Yasaka Mark V vs Yasaka Rakza 7: Which Should You Buy?
| Yasaka Mark V | Yasaka Rakza 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | both | both |
| control | 9.5 | high |
| speed | 8.4 | offensive |
| spin | 8.5 | high |
| sponge_hardness | medium (around 43 degrees ESN) | 45–47° |
| type | inverted | tensor inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 47 | 70 |
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This is a clear step-up comparison within the Yasaka range. The Mark V is a non-tensor inverted rubber prized for class-leading control, consistency and a long lifespan, but with below-average spin, a flat trajectory and lower speed. The Rakza 7 is a tensor inverted sheet with huge grip and spin that reviewers place close to Tenergy 05, paired with strong control in the short game and no runaway catapult on touch.
Go with the Mark V if you are a beginner or developing player who wants maximum control while building strokes, or a value allrounder who prizes feel and forgiveness over raw output. It needs a faster blade to finish points and blocks passively rather than springing the ball back.
Choose the Rakza 7 if you are a developing-to-advanced attacker who wants a controllable, very spinny tensor on either wing, and it is one of the most recommended backhand rubbers at club level. Speed is only moderate, around 80 percent of top rubbers, so you supply pace with placement, and you can tune 1.8, 2.0 or max thickness to balance speed against touch. With a 8.6 rating, the Rakza 7 is the stronger all-round performer, while the Mark V stays the gentler learning tool.
FAQ
Which has more spin?
The Rakza 7 by a wide margin. Its natural-rubber topsheet produces grip and spin reviewers compare to Tenergy 05, while the Mark V is below-average for spin with a flat trajectory.
Is the Rakza 7 hard to control compared with the Mark V?
Not really. The Rakza 7 has no runaway catapult on touch and is praised for control in the short game, blocks and pushes. Max thickness can feel fast, so many players pick 1.8 or 2.0 for a control game.
Which should a complete beginner buy?
The Mark V. Its forgiving low spin sensitivity and class-leading control make it ideal while building technique. The Rakza 7 is a great first step up once your strokes are more developed.
Can I use either on the backhand?
Both list best side as both wings. The Rakza 7 in particular is one of the most recommended backhand rubbers at club level, and its tunable thickness helps you dial in touch.