Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
X-Invictus (Super Aryl Carbon)
HMBlades X-Invictus (Super Aryl Carbon) is a high-performance blade crafted for advanced players seeking a powerful yet controlled offensive game. Its construction combines Limba outer veneers with Super Aryl Carbon layers and an Ayous core, creating a stable and responsive playing surface. This design delivers exceptional feel and precise shot execution, making it ideal for players who rely on strong drives and controlled attacks. The blade balances stiffness with a pleasant touch sensitivity, offering a distinct playing sensation that supports an aggressive style.
This 5-ply construction features Limba outer veneers for good feel and surface grip, a core Ayous layer for balance, and Super Aryl Carbon composite layers positioned just inside the outer veneers. This placement provides the stiffness and speed of carbon without sacrificing too much feel and control, offering a responsive and stable playing surface.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
HMBlades X-Invictus (Super Aryl Carbon) is an offensive-oriented blade with a high speed rating. The Super Aryl Carbon layers contribute significantly to its power, enabling strong drives and fast attacks. It excels in generating pace, making it suitable for players who like to dictate play with aggressive strokes and quick transitions.
Despite its high speed, the X-Invictus offers a commendable level of control. The Limba outer plies and strategic placement of the Aryl Carbon layers provide sufficient feedback and stability for controlled play, especially in the short game and when executing spin-oriented shots close to the table.
The combination of Limba and Aryl Carbon provides a distinct sensation that is responsive yet not overly harsh, allowing players to feel the ball well with remarkable touch sensitivity.
The combination of a fast blade with Aryl Carbon typically results in a medium-high throw angle, facilitating aggressive topspin shots and powerful drives with good arc.
The blade offers a good dwell time, allowing for sufficient ball contact to generate spin. The Limba outer plies contribute to this, providing a good surface for the ball to sink into, which is crucial for looping and controlled attacks.
The blade exhibits a good degree of flexibility, allowing for a powerful yet controlled game. This flexibility aids in spin generation and provides a comfortable feel on impact, while the carbon layers ensure sufficient stiffness for offensive power.
The vibration level is moderate, providing enough feedback to understand ball contact without being distracting or jarring. The Super Aryl Carbon layers help to dampen excessive vibrations, contributing to a more comfortable playing experience.
The blade is noted for its excellent build quality, with careful attention paid to material selection and construction. This results in a durable blade that maintains its performance characteristics over time. The handmade aspect suggests a level of craftsmanship often associated with premium table tennis equipment.
Technology
HMBlades X-Invictus (Super Aryl Carbon) features a unique 5-ply construction integrating Super Aryl Carbon layers positioned strategically within the blade. This advanced composite material offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, providing increased speed and stiffness without significant mass. The Aryl Carbon composite delivers superior responsiveness and a distinct feel, bridging traditional all-wood blades and rigid carbon constructions. HM Blades applies a special oil treatment to their woods, enhancing durability and reducing veneer damage risk when removing rubbers, particularly beneficial for softer outer plies like Limba.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria Super ALC
HMBlades X-Invictus, sharing the 'Super Aryl Carbon' technology, is likely to offer a comparable playing experience in terms of speed, feel, and control. It serves as a potential alternative for players looking for a similar feel to popular ALC blades but from a different manufacturer.