DHS Gold Arc 8 vs Yasaka Rakza Z: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Gold Arc 8 | Yasaka Rakza Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | forehand or backhand | forehand |
| control | medium-high | high |
| speed | high | medium |
| spin | high | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | 47.5 deg (also a 50 deg version), ESN scale | 50 degrees (medium-hard; Extra Hard version around 57 degrees) |
| type | non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor, inverted | hybrid tacky tensor |
| weight_uncut_g | 69 | 72 |
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These two rubbers split along the tacky divide. The Gold Arc 8 is a non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor with high spin, high speed, superb blocking and easy looping on both wings at value below premium rubbers. The Rakza Z is a hybrid tacky tensor with exceptional low-slip spin on loops, backspin openings and serves, surprisingly high control and long dwell for a hard rubber, a tacky topsheet that lifts heavy backspin, and a strong linear kick on full strokes.
The Gold Arc 8 is bouncy and needs solid technique, dropping off at long range. The Rakza Z is a heavy rubber that can fatigue the arm or wrist, especially on carbon blades, has a high throw needing a closed angle, is weak and slow at less than full power, and is mediocre at flat hitting, driving and chopping strong loops.
Choose the Gold Arc 8 if you want a spinny, controllable looper on either wing at a strong price. Choose the Yasaka Rakza Z if you are a proactive forehand looper who wants to pressure with heavy spin and placement and is happy to swing fully, or want a cheaper tacky hybrid in the spirit of Dignics 09C or boosted Hurricane 3.
FAQ
Which has more spin?
The Rakza Z has extreme, exceptional low-slip spin from its tacky hybrid topsheet, ideal for lifting heavy backspin. The Gold Arc 8 has high spin from a non-tacky tensor.
Can I use either on the backhand?
The Gold Arc 8 works well on both forehand and backhand. The Rakza Z is a forehand rubber, built for proactive full-stroke looping.
Which is heavier?
The Rakza Z is the heavier rubber at around 72 grams uncut and can cause arm or wrist fatigue, especially on carbon blades. The Gold Arc 8 is around 69 grams uncut.
Is the Rakza Z a budget tacky hybrid?
Yes. It is a strong budget pick for players who like the feel of Dignics 09C or boosted Hurricane 3 but want a cheaper tacky hybrid. The Gold Arc 8 is a non-tacky value tensor instead.