Xiom Ice Cream AZX - Table tennis blade

Xiom Ice Cream AZX - The outer plies, and the location of the carbon layers make the difference!

For completeness we want to mention that the core veneer of the Ice Cream AZX (and also for the AZX-i) is made of Kiri. Kiri is quite solid, and it is faster as well as harder compared to e.g. Balsa. This pronounces that Kiri is suitable for an offensive gaming style.

The Ice Cream AZX is special because it contains two carbon layers: ALC (Arylate-Carbon) at one side, and ZLC (Zephylium-Carbon) at the other side of the table tennis bat. In contrast to the Ice Cream AZX "i", these two carbon layers are located further out in the AZX, directly underneath the outer ply. Considering the overall construction of the AZX, the following applies:

When the ball hits the racket, of course, it first touches the Koto veneer. Koto is fast and hard (more details below!). Since carbon (ALC, ZLC) is located directly underneath the Koto ply, not only the fast and hard characteristics of the Koto, but also those stemming from the carbon characterize the overall properties of the Ice Cream AZX table tennis blade. This blade is, hence, very direct, hard, and exhibits much power! These features are particularly beneficial when doing short, explosive movements with high acceleration rates. For example, an extremely quick topspin backhand.

In contrast to its brother, the AZXi, the Xiom Ice Cream AZX is a bit faster, and exhibits slightly less control. However, both blades are definitely offensive (OFF) blades! Furthermore, they only weigh approx. 88 g, which supports an aggressive and offensive gaming style.

Detail: The outer ply of the Xiom ICE Cream AZX

As already mentioned, the outer veneer (located directly on top of the two carbon layers ALC and ZLC) of the AZX is made of Koto (remember: In the AZX-i it is Limba). Koto is a tree which grows up to approx. 30 m in height, with a trunk diameter of more than 1 m. Koto is native in West Africa, Ghana, and Cameroon.

Koto is heavier than Limba (590 vs. 520 kg/m³), harder than Limba (Janka hardness: 950 vs. 430), but exhibits a bit less strength compared to Limba (9.000 vs. 9.400 N/mm²). However, Koto is still quite solid. When using Koto as a table tennis veneer, it is well known for its fast, springy, and spinny properties. The main reasons for this are its high strength, and hardness.

Practically, this means that the ball bounces fast, to a large extent, and exhibits a very short contact time. One can classify many players in two major sections: Either "Limba-", or "Koto players". Hence, on case you have made positive and long-term experience with Koto (or with a material which is similar), it is usually recommended to stick to it. This is because - to a certain extent - one also adapts to the blade you are using. When choosing a completely different blade material, you will have much more effort to find your way back to your best performance. For these reasons, the Ice Cream AZX is a good recommendation in case you have good experience with Koto (or similar materials).

Xiom Ice Cream AZX: Conclusion

The Ice Cream AZX is the latest table tennis hybrid blade from the top company Xiom. High-Tech made in Korea! Similar to its brother the AZX "i", the AZX captivates by its highest overall quality, all along the line. This is true not only for the selection or drying of the wood, but also for the fabrication and production of the blades. Both blades are devoted to the table tennis player Jung Youngsik. What else makes the AZX unique?

The answer is simple: A lot! One thing is the high repeatability as well as stability of strokes. Furthermore, it doesn´t matter if you are playing near or (far) away from the table. The paths of the ball are exact, direct, and they usually hit the target you want. By means of the innovative hybrid materials (wood & carbon), the AZX can handle and control its power.

And this is what characterizes high quality blades! With this TT blade, you can avoid more unforced errors. It is important to note the following: Be honest with yourself! If you really master the techniques, the Xiom Ice Cream AZX is a reliable partner that will not disappoint you. You will be able to exert much pressure on your opponent (gaming style: OFF). However, if you are unable to control this blade, a slower blade with more control would be better for you. Hence, the AZX requires an advanced gaming level, much experience, and a high training workload.