I must have missed it, but there is a new Xiom Omega 8 now.
www.tabletennis11.com
How are these new rubbers different from Xiom's existing series??
Hey @TB, a
very nice czech review, and the google translation ;-)
Hi, I'll add my bit to the mill. Through the family shop in Modřany, the PRO version of this rubber found its way to me. So I'll take the liberty of bringing my view (published on their website) closer to you here. Korean XIOM has once again taken the floor with the launch of another new product on the market. And this time it's nothing less than an addition to the Omega family, which has been the flagship of this brand's rubbers for many years. The history and popularity can only be confirmed by the fact that this is already a series of rubbers with the number 8. XIOM OMEGA 8! I must admit up front that I have only sporadic experience with the previous series, so the test will not be about comparing developments. omega_all.png The new series again brings new technologies and concepts. An example is the 2in1 Lite Max, which should be a new technology that will make these rubbers lighter without losing performance. There is also something called X Factor, which was already present in some Jekyll&Hyde rubbers. Artificial intelligence also participated in the development of the rubber structure. In the Omega 8 series, we will find 4 rubbers labeled EURO, PRO, HYBRID and CHINA. The first two are clearly divided and follow tradition. EURO is a rubber with a softer sponge (45°) and PRO is a rubber with a medium-hard sponge (47.5°). In this logic, the rubber with the hardest sponge (52.5°) always followed, which is available in two variants, for which I am not able to make out the difference from the labels. The CHINA version will probably be stickier, the HYBRID version is probably more of a modern hybrid, but in both cases I am basing it on assumptions and somewhat unclear descriptions from the official website. However, the difference in the topsheet is also evidenced by the fact that the EURO and PRO versions have the same designation (79-081), as is usual. While the other two versions each have their own (79-082 and 79-083). 1.png However, this does not have to bother us too much, because for today's test I got the OMEGA 8 PRO rubber. Specifically, the black square in the max strength (they are only available in strengths 1.9 and max, so I would count about 2.1). This piece weighs 67 grams, which is a little less weight, but not dramatically (Vega PRO H 71 g; V > 15 Sticky 71 g; R50 ultramax 72 g). I glue the rubber to a balanced all-wood Vodák Pegas Medium OFF with Xiom Energy glue. 2.png It is already clear at the first tap on the bat that this version of the rubber is a classic Tensor. It bounces and jumps vividly, which pleases me both from the point of view that the development and production of these now "classic" rubbers continues and also because I have been playing FH with Rasanter R47 for a long time, so it is basically a direct competitor. I don't expect any big surprises at the table, the rubber behaves quite predictably when spinning, it is agile and works well with greater energy transfer. The opening topspin into the chop and the stronger powerspin played, for example, as part of the signal after the serve are played with ease and precision. As I mentioned, I don't actually have to adjust any of my habits when used to a rubber of a similar type. The topsheet has a good grip, which is reflected in the generation of spin in the game and the quality of the service. The drive stroke also works very well, with the most pronounced click, the ball passes all the way to the wood and somewhat eliminates the incoming spin. A pleasant surprise is the short game, where the rubber is quite tame and if you try to play short at the net, you really do play short at the net. At that moment I realize what the author probably wanted to say with the proclaimed dichotomy 2in1 Like Ice and Fire. If I were to keep the poetic gut of the Korean author, then with a gentle touch the rubber remains ice-cold and does not really kick, but with a larger stroke it heats up and returns all the energy to the ball with a catapult effect. 3.png Overall? A balanced medium-hard Tensor rubber, which I find the manufacturer's description to be a good fit for: "for smart and versatile plays". It goes with everything, simply and simply. Of course, it will partly depend on the pairing with the board, but overall for me it is a nice option for a variable offensive game. Let it all be pink!
