Description
Named after Brazilian national team player Hugo Calderano, a Xiom-sponsored player, the Hugo HAL is a slightly updated version of the Hugo SAL. The difference is the Hyper Axilium layer, which changes the bounce and playing feel.
This was the blade he used in 2020. He now uses the Xiom Hugo TMXi Pro.
OUTER Composite
The high-quality special material Hyper Axylium is placed below the Koto surface layer to make the ball as soft and sharp as a pure plywood blade. It is designed to send the ball powerfully in topspin attack situations while providing super control.
Made in Korea
ewhite –
I train with XIOM HAL for sixs months already and I find it a great blade. if you are looking for larger strokes, more “frank” and straightforward so to say…looping and counter looping works as a charm. great speed on mid distance, and further as well, and a very very good control on the short game. Really amazing. The noticeably increased dwell time (some players can’t get used to it) compared to viscaria, maze performance, Korbel, etc, for instance, allows you for larger strokes, and its relative flexibility (responsible for the increased dwell time) gives you a sort of whip effect; blasting speed if you go for it, and at the same time very slow and controlled racquet on the short game if you need it so. It has a really big sweet spot so it forgives many non-accurate and out-of-timing strikes. In any case, it´s recommended for use with hard rubbers. I use it with Fastarc G1 on both sides and goes very well with my level and way of playing. I´ve read somewhere Hugo uses Omega 7 Tour. The other incredible aspect it has is the feeling of the impact of the ball. You do get very clear feedback whether you´ve hit it in the center or maybe a little off. So, the so called “unconscious” automatic system of precision improvement of striking technique can continue along as good than playing with an all-wood blade (which I´ve played for a long time). At least in my experience. From what I´ve read and tried myself, Carbon blades, to the detriment of looking for speed and bigger sweet spot generally dumps this feedback feeling. I wouldn’t know for sure since I’ve only tried some but never trained for long periods on one. So, all in all I think HAL is also really good for players who are still developing their techniques, as I am. Its Building quality is outstanding, and weight and balance feels just great.