Weight
88g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hugo Calderano SAL
Xiom Hugo Calderano SAL is a distinctive offensive blade co-designed with Brazilian star Hugo Calderano. It features a 5+2 ply build with Super Arylate (SAL) fibers placed just under the Koto outer veneers. This innovative construction delivers the familiar, responsive feel of a pure wood blade while enhancing stability, expanding the sweet spot, and minimizing vibration. The SAL material provides a softer touch and extended dwell time compared to traditional carbon composites, enabling superior spin generation and control. Positioned as an OFF- blade, it masterfully balances speed with outstanding control and feel, making it an ideal choice for players whose game revolves around spin and tactical precision.
The 5+2 construction uses Koto outer plies for a crisp initial contact and good spin potential. The key Super Arylate (SAL) fibers are sandwiched between the Koto and the Ayous/Kiri core. This placement is central to achieving the blade's signature softer feel and extended dwell time, while the central Kiri core provides lightness and contributes to the blade's flexibility.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Xiom Hugo Calderano SAL is rated as an OFF- to OFF blade, offering a well-judged balance between speed and control. It doesn't reach the extreme velocities of some high-end carbon blades but provides more than enough pace for assertive offensive play. Its speed is effectively augmented by the catapult effect generated from its composite structure and notable dwell time, especially when combined with harder rubbers.
Control is the standout hallmark of the Hugo Calderano SAL. The synergy between the Super Arylate fibers and the blade's construction yields exceptional ball feedback, a generously sized sweet spot, and a forgiving character. This allows players to execute precise placements and confident shots, even in high-pressure situations, making it a highly reliable tool for strategic play.
The Super Arylate fibers impart a unique feel that is often described as remarkably close to pure wood, offering a soft touch and clear ball feedback. You'll notice a distinct dwell time, creating a more tactile connection with the ball compared to many stiff composite blades—a sensation that greatly aids spin generation and controlled play.
This blade tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, particularly when paired with harder rubbers. This trajectory is excellent for creating steep, heavy spin on loops and drives, making returns more challenging for opponents.
The SAL fibers are instrumental in creating a notably long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade surface for an extended period. This prolonged contact is essential for generating heavy spin and enhances the overall feeling of control and security during shots.
The blade exhibits a pleasing, moderate level of flexibility. This flex works in harmony with its dwell time and spin-oriented nature, contributing to a satisfying catapult effect on powerful shots while still providing the control needed for delicate touches and short game maneuvers.
A key characteristic of the Super Arylate material is its excellent vibration dampening. This results in a very clean, quiet feel upon contact, reducing unwanted feedback for greater comfort during play. This allows for more consistent shot execution and can help minimize player fatigue over long sessions.
The blade receives consistent praise for its high-quality craftsmanship and finish. Materials are expertly integrated, and attention to detail—such as flush-fitted badges—contributes to a premium overall feel. This quality translates directly into excellent durability and reliable, consistent performance over time.
Technology
Xiom Hugo Calderano SAL is defined by its pioneering use of 'Super Arylate' (SAL) fibers, a proprietary composite material developed by XIOM. Unlike traditional carbon, SAL is engineered to deliver the tactile, responsive sensation of pure wood while providing the performance enhancements of a composite. These SAL layers are strategically positioned within the 5+2 ply construction, sitting just beneath the Koto outer veneers. This specific placement is designed to maximize dwell time and ball feedback, resulting in an enlarged sweet spot and significantly reduced vibration. Developed in collaboration with Hugo Calderano, the blade's technology focuses on delivering a controlled yet potent instrument tailored for modern, spin-dominant offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Hugo Calderano
Hugo Calderano, the blade's namesake and a top-ranked Brazilian professional, collaborated directly with XIOM on its development. The SAL material and overall construction were specifically selected to complement his playing style, which emphasizes heavy spin, precise control, and a feel reminiscent of traditional wood blades while leveraging composite advantages. The blade's characteristics—like its dwell time, stability, and vibration dampening—are engineered to support Calderano's aggressive yet meticulously controlled offensive game.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is a benchmark outer-carbon blade with a similar foundational construction (Koto outer plies with inner composite layers). While the Viscaria is generally faster and stiffer due to its carbon content, both blades aim for a balance of speed, spin, and control. The Viscaria offers more direct, linear power, whereas the SAL provides a distinctly softer feel and longer dwell time for players who prefer that connection.
Xiom Hugo HAL
Xiom Hugo HAL is a closely related successor blade to the SAL. It also features an outer-fiber construction but utilizes 'Hyper Axylium' (a variant of Arylate fiber) instead of Super Arylate. While the differences are nuanced, our testing suggests the HAL might present a slightly altered feel and bounce profile. Both blades are fundamentally designed with Hugo Calderano's spin-oriented, control-focused style in mind, blending composite technology with a priority on feel.