XIOM Musa I is a high-quality table tennis rubber developed by the South Korean manufacturer XIOM, designed for beginners and all-round players seeking control, stability, and sufficient attacking potential. ITTF-approved, this rubber features an innovative Physi-Elasto technology in its sponge, combined with a medium-hard (~45°) sponge that ensures energy efficiency without a built-in "speed-glue" effect, making it suitable for traditional all-round and attacking playstyles. Available in 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, or max thickness, XIOM Musa I offers medium speed (92/100, ~11.5/20), excellent control (95/100, ~11.9/20), and good spin (105/100, ~13.1/20), making it an ideal choice for players who prioritize precise serves, consistent returns, and reliable backhand attacks. The rubber stands out with its professional-level precision, reduced error rate, and energetic spin generation, catering to beginners, all-round players, and classical attackers alike. XIOM Musa I—where control, stability, and winning versatility meet!
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples In)
Sponge Hardness: Medium (~45°)
Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max
Speed: 92/100 (~11.5/20 on the universal scale)
Control: 95/100 (~11.9/20 on the universal scale)
Spin: 105/100 (~13.1/20 on the universal scale)
Top Sheet Properties: Physi-Elasto technology, strong grip, deep ball "grabbing," resistance to incoming spin
Technologies: Physi-Elasto
Color: Red, Black (top sheet)
Origin: South Korea
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Suitability: All-round play, backhand attacks, short game, serves and returns, classical attacking style
XIOM Musa I distinguishes itself with its medium-hard construction, superb control, and reliable spin, making it ideal for beginners and classical-style players:
Top Sheet Composition: The Physi-Elasto technology, based on a classic rubber construction, ensures firm grip and deep ball "grabbing," enabling strong spin generation—particularly in backhand attacks and serves. The rubber is less sensitive to incoming spin, making it easier to handle against topspin or backspin strokes. Compared to XIOM Vega Intro (~47.5° sponge, ~11.9/20 speed), Musa I offers slightly lower speed (~11.5/20) but similar spin (~13.1/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and higher control (~11.9/20 vs. ~11.8/20).
Sponge: The medium-hard (~45°) sponge, without a built-in "speed-glue" effect, provides a light catapult effect ideal for beginners and all-round players. The sponge synergizes with the Physi-Elasto technology, delivering a stable hitting feel and reducing forced errors. Compared to XIOM Vega Pro (~47.5° sponge, ~13.1/20 speed), Musa I's sponge is softer, offering higher control (~11.9/20 vs. ~11.3/20) and lower speed.
Physi-Elasto Technology: This innovation, derived from classic rubber construction, ensures professional-level precision and minimizes forced errors—especially during serves, returns, and pre-attack rallies. The technology increases shot success rates by allowing the ball to clear the net with a larger "safety window." Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36° sponge, ~15.0/20 spin), Musa I generates less spin but offers higher control (~11.9/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and easier handling.
Spin and Trajectory: The Physi-Elasto top sheet produces a medium-high arc trajectory (9.0/10), facilitating topspin strokes, backhand attacks, and short play. The rubber resists incoming spin, making it easier to counter opponents' topspin or backspin strokes. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~40–42° sponge, ~15.5/20 spin), Musa I offers less spin but superior control and easier handling.
Control: Thanks to its medium-hard sponge and Physi-Elasto technology, the rubber provides excellent control—particularly in backhand attacks, blocks, and serve returns. Compared to XIOM Vega X (~47.5° sponge, ~11.3/20 control), Musa I delivers higher control and easier handling, making it better suited for beginners and classical attackers.
Technical Ratings and Playing Characteristics:
Speed (92/100, ~11.5/20): XIOM Musa I is a medium-speed rubber suitable for topspin strokes, backhand attacks, and short play near the table. The sponge ensures a controllable catapult effect, ideal for beginners. Compared to XIOM Vega Intro (~11.9/20 speed), Musa I is slightly slower but more controlled. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~13.9/20 speed), it is slower but offers higher control.
Control (95/100, ~11.9/20): The Physi-Elasto technology and medium-hard sponge provide exceptional control—especially in backhand attacks, blocks, short play, and serve returns. Compared to XIOM Omega IV Euro (~11.5/20 control), Musa I offers superior control. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), control is similar but handling is easier.
Spin (105/100, ~13.1/20): The Physi-Elasto top sheet generates strong spin, particularly in topspin strokes and serves, while resisting incoming spin for easier play against spin-heavy shots. Compared to XIOM Vega X (~16.1/20 spin), spin is lower but handling is easier. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), spin is lower but control and handling are superior.
Trajectory (9.0/10): The medium-high arc trajectory facilitates topspin strokes, backhand attacks, and short play. Compared to XIOM Vega Intro (9.1/10), the trajectory is similar, easing attacks against backspin balls. Blocking is stable, suitable for passive and active blocks.
Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm suits players prioritizing maximum control, 2.0 mm balances speed and control, while max thickness enhances catapult for attacking play.
Playing Aspects:
Topspin Strokes (9.1/10): Highly effective for topspin strokes, especially backhand against backspin balls, due to Physi-Elasto's spin and control. Ideal for opening shots and training.
Blocking (9.6/10): Extremely effective against topspin blocks near the table, particularly on the backhand, due to spin resistance and sponge stability.
Push Shots (9.5/10): Enables precise pushes against backspin or dead balls, thanks to the top sheet's control and spin potential.
Counter-Hitting (9.3/10): Suitable for table counter-hits, especially on the backhand, due to the light catapult and Physi-Elasto precision.
Smashing (8.8/10): Effective for flat hits, though lower speed limits power compared to more aggressive rubbers.
Serves & Receives (9.7/10): Allows highly precise serves (9.7/10) and excels in passive (9.7/10) and active (9.6/10) receives due to spin resistance and control.
Flick Shots (9.4/10): Banana flicks are easy to execute, with the top sheet and sponge ensuring accuracy and sufficient spin.
Blade Compatibility:
XIOM Musa I pairs well with all-round blades that complement its control, spin, and ease of handling:
Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances control and spin, ideal for backhand use by beginners and all-round players.
Donic Appelgren Allplay (~10.5/20 speed, ALL): Balances control and spin, suitable for forehand or backhand.
DHS Q968 Hurricane King National (~12.9/20 speed, OFF+): Boosts spin and control, suited to forehand attackers.
Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Reinforces control, ideal for beginners learning techniques.
XIOM Allround S (~10.0/20 speed, ALL): Perfect for beginners emphasizing control and versatility.
Recommended Usage:
Backhand: 1.8 mm or 2.0 mm on all-round blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent).
Forehand: 2.0 mm or max on slightly faster blades (e.g., DHS Q968 Hurricane King National) to maintain racket balance and maximize control potential.
Additional Information:
XIOM Musa I is XIOM's first rubber without a built-in "speed-glue" effect, developed using the Physi-Elasto platform, which innovates classic rubber construction for professional precision and reduced errors. Compared to XIOM Vega Intro, Musa I offers slightly lower speed (~11.5/20 vs. ~11.9/20) but higher spin (~13.1/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and similar control (~11.9/20 vs. ~11.8/20), making it ideal for classical players seeking more spin. Against XIOM Vega X, Musa I generates less spin (~13.1/20 vs. ~16.1/20) but higher control and easier handling, suiting beginners and classical attackers. Users praise its "excellent control," "precise serves," and "flexible backhand attacks," though some note it may lack speed for aggressive shots. The rubber is durable and offers outstanding value, ranking among XIOM's most affordable options. For maintenance, clean regularly with a dedicated cleaner (e.g., XIOM i-Clean) and use a protective film to prevent damage.
ITTF-approved, XIOM Musa I is tournament-legal and perfect for players seeking a controlled rubber with good spin and a classic feel.
Who Should Use XIOM Musa I?
XIOM Musa I is designed for players prioritizing control, spin, and stability:
Beginners & Intermediate Players: Seeking a controlled rubber with good spin, especially for backhand.
Classical Attackers & All-Rounders: Emphasizing backhand attacks, short play, and serve returns.
Close-to-Table Play: Effective in backhand attacks, blocks, short play, and receive techniques.
Serves & Receives: Enables precise serves (9.7/10) and excels in passive (9.7/10) and active (9.6/10) receives.
Classic Style Seekers: Optimal for those preferring a traditional feel without a "speed-glue" effect.
Advantages of XIOM Musa I:
Speed (11.5/20): Medium pace, suitable for topspin, backhand attacks, and short play.
Control (11.9/20): Exceptional control for backhand attacks, blocks, and short play.
Spin (13.1/20): Strong spin generation, especially in topspin and serves, with spin resistance.
Trajectory (9.0/10): Medium-high arc aids strokes and blocks.
Physi-Elasto Technology: Ensures precision, control, and reduced errors.
Classic Construction: Delivers a stable feel without artificial speed effects.
Value for Money: One of XIOM's most budget-friendly rubbers for beginners.
High Quality: ITTF-approved for competitive play.
Comparison Summary:
vs. XIOM Vega Intro: Slightly slower but spinnier, with similar control—better for classical play.
vs. Butterfly Tenergy 05: Less spin but comparable control and easier handling.
vs. DHS Hurricane 3 Neo: Less spin but superior control and maneuverability.
XIOM Musa I is ITTF-approved, tournament-ready, and tailored for players who value control, spin, and classical precision. Its Physi-Elasto technology guarantees standout performance for beginners and all-round players. XIOM Musa I—where control meets spin and classic accuracy!