Xiom Stradivarius

Composite/carbon

36 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!

#4 — July 2021

I’ve been using this blade consistently for the past two years and it remains the best blade I’ve ever played with. Its performance is exceptional, allowing for precise loops, effortless blocks, and formidable underspin. The blade exhibits a pronounced stiffness, making it an ideal choice for players who prefer a rigid feel.

#5 — November 2020

Good touch on the short game, and blocks well. However, topspins are slower and produce less spin than anticipated, given the blade’s rating. It performed less effectively against underspin compared to my Viscaria blade due to its harder composition, which also results in a somewhat hollow sound.

#6 — April 2020

Similar in structure to Viscaria, this blade features a distinct carbon layer, making it ideal for consistent looping. It provides a solid feel and does not possess the “Viscarian” characteristic of absorbing vibrations. Minor adjustments to the phrasing may be necessary.

#7 — December 2019

Similar feeling to Donic Ovtcharov True Carbon, except it’s slower and feels a bit “hollow”.

Overall speaking, Stradivarius is a good blade. Good feeling and many gears at a bargain price.

This is a stiff fast blade, with mid to low throw angle, depending on rubber combination.

If you want an 85% Viscaria clone at 45% of Viscaria price, you should go for this blade.

#8 — May 2019

The Cornilleau Aero OFF+ is a 5-ply blade made of Ayous, Koto, and Limba wood. It is designed for offensive players who want a fast and powerful blade. The blade has a thick core that provides a solid feel and good control. The outer layers are made of Koto wood, which gives the blade a nice pop and a crisp sound. The Limba wood in the middle layer adds some flexibility and makes the blade more forgiving.

Overall, the Cornilleau Aero OFF+ is a great choice for offensive players who want a fast and powerful blade that still offers good control. The blade is well-made and durable, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.

#9 — April 2019

Amazing blade. The feel is like a rock. Nothing soft about this blade. The only softness is the taste of victory when using this amazing blade. Control is everywhere. Looping, blocking, topspining, all go on the table. First impression when you touch the ball… very stiff… very hard… thinking… nothing will be okay. But you will have an amazing surprise. This top blade will give you quick confidence, power, and all the control.

#10 — September 2018

Great looping offensive blade for the price, modeled on Boll ALC but not as consistent as the more expensive carbon blades. In my experience in table tennis equipment, cheaper alternatives are never as good as the real deal, but you can still find good quality at a lower price, and this is about the best carbon blade you can get for the price. It offers great spin potential and manageable speed, and it’s definitely not an OFF+ blade; my Off- Diva is just as fast as this on the top end. However, overall, this blade is faster due to it being more elastic. Due to a lack of vibration, the player receives little feedback on the shot, so the player must have developed shots to maximize the blade’s potential. If you only play once or twice a week, you may struggle to find the feel of this blade early on in matches due to low feedback. Around 42-degree rubbers work well on this blade as it increases dwell and softens the feel. Andro R42 works really well for loopers. It has a stiffer feel than Boll ALC and doesn’t play as well with harder rubbers like Tenergy 05 or R47 as the hard rubber on a stiff blade doesn’t allow for much spin generation. Softer rubbers play best on this blade.

#11 — October 2017

Excellent blade, on the table and mid-distance, especially for looping. Paired with 40-45-degree rubbers, it will be great. It’s definitely an offensive blade with a great amount of spin, speed, and control. My preferred rubbers for this masterpiece are Xiom Vega Pro 2.0 FH and Gewo XTPro 40.0 1.9 BH. I’m really enjoying playing with this blade.

#12 — March 2017

My best blade so far! I had three blades before this one: Donic Epoxx All+, Donic Burn OFF+, and Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit (also a very good blade).

I took the Xiom Stradivarius for a test from my play partner (he uses Xiom Omega 5 Asia 2.0 for forehand and backhand). After just 10 minutes of playing, I was in love with this blade!

It has very good speed, awesome control, and… amazing topspin! (Fast, crazy spin, you will play like a hand).

I have already bought this blade for myself! (Omega V Asia 2.0). I am so happy with this setup!

Best regards and good games!

Alex.

#13 — January 2017

Timo Boll ALC is an offensive blade designed for professional players. It has an outer layer of hinoki wood, which provides a great feel and control. The core is made of Kiri wood, which is soft and lightweight. This combination gives the blade a good balance of speed and control.

The Timo Boll ALC is a well-rounded blade that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles. It is a good choice for players who are looking for a blade that provides both speed and control.

However, the Timo Boll ALC is not the best choice for beginners. It is a relatively expensive blade, and it requires a high level of skill to use effectively. If you are a beginner, it is better to start with a less expensive blade that is more forgiving.

#14 — March 2016

When I sniff at the top ply and hit the blade hard, I feel that it’s soft. Compared to the Viscaria Light, it feels better.

#15 — June 2015

Paired with Sigma II pro FH and Sigma II euro BH, you will get perfect arc for your topspins. The same is true with T05 FH and T05fx BH, providing a perfect arc.

Use it with medium hard and hard rubbers. The Stradivarius name is not a scam; this is the off/off+ carbon blade that provides the best feedbacks and very good dwell time.

I lacquered my Styradivarius with Xiom sealer because the blade is such a beauty that I don’t want to risk damaging it when ungluing. The craftsmanship is impressive, premium quality, TRUE premium quality, unlike Stiga’s premium blade with many joints on the top ply (and certainly other joints for intermediate ply).

The blade has a sharp feeling and is extremely precise.

It’s a blade close to the Butterfly Viscaria in many aspects, but the aramid carbon provides a sharper feeling than Arylate Carbon (from Viscaria). It’s a matter of preference; I love both, but the Stradivarius looks better, and I prefer the handle (larger than Viscaria FL).

#16 — May 2015

This blade is designed for advanced players who primarily use looping techniques from mid to far from the table. It features a quick impulse vibration trigger, allowing for rapid ball returns. However, some reviewers have noted a lack of feel with this blade.

In terms of speed, it is comparable to the BTY Viscaria, offering solid but muted ball feel. The FL grip has a distinctive feel, characterized by its width but shallower depth in the hand.

The build quality is excellent, and the blade has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is important to note that this blade is not ideal for players who do not consistently practice or train.

#17 — December 2014

This blade is ideal for the constant looper and can produce incredible spin when paired with the right rubbers.

Its speed is commendable, primarily attributed to the carbon and hard outer wood material.

Blocking shots are effortless, as the thin outer plies provide exceptional control over the ball.

However, a significant drawback of the Stradivarius is its lack of feedback due to its extreme stiffness caused by the carbon layer. This reduced sensitivity may be a concern for players who rely on subtle feedback from their blade.

The Stradivarius performs optimally with soft or medium-soft sponges, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.

Aesthetically, this blade is a masterpiece, earning praise for its exceptional beauty.

#18 — August 2014

Xiom delivered with this blade. It excels as a looping machine. With ample speed, control, and a superb feel for the ball, it’s ideal for close-to-the-table loopers. While not the fastest blade available (BTY’s Photino surpasses it in speed), the Strad compensates with exceptional spin generation. Remarkably, it maintains consistency, even when overhitting the ball.

Its only potential downside is the pleasant feel it provides, which may hinder the player’s ability to discern overhits. Nonetheless, it remains a top-notch blade for offensive players. It also exhibits decent blocking capabilities. Xiom deserves commendation for this excellent product. Despite transitioning from DHS’s Hurricane-WL, I have no regrets about my decision.

#19 — January 2014

One of the best blades for topspin attack, it provides excellent control and speed. It has very good flex when looping, giving it a lot of kick. I have tested many premium blades, but I keep coming back to this one. It’s good for playing close to or far from the table. If you are not bothered about brands and are into quality, performance, and delivery, then I suggest you give this one a try. You might be surprised. 10/10.

#20 — June 2013

A pretty good blade if you average all the different types of shots together. The Stradivarius is definitely a looper’s blade, one of the best looping/topspin blades on the planet! Paired with spinny rubbers, the Strad can really put some unbelievable spin on the ball.

I use 2.2mm Mark V’s on both sides, and my topspin shots have unbelievable spin, even when I don’t exert too much effort to add more spin!

As for the speed rating, conventionally and collectively with other blades, the Stradivarius is definitely just an OFF blade. In Xiom’s line, however, they have an OFF++ rating which would be equivalent to OFF+ conventionally. So the OFF+ rating on the face of the blade is already quite accurate.

P.S.: That picture is outdated. My Stradivarius has the “NOVUS T” emblem on the upper right, along with the blade info right underneath it.

#21 — December 2012

Legocityshow before you read, please take note that this is just my own personal opinion, do not take this personally.

This is the best blade I have ever used, based on my experience. I previously used all wood blades and I was able to unleash my best performance. Three months ago, I was given the advice to upgrade to Stradivarius. I was wise to agree because I believed that this blade would further enhance my performance. Fortunately, it had a positive impact on my gameplay.

Not only does this blade excel in power and speed, but it also offers exceptional spin, control, arc, feel, and—most importantly—consistency. Its high consistency forces my opponents to adjust every time I play, setting a new standard for blade performance.

The feel is unparalleled. You can sense the ball with each stroke, giving you the impression that you can play for hours on end even if you’re not a regular player.

Conclusion:

I highly recommend this blade to all players. It is a worthwhile investment that significantly enhanced my performance. (Please note that this is just my personal opinion.)

#22 — November 2012

Before reading, please note that these are my personal opinions.

This blade is the worst I have ever used. I previously used the Stiga Tube Carbo, which allowed me to perform at my best. Three months ago, I was advised to upgrade to the Stradivarius, and I foolishly agreed, believing it would enhance my performance. Unfortunately, it had a negative impact.

The spin, control, arc, feel, and consistency are all very poor. The only positive aspects are its power and speed. The consistency is the worst aspect, as it forces me to constantly adjust my playstyle. There is no standard when using this blade.

The feel is also completely off. It feels like I cannot play for an extended period, even if I play regularly.

Conclusion:

I cannot recommend this blade to any player. It is a blade that deserves to be discarded. It has severely hindered my performance. (Please note that these are my personal opinions.)

#23 — May 2012

It’s very similar to the ALC and the Boll Spirit, but it’s often lighter, cheaper, and a little bit slower.

#24 — May 2012

Top blade. I have it with Vega Pro Max on both sides. It’s a crazy combo. You can do any offensive stroke with speed and precision. Heavy spin shots are easily achieved. Excellent for power loop attack and fantastic for blocks and punches. It performs better than my Butterflys M Maze with the same setup and is a bit faster. 10/10 highly recommended and worth every penny.

#25 — April 2012

We have a big contender for btrfly. It offers a perfect balance of all the essential qualities, making it an exceptional value. Once you try it, you’re sure to reconsider your existing blade. If necessary, make slight adjustments to the phrasing to ensure clarity.

#26 — April 2012

This blade offers excellent control. I paired it with Rakza 7 rubbers, and I thoroughly enjoyed the spin and precision it provided on every loop.

#27 — April 2012

have not tried it but I am definitely sure this is the equivalent of the tb alc.

#28 — April 2012

It is a good blade, definitely an offensive blade, but not an off+ blade. It has lower vibration than the Timo Boll Spirit and the M.Maze blade. It is also slightly faster than both. This blade is excellent for looping and games requiring high control. The handle is acceptable. The blade is 5.7 cm thick and is made from a combination of koto, aramid carbon, ayous, and kiri core.

#29 — February 2012

I can confirm that this is a very nice blade. It offers a nice balance of control and speed without sacrificing sensitivity. Slight adjustments to the wording may be necessary.

#30 — January 2012

This blade is fast and when combined with Sigma Pro (FH) and Omega IV (BH), it becomes easy to loop and generates very high spin. This is a good blade.

#31 — December 2011

This blade is definitely an OFF+ blade, but just a tad slower than the Schlager Carbon and a little faster than the TBS or Maze blades. With the Joola Express One (FH) and Gambler Ace (BH) rubbers, this setup is really way too fast! If you want powerful loops and smashes, this blade is really for you. I would rate this blade an overall 9.5 out of 10. Good job, Xiom!

#32 — January 2011

Have tried it with two LKT Rapid Speed 2.0. Perfect backup for a TBS (only due to price, because feeling wise in play, the Strad is very similar; TBS just ever slightly faster, especially in big strokes).

#33 — January 2011

The Xiom blade plays at OFF- speed compared to other OFF+ blades. It has excellent build quality, being very stiff and responsive. The blade provides a sharp click when striking the ball and offers exceptional feedback and control for an offensive blade. It allows for precise placement and a clear understanding of ball interaction.

When paired with Xiom’s OMEGA IV Pro and Asia rubbers, it delivers excellent loop performance. It’s worth noting that the blade may need slight adjustments for optimal performance based on individual preferences and playing style.

#34 — June 2010

You feel every shot that comes off this blade. It is a good blade, but a bit expensive for what it is.

#35 — March 2010

The Xiom Stradivarius +H3 NO19# is a high-quality table tennis blade designed for advanced players. It is made from a combination of limba, ayous, and carbon fiber, which gives it a good balance of speed, control, and power. The blade is also well-suited for all-around play, as it can be used for both offensive and defensive shots.

The Xiom Stradivarius +H3 NO19# has a relatively thick blade, which provides good control and stability. The blade is also well-balanced, which makes it easy to handle and swing. The blade is also quite stiff, which gives it a lot of power.

Overall, the Xiom Stradivarius +H3 NO19# is a well-made and high-quality table tennis blade that is suitable for advanced players. It offers a good balance of speed, control, and power, and it is well-suited for all-around play.

#36 — March 2008

This is a very high-quality blade. Its impeccable appearance and performance are equally matched. Constructed from Carbon-Aramid, it offers exceptional control. Rated as OFF, its speed is not overpowering and could be classified as OFF/OFF-, depending on the rubber pairing.

Its versatility stems from its exceptional control and balanced speed, making it suitable for a wide range of skill levels. It pairs particularly well with softer rubbers. The current setup includes 2.1 Sriver EL on both sides, resulting in an Allround Offensive style that facilitates a diverse range of shots.

The only drawback is its slight weakness in finishing shots. Players focused on flat hitting or smashing may need to adjust their technique or consider harder rubbers. Despite being stiffer than the average wood blade, its vibrations are effectively dampened. Nevertheless, it retains a remarkable sensitivity that allows players to discern every nuance of the ball, providing an optimal level of feedback.

While it is an exceptional blade, its availability can be limited, and it carries a significant price tag.

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