Xiom Feel ZXi

I’m honestly surprised no one has reviewed this blade to this point. This is a gem among the close-to-the-table gameplay. I’ve used several rubbers on this blade, and it naturally does better with elastic and/or spin-oriented rubbers. I would highly recommend a high-degree sponge for the forehand so that distance play is still a threat, as that is where the natural weakness of this blade lies. It uses softer inner woods with softer carbon layers, but has a hard outer wood. The thickness is about 5.5 mm (thinner than most offensive blades) so the blade has good flex despite its initial hard feel. Contact sensation is very good, although I have come across better (I’ve used about 60 different blades). But it easily makes my top ten list for good feel and feedback. This is my primary blade since it fits my playstyle best. I currently use Nittaku C-1 on the backhand and Gewo Nexxus Pro 53 SS on the forehand (which I twiddle from time to time). However, I believe hard modern hybrid rubbers would work best for the forehand of this blade, but I prefer precise speed. Everyone I know who has tried this blade and set-up has been extremely impressed by it.

If you enjoy a close gameplay style that allows a wide variety of options, then this blade will not disappoint.

A natural progression to this blade: The Nittaku Flyatt Carbon — The Nittaku Flyatt Carbon Pro — Xiom Feel ZXi.