DHS Gold Arc 8 vs Yasaka Rakza X: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Gold Arc 8 | Yasaka Rakza X | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 |
| best_side | forehand or backhand | both |
| control | medium-high | medium-high |
| speed | high | high |
| spin | high | high |
| sponge_hardness | 47.5 deg (also a 50 deg version), ESN scale | 47.5 (medium-hard, roughly 45-50 degrees) |
| type | non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor, inverted | tensor inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 69 | 69 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Both are non-tacky tensors with high spin and high speed, and they overlap closely on control. The Gold Arc 8 offers balanced offensive feel, high spin, superb blocking and easy looping on both wings at value below premium rubbers. The Rakza X delivers outstanding grip that produces high spin and overrides incoming spin, a linear predictable response, a high safe throw arc that excels on loops and counter-topspins, and a strong forgiving short game.
The Gold Arc 8 is bouncy and needs solid technique, with mixed durability and limited tacky bite. The Rakza X is on the heavy side and adds noticeable weight, its topsheet grip can fade after a couple of months, it is weaker for passive blocking and lobs, and it is harder to control for players coming straight from soft rubbers.
Pick the Gold Arc 8 if you want a spinny, controllable looper on either wing at a strong price. Pick the Yasaka Rakza X if you are an intermediate-to-advanced attacker wanting a grippy, high-spin tensor with a forgiving feel and high throw, and especially if you liked Rakza 7 but want more control in blocks and loop exchanges.
FAQ
Which has the higher throw arc?
The Rakza X has a high, safe throw arc that excels on loops and counter-topspins. The Gold Arc 8 has a more balanced arc and works easiest at short to mid distance.
Which is better at overriding incoming spin?
The Rakza X has outstanding grip that overrides incoming spin. The Gold Arc 8 is not sensitive to incoming topspin, which helps stable counter-attacks.
Which is heavier?
The Rakza X is on the heavy side and adds noticeable weight to the racket. Both sit around 69 grams uncut, but the Rakza X is noted as feeling heavier in play.
Is the Rakza X a good upgrade from Rakza 7?
Yes. The Rakza X is an ideal step up for anyone who liked Rakza 7 but wants more control in blocks and loop exchanges. The Gold Arc 8 is a separate value looper for either wing.