Weight
87g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Strato
Xiom Strato is an offensive blade designed for players who demand a powerful blend of speed, spin, and control. Its 3+2 ply construction pairs Kiso Hinoki outer layers for a comfortable, dwell-rich feel with inner Energy Carbon layers that inject significant power and stiffness. This synergy creates a blade that excels at producing heavy topspin with a sharp, penetrating trajectory, while maintaining enough control for all-round offensive play. It's a formidable choice for aggressive players who thrive in fast rallies, offering enhanced energy efficiency for forceful shots from both close to the table and mid-distance.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply, 3+2 construction. Outer layers are Kiso Hinoki wood for feel and dwell. These sandwich two inner layers of Energy Carbon fiber for power and speed. The core material is not consistently specified but is assumed to be a wood like Kiri for structural integrity.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Xiom Strato is consistently rated as a very fast blade. Its construction with Energy Carbon layers enhances energy efficiency, translating to powerful strokes ideal for aggressive, fast-paced rallies and explosive drives.
Despite its high speed, Strato offers commendable control. The Kiso Hinoki top layers provide a good feel and dwell, enabling precise placement and confident spin generation even during high-speed offensive play.
Strato delivers a direct and somewhat stiff feel from its carbon layers, softened by the Kiso Hinoki outer plies which add a touch of comfort and mild feedback. This provides good ball sensation for precise shot execution.
Strato produces a medium-low throw angle, ideal for generating sharp, penetrating topspins. This trajectory benefits offensive players aiming for precise placement and quick, direct attacks with less arc.
While the carbon layers promote a faster, direct response, the Kiso Hinoki top plies offer sufficient dwell time for generating heavy spin. This balance supports both powerful shots and controlled, spin-oriented play.
Strato is considered on the stiffer side due to its carbon construction. This stiffness contributes to its speed and direct power transmission, though players seeking maximum flexibility for dwell and feel might find it less suitable.
Vibration feedback is noticeable but not overwhelming. The carbon construction provides a direct feel, while the wood layers help dampen excessive harshness, resulting in comfortable feedback that aids shot assessment.
Strato is praised for its excellent build quality and craftsmanship. The use of premium materials like Kiso Hinoki and Energy Carbon, combined with precise manufacturing, results in a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and consistently performing blade.
Technology
Xiom Strato utilizes proprietary 'Energy Carbon' technology. This material is engineered to improve the blade's energy efficiency, leading to more powerful strokes with reduced energy loss. Combined with high-quality Kiso Hinoki outer plies, this construction delivers a fast, powerful blade that maintains a comfortable feel and good control, setting it apart from older carbon blade designs.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Sardius
Strato is often mentioned as a comparable alternative to the Butterfly Sardius, sharing a similar philosophy for high offensive capability and power output. Both blades are known for their speed and suitability for aggressive, spin-oriented play.
Butterfly Viscaria
While not a direct equivalent, Strato is sometimes discussed alongside popular composite blades like the Viscaria in terms of offensive prowess. However, Strato's specific Energy Carbon and Kiso Hinoki combination creates a distinct feel and performance profile.
Butterfly Garaydia ZLC
Some players describe Strato as a faster iteration of the Butterfly Garaydia ZLC, suggesting a similar high-performance composite design but with an increased emphasis on speed for offensive play.