XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C57.5 is a top-tier, non-tacky, inverted (pimples-in) table tennis rubber, chosen by Hugo Calderano for both forehand and backhand sides. Designed for professional players seeking maximum spin, power, and control—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 providing built-in dual tension.
The rubber features an extremely firm 57.5-degree Epsilon Sponge, ensuring very high speed (115/100, ~14.4/20), excellent control (95/100, ~11.9/20), and extremely strong spin (129/100, ~16.1/20). The densely arranged pimples and optimized surface structure, combined with the Epsilon Sponge, deliver exceptional precision in close-to-table play and powerful shots from mid- and far-distance.
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C57.5 is the ideal choice for professional players looking for a high-performance rubber suitable for aggressive topspin drives, attacking shots, and precise returns—whether close to the table or from mid- to far-distance. It embodies spin, power, and modern technology, channeling Hugo Calderano’s playing strength!
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples-In)
Category: Offensive+ (OFF+)
Sponge Hardness: Extremely firm (57.5 degrees)
Speed: 115/100 (~14.4/20 on the general scale)
Control: 95/100 (~11.9/20 on the general scale)
Spin: 129/100 (~16.1/20 on the general scale)
Accuracy: 9.4/10
Trajectory: 8.8/10 (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 (dual tension, AI-developed), Epsilon Sponge, densely arranged pimples
Origin: South Korea
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Playstyle Suitability: Offensive play, topspin drives, counterattacks, close-to-table and far-distance play
Why XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C57.5 Stands Out
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 XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 (52.5-degree sponge), the C57.5 offers higher speed (115/100 vs. 107/100) and a firmer feel, catering to professionals seeking maximum power. The X-Factor effect mimics booster performance while ensuring long-term durability.
2. Epsilon Sponge
The newly developed 57.5-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), the C57.5 is significantly firmer, delivering a stronger catapult effect and enhanced spin (129/100 vs. ~125/100). This sponge enables powerful far-distance shots previously hard to achieve.
3. Densely Arranged Pimples
The optimized surface structure reduces dead spots, allowing players to intuitively sense sponge feedback. Compared to DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37 (37-degree sponge), the C57.5 generates stronger spin (129/100 vs. 98/100) and higher speed while maintaining excellent close-to-table control. The dense pimple layout enhances precision in short-game play and returns.
4. Non-Tacky Surface
The highly grippy surface ensures exceptional spin, facilitating topspin shots and serves. Compared to tacky rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, the C57.5 is easier to control and less technique-dependent, though its firm sponge demands advanced skills—making it best suited for professionals.
5. Weight & Assembly
The rubber is medium-weight (~50–54g when trimmed, depending on thickness), pairing well 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 assembly. Users note its durability but recommend regular cleaning with a rubber cleaner (e.g., XIOM i-Clean) to maintain grip.
Technical Performance & Play Characteristics
Speed (115/100, ~14.4/20): Exceptionally fast, ideal for topspin drives, attacks, and counters from all distances. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 (107/100 speed), the C57.5 is faster and firmer. Against Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~14.5/20 speed), speed is similar, but the C57.5 offers a stronger catapult effect.
Control (95/100, ~11.9/20): Despite the firm sponge, dense pimples and X-Factor ensure high control, especially in topspin and return shots. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 (98/100 control), control is slightly lower but remains elite. Against DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~10/20 control), it provides superior close-to-table precision.
Spin (129/100, ~16.1/20): The grippy surface and X-Factor produce extreme spin, excelling in topspin and serves. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.5/20 spin), spin is significantly stronger, making it ideal for spin-oriented players. Against DHS Gold ARC 9 SOFT 37 (~12.3/20 spin), spin output is far superior.
Accuracy (9.4/10): High precision minimizes shot dispersion, crucial for placement in topspin and attacking plays.
Trajectory (8.8/10): A high-arc trajectory aids topspin and aggressive shots. Compared to XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5 (8.7/10), the arc is slightly higher, facilitating far-distance topspin. Blocks remain stable for active blocking.
Playing Aspects
Topspin Drives (9.6/10): Extremely effective against backspin due to grippy surface and firm sponge, generating heavy spin and acceleration.
Blocking (9.1/10): Efficient in absorbing energy for stable blocks, though firm sponge demands precise technique.
Push Shots (9.0/10): Aggressive pushes against backspin/no-spin balls generate strong spin.
Counter-Hitting (9.5/10): Ideal for fast counters at all distances, leveraging the sponge’s catapult effect.
Smashing (9.4/10): Powerful flat shots with precise, high-speed trajectories.
Serves & Receives (9.3/10): Enables precise serves with heavy spin. Passive receives (9.2/10) are stable, while active receives (9.3/10) benefit from speed/control.
Flicks (9.3/10): Banana flicks are easy due to grip and sponge stability.
Blade Compatibility
Best paired with offensive blades that complement its speed and spin:
JOOLA PROLine ONE (5+2 plies, ~85g): Enhances topspin and power shots.
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC (5+2 plies, ~86g): Adds power for aggressive play.
Yasaka Sweden Extra (5 plies, ~85g): Balances spin and control.
Donic Ovtcharov No.1 Senso (7 plies, ~90g): Provides stability for far-distance shots.
Stiga Clipper CR (7 plies, ~90g): Balances speed and spin for professionals.
Recommended Setup:
Forehand: Max (2.1mm) for maximum power/spin.
Backhand: 2.0mm for added control.
Additional Notes
Longevity: Durable but requires maintenance (e.g., XIOM Protection Film and regular cleaning).
Comparison to Alternatives:
vs. XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C52.5: Higher speed, firmer feel.
vs. Butterfly Tenergy 05: Firmer sponge, stronger spin.
vs. DHS Hurricane 3 Neo: Less tacky, easier to control.
User Feedback: Praised for "insane spin," "powerful rebound," and "excellent close-to-table control," though the firm sponge demands advanced technique.
Who Should Use XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C57.5?
Professionals seeking a firm, spin-heavy rubber for Hugo Calderano’s style.
Offensive players emphasizing topspin, counters, and aggressive pushes.
Close-to-table and far-distance players who prioritize spin and power.
Players wanting booster-like performance without external boosters.
Advantages
Speed (14.4/20): Elite for topspin and attacking play.
Control (11.9/20): Excellent for precise returns.
Spin (16.1/20): One of the spinniest rubbers available.
Accuracy (9.4/10): Minimizes shot dispersion.
X-Factor Tech: Dual tension without boosters.
Epsilon Sponge: Maximizes catapult and far-distance power.
Dense Pimples: Enhances control and touch.
ITTF-Approved: Legal for high-level competition.
XIOM Jekyll & Hyde C57.5 represents the pinnacle of spin, power, and Korean engineering—perfect for players demanding uncompromising performance.