Yasaka Rakza X vs Yinhe Mercury II: Which Should You Buy?
| Yasaka Rakza X | Yinhe Mercury II | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| best_side | both | both |
| control | medium-high | very high |
| speed | high | medium |
| spin | high | high |
| sponge_hardness | 47.5 (medium-hard, roughly 45-50 degrees) | medium to medium-soft (36-38 degrees Chinese scale) |
| type | tensor inverted | tacky inverted (budget Chinese) |
| weight_uncut_g | 69 | 60 |
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These rubbers sit at different price points and skill levels. Rakza X is a grippy tensor with high speed, a high arc and a forgiving feel for offensive players. Mercury II is a tacky Chinese rubber that prizes control and value above all, with a very high control ceiling and an elastic, forgiving sponge.
Choose Rakza X if you are an intermediate or advanced attacker who wants pace and a high, safe throw on both wings and does not mind paying more or carrying extra weight. It is the stronger offensive tool, especially at distance.
Choose Mercury II if you are a beginner, a control or all-round player, or a chopper building a first custom racket on a tiny budget. It gives genuine tacky spin and easy handling, though it is slower than a German tensor and its medium throw keeps the ball low, so passive shots can clip the net. Mercury II is also notably lighter, which helps if blade weight is a concern.
FAQ
Which should a beginner buy?
Mercury II. Its very high control, forgiving sponge and tiny price make it ideal for first custom rackets, while Rakza X is faster and harder to tame coming from soft rubbers.
Which is faster?
Rakza X. It is a high-speed tensor, whereas Mercury II is slower than German tensors, especially away from the table.
Is Mercury II good for choppers and defenders?
Yes. Its tacky topsheet, high control and soft or medium sponge options suit choppers, defenders and all-round players well, which is not Rakza X’s strength.