Palio AK47 vs Yasaka Rakza X: Which Should You Buy?
| Palio AK47 | Yasaka Rakza X | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| best_side | both | both |
| control | high (best on the softer Blue) | medium-high |
| speed | medium-high (Blue softer and more linear, Red fastest) | high |
| spin | high | high |
| sponge_hardness | Blue around 38-40 deg, Yellow around 40-42 deg, Red around 45-47 deg (Euro scale) | 47.5 (medium-hard, roughly 45-50 degrees) |
| type | non-tacky inverted tensor (offered in Blue, Yellow and Red sponges) | tensor inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 67 | 69 |
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Both are inverted tensors usable on either wing, but the Rakza X is the more grippy, spin-focused sheet. The AK47 is the value pick with near-tensor feel, light weight and three hardnesses (Blue, Yellow, Red) to balance control and speed, though it is less stable than premium tensors with sheet-to-sheet variation.
The Rakza X has outstanding grip that produces high spin and overrides incoming spin, with a linear, predictable response and a high, safe throw arc that excels on loops and counter-topspins, plus a forgiving short game. It is on the heavy side, its topsheet grip can fade after a couple of months of heavy use, and it is weaker for passive blocking and lobs and harder to control coming straight from soft rubbers.
Choose the AK47 if you want the cheapest spinny tensor with hardness options for a first custom racket. Pick the Rakza X if you are an intermediate-to-advanced attacker wanting a grippy, high-spin tensor with a forgiving high throw, ideal if you liked Rakza 7 but want more control in blocks and loop exchanges.
FAQ
Which has the higher throw?
The Rakza X has a high, safe throw arc that excels on loops and counter-topspins. The AK47’s arc varies by sponge, with Red giving a lower, more aggressive arc and Blue softer and more linear.
Which is better against incoming spin?
The Rakza X’s outstanding grip overrides incoming spin, helping on serve return and loop exchanges. The AK47 is grippy too, but less stable and refined than premium tensors.
Is the Rakza X hard to control coming from soft rubbers?
It can be, as its medium-hard sponge is harder to control for players coming straight from soft rubbers. The AK47’s softer Blue is friendlier for that transition.