Xiom Jekyll & Hyde X50

Update: I’ve used X50 alongside Fastarc G-1, Dignics 05, Dignics 09 °C, Tenergy 05, Hurricane 3 Neo and Friendship Battle 2. For me, X50 sits somewhere between Tenergy 05 and Dignics 09 °C.

It has more speed than 09 °C but less than T05, while producing more spin than T05 without reaching the spin level of 09 °C. What really stands out is the combination of control, stability and high-end performance.

X50 is particularly good close to the table. Blocking and flat hitting are very stable, the short game is controlled, and opening against backspin is easy because of its grip and dwell. Despite having plenty of speed and spin when you commit, it remains relatively tame in passive play and is considerably less sensitive to incoming spin than Dignics 05.

For a powerful player, X50 gives you a very useful balance: you can generate serious spin and pace when you engage the rubber, but it doesn’t feel overly reactive when blocking, receiving or playing controlled shots.

Having now returned to Dignics 09 °C on the forehand, I appreciate X50 even more. My technique has improved and I can now generate more of my own power, so 09 °C gives me a higher spin ceiling and feels more rewarding when fully engaged. X50 remains the easier and more forgiving option, with slightly easier access to speed and a very clean, stable response.

Overall, I’d describe X50 as an excellent all-round attacking hybrid for a player who wants high spin and speed without sacrificing stability, control, blocking or flat hitting.

I have used X50 in competition for the last two weeks, and I am impressed with X50. I am an intermediate/advanced, all-round player looping both wings.

My previous setup was TB ALC and Tenergy 05 on both sides (FH 2.1 / BH 1.9); my new setup is TB ALC and X50 Max on both sides. Therefore, I will mainly compare T05 and X50.

Control is the main difference. X50 control is amazing compared to T05. In gameplay, I notice that I am more comfortable waiting for the right opportunity to finish the point. I would say that X50 is close to D05 with much better control and less spin sensitivity. Serves, return of serves, and pushes are better on X50, while blocks are a bit softer.

Speed: X50 is less bouncy and springy than T05. With the same stroke, there is slightly less speed, but not much less. It requires a little more than just a wrist flick. X50 is a good compromise between T05 and D09C, which I find too slow (or requires a significant increase in arm speed).

Power: A little less power than T05, but easily compensated by the confidence given by the rubber. Smashes are as fast as T05 and more controlled.

Spin: X50 is spinnier than T05, closer to Dignics. The arc is lower than T05 and required stroke adjustments with more forward motion and a closed bat. Initially, my loops were too low or went in the net. The slight tackiness gives some nice slow loop options.

Overall, I feel that Xiom X50 is the ideal compromise for me, and the transition was fast. I have played six matches so far with X50. I reduced unforced errors while keeping the speed and spin of my aggressive playstyle. Last night, I beat 4–1 a player I lost against 4–0 with T05, and I easily beat another player 4–0 against whom I struggled to win 4–3 only four weeks ago.

I cannot comment on durability, but it doesn’t degrade on the edges like T05, so it is a good sign.

Highly recommended.