Stiga Rosewood NCT V

Blade description:

The Stiga Rosewood NCT V is a premier choice for table tennis enthusiasts, recognized for its exceptional blend of speed and control. Crafted from high-quality rosewood, this five-ply wooden blade delivers an impressive speed rating of 86 and a control score of 69, making it suitable for aggressive offensive players who demand precision and response from their equipment. The blade has a thickness of 6.2mm and weighs approximately 93g, giving it a medium to heavy feel that many players appreciate.

In terms of flexibility, the Rosewood NCT V exhibits a stiffness rating of 5.8, allowing for powerful strokes while providing enough feedback for touch shots. Players note that it can flex slightly during hard hits, which enhances its versatility in both close-to-the-table play and mid-distance looping. Many users highlight that the blade excels in high-spin scenarios, making it a favorite for looping and counter-looping, especially when paired with the right rubber such as Tenergy or Rakza.

For those considering alternatives, this blade may not be ideal for beginners due to its hard feel and quick response; however, it fits well for intermediate and advanced players looking to elevate their game. Alternatives include the Stiga ALC series for players seeking a more flexible and forgiving option or other well-regarded wooden blades that offer similar characteristics. Overall, the Stiga Rosewood NCT V is a testament to high-performance craftsmanship and is recommended for players who are serious about enhancing their offensive strategies on the table.

Recent Reviews

#1 — March 2020

One of the best blades ever made, the Rosewood has such wonderful feeling. It’s easy to do dropshot, has great spin, and you can get the speed you want.

Played with the most sold rubber in Asia, Nittaku Fastarc G1 on forehand, which gives me the best spin I’ve ever had, and Tibhar Aurus Prime 1.7 on backhand, which gives me the smashingly strong finish-it-of backhand.

#2 — June 2019

The best blade from Stiga. Very good trajectory, you think the ball goes too fast out of the table, but always lands on the far side, making it hard for your opponent to hit the ball back. You also get master spin with almost all new rubbers. I’ve tried over 20 rubbers, and I’ve never been disappointed with this blade’s spin capabilities. It’s a must-have!

For the best results, pair this blade with G1, R47, Spinart, Baracuda, or Rakza7-9 rubbers. You may need to make slight adjustments to your technique, but it’s worth it for the exceptional performance you’ll get from this blade.

#3 — January 2017

I’ve been playing with this blade for 4 seasons, and I’m quite happy with it. It’s a heavy, stiff, and fast blade for a thin 5-ply blade and really consistent, but it’s not an easy blade for beginners since it’s got a hard feeling and it’s bouncy on short games. I would rate it off-/off slow range at most, a perfect choice for the new poly balls.

However, it’s also expensive and overall quality doesn’t match its price tag: typically a bit rough/unfinished edges and an annoying barnish top coat that will make it a nightmare to stick firmly your rubbers on it, especially if you use to boost them.

If you think ALC blades are too bouncy fast and you want to try something more woody, all-wood 5-ply, thin & fast with enough punch, then I would give RWV a try.