Xiom Hugo HAL: Detailed and Unique Table Tennis Blade Description

We proudly present the Xiom Hugo HAL – one of the most balanced and innovative table tennis blades, designed for players seeking harmony between power, control, and a natural feel. Developed in collaboration with Brazilian table tennis star Hugo Calderano, ranked among the top-4 players in the world (at the time of this description), this blade is far more than just another commercial product. It embodies Calderano’s personal philosophy of play: avoiding the rigidity of carbon fiber while maintaining modern speed and precision. The Hugo HAL is a blade that feels like an extension of your hand, rather than a stiff tool you must wrestle with.

Construction and Materials: Innovation Without Compromise

The Xiom Hugo HAL is a 5+2 ply blade with an outer-fiber construction, precisely matching the manufacturer’s specified thickness of 5.8 mm. With an average weight of 84–86 grams, it is lightweight and maneuverable, ideal for long matches without causing fatigue. The head dimensions are 157 mm in length and 151 mm in width (1 mm wider than standard, providing a larger sweet spot for optimal ball contact).

The layer structure is truly unique:

• Outer Layer: Koto wood – firm yet flexible, ensuring crisp ball contact.
• Outer Fiber Layer: Hyper Axylium (HAL) – Xiom’s patented material, made from woven liquid crystal polymer (LCP), also known as polyarylate fiber. This vibrant orange material is placed directly beneath the outer layer, without any carbon fiber additives. This was Calderano’s explicit request: he dislikes the “hardness” and sound of carbon, so HAL delivers a natural, wood-like feel with enhanced repulsive force.
• Inner Layers: Ayous wood – flexible and vibration-absorbing.
• Core Layer: Kiri wood – lightweight and stabilizing the entire structure.

The handle, available in FL (flared) configuration, features a sky-blue accent. The FL handle is semi-wide (26.5 mm at the middle, 34.5 mm at the end), offering a comfortable grip similar to the Butterfly Viscaria. Aluminum plates on both sides display the H.C. (Hugo Calderano) logo, and the blade itself bears Calderano’s signature along with the slogan “Future from another future.”

This construction makes the Hugo HAL truly unique: unlike many carbon-based blades (e.g., Xiom Ice Cream AZXi), HAL absorbs vibrations quickly, delivering a “soft” feel without the “hollow” carbon effect.

Playing Characteristics: Balance That Wins Matches

The Hugo HAL is classified as an offensive allround (OFF-/ALL+) blade – not so fast as to sacrifice control, yet powerful enough to dominate at the table. Its greatest strength lies in its exceptional balance: neither too hard nor too soft, neither too fast nor too slow.

• Speed and Power: Medium speed (comparable to inner-layer ALC blades like Butterfly InnerForce Layer ALC), with enhanced repulsive force thanks to the HAL material. It excels in topspin attacks and blocks – topspin blocks are particularly effective, as the blade “grips” the ball without slipping. Players note that it provides enough power to finish points, yet remains manageable for beginners.
• Control and Spin: High control due to its soft feel and uniform vibration distribution. The longer dwell time enables strong spin generation, especially with tacky rubbers (e.g., Xiom Jekyll & Hyde C series, Hugo Calderano’s choice).
• Feel and Sound Profile: Clear, natural ball contact without the harshness or sound of carbon. Vibrations are absorbed quickly, offering a level of comfort akin to 7-ply wood blades (e.g., Stiga Clipper CR), but with a modern “kick” for powerful shots.

Comparisons with Other Blades

Compared to other Xiom models, the Hugo HAL is slower than the 36.5 ALX (with carbon) but more dynamic than the 36.5 ALXi (inner fiber). In comparison to Butterfly’s lineup, it closely matches the speed of the InnerForce Layer ALC but feels softer, without the “hollow” carbon effect. Against 7-ply wood blades like the Butterfly Korbel SK7, the Hugo HAL is thinner, lighter, and easier to control. Unlike classic 5-ply wood blades (e.g., Nittaku Acoustic), HAL provides more power without sacrificing control.

If you play like Calderano – an aggressive topspin style with quick movements – this blade is ideal, as it “extends” your movements rather than resisting them.

Who Is the Xiom Hugo HAL For?

This blade is perfect for developing and advanced players seeking versatility: an allround/offensive style suited for both close-to-the-table play and mid-distance rallies. It is highly recommended for young players or those transitioning from wood blades to composite ones – it offers modern speed without the challenging “shock” of carbon fiber. Paired with appropriate rubbers (e.g., Dignics 09C or Tenergy 05), it becomes a weapon, enabling dominance with precise topspins.

Conclusion: A Blade from Another Future

The Xiom Hugo HAL is not only Hugo Calderano’s personal choice but also a revolution in table tennis equipment: it proves that high performance is achievable without carbon fiber, maintaining a natural feel and balanced performance. Its uniqueness lies in the Hyper Axylium material, which blends the softness of wood with the power of fiber, making it forgiving and intuitive. The experts at STaloTenisui.lt advise: if you’re looking for a blade that grows with you rather than limits you, the Hugo HAL is a worthy choice. We recommend acquiring it to experience its full potential and aim for Hugo Calderano’s heights in table tennis. If you have questions about compatibility with various rubbers or alternative blades, feel free to ask. Contact us by phone or email, and we’ll answer all your questions and guide you toward the best choice for your game.

This blade is manufactured in South Korea and is classified as a high-quality table tennis blade.

Attention: Limited stock available!