Friendship 729 Battle II vs Yasaka Rakza Z: Which Should You Buy?
| Friendship 729 Battle II | Yasaka Rakza Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | FH | forehand |
| control | 8 | high |
| speed | 8 | medium |
| spin | 9 | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | hard | 50 degrees (medium-hard; Extra Hard version around 57 degrees) |
| type | tacky | hybrid tacky tensor |
| weight_uncut_g | 68 | 72 |
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Both are tacky forehand rubbers built for heavy spin, but the Rakza Z pushes harder into hybrid territory. The Battle II is a hard Chinese sheet with elite serves, a low diving arc and linear no-catapult control at a fraction of premium prices. The Rakza Z is a hybrid tacky tensor with exceptional low-slip spin on loops, backspin openings and serves, a tacky topsheet that grips the ball, and surprisingly high control and long dwell for a hard rubber.
On style, both reward full committed strokes and excel at lifting heavy backspin, but the Rakza Z carries an even higher throw and a stronger linear kick when you commit, while being weak and slow at less than full power. It is heavier at around 72 grams uncut versus 68 for the Battle II and can cause arm or wrist fatigue, especially on carbon blades. The Battle II is the lighter, cheaper sheet that still weakens on flat smashes far from the table.
Choose the Battle II if you want the most affordable tacky Chinese spin and serving for forehand looping close to the table. Choose the Rakza Z if you are a proactive forehand looper who wants extreme spin and placement, swings fully, and likes the feel of Dignics 09C or boosted Hurricane 3 but wants a cheaper tacky hybrid. The Rakza Z holds the higher 8.6 rating.
FAQ
Which has more spin?
The Rakza Z is rated extreme for spin with exceptional low-slip grip on loops, backspin openings and serves. The Battle II is rated 9 with elite tacky serves. Both are top-tier spin rubbers, with the Rakza Z edging ahead.
Which is heavier?
The Rakza Z is heavier at around 72 grams uncut, versus around 68 grams for the Battle II, and can cause arm or wrist fatigue, especially on carbon blades.
Are both forehand rubbers?
Yes. Both are best on the forehand. The Rakza Z suits proactive forehand loopers who swing fully, and the Battle II is built for forehand-dominant Chinese-style looping.
Which has a higher throw?
The Rakza Z has a high throw angle that requires a more closed blade angle, while the Battle II produces a low, diving arc.