XIOM Vega Intro is a high-quality table tennis rubber developed by the South Korean manufacturer XIOM, specifically designed for beginners and all-round players who prioritize control while maintaining adequate offensive potential. ITTF-approved, this rubber features Hyper Elasto technology combined with a hard (~47.5°) Carbo Sponge that incorporates carbon fiber to ensure efficient energy transfer and a light catapult effect. Available in 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, or 2.3 mm thickness, XIOM Vega Intro offers medium speed (95/100, ~11.9/20), excellent control (94/100, ~11.8/20), and sufficient spin (96/100, ~12.0/20), making it an ideal choice for players transitioning from pre-made rackets to custom setups. The rubber stands out with firm ball "dwell," medium-height arc trajectory, and resistance to incoming spin, making it suitable for beginners, all-round players, blockers, and defensive players. XIOM Vega Intro represents control, versatility, and affordability for beginners!
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples In)
Sponge Hardness: Hard (~47.5°)
Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.3 mm
Speed: 95/100 (~11.9/20 on the universal scale)
Control: 94/100 (~11.8/20 on the universal scale)
Spin: 96/100 (~12.0/20 on the universal scale)
Top Sheet Characteristics: Hyper Elasto technology, firm grip, deep ball "dwell," resistance to incoming spin
Technologies: Hyper Elasto, Carbo Sponge, Physi-Elasto
Color: Red, Black (top sheet)
Country of Origin: South Korea
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Suitability: All-round play, short game, blocking, defense, beginner technique development
XIOM Vega Intro distinguishes itself with its hard yet easily controllable construction, excellent control, and resistance to incoming spin, making it suitable for beginners and all-round players:
Top Sheet Composition: Hyper Elasto technology, based on natural rubber, ensures firm grip and deep ball "dwell," allowing for sufficient spin generation while being less sensitive to incoming spin. This facilitates service returns and play against topspin strokes. Compared to XIOM Vega Pro (~47.5° sponge, ~13.1/20 speed), Vega Intro offers lower speed (~11.9/20) and spin (~12.0/20 vs. ~13.4/20) but higher control (~11.8/20 vs. ~11.3/20).
Carbo Sponge: The hard (~47.5°) Carbo Sponge, enriched with carbon fiber, acts as a "black engine," transferring energy with minimal loss. The sponge provides a light catapult effect that isn't overly bouncy, making it suitable for beginners learning techniques. Compared to XIOM Omega IV Euro (~42.5° sponge, ~11.5/20 control), Vega Intro's sponge is harder but offers similar control and lower speed (~11.9/20 vs. ~13.5/20).
Hyper Elasto and Physi-Elasto Technologies: Hyper Elasto technology expands the "window" above the net, increasing shot success rate, while Physi-Elasto technology enhances precision and control by reducing forced errors. As a result, the rubber enables accurate trajectories, especially in short game and blocking. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36° sponge, ~15.0/20 spin), Vega Intro provides less spin but higher control (~11.8/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and easier handling.
Spin and Trajectory: The Hyper Elasto topsheet and Carbo Sponge ensure a medium-height arc trajectory (9.1/10), facilitating topspin strokes, blocks, and short play. The rubber is resistant to incoming spin, making it easier to handle opponents' topspin or backspin strokes. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~40-42° sponge, ~15.5/20 spin), Vega Intro offers less spin but easier handling and higher control.
Control: Due to the hard sponge, Hyper Elasto, and Physi-Elasto technologies, the rubber provides excellent control, particularly in blocks, short play, and service returns. Compared to XIOM Vega X (~47.5° sponge, ~11.3/20 control), Vega Intro offers higher control and easier handling, making it suitable for beginners.
Technical Indicators and Playing Characteristics:
Speed (95/100, ~11.9/20): XIOM Vega Intro is a medium-speed rubber suitable for topspin strokes, blocks, and short play near the table. The Carbo Sponge ensures a light catapult effect that isn't overly bouncy, making it easy to avoid overly powerful shots. Compared to XIOM Vega Pro (~13.1/20 speed), Vega Intro is slower but more controllable. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~13.9/20 speed), the speed is lower, but control is higher.
Control (94/100, ~11.8/20): Hyper Elasto and Physi-Elasto technologies ensure excellent control, especially in blocks, short play, and service returns. Compared to XIOM Omega IV Euro (~11.5/20 control), Vega Intro offers slightly higher control, suitable for beginners. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), control is slightly lower, but handling is easier.
Spin (96/100, ~12.0/20): The Hyper Elasto topsheet generates sufficient spin, particularly in topspin strokes and serves, while being less sensitive to incoming spin, making it easier to play against topspin or backspin strokes. 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 handling is easier, and control is higher.
Trajectory (9.1/10): A medium-height arc trajectory facilitates topspin strokes, blocks, and short play. Compared to XIOM Vega Pro (9.0/10), the trajectory is slightly higher, making it easier to attack against backspin balls. When blocking, the trajectory remains stable, suitable for passive and active blocks.
Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm suits players seeking maximum control, 2.0 mm offers a balanced speed-control combination, and 2.3 mm enhances the catapult effect for offensive play.
Playing Aspects:
Topspin Strokes: 9.0/10 – The rubber is effective in topspin strokes, especially for beginners learning techniques, due to the Hyper Elasto technology and Carbo Sponge, which ensure adequate spin and control. Suitable for opening strokes and practice.
Blocking: 9.6/10 – Highly effective in blocking topspin strokes near the table, particularly on the backhand side, due to its resistance to incoming spin and the hard sponge's stability.
Push Shots (Pressure Push): 9.5/10 – Allows for precise push shots against backspin or non-spin balls, particularly due to the Hyper Elasto topsheet's control and spin potential.
Counter-Hitting: 9.2/10 – Suitable for counterattacks near the table, especially due to the Carbo Sponge's light catapult effect and Physi-Elasto precision.
Attacking Smashes: 8.9/10 – Effective in flat smashes, though the lower speed limits power compared to more aggressive rubbers.
Serves and Receives: 9.6/10 – Allows for precise serves, particularly with the Hyper Elasto topsheet, and is highly effective in passive receives (9.6/10) and active receives (9.5/10) due to its resistance to incoming spin and control.
Flick Shots: 9.4/10 – Banana flicks are easily executed due to the Hyper Elasto topsheet and hard sponge, ensuring precision and adequate spin.
Compatibility with Blades:
XIOM Vega Intro pairs well with all-round blades that complement the rubber's control, spin, and easy handling:
Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances the rubber's control and spin, ideal for the backhand side of beginners and all-round players.
Donic Appelgren Allplay (~10.5/20 speed, ALL): Provides an excellent balance of control and spin, suitable for backhand or forehand sides.
DHS Q968 Hurricane King National (~12.9/20 speed, OFF+): Complements the rubber's spin and control, suitable for the forehand side of offensive players.
Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances the rubber's control, suitable for beginners learning techniques.
XIOM Allround S (~10.0/20 speed, ALL): Ideal for beginners emphasizing control and all-round play.
It is recommended to use Vega Intro at 1.8 mm or 2.0 mm thickness on the backhand side with all-round blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent) or at 2.3 mm thickness on the forehand side with slightly faster blades (e.g., DHS Q968 Hurricane King National) to maintain racket balance and maximize control potential.
Additional Information:
XIOM Vega Intro is developed based on Hyper Elasto and Physi-Elasto platforms, integrating Carbo Sponge to ensure energy efficiency and easy handling. Compared to XIOM Vega Pro, Vega Intro offers lower speed (~11.9/20 vs. ~13.1/20) and spin (~12.0/20 vs. ~13.4/20) but higher control (~11.8/20 vs. ~11.3/20), making it suitable for beginners and all-round players. Compared to XIOM Vega X, Vega Intro provides less spin (~12.0/20 vs. ~16.1/20) but higher control and easier handling, making it ideal for learning techniques. Users highlight the rubber's "excellent control," "spin resistance," and "easy handling," though some note it may be too slow for aggressive shots. The rubber is durable and offers excellent value for money, making it one of the most affordable ESN rubbers for beginners. It is recommended to clean the surface regularly with a specialized cleaner (e.g., XIOM i-Clean) and use a protective film to prevent damage. ITTF-approved, XIOM Vega Intro is suitable for competitions and is ideal for players seeking a controllable rubber with adequate offensive potential.
Who is the XIOM Vega Intro for?
XIOM Vega Intro is designed for players seeking control and versatility:
Beginners and intermediate players: Those looking for a controllable rubber when transitioning from pre-made rackets to custom setups.
All-round and defensive players: Those emphasizing blocking, short play, and resistance to incoming spin.
Close-to-table play: Effective in blocks, short play, and service returns.
Serves and receives: Allows for precise serves (9.6/10) and is highly effective in passive receives (9.6/10) and active receives (9.5/10).
Players seeking value for money: Optimal for those wanting high-quality rubber at an affordable price.
Advantages of XIOM Vega Intro:
Speed (11.9/20): Medium speed, suitable for topspin strokes, blocks, and short play.
Control (11.8/20): Excellent control, especially in blocks, short play, and service returns.
Spin (12.0/20): Sufficient spin for topspin strokes and serves, with resistance to incoming spin.
Trajectory (9.1/10): Medium-height arc trajectory, facilitating strokes and blocks.
Hyper Elasto and Physi-Elasto Technologies: Ensure precision, control, and reduced forced errors.
Carbo Sponge: Provides a light catapult effect and stable stroke feel.
Price-to-Quality Ratio: One of the most affordable ESN rubbers for beginners.
High Quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.
Compared to XIOM Vega Pro, Vega Intro offers lower speed and spin but higher control, making it suitable for beginners and all-round players. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05, the rubber generates less spin but offers similar control and easier handling. XIOM Vega Intro is ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions, especially for players emphasizing control, versatility, and technique development. Its Hyper Elasto, Physi-Elasto, and Carbo Sponge technologies ensure exceptional performance and feel for beginners. XIOM Vega Intro represents control, versatility, and affordability!