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Stiga Maplewood NCT V
Blade description:
The Stiga Maplewood NCT V is a remarkable table tennis blade that strikes an exceptional balance between control and offensive capabilities. Constructed from five layers of high-quality maple wood, this blade is designed for players seeking precision in their gameplay. Its unique composition allows for a finer touch and an impressive trajectory, making it a popular choice among loopers and aggressive players alike.
Weighing in at 84 grams, the Maplewood NCT V falls into the medium weight category, providing a solid feel without compromising maneuverability. Its thickness and overall composition contribute to a stiffness rating of 4.6 and hardness of 5.1, which results in a blade that is slightly flexible. The flexibility enhances dwell time on the ball, facilitating better spin generation and control. Reviewers have praised its performance in counter-loops, acknowledging the high degree of predictability it offers thanks to its consistent nature.
For players considering alternatives, while the Stiga Infinity is a close contender, many agree that the Maplewood NCT V provides a softer, yet faster feel, particularly in offensive scenarios. Pairing this blade with hard rubbers like the Tenergy series enhances its performance, giving it a catapult effect that is especially beneficial for advanced players. Despite Stiga discontinuing this model, it remains a sought-after option for serious competitors who appreciate its balance of speed, spin, and control, solidifying its status as a top contender in the world of table tennis blades.
Recent Reviews
#1 — February 2023
It is a dream for counter looping. It has an insane amount of gears, which makes you unpredictable on the one hand but makes it hard for you to pick the right strike on the other. Very flexible and soft, so you have a great feeling of the ball. Speed and spin are nothing too special, but the feeling is what it excels at.
#2 — October 2019
I have been playing with this blade for two years now. The conical handle fills my palm better compared to the slightly thinner anatomic handle, but both feel great. I have used Hurricane 3 Neo 41 degrees and Yinhe Mercury 2 medium hard on my FH, Stiga Genesis M in my BH, and they all suit this blade perfectly. Now I understand why the Chinese prefer hard, tacky rubbers on flexible blades. Hard rubber means high control. The flexibility of the blade compensates for the lack of speed of the hard rubber, increases the dwell time, and helps generate tremendous spin.
#3 — June 2019
Top 5 All-Time Table Tennis Blades
The Butterfly Timo Boll ALC is a classic blade that has been used by top players for years. It’s a well-balanced blade that provides excellent control and power. The ALC carbon fiber layers give it a crisp feel and a bit more power than the standard Timo Boll blade.
2. Mizuno Forza Carbon Pro
The Mizuno Forza Carbon Pro is a relatively new blade, but it has quickly become a favorite among top players. It’s a lightweight blade with a large sweet spot that makes it easy to control. The carbon fiber layers give it a bit more power than the standard Forza Pro blade, making it a good choice for aggressive players.
3. Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black
The Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black is a blade that is designed for power hitters. It has a thick core and a stiff outer layer that gives it a very hard feel. This blade is not for everyone, but it can be deadly in the hands of a powerful player.
4. Zhang Jike ALC
The Zhang Jike ALC is a blade that is used by the Chinese superstar Zhang Jike. It’s a fast and powerful blade that is perfect for aggressive players. The ALC carbon fiber layers give it a crisp feel and a bit more power than the standard Zhang Jike blade.
The Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a blade that is designed for control players. It has a soft feel and a large sweet spot that makes it easy to place the ball where you want it. This blade is not as powerful as some of the others on this list, but it’s a great choice for players who value control over power.