Butterfly Sriver FX vs Yasaka Rakza Z: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Sriver FX | Yasaka Rakza Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | both | forehand |
| control | high | high |
| speed | medium | medium |
| spin | medium-high | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | soft | 50 degrees (medium-hard; Extra Hard version around 57 degrees) |
| type | high-tension inverted (soft) | hybrid tacky tensor |
| weight_uncut_g | 62 | 72 |
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This pairing splits cleanly by playing style. The Sriver FX is a soft, forgiving rubber for both wings, ideal for blocking, chopping and control. The Rakza Z is a hard, tacky hybrid tensor aimed at the forehand, delivering exceptional low-slip spin on loops, openings and serves with a strong, linear kick when you swing fully.
If you play all-round, defensive or control table tennis and want forgiveness on both sides, the Sriver FX wins. If you are a proactive forehand looper who pressures with heavy spin and placement, the Rakza Z is built for you and is a cheaper tacky alternative to Dignics 09C or boosted Hurricane 3.
The Rakza Z asks for commitment. It is heavy at around 72 grams uncut, can fatigue the arm on carbon blades, needs a closed blade angle for its high throw, and goes weak and slow at less than full power. The Sriver FX makes no such demands but tops out far lower on spin.
FAQ
Which is the better forehand looping rubber?
The Rakza Z. It is a forehand-focused tacky tensor with extreme, low-slip spin and a strong linear kick on full loops, well beyond the Sriver FX’s medium-high spin.
Is the Rakza Z good for all-round or defensive play?
Not really. It is mediocre at flat hitting, driving and chopping strong loops, and weak below full power. For all-round control the soft Sriver FX is the better fit.
Is the Rakza Z heavy?
Yes, at around 72 grams uncut it is a heavy rubber that can cause arm or wrist fatigue, especially on carbon blades. The Sriver FX is much lighter at around 62 grams.