Stiga Rosewood NCT VII

≈ 85 grams ≈ 1248 Hz

Blade description:

The Stiga Rosewood NCT VII is a premier table tennis blade acclaimed for its exceptional balance of speed and control, making it an excellent choice for aggressive players who thrive on offensive strategies. Crafted primarily from rosewood, this 7-ply wooden blade boasts a thickness of 6.9mm, which contributes to its commendable performance characteristics. Weighing approximately 97 grams, it falls into the medium-heavy category, providing solid stability while allowing for precise maneuverability during play.

With a speed rating of 91 and a control rating of 60, the Rosewood NCT VII excels in fast-paced rallies while maintaining a satisfying feel for touch shots. The blade’s stiffness is measured at 6.1, paired with a hardness level of 6.9, which enhances its responsiveness during intense exchanges. This combination allows players to execute powerful loops and quick blocks, suggesting that the blade is particularly suited for players who appreciate an aggressive yet controlled playing style.

Alternatives to the Stiga Rosewood NCT VII include other high-quality wooden blades designed for offensive players, such as the Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit and the DHS PG-7. However, what sets the Rosewood NCT VII apart is its unique vibration feedback and the hollow feeling upon impact, which many players find inspiring and confidence-boosting. Overall, this blade is not only a beautiful piece of craftsmanship but also a formidable weapon on the table, ideal for players looking to elevate their game through a perfect blend of speed, control, and finesse.

Recent Reviews

#1 — April 2021

I’m fed up with this as it is weighty! and not fast as marketing words.

#2 — April 2020

I have been using this blade for three years. It is not an off+ blade but falls in the middle of the off range at most. It is slower than the Kenta ALC (86 grams), for example. I have two samples weighing 87 and 88 grams, and they play the same. It pairs well with medium-hard, high-tension rubbers. However, it does not perform as well with rubbers softer than 45 degrees. This, of course, is a personal preference.

The blade produces a long trajectory and a medium throw angle. Depending on the rubber used, it can work well from all distances. However, I find it performs best one step behind the table. It has a distinct hollow feeling, which is fantastic and inspires confidence for all types of shots. It is stiff and hardly flexes even during high-power shots. The surface veneer is medium-hard.

I am an amateur veteran who has been playing table tennis for 30 years. I am an (old-school) forehand-dominant offensive player. I play an all-out attack when I’m not tired and a more all-around style nowadays. This blade supports both these strategies well.

#3 — June 2019

Rosewood can vary a lot in weight, which also determines how it plays. This review is for the SRW NCT7 blade with a weight of 87g and a thickness of 6.1mm with a straight handle. This is a great blade with a really good feel and high control. It excels in topspin, loops, and counter-looping. In fact, it’s above average for all other types of play. The overall feeling is not so hard, and it has a great flex when needed.

The throw is beautiful, I would say medium to high, and the ball trajectory is perfect, just landing on the last 20% of the table all the time. The blade is slightly head-heavy with max rubber on, a bit like the Timo Boll Spirit, but this actually packs power to your shot, especially topspin, which becomes more aggressive due to that weight. Overall, this is one of the best 7-ply all-wood blades I have played with.

However, I never liked the heavy ones over 95g, which are too stiff and have too much power and not good enough control.