Yasaka Mark V vs Yasaka Rakza Z: Which Should You Buy?
| Yasaka Mark V | Yasaka Rakza Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | both | forehand |
| control | 9.5 | high |
| speed | 8.4 | medium |
| spin | 8.5 | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | medium (around 43 degrees ESN) | 50 degrees (medium-hard; Extra Hard version around 57 degrees) |
| type | inverted | hybrid tacky tensor |
| weight_uncut_g | 47 | 72 |
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These rubbers target opposite ends of the spectrum. The Mark V is an inverted, control-first sheet with class-leading placement, forgiving spin sensitivity and a long lifespan, but a flat, lower-spin trajectory. The Rakza Z is a hybrid tacky tensor with exceptional, low-slip spin on loops, backspin openings and serves, a tacky topsheet that lifts heavy backspin easily, and a hard 50-degree sponge that still keeps surprisingly high control and dwell.
Pick the Mark V if you want maximum control while building technique, or if you value feel and forgiveness on both wings. It blocks softly and needs a faster blade to finish points.
Choose the Rakza Z if you are a proactive forehand looper who wants to pressure opponents with heavy spin and placement and is happy to swing fully. It rewards full strokes with a strong, linear kick, but it is heavy and can cause arm or wrist fatigue on carbon blades, has a high throw that needs a closed angle, and feels weak and slow at less than full power. It is also a strong budget pick if you like Dignics 09C or boosted Hurricane 3 but want a cheaper tacky hybrid. At a 8.6 rating it is the specialist spin weapon, while the Mark V is the easier all-round control sheet.
FAQ
Which rubber generates more spin?
The Rakza Z, decisively. Its tacky hybrid topsheet delivers exceptional, low-slip spin on loops and serves and lifts heavy backspin easily, while the Mark V has a flat, below-average spin trajectory.
Is the Rakza Z suitable for the backhand?
Its best side is the forehand. It is aimed at proactive forehand loopers who swing fully, whereas the Mark V works on both wings and is the more versatile placement rubber.
Which is easier to play passively?
The Mark V. The Rakza Z feels weak and slow at less than full power or when out of position, so it rewards committed, active strokes rather than passive touch play.
Is the Rakza Z hard on the arm?
It can be. It is a heavy rubber that may cause arm or wrist fatigue, especially on carbon blades, while the Mark V is a much lighter, gentler sheet.