 suits a more direct, power-oriented game.

Is the Carbonado 45 suitable for penhold players?

Yes. Several penhold players have reviewed it positively, noting that its flexibility and control work well for blocking and looping. However, penhold players who rely on smashing may find the blade lacks pace for finishing points.

What rubbers pair best with the Carbonado 45?

Faster non-tacky European or Japanese rubbers like Stiga DNA Pro Hard, Dignics 09c, or Tenergy 05 hard work excellently on the forehand, letting the blade’s high arc and dwell complement the rubber’s speed. Tacky Chinese rubbers are also a natural fit for spin-heavy forehand play.

Is the Carbonado 45 durable?

The playing surface is generally robust, but the outer limba ply can be prone to chipping or peeling if aggressive solvent-based glues are used. Applying a thin protective lacquer coat around the edges is a common recommendation from long-term users.

Who are the professional players who use the Carbonado 45?

Stiga lists Chinese national team members Zhu Yuling and Chen Meng as users of the Carbonado 45. It has also reportedly been a favorite of Chinese coaches for players who emphasize spin and control in their game.