Max thickness/ red
Best backhand rubber ive ever used, its slow when you want it to be slow, its fast when you want it to be fast. Banana flicks and flips like a dream, definetly getting another sheet after this one is done with.
UPDATE: been playing this for 10 months and now most of the sponge has lost its traits, but the topsheet surprisingly is still tacky, but the problem now is that its a bit harder to block.
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→ High Spin Rubber → Yasaka Rakza Z Reviews
→ Yasaka Rubber → Yasaka Rakza Z
52 Reviews for Yasaka Rakza Z
← Back to Yasaka Rakza Z
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My first hybrid rubber. Slower than the rubber I currently use, Rakza X. Not as powerful and less linear. Good for backhand and for making serves with spin. Also good for passive blocking. I wouldn’t buy it again.
WoW est goma tiene una velocidad efecto y control sobresalientes, compr est goma porque quera probar una goma hbrida por primera vez y me encant, tiene un grado de pegajosidad alto por lo que en el toque corto es genial y en top cerca y media distancia de la mesa es increble y genera un efecto y control es increble, puedes generar servicios cortos con mucho efecto, pronto tendr que probar la versin Extra Hard
Excellent hybrid rubber that I have been using on a Donic True Inner Carbon for the forehand mostly.
I got it in a MAX thickness.
It's my second hybrid rubber after I tried a second-hand Butterfly Dignics 09C.
Comparing a new rubber with a used one is unfair but this rubber appears to be tackier and spinnier than Dignics 09C.
Durability is also excellent. I've used it for 6 months now playing around 7/8 hours per week and it's still in a good condition able to grab the ball for a couple of seconds when it's clean. I have been taking care of it by cleaning it with water and/or a rubber cleaner after each session.
Speed is not extreme but it's definitely good enough. Looping top spins, short touches, chops, and chop blocks are all easy: the slightest active wrist variation results in spins of excellent quality.
Counter and blocking are very good, too, and they require a closer bat angle when compared to a tensor rubber like Tibhar MXS (which I use on the backhand).
The only real drawback I can find is that flat smashes feel a little mushy but can still be performed reasonably well.
I got it in a MAX thickness.
It's my second hybrid rubber after I tried a second-hand Butterfly Dignics 09C.
Comparing a new rubber with a used one is unfair but this rubber appears to be tackier and spinnier than Dignics 09C.
Durability is also excellent. I've used it for 6 months now playing around 7/8 hours per week and it's still in a good condition able to grab the ball for a couple of seconds when it's clean. I have been taking care of it by cleaning it with water and/or a rubber cleaner after each session.
Speed is not extreme but it's definitely good enough. Looping top spins, short touches, chops, and chop blocks are all easy: the slightest active wrist variation results in spins of excellent quality.
Counter and blocking are very good, too, and they require a closer bat angle when compared to a tensor rubber like Tibhar MXS (which I use on the backhand).
The only real drawback I can find is that flat smashes feel a little mushy but can still be performed reasonably well.
I've been playing with Rakza Z on fh for about 2-3 weeks and I find this rubber pretty interesting. The rubber is fairly heavy with a medium tacky topsheet and a pretty hard sponge(50 degrees according to Yasaka). From the first passive shots when warming up, the rubber seems pretty slow and "dead" with a very high arc. Even the coach has told me to keep the ball lower. However, when I've started looping, the grip or "bite" on the ball from the topsheet is instant and the amount of spin is very noticeable while maintaining good control. Picking up low balls is pretty easy due to the high trajectory.
On serves I can generate a lot of spin while keeping my serves pretty short. One thing that I've struggled with a little in the beginning is that I can't do short movements when serving because the rubber doesn't have that catapult effect so I have to do full swings. On the receive/short game, the rubber has great control and it's very easy to place the ball close to the net.
The speed on this rubber is pretty subjective because on passive shots/blocking the ball bounces pretty slow and high, but when you start looping and using your force, the rubber can generate good speed along with some exceptional spin. I've played before with Rakza 7 and I will say that with Rakza Z I can generate more speed, but overall Rakza 7 has better speed. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I find that it fits my game because I like put my own power into the shots.
It's my first hybrid rubber and I am very pleased with it. The rubber has exceptional grip, spin and control which gives me the consistency that I need in my fh shots. As for the price/quality ratio this is definitely a 10/10.
On serves I can generate a lot of spin while keeping my serves pretty short. One thing that I've struggled with a little in the beginning is that I can't do short movements when serving because the rubber doesn't have that catapult effect so I have to do full swings. On the receive/short game, the rubber has great control and it's very easy to place the ball close to the net.
The speed on this rubber is pretty subjective because on passive shots/blocking the ball bounces pretty slow and high, but when you start looping and using your force, the rubber can generate good speed along with some exceptional spin. I've played before with Rakza 7 and I will say that with Rakza Z I can generate more speed, but overall Rakza 7 has better speed. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I find that it fits my game because I like put my own power into the shots.
It's my first hybrid rubber and I am very pleased with it. The rubber has exceptional grip, spin and control which gives me the consistency that I need in my fh shots. As for the price/quality ratio this is definitely a 10/10.
The Rubber is slow if you play slow and fast if you play fast. Its good for all kind of shots, very good control and much power if you want to play fast Topspins.
Great rubber.Very linear,using it on backhand(zhang jike alc).
Not the fastest but control and grip are exceptional.Chinese style,more you give more you get.
Placement is super sharp and blocking is on rakza 7 level-like a wall (just need bat andgle adjustment because of high throw angle).
I hope Yasaka will produce long time.Its a gem.
Not the fastest but control and grip are exceptional.Chinese style,more you give more you get.
Placement is super sharp and blocking is on rakza 7 level-like a wall (just need bat andgle adjustment because of high throw angle).
I hope Yasaka will produce long time.Its a gem.
I have it on my 5 ply wood Nittaku Kasumi Basic forehand. Before i used Xiom vega X, Xiom vega pro. Before xioms i ve used dhs neo hurricane 3 but i changed it after my coach said that i should. So about Rakza. I use 2.00 bcs i want to have my bat around 180g. First drives are very strange comparing to normal ESN rubber (need to understand how this rubber works). Loops are perfect! Tons of spin with control which this rubber has, can make some points. Not a speed monster like esn tensors but uhhhh...., using the placement of the ball and rotation you can win. This rubber is for active players. Counter tops and and blocks are nice and stable. Short game and recive are fine. Serves can make some problems to your opponent. Don't know about durability but we'll see. I can recommend this rubber for physically strong and active players, lazy one wont like it...
Overall not bad. I find the throw angle is too high, and when using this rubber I often overshoot the table. I am used to Hurricane 3, and I use Seemiller grip, so perhaps my experience is not universal. Rakza Z is not that much faster than Hurricane 3, though, even when Hurricane 3 is unboosted. I'd recommend just getting a Hurricane 3.
This rubber has so much spin and control. I have H3 Neo Boosted on FH, and rakza z is slower. But has loads more control to compensate. You can swing harder with more confidence and i will still land on the table. I have no problems hitting a flat shot and blocking is very good for a tacky rubber. I personally think it has just as much spin as a H3 Neo Boosted. It doesn't feel as hard as H3 Neo. Now i wanna try this on my FH, for more control. Playing short game is very good. you can drop shot short and control on placement is excellent. Very spinny on serves too. it will be my go to rubber for BH.
I use this as BH on my Xiom Ice Cream AZXi. Super control and Spin. I can swing hard and it will stay on the table. That is also partly due to my blade too, it has very high control on the AZXi. For me this has as much spin a H3 neo Boosted, but slower. I still think it has enough speed to finish off a point. my backhand money shot is hard flat hits and it works very good with Rakza Z, even though its on the slower side. It work very good for my game. if you are looking for a Tenergy like speed rubber, this is not it. If you are looking for a spinny controlable rubber with all+ to
-off speed this rubber works extremely well. Recommend this rubber for spinny, control game.
-off speed this rubber works extremely well. Recommend this rubber for spinny, control game.
Pretty nice rubber, especially for the price. Able to generate good spin, however it is a bit on the slow side. I used it for about 5 months playing 2 times a week around 3-4 hours each session until the rubber started to die. Nice tacky topsheet similar to Dignics, overall very good for the price but suffers a bit from being a jack of all trades master of none.
While I can't deny this rubber spin and control, speed and feeling is nothing to write home about. I had 2 of those and RED one is pretty garbo compared to BLACK one. Topsheet was overall harder and way less stickier than black one. I could recommend it to beginners on forehand, black only, but there is 1 more downside to it, which is weight. After playing with other/better rubbers I can't really be excited for this one anymore. Price is not bad though, but still I think this rubber is overhyped.
Always struggled to generate significant topspin on my strokes, but this rubber almost does it for you.
It's throw angle is rather high, which means you have to close the racket angle more for drives. This was an easy and instant adjustment for me, and after which I started to brush the ball a lot more, keeping it low over the net and super spinny. Gives opponents a lot of trouble, especially the less experienced ones. The tackiness helps with lifting underspin; this rubber is a confidence booster.
I think this best of both world's hybrid approach to tackiness and sponge is perfectly balanced. Perfect for offensive topspin play, serve and receive are also excellent thanks to tackiness. The downsides are it's not good for flat hitting (which shouldn't really matter, as loop-drive / brushing strokes are a better option imo, and with this rubber you'll do it instinctively). And the weight. I don't find it a problem either, because I lift weights lol.
previously used rubbers : mark v, xiom vega europe, xiom vega intro, rakza 7 soft.
It's throw angle is rather high, which means you have to close the racket angle more for drives. This was an easy and instant adjustment for me, and after which I started to brush the ball a lot more, keeping it low over the net and super spinny. Gives opponents a lot of trouble, especially the less experienced ones. The tackiness helps with lifting underspin; this rubber is a confidence booster.
I think this best of both world's hybrid approach to tackiness and sponge is perfectly balanced. Perfect for offensive topspin play, serve and receive are also excellent thanks to tackiness. The downsides are it's not good for flat hitting (which shouldn't really matter, as loop-drive / brushing strokes are a better option imo, and with this rubber you'll do it instinctively). And the weight. I don't find it a problem either, because I lift weights lol.
previously used rubbers : mark v, xiom vega europe, xiom vega intro, rakza 7 soft.
Great rubber at a great price. Serves, attacks, loops, blocks very well. Does not have that huge kick of a tenergy or dignics, but I feel very confident that my ball will find the table. You have to clean it (water for me) to keep the tackiness or that can be lost pretty easily.
My second favorite pad after Fastarc G-1, high throw angle, good speed, soft feeling, although the sponge is quite dense and elastic. It fit perfectly on the bh.
This rubber is really spectacular, it has great virtues, but its greatest quality is rotation, you can lift any cut, use your topspin with the confidence that it will pass the net and land well placed on the other side, since its angle is high. I can say that for players who prefer to play close to the table and in the middle distance, it is ideal. The speed is controllable but not very fast, so away from the table you can feel how your balls lose energy. In my opinion it is a rubber that has that Chinese grip, but with the European response. It is the best version of hybrid rubbers that I have tried. On the other hand, you have to maintain constant cleanliness, but its benefit is durability, I trained 6 to 7 hours a week, and in 2021 I can say that it was a year that I kept a great record and now in 2022 I just finished it. renew, to my surprise, that it still has a useful life, at least 25%. Compared to tires like joola dynaryz acc, goldarc8, tenergy and even Hurricane neo, I can say that none have as much durability and performance. As for the serves, I can keep them short, add a lot of spin and be sure that on my third ball I can return with a good topspin. It is also not very susceptible to the effect, so I feel very confident when it comes to returning services. Actually, I'm thinking of using it not only on my forehand, but on my backhand as well. My style is Chinese with a soft rubber forehand, and in Backhand the joola dynaryz acc A harder rubber, with more tension. But I've considered using it on both sides, or maybe trying the "Hard" version (although I've also wanted to try the nittaku G1. I haven't decided yet, but I'm sure my fordhand is reserved for the rakzaZ. Among the negative aspects are the weight, the speed a bit low compared to others and the need for constant cleaning. The rakzaZ is very well suited for beginners, intermediate and advanced, for professionals I wouldn't be too sure because I haven't seen it on any recognized athlete yet.
Since the very first day I tried the Rakza Z 2.0 FH I did notice a tremendous amount of spin out of it either for top spin, side spin serves etc.
It has a very good control. For chops blocks etc.
Despite it is a fast rubber the control you get is ridiculous very precise for ball placement it goes where you want it to go.
Previously I was using Rakza 7 soft and this Rakza Z has better feeling, is faster, with tons more spin yet still very easy to play with.
The arc is low and long. So far it is the best Rubber for my FH.
It has a very good control. For chops blocks etc.
Despite it is a fast rubber the control you get is ridiculous very precise for ball placement it goes where you want it to go.
Previously I was using Rakza 7 soft and this Rakza Z has better feeling, is faster, with tons more spin yet still very easy to play with.
The arc is low and long. So far it is the best Rubber for my FH.
Excellent rubber offering great spin. You have to play active strokes due to the hard sponge, otherwise the ball will die a death. Encouragement to use proper technique is only a good thing for an intermediate player like myself, however. Very good for serves and short play, but really shines when executing spinny topspin loops. Highly recommend.
This rubber is on the same page with Butterfly Dignics 09C and Nittaku Sieger PK50. I played with all 3 and so far Yasaka Rakza Z is my winner. It is slower than Dignics 09C and faster than Sieger PK50. It is the tackyest of the 3 and same hardness with the Sieger PK50, the Dignics 09C being the hardest of all. I chose this rubber out of the 3 because these tacky hybrids have a weakness when it comes to pasive blocks but the Rakza Z is not as bad. Active bloks are no problems with any of these rubbers. Rakza Z and Sieger PK50 feels a bit softer than Dignics 09C and it feels better on slow game. Dignics 09C has a more low arc than the other two so it is better far from the table. If you play mostly close to the table the Rakza Z and Sieger PK50 can create some extreme angles and are better in attaking short serves. Once the rubbers are 2 to 3 months old and the initial tack wears off Dignics 09C becomes little frustrating to ply with. Maybe that is mostly because the expectations after paying such of high price for it. So in conclusion Rakza Z is a affordable rubber with characteristics on par with the latest and greatest hybrid rubbers. If your game is based on spin and you use your wrist to add extra spin to your shots and you like to serve spiny this is the rubber I would recommend for you. I, personally like to use the same rubber on both my FH and BH and my review is based on this.
I do not know how to describe this monster of a rubber but i'll try. First let's speak about its pros. Spin: This is almost the same spin as H3 Neo. Flicks? Easy. Loops? Super easy. Serves? No one in my club can receive my serves besides my coach. Speed: With this rubber you can achieve high amounts of speed because of the hard sponge but its tacky so you can also play very good short games with this. It is a bit slower than Omega V Asia. Control: It is very controllable because it is tacky and also you can do blocks particularly easily. If you play it on backhand you can also play passive with this rubber but when it comes to forehand you have to play very active. The only con is that you have to adjust your angle for it to go to the table. 10/10
This is a really good rubber that have so many gears. I used yasaka rakza x, and yasaka valmo rubbers previously. For me z series is better since have less unpredictable catapult effect, and all shots have more feeling and consistency, with more spin and control. Sticky topsheet makes serve and receive/short game much easier and understandable in comparing with tensor rubbers. I also have nittaku sieger pk 50 witch is also nice, but need more time to work on it for better understanding. Overall these rubber can be useful for any type of players from beginner to very good level, you just need to pair it with a right blade - not super stiff, and hard :)
I have a friend that use this rubber and I am going to give a perspective from the other side of the table. We play togehter 3 times a week and he is changing his rubbers many times during the seson. He is older then me. I am 19 yo and he is like 50+. He is not old, but he is older and his age is not a positive thing when you have long rallys and play side to side. Anyhow because his not so fast and agressive he is playing with controll and spin. He change from Rakza X to Z and i am feeling a big difference. Is is more comfortable and chill when he plays and the trust his rubber. Before hi was playing agressive and missed a lot of point because of that. But now he is getting point because the spin and his placement.
I think this rubber is for people who like to control the table and play with spin and placement. You dont usely open first but you can do if your footwork is good that day. You like to block and place the ball one/two times before you finish the ball. Perfect for a little bit slower pople. (With all the respect)
I think this rubber is for people who like to control the table and play with spin and placement. You dont usely open first but you can do if your footwork is good that day. You like to block and place the ball one/two times before you finish the ball. Perfect for a little bit slower pople. (With all the respect)
Rakza Z is a very fine hybrid rubber with sticky surface rubber and elastic sponge. It beats all other hybrid rubbers that I tried. It is a little more tacky than BTY D09c and feels softer. It is easier to play than D09c. Rakza Z has the right amount of tackiness. You will not feel the difference if you switch from ESN rubbers like MXP. You can still serve long with this rubber like a T05. The tackiness help in serving short, short return, and small stroke for slow spinning loop. And you do not need to boost it. This rubber rocks.
really fast rubber and kinda hard to control but pretty good spin maybe good for all wood blade
First i tried this on my friend's Viscaria. He was playing this rubber intensively for about 6 month and grip/spin was great. Rubber was not tacky anymore, but grip and durability was insane for this time! I was shocked because my Tibhar MX-P felt dead after 3 month with almost no spin, 1 ball from 5 just drop off from rubber.
I like balance and linear predictive arc on Z. It was a bit springy on Viscaria but very stable.
There is no catapult like on Tenergy or MX-P, u need to be ready to shot more forward with your hand.
Now i am playing with TIbhar ForcePro Black Edition with this rubber on FH.
It is a bit slow, if Tibhar MX-P and Tenergy are off+ rubbers, this one is true off.
But this speed will give u much more stability and more balls on table.
I lost so many points with MX-P because of crazy catapult, with Rakza Z i feel much more confident!
This rubbed is insane and easy on FLAT shots.
I like balance and linear predictive arc on Z. It was a bit springy on Viscaria but very stable.
There is no catapult like on Tenergy or MX-P, u need to be ready to shot more forward with your hand.
Now i am playing with TIbhar ForcePro Black Edition with this rubber on FH.
It is a bit slow, if Tibhar MX-P and Tenergy are off+ rubbers, this one is true off.
But this speed will give u much more stability and more balls on table.
I lost so many points with MX-P because of crazy catapult, with Rakza Z i feel much more confident!
This rubbed is insane and easy on FLAT shots.
Comparison of Rakza Z and Rakza Z Extra Hard:
Rakza Z
Weight: 74 grams (approximate uncut)
52 grams cut to a size of 157x150mm
Speed: Off+
Thickness: Max
Hardness: 50 -52 degrees approx.
Rakza Z Extra Hard
Weight: 76 grams (approximate uncut)
54 grams cut to a size of 157x150mm
Speed: Off+
Thickness: Max
Hardness: 53-57degrees approx.
I was excited to test the rubbers since I heard they have a tacky topsheet. I opened the packaging and the rubbers have a plastic sheet covering sticking to the topsheet. I opened both the Rakza Z and Rakza Z Extra Hard and I could tell immediately that it is semi-tacky. I wiped the topsheets of both rubbers with wet sponge because I wanted to see how tacky it is after the initial cleaning. I can say that the tackiness or stickiness of the rubbers is not in the level of Chinese rubbers. The Yasaka Do rubber that Yasaka had before in their arsenal was way extremely tacky and was one of the tackiest rubbers I have encountered. The tackiness is lesser than that of the Hurricane 3 or Rising/Shining Dragon rubbers. I could compare the tackiness near to DHS Tin Arc rubbers or Stiga Genesis rubbers. The 2 rubbers are distinguished by their sponge colors. The regular Rakza Z has a creamy white sponge while the Rakza Z Extra Hard has an orange sponge. The pores are quite small or minute compared to the pores of Yasaka Rakza 7 rubbers. I know that Yasaka advertised both rubbers with a range of hardness but with my personal estimate and comparison with other ESN rubbers, the regular Rakza Z felt about 50 or 51 degrees while the Rakza Z Extra Hard felt it was like 55 degrees. The topsheet like other 50 degree or harder rubbers has a short pimple structure reminiscent of Chinese rubbers.
Speed
Both rubbers are very fast. The speed is evident on both rubbers the moment you do forehand to forehand drive warm up drills. I would say that the speed is evident because personally, the Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon is not a super fast blade. I would rate it as an Off blade and not an Off+ blade. It is more of a controlled looping blade with a medium-soft feel and flex. When compared to the Rakza 7, the regular Rakza Z is faster with an obvious gap. I would say the speed of the regular Rakza Z is comparable to the Rakza 9 regular. The Rakza Z Extra Hard is even faster since the very hard sponge has a lot of speed potential when you know how to compress the sponge properly in your shots. If you compare it with Tenergy rubbers, the regular Rakza Z seems faster than Tenergy 05 but slower than Tenergy 64 while the Extra Hard version seems like equal or faster than Tenergy 64.
Spin
The Rakza Z rubbers are one of the spiniest ESN rubbers in the market right now. If the Rakza Z series has a very obvious characteristic, it is spin and tons of spin. I believe the rubbers in the market have evolved to having semi-tacky/full tacky from just being grippy. I have told people about this story that happened years ago. I suggested to a rubber company with ESN rubber products that maybe they can produce a rubber that has a tacky or semi-tacky topsheet over an ESN sponge. You get the spin of a Hurricane 3 rubber while having the speed of fast ESN rubbers. The idea got rejected saying that it was not good or practical, rubbers would lose speed and such. Nowadays, ESN sponges are going on the harder spectrum with some even reaching 60 degrees with sticky or tacky topsheet. I have 2 points on this situation. One is that the way to go if you wanted a higher amount of spin for rubbers, you would need to be tacky. Having a hard sponge and short pip structure sometimes affect the amount of spin produced if the topsheet is not tacky. I have tried very hard rubbers with same pip structures but are not tacky, the spin is way less and also you would need to compress the sponge harder just to produce a good amount of spin. Second, I think this is a way also to go into the path of having a faster Hurricane 3-like rubber. DHS Hurricane 3 is not easy to use even if you have the skills but did not boost it because
It takes a lot of effort to produce speed even at higher levels. So I am seeing rubbers that have Chinese rubber-like characteristics but with speed or power that an ESN rubber offers or what we call having “hybrid properties” having the best of both worlds. To compare the spin, both rubbers have more spin than Tenergy 05. Both are as spinny as Hurricane 3 with a higher arc. The regular Rakza Z has a slightly higher arc than the Extra Hard version. If I compare it to Tenergy 05, both rubbers have a lesser arc when doing loops. I looped the balls both underspin and topspin with almost a closed angle and it was not hard to lift especially underspin balls. Both rubbers are excellent in both serving and pushing strokes. The tacky topsheet emulates pushing underspin balls like using a Chinese rubber or serving using one.
Control
I was intrigued that I saw a video seeing the Rakza Z rubber users having difficulty in controlling the rubbers. I removed the rubbers from the Ma Lin Soft Carbon and place it in a hinoki carbon-aramid blade that is on the off+ speed just to check and verify. The combination is sure very fast with the Rakza Z Extra Hard edging the regular version by a few notches. The combination was very bouncy and in my opinion, it takes a bit of skill to fully control the Z series rubbers if you are using a very fast blade like pure carbon blades that are stiff and fast. You would see the ball fly out of the table. However, I see 2 simple solutions on this issue. One, having tacky topsheets, it is better to use the Z series rubbers with a closed angle like when looping with a Chinese rubber. Two, use an off level blade that has more flex. Rubbers nowadays are already very fast so using super fast carbon blades is not that practical anymore. When blocking, you needed to have a closed angle also with the 2 rubbers. The topsheet like any other tacky rubber has some sensitivity to incoming spin that is why it takes a bit of advanced level of skill.
Smashing
It is not as hard to smash balls compared to using Hurricane 3 rubbers. I find the Extra Hard version more powerful to smash with while the regular version is more user-friendly. Both rubbers are outstanding in smashes and spin drives.
Overall Impression
Both the Rakza Z and Rakza Z Extra Hard rubbers are for advanced level players. If you really wanted to use these 2 rubbers but is still learning the basic strokes, I would choose another Rakza rubber like Rakza 7 or to some extent a thinner version of Rakza Z like 2.0mm or thinner if available. Overall, the rubber is surprisingly outstanding and was not expecting to be just another “meehhh” rubber produced by ESN.
Rakza Z
Weight: 74 grams (approximate uncut)
52 grams cut to a size of 157x150mm
Speed: Off+
Thickness: Max
Hardness: 50 -52 degrees approx.
Rakza Z Extra Hard
Weight: 76 grams (approximate uncut)
54 grams cut to a size of 157x150mm
Speed: Off+
Thickness: Max
Hardness: 53-57degrees approx.
I was excited to test the rubbers since I heard they have a tacky topsheet. I opened the packaging and the rubbers have a plastic sheet covering sticking to the topsheet. I opened both the Rakza Z and Rakza Z Extra Hard and I could tell immediately that it is semi-tacky. I wiped the topsheets of both rubbers with wet sponge because I wanted to see how tacky it is after the initial cleaning. I can say that the tackiness or stickiness of the rubbers is not in the level of Chinese rubbers. The Yasaka Do rubber that Yasaka had before in their arsenal was way extremely tacky and was one of the tackiest rubbers I have encountered. The tackiness is lesser than that of the Hurricane 3 or Rising/Shining Dragon rubbers. I could compare the tackiness near to DHS Tin Arc rubbers or Stiga Genesis rubbers. The 2 rubbers are distinguished by their sponge colors. The regular Rakza Z has a creamy white sponge while the Rakza Z Extra Hard has an orange sponge. The pores are quite small or minute compared to the pores of Yasaka Rakza 7 rubbers. I know that Yasaka advertised both rubbers with a range of hardness but with my personal estimate and comparison with other ESN rubbers, the regular Rakza Z felt about 50 or 51 degrees while the Rakza Z Extra Hard felt it was like 55 degrees. The topsheet like other 50 degree or harder rubbers has a short pimple structure reminiscent of Chinese rubbers.
Speed
Both rubbers are very fast. The speed is evident on both rubbers the moment you do forehand to forehand drive warm up drills. I would say that the speed is evident because personally, the Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon is not a super fast blade. I would rate it as an Off blade and not an Off+ blade. It is more of a controlled looping blade with a medium-soft feel and flex. When compared to the Rakza 7, the regular Rakza Z is faster with an obvious gap. I would say the speed of the regular Rakza Z is comparable to the Rakza 9 regular. The Rakza Z Extra Hard is even faster since the very hard sponge has a lot of speed potential when you know how to compress the sponge properly in your shots. If you compare it with Tenergy rubbers, the regular Rakza Z seems faster than Tenergy 05 but slower than Tenergy 64 while the Extra Hard version seems like equal or faster than Tenergy 64.
Spin
The Rakza Z rubbers are one of the spiniest ESN rubbers in the market right now. If the Rakza Z series has a very obvious characteristic, it is spin and tons of spin. I believe the rubbers in the market have evolved to having semi-tacky/full tacky from just being grippy. I have told people about this story that happened years ago. I suggested to a rubber company with ESN rubber products that maybe they can produce a rubber that has a tacky or semi-tacky topsheet over an ESN sponge. You get the spin of a Hurricane 3 rubber while having the speed of fast ESN rubbers. The idea got rejected saying that it was not good or practical, rubbers would lose speed and such. Nowadays, ESN sponges are going on the harder spectrum with some even reaching 60 degrees with sticky or tacky topsheet. I have 2 points on this situation. One is that the way to go if you wanted a higher amount of spin for rubbers, you would need to be tacky. Having a hard sponge and short pip structure sometimes affect the amount of spin produced if the topsheet is not tacky. I have tried very hard rubbers with same pip structures but are not tacky, the spin is way less and also you would need to compress the sponge harder just to produce a good amount of spin. Second, I think this is a way also to go into the path of having a faster Hurricane 3-like rubber. DHS Hurricane 3 is not easy to use even if you have the skills but did not boost it because
It takes a lot of effort to produce speed even at higher levels. So I am seeing rubbers that have Chinese rubber-like characteristics but with speed or power that an ESN rubber offers or what we call having “hybrid properties” having the best of both worlds. To compare the spin, both rubbers have more spin than Tenergy 05. Both are as spinny as Hurricane 3 with a higher arc. The regular Rakza Z has a slightly higher arc than the Extra Hard version. If I compare it to Tenergy 05, both rubbers have a lesser arc when doing loops. I looped the balls both underspin and topspin with almost a closed angle and it was not hard to lift especially underspin balls. Both rubbers are excellent in both serving and pushing strokes. The tacky topsheet emulates pushing underspin balls like using a Chinese rubber or serving using one.
Control
I was intrigued that I saw a video seeing the Rakza Z rubber users having difficulty in controlling the rubbers. I removed the rubbers from the Ma Lin Soft Carbon and place it in a hinoki carbon-aramid blade that is on the off+ speed just to check and verify. The combination is sure very fast with the Rakza Z Extra Hard edging the regular version by a few notches. The combination was very bouncy and in my opinion, it takes a bit of skill to fully control the Z series rubbers if you are using a very fast blade like pure carbon blades that are stiff and fast. You would see the ball fly out of the table. However, I see 2 simple solutions on this issue. One, having tacky topsheets, it is better to use the Z series rubbers with a closed angle like when looping with a Chinese rubber. Two, use an off level blade that has more flex. Rubbers nowadays are already very fast so using super fast carbon blades is not that practical anymore. When blocking, you needed to have a closed angle also with the 2 rubbers. The topsheet like any other tacky rubber has some sensitivity to incoming spin that is why it takes a bit of advanced level of skill.
Smashing
It is not as hard to smash balls compared to using Hurricane 3 rubbers. I find the Extra Hard version more powerful to smash with while the regular version is more user-friendly. Both rubbers are outstanding in smashes and spin drives.
Overall Impression
Both the Rakza Z and Rakza Z Extra Hard rubbers are for advanced level players. If you really wanted to use these 2 rubbers but is still learning the basic strokes, I would choose another Rakza rubber like Rakza 7 or to some extent a thinner version of Rakza Z like 2.0mm or thinner if available. Overall, the rubber is surprisingly outstanding and was not expecting to be just another “meehhh” rubber produced by ESN.
Very good rubber for fh/bh, tried both in max & 2.0 but 2.0 suits me better because these rubbers are pretty heavy. This rubber is good for FH but ultimately served me as a stepping board to china rubbers. It's my favorite bh for hinoki blades, though. Controlled and very spinny though not super fast, plenty fast enough. It has very good short game, flicks and is good for all kinds of spin play, very nice spinny looping with beautiful arcs. It can even chop pretty good. Kinda high throw, I don't like high throw on fh but I do on bh. I think Yasaka did a great job with this hybrid-style rubber. It's hard but it doesn't feel that hard because of the tack in it.
To me it felt like a H3 Neo with less speed. Good control but didn't suit me. Better go with nittaku sieger pk50.
Been using Rakza Z on FH and BH for 2 months now together with Ma Lin Extra Offensive blade. Previosly used rubbers: Rakza 7 Soft, Rakza X, Stiga Calibra LT and DHS Hurricane 3.
Pros:
+ The first thing that I need to mention is the spin/tackiness. The spin that you can generate while looping, backspins and serves is crazy. Scooping up a low ball with a loop is really easy, the rubber grips the ball like no other rubber I have tried. My serves have improved a lot because of the additional spin that the rubber provides.
+ Control. My loops have never been this consistent. Even if the rubber is fairly hard it's easy to place the ball where you want it. I would say that Rakza Z is right between really fast rubbers with little control and really slow rubbers with a lot of control. Returning serves and blocking is a lot easier because of the ball placement the rubber offers.
Cons:
- High throw. Doesn't necessarily have to be a con, but you need to be ready to angle your blade more horizontally because of the tackiness, otherwise your loops will be too high or go too far.
- Speed. If you are looking for a fast rubber then you will be slightly dissapointed. I'm not saying that Rakza Z is a slow rubber, combined with the right blade it can generate good speed, but you will need to hit the ball hard to achive speed for killing shots.
- Weight. A bit on the heavy side, especially if you are using a heavy blade too. For me this is actually a + since my strokes are more controlled when using heavier equipment, not sure why Im putting this under "cons"..
Summary:
Considering the price, spin, tackiness and control this is an amazing rubber. If you have a controlled attacking style(not that asian robotic full on attacking style) then this is the rubber for you. Serves, loops, sidespins and underspins are beautifully executed by this rubber. Would recommend combining Rakza Z with an all wood blade, since a carbon blade would take away the control.
Pros:
+ The first thing that I need to mention is the spin/tackiness. The spin that you can generate while looping, backspins and serves is crazy. Scooping up a low ball with a loop is really easy, the rubber grips the ball like no other rubber I have tried. My serves have improved a lot because of the additional spin that the rubber provides.
+ Control. My loops have never been this consistent. Even if the rubber is fairly hard it's easy to place the ball where you want it. I would say that Rakza Z is right between really fast rubbers with little control and really slow rubbers with a lot of control. Returning serves and blocking is a lot easier because of the ball placement the rubber offers.
Cons:
- High throw. Doesn't necessarily have to be a con, but you need to be ready to angle your blade more horizontally because of the tackiness, otherwise your loops will be too high or go too far.
- Speed. If you are looking for a fast rubber then you will be slightly dissapointed. I'm not saying that Rakza Z is a slow rubber, combined with the right blade it can generate good speed, but you will need to hit the ball hard to achive speed for killing shots.
- Weight. A bit on the heavy side, especially if you are using a heavy blade too. For me this is actually a + since my strokes are more controlled when using heavier equipment, not sure why Im putting this under "cons"..
Summary:
Considering the price, spin, tackiness and control this is an amazing rubber. If you have a controlled attacking style(not that asian robotic full on attacking style) then this is the rubber for you. Serves, loops, sidespins and underspins are beautifully executed by this rubber. Would recommend combining Rakza Z with an all wood blade, since a carbon blade would take away the control.
Phenomenal rubber, as it's meant to be the best of both worlds, the tackiness from China and Euro/Japanse springy spong.This rubber makes chiquita really easy and opening on backspin too. Bloks are better if active, smashes are direct with a lot of control and speed. Very sensitive for incoming spin active push will solve this. Easy to change on different blade because this rubber does not shrink. I suggest to use this rubber on a soft and flexible blade, it works really well on my Butterfly Innerforce ZLC. I can hear the carbon is more easily activated from the crispy sound and the power kick. I tried it on a Butterfly Timo Boll ALC and it didn't work well, it was too fast and had bad dwell and feeling etc. Before this I used DHS GoldArc 8 also an ESN rubber, it had similar speed, hardness and control without the tackiness therefore Rakza Z is more grippy. I use the Rakza Z on my backhand, because I attack more with my backhand and use my wrist. As allways if you can't use the wrist on any tacky rubber use non-tacky rubber.
Played on TB ALC ,black,FH.Very unusual rubber.Fast,ultra spinny.Will update soon.
The best that has happened to mankind since Apollo 11 landed in Mare Tranquillas
El mejor caucho que he usado hasta la fecha y a un precio muy razonable, excelente para el juego corto por el nivel de control y para el topspin genera una agarre fantástico en la bola, haciendo el golpe muy efectivo. Lo uso en ambos lados con un madero Amulart ZL (Butterfly), para mí una perfecta combinación.
Great Rubber for backhand loopers.
Simply the greatest so far for my backhand spin
Simply the greatest so far for my backhand spin
I have been using as a forehand, has a nice control and generates good spin.I also tried dignics 09c and compare has different characterics. Dignics is more punchy while rakza Z is more subtle. Both I like. Try Rakza Z in backhand and you will not be disappointed.
Hard rubber with superb spin and control. But the durability isnt that good as the rakza 7
Probably the best rubber I've ever used! It's actually really fast, but is capable of soft touch shots, as it has almost no bounce on touches. Superb spin, great control. On a fast blade it does require a proper closed angle technique on attacking shots however. This is Hurricane 3 National version 2.0. Little faster on medium/hard power hits, drive technique can be less precise to land on the table. Using on forehand, considering for backhand as well.
What an amazing rubber. For me the best forehand rubber. Its slower than normal esn rubbers but the quality of the shots is just wow. The shots are loaded with spin and you have long dwell time to aim where you want to play. Very good control through the thickness. It isnt spin sensitive. If you like to brush the ball this rubber is made for you. If you like to hit there are Other better choices.
Very similar to Dignics 09 c at one third price.
Sponge is hard. Topsheet is tacky.
Not sensitive to spin. Very easy to return serves. Made for fast carbon blades. Chinese + Europe hybrid. Very forgiving. High control. Insane spins. Love it. I bought 4 and will buy few more.
Flat hitters dream. For the top spin, you need to close the racquet angle more as rubber is bouncy with a higher throw. Move your hand forward. Racket will not do it for you. Pushes and chops are very easy and so is lifting underspin serves.
Sponge is hard. Topsheet is tacky.
Not sensitive to spin. Very easy to return serves. Made for fast carbon blades. Chinese + Europe hybrid. Very forgiving. High control. Insane spins. Love it. I bought 4 and will buy few more.
Flat hitters dream. For the top spin, you need to close the racquet angle more as rubber is bouncy with a higher throw. Move your hand forward. Racket will not do it for you. Pushes and chops are very easy and so is lifting underspin serves.
High spin, beautiful control. I used this with Ma Lin Carbon Soft. It is a terrific combination, and I absolutely love this rubber. While drive power and smash power aren't terrific, that is typical with tackier spinner rubber that require longer strokes. In terms of smashing, I recommend that you use Rakza X, 9, or 7 in order to smash lobs. Loop power is terrific and has many gears, and the quality of the shot is high regardless of long-mid-short distance loop. Serve is brilliant, It is capable of putting out a ridiculous amount of backspin. I don't put out topspin serves too often, but with the right disguise it can also have a deadly topspin service.
Can hit all my same shots. Everything is just a lot slower than Rakza 7 or Rakza 7 soft. Very dense sponge. Feels more like chinese sponge.
I have tested this now for only two hours. I have it in my XIOM IceCream AZXi blade in the forehand. The rubber is quite like T09c, but the sponge is much softer. A bit tacky, easy to spin. Still something is missing and I prefer T09c over this. But I will try this more in coming weeks.
The best that has happened to mankind since Pink Floyd... 52 degrees, feels like 47. The looping is awesome.
You can do all with it, insane spin, serves and shortplay at the net is incredible. This is why i like Yasaka. Donic, for example throws out 12 different Blue that and Blue that a year. Yasaka really tests their materiel instead of mass-outlets
You can do all with it, insane spin, serves and shortplay at the net is incredible. This is why i like Yasaka. Donic, for example throws out 12 different Blue that and Blue that a year. Yasaka really tests their materiel instead of mass-outlets
The best rubber i have ever used. My brother, much better tt-player plays also wiith this rubber.
The best that has happened to mankind since Apollo 11 landed in Mare Tranquillas
This is as close to Butterflyproducts you can come, but this is WAYYY better than Any Tenergy. I have tested them all except 09C. And the price...I buyed 4 straight up, both versions, The 57 degree is hard, The 52 version better, for ne that is. But believe me when i say this will be very hyped within a month!
Been testing this for 2 hours only yet, but what a rubber its ca 47-52 degrees, so it is hard, yet it ir the soft version. The spin beats the most i have tried,. The grades can shift after some pass more. Be sure to check out Rakza Z 55 (!) degrees!
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