Yasaka Mark V vs Yasaka Rakza X: Which Should You Buy?
| Yasaka Mark V | Yasaka Rakza X | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| best_side | both | both |
| control | 9.5 | medium-high |
| speed | 8.4 | high |
| spin | 8.5 | high |
| sponge_hardness | medium (around 43 degrees ESN) | 47.5 (medium-hard, roughly 45-50 degrees) |
| type | inverted | tensor inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 47 | 69 |
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Both are Yasaka rubbers, but they sit at different points in a player’s development. The Mark V is an inverted control sheet with class-leading placement, low spin sensitivity and excellent consistency, though it gives up speed and spin to modern tensors. The Rakza X is a tensor inverted rubber with outstanding grip that overrides incoming spin, a high safe throw arc and a linear, predictable response that is easy to control for a fast rubber.
Choose the Mark V if you are still building technique or value feel, forgiveness and a long lifespan, accepting that it needs a faster blade to finish and blocks passively. It is the more beginner-friendly option of the two.
Go with the Rakza X if you are an intermediate-to-advanced attacker who wants high spin and a forgiving, high-throw feel for loops and counter-topspins on either wing. It is an ideal step up for anyone who liked the Rakza 7 but wants more control in blocks and loop exchanges. Note that it is on the heavy side, adds weight to the racket and is weaker for passive blocking and lobs. At a 8.4 rating it is the more capable attacking tool, while the Mark V remains the easier, cheaper starting point.
FAQ
Which rubber spins the ball more?
The Rakza X. Its outstanding grip produces high spin and even overrides incoming spin, while the Mark V is below-average for spin with a flat trajectory on loops.
Is the Rakza X a good upgrade from the Mark V?
Yes for offensive players. It is a linear, easy-to-control fast tensor with a high safe throw, ideal for someone who has outgrown the Mark V’s lower speed but still wants a forgiving feel.
Does weight matter between them?
Yes. The Mark V is a light sheet, while the Rakza X is on the heavy side and adds noticeable weight to the racket, which can affect balance and swing speed.
Which is better for blocking?
The Mark V suits passive, placement-based play but blocks softly since the ball does not spring back. The Rakza X is grippy and active but weaker for purely passive blocking and lobs.