XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 is a high-quality, non-tacky, inverted (pimples-in) table tennis rubber, chosen by Hugo Calderano for both forehand and backhand sides. Designed for advanced and professional players seeking exceptional spin, control, and dynamic power—especially when playing with plastic 40+ balls. ITTF-approved, this rubber stands out due to its revolutionary X-Factor technology, developed using artificial intelligence (AI), which eliminates the need for external boosters by incorporating built-in dual tension.
The rubber features a 52.5-degree hardness Epsilon Sponge, delivering high speed (107/100, ~13.4/20), excellent control (98/100, ~12.3/20), and extremely strong spin (129/100, ~16.1/20). The densely arranged pimples and optimized surface structure, combined with the Epsilon Sponge, provide exceptional precision in close-to-table play and powerful shots from mid- to long-distance.
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 is the ideal choice for players seeking a balanced rubber suitable for aggressive topspin attacks, offensive drives, and precise returns—whether close to the table or from mid- and far-distance. It embodies spin, power, and modern technology, reflecting Hugo Calderano’s playing spirit.
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples-In)
Category: Offensive+ (OFF+)
Sponge Hardness: Hard (52.5 degrees)
Speed: 107/100 (~13.4/20 on the general scale)
Control: 98/100 (~12.3/20 on the general scale)
Spin: 129/100 (~16.1/20 on the general scale)
Accuracy: 9.3/10
Trajectory: 8.7/10 (high, suitable for topspin and attacking shots)
Sponge Thickness: Available in 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm (Max)
Surface: Non-tacky, highly grippy
Technologies: X-Factor (AI-developed dual tension), Epsilon Sponge, densely arranged pimples
Country of Origin: South Korea
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Suitability: Offensive play, topspin strokes, counterattacks, close-to-table and long-distance play
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 stands out with its innovative technologies, sensitive feel, and versatility for professional players:
1. X-Factor Technology
Developed using AI, X-Factor technology integrates dual tension, eliminating the need for external boosters. This ensures consistent surface elasticity and strong energy transfer. Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37 (H-EPO2 tech, 37-degree sponge), XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 offers a firmer feel and stronger spin (129/100 vs. 98/100), making it ideal for aggressive players. The X-Factor effect mimics booster performance while ensuring long-lasting durability.
2. Epsilon Sponge
The newly developed 52.5-degree Epsilon Sponge, with micro-bubble construction and structural optimization, minimizes energy loss, synergizing with short pimples. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36-degree sponge), XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 is harder, providing stronger catapult effect and higher spin (129/100 vs. ~125/100). The sponge enables powerful shots even from long distance—previously difficult to achieve.
3. Densely Arranged Pimples
The optimized surface structure with tightly packed pimples reduces dead zones, allowing players to feel the sponge response more intuitively. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~50-degree sponge), XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 offers better control (98/100 vs. ~95/100) and stronger spin, especially in close-to-table play. The dense pimple structure enhances precision in short-game and return shots.
4. Non-Tacky Surface
The highly grippy surface ensures exceptional spin, facilitating topspin strokes and serves. Compared to tacky rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 is easier to control and less technique-dependent, making it suitable for both advanced and professional players.
5. Weight & Installation
The rubber is medium-weight (~48–52g when trimmed, depending on thickness), making it compatible with lightweight blades like JOOLA PROLine ONE (~85g) or Butterfly Timo Boll ALC (~86g). Water-based glue (e.g., XIOM i-Glue) is recommended for installation. Users note its durability but recommend regular cleaning with a rubber cleaner (e.g., XIOM i-Clean) to maintain grip.
Technical Performance & Playing Characteristics:
Speed (107/100, ~13.4/20)
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 is a fast rubber suitable for topspin attacks, offensive drives, and counterattacks—whether close to the table, mid-distance, or far-distance. Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37 (120/100 speed), it is slightly slower but compensates with Epsilon Sponge’s catapult effect. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~14.5/20 speed), it is slightly slower but offers better control.
Control (98/100, ~12.3/20)
The 52.5-degree hard sponge and dense pimples ensure high control, especially in topspin strokes, blocks, and returns. Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37 (95/100 control), control is higher due to surface optimization. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~11/20 control), it provides superior control in close-to-table play.
Spin (129/100, ~16.1/20)
The ultra-grippy surface and X-Factor technology deliver extreme spin, especially in topspin shots and serves. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.5/20 spin), spin is stronger, making it ideal for spin-oriented players. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~13/20 spin), spin is significantly higher and easier to control.
Accuracy (9.3/10)
High precision allows players to place the ball accurately, especially in topspin and attacking shots. X-Factor technology and dense pimples reduce shot dispersion.
Trajectory (8.7/10)
A high-arc trajectory suits topspin and attacking shots. Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37 (8.5/10), the arc is slightly higher, facilitating topspin from mid- and far-distance. Blocking remains stable, supporting aggressive blocks.
Playing Aspects:
Topspin Strokes: 9.5/10
Extremely effective in topspin rallies, especially against backspin, due to the grippy surface and Epsilon Sponge, ensuring strong spin and acceleration.
Blocking: 9.2/10
Excellent for blocking topspin shots close to the table, absorbing energy while maintaining stability.
Push Shots: 9.0/10
Allows aggressive pushes against backspin or no-spin balls, generating heavy spin.
Counter-Hitting: 9.4/10
Ideal for fast counterattacks near the table or from distance, thanks to the Epsilon Sponge’s catapult effect.
Smashing: 9.3/10
Effective in flat hits, producing fast and precise trajectories with power.
Serves & Receives: 9.3/10
Enables precise serves with strong spin. Passive receives (9.3/10) are stable, while active receives (9.2/10) benefit from speed and control.
Flick Shots: 9.3/10
Banana flicks are easy to execute due to the grippy surface and firm sponge.
Blade Compatibility:
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 pairs well with offensive blades that complement its speed and spin:
JOOLA PROLine ONE (5+2 plies, ~85g) – Lightweight, enhances topspin and control.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC (5+2 plies, ~86g) – Adds power for aggressive shots.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (5 plies, ~85g) – Boosts spin for attackers.
Donic Ovtcharov No.1 Senso (7 plies, ~90g) – Provides stability for long-distance play.
Stiga Clipper CR (7 plies, ~90g) – Balances speed and spin for professionals.
Recommended blade weight: ~85–90g to maintain racket balance. Max (2.1mm) thickness suits forehand for maximum power/spin, while 2.0mm suits backhand for better control.
Additional Information:
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 is built with cutting-edge X-Factor and Epsilon Sponge technologies, ensuring spin, speed, and control without boosters. Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37, it offers stronger spin and a firmer feel for professionals. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05, it is harder and spinnier, ideal for players seeking power from distance.
Users praise its "incredible spin," "excellent close-to-table control," and "powerful rebound," though regular cleaning is recommended. ITTF-approved, it is ideal for high-level competitions and suits professional players who prioritize spin, power, and versatility.
Who is XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 for?
Advanced/professional players seeking a hard, spin-heavy rubber for Hugo Calderano-style play.
Offensive players focusing on topspin attacks, drives, and counterattacks from all distances.
Serve & receive specialists who value spin precision (9.3/10).
Players wanting a booster-free rubber with built-in dual tension (X-Factor).
Advantages of XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5:
Speed (13.4/20) – High speed for attacking play.
Control (12.3/20) – Excellent for short-game precision.
Spin (16.1/20) – Extreme spin for topspin and serves.
Accuracy (9.3/10) – Minimizes shot dispersion.
X-Factor Tech – No need for boosters.
Epsilon Sponge – Strong catapult effect.
Dense Pimples – Enhances control.
ITTF-approved – Tournament-legal.
Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37, it offers stronger spin and firmer feel. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05, it is harder and spinnier, ideal for power players.
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 – Spin, Power, and Korean Engineering Excellence!