Xiom Feel ZX3
Blade description:
This offensive-class composite blade utilizes a 5+2 construction featuring Cylon fibers layered beneath Kiso Hinoki outer plies. The resulting performance profile offers a distinct blend of high-end speed and high-level control, characterized by a longer dwell time than many typical carbon-composite blades. Its feedback is highly responsive, providing distinct vibrations that aid in ball placement and touch during short game exchanges, blocking, and mid-range looping.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Feedback: Despite its inherent stiffness, the blade provides a soft, communicative feel that avoids a “crispy” sensation. The fiber-wood combination allows for superior touch and improved ball feedback compared to many standard Koto-outer composite blades.
- Performance: It is suited for an aggressive looping and power-blocking style. It maintains a secure arc and generates significant spin potential, allowing for effective brushing and loop-driving. The weight distribution is noted to be slightly head-heavy, which complements its performance in offensive rallies.
- Ergonomics: The handle geometry requires attention, as the factory finish includes wide wings and a relatively short handle length. Users often find it necessary to sand the wings to improve comfort and grip, particularly for rapid forehand-to-backhand transitions.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — April 2024
Where to start? At 88 g, the wings needed to be sanded about 1 mm to be comfortable. It’s very soft and has a good feeling while maintaining mid stiffness, not as stiff as a Nobilis or Primorac but a notch less and thus a bit safer arc and dwell time. Speed is similar to or even faster than Viscaria without being crispy. It has very responsive feedback. Touch is far better than Viscaria or TBALC or Koto outer. Spin is much more potent and plays better when you loop and loop drive, and still lets you keep spin on it. Looping: 9.6/10, Blocks: 9.6/10, Counters: 9.3/10, Short Game: 9.4/10. It has the ability to loop and smash with no major loss of either stroke. It gives me chances to counter loop or smash and equal chances of either landing with no loss of control. Played with C53 and Hammond Z2 in 2.0. The Hammond was able to brush or block but not very easy to hit with sponge and spin on this blade. I wish they still made this blade. I will buy any that are sold because it’s a better blade than Viscaria or TBALC or Trinity or any other racket so far.
#2 — August 2022
For my game so far, the best blade I’ve tried.
I’ve been playing with the blade for 3 years and bought a second one as a replacement blade. My playing style is offensive/all-round, featuring aggressive looping on the forehand and all-round play with power blocking on the backhand side. I’m currently playing Butterfly Dignics 09C on the forehand and bh: Tenergy 25 FX.
I’ve played a lot of woods as you can see from my reviews. I’ve tried many innovations from different manufacturers, but I always come back to the ZX3.
Relative to speed, the ZX3 is the most controlled blade I’ve found.
My assessment in my combination of wood and rubbers: - Looping: great - 9.8 - Smash: great - 9.5 - Block: excellent - 9.8 - Control: excellent - 9.8 - Service: excellent - 9.8 - Short game after a little practice is absolutely fine: 9.2
The only point of criticism is the angular finish near the handle. This needs to be reworked, which is done in 3 minutes.
I hope I was able to help you just a little bit. I don’t think I’ll switch anytime soon. For me, it’s a top blade in relation to speed and control - purchase recommendation for players with a similar playing style.
#3 — October 2020
Fantastic blade. Compared to the Battery Innerforce ALC, this blade is faster while maintaining excellent control, which is truly remarkable.
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