What is the difference between the Carbonado models?

All four Stiga Carbonado blades use five wood plies and two layers of TeXtreme carbon. The first digits show carbon density: 45 and 90 use a lighter carbon, while 145 and 190 use a denser one. The 45 and 145 have carbon at a 45° angle for a softer, higher-throw feel; the 90 and 190 have it at 90° for a stiffer, more direct ball.

What the numbers mean

Stiga built the Carbonado range around TeXtreme, a Swedish spread-tow carbon. According to the product information, TeXtreme is flexible in only one direction, either torsional or flexural, depending on the angle at which it is laid. That lets Stiga tune the blade's speed and trajectory by changing the angle of the two carbon layers.

• The angle (45 or 90): Stiga says the Carbonado 45 has its carbon layers at a 45° angle, which enhances torsional flexibility. The Carbonado 90 has its layers at 90°, giving flexural bendability for a stiff yet stable blade with a longer, flatter trajectory.
• The density (the extra "1"): the Carbonado 45 and 90 use a thinner TeXtreme carbon at 64 grams per square metre, which Stiga says gives more control and a more wood-like feel than the original 145 and 190. The 145 and 190 use the denser carbon of the original range, and follow the same angle logic: 145 at 45°, 190 at 90° (TTGearLab Carbonado series overview).

So the name tells you two things at once. A "1" in front means denser carbon and more speed. A "45" ending means a more flexible, spin-friendly feel; a "90" ending means a stiffer, more direct one.

Comparison

Prices were checked on spinfinity.uk on 20 October 2026 and can change.

For lab measurements of speed and stiffness across the range, see the TTGearLab lab test. Tabletennis11's review of Stiga composite blades also compares the models in play. We have not added our own speed figures, because manufacturer and lab numbers are measured in different ways.

What the lab test found

TTGearLab measured the whole Carbonado range against a Stiga Allround Classic reference. Its findings line up neatly with the naming:

• Density sets speed. In every case, the model with denser TeXtreme was faster than the model with lighter TeXtreme.
• Angle sets feel. At the same density, the 90° model was faster than the 45° model, and the 45° models "hold" the ball more deeply on hard impacts.
• 45° models feel softer. TTGearLab found the 45° arrangement made the blades softer in feel, with lateral vibration close to a five-ply wooden blade. It rated the Carbonado 45 the softest and slowest of the series.
• Construction. In all Carbonado models, the TeXtreme layer sits directly under the top veneer, an outer-fibre construction, with a total thickness of about 6.0 mm.

TTGearLab measured the lighter carbon at about 60 g/m², while Stiga's own product information quotes 64 g/m². Either way, the 45 and 90 use the lightest carbon in the four models we stock.

Two practical takeaways follow. If you come from a five-ply wooden offensive blade, the Carbonado 45 or 145 will feel the most familiar. If you want a crisp, direct outer-carbon feel, the 90 or 190 is the better match.

Who each one suits

Carbonado 45

The friendliest model. Stiga describes it as a blend of speed, stability and precise control for offensive players, with a wider sweet spot. It suits players moving to their first carbon blade who want to keep a wood-like feel, and loopers who rely on spin rather than pure pace.

Carbonado 90

The same lighter carbon, but stiffer. Stiga says the 90 gives a longer, flatter trajectory for players who want to dominate with high-speed strokes. It suits close-to-table attackers who drive and counter-hit more than they loop with a high arc.

Carbonado 145

The Carbonado that players search for most on our site. Denser carbon gives more speed than the 45, while the 45° angle keeps some flex and throw for topspin. It suits strong two-winged loopers who play from close to the table and mid-distance.

Carbonado 190

The fastest and most direct. Denser carbon at 90° makes for a stiff, powerful blade with a flatter trajectory. It suits advanced attackers who hit through the ball and want maximum pace.

Rubber pairings

Carbonado blades are fast, so rubber choice matters. Stiga's own rubbers are a natural match:

• Stiga DNA Platinum H (£49.99 on 20 October 2026): a German-made rubber for highly offensive players, with outstanding grip.
• Stiga Helix Platinum H (£56.99 on 20 October 2026): Stiga's high-performance attacking rubber with its Optimized Energy Sponge.

On the faster 145 and 190, some players prefer a slightly softer backhand rubber for control. If you are unsure, read sponge hardness explained. For how these blades compare with other composites, see carbon vs all-wood blades and Butterfly blade alternatives.

FAQ

What is the difference between Carbonado 45 and 90?

The angle of the carbon. Both use the same lighter TeXtreme carbon, but the 45 has it at 45° for more torsional flex and a softer, spin-friendly feel, while the 90 has it at 90° for a stiffer blade and a longer, flatter trajectory.

Is Carbonado 145 faster than 45?

Yes. Both have carbon at 45°, but the 145 uses the denser carbon of the original range, so it is faster. The 45 uses a lighter carbon for more control and a more wood-like feel.

Which Carbonado is best for intermediate players?

The Carbonado 45 is usually the best starting point. Its lighter carbon and 45° angle give the most control and wood-like feel in the range. Move to the 145 once you are comfortable with carbon speed.

What is TeXtreme?

TeXtreme is a Swedish spread-tow carbon fibre. Stiga says it is flexible in only one direction, depending on the angle at which it is laid, which lets Stiga tune each Carbonado's speed and trajectory.

Which rubbers suit a Carbonado?

Offensive tensor rubbers such as Stiga DNA Platinum H and Helix Platinum H are natural partners. On the faster 145 and 190, a slightly softer backhand rubber can help control.

Pick your Carbonado

Start with the Carbonado 145, or browse all table tennis blades.