Vega Europe is the softest member of Xiom's Vega series and one of its best-selling rubbers. Xiom Europe aims it squarely at amateur and intermediate players who want to win by making fewer mistakes.

Specifications

Figures are manufacturer and supplier data, cross-checked with a second published source (see the sources below). Brands use different rating scales, so compare numbers within a brand only. We have not run our own lab tests.

How Xiom describes it

Xiom says the carbon-containing black Carbo Sponge grips the ball and catapults it with little energy loss, while the Hyper Elasto topsheet enlarges the 'window' above the net, so topspins can clear the net higher and still land. Xiom Europe adds that the 42.5° sponge gives a longer dwell time and that the rubber plays slowly in the short game but fast when you hit hard, with a smooth, linear change between the two.

Where it sits

Tabletennis11 calls it the softer brother of Vega Pro, with one of the best power-to-control ratios. Dandoy notes it suits modern European-style players who play continuous, controlled topspin with both wings.

Thickness and pairings

1.8 mm is the control choice for developing players, 2.0 mm the all-round pick and max for stronger attackers. It works on an allround blade such as the Stiga Allround Classic and on controlled carbon such as the Waldner Senso Carbon. For more on softness, see our sponge hardness guide.

Who it suits

Beginners moving to their first tensor, improving club players and anyone who wants an easy, forgiving backhand rubber.

Sources: Xiom (official) · Xiom Europe (official) · Dandoy Sports (supplier) · Tabletennis11 (supplier)