Weight
94.5g
Thickness
10.45mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
161x132
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Hibi O
Xiom Hibi-O is a premium Japanese penhold blade for advanced players seeking a dynamic blend of speed, spin, and control. Crafted from a single ply of select Kiso Hinoki wood, it delivers a crisp, direct feel with powerful offensive capabilities. Its modern ogival head shape is optimized for the plastic ball, enhancing wrist agility for quick transitions between forehand and backhand. Renowned for its superb craftsmanship and high-quality finish, the Hibi-O stands as a top-tier choice for serious penhold enthusiasts.
As a single-ply blade, the Hibi-O's performance is entirely defined by the properties of its Kiso Hinoki wood. This material is chosen for its inherent speed, elasticity, and pleasant acoustic feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hibi-O operates in the offensive to offensive-plus range, making it a fast blade ideal for aggressive play. The Kiso Hinoki wood provides strong repulsive power, enabling explosive drives and heavy loops that can dominate rallies.
Despite its offensive nature, this blade offers exceptional precision and manageability. The direct feedback from the single-ply Hinoki allows players to place the ball accurately even during high-speed exchanges, providing confidence in shot placement.
Players report a high, bright, and clear feel with direct feedback. It offers a nimbler and more agile sensation compared to denser blades, which helps in managing offensive play with precision.
The combination of Kiso Hinoki wood and offensive design produces a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for executing powerful topspin loops and drives with good arc and depth over the net.
The single-ply Hinoki construction provides a medium dwell time, allowing for effective spin generation on serves and topspin shots without sacrificing the speed needed for aggressive play.
As a single-ply wood blade, it exhibits medium flexibility. This balance allows players to feel the ball at impact while generating both power and spin effectively.
Kiso Hinoki delivers a clear, noticeable vibration that provides excellent feedback. This helps players feel the ball impact and make subtle adjustments to their strokes.
Build quality is outstanding, with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship and a premium finish. The selection of Kiso Hinoki wood is top-tier, resulting in a blade that feels and performs at the highest level, comparable to the best in its class.
Technology
Xiom Hibi-O embodies traditional Japanese craftsmanship using a single ply of premium Kiso Hinoki wood, celebrated for its exceptional acoustic properties and elasticity. Engineered for the modern game, it features an innovative ogival head shape that is narrower at the front. This design subtly shifts the center of gravity toward the handle, enhancing wrist agility and enabling quicker transitions between forehand and backhand strokes—a crucial advantage in today's fast-paced rallies. The meticulous selection of Kiso Hinoki, often called the 'king of woods,' ensures high performance with a comfortable, direct feel perfect for offensive play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly T-Max
TTSensei experts note the Hibi-O was developed to compete directly with the Butterfly T-Max, a high-end Japanese penhold blade. Many players find the Hibi-O exceeds it in terms of overall quality and comfort, offering a comparable performance target in a similar price range.
Xiom Power Hinoki
Within Xiom's own lineup, the Hibi-O is often seen as an improvement over the Power Hinoki. Players report a brighter, clearer sound and more precise stroke execution with the Hibi-O, making it a distinct and advanced offering in the Hinoki blade category.