XIOM Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 is a high-end hybrid table tennis rubber with pimples-in (inverted) designed for professional and ambitious amateur players seeking maximum speed, spin, and control when playing with the 40+ plastic ball. ITTF-approved, this rubber’s hard sponge (~52.5° on the ESN scale) combined with a tacky, Chinese-style topsheet and unique AI-powered CYCLOID technology delivers exceptional speed (115/100, ~14/20), high spin (120/100, ~12/20), and excellent control (100/100, ~12.5/20). Produced in a limited edition tailored to the needs of national team players, the Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 blends the qualities of Asian rubbers (hard sponge, tacky topsheet) with European rubbers (catapult effect), thus demanding advanced technical skills. Optimized for fast, spin-oriented offensive play, its Dynamic Friction technology— inspired by snow tires—ensures strong spin even on off-center hits, while TENSOR technology maximizes speed and elasticity. With a medium weight (~52 g trimmed) and durability, the Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 is an elite choice for high-level competition.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Pimples-in (inverted)

• Rubber category: Offensive (OFF+)

• Speed: 115/100 (~14/20 on general scale)

• Spin: 120/100 (~12/20 on general scale)

• Control: 100/100 (~12.5/20 on general scale)

• Precision: 9.2/10

• Trajectory: 7.8/10 (medium-low, suitable for topspin strokes and counter-attacks)

• Sponge hardness: ~52.5° (hard, ESN scale)

• Sponge type: Hard TENSOR sponge

• Sponge thickness: Max (2.1 mm)

• Topsheet type: Tacky, Chinese-style, optimized with Dynamic Friction technology

• Pimple dimensions: Inverted pimples optimized for spin and speed

• Colors: Black

• Country of origin: South Korea

• Approval: ITTF approved

• Weight: ~72 g (untrimmed, 169x169 mm), ~52 g (trimmed, 158x151 mm)

• Technologies: X-Factor dual tension, CYCLOID AI technology, Dynamic Friction, TENSOR sponge, optimized for 40+ plastic ball

The XIOM Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 stands out with its advanced construction combining a hard TENSOR sponge (~52.5°) and a tacky Chinese-style topsheet that ensures speed, spin, and control:

• Sponge (~52.5°): The hard TENSOR sponge (~52.5° ESN scale) delivers high speed (115/100) and excellent control (100/100). Compared to the XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 (110/100 speed, 96/100 control), the Z52.5 is faster and offers slightly better control but requires more precise technique. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 05 (~50°, ~13.5/20 speed), Z52.5 is faster with similar spin but higher control. The TENSOR technology provides a catapult effect, efficiently transferring energy to the ball even on distant shots.

• Topsheet: The tacky, Chinese-style topsheet optimized with Dynamic Friction technology produces strong spin (120/100). Inspired by snow tire technology, it allows spin generation even on imperfect strokes, reducing dependence on perfect technique. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 (129/100 spin), Z52.5 has slightly less spin but stronger speed and catapult effect. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, Z52.5’s topsheet is less tacky but offers more elasticity and a European-style catapult effect.

• Pimple structure: Inverted pimples optimized for spin and speed work synergistically with the TENSOR sponge, minimizing energy loss and delivering a strong catapult effect. CYCLOID AI technology analyzes large data sets to optimize the spin-to-flight time ratio, reducing net hits and long shots. Compared to XIOM Omega VII Pro, Z52.5 pimples are more suited for hybrid play combining Chinese tackiness and European elasticity.

• Weight and durability: Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 weighs ~52 g trimmed, similar to XIOM Omega VII Pro (~50 g) and lighter than Butterfly Dignics 05 (~55 g). This weight allows pairing with heavier blades like XIOM Hugo HAL without losing racket balance. Users note the tacky topsheet requires regular cleaning with water and protective films because after 2–3 months of intensive use, some tackiness may reduce slightly, but the rubber remains durable when properly maintained.

The rubber is offered only in Max (2.1 mm) thickness, black color, and meets ITTF standards. Water-based glues such as XIOM I-Bond or JOOLA Lex Glue are recommended for mounting.

Technical specs and gameplay characteristics:

• Speed (115/100, ~14/20): Extremely fast rubber suitable for topspin strokes, counterattacks, offensive strokes, and pressure pushes both close to the table and from distance. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 (110/100 speed), Z52.5 is faster and offers stronger catapult effect. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 05 (~13.5/20), speed is slightly higher, trajectory lower, fitting aggressive shots.

• Spin (120/100, ~12/20): The tacky topsheet with Dynamic Friction generates strong spin, especially on topspin strokes against backspin balls, creating a dangerous "kick" effect. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 (129/100), spin is slightly less, but speed and power are higher. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~11/20), Z52.5 offers more spin and elasticity.

• Control (100/100, ~12.5/20): Hard TENSOR sponge (~52.5°) and tacky topsheet provide excellent control, especially on topspin strokes, blocks, and short play close to the table. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 (96/100), control is higher, making the rubber easier to handle even in intense play. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 05 (~11.5/20), Z52.5 offers more control, especially close to the table.

• Trajectory (7.8/10): Medium-low arc trajectory, suitable for topspin shots, counterattacks, and blocks. Compared to XIOM Omega VII Pro (8.0/10), trajectory is slightly lower, facilitating fast shots close to the table. Blocks have stable trajectory suitable for active blocking against topspins.

• Precision (9.2/10): High precision allows players to direct the ball accurately to desired spots on the table, especially during topspins, blocks, and pressure pushes.

Gameplay aspects:

• Topspin strokes: 9.5/10 — Highly effective for topspin strokes, especially on backspin balls, generating strong spin and medium-low arc trajectory with dangerous “kick” effect.

• Blocking: 9.3/10 — Effective in blocking topspin strokes close to the table, absorbing energy and ensuring stability and accuracy. Active blocking is especially effective due to the hard sponge and catapult effect.

• Pressure pushes: 9.2/10 — Allows aggressive pushes on backspin or no-spin balls, generating strong spin and controlled trajectory.

• Counter-hitting: 9.6/10 — Suitable for fast counterattacks close to the table or from distance, generating precise strokes with strong catapult effect.

• Offensive smashes: 9.5/10 — Effective for flat strokes producing fast and accurate trajectories with high power.

• Serves and returns: 9.3/10 — Serves generate strong spin, especially side spin, suitable for disruptive play. Passive returns (9.3/10) are stable due to reduced spin impact but require precise racket angle adjustments on backspin balls. Active returns (9.2/10) are effective due to speed and spin.

• Flick strokes: 9.4/10 — Banana flicks are effective due to tacky topsheet and Dynamic Friction technology, facilitating topspin strokes on backspin balls even with imperfect technique.

Compatibility with blades:

XIOM Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 suits various blades, especially those emphasizing speed, spin, and offensive play:

• XIOM Hugo HAL: Balances speed and control, suitable for topspin strokes and counterattacks, ideal for professionals.

• Butterfly Viscaria: Provides dynamism, suitable for offensive and topspin strokes.

• Nittaku Acoustic Carbon: Provides feel, suitable for counterattacks and pressure pushes.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Maximizes speed, suitable for flat strokes.

• Donic Ovtcharov True Carbon: Provides power, suitable for aggressive topspin strokes.

Thanks to its weight (~52 g trimmed), Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5 pairs well with lighter blades like XIOM Hugo HAL or Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC, maintaining racket balance. Users recommend this rubber for forehand side with Max (2.1 mm) sponge thickness.

XIOM Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5

XIOM Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5

XIOM Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5