Im around a 1300-1500 skillset...I have been experimenting with several different blades in the last couple of months. Went from a Butterfly vsg, to a DOnic Persson Off, then back to a Stiga all around CR. While plinking around this past weekend, a bud at the club let me hit with this. It was matched with some cheap rubbers- Gambler Wraith / Ritc 729. I immediately began hitting these solid drives straight back with a trajectory that before I had only visualized. At the time, I wasnt aware of the whole technology / high end price aspect, but the simple fact that I knew I needed to get one. Playing an AR+ Stiga blade for the last few weeks, I can confidently say this blade isnt OFF, but more OFF-, perhaps a tad slower even. The consistency with blocks and pushes is simply without comparison. For this one, yeah you pay a premium, but so what - it delivers. Another distinct feature to other flared handles... this one has a more pronounced block shape as opposed to what is usually a more even bevel. The result is a very solid feel in the hand, particularly on looping backhands.
Bottom line - buy it. Solid, consistent, not too fast, lots of control, great feel.
I gotta save up, but I cant imagine what its like with higher quality rubbers. Its almost a no brainer for players in the attacking / all around group - just fine tune it with rubbers. You got the blade covered....
J Arias
