Xiom Stradivarius

Composite/carbon 36 reviews

≈ 83 grams ≈ 1583 Hz

Blade description:

The Xiom Stradivarius is a standout blade in the table tennis world, cherished by players for its exceptional spin capabilities and control during gameplay. Crafted with a composition of seven plies that includes aramid carbon, this blade strikes a balance between power and finesse, making it particularly advantageous for offensive players who rely heavily on topspin shots and looping techniques. The combination of materials provides a stiff structure while still allowing for remarkable flex, particularly when paired with the right rubbers.

Weighing in at a medium range, the Stradivarius typically hovers around 85 grams, offering a comfortable handling experience that many players appreciate. Its thickness measures approximately 5.7 mm, contributing to its ability to generate speed without sacrificing control. Reviewers frequently emphasize the blade’s agility and responsiveness, which make it a favored choice for both close-to-the-table rallies and mid-distance play.

While the Stradivarius excels in producing powerful topspins, some users note its stiffness may lead to a less tactile feel compared to all-wood alternatives. However, many players argue that its performance in generating spin and speed outweighs this drawback, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their looping game. Alternatives to consider for similar performance might include blades like the Butterfly Viscaria and Timo Boll Spirit; however, players often find the Stradivarius presents a cost-effective solution without compromising quality. Overall, this blade continues to garner high praise for its consistent performance, making it an excellent addition for serious table tennis enthusiasts.

Recent Reviews

#1 — January 2023

Xiom Stradivarius is a fast blade that allows for easy spin generation on both backhand and forehand shots. I currently use it with Xiom Vega Europe (42°) for my backhand and Vega Asia (47°) for my forehand. This combination has improved the control of my backhand block, enabled me to execute quick backhand shots, and increased the power of my forehand.

Initially, this blade may require some time to adjust to, but once you have the technique, you can fully utilize its capabilities. My Xiom rubbers are currently worn, and I will be replacing them with Andro R48 (backhand) and Andro R50 (forehand) as recommended by my coach. I will provide an update on my review once I have tested this blade with the new Andro rubbers.

It’s worth noting that I recommend using this blade with rubbers that offer good grip, not necessarily sticky, but with a surface that facilitates easy adherence. I’ll observe and report on how it performs with the Andro rubbers.

#2 — December 2022

A looper’s dream, this blade provides an exceptional feel for topspins. It possesses speed, particularly when paired with fast and firm tensors. However, in my experience, it performs optimally with softer rubbers that balance its intensity.

Many members of my club utilize this blade with the Vega Europe series or other Xiom rubbers. It offers excellent spin, effortless blocks, and surprisingly, I improved my chopping skills while using it as my sole blade during my time abroad.

This versatility suggests that the blade is not an OFF+ as classified by Xiom but rather an OFF. My older model, featuring a dull-colored handle, played more like an OFF-, while newer versions I’ve tried exhibit a marginally faster response.

Despite its carbon construction, the blade offers a well-balanced short game. It weighs approximately 85g and has a comfortable handle. Overall, this blade is an outstanding choice, and its value and craftsmanship cannot be surpassed.

However, it’s crucial to possess the appropriate technique and setup to fully utilize its potential.

#3 — June 2022

Great blade! My brother bought it from TableTennis11, it arrived on time… but it arrived broken. You can complain to them for a long time, but they don’t offer a solution. I would not recommend TableTennis11 to anyone!