Xiom Hugo Calderano HAL

The Xiom Hugo Calderano HAL is a cutting-edge table tennis blade that strikes an impressive balance between speed, control, and flexibility, making it a formidable choice for players looking to elevate their game. Constructed with a unique composition of seven plies, the HAL features a thin layer of red arylate, providing a distinct feeling reminiscent of all-wood blades while benefiting from the advantages of composite materials. This blade’s design caters well to aggressive players who enjoy looping and counter-looping from mid-distance, facilitating swift acceleration of the ball with remarkable ease.

Weighing in at approximately 85 grams, the HAL is categorized as a medium-weight blade, offering a balanced feel that supports both powerful shots and delicate placements during the short game. Its thickness contributes to a high level of dwell time, allowing the player to execute more extensive strokes without compromising control. Rated with a supportive control score of 9.5, it boasts a stiffness of 3 and hardness of 5.3, which together provide an optimal mix of feedback and forgiveness. This results in an expansive sweet spot that welcomes less-than-perfect strikes, making it suitable for players still refining their techniques.

Players seeking alternatives may consider blades like the Butterfly Viscaria or Maze Performance; however, it’s widely regarded that the HAL offers superior control and feedback, particularly with hard rubbers. Overall, the Xiom Hugo Calderano HAL is ideal for players who appreciate the subtleties of spin and touch, providing an invigorating mix of power and precision that is hard to beat.