Stiga Allround Evolution

I'm a 2 winged loop, Allround offensive minded player just shy of 1800 (USATT). The Evolution started out as a gift for my 12 y/o daughter. I sanded the wings, handle and face, then finished it off with a thin coat of sealant. At which time I thought I'd hit with it for a session, gluing on a couple old sheets of Tenergy 05 and taking it to the club. That's when I was hooked. This blade has many gears! I feel confident reaching in for a surprise drop shot or stepping back and driving the ball down the sideline. The throw angle is medium high. The blade isn't stiff, but doesn't flex much either. This feature helps in passive play when I'm out of position, just trying to get the ball back on the table. Whereas the Nittaku Violin or Butterfly Grubba, both of which flex a bunch, a simple block or out of position stretched out return is likely to go long off the table due to its catapult like nature. With the Evolution, it's easier for me to get back on the offensive and out loop my opponents. I don't chop, so won't comment on that, but my main practice partner does play a modern defensive style with his backhand. He wanted to try out the Donic Z3 on my blade and he seemed to get good rotation and variation with the combo. I've tried Tenergy, Donic M2, M3 and Z3 on the blade and it worked well with each. Double T05 was a bit heavy for my liking, but played decent. Boosted Skyline Neo didn't play so well for me. I'd say the blade pairs well with med-soft to med-firm rubbers. This blade has really surprised me in how well I play while using it. Who knew a cheap $40 blade would put several high end blades back on the shelf!?!?!

My first proper blade. This is a beginner's view.

First off, feel is quite good. I have nothing higher end to compare it to, but I can feel when I perform a bad stroke, and I can feel incoming and outgoing power more or less.

The flared handle is quite good in the hand, even for relatively small hands. The blade felt head heavy in the beginning but I've gotten used to it, and it feels quite light now after some months of use.

Control is good and it doesn't feel too fast or too slow. I think