Yasaka Rakza X Soft is a high-quality offensive table tennis rubber developed by the Japanese manufacturer Yasaka, specifically designed for players seeking exceptional spin, control, and a high-arc trajectory. ITTF-approved, this rubber features New Surface System (NSS) technology combined with a soft (~42.5°) Tensor sponge, ensuring extended ball contact and a powerful catapult effect. Available in 2.0 mm, or max thickness, Yasaka Rakza X Soft offers balanced speed (84/100, ~10.5/20), strong spin (88/100, ~11.0/20), and excellent control (74/100, ~9.3/20), making it an ideal choice for loop strokes, spin-oriented attackers, and players prioritizing precision and stability. The rubber stands out with its grippy topsheet, prolonged ball "dwell time," and high trajectory, making it suitable for modern European and Asian playing styles, especially on the backhand. Yasaka Rakza X Soft – spin, control, and high arc!

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples In)

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~42.5°)

• Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm, Max

• Speed: 84/100 (~10.5/20 on the general scale)

• Control: 74/100 (~9.3/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: 88/100 (~11.0/20 on the general scale)

• Topsheet Characteristics: New Surface System (NSS) technology, tacky surface, extended ball dwell time, high-arc trajectory

• Technologies: New Surface System (NSS), Tensor

• Color: Red, Black (top sheet)

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Loop strokes, topspin attacks, short game, backhand attacks, modern European/Asian playing styles

Yasaka Rakza X Soft excels with its soft construction, strong spin, and high trajectory, catering to spin-oriented attackers and all-round players:

• Topsheet Composition: The New Surface System (NSS) technology, also used in Rakza X, provides a tacky surface that enhances grip and prolongs ball contact, maximizing spin generation in loops and serves. The topsheet is optimized for plastic balls, ensuring consistent grip even at high speeds or extreme angles. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~47.5° sponge, ~11.5/20 speed), Rakza X Soft offers lower speed (~10.5/20) but higher control (~9.3/20 vs. ~8.5/20) and similar spin (~11.0/20 vs. ~11.5/20).

• Sponge: The soft (~42.5°) Tensor sponge ensures extended ball contact, facilitating backspin lifts and high, spin-heavy strokes. Tensor technology delivers a noticeable yet controllable catapult effect, making the rubber suitable for both offensive and all-round play. Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~37.5° sponge, ~12.5/20 speed), Rakza X Soft’s sponge is slightly firmer, offering lower speed (~10.5/20 vs. ~12.5/20), similar spin (~11.0/20 vs. ~13.6/20), and less control (~9.3/20 vs. ~12.1/20).

• New Surface System (NSS) Technology: This technology enhances topsheet grip, maximizing spin and high-arc trajectories to improve shot success rates, especially in loop strokes. NSS reduces unforced errors, simplifying play against backspin or topspin shots. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36° sponge, ~15.0/20 spin), Rakza X Soft generates less spin but offers easier handling and a higher trajectory.

• Spin and Trajectory: The NSS topsheet and Tensor sponge produce a high-arc trajectory (9.5/10), aiding loop strokes, topspin attacks, and opening shots against backspin. The rubber resists incoming spin well, easing serve returns and blocks. Compared to XIOM Vega Asia (9.3/10 trajectory), Rakza X Soft’s higher arc benefits spin-oriented play. Against DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), it provides less spin but superior control and easier handling.

• Control: The soft sponge and NSS technology grant excellent control for loops, backhand attacks, blocks, and short play. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (~40° sponge, ~9.8/20 control), Rakza X Soft has slightly lower control (~9.3/20) but higher spin (~11.0/20 vs. ~10.5/20) and speed (~10.5/20 vs. ~10.0/20).

Performance Ratings & Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (84/100, ~10.5/20): A medium-speed rubber ideal for loops, topspin strokes, and short play. The Tensor sponge’s controlled catapult effect supports offensive play without excessive bounce. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~11.5/20 speed), Rakza X Soft is slower but more manageable. Against Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~13.9/20 speed), it trades speed for spin and control.

• Control (74/100, ~9.3/20): NSS and the soft sponge ensure precise control in loops, backhand attacks, blocks, and serve returns. Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~12.1/20 control), control is lower, but spin and trajectory excel. Against Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), it offers less control but remains user-friendly for spin-focused play.

• Spin (88/100, ~11.0/20): The tacky NSS topsheet generates heavy spin in loops and serves, with prolonged dwell time for backspin lifts. Compared to XIOM Vega X (~16.1/20 spin), spin is lower but handling is easier. Against DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), it sacrifices spin for higher trajectory and control.

• Trajectory (9.5/10): The high arc simplifies loops, topspin attacks, and opening shots. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (9.0/10 trajectory), Rakza X Soft’s higher arc eases backspin attacks. Blocking remains stable for passive/active play.

• Sponge Thickness:

  • 2.0 mm – Balances speed and control.

  • Max – Boosts catapult effect for offensive play.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin/Loop Strokes (9.5/10): Extremely effective for spin-heavy loops, especially backhand attacks against backspin, due to NSS grip and soft sponge. Ideal for opening shots and spin rallies.

• Blocking (9.4/10): Excellent for blocking topspin near the table (especially backhand) thanks to sponge stability and NSS grip.

• Push Shots (9.5/10): Precise pushes against backspin/dead balls, leveraging NSS spin potential.

• Counter-Hitting (9.2/10): Suitable for table-length counters, aided by controlled catapult and NSS accuracy.

• Smashing (8.8/10): Effective for flat hits but limited power compared to faster rubbers.

• Serves & Receive (9.6/10): Enables precise serves (9.6/10) and excels in passive (9.6/10) and active (9.5/10) receive due to spin and control.

• Flick Shots (9.5/10): Easy banana flicks with NSS topsheet ensuring spin and accuracy.

Blade Compatibility:

Yasaka Rakza X Soft pairs well with all-round and medium-speed blades that complement its spin, control, and high arc:

• Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances control/spin for backhand.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~10.5/20 speed, ALL): Balances control and spin for FH/BH.

• DHS Q968 Hurricane King National (~12.9/20 speed, OFF+): Boosts spin/control for forehand attackers.

• Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Improves control for beginners.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (~11.5/20 speed, OFF): Ideal for loop-focused players.

Recommended Usage:

• 2.0 mm for backhand on all-round blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent).

• 2.0 mm or Max for forehand on faster blades (e.g., Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive) to balance racket dynamics and maximize spin.

Additional Information:

Yasaka Rakza X Soft is a softer variant of Rakza X, combining NSS and Tensor technologies for extended dwell time, heavy spin, and high arcs. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (~40° sponge, ~10.5/20 spin), it offers more spin (~11.0/20) and speed (~10.5/20 vs. ~10.0/20) but slightly less control (~9.3/20 vs. ~9.8/20), suiting players seeking offensive potential. Against XIOM Vega Europe (~12.1/20 control), it trades control for higher trajectory/spin, excelling in loop play.

Users praise its "high trajectory," "exceptional spin," and "easy backspin lifts," though some note it may lack speed for flat hits. Durable and budget-friendly, it’s popular among spin-oriented players.

Maintenance Tip: Clean regularly with a dedicated cleaner (e.g., Yasaka Rubber Cleaner) and use protective film.

ITTF-approved, Rakza X Soft is competition-ready, ideal for players prioritizing spin, control, and high arcs.

Who is Yasaka Rakza X Soft For?

Designed for players who value spin, control, and high trajectories:

• Beginners/Intermediate Players: Seeking controlled, spin-heavy rubbers (especially backhand).

• Spin-Oriented Attackers: Emphasizing loops, topspin, and opening shots against backspin.

• Close-to-Table & Mid-Distance Play: Effective in loops, blocks, short play, and serve returns.

• Serve & Receive: Enables precise serves (9.6/10) and strong passive/active receive (9.6/10, 9.5/10).

• High-Trajectory Seekers: Optimal for easy backspin lifts and spin-dominated play.

Advantages:

• Speed (10.5/20): Medium pace for loops and topspin.

• Control (9.3/20): Excellent for loops, blocks, and short play.

• Spin (11.0/20): Heavy spin in loops/serves with extended dwell time.

• Trajectory (9.5/10): High arc simplifies loops and backspin attacks.

• NSS Technology: Enhances grip/spin for plastic balls.

• Tensor Sponge: Provides controlled catapult and dwell time.

• Value for Money: High performance at a competitive price.

• Quality: ITTF-approved for tournaments.

Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft, it offers more spin/speed but less control, favoring attackers. Against Butterfly Tenergy 05, it has less spin but higher trajectory and easier handling.

Yasaka Rakza X Soft – spin, control, and high arc!

Yasaka Rakza X Soft

Yasaka Rakza X Soft

Yasaka Rakza X Soft