STIGA Raptor, a quality premade Shakehand table tennis racket is specially designed for intermediate and advanced players. The combination of the composite extra light blade, premium rubber, and unique concave pro handle gives the optimum performance needed for aggressive players.
Specifications
- Blade: 5-ply wood + 2 layers of carbon
- Rubber: STIGA’s S5 rubber
- Rubber Type: Inverted
- Sponge: 2.0 mm thick
- Handle: Concave (Flared)
- Speed – 99
- Spin – 100
- Control – 80
- Style: Shakehand
- Approval: ITTF
Construction of STIGA Raptor
The Raptor is for aggressive players with a much higher speed rating (99) than the control (80).
Composite Blade
The blade consists of 5-ply balsa wood with 2 carbon layers. STIGA has used crystal technology to harden the blade’s surface for increased power. The lightweight, soft, porous, springy balsa wood increases reaction time and the capability to generate spin.
The carbon layer is always added to the blade composition to gain more power. The carbon layers increase the rigidity and stiffness of the Raptor blade, enhancing the sweet spot and power.
STIGA S5 Rubber
STIGA Raptor comes with inverted S5 rubber with 2.0 mm sponge thickness. The sponge thickness plays a vital role in prioritizing either speed or control. As a thumb rule, the thinner the sponge, the more will be control over speed, and in reverse thicker sponges have more speed and less control. A 2.0 mm sponge is on the higher side to give more speed.
STIGA uses ACS technology to induce microscopic air capsules in the rubber for more elasticity with higher speed and good control. Also, the incorporation of one another technology, i.e. Nano Composite Technology makes stronger and tighter bonds in the rubber. This enhances speed and spins to a great extent.
Concave Pro Handle
The Raptor racket has a flared type handle for Shakehand grip with a slight modification to make it more effective, named “Concave Pro”. STIGA uses its WRB technology to make it lighter and head-heavy. The terminology of WRB is:
W: Weight Balance, R: Rate of Recovery, B: Ball Sensitivity
Performance
| Speed | Spin | Control |
| 99 | 100 | 80 |
The manufacturer’s rating shows the Raptor has been designed to deliver massive speed and spins. It also offers decent command over control to provide consistency in your game. It’s a fast offensive racket that works great for looping and smashing but requires decent skills.
The head-heavy balance makes it easier to generate power but lacks feeling. It is good for the recreational level but not for professionals.
Positives of STIGA Raptor
- STIGA Raptor is a top-level premade racket for attackers. The carbon blade can generate the high speed that an attacker would love to produce in the game. Moreover, the huge sweet spot makes it easy to play attacking shots by a larger area of the racket.
- The combination of springy wood and 2.0 mm thick rubber can generate massive spin. Also, the tacky STIGA S5 rubber helps you add more spin to your soft strokes.
- Excellent for topspin attack
- It’s a lightweight paddle. Amateurs find it easy to handle.
- The Raptor has been crafted with a high level of precision and accuracy.
- This racket is ITTF-approved, which allows you to use the racket in tournaments.
- Lastly, it is for a trusted brand like STIGA, for quality table tennis equipment over the years.
Negatives of STIGA Raptor
- Not suitable for the use of beginners
- Not for professionals
Conclusion
STIGA Raptor is an excellent premade paddle at $70 for offensive intermediate players. It has the spin and power to dominate on the board.
STIGA Pro Carbon, a very similar performer, is a great alternative. You may also consider Killerspin Jet 600 (excellent for looping), and Palio Legend 3.0 (excellent offensive paddle for a great value for money).
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