Yasaka Galaxya

This is the blade to start and stick with until you truly become desperate for speed.

My reasoning: 1) The blade does not feel bulky in your hand due to its thin profile, measuring at approximately 5.8 — 5.9. 2) It offers excellent control and boasts multiple gears, allowing you to execute a wide range of shots with precision. Slow shots remain slow, and fast shots maintain their pace. Additionally, it provides a clear and responsive feel, eliminating any awkward vibrations.

In conclusion, if your technique requires improvement, this blade will expose any deficiencies. However, with diligent practice and good technique, it will reward you with exceptional performance. Furthermore, its high level of control and versatility provide ample time and feedback to refine and correct your technique.

The Yasaka blade is a medium-soft blade designed for attacking playstyles. It offers excellent ball control on the table, making it suitable for short games and easy opening play. The blade provides high arc and spin, along with good dwell time, allowing for controlled shots. It pairs well with rubbers like Rakza 7 or Nittaku P1, offering ample speed for aggressive play.

In comparison to other Yasaka blades such as Giaobao, Extra Offensive 7 Power, and Galaxya Carbon, this blade stands out as my personal favorite. However, the concave handle is somewhat thin, while the ST handle is more comfortable. The overall quality of the blade is exceptional.

The blade’s construction is similar to that of a Clipper, but it is thinner (6.1mm for the one being reviewed). In comparison to a Stiga Clipper, it is thinner, slower, flexier, and has a harder touch. It is better for topspin and counter-topspin due to its flexibility (despite being a 7-ply blade, it still provides stability), but it is certainly inferior to the Clipper for blocking.

Over the past two seasons, I have played with various 7-ply blades (Stiga Clipper and Clipper CR, HRT Clipper, Joola Viva, Nittaku Ludeack). This blade falls between 7-ply and 5-ply blades: it behaves like a 7-ply blade but with more flex, making it easier to control and providing a better feel for topspin. It is still suitable for blocking and short game play. The blade is noticeably slower than a regular Clipper Wood, and its speed is comparable to that of the Joola Viva. I would classify it as OFF-, but with more flex and a softer feel than the Joola (which also has a smaller head).

It is unfortunate that this blade is not more readily available in Europe. It is a high-quality blade that is not easily found in the market, especially among “not overly fast 7-ply allwood blades.”

Great blade from Yasaka. This blade feels different than many blades in its class.

It has a quick response at the table and is very good for fast blocks and drives. Loops are great at mid-distance with much power. It has a comfortable and attractive FL grip.

The blade is sealed at the factory, but the edges still need sanding. It’s an impressive blade for the price compared to other carbon blades.

Do not get confused by Yasaka’s ratings of speed (19/20) and control (14/20). My Galaxy weighs 86 grams with an ST handle, and I would rate it differently: 16/20 for speed and 19/20 for control. When paired with Rakza 7 or Xexer HD rubbers, it is more like an OFF- blade in terms of speed.

What shines on this blade is the superb control it offers for blocking, service receive, and short balls. Although it vibrates more than average, the vibrations are more informative than in other blades. Topspin is quite good, with a lot of rotation and good placement.

However, when it comes to fast loops or smashes on soft balls, it lacks kicking power. It absorbs energy and seems to have more dwell time than necessary to achieve the winning shot. Perhaps that is why Yasaka added carbon layers in the latter version.

The craftsmanship is amazing, and the handle shape and balance are great. I would strongly recommend this blade for developing players.

One of my favorite blades. It feels soft, yet fast. I can play fast loops, block well, and chop with it. I recommend it for players who want to play loops. It has very good performance.