Xiom Vega X - The new topspin rubber from the house of Xiom!
Xiom is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Vega series. For this, the Korean company has created a real deal: The Xiom Vega X! This rubber was pronounced as a real milestone. First things first: What we can definitely tell you is that this statement is absolutely true, as we will demonstrate you further below with the first detailed test report by our partner tt-spin.com).
The Xiom Vega rubbers are a success in the whole world. All rubbers from this series shine with a great price-performance ratio, and are -hence- real alternatives to well-established and more expensive products like the Tenergy rubbers. Ever since the prohibition of speed gluing back in 2008, Xiom has demonstrated a tremendous development, and the Xiom Vega X is currently the latest top rubber from this company.
Xiom Vega X - Detailed test report on the latest top rubber from Xiom
First, we are very thankful for this intensive and professional test report from our partner tt-spin.com! The test report focuses on technological and gaming properties, which are further classified into various categories (e.g. topspin game, counter topspin, serves, returns, blocks, etc.). We wish you a lot of fun reading through!
Technological properties of the Xiom Vega X
The topsheet of this new Xiom rubber is of a high quality. The catchiness, however, does not appear to be very pronounced. When using the new plastic balls, in contrast, the surface of the Vega X provides the best possible adhesion. Furthermore, the topsheet is medium-hard and medium-elastic. The pimples are short and exhibit a medium width. The sponge is quite hard (47.5°) and the pores are medium-large. As is the case with almost all other Xiom rubbers, the sponge color is black.
Gaming properties of the Xiom Vega X
Prior to considering the individual categories, the following can be summarized: The Xiom Vega X shows a high potential right from the beginning. The overall speed is very high, and when further increasing the speed, the rubber behaves in a direct and dynamic manner. Its catapult effect is good to control. The overall feeling reminds one of the TSP Super Ventus.
Topspins
There is no doubt that topspins are a particular strength of the new Xiom Vega X. when doing topspin openers, one can generate an extreme amount of rotation. The trajectory of the ball is extremely curved and relatively high. When hitting the ball early and when doing fast arm movements, the balls are very dangerous creating trouble for your opponent to block these balls.
Counter topspins and half distance game
No matter what the position, you can always exert much pressure toward your opponent. Counter topspins go off the hand in a stable and rotational way. When doing topspins from a low starting point, the trajectory appears high and "forgiving". Based on more distanced positions, you can easily dictate the speed. Although the Vega X is even more effective when playing close to the table, also players preferring the half distance will like this rubber!
Serves and returns
When doing serves, you can generate an extreme amount of spin. All versions, no matter if backspin, sidespin, or kick-topspin, went off the hand very easily. In general, the rotational properties is part of the very upper limit (even when considering other spinny rubbers)!
When doing returns, short chopped balls could be placed in a flat and spinny way. However, the Vega X does not forgive much errors when having a bad timing for chopped balls or when holding the racket in a wrong angle. Hence, you need to anticipate and well understand such balls in order to be able to successfully play with such a high-end rubber.
The catapult effect is hardly noticeable when doing short-short. Flips over the table are easy. Spinny, hard, and well-placed balls are feasible no matter what kind of stroke you are doing.
Blocks
Active blocks exhibit much pressure and a high degree of precision. Passive blocks, however, are a bit more complicated. This rubber "takes" much rotation. It might be a recommendation to use the Vega X for the side, where you block less and use topspins to score.
Shots and defense
Shots and finishing strokes go off the hand very well! When being close to the table, you can use slow attacks from your opponent to finish off your opponent. High balls are literally gun fodder for this rubber!
Interestingly, the defense was really nice. It was easily possible to serve high-arched balls toward the ground line, without doing much errors. Counter attacks are feasible, no matter where you are. The Xiom Vega X always develops sufficient power to take the initiative!
Xiom Vega X - A brief summary
The Xiom Vega X really sets standards within the densely packed rubber market! It is a great topspin rubber with an excellent price-performance ratio. This rubber is designed for modern and spin-oriented attackers, who prefer a high overall speed (gaming style: OFF/OFF+). The Vega X can truly be called a worthy successor to the Vega Pro. However, the X is more dynamical, has a larger catapult effect, and exhibits a better suitability to meet the requirements of the new plastic ping pong balls.