Xiom Vega Pro

When resuming play, I started out with the classics I grew up on (Sriver, Mark V, Friendship) then was tossed a sheet of Tenergy 05. My level rose quickly, and I discovered two things: a new depth in spin-based attacks close, near and far from the table - and fragilities in service reception, pushes, counters, passive blocks and smashes.

So I took a step back, and got pointed to Vega Pro. The good thing is: it's not T05, but it has some of the properties I liked about it. It's definitely tamer, but that feeling of chewing up the ball when swinging is just there. Direct hits feel crisp and direct, which I like, rather than somewhat muffled like in many other rubbers, especially the softer-sponged ones.

It is a bit heavier than most rubbers. Easy to adapt to for me, but then again, those that insist upon very lightweight rubbers should look elsewhere.

All playing properties, in the end, are trade-offs. The tradeoffs in Vega Pro do work for me in many aspects of the game. My active blocks may be a bit better with Mantra H or Tenergy 80, opening up a heavy backspin ball may be a bit more lethal with Tenergy 05, pushes and serves are probably better with Rasant Grip; but in the balance, this works for me.

Added to that, it's relatively cheap and I found it to be more durable than most. It's outlasting my T05 and Rasant Grip sheets, and still feels reliable.

Well I played this rubber for over one and half years now. Mainly on Butterfly Alc blades (Boll Alc, viscaria, maze, if Alc) and on the Korbel eu Version. Im going to try Evolution el-s soon but for now Vega pro is my rubber of choice. I pay 28 Euros per sheet otherwise i would still Play tenergy.

Overall my passive Game is a strong key of winning when i Play against opponents on my Level. For me the Vega pro is just Great here. I can punch block, spin block or chop at will. Passive five Stars plus


However i play when i play against weakerw oponents where i have to play active my first ball lacks speed and often length. Due to the hardness and the lack of catapult you have to play the ball with allot of arm and/or wrist accelerstion. This is not for eveyone. So i would prefere a bit more speed and bounce. Still a great rubber if you but power behind your shots.

I've tried this rubber on both backhand and forehand. It's well suited for close to mid-range looping with enough speed and spin. Basic backspin pushes and flicks are fine as well. The only problem here is the control; sometimes it's hard to find the correct angle and arc, topspins flying over or into the net. Same with blocking.