Stiga Wavy Ultra Fiber

I bought this blade because I was curious about this new release. By the way, it is manufactured in Guangdong, China. I ordered it because I wanted something that feels more like an all-wood blade, and I wasn’t disappointed. The carbon used here acts more as a stabilizing factor for the wood; its presence isn’t very noticeable during play.

The handle is comfortable. Even though the blade is 6.5mm thick, which I thought might feel too chunky, it actually feels quite compact and handy. It sits well in the hand, and it’s very comfortable to control during transitions. Vibrations are dampened; the blade feels solid and “well-knit” (compact), yet it provides a clear contact feeling. However, it’s worth noting that since it feels more like an all-wood blade, the sweet spot is most prominent in the center.

Regarding speed, it’s quite linear: you get out exactly what you put in. It’s not slow, but the Stiga Inspira (which I have in my collection) feels faster. It’s more comfortable for active play in the second or third zone, but thanks to its control, you won’t have any issues with counter-attacking close to the table. In my opinion, it has a great speed-to-control balance.

I tested it with Stiga Mantra Pro H/M, but you could easily go with harder rubbers, even Chinese ones. To my taste, a setup with two 50° sponges would be ideal—they provide a nice dwell/flex and great feedback during play. Compared to the Stiga Inspira, the structure feels identical (which it is), but this one offers a more wood-like feel, more control, and is more composed. For its price point, I would highly recommend it. Stiga proves once again that they know how to make excellent blades.