


XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 is a revolutionary inverted (pimples in) table tennis rubber designed for offensive players seeking maximum speed, spin, and control, especially when playing with the 40+ plastic ball. ITTF approved, this rubber’s hard Epsilon sponge (~55° on the ESN scale), combined with a unique grippy surface and short, densely packed pimples, ensures high speed (110/100, ~13.5/20), exceptional spin (129/100, ~12.9/20), and excellent control (96/100, ~12/20). The world’s first dual-tension rubber featuring X-Factor technology developed with the help of artificial intelligence eliminates the need for external boosters, as the tension is factory-built. This is Hugo Calderano’s choice for both forehand and backhand, reflecting his dominant playing style. Optimized for fast, spin-oriented offensive play, Jekyll & Hyde C55 delivers exceptional feel, precision, and power both at the table and from a distance. With a medium weight (~53 g cut) and good durability, it’s a high-quality choice suitable for high-level competition.
Key Features:
• Rubber Type: Inverted (pimples in)
• Rubber Category: Offensive (OFF+)
• Speed: 110/100 (~13.5/20 on general scale)
• Spin: 129/100 (~12.9/20 on general scale)
• Control: 96/100 (~12/20 on general scale)
• Precision: 9.0/10
• Trajectory: 7.5/10 (medium-low, suitable for topspins and counterattacks)
• Sponge Hardness: ~55° (hard, ESN scale)
• Sponge Type: Hard Epsilon sponge
• Sponge Thickness: 2.1 mm
• Top Sheet Type: Grippy, mildly tacky, densely packed short pimples
• Pimple Structure: Short, densely arranged, low geometry
• Colors: Black, red
• Origin: Germany
• Approval: ITTF approved
• Weight: ~73 g (uncut, 169x169 mm), ~53 g (cut, 158x151 mm)
• Technologies: X-Factor dual tension, Epsilon sponge, optimized for 40+ ball
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 stands out with its innovative construction, combining a hard Epsilon sponge (~55°) and a grippy, mildly tacky topsheet with short, densely spaced pimples, ensuring speed, spin, and control:
• Sponge (~55°): The hard Epsilon sponge (~55° ESN scale) with small, evenly distributed pores ensures high speed (110/100) and excellent control (96/100). Compared to XIOM Omega VII Tour (110/100 speed, 95/100 control), the Jekyll & Hyde C55 offers similar speed but more spin (129/100) and slightly better control. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 09C (~50°, ~13/20 speed), C55 is faster with a lower trajectory but similar spin. Epsilon sponge tech reduces energy loss, allowing efficient power transfer even from distance.
• Top Sheet: The grippy, mildly tacky topsheet with short, densely packed pimples produces exceptional spin (129/100). The factory-tensioned sheet emits a slightly sweet scent out of the package, indicating built-in boosting. Compared to Sauer & Tröger Secret Flow Chop (100+/100 spin), the C55 is faster but offers slightly less spin and is better suited for offensive play. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G1, the C55 is faster and more spin-oriented.
• Pimple Structure: The short, densely arranged, low-profile pimples reduce spacing for more intuitive feel and precise control at the table. This structure works synergistically with the Epsilon sponge, reducing energy loss and creating a catapult effect. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 09C, C55’s pimples are shorter and more densely arranged, enabling faster energy transfer.
• Weight and Durability: Weighing ~53 g (cut), similar to JOOLA Dynaryz ZGR (~55 g) and heavier than Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~47 g), the weight pairs well with lighter blades like XIOM Hugo HAL to maintain racket balance. Some users report that the top sheet durability may be limited, showing wear (white spots, visible pimples) after 2–3 months of intensive use, even with protective films. Regular cleaning with water and use of protective sheets is recommended.
Offered in 2.1 mm thickness, in black or red, conforming to ITTF standards. Water-based glues like XIOM I-Bond or JOOLA Lex Glue are recommended for assembly.
Technical Stats and Playing Characteristics:
• Speed (110/100, ~13.5/20): A high-speed rubber suitable for topspins, counter-hits, offensive strokes, and pressure pushes at the table or from distance. Compared to XIOM Omega VII Tour (110/100), speed is similar, but C55 offers more spin. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 09C (~13/20), it’s slightly faster but with a lower trajectory.
• Spin (129/100, ~12.9/20): The grippy topsheet generates excellent spin, especially during topspins against backspin balls, creating a dangerous “kick” effect. Compared to Sauer & Tröger Secret Flow Chop (100+/100), spin is slightly lower, but speed and catapult effect are stronger. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G1 (~11/20), C55 offers more spin and power.
• Control (96/100, ~12/20): The hard Epsilon sponge (~55°) and densely spaced pimples provide great control, especially for blocks, topspins, and short play. Compared to XIOM Omega VII Tour (95/100), slightly more control. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 09C (~11/20), easier to handle, especially when initiating against backspin.
• Trajectory (7.5/10): Medium-low arc, suitable for topspins, counters, and blocks. Slightly lower than XIOM Omega VII Tour (7.8/10), aiding quick shots close to the table. Stable for active blocks vs topspin.
• Precision (9.0/10): High precision allows players to place the ball exactly where desired, especially for topspins, blocks, and pressure pushes.
Gameplay Aspects:
• Topspin: 9.6/10 – Extremely effective on topspins, especially against backspin balls, creating strong spin and a medium-low arc that ensures a strong “kick.”
• Blocking: 9.4/10 – Excellent for blocking topspins at the table, absorbing energy and ensuring stability and accuracy. Active blocking is especially effective due to the hard sponge.
• Pressure Pushes: 9.3/10 – Enables aggressive pushes against backspin or no-spin balls, generating strong spin.
• Counter-hitting: 9.5/10 – Great for fast counter-hits both close to the table and from distance, producing accurate shots with catapult effect.
• Smashing: 9.4/10 – Effective for flat hits, generating fast and accurate trajectories.
• Serves & Receive: 9.2/10 – Serves generate strong spin, especially side-spin, suitable for disruptive play. Passive receive (9.4/10) is stable due to reduced spin sensitivity, though angle adjustment is needed vs backspin to avoid the net. Active receive (9.1/10) is effective due to speed and spin.
• Flicks: 9.3/10 – Banana flicks are effective thanks to the grippy surface, enabling topspins against backspin balls even without perfect technique.
Blade Compatibility:
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 suits a variety of blades, especially those emphasizing speed, spin, and offensive play:
• XIOM Hugo HAL: Hugo Calderano’s choice; balances speed and control, ideal for topspins and counters.
• Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC: Offers feel; great for topspins and pressure pushes.
• Nittaku Acoustic Carbon: Adds dynamics, suitable for offensive shots.
• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Maximizes speed, suitable for flat hits.
• Donic Ovtcharov True Carbon: Adds power; good for counter-hits and topspins.
Due to its weight (~53 g cut), C55 pairs well with lighter blades like XIOM Hugo HAL or Butterfly Innerforce Layer ZLC to maintain balance. Users recommend it for either forehand or backhand with 2.1 mm sponge thickness for maximum power and spin.
Additional Information:
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 features the AI-developed X-Factor dual-tension technology, eliminating the need for external boosters by providing factory-installed tension. Compared to XIOM Omega VII Tour (110/100 speed, 100/100 spin), C55 offers more spin and slightly better control but requires stronger technique. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 09C, C55 is faster, easier to control, and has a lower trajectory—ideal for players seeking a hybrid rubber combining Chinese tackiness with European ESN characteristics. Users highlight the rubber’s “great feel,” “strong spin,” “table control,” and “power from distance,” but note it requires solid technique, especially for topspin and flick shots. The topsheet isn’t highly tacky (barely lifts a ball), but its grip is sufficient for heavy spin. It is durable but may wear faster under intensive use, so protective films and regular water cleaning are essential.
Who is XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 for?
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 is designed for players seeking speed, spin, and control:
• Advanced and high-level players: Those looking for a hybrid rubber for either forehand or backhand that combines Chinese tacky and European ESN rubber features.
• Offensive players: Focusing on topspins, counters, attacks, and short game both at the table and from distance.
• Play close and far from the table: Effective for topspins, blocks, counters, and pressure pushes.
• Serving and receiving: Generates high spin on serves (9.2/10) and is effective in both passive (9.4/10) and active (9.1/10) receives.
• For those seeking power and spin: Ideal for players who want fast, spin-oriented shots with precise control.
Advantages of XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55:
• Speed (13.5/20): High speed, suitable for topspins, counters, and offensive strokes.
• Spin (12.9/20): Exceptional spin, ideal for topspins and pressure pushes.
• Control (12/20): Great control, forgiving both at the table and from distance.
• Precision (9.0/10): High precision, reducing shot scatter.
• X-Factor Technology: Factory-installed dual tension eliminates need for boosters.
• High Quality: ITTF approved, suitable for high-level competition.
Compared to XIOM Omega VII Tour, C55 offers more spin and slightly more control. Compared to Butterfly Dignics 09C, C55 is faster and easier to handle but requires stronger technique. Users emphasize the rubber’s “great feel,” “strong spin,” “table control,” and “power potential,” especially for offensive players like Hugo Calderano. ITTF approved, it’s a top-level competition rubber highlighting speed, spin, and precision. The balance of speed, spin, and control enables powerful topspins, accurate blocks, and effective counters, while the X-Factor tech and Epsilon sponge provide exceptional feel and performance.
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C55 – speed, spin, and German innovation!