Xiom ICE CREAM AZXi
Blade description:
The Xiom AZXi is a high-performance composite blade featuring a 5+2 construction. It utilizes a Limba outer ply over a Kiri core, with ZLC (Zylon Carbon) and ALC (Arylate Carbon) layers placed directly against the core. This asymmetric design allows players to choose between two distinct playing characteristics on each side of the blade, providing a versatile tool for both offensive and precision-based play.
Key Characteristics
- Asymmetric Performance: The ALC side is generally perceived as faster with a higher arc and increased dwell time, making it highly effective for heavy looping and spin generation. The ZLC side offers a firmer, slightly duller feel, providing superior control, stable blocking, and precision for flat hits and flick shots.
- Feel and Control: Despite the inclusion of carbon composites, the blade is frequently noted for its “wood-like” feel in the short game. It offers a large sweet spot and low vibration, allowing for delicate touch shots, precise serves, and high-accuracy placement.
- Stiffness and Speed: The blade balances power with control; it is stiff enough to facilitate aggressive attacking and counter-looping, yet provides enough dwell to maintain high spin potential. It is generally described as having a speed profile similar to or slightly more controlled than traditional high-end composite blades like the Viscaria.
Ergonomics and Build
- Handle Design: The blade features a modern, ergonomic 3D handle design. Some users may find the handle edges sharp, potentially requiring minor sanding for maximum comfort depending on grip preference.
- Construction: The combination of the Limba top layer and the inner-layer carbon placement contributes to a balanced weight distribution, typically resulting in a setup that feels maneuverable and not overly heavy.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — March 2024
I’ve switched from the DHS FangBo B2X to this new blade. It features ALC and ZLC on different sides, with a composite layer adjacent to the Kiri core and a top layer of Limba.
Aesthetically, it’s sleek, handsome, and robust. The 3D handle design provides a comfortable grip, although the sharp edges require some sanding. At $215, I would expect Xiom to handle this sanding at the factory.
For my forehand on the ALC side, I use DHS H3 pro or H8 40deg 2.15mm, while for my backhand on the ZLC side, I use Tenergy 80.
The 88-gram blade weighs over 182 grams when glued, creating a lightweight setup.
The FH drive is excellent, with a sweet feel. FH loops and heavy loops are stable. Compared to the FangBo B2X, the AZXi FH is slower on brush loops due to its stiffness, but flat hits are easier. FH push and block are comparable to the FangBo B2X, both providing a pleasant ball contact.
The BH drive is superior to the B2X, offering greater speed and a duller feel attributable to the ZLC material (the B2X uses ALC on both sides). It provides good speed control. Blocking is also improved compared to the B2X, but pushing is inferior. BH loops generate spin with wrist movement.
Overall, I’m slightly inclined to revert to my FB2X.
#2 — March 2024
Super blade. Even though I normally like 7 ply wood more, this is an incredible blade. It played well with Dignics 09c and played super well with Rakza 7 Soft. Its speed is a notch more than Viscaria, while its control is much better, I would say. It provides better spin, maybe due to the Limba wood and better dwell contributing to that spin. In my opinion, it has better feel than Viscaria. I liked it more than Viscaria. If you can still find one, go for it. It’s well worth it.
#3 — April 2023
I believe my search for “The Blade” has ended, at least for my playstyle. If I could characterize this blade in two words, it would be “Spin & Control.” My AZXi weighs 91 grams. As an equipment enthusiast, I’ve experimented with numerous blades, including well-known ones like TBS, Yinhe Pro 01, Andro Temper Tech all+, Viscaria, and Sanwei Froster ex-c.
This blade offers exceptional control and spin. On my forehand, I use Hurricane 3 Neo boosted, and on my backhand, I use Yasaka Rakza Z. The ALC side with my H3 Neo produces a high throw angle, resulting in significant spin and dwell time, creating a noticeably high arc. I had to adjust my angle slightly due to the higher arc. Compared to Viscaria, you get more dwell, a slightly higher arc, more spin, and more feeling, but less crisp feedback. Speed-wise, I find it equal to or slightly slower than Viscaria, but take that with a grain of salt as it’s been a while since I’ve played with Viscaria. Nonetheless, for my style of play, the forehand is superior to Viscaria.
On the backhand, the level of control is remarkable. I can hit hard and keep the ball on the table with ease. Contrary to popular belief, the ZLC side of the blade offers more control and slower speed. The BH on the AZXi is comparable to Viscaria, albeit slightly slower and with a duller feel. The control is superior to Viscaria. The slower speed compared to Viscaria is likely due to the Rakza Z being a slower rubber, but I still believe it provides better control. With a faster rubber, you’ll have no trouble ending points with kill shots. However, I prefer a slower rubber for enhanced control.
Serves are excellent, generating a lot of spin. It’s not excessively bouncy during short games, allowing for precise short drop shots. For my playstyle, this blade is unmatched when it comes to short games. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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