I have used Xiom Stradivarius extensively for a year or more. Initially, I used it in its older version and then I sold the older one and somehow bought the newer one to try out the difference. Both of my Xiom stradivarius blades were in the weight range of 88-89 grams. To compare between the two, the older one had a better, meatier handle whereas the newer one has a slimmer (at the neck part), more rounded handle. Nothing which you cannot get use to, but its a matter of preference and also the blade feel.
Now, talking about the feel, and here I will compare it with Viscaria (89 grams)which I am currently using. I find Xiom Stradivarius to have a harder feel, and more direct nature. Again, if you start playing with it, based on your level and choice of rubbers you can adapt to it. However, the harder feel and high trampoline makes it difficult to pair it with harder rubbers and the setup becomes too fast for my level, where I cannot feel the ball sufficiently and try to compensate by brushing too much just to make the ball land on the opposite side.
So, in one sentence- Xiom Stradivarius is NOT Viscaria. Hence, if you choose Stradivarius your skill level should be much higher (than coming from Viscaria or any butterfly outer ALC blade) and you should be able to play a more aggressive game, meaning you should be very fast with your legs and have great stroke mechanics.
Can average, hobby players use Xiom Stradivarius - of course, but you need to pair it with medium hard to soft rubbers, or up your skill levels to use the modern ultra fast rubbers.
Lastly, I want to comment on the build quality - I have seen other higher end blades from Xiom, like the TMXi and Hugo HAL. I feel that those blades are much better in quality. Not that Stradivarius is bad, but you get what you pay for.
