Weight
91g
Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Michelangelo
Xiom Michelangelo is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade crafted in Sweden, featuring Kiso Hinoki outer layers and a unique three-ply core. This construction delivers a remarkable balance of power and control, making it ideal for aggressive players who operate from mid-distance or away from the table. The blade provides a medium feel that is direct yet forgiving, with excellent dwell time for spin generation. Its versatility also accommodates players using short pips on the backhand for surprise attacks, offering a refined and responsive playing experience.
The construction is a symmetrical 7-ply stack with Kiso Hinoki outer layers for speed and feel. These are followed by SCANWOOD layers and a unique core of three thin center plies, a design aimed at enhancing control and creating a harmonious, responsive playing characteristic.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 6.5, Michelangelo provides a well-balanced offensive capability that favors control. It offers sufficient power for aggressive shots from mid-distance and beyond, thanks to the lively Kiso Hinoki outer plies, without venturing into extreme speed territory that could compromise precision.
Michelangelo excels with an 8.3 control rating, offering precise ball placement and excellent maneuverability. Its unique 7-ply construction, particularly the thin center layers combined with Hinoki, provides exceptional feel, allowing players to execute delicate shots and dictate the pace even during fast rallies.
Michelangelo offers a balanced medium feel that is neither too hard nor too soft. This provides clear feedback from the ball while maintaining a comfortable, responsive touch during all strokes, aided by the Kiso Hinoki outer plies.
Designed for offensive, spin-oriented play, Michelangelo likely produces a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates powerful looping strokes and is well-suited for modern inverted rubbers that thrive on arc and spin.
The 7-ply construction with Hinoki outer layers promotes a moderate to long dwell time. This gives players more time to impart spin on serves and loops, enhancing control and spin generation effectively.
The combination of seven plies and Kiso Hinoki results in good flexibility. This helps absorb impact, increases dwell time for spin, and contributes to a comfortable, dynamic feel during play.
As a 7-ply all-wood blade, it provides a moderate level of vibration. This offers good tactile feedback on ball contact without being overly harsh, allowing players to feel their shots clearly.
Players report very nice quality with a smooth finish, and the Swedish craftsmanship is consistently praised. The use of premium Kiso Hinoki contributes to a refined, durable build that feels excellent in hand, reflecting its position as a well-made offensive blade.
Technology
Xiom Michelangelo embodies 'Swedish Perfection' through a unique 7-ply construction. It features Kiso Hinoki outer layers, prized for their elasticity and power, over a core of SCANWOOD and three thin center plies. This layered design harmonizes each material's properties to maximize control and tactile feedback. The result is a blade that delivers state-of-the-art performance with refined ball maneuverability, balancing offensive power with exceptional precision for a superior playing experience.
Similar Blades
Xiom Magellan
Introduced around the same 2008 period as part of Xiom's lineup, the Magellan shares a contemporary design philosophy. It likely targets a similar audience seeking a balance of offensive power and control, making it a logical alternative for players considering the Michelangelo.
Xiom Strato
As another blade from Xiom's 2008 series launched alongside the Michelangelo, the Strato is positioned as a related offering. Players exploring the Michelangelo's blend of performance may find the Strato provides a comparable experience within the same product family.