Stiga ‘Ebenholz’ series released in 2009 is the first work of Stiga’s ‘Hardwood’ series. It appeared in an era when interest in fiber blades increased in conjunction with the ban of speed glue, and by becoming very popular it proved that fiber blade isn’t only one solution for the era of speed glue ban. The concept of ‘Hardwood’ series was to realize the high elasticity that hadn’t been possible until then by using high modulus wood for the top layer of blade construction. The first selected material was Ebony, and two versions – ‘Ebenholz NCT V’ which is 5-ply wood version and ‘Ebenholz NCT VII’ which is 7-ply wood version – were launched and gained sensational popularity. It has been a long time since its introduction. Although ‘Ebenholz’ series isn’t as popular as it once was, it is still one of the steady selling blade family in Stiga’s blade range. And, the details of the design of ‘Ebenholz’ series has recently been changed in the same way as Stiga’s new fiber blades. This article is showing the recent version of ‘Ebenholz NCT VII’ with refined design.

‘Ebenholz NCT VII’ is the steady selling hardwood blade, together with ‘Rosewood NCT V’. The impression of current version is somewhat different from the first version. The surface of blade head isn’t as glossy as the old version because of the change of coating. And, the transparent plastic lens at handle has been replaced by aluminum plate.

The blade construction of ‘Ebenholz NCT VII’ is different from the ordinary constructions of 7-ply wood blades. In general, the middle layer under the top layer is as thin as the top layer. However, the middle layer of ‘Ebenholz NCT VII’ is very thick, and a thin wood layer is inserted between the middle layer and the center layer. The top layer is of course Ebony. The middle layer and the center layer are Ayous. The layer between the middle layer and the center layer is unknown, but it looks like dyed Limba. Overall thickness is around 6.0mm, which is thinner than most of 7-ply constructions.

The head size of current version is around 157mm x 151mm which is a bit small as the head of the pure wood blade of Stiga.

The width of Master (= FL : flared) handle is around 26mm (at head side) ~ 26.5mm (at bulge) ~ 26mm (at narrowest point) ~ 35mm (at the end). And, the thickness of FL handle is around 22 mm (at thumb) ~ 25mm (at the end). The size of Classic (= ST : straight) handle which is not shown in the picture is around 29m (width) x around 23mm (thickness).

The blade name printed at the wings beside handle is the tradition of Stiga blade. ‘EBENHOLZ’ and ‘NCT VII’ are printed on left wing and right wing respectively. On the top of handle, the type of handle (MASTER, CLASSIC, WINNER or PEN) is printed.

The transparent plastic lens at the foreside of handle of old version has been replaced by Aluminum panel which is the same type as the Aluminum panels for new fiber blades such as Carbonado series and Inspira series.

The paper sticker at the end of the handle of old version has been replaced by Aluminum panel. The end panel is including the logo of Swedish Table Tennis Association.

Nothing is printed on the backside of head, and there isn’t backside lens. It is noticeable that the head surface isn’t as glossy as the old version.

Following are the performance indices of Stiga Ebenholz NCT VII (avg.weight = 91.3) :

– Ep = 1.57

– Ec = 1.26 (Ec/Ep = 0.81)

– Vp = 1.03

– Vl = 1.20 (Vl/Vp = 1.16)

Note : The data has been updated by the measurement of current version.

Please note that above are average values and can be updated by further measurement.

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