Weight
100g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
163x135
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Athena RSM Platinum
Xiom Athena RSM Platinum is a premium single-ply Kiso Hinoki blade designed for Japanese penhold players. Developed with Olympic champion Ryu Seung Min, it features a substantial 10mm thickness for powerful topspin attacks and sharp blocks. The 'Platinum' designation indicates the highest grade of wood selection, offering exceptional feel, sound, and performance for aggressive, close-to-table play. This blade is a collectible piece for discerning players seeking a direct connection and potent offensive capabilities.
This blade is a pure single-ply construction made exclusively from high-quality Kiso Hinoki wood. This material choice is fundamental to its playing characteristics, offering a direct feel, excellent vibration transmission, and natural speed and spin generation.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Athena RSM Platinum is consistently described as a very fast blade. The 10mm thick single-ply Kiso Hinoki construction provides significant power for offensive shots, particularly powerful topspin and quick attacks. While some comparisons suggest it might be slightly less powerful than certain other high-end blades, it remains firmly in the fast category, offering explosive speed for aggressive play.
Despite its high speed, Athena RSM Platinum offers a commendable level of control. Players report excellent feel and consistency, allowing for precise placement and effective blocking. The single-ply Hinoki provides direct feedback, which aids experienced players in maintaining control during fast exchanges and delicate touches.
Athena RSM Platinum is described as having a soft, direct feel. Players note a great connection with the ball, allowing them to gauge impact precisely and make fine adjustments. This tactile feedback is a hallmark of premium single-ply Hinoki construction.
The combination of speed and the softer feel of Hinoki wood typically results in a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is beneficial for generating powerful, well-arced topspin shots that clear the net with safety and depth.
The relatively thick, single-ply Kiso Hinoki construction provides a moderate dwell time. This balance allows for good spin generation on serves and loops without sacrificing the blade's offensive speed, making it effective for spin-oriented attacks.
Single-ply Hinoki blades are typically on the stiffer side due to their solid wood construction. The 10mm thickness further enhances this, providing a stiff platform for powerful shots while retaining a degree of inherent wood flexibility for feel and touch.
The Platinum grade wood and substantial 10mm thickness contribute to a solid, low-vibration feel. While single-ply Hinoki has a distinct character, this blade is designed to feel stable and direct upon ball impact, minimizing excessive feedback.
The 'Platinum' designation signifies Xiom's use of the absolute best available Kiso Hinoki wood. This results in exceptional build quality, with dense, even grain patterns contributing to superior feel, sound, and durability. It is widely regarded as a top-tier product in terms of material selection and craftsmanship.
Technology
Xiom Athena RSM Platinum leverages the inherent qualities of premium Kiso Hinoki wood, a material prized for its unique playing characteristics. The 'Platinum' designation means only the top 5-10% of Honmasa Kiso Hinoki woods are selected, ensuring exceptional density, even grain, and superior feel. This single-ply construction, precisely 10mm thick, is engineered to maximize the wood's natural speed, spin, and resonance. Xiom's manufacturing focuses on preserving the integrity of this select wood, creating a specialized tool for players who value a direct connection and potent offensive capabilities.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ryu Seung Min
Ryu Seung Min, the 2004 Olympic Champion, is directly associated with this blade as his signature model. He utilized its speed and control to execute aggressive, close-to-the-table play characterized by powerful topspin and sharp blocking. The Athena RSM Platinum's characteristics perfectly align with his dynamic and offensive style.
Similar Blades
Darker Speed 90
In discussions comparing high-end single-ply Hinoki blades, Darker Speed 90 is often mentioned as a comparable alternative. While both are premium Hinoki blades, some players note the Darker Speed 90 might offer a slightly different balance of speed and feel or a distinct wood quality. Those considering Athena RSM Platinum might explore the Speed 90 for a similar yet potentially nuanced single-ply Hinoki experience.