DHS Gold Arc 8 vs Yasaka Rakza 7: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Gold Arc 8 | Yasaka Rakza 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | forehand or backhand | both |
| control | medium-high | high |
| speed | high | offensive |
| spin | high | high |
| sponge_hardness | 47.5 deg (also a 50 deg version), ESN scale | 45–47° |
| type | non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor, inverted | tensor inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 69 | 70 |
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These two value tensors are both spin-first and control-friendly, but the Rakza 7 leans on natural-rubber grip. The Gold Arc 8 offers high spin, high control, superb blocking and easy looping on both wings below premium prices. The Rakza 7 brings huge grip and spin reviewers put close to Tenergy 05, outstanding control and consistency in the short game, blocks and pushes with no runaway catapult, excellent value and durability, and thickness options of 1.8, 2.0 and max.
The Gold Arc 8 is bouncy and needs solid technique, dropping off at long range with limited tacky bite. The Rakza 7 is moderate in speed, around 80 percent of top rubbers, so you supply pace with placement and stroke, max thickness can feel too fast for control play, and it reacts to incoming spin so clean technique matters.
Go with the Gold Arc 8 if you want a spinny, controllable looper on either wing at a strong price. Go with the Yasaka Rakza 7 if you want a controllable, very spinny tensor with near-Tenergy spin and excellent value, one of the most recommended club backhand rubbers and a great first step up from entry rubbers.
FAQ
Which is spinnier?
The Rakza 7 is praised for huge grip and spin that reviewers put close to Tenergy 05. The Gold Arc 8 is also high spin, but the Rakza 7’s natural-rubber topsheet is its headline strength.
Which has more control in the short game?
The Rakza 7 stands out for outstanding control and consistency in the short game, blocks and pushes with no runaway catapult. The Gold Arc 8 also offers an easy short game but is bouncier.
Can I tune the speed of these?
The Rakza 7 comes in 1.8, 2.0 and max thicknesses to balance speed against control. The Gold Arc 8 offers a 47.5-degree sponge plus a 50-degree version.
Which is better for club-level backhand?
The Rakza 7 is one of the most recommended backhand rubbers at club level. The Gold Arc 8 also works well on the backhand as part of an all-wing setup.