Xiom Hayabusa ZLX

My first blade upgrade. If u dont like any vibration feeling then dont take this. So far for me, great upgrade from my previos all wood blade. Not too fast blade, can feel the ball. Xiom omega FH, neo 3 BH.

I have played a Hayabusa Zxi for over 10 years, and it is a fabulous close to the table offensive + blade. Over time it has taken some knocks, and I have been looking for a replacement, but nothing seemed like it would fit the bill until I saw the new Hayabusa ZLX on TT11. The ZLX marks the return of the Zephilium blade, and it appeared to be of similar construction to the Zxi. When I received mine, I built it with the same rubber (Omega IV Europe), so I could do a side-by-side comparison. The only differences I could detect were that the ZLX was very slightly less bouncy when I bounced a ball on it, and the sound was a slightly lower frequency, but when playing it allowed for more dwell time so I could load up on the spin a bit more. The handle is a bit rounder, typical of the handles Xiom now uses in its line.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the blade after several hours of use. There was absolutely no transition period. Playing the ZLX was just like with the Zxi. Enough speed when needed, loops well, blocks well, chops and pushes well, all with great control. The fact that the blade is made in China, as opposed to Korea, is not a concern, because the build quality and finish were as good as any Korean-made Xiom blade I have ever owned, and the price is considerably lower. The ZLX has now become my go-to blade.