Perhaps the most important decision any newcomer to the world of ping pong will make is on the paddle they will use during gameplay. This decision can certainly be nerve-wracking with the sheer number of paddles you have to choose from. Among the most well-known of these paddles are the Stiga Evolution and the Stiga Pro Carbon.
These paddles are considered some of the finest Stiga paddles on the market, but both serve different purposes in terms of gameplay. With that in mind, is one actually better than the other? Honestly, that depends largely on your preferred technique and how you like to hold your paddle.
In this article, we’ll explain the purpose of each paddle, how they’re alike, and how they’re different. We’ll also compare Stiga Evolution vs. Pro Carbon to determine which is better.
When comparing the Stiga Evolution and the Pro Carbon with each other, it’s important to line up each feature and see how each cone compares to the other. A paddle’s material, weight, blade, and ratings will tell you everything you need to know about how a paddle performs during gameplay.
There are several different spin techniques, with some being beginner moves and others requiring a good amount of skill to pull off. Among the most common spin moves is that of the topspin. To do this successfully, a player must hit the ball in a way that makes the ball spin from the top rather than the side. Let’s take a quick look at the composition of both paddles right here.
| Features | Stiga Evolution | Pro Carbon | |
| Material | Rubber, 2 mm sponge | Wood, rubber, 2 mm sponge | |
| Weight | 0.35 lbs. | 0.35 lbs. | |
| Level | Performance | Performance | |
| Speed | 96 | 99 | |
| Spin | 94 | 100 | |
| Control | 90 | 80 | |
| Blade | 6-ply light blade | 7-ply extra light blade | |
| VIEW ON AMAZON | VIEW ON AMAZON |
The Stiga Evolution uses new Shock Dispersion Tube technology to evenly disperse the vibration and energy created when the ball hits the paddle out through the bottom of the paddle’s handle. This technology then increases the speed, control, and feel of the paddle and ball during gameplay.
The Stiga Evolution is a shake-handle style paddle that works best for advanced beginners or those at the intermediate skill level. The blade is made of 6-ply all wood, which gives you a lightweight feel without sacrificing any offensive power. The sponge is approximately 2mm wide on each side of the paddle, which allows you to maintain good control while also unleashing a good amount of power onto the ball.
The rubber on the paddle uses advanced crystal technology, which makes the bond between each rubber fiber help maintain better control during gameplay. On top of that, the handle is designed with a flared concave grip. This unique design utilizes a shock dispersion tube that helps maintain power and control.
The Pro Carbon is a performance-level racket that is ITTF-approved for tournament play. It also uses specific carbon technology to maximize both power and speed. This paddle works best for players who want a paddle for offensive power and spin technique during gameplay. The carbon technology creates power and speed, while the ACS technology used helps you maintain control during a match.
This ping pong paddle is constructed with 7-ply layers and is considered extra-extra lightweight. Unlike Evolution, this paddle isn’t all wood. While 5 plies of the construction are made of balsam wood, the remaining 2 plies are constructed of carbon Trusted Source Carbon-fiber epoxy mimics the performance of balsa wood - Materials Today Harvard engineers use new resin inks and 3D printing to construct lightweight cellular composites. www.materialstoday.com . The two carbon layers are also lighter than the balsam wood, so the paddle doesn’t feel really heavy to hold.
The rubbers used on this paddle are Stiga S5. Stiga S5 is a rubber made with Nanocomposite and ACS technology. Both of these helps give the paddle the majority of its performance score. Along with that, the handle is equipped with WRB technology. This specific technology uses a hollow tube to absorb shock during gameplay and disperse it evenly through the bottom of the paddle handle.
WRB technology also makes the paddles that use it a little heavier at the face of the paddle. Depending on your preferred way to play the game, this could be either positive or negative.
At first glance, both of these ping pong paddles may look the same. However, their similar outward appearance shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Both paddles may be the same color outside and have the same general design, but each one has different internal construction that gives it the ability to do different things. For starters, the Pro Carbon has less control but the exceptional speed and spin, which makes it ideal for offensive play. On the other hand, Evolution has the opposite standings. While the Evolution has greater control, it has a lower rating in other gameplay stats like speed, spin, and power.
The rubber technology on both paddles differs as well. For starters, the Stiga Evolution uses 2 mm of thick rubber that has microscopic air bubbles between each rubber fiber. These then help deliver shock absorption easily through the paddle’s handle. The Stiga Pro Carbon uses a slightly different approach. Instead, the Pro Carbon uses Stiga S5 rubber. This rubber is what helps the paddle maintain control.
Lastly, the composition of the paddle handles differs slightly too. While the Pro Carbon has a metal rod embedded into the handle to maintain control, the Evolution uses Stiga proprietary shock dispersion tube technology.
The better paddle solely depends on your preferred gameplay. Because both paddles suit a different game style and favor certain techniques, you need to know what your preferred technique is before deciding between the Stiga Evolution and the Stiga Pro Carbon.
If you really want to step your game up, even more, consider adding both of these paddles to your bag so you can switch things up a bit. This is actually incredibly tactful as you can confuse your opponents during a tournament by switching up your tactics throughout the tournament.
The paddle Trusted Source Ping-Pong as the Fountain of Youth Ping-Pong’s unique visual and spatial demands, strategy requirements and vigor may even offer benefits for the brain. A study of 164 Korean women age 60 and older showed that table tennis improved cognitive function more than dancing, walking, gymnastics or resistance training. Other research suggests Ping-Pong may ease attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. www.nytimes.com you choose to use says a lot about your skill level and preferred technique in a game of ping pong. Because of that, it’s incredibly important to make sure you choose a paddle that fits uniquely to your skills and preferences. There are countless paddles out there for players to choose from, and choosing the right one can be difficult.
When it comes to Stiga Evolution vs. Stiga Pro Carbon, the choice really boils down to whether you prefer offensive or defensive gameplay during a match. While one isn’t necessarily better than the other, the Evolution is best suited for defensive play and the Pro Carbon better for offensive play. Regardless of the paddle you choose, we hope this article has been helpful in guiding you towards making the right decision on the paddle you need.
