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Xiom Hugo Calderano HAL
Blade description:
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.
Recent Reviews
#1 — November 2023
I have tested a very large number of blades. My favorite so far has been the Xiom Vega Pro, which gave me a lot of control and allowed me to make quick, precise exchanges.
The Xiom Hugo Calderano HAL allows me the same thing, but thanks to it, I have a touch on the ball I’ve never encountered before. My attacks at mid-distance or far from the table are now much more precise, but also much more often on the table.
For me, this is the best blade in the world for those who like controlled equipment, fast when desired, and with the little flex necessary for magnificent exchanges in topspin rallies. Best of all, it can be played from amateur to professional levels. This blade will make you a player who can let go and will reduce your frustrations.
#2 — April 2022
Hal is arguably one of the finest amateur blades available. I’ve owned numerous blades and am familiar with the characteristics of various materials such as vectran, tamca, ulc, alc, zlf, zlc, spzlc, kevlar, and soft carbon. However, Hal offers something truly unique and exceptional.
During my three weeks of playtesting Hugo Calderano’s SAL blade, I found it to be exceptionally soft, fast, and capable of producing long, straight parabolas. It provides a superb feel, akin to vectran, but with potentially insufficient control for my preferences, particularly when paired with harder rubbers. Dignics 05 would likely yield better results with SAL than with Hal.
In contrast, Hal exhibits medium hardness, promotes more curved shots, and offers greater grip. It remarkably combines slow and fast characteristics simultaneously. Its distinctiveness lies in its ability to mimic the playing qualities of wood while simultaneously providing a large sweet spot. It facilitates powerful shots while absorbing the opponent’s energy, enabling both high-powered spins and effective blocking.
While the short game may feel somewhat lacking, Hal excels in looping. Its overall feel is highly satisfying.
Despite not being a Butterfly product, which may impact resale value, Hal is an exceptionally worthwhile purchase. It is an OFF- blade that can produce all+ and even off+ shots when paired with fast rubbers and a powerful swing. It offers an exceptional level of forgiveness, allowing players to comfortably rectify mistakes.
#3 — March 2022
MUY BUENA MADERA! I had the opportunity to try it out because I wanted to upgrade from my old Maze Performance blade to a faster one to improve my game.
I must say, my first impression of the blade’s feel upon contact with the ball reminded me of a Stiga blade with an air capsule from around 2005. However, after a bit of rallying and practicing my shots, I was very satisfied. I found a fast blade with a lot of control.
It has a catapult effect, so you need to train to master it because you decide the speed during the game. It even seems to correct flawed strokes. You dominate the game both on and off the table!
If there’s anything negative I have to say about the blade, it’s that you need to train to adapt to the stroke, but it doesn’t take long. I adapted quickly. I like the speed you can generate, and the control is excellent. It corrects the angle of attack, which makes me more confident when attacking with both forehand and backhand. Being a soft blade, it imparts more spin when serving, and the speed is truly satisfying.
It’s a very good racket and a very good investment. It cost me $185, and I must say that I wouldn’t be surprised if they raised the price.