Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon vs Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon | Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| feel | medium-hard carbon, controllable, excellent value | medium-soft and flexible for a carbon blade, with clear feedback and a large sweet spot |
| handle | FL | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5 ply wood + 2 ply Carbon (limba/ayous with a carbon layer) | 7-ply (5 wood plus 2 very thin carbon layers) — same outer veneer as the Yasaka Extra |
| speed | OFF- | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 6 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 88 | 87 |
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These two Yasaka carbon blades are close cousins, both rated OFF- with great value and large sweet spots. The Ma Lin Carbon has a medium-hard carbon feel, is thin and light for fast wing transitions, and its speed climbs on strong impact with a stiff carbon kick on smashes. It is versatile with most rubbers and suits all-round attackers and penholders.
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a medium-soft, flexible 7-ply that stays controllable, with clear feedback, an excellent short game, predictable looping and strong blocking. It is a natural upgrade from premade bats, though its shorter dwell makes heavy spin harder without good technique.
Choose the Ma Lin Carbon if you want a firmer, slightly livelier carbon feel with a kick on hard hits. Choose the Soft Carbon if you prefer a softer, more forgiving blade focused on the short game and blocking. The Ma Lin Carbon edges ahead on score, but both are forgiving, budget-friendly carbon options.
FAQ
Which blade is softer?
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon, which is medium-soft and flexible, versus the medium-hard Ma Lin Carbon.
Which has the better short game?
The Soft Carbon is praised for an outstanding short game and strong blocking, though the standard Carbon is also forgiving on short play and touch.
Which is better for hard smashing?
The Ma Lin Carbon, whose speed climbs on strong impact with a stiff carbon kick on smashes.