2026 Xiamen Sports Expo: My Visit, Part One

Originally published 2026-05-21 · Translated and republished by UltraSpin with permission

Multiple JOOLA Hugo Calderano inner carbon blades displayed at the Xiamen Sports Expo

1. JOOLA

The item everyone was most curious about was this — the blade Hugo is currently using.

JOOLA Hugo Calderano 968 inner green aramid carbon blade close-up front view

JOOLA Hugo Calderano 968 inner green aramid carbon blade showing fiber layers

I had some confusion from the official promo images — the fiber didn’t quite match what I expected for an inner green aramid carbon. Holding it today confirmed: it’s a 968 construction with inner green aramid carbon. This is the main blade structure Hugo has been using this year. An inner carbon type suits his preference for stepping back from the table.

I tested it on-site this afternoon with Hugo Trinity Charged (57.5 degrees) on the forehand and Hugo Trinity Dynamic (52.5 degrees) on the backhand. Just a quick impression: the handle feel, combined with this forehand rubber, has a rich, full quality. The rubber also loads spin easily — it should be more solid than XIOM’s Jekka C 55.0. I started testing this one when I got home.

JOOLA Hugo Trinity Charged and Dynamic rubber sheets paired with the 968 blade

This Korean-made green aramid carbon blade was originally set for global release on July 21st, but after talking with Joola’s General Manager Su today, it may be moved up to next month.

Beyond that, I also spotted a familiar profile: the outer-construction Hugo ARY-X, which looks just like the original XIOM Hugo HAL — koto face, pure aramid fiber, paulownia large core. The core cutting method is identical to the old one.

JOOLA Hugo ARY-X outer aramid carbon blade with koto face at expo booth

JOOLA Hugo ARY-X blade handle and construction detail view

2. Reket Sports

Reket distributes ASICS and Daxu, and also has its own Ester table tennis equipment line.

I checked out the Fang Yinchi ALC, which has been a hot topic in the market this year. The large core is excellent — same quality grade as the one used in the discontinued model. There’s also a Hyper-Power version exclusive to Fang Yinchi.

Ester Fang Yinchi Hyper-Power ALC blade variant on display

On the fiber blade side, Ester’s lineup has grown impressively. All kinds of fiber types, including different-material constructions, and even blades using fiber layers as the face material. As shown in the photos.

Ester fiber blades with mixed-material constructions and fiber face layers

Ester blades with bold handle inlays and colorful design details

The handle inlays and color combos are pretty bold.

On the ASICS shoe side, the Dynafeather and Chen Meng’s Olympic Hyperbeat 4 (upgraded Lightswift) are the popular models, now available in more new colorways.

ASICS Dynafeather and Chen Meng Hyperbeat 4 table tennis shoes at Reket booth

My personal favorite is still this upgraded all-around version. The colorway is calm and lively at once, with anti-slip blocks on the side, quick to start moving, and durable too.

ASICS all-around table tennis shoe with side anti-slip blocks and new colorway

ASICS table tennis shoes additional colorway options on display

The Daxu Wanxiang 80 and 90 are older models, but with new handles.

Daxu Wanxiang 80 and 90 blades with updated handle designs at expo

And the pricey Daxu Wanxiang rubber: the overall feel is like a more solid version of the Mantra Pro XH. Tacky surface, but contact at low power is still very good — the sponge isn’t the most powerful, but it’s solid. Rebound is fast; smashing works well.

Daxu Wanxiang tacky rubber sheet close-up showing topsheet texture

Beyond that, there were a few small accessories. Reket’s own brand is also expanding into new products.