Description XIOM HUGO SUPREME TMXi PRO
XIOM Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro: A Precision-Engineered Masterpiece for Elite Table Tennis Performance
The XIOM Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro is a professional-grade table tennis blade designed in collaboration with Brazilian star Hugo Calderano, a top-10 world-ranked player known for his explosive topspin loops and versatile two-winged attacking style. Crafted in South Korea with German-engineered precision, this blade is a pinnacle of modern table tennis technology, tailored for aggressive players who demand a blend of raw power, spin generation, and nuanced control. Leveraging XIOM’s proprietary TMX (TRIMETRIX) technology, the Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro is a 5+2 ply composite blade that redefines performance for advanced and professional players. Below is a detailed, fact-based breakdown of its construction, performance, and suitability, grounded in verified technical specifications and user insights.
Technical Specifications and Construction
- Composition: 5 wood plies + 2 Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers with TMX TRIMETRIX technology.
- Outer Ply: Limba wood, known for its soft, responsive feel and extended dwell time, ideal for spin-heavy shots.
- Inner Layers: A combination of premium hardwood plies and dual ALC layers infused with TMX—a proprietary weave of Axylium (lightweight Arylate for elasticity), Zephylium (Zylon-based fiber for tensile strength), and X-Carbon (refined carbon for explosive rebound).
- Blade Thickness: Approximately 5.8–6.0 mm, providing a medium-stiff flex for a balance of power and control.
- Head Size: Pro size, measuring 158 mm x 152 mm (slightly oversized for a larger sweet spot and enhanced power on off-center hits).
- Weight: 85–90 g (average 88 g), lightweight for reduced arm fatigue during prolonged play.
- Handle: Flared (FL), ergonomically contoured for a secure grip, with options for straight (ST) handles in some markets.
- Manufacturing: Produced in South Korea using low-temperature pressing to optimize wood-composite synergy, ensuring consistent quality and enhanced vibration dampening.
The TMX TRIMETRIX system is the blade’s defining feature, positioning the composite fibers closer to the core for a “deep catapult” effect. This enhances energy transfer for high-speed shots while maintaining a wood-like dwell time for spin and control, distinguishing it from stiffer blades like the Butterfly Viscaria or DHS Hurricane Long 5.
Performance Characteristics
XIOM’s internal performance ratings highlight the blade’s elite capabilities:
- Catapult: 9.5/10 – Exceptional energy release for explosive loops and counter-drives.
- Ball Grab: 8.0/10 – Strong dwell time for spin generation, particularly with tensor or tacky rubbers.
- Repulsion: 8.4/10 – High-speed rebound for flat hits and smashes, slightly faster than the standard Hugo TMXi.
- Precision: 9.2/10 – Surgical accuracy for blocks, flicks, and placement in short game.
Speed: Rated OFF+ (faster than traditional OFF blades like Stiga Clipper CR but less stiff than pure carbon blades like Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC), the Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro excels in mid-distance rallying and close-to-table aggression. It delivers a high throw angle (approximately 40–45°) for safe, arcing topspins, making it ideal for 40+ mm ABS or plastic balls.
Spin: The Limba outer ply and TMX core provide excellent “ball grab,” allowing deep sponge compression for heavy topspin loops and spinny serves. It performs exceptionally with tacky Chinese rubbers (e.g., DHS Hurricane 3 Neo) and grippy tensor rubbers (e.g., XIOM Vega Pro or Jekyll & Hyde V47.0).
Control: Despite its OFF+ rating, the blade offers remarkable control for an aggressive setup, thanks to the balanced sweet spot and vibration-dampening TMX fibers. It excels in passive blocks, touch shots, and short game, forgiving slight mishits due to the larger head size.
Feel: The blade provides a vibrant yet controlled feel, blending the crispness of carbon with the softness of wood. Users describe a “rich sensation and amazing resonance” without the metallic hollowness of some ALC blades, making it versatile for various rubber types.
Ideal Player Profile
The Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro is tailored for aggressive all-rounders and two-winged attackers who dominate from mid-distance with spin-heavy loops and explosive counter-drives, much like Calderano’s playing style. It’s ideal for:
- Advanced players transitioning from OFF to OFF+ setups, seeking more power without sacrificing control.
- Professionals who rely on variable spin and speed in mid-table rallies.
- Players using modern tensor or hybrid rubbers for maximum spin and speed synergy.
It is less suited for pure defenders or choppers due to its forward-oriented power and may require technical proficiency to fully harness its spin potential.
Recommended Rubber Pairings
- Forehand: XIOM Vega Pro (47° sponge) or DHS Hurricane 3 Neo for spin-heavy loops and serves.
- Backhand: XIOM Jekyll & Hyde H52.5 or Butterfly Dignics 05 for fast, direct drives and counters.
- Accessories: Pair with XIOM I-Bond water-based glue and I-Sure blade sealant to protect the blade during frequent rubber changes.
Price and Availability
The XIOM Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro retails for approximately €230, depending on the region and distributor (e.g., slightly higher in Europe due to import taxes). It’s available through authorized XIOM retailers and online platforms specializing in table tennis equipment.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The blade features a sleek, premium design with holographic “XIOM Beyond” branding, burgundy accents, and a polished FL handle for a professional look. The craftsmanship reflects XIOM’s commitment to quality, with consistent weight distribution and flawless layer bonding.
Conclusion
The XIOM Hugo Supreme TMXi Pro is a game-changer for players seeking a professional-grade blade that balances explosive speed, spin versatility, and precise control. Its TMX TRIMETRIX technology and lightweight construction make it a standout choice for aggressive players, offering a unique blend of power and finesse that rivals top-tier blades like the Butterfly Timo Boll ALC or DHS Hurricane Long 5. Priced at about €230, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious competitors aiming to elevate their game. For setup advice or comparisons with other blades, feel free to ask—I’ll tailor recommendations to your playing style!