JOOLA Infinity Overdrive vs Stiga Pro Carbon: Which Paddle?

Both are genuine performance upgrades over recreational paddles. The JOOLA Infinity Overdrive is ITTF-approved for tournament play, uses Rhyzer rubber on a carbon blade, and costs more. The Stiga Pro Carbon is not ITTF-approved, offers similar intermediate performance, and costs less. The deciding factor is whether formal tournament play is in your plans.

This comparison contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and partner of other programs, RallyRove may earn a commission at no cost to you.

At a glance

Spec	JOOLA Infinity Overdrive Paddle Check price on Amazon	Stiga Pro Carbon Paddle Check price on Amazon
Price	$130-$160	$65-$85
Our rating	4.6 / 5	4.4 / 5
Best for	Serious intermediate players and aspiring competitive players who want a tournament-legal setup without the learning curve of building a custom combination.	Intermediate players who want a clear upgrade from a recreational paddle and plan to play club-level or casual competitive matches without formal tournament play.
ITTF approval	Yes, tournament-legal	No, not for sanctioned events
Rubber	JOOLA Rhyzer (known tournament rubber)	Stiga DNA (good intermediate rubber)
Blade	Carbon composite	7-ply carbon
Price	Higher ($130-$160)	Lower ($65-$85)

The two options in depth

4.6 Amazon

JOOLA Infinity Overdrive Paddle

A ready-to-play performance paddle with a carbon-composite blade and ITTF-approved Rhyzer rubbers that puts tournament-level equipment in a pre-assembled package.

Best for Serious intermediate players and aspiring competitive players who want a tournament-legal setup without the learning curve of building a custom combination.

ITTF-approved Rhyzer rubber on both sides, legal for sanctioned competitionCarbon blade delivers real speed and spin capability beyond recreational setsNo assembly or rubber selection required; ready to use immediately Once the rubber wears out, the replacement process requires either a new paddle or custom regluing

$130-$160 Check price on Amazon

4.4 Amazon

Stiga Pro Carbon Paddle

A widely used mid-range performance paddle combining a 7-ply carbon blade with Stiga DNA rubber for players stepping up from recreational sets.

Best for Intermediate players who want a clear upgrade from a recreational paddle and plan to play club-level or casual competitive matches without formal tournament play.

Carbon blade adds real speed beyond entry-level paddle performanceGood balance of spin and speed for intermediate stroke developmentWidely available and well-documented; large owner community for technique guidance Not ITTF approved for formal tournament competition

$65-$85 Check price on Amazon

Which should you buy?

Buy the JOOLA Infinity Overdrive if you are playing or plan to play in USATT-sanctioned tournaments or formal club competitions where ITTF approval is required. The Rhyzer rubber is a known quantity used in competitive play, and the tournament-legal status means you will not need to switch equipment when you step up to formal competition. Buy the Stiga Pro Carbon if formal tournament play is not a current goal and you want a real performance upgrade at a lower price. It is one of the most widely used intermediate paddles in the world for good reason. The difference in everyday recreational and club performance between these two is smaller than the price gap; the ITTF advantage is the deciding factor.

Common questions

Is the JOOLA Infinity Overdrive worth twice the price of the Stiga Pro Carbon?

For tournament players, yes. For recreational players who never enter USATT events, the price premium is harder to justify on pure performance grounds. The JOOLA Infinity Overdrive uses better rubber and is ITTF-legal, but in informal club play and recreational settings the Stiga Pro Carbon performs well at its price. Decide on your competitive ambitions first, then choose accordingly.

Can I use either paddle in USATT league play?

The JOOLA Infinity Overdrive is ITTF-approved and can be used in sanctioned USATT league and tournament play. The Stiga Pro Carbon is not ITTF-approved and cannot be used in formal sanctioned competitions, though it is fine for informal club nights and recreational play.