Weight
85g
Thickness
5.75mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
36.5 ALX
Xiom 36.5 ALX is a hybrid offensive blade designed for players seeking a dynamic balance of speed and touch. It features an outer Axylium Carbon (ALX) composite beneath a Koto surface, paired with Xiom's innovative Cold Press manufacturing. This low-temperature process preserves the wood's natural character, delivering a crisp yet forgiving feel with excellent ball feedback. The blade excels in close-to-the-table attacks and mid-distance loops, offering a responsive and controlled offensive experience suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
The 7-ply, 5+2 construction features Koto outer plies for a crisp feel, with Axylium Carbon layers placed directly beneath them. Limba and Kiri form the inner core, contributing to the blade's overall feel and flexibility. This symmetrical, outer-ALC design is engineered for enhanced speed and a direct playing characteristic.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Xiom 36.5 ALX delivers OFF+ speed, ideal for powerful drives and fast attacks. The outer ALC construction and Koto plies provide immediate pace close to the table, and the blade effectively ramps up its speed with more aggressive swings. This dynamic response gives players explosive power when needed while remaining manageable during slower strokes.
Despite its high speed, 36.5 ALX maintains outstanding control. The Cold Press technology contributes significantly, offering better ball feel and more forgiving contact on off-center hits. This allows players to place shots with precision and manage the blade's inherent power effectively, making it a reliable choice for precise offensive play.
36.5 ALX offers a communicative, medium feel. The Cold Press process aims for a softer touch and enhanced ball feedback compared to traditional methods. Players describe a clear sensation on contact, with some noting it feels slightly softer than other outer ALC blades, providing good dwell and a comfortable, direct connection to the ball.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps generate ample spin and clear the net comfortably on aggressive loops. This arc is often noted as being slightly higher than some comparable blades, favoring spin-oriented offensive play.
Dwell time is notably good, aided by the Cold Press technology which helps preserve wood elasticity. This allows for longer ball contact on the rubber, enhancing spin generation and control, particularly beneficial for looping and brush contact techniques.
The blade strikes a balanced flexibility. It has enough stiffness for powerful, direct shots but retains a degree of flex that contributes to its feel and dwell. This combination supports both explosive drives and controlled, spin-oriented loops effectively.
Vibration is moderate and clean. The Axylium Carbon layers help dampen unpleasant frequencies, resulting in a direct, crisp feedback without being harsh or numb. Players get clear tactile information on shot quality without excessive sting.
Craftsmanship on the 36.5 ALX is excellent. The Koto surface and handle are finished smoothly, and the overall construction feels solid and durable. While aesthetic details like neck plates may draw minor comment, the build quality is consistently praised for its precision and feel, reflecting Xiom's high manufacturing standards.
Technology
Xiom 36.5 ALX integrates two core technologies. Axylium Carbon (ALX) is Xiom's proprietary composite of Arylate and Carbon fibers, designed to offer stability, reduced vibration, a clear feel, and strong power. The Cold Press manufacturing method is a low-temperature drying and pressing process that aims to preserve the natural elasticity and characteristics of the wood plies. Together, these technologies create a blade with a softer touch, improved ball feedback, and a more forgiving nature while maintaining high offensive speed.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
36.5 ALX is frequently compared to Viscaria as both are outer ALC blades with Koto tops. Players often find the Xiom offers a slightly softer touch and a potentially higher throw angle, making it a compelling alternative for those who enjoy the Viscaria profile but desire a different feel or a more forgiving control characteristic.
Xiom Stradivarius
36.5 ALX is seen as a modern successor to the older Stradivarius blade. It carries forward a similar offensive philosophy but with updated materials and the Cold Press technology, offering players who favored the Stradivarius a contemporary upgrade in speed and feel.