Stiga Carbonado 290

I've used a few good blades in the past; Killerspin RTG Kido 7P Premium, Yasaka Dynamix 17, Yasaka Max Carbon 3D, and I am going on the record to say that the Stiga Carbonado 290 is the best blade that I have used period. The weight is quite reasonable, the build quality is top-notch, the speed that it can produce is unbelievable, the control is excellent, and it gives you a good feeling when you hit the ball. This blade is perfect for blocking too. It is an OFF+ rated blade so this is built for fast kills, flicks and smashes but there is more to appreciate on this blade and it will surely elevate the level of your game or playing style. The thick carbon layers gives a better feel compared to other carbon-layered blades. The stiffness and hardness will generate an awesome sound everytime you hit or smash the ball. The only downside for me is the price and this is probably the only deal breaker for most enthusiast out there for not acquiring this awesome piece of weapon. If price is the only thing that is stopping you from getting this blade, I am telling you right now that it is worth every buck so don't hold back. This is designed for offensive playing style but I personally feel that it is not limited to fast offense type of play and in my opinion this blade will be great for an All-Around or Defensive playing style as well.

Simply the best blade I have used. As with most things, it's different strokes for different folks but as far as, feel, flexibility (number of gears), spin and control are concerned the Carbonado 290 ticks every box — and then some. When it arrived in the mail, I was expecting a heavy racquet (the rubbers I ordered were medium/heavy) but it was not heavy in the hand. It is a solid feeling blade, beautifully balanced and gives confidence in your shots and gameplay. Excellent for loops, topspin and short game, amazing for blocking, pushing and chops. Rated as OFF+, the 290 is certainly that but is a terrific all-round and defensive weapon as well. I have used many bats over the years - mostly Butterfly, but also a Stiga Clipper and a Darker Speed 90 - all of which have been good in their own ways — the Darker is a different creature altogether, almost alive, great to play with yet hard to win matches. The Stiga Carbonado 290 is as close to a perfect table tennis bat I have experienced. I wish I had bought it a couple of years ago. But je ne regrette rien, I am now at one with the Carbonado - with black Rasanter R47 2mm on forehand, and red Xiom Omega VII Asia 2mm on backhand.

I was going to buy a Butterfly carbon blade but because of price, I've changed my plan and got this blade. I had just one session with this blade and of course if not enough to evaluate it. However, here is my first impression (FH: Tenergy 05 2.0mm and BH: Andro HEXER HD 1.9mm) *** Positive points *** 1) Speed it is really got and blade is considerably fast. 2) Blocking was extra ordinary. 3) Attacking and smash are really good. 4) Chop was good. 5) Blade have good quality with nice finishing. *** Negative points *** 1) Feel: blade does not give "me" a good feel, I use to play with Butterfly Gergely which is stiff blade but this one seems to me very stiff. 2) Control is average. In straight shots, you can send the ball almost precisely bot when some spins are involved then more focus is needed. 3) Through angle is very low and you have to be careful to avoid net, on the other hand because, it sends the ball long, therefore there is risk to miss the table due to high speed. 4) Drive and loops required substantial effort and focus to perform successfully (it might not apply to the player with comprehensive skills). *** Conclusion *** As I mentioned earlier one session is not sufficient to rate this blade. In the other hand, I might set my expectation too high or I have to give the blade more time to prove itself. *** Recommendation *** I believe softer rubber works better in this blade.

Amazing blade , I am penholder with short pips on forehand and inverted on backhand, earlier I used dhs pg7 and yinhe v14 pro but this 290 is phenomenal the weight is heavy in penhold around 99 gm but performance is worthy, I have paired it with nittaku moristo sp on forehand and andro rasanter r45 on backhand the total weight of Setup is 180 gm , the best part is it's speed power and stability, it's very fun to block , counter block and aggressively block from this setup , all I need is to hold the racket in right angle and then it automatically converts the rebound is smash and when I just flick or puch against heavy smash or loop then the ball goes back to opponent at ticket speed the control is also very good , the RPB flick backhand smash goes perfect, just hit with sweet spot and good technique and no one can see the ball , for heavy topspin looping you may struggle with inverted rubbers but for flat aggressive powerful smash with sp rubber it's perfect

Incredible if if you like it stiff, I paired it with DNA Platinum XH on forehand and M on backhand in Max thickness. Great at everything if you like your blades rock hard and know how to handle the power. That being said its not easy to do that constistantly with my technique over longer ralleys so look to finish the point fast with this one. It wants to be played extremely aggressive thats where it shines. Totally love this blade a clear winner for fast paced players. Next to the Primorac Carbon its the most dense blade on the planet. You cant get much stiffer than this unless you have one made by hand. RiP