Xiom Stradivarius Questions

I began using this blade about 6 moths ago, but today smacked the table a little too hard trying to go for an aggressive opening. I didn't damage anything, but figured I'd look for a more appropriate spare. This blade is not available in lots of places any more and not being an EJ, I really don't know any information about what is going on with this blade, so I figured I'd ask my forum EJ maniacs :)

Here is what I know. The blade has different models. I have 2 blades, both are FLARED handles, but the original one I got has a thinner "butterfly" copy of a handle, while the other handle is thicker and feel slightly bigger, although I didn't measure. Also the original handle has black markings on it, while the other one with the thicker handle has some kind of a red plastic imprint in it.

I got the blade with the bigger handle right here from MyTableTennis.com, but don't know which models it is year wise. I'm looking for the one with the thin handle like the one I already heave, but not sure what to look for.

I also wanted to ask if anyone had any insight in terms of why this blade is not around any more and whether there is a replacement for it.  ( I am asking about XIOM replacement of it, not another brand ). Seems lots of shops have it out of stock and I am just not familiar with why that is so.

I am trying to find out more so I can find a good spare ( or maybe buy a few spares ) so that I don't have to switch to something else if I break it.

Thanks Baal for the explanation.

I am even wondering if it is worth while to look into something similar. There is something about this blade that I really like - can't really explain. Maybe someone would have an idea what plays the same. I guess I should note that I am interested in Butterfly blades. Never really had a heart for them.

I guess its good to find out which blade is of which model.

I like the Strad too, but I prefer the Butterfly Viscaria if you can find one of those.  Not so easy at the moment.  They have similar construction, but the Viscaria just feels better to me.

Thanks Baal.

Here is what I have - I can take pics but basically. I have no words on the handles - no Novus. I have a simple Stradivarius Xiom on the handle on one side with a red mark, but on the back side, one blade has a plastic red mark embedded, and the other blade has a Shield and a T.

The one with a Shield and a T is JTTAA marked. The heads of the blades are identical, but one handle is slighly thicker. I think I might just sand the thicker handles down a bit. But Even the flare section is smaller on the blade with the bigger handle.

I have to glue new rubbers, so I'll take a look what is written on there. I think I'll take pictures too.

One thing I notice is that the heads of the blade are identical. Didn't this blade get remodeled some time to have a different shape? Or was that prior to 2008?

I needed to replace rubbers on my blade, so I took the picture of both. Funny thing is that I could not tell the difference in the size of the head of the blades until I tried to glue the spare blade's rubbers on my main one. Now I could see the "egg" shape difference in the head of the blade of the older model.



























Edited by Leshxa - 05/09/2012 at 11:00am

Yes, the difference in head shape is pretty subtle, and they had some engineering explanation for why this was supposed to be the Next Big Thing.  I also think the wings come down a bit further down the handle on the older one, at least that is the impression I got from looking at the Xiom website about four years ago.  It must not have been All That because later they dropped those designs.  It is also possible that the carbon in the carbon-aramid mesh is a little different in the newer version -- although the stuff they call Novus Carbon may be just clever marketing.

Having said all that, Xiom makes a high quality blade, fantastic fit and finish, and for less money than Butterfly.  Very comfortable handles IMHO.  Some of their stuff is insanely fast, though.  I once tried something called an Axelo and it was unplayable it was so fast (Off++) -- and the Viscaria I am used to is not slow.  Same thing with something they called a Carbon-Control, which was merely Off+.    

Edited by Baal - 05/10/2012 at 3:24am

Again, check with Nexy to see if he has an old one left.