Butterfly Rozena vs Yasaka Mark V: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Rozena | Yasaka Mark V | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| best_side | both | both |
| control | high | 9.5 |
| speed | 13.0/14 | 8.4 |
| spin | 10.8/12 | 8.5 |
| sponge_hardness | ~35° | medium (around 43 degrees ESN) |
| type | tensor inverted (Spring Sponge) | inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 67 | 47 |
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This pits a modern tensor against a long-running classic, with both prizing control. The Rozena is a Butterfly Spring Sponge tensor around 35 degrees with class-leading control, an easy do-it-all game and lower spin sensitivity. The Mark V is a classic inverted rubber around 43 degrees with control and ball placement rated near a perfect 10 by several reviewers, excellent consistency and a very long lifespan.
The key difference is era and engine. The Rozena brings Spring Sponge catapult and feel, making serves, blocks, loops and chops come easily for developing offensive players, though it is no spin specialist. The Mark V is forgiving with low spin sensitivity and class-leading consistency, but it has lower outright speed so it needs a faster blade to finish points, below-average spin with a flat trajectory, weak passive blocking, and it performs noticeably worse with modern plastic balls since it was designed for celluloid. The Mark V is also much lighter at 47 grams uncut against the Rozena’s 67.
Choose the Rozena if you are a developing or intermediate offensive player, especially on the backhand, who wants Spring Sponge feel with maximum control and a livelier modern catapult. Choose the Mark V if you want maximum control while building technique, prize feel, consistency and a long-lasting forgiving rubber, and do not need modern tensor speed or heavy spin. The Rozena rates 8.4 to the Mark V’s 8.0.
FAQ
Which rubber is faster?
The Rozena, thanks to its Spring Sponge catapult. The Mark V has lower outright speed than modern tensors and needs a faster blade to help finish points.
Which is better with the modern plastic ball?
The Rozena, as a modern tensor. The Mark V was designed for celluloid balls and performs noticeably worse with modern plastic balls.
Which lasts longer?
The Mark V has excellent consistency and a very long lifespan. The Rozena is durable in feel but is a modern tensor rather than a long-life classic.
Which is lighter?
The Mark V is much lighter at 47 grams uncut versus the Rozena’s 67 grams uncut, which can suit players wanting a lighter setup.