Review - Xiom Vega Pro H

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Hi all, just sharing my initial thoughts of the rubber - Xiom Vega Pro H.

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Previously I was using Tenergy 80, so coming to this mid range rubber with a grippy top sheet, I was expecting it to be a lot slower, a lot less 'automatic' and maybe some helpful grippiness. For context, I had also used Dignics09C, Omega VII Guang, DragonGrip and DNA Hybrid M only few months ago.

The thoughts below are from having used this rubber on my backhand side for the last 2 weeks (both practice sessions and competition nights). The blade I use is Nittaku Acoustics LG.

Driving: Given the grippiness and low speed, drives are very controlled and slow in speed.

Pushes: This rubber really shines when it comes to short pushes. The inherent low speed and grippy top sheet makes pushing short and low relatively effortless. This has helped me to stop players who are more advanced than me to attack or open up against my pushes close to the net.

Topspin against backspin: This is another strength of this rubber. Staying close to the table, I am able to brush and open up against backspin with plenty of dwell time (which is starting to translate into higher confidence). The result is a spinny and not particularly fast high topspin ball which most opponents either block out or high, which is ideal for a following up shot. As an intermediate, backhand dominant player, I really enjoy what this rubber can do in this department than some other rubbers mentioned above.

Topspin again topspin ball: This is where more physical effort and stroke completion are required. Against weaker topspin shots, I found myself needing to complete my stroke or I risk sending the ball into the net. Against stronger topspin shots, this is not so much an issue but advance players would be looking for higher speed than what this rubber can offer.

Flicks and punches: Flicks and punches can be performed with confidence due to the characteristics of this rubber. However, it has to be emphasised that the resulting speed is relatively low compare to other flagship rubbers.

Serves and receives: The grippiness and slow speed means you can really serve short and make it curve the way you want. Personally I really enjoyed receiving short serves with this rubber as the grippy top sheet allows me to handle the spin with confidence.

Topspin rallies/counter spin: I am yet to really experience this with this rubbers. This is because there are not many full-on topspin to topspin rallies at my level, and also it is in my style to avoid getting into these rallies. I would imagine a good amount of physical effort and stroke completion are required to achieve one's desired quality.

In summary, this is a mid range rubber for those who are wanting to further develop the quality and consistency of their strokes, for those who are open to trying/using a grippy (not sticky) top sheet, and for those who enjoy the control and confidence which slow rubbers bring.

Wrote this during my lunch break :) be kind.

Also, thank you to a good friend who has been supporting me in competitions. You know who you are. :)
 
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Nice overview. I think it's important for people to realize that these new Vega H rubbers are still part of the Vega series. They are not designed to have the upper level performance of Dignics 09c or Hybrid K3. Xiom will be releasing Jekyll and Hyde C55, Omega VIII China (52.5), and Omega VIII Hybrid (50) later this year. I am hopeful that at least one of those rubbers will be able to compete with the top hybrids currently available.
 
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Nice overview. I think it's important for people to realize that these new Vega H rubbers are still part of the Vega series. They are not designed to have the upper level performance of Dignics 09c or Hybrid K3. Xiom will be releasing Jekyll and Hyde C55, Omega VIII China (52.5), and Omega VIII Hybrid (50) later this year. I am hopeful that at least one of those rubbers will be able to compete with the top hybrids currently available.
Hopefully I can try Omega 8 Hybrid on backhand
 
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Thanks for the review, but a mid-range hybrid ESN that is not fast would have little edge over Chinese rubbers except QC and durability IMO, especially if you boost.
That's not a fair comparison. Europe H and Pro H are on the softer side of most hybrids and softer than any other Chinese tacky. They are a good choice for a lot of backhands because of their softness and the fact that they're tensors means they are easier to use. Very suitable for a lot of backhands at many levels.
 
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That's not a fair comparison. Europe H and Pro H are on the softer side of most hybrids and softer than any other Chinese tacky. They are a good choice for a lot of backhands because of their softness and the fact that they're tensors means they are easier to use. Very suitable for a lot of backhands at many levels.
That's why I mention boosting, which will make the sponge softer and faster. Also not all Chinese rubbers are rock hard nowadays, more and more 37 deg rubbers coming out (~47 on ESN scale). Jupiter 3 has 37 version, Battle 2 has a soft version, Sanwei Target 37d just appears in China, etc.

I do agree that these soft, control-orientated hybrids can be a good choice for many players on BH. Perhaps they should be considered as "mid-range ESN with extra grip", rather than "boosted Hurriance/D09c clone" like other hard hybrids.
 
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Now I'm confused 😅
Could be production differences I guess, or terminology, but Xiom describe it as a sticky hybrid, it comes with the usual ESN hybrid protection sheet, and if I press down on it with my hand it feels slightly tacky (unlike original Vega Pro, which is obviously just grippy). Just like your 09c. Can't lift a ball much, and is no where near classic chinese sticky, but this is a sliding scale these days.
 
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