Weekly Gear Watch: XIOM Signs Wang Hao, New Rubbers Compared
1. XIOM Signs Wang Hao
XIOM announced yesterday that they have signed Wang Hao, head coach of the Chinese men’s national table tennis team, as brand image ambassador and brand consultant.
As a consultant, could he collaborate on a blade design? Absolutely.
Speaking of consultant relationships: Zhang Jike had a player contract with Butterfly from November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2018, then a consultant agreement from November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2024. During those consultant years, beyond the existing Zhang Jike series blades, Butterfly still released limited-edition pieces.
Ever since Hugo Calderano moved to JOOLA, people have struggled to name XIOM’s major ambassadors. Signing Wang Hao is a different kind of brand rescue. That is admittedly a bit of an exaggeration — XIOM could sustain itself just fine by selling VEGA rubbers.
The reason I call it a roundabout brand rescue is this: when Ma Lin was Yasaka’s ambassador, the Yasaka RAKZA X became fashionable among Chinese Super League players on the backhand for a stretch. In the months before Tibhar announced signing Ma Lin, K3 Pro appeared on the backhand of several national team players — Wang Yidi and Chen Yuanyu among them. Everyone knows the story. Previously, Wang Hao was LOKI’s ambassador. Former national player Zhou Yu, and current players Liang Jingkun, Yuan Licen, plus retired players Xu Chenhao and Zhao Zihao, all signed with LOKI in no small part because of Wang Hao’s influence.
XIOM signing Wang Hao serves two purposes: his personal stature as a near-Grand Slam world singles champion with a huge fanbase, and the broader network effect his relationships carry. That influence radiates wide.
2. Sticky Rubbers Worth Watching
XIOM previously released the Vega C at 57.5 degrees hardness, but the most famous version was the Vega C 55.0 that Hugo used. It had some similarities to a boosted blue-sponge Hurricane — faster speed, with a similar power-storage feel. Now that Hugo has moved to JOOLA, his new Trinity Charged is also 57.5 degrees. I will compare it against the Dynasty ZGR that Zhou Qihao and Pitchford have used.
Tibhar has released the K3 VIP national standard at 59 degrees. I will look at how it differs from the special-edition K3 Pro. I will also cross-reference the national team special version of D09c to see where each brand stands.
The trend toward higher-hardness sticky rubbers is now unmistakable.
The Platinum Force AMG feels more solid than the original Platinum Force, with better internal energy processing — more power and more bounce than before.
Sanwei’s national-standard 3 High Level version plays more ceramic-hard to me compared to the regular national standard 3. Friction is still good, but the sponge is noticeably harder, which makes it more solid while also being a bit more difficult to drive through. It might pair especially well with boosting. The standard national standard 3 should be more accessible for recreational players.
3. New “Mozaiti” Blade
A lot of players have been asking me to write something about the new Mozaiti blade.
The construction is not new: it is essentially an outer Super ALC with a paulownia core, similar to the Super Vis and Fan Zhendong SALC structure.
That said, players who have tested it report it plays well. The reasons: first, the fiber is blue arylate-carbon imported from Japan’s Kuraray, with a denser weave. Second, the large core is exceptional — the highest-grade paulownia I could source, the same grade used in Butterfly’s flagship blades, and it is remarkably solid.
Overall thickness is around 5.8 mm.
If you look at the handle inlay pattern, you can spot the letters M, Z, and T worked into the design. The three red lines form M; the center line is also T; the gold plate is a stylized Z. MZT — Mozaiti. It was designed by a well-known designer.
Why that name? Past chapters and old emotions — let them drift away with the wind, no need to mention them again.
The retail price is 299 yuan. Slightly more than “Miao” because the paulownia core grade went from B to A, which adds a bit to production cost. The fiber is also a minor upgrade.
Stock arrives this weekend. Until May 25 it is in pre-sale at 50 yuan off, so 249 yuan. Reasonable deal — don’t miss it.