Customer review for XIOM Zetro Quad

External Review for XIOM Zetro Quad on March 9, 2013

This blade is quite unique, in that its like 3 different blades built into one. First, it can play like an allround blade. Kiso-hinoki is a very soft wood that Xiom has incorporated into their top ply. The softness allows for a very controlled over the table game. At the same time, Zetro Quad can be quite offensive. Xiom has placed two layers of carbon near the center of the blade which are best known for added speed and stiffness. The carbon is only noticeable during fast rallies and smashing due to its deep placement within the plies. Then comes the Zylon, which gives the blade an Off- feeling when spinning the ball.

Over the table, the Xiom Zetro some how keeps my serves a little tighter to the net. It might have something to do with the added weight (Zetro weighed 90gr). I also noticed that my service returns stayed nice and short, causing problems for my opponent to loop the third ball effectively.
Hitting rallies during warm-up felt exceptionally good. When the ball contacts the rubber, it gives off this pleasant sound and feeling to the hand. The racket was very easy to control.

In looping situations 1-3 feet from the table, I had to come over top of the ball more than normal to get the ball on the table. This created a very spinny ball with low arc. Then I realized if I'd swing with 60% of my strength, instead of the 80% I'd become accustomed to with other blades, the ball would hit the table with much higher accuracy. I'm not exactly sure how the Zylon aids in spinning the ball, but my usual practice partner was having a difficult time returning my loops. Looping 5-8 feet or so from the table is where you start to feel the carbon come into play. Other blades, TB ZLF, TB Spirit, Keyshot, they find their limits around this distance. Zetro keeps shining. I was able to loop balls down below my knees from 10+ feet out and have them land in the center of the opponents side using 80% strength. Amazing.
Smashing was fun. The ping sound from the carbon cries out with each smash. Interesting to me, I suppose cause I haven't used carbon in years.
I did some spinless lobbing to set up for the distant loop drives/counter attacks and it was remarkably easy with the Z Quad. And trust me, I suck at being defensive.

Overall, this is my favorite blade, as it does so many things well. True, TB ZLF, controls the short game and looping, but it runs out of steam away from the table. And the ZLC I have, lacks control over the table. On top of that, the Quad costs half as much and does it all.

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