Feel ZX2

Weight

85g

Thickness

6.6mm

Plies

7-ply

Head Size

158x152

Handles

FL

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Xiom

Feel ZX2

Japan
2017

Xiom Feel ZX2 is a premium offensive blade that masterfully blends speed, control, and tactile feel. Its unique INNER COMP construction pairs Kiso Hinoki outer plies with Zephylium Carbon layers near the core, delivering the satisfying feedback of wood alongside the enhanced power and resilience of modern composites. This design creates a balanced, versatile tool suitable for powerful mid-distance attacks and precise short-game play, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of offensive styles seeking a responsive and enjoyable playing experience.

7-Ply Construction

The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply construction. The INNER COMP design places two pairs of Zephylium Carbon layers close to the central wood core, with premium Kiso Hinoki forming the outer playing surfaces. This layout aims to provide the direct speed of carbon while retaining the feel and control associated with Hinoki wood.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.0

Xiom Feel ZX2 is consistently rated as a fast blade, solidly in the OFF+ category. Our testing shows it offers a noticeable speed increase compared to its predecessor and even surpasses some other popular composite blades. The inner Zephylium Carbon layers provide significant repulsion, translating into powerful drives and loops.

Control
7.0

Despite its high speed, the ZX2 is highly praised for its excellent control, particularly in the short game and for blocking. The INNER COMP construction with Hinoki outer plies contributes to a controlled, predictable feel and good ball grab, allowing for precise placement even during powerful offensive exchanges.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

The blade offers a distinct blend of sensations. The Hinoki outer plies provide a softer, more sensitive touch, while the inner Zephylium Carbon adds resilience and a firmer response. Players report it delivers a surprisingly 'pure wood' sensation despite the composite layers, with clear, manageable feedback.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

The throw angle is generally medium to medium-high. While some note a straighter trajectory on direct hits, actively engaging with spin produces a good arc, making it well-suited for offensive, spin-oriented play from mid-distance.

Dwell Time
8.0

The combination of Hinoki and Zephylium Carbon provides excellent dwell time, allowing for significant ball contact and high spin generation, especially on topspin strokes. This characteristic makes it a potent weapon for loopers.

Flexibility
7.0

The blade possesses a moderate degree of flex. This contributes to its excellent looping capabilities and spin potential, offering a good balance between the stiffness needed for direct power and the flex that aids in brushing the ball for heavy spin.

Vibration
7.8

Vibration is generally described as medium. The Zephylium Carbon layers are designed to manage vibration effectively, providing a clear, informative feel upon impact without being overly harsh or numb, offering good feedback for shot control.

Quality
9.0

The craftsmanship of the Xiom Feel ZX2 is top-notch. TTSensei experts note the superior build quality, excellent finish, and use of high-grade materials like Kiso Hinoki and Zephylium Carbon. This attention to detail contributes to its durability, premium feel, and consistent performance.

Technology

Xiom Feel ZX2 utilizes 'INNER COMP' technology, which strategically places Zephylium Carbon fiber layers near the blade's core, sandwiched between outer plies of Kiso Hinoki. Kiso Hinoki, renowned as the 'King of Woods,' is chosen for its ability to produce a distinct sound and clear, sensitive vibrations at impact. The Zephylium Carbon is a high-quality composite material designed to enhance repulsion while maintaining a sensible feel. This construction aims to maximize the synergy between the tactile Hinoki surface and the responsive inner layers, delivering high speed and control without sacrificing the classic feedback players love from wood blades.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Viscaria

Xiom Feel ZX2 is often compared to the Butterfly Viscaria. Our testing shows the ZX2 is marginally faster while offering a comparable level of control, but with a potentially more pronounced wood-like feel from its Hinoki outer plies. It's a compelling alternative for players who enjoy the Viscaria's blend of attributes but seek a slightly different tactile experience.

Butterfly Timo Boll ALC

Similar to the Viscaria, the Timo Boll ALC is a benchmark offensive composite blade. Players report the ZX2 offers slightly more speed than the Timo Boll ALC while maintaining excellent control. Those seeking a similar high-performance profile with a distinct feel influenced by Hinoki might find the ZX2 to be an excellent option.