Xiom Jekyll & Hyde V47.5

Tensor 5 reviews

5 Reviews

#1 — February 2023

I am using the V47.5 on the backhand side of my BFY Viscaria. Previously, I used Xiom Vega Pro and Vega X on my backhand before switching to this rubber.

After about two hours of testing, my initial impression is that the combination of V47.5 and Viscaria results in a rather hard feel. On active strokes, this rubber feels pleasing, producing a low to medium arc with good spin. However, during passive blocks, the ball is more likely to be dumped into the net. When the sponge is engaged, though, the ball flies with high speed.

In terms of serving, I feel I can’t impart as much spin as I did with Vega Pro. This may be due to my serving technique, which is primarily grazing the ball with the topsheet. To generate sufficient spin, sponge engagement is necessary. I may provide an update after more hours of testing.

UPDATE: After approximately 10 hours of play, I can confirm that this rubber excels in flat-hitting. It is not particularly sensitive to spin, which benefits flat-hitting through the ball. Topspin is best generated with quick wrist action, making this rubber very suitable for backhand flicks over the table. However, executing a backhand topspin opening away from the table is quite challenging due to the low arc. I still struggle to generate satisfactory spin from my serve, so I would not recommend this rubber for serving.

#2 — December 2022

This rubber is not for lazy players. You must activate every potential with your own input. It is a very linear rubber with a low throw angle.

Very fast and spiny, it forces you to play in the correct manner. It’s great for players who utilize arm and body acceleration. After three weeks of daily training, it still feels as new.

This rubber is a bit different from other tensor rubbers. It took me a week to adjust and find the correct way to play. The grip is excellent, and ball coupling is outstanding. For blocking, you need to add a bit of direction and forward movement.

#3 — December 2022

Great rubber! I’m using it on my backhand (BH). It is very grippy, allowing you to create huge amounts of spin. Additionally, it is not overly sensitive to spin, so you still maintain excellent control. The tensor effect activates when you apply full power to your strokes, making your shots incredibly fast and deadly, all while allowing for perfect control with the right technique.

The only downside I encountered was during passive blocking. You always need to impart a bit of power into your shot; otherwise, the ball may go into the net. However, if you perform active blocks, the rubber performs exceptionally well.

Short strokes over the table generate immense amounts of spin, and banana flicks are particularly effective.

Overall, this is the perfect rubber for my backhand. It combines speed, spin, and control effectively. For my forehand (FH), I would recommend a harder rubber, perhaps the V52.5, though I haven’t tested it yet.

#4 — October 2022

Wonderful! It is better than T05.

#5 — Long Time Ago...

Amazing! The rubber is truly exceptional, and it is surprising that it hasn’t gained more recognition on this premier comparison website.

In recent years, there has been a move toward firmer sponges that provide the control typically associated with softer ones in the past. Jekyll & Hyde stands out as the best option available.

If you are a fan of the high throw (which I am not), Tenergy is a very expensive choice that can be hard to beat. However, for all other attackers, Jekyll & Hyde delivers the spin and power needed for fast strokes, along with unrivaled touch in the short game.

While better technique is always essential for mastering the touch game, this rubber helps bridge some gaps in skill, making it invaluable for that reason alone.

I have played with all the major western-style offensive rubbers, focusing primarily on the Tibhar Evolution and Xiom ranges. Jekyll & Hyde is truly in a class of its own.

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