Xiom Strato

Composite/carbon

35 Reviews

#1June 2024

Faster than, but with a similar feel to, the Garaydia ZLC. The blade features a Hinoki layer for enhanced feel and carbon for increased speed.

Due to the increased speed, it’s advisable to practice restraint if using faster tensor rubbers. However, you can effectively use tacky Chinese rubbers, as the blade’s speed provides a catapult-like effect. Overall, the blade offers excellent control.

#2May 2023

A blade with a thicker core and outer ply than Ignito, almost the same core thickness as Primorac Carbon but a thicker outer ply.

The thicker Hinoki outer ply makes the blade softer and with a higher arc than Primorac Carbon. If you are a topspin player, it may suit you. However, usually, one key defining property in Hinoki Carbon blades is the low throw angle. I am a person who does not raise his hand that much in topspins and does a lot of flat hits. For me, Primorac Carbon or Donic Carbospeed are more suitable for this style of play, where the blades give a low arc with enough spin to land the ball on the table. With the Strato, the curve is high and often goes out of the table, and blocking is more difficult than typical Hinoki Carbon blades.

I don’t know the point of this blade as a product. If I want a topspin focused blade with a high arc, I would play with one of the numerous offerings in this category like various ALC blades or even less stiff blades with a thin Hinoki outer ply like Rossi Emotion.

This is a slightly flexible, soft, very springy, very fast, medium arc blade that I cannot understand the target audience for.

#3August 2022

Off+, Fast, balanced weight and feels light.

Need more control when paired with fast rubbers like Andro Rasanter and Nittaku Fastarc G1. DHS Hurricane 3 Neo 40°-41° 2.15mm is good enough for FH, reducing blade speed, increasing control and spin.

For BH rubber, you can use European or Japanese rubber with a hardness of 47.5° and a thickness of 2.0.

This blade is less hard for some people.

#4May 2021

Violent. Recently, I broke an Asian Pacific Seamless 40+ ball and a Nittaku Seam 40+ ball.

#5July 2020

Currently, I am using my Butterfly Viscaria blade. I had used this blade for a long time. After a lot of research in table tennis, I thought of bringing this blade back to life for a try. I previously used Rakza 7 and Hurricane 3 Neo on this blade. Recently, I put my old Viscaria blade rubbers on it and also changed my handle from ST to FL.

Since I have ordered new rubbers, I decided to give an honest review. The speed, control, and feel are not on par with my Viscaria. If I rate this with my Viscaria, I would rate it 6, and the Viscaria I would rate it 10. Even though the Strato is so thick, it lacks a lot in power, speed, and control. Maybe it is slightly okay. I found the backhand a bit good, but it’s not as aggressive as my Viscaria. I just wanted to compare the Strato to my Viscaria, so I had to write an honest review.

I think, or maybe if it had ALC carbon maybe it would have performed a bit better. On the serves, I could serve short, where it slightly excels. And I liked the chopping; I can say 40%. The touch play is also like 50%, and the topspin is good, but it depends. I may give it 50%.

I had to struggle to put power on the ball, but with my Butterfly Viscaria, it is unforgiving. Small errors are done. (Boy, no chance) With the Strato, there is not a chance to overcome gaining points through most means.

By the way, I am using DHS Hurricane 3 on the backhand and DHS Skyline TG 3 on the forehand. I like this setup a lot. On my Viscaria, I updated Rakza 9 on my backhand instead of DHS Hurricane 3 and my DHS Skyline TG 3 on the forehand.

In my opinion, those who really want to excel in table tennis, I would recommend a few blades: (Stiga Dynasty Xuxin, Butterfly Viscaria, Harimoto ALC, Long V, Timo Boll ALC. I would never go for the rest.)

#6October 2018

Pear shaped head, really cool for fast swing backhand loop. Little vibration though.

#7November 2017

In the past I played some other hinoki carbon blades - Gergely Carbon, Primorac Carbon, Xiom Axelo, Xiom Ignito. Strato is the most soft of them. Against Primorac Carbon is slightly slower and significantly softer. It’s the softest hinoki carbon I ever tried.

My two pieces are 84 grams and 80 grams. In this weight Strato is not an extremely powerful blade. It matches very well with a plastic ball - stiff, mild feel, enough power, light. I am happy that I found it.

I checked all blade categories in the past and - I hope - I found my definite blade. Highly recommended with short or medium pimples on the BH side.

#8January 2017

The Xiom Strato is my favorite blade! It’s fast, offers good control, is spinny, and precise.

I requested a light blade and received an ultra-light one weighing 80.3g, which became 80.9g after applying two light coats of polyurethane. The blade measured 7.1mm in thickness. The FL grip is wide and flat, providing a secure hold.

The Strato has the same design as my Bty Primorac Carbon: Kiso Hinoki + Carbon + Kiso Hinoki (center). However, the Strato’s outer ply of Hinoki is thicker than the Primorac Carbon. Surprisingly, the Strato has a firmer wood feel than the P/C, resulting in a more precise signal. The power is comparable to the P/C; it may be slightly slower (yet still too fast for most people in competitions) with noticeably better control, similar excellent spin capability, and a lighter weight (my copy is 80g vs. 90g). In summary, these attributes are precisely what I was looking for, where the P/C fell short. I wonder if the lightweight has anything to do with the slower speed or perhaps the thicker top layer. However, I find the speed perfect for recreational play, but slightly too fast for competition when on the defense.

This blade is a looping powerhouse. It can generate exceptionally strong topspin with a medium-low and very fast trajectory. It’s undoubtedly one of the best OFF+ blades. My ratings: Speed = 9.6; Control = 8.8; Stiffness = 9; Hardness = 6.7; Spin = Very good; Throw = Med low; Consistency = 9; Balance = Head heavy; Overall = 9.5. What an exceptional blade the Xiom Strato is!

Update: I initially underrated the speed as 9.4, but have since corrected it to 9.6. I believe medium-soft rubber is the most suitable for this blade. Currently, I use Fastarc S-1 (1.8mm) for FH and Mark V HPS (2.0mm) for BH. I absolutely love this blade/rubber combination.

#9May 2013

I have found out that this blade exhibits an excellent balance of speed and control, as well as good quality. I will compare it with other hinoki carbon blades. This blade is the softest hinoki carbon blade I have ever used, but it is not softer than Aryl.C or Aramid. Its speed is almost equal to Gregerly. It offers superb control due to its softer feel.

#10April 2012

This is my favorite blade, and I never think of changing. I use Sriver G3 FX FH and Yasaka Mark V XS BH. This blade should use rubber that balances both sides.

I compare this with the Sardius (Black Butterfly Plate). It has the same speed, but Strato is easier to control in position. Strato is lighter than Sardius, so you can respond to the ball faster. For me, BH is good for blocking, flicking, and topspin (but I usually topspin out of the table because it’s faster; I think I have to adapt to it). FH, I can definitely say, is “Perfect.” It’s easy to topspin, and the ball speed is to my satisfaction.

I think this blade suits offensive players; it’s great to play at a middle distance and out of the table (for in the table, that depends on the person).

#11September 2011

In reviewing the blade characteristics of Primorac and schlager off+, certain differences emerge. Primorac’s 7-ply construction, featuring limba outer plies and spruce core, offers a combination of speed and control. This makes it suitable for all-around play, balancing offensive power with defensive stability.

In contrast, schlager off+'s 5-ply build showcases limba outer plies and a thicker core. This results in a faster blade, with a pronounced emphasis on offensive play. Its thinner construction provides a crisper feel, enhancing spin and direct attacking shots.

Regarding weight, Primorac weighs slightly more due to its 7-ply structure. However, both blades offer a comfortable grip and balanced handling. The choice between Primorac and schlager off+ ultimately depends on the player’s preferred style of play.

#12August 2011

I bought this blade with an ST handle. The handle is wide and fits my large hand perfectly. Anyone who touches my blade comments on its superb quality.

Xiom has done an excellent job with this blade. It has an average stiffness, making it hard and medium-heavy. It is an ideal blade for OFF players. It also allows for easy pushes, blocks, and underspins. However, the blade truly shines in modern topspin play.

I have paired it with Vega Pro (backhand) and Omega IV Pro (forehand), and I highly recommend this rubber setup.

I purchased the blade in Poland for approximately $95.

#13November 2010

Blade Review

This blade is of great quality, well made and provides an excellent playing experience. Its construction features a high-quality carbon fiber that provides tremendous stability and an excellent feel for the ball. The handle is also very comfortable and provides a secure grip, even during intense rallies.

Overall, this blade is an excellent choice for players of all levels, although it may be particularly suitable for intermediate and advanced players. The combination of its high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and well-balanced design make it a great option for any table tennis enthusiast.

#14May 2010

I have this blade (FL handle) with Xiom Vega Europe Black 2.0mm (FH) and Red Max (BH). It’s very fast and has very good control.

I’ve only had it for a week, but it has already become my main blade over my Boll ZLF with T-05 and Hurricane Neo2, which is also an awesome blade.

#15May 2010

For all-round players: not too aggressive, not too defensive.

#16August 2009

Pros: — A mid-distance blade — Speedy and spinny — Goes well with soft rubbers

Cons: — The handle is very thick.

#17May 2008

For the speed rating, this blade has good control. It really shines from mid to far distances and near for flat drives off of mistakes from your opponent.

#18Long Time Ago...

If this blade were from Butterfly, you would probably read marriage proposals and love sonnets in the reviews. However, it’s from Xiom, so it’s considered a good blade at most.

#19October 2024

Soft on short game and controlled speed at a distance from the table. I have tried several Hinoki and Cypress blades, but it seems like I found the one. I slightly refined the handle, it seemed a bit thick, but it’s better than being “too thin” (can’t add anymore).

#20July 2024

Similar in structure to Garaydia ZLC, this blade has the same feeling but is faster. Thanks to its high speed, it works very well with Chinese rubbers; the hinoki provides catapult and dwell. This allows for easy low pushes, and when more effort is applied, easy flicks and power away from the table. If you use tensor or modern euro rubbers, you will need to practice restraint because the blade is already very fast.

#21August 2022

Light 81g, hinoki top ply, good control, suitable for an intermediate level player who loops and hits with FH/BH, fast and reliable with medium-hard rubber (48-52 degree hardness). I use 2.0mm Andro Rasanter R48 on both sides.

#22November 2018

This is a powerful and fast blade.

#23May 2017

82.3 г, 7.2 мм. Отлично изготовленное основание, форма лопасти и ручки просто супер. Хороший контроль, широкая игровая зона, без лишних вибраций, хорошо для игры в ближней и средней зонах.

#24April 2017

I like the forehand side of this blade. Strong topspin, good for looping, flat hitting is also good. The problem for me is the backhand side. Kinda hard to control. But in a right stroke and timing, it’s surely very fast. I think for me, Zetro Quad is better.

#25February 2017

Can’t say much about details, but it just feels better than my other rackets.

#26October 2016

Given 5 stars for it.

#27July 2016

One of my favorite paddles. It has great speed, and I don’t have any problems with control. I highly recommend it.

#28October 2015

I asked for a light blade and received an ultralight one at 80.3g, 80.9g after 2 light coats of polyurethane. The blade does feel a little head heavy so don’t use heavy rubber on both sides. Thickness measured to be 7.1mm. FL grip is wide & flat providing a sure grip. Strato has the same exact design as my Bty Primorac Carbon: KIso Hinoki+Carbon+Kiso Hinoki(center but I’m not sure if Bty uses Hinoki for the center core). Strato’s outer ply of Hinoki is much thicker than the Primorac Carbon but surprisingly it has firmer wood feel than the P/C. Power is noticeably slower than P/C but still fast with noticeably better control, similar great spin capability, and lighter (my copy is 80g vs 90g); to sum up all these attributes are exactly what I was looking for where they were lacking in the P/C. I wonder if the lightweight has something to do with the slower speed or maybe the thicker top layer. This blade is a looping monster combined with Vega Pro 1.8mm BH and Nittaku FastArc S1 on FH. Due to the slower speed than the P/C, the spin is more pronounced. My rating: speed=9.3, control=9, stiffness=9, hardness=6.7, Spin=very good, throw=low, consistency=9, overall=9.4. Good blade Xiom Strato!

***10 for the excellent service of TableTennis11, you guys are great!!! I wish you sell Butterfly products to USA customers.

#29September 2014

Xiom Zetro Quad is a beautifully crafted blade. On the first day of testing, I can say its matches ALC speed and it provides perfect control.

#30July 2014

Holding and seeing it for the first time without rubbers, I said to myself, “lovely.” Not to mention that Tabletennis 11 sold it at a discounted price. Glued to it now are a pair of Donic Bluefire JP rubbers. With Strato and Bluefire, I feel like a Jedi armed with a lightsaber. Thanks for everything.

#31February 2014

It’s really fast but also works great on passive blocks. Works great with Xiom Omega IV Pro. Didn’t like it with Tenergy 05 or 25. I felt it was a bit heavy, especially at the head.

#32February 2014

It’s a good blade, fast, and with good control. The feel isn’t as good as Xiom Zxi.

#33April 2013

It looks very nice out of the box and feels smooth and balanced in hand. With Fastarc S1 on FH and G1 on BH, it can generate very good speed and spin from close to mid distance from the table. It flexes slightly in looping and generates a nice sound in a flat hit. However, it is not as fast as I expected, so I would be interested to try Axelo.

#34January 2013

Very nice looking blade, faster than my Butterfly MJ blade, even faster than my TM ZLC blade! Very good for mid-distance play. It’s light but feels head-heavy, recommend soft and light rubbers.

#35October 2012

This blade is for spin-oriented play - all kinds of topspins. Stiff-feeling blade a little softer but faster than Timo Boll ZLC. Not for all-around play, only for consistent loop attack.

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