‘Rakza XX’ and ‘Rakza Z’ are recent models of Yasaka’s ‘Rakza’ series. ‘Rakza XX’ is the top model which provide

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series released in April 2022 is the top rubber family in Xiom’s rubber range, and consists of the rubbers that adapts the best German rubber technology available. And, among all models of ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series, two particularly noteworthy models are ‘Z52.5’ and ‘H52.5’. Those are the top products among Xiom’s non-sticky and sticky rubbers respectively.

In ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series, ‘Z’ means custom model for top layers, and ‘H’ means hybrid model which is the mixture of sticky top sheet and new-generation tension sponge. ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ is a commercialized model of special-order models for Xiom’s contract players. It is the most advanced model of ‘Tour’ or ‘Pro’ version of Xiom rubbers whose pimples are densely arranged. (Differently speaking the top sheets of those models resemble the top sheet of ‘Dignics 05’ or ‘Tenergy 05’.) And, ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ is one of the most advanced hybrid rubbers. Among hybrid rubbers made in Germany or Japan, ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ is somewhat closer to orthodox Chinese sticky tension rubber such as Neo Hurricane 3 whose sheet base is very thick and whose pimples are low, and is the direct competitor against Butterfly ‘Dignics 09c’. It can be considered as the advanced model from ‘Omega VII China’ series.

Both of ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ and ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ are recommended for highly skilled players.

Xiom is explaining the characteristics of ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series as ‘Dual Max – 2 in 1’. It means that ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series has two conflicting characteristics at the same time : explosive performance and excellent controllability. Through this expression, Xiom is emphasizing that the ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series isn’t just a rubber family that provides high performance but is difficult to handle.

Both of ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ and ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ are top models in Xiom’s rubber range. ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ is the top model of non-sticky rubbers, and ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ is the top model of sticky rubbers. As the number expresses, both of two are equipped with hard sponges whose density is 52.5°. That is because the top players prefer hard sponges those don’t easily reach the limit of deformation when subjected to strong impacts.

At the bottom left of package, the category – one among H, V, X, Z and C – within the ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series is marked in large letter for easy recognization, and the sponge density (in German standard) is also indicated with the category indicator. ‘H’ type is hybrid rubber which is the combination of sticky top sheet and fast sponge, ‘V’ is the rubber which concentrates on grip, ‘X’ is the rubber which lays emphasis on catapult effect and speed, ‘Z’ is the custom version of top specification and ‘C’ is the sticky rubber which is close to orthodox Chinese sticky tension rubbers.

‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ is produced by the most advanced German rubber technology, and provides the highest power among the models in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series. Further, it is a the commercialized model of special-order models for Xiom’s contract players. ‘Z’ type in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series can be considered as the rubber advanced from the combination of ‘X’ type which emphasizes the enhanced catapult effect and ‘V’ type which is biased to grip. The sponge density of ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ is around 52.5° (= around 40.0° in Butterfly standard) as is indicated in its name.

On the back face of package, there is a description of each type in the ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ series, including the ‘Z’ type which is the top model of custom specification.

Protection paper is placed on the surface of top layer. Plastic cover isn’t being applied because ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ isn’t a sticky rubber.

Top sheet is available in two colors – red and black. The other colors such as blue, green and purple isn’t available. The red top sheet is completely opaque.

The black sponge which is called as ‘CarboSponge’ is the symbol of Xiom rubbers. The pores of sponge are somewhat big. Although the sponge density (= 52.5°) is very high, the actual hitting feeling of much softer than expected from the value of density if the player hits the ball strongly.

The pimple geometry of ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’ is the high density geometry that has been carried over from ‘Vega Pro’ announced in late 2009m and is similar to that of ‘Tenergy 05’ or ‘Dignics 05’. It is the pimple geometry that has been most preferred by top players (if we don’t consider sticky rubbers) since the announcement of ‘Tenergy 05’ in late 2008. Xiom has applied this pimple geometry for the rubbers whose 2nd names are ‘Pro’ or ‘Tour’. The base of top sheet isn’t especially thick or thin.

‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ is the top model of Hybrid sticky tension rubber (or simply ‘Hybrid rubber’). Without doubt ‘H’ is the initial of ‘Hybrid’. (BTW, please be careful that Tibhar ‘Hybrid MK’ isn’t a Hybrid rubber.) By the combination of sticky top sheet and highly elastic new-generation tension sponge, it provides much higher power and speed when compared with typical Chinese sticky tension rubbers such as ‘Neo Hurricane 3’. Most of all, Hybrid rubbers are much easier to use than Chinese sticky rubbers.

패키지 뒷면에는 ‘H’ 타입 등 ‘지킬&하이드’ 시리즈의 각 형식에 대한 설명이 표시되어 있습니다. ‘H’ 타입은 유럽의 텐조(TENSOR) 러버와 중국 점착성 러버의 ‘하이브리드’임을 의미합니다.

Protection sheet made of translucent plastic is attached on the surface of top layer. Plastic protection sheet is generally seen from the rubbers with sticky top sheets

Above picture shows the surface of top sheet when protection sheet is detached. It feels slightly sticky when touched. By the way, differently from traditional Chinese sticky rubbers, we can’t tell by appearance alone that this is a sticky top sheet. Top sheet is available in two colors – red and black. The other colors such as blue, green and purple isn’t available. The red top sheet is completely opaque.

The black sponge which is called as ‘CarboSponge’ is the symbol of Xiom rubbers. The pores of sponge of ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ are as big as those of ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’, but look smaller at a glance. The sponge density (= 52.5°) is very high, and it feels very hard in actual use. (Of course that hard feeling isn’t just because of sponge but also because of the top sheet.)

The structure of the top sheet of ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5′ is different from those of German/Japanese new-generation tension rubbers. It is close to the structure of the top sheet of traditional Chinese sticky rubbers. The base of top sheet is very thick, and the pimples are low. And, the arrangement of pimples is even denser than that of new-generation tension rubbers of ’05’ type such as ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5’. Because of this structure, the overall hitting feeling of ‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5’ is quite close to that of traditional Chinese sticky rubbers.

‘Jekyll & Hyde H52.5′(above) and ‘Jekyll & Hyde Z52.5(below)’ are respectively the top models of sticky rubbers and non-sticky rubbers in Xiom’s rubber range.

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