Stiga Allround Classic

All-wood

40 Reviews

#1 — January 2023

This blade is interchangeable with the Sanwei M-8. A friend lent it to me to play with, and it feels very similar to the M-8 or Donic All series blades.

It is good for learning strokes or playing an all-around mixed style. It is not easy to attack with Chinese tacky rubbers, as you will need to use body power. It is easier to attack with European/Japanese rubbers, but for newcomers, there is less control.

#2 — December 2022

This blade is exceptionally slow, making it unsuitable for pairing with harder rubbers on the forehand. The ball tends to decelerate and drop into the net, even when using tacky, hybrid rubbers like Rakza Z. With Chinese rubbers, the forehand becomes virtually dead.

On the backhand, the blade does not work well with tensor rubbers at all. My experience with Xiom Vega Europe on this blade was disastrous. Due to the blade’s slow speed, additional force was required for shots, resulting in the ball flying out of the table. In contrast, Xiom Vega Europe performed exceptionally well on a different blade. This suggests that the blade is only suitable for linear, non-tensor rubbers. After switching to Rakza X-soft on the backhand, I noticed an immediate improvement.

Despite its shortcomings, the blade has a very comfortable handle (Legend), is thin, and weighs only 85g, which is not excessive. The ball feel is one of the best attributes of this blade, providing some control. Blocking shots is particularly effective with it.

Although some consider it a great beginner blade, my experience with my brother’s Hurricane Hao 3, which is not marketed as a beginner blade, suggests that there are better options. I have used various blades ranging from cheap to expensive, beginner to advanced, and with different compositions of wood, carbon, and all-wood. Based on my experience, this blade is overpriced and lacks the speed required for modern table tennis.

While my review may seem overly negative, I want to emphasize that the blade has several positive qualities. It has a classic design, provides good vibration feedback, allows for excellent topspin, and is suitable for blocking. However, its slow speed is a significant drawback for me. I will continue to use it to improve my technique as a beginner, but there are certainly better and more affordable options available for beginners.

#3 — August 2022

I cannot recommend another blade more than this for maximum feel and learning looping and pushing, or just learning to spin the ball in general. This blade offers such a high level of control that it promotes the development of full and good technique. The flex and feedback are very clear, making it difficult to make good shots without good contact and acceleration. Otherwise, the ball drops dead.

The only downside to this blade is its limited speed. After playing with it for three years, I reached a point where I felt the need to upgrade to a faster blade. This was because I had developed my feel and technique enough to where I no longer needed to rely on the All-round’s inherent abilities.

#4 — October 2021

Best control blade I’ve ever had. Perfect dwell, good feel in the hand, feels like it blends in with the hand. Speed isn’t too fast, but it’s a perfect blade.

#5 — October 2021

Beginners' dream. Very comfortable to hold and incredibly lightweight.

#6 — September 2021

My first blade in table tennis was this one. It’s a good choice for beginners who need to learn good control but don’t need much speed. I’ve since upgraded to a Yasaka Sweden Extra blade, but my gameplay style is still all-around. This blade is recommended for newcomers to table tennis, and it’s a good value for the price. I recommend pairing it with a slightly heavy rubber to make it an average-weight paddle.

#7 — September 2021

One of the best classical blades, it has a lot of flex. So, it pairs perfectly with hard tacky Chinese rubbers. For me at least, this blade does not feel that slow. Though it has flexibility and a soft feeling, you can create very powerful shots. Overall, I would say this is the best blade not only for beginners but also for advanced players.

#8 — December 2020

Mój staż to około 3 lata gry, w tym może rok treningów z trenerami albo sparing partnerem. Mój problem w graniu polega na wkładaniu zbyt dużo siły do uderzeń, a za mało techniki. Na desce miałem przeróżne okładziny od podkładu 32 do 45. Im twardszy podkład, im bardziej sprężysta rotacyjna okładzina, tym bardziej deska staje się szybsza i nabiera coraz to wyższego katapultu, gdzie jak dla mnie to deska już na starcie ma spory katapult, co było bardzo dużym problemem na początku mojej kariery, kiedy przyklejałem do niej zbyt szybkie oraz rotacyjne okładziny jak na moje umiejętności!

Deska ma świetne czucie, jest lekka, ładnie solidnie zrobiona. Jedynym minusem tej deski to uchwyt master wklęsły wąski, który jest bardzo smukły/wąski na średniej wielkości dłoń (rozm. 9). Miałem tych desek z 4-5 egzemplarzy (raz się zdarzyło, że zepsuły się szybko bardzo forniry). Gram nią aktualnie znowu i chyba zamówię sobie ponownie tę deskę tylko z uchwytem legend wklęsły gruby, aby lepiej, wygodniej leżał mi w dłoni. 2x Butterfly Flextra 2.1 to dobra konfiguracja do nauki każdego elementu oraz świetnej kontroli.

#9 — December 2019

Everything has already been said about this blade. Lima-Ayous-Ayous-Ayous-Limba. Pair it with rubbers to suit your play style and it works great - slower rubbers for beginners, and buy faster rubbers as you level up.

The sweet spot is on the small side. The wings need slight sanding.

This blade has a very similar feel (and the same wood composition) as the Tibhar Drinkhall All-Round Classic. The only real difference is that the Tibhar blade, in my opinion, has a nicer feel in the hand, and no sanding is needed.

#10 — December 2019

Not as slow as its rating given here. If you utilize its flexibility, you can generate a lot of speed. However, beginners tend to hit flat instead of flexing the blade, which explains the low score here. It can become too fast with tensor rubbers, so beginners should stick to harder Chinese rubbers at the beginning.

#11 — December 2019

I have been playing with this blade for a couple of years now at an amateur level. I pair it with Chinese tacky hard rubbers, such as DHS Hurricane H2 on the forehand.

For me, this blade is extremely helpful for developing and improving technique. It has a great feel and flex. I can always feel exactly where the ball hit the blade during a shot, which provides essential feedback for improving my shots.

Control and consistency are very good, at least in combination with Chinese hard tacky rubber. When the ball goes long or into the net, I can understand what I did wrong with my shot. Again, this provides great feedback for developing technique. With other “faster” blades, when the ball goes long, I often cannot tell what I did wrong.

For amateur level play, the speed of the Stiga Allround Classic is fast enough when hitting the ball with proper technique and enough power (weight transfer and waist rotation). The blade is not fast on its own; not using your body to put power behind your shots will make the blade seem slow.

#12 — April 2019

Best beginners blade out there…much better than Boll all round.

#13 — February 2019

(I will not rate this blade’s performance, only how it felt in my hand, as that is the most important thing for me personally.)

I had a chance to compare the Master and Legend Stiga Allround Classic with the Clipper in both handle variations. In my personal opinion, the Clipper feels much better in my hand; the difference in quality is highly noticeable.

The biggest downside for me personally was the weight… It is just too light… and both flared handles have poor feel to them. Even my coach said that they used to be much better made.

So if you can find an old one, go ahead, but if you only have newly made ones available to you, be aware and try it in your hand first. Do not order a new one online before holding it yourself beforehand.

#14 — January 2019

Stiga released this blade in 1967. Compared to the complex blades now available on the market, it is a very simple wood. The positives are flex and control, while the negatives are slow speed. However, with the appropriate set up and gesture, you can generate speed. Spin is quite good. The blade is very thin but not light. The handle is large and pleasantly shaped. It is not suitable for the modern champion but is suitable for average players.

#15 — December 2018

Review of Stiga Allround Classic Blade with DHS Hurricane 3 and TSP Curl P1R Rubbers

#16 — September 2018

First blade for me, and I played with it for 2 years. I think it’s a very good blade to begin with because it has indeed very good control and helps to develop good strokes.

I think a lot of people complain about the lack of speed, but I don’t think that’s really a problem. When I do proper strokes, I can generate a lot of speed and spin.

To illustrate it, I first played with 2 vari spins, and it was great. Then I upgraded to Mark V on my FH, and it was too fast, and I had to downgrade back to Vari spin. Then I wanted to play tensor rubber, so I went for Rakza 7 Soft 2mm. Also too fast, and I had to downgrade to Acuda S3 1.8mm. After a while, I played again with the Rakza 7 Soft, and now I can manage it, and it’s a good fit. What I want to say here is that the blade can follow your progression with rubbers upgrade for a while.

About the con, I find that the sweet spot is a bit small. And it can feel a bit dead if you block slow balls without being active in your shot (but that’s good; it helps you to learn to be active).

But overall, nice blade. Good feeling, easy to control but still possible to create some nice power.

#17 — September 2018

A blade designated for beginner level. Enough speed, good control. But it has too much vibration for my taste! And I expected more from the Stiga brand regarding the finishes. The edges are sharp, and even the handle needs some sanding. Overall, I’m not very impressed.

#18 — May 2018

Amazing beginner blade, it gives you a great feeling, which makes me confident in my strokes. I play with a Neos Sound rubber, a fast rubber, but it doesn’t have much spin. I was able to compensate for that with the flex of this blade, and using more of my body in the stroke. If you are a beginner you can’t go wrong with this one. No chance.

#19 — January 2018

Combined with Chinese FH rubber (729 Friendship Origin) and Stiga Genesis M on BH, I played with this blade for 6 months now and have significantly improved my playing. This blade is a key factor.

Due to its high flex, the dwell time is greatly increased, resulting in excellent spin and an incredible feeling of the ball. I can precisely pinpoint where on the blade I hit the ball, even in short game and serves.

People often criticize its speed, however, I believe that the speed generated during looping is remarkable. Moreover, the spin created by this blade with Chinese rubber is exceptional, causing players two leagues above me to struggle in blocking my FH loops.

I enthusiastically recommend this blade to loopers and developing players who seek a blade with superior feeling.

#20 — January 2018

It is a very good beginner’s blade and is recommended. Do not play with soft rubbers, only medium or hard. Chinese rubbers are a good choice; just focus on your technique.

#21 — November 2017

Mine is 78g, 5.3mm. This blade is thin and light, and it produces a “tok tok” sound when hit. From other reviews, I’ve heard that it’s a good blade, but I personally don’t like it. It’s not the blade’s fault, it just doesn’t suit my playing style. I used the Clipper before, and they have completely different characteristics.

#22 — November 2017

I’ve had this blade since 1985. It is a slightly older blade, but it is still one of my favorites. The blade is made of 5 layers of wood, which gives it a good balance of speed and control. The blade is also very durable, and it has lasted me for many years. I would highly recommend this blade to anyone looking for a good all-around blade.

#23 — November 2017

As a starter blade, this blade is an excellent choice. It has good flexibility, which leads to good control of the ball when paired with a Chinese rubber. This makes it probably the best blade for a beginner who hasn’t yet found out their style. It is an ALL+ blade, meaning it is suitable for all-around play, and definitely worth the price.

#24 — June 2017

The best blade I’ve ever had, better than Donic Persson Exclusive Off or Inclusive Intensity NCT from Stiga. I love the control, the potential velocity with the correct combination of rubbers (in my case Rasanter R42 on backhand in 2.0 mm and Rasanter R47 on forehand in 2.0 mm, it’s a great combination for Stiga Allround Classic), and the spin. This blade is for beginners and advanced players because you can do anything with it, including in advanced play.

#25 — May 2017

Does anybody know which kind of wood is used for this blade? I can’t find any information about it, although it’s so popular.

I’m a beginner and have been playing for half a year now after I had a way too hard and stiff carbon blade. The feeling when I hit the ball is very intense, I think it’s perfect to improve my touch.

#26 — November 2016

Good blade for beginners. Mine was a bit heavy at 91g. You can hit really nice shots and can lift underspin. Good feeling and vibrations.

#27 — July 2015

One of my first blades and probably one of the best blades for all-round players who prefer a lot of control. The Stiga Classic is not super fast, but the control it offers is exceptional. It performs optimally at close to mid-range, and what I particularly appreciate about this blade is the feel and control it provides in my blocks. Despite being a relatively old blade, it remains one of my favorites.

#28 — December 2014

This blade is an excellent starting point for aspiring table tennis players. It can be used for extended periods, provided that you equip it with faster rubbers as your skill level improves. This versatile blade allows you to perform a wide range of strokes; its only limitation lies within the player’s abilities. It is a highly recommended purchase for anyone considering entering the sport of table tennis.

#29 — April 2014

This blade was recommended to me by a reputable table tennis supplier to match my old blade from the 70s when I used a Mark V setup. It came equipped with tame Mendo Energy 2.0 rubbers. This blade is a good starting point, but I quickly outgrew it.

I later purchased another blade for my agent and fitted it with Magna TC II rubbers. I was surprised by its performance. The blade is slightly flexible and lacks top-end power. I developed a sore shoulder from overhitting to compensate for the lack of speed. It didn’t perform well with harder rubbers like the M1.

Despite later developing a preference for straight and anatomic handles, the legend handle on this blade was very comfortable. I highly recommend this blade.

#30 — February 2014

I have tested numerous blades of all classes through the years, but not this one until now. This blade must be sealed when new after a light sanding of the handle and wings. This blade gives you exactly what you put into the shot. It has medium speed with some vibration and a medium-small sweet spot. The build quality is good.

Pair this blade with classic rubbers for a safe all-round game or with tensors for more offense. It is great for looping. Pair it with slower rubbers or thinner sponge for defense or control game. It is an all-time classic all-round blade that is good for just about any style, depending on rubber selection, except pure power play away from the table. With tacky Chinese-type attack rubber, it becomes very all-round in nature with very good spin. A classic!

#31 — November 2012

It was my first blade, but I broke it.

#32 — November 2012

For an all-around blade, this one is quite fast in my opinion. I haven’t used a significant number of blades, but I believe this one stands out. The sweet spot is comparatively small, but when you hit it, the ball behaves precisely as you intend. I find this to be an excellent mid-distance blade. Overall, it’s a very impressive blade.

#33 — July 2012

I do not agree that this blade has a small sweet spot. I have one with a very big sweet point, with speed being slightly lower only near the edges. Maybe it can be different. It is very flex. P.S. My blade weighs 82g.

#34 — June 2012

This is a soft and rather stiff blade.

Stiga offensive classic and offensive CR are flexible blades; on the other hand, Stiga allround classic has little flex, less than offensive wood nct, like allround wood nct, like clipper.

Allround classic is also harder than Stiga offensive wood nct, stiga allround wood nct, and clipper wood but softer than Stiga offensive classic or stiga offensive CR. Allround classic is softer than allround CR but still hard.

Speed: the blade is really slow, much slower than offensive classic. You might lack the power to finish the point with a Chinese rubber such as MercuryII, Moon, 729 higher.

The control is very good, you can get short arcs and loop each ball.

The blade is light.

#35 — November 2011

I’ve been playing table tennis for about two years. With this blade, I have excellent control and feel. I use Friendship GeoSpin Tacky 1.8mm rubbers with it. Compared to other blades that I have, this one is the best for learning the game.

#36 — June 2011

This blade offers excellent control but features a relatively small sweet spot. Striking the ball within this area results in optimal feedback. Conversely, if the ball is not hit precisely, its trajectory may be significantly compromised, potentially leading to a short shot. This rubber encourages players to improve their ball-striking technique and is particularly effective for enhancing technical skills.

#37 — February 2011

This is about the best Allround blade you can buy. The flared handle is extremely comfortable. Joola Phenix Red Max [factory tuned] works very well on the forehand for power driving.

This blade will accept just about anything on the backhand [reverse or pips].

#38 — August 2010

You must seal this blade to stop wood fibers from lifting when removing rubbers. The blade is light, flexible, and has a medium feel. It loops and pushes well with Sriver EL, but it is not the best for smashing. I found the area where the handle meets the blade to be a little sharp and uncomfortable, so I had to sand it back a bit. I added soft grip to the handle, and now it feels good. I am a long pimple blocker/chopper on the backhand, and this blade is almost as good as a defensive blade for this. However, your forehand attacks are much better with this blade than with a defensive blade. It is a great value for the money.

#39 — April 2010

The blade used in table tennis is essential for any player. It provides the foundation for your game and can greatly affect your performance. With so many different blades on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

In this table tennis blade review, we will take a look at some of the most popular blades on the market and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which blade is right for you. We will consider factors such as playing style, budget, and skill level.

We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the right blade for your needs. By following these tips, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible blade for your game.

#40 — November 2008

A classic blade for many generations, featuring soft limba outer plies. The blade is relatively slow, becoming more lively only when paired with very fast rubbers.

It complements fast medium-hard rubbers well for all-around play, but it has a small sweet spot with substantial vibration, providing feedback on ball contact location. This makes it ideal for instructional and corrective purposes.

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