Yasaka Max Wood

Good blade from Yasaka. I tried it with Yasaka Mark V GPS Soft rubbers.

It chops well. The speed is good enough, and the control is easy to manage. I found it to be a spinny setup.

However, I felt blocking was where the setup fell a bit short. Overall, it’s a solid AR+ setup/blade for beginners, intermediates, and above-intermediate players.

For a 7-ply wood blade, this one is on the stiffer and harder side. As a result, it has a reputation for being somewhat heavy. Mine is the CPEN version which weighs 103g, which was the lightest one available at the retailer (had 5 to choose from).

Yes, it is powerful and with enough feedback retained. The hardness allows it to perform speedily and powerfully, even with softer rubber like Rakza 9. In my hands, it played more like a JPen blade and seemed more suited to a traditional penhold backhand.

Somehow, I think this blade fits Yoshida Kaii more than his own blade. It might not be the best idea for modern penholders, as the exceptionally heavy weight hinders backhand forehand transition.

Maybe the best all-wood blade on the market.

One of the best non-carbon blades in the market, it is very balanced, controllable, and fast. It has a very good feel and nice touch, working great with most kinds of rubbers.

This is a very good blade and one of the best non-carbon blades available.

Control by it is hard.

I’ve used this blade for many years, which I got as a gift from a state player (thank you!).

Previously, I used Chinese rubber (729), but this blade is not particularly fast. However, it is ideal for a playing style that emphasizes technique and control.

Now, I use Japanese rubber (Sriver for forehand and Sriver EL for backhand). This has improved the blade’s performance in terms of speed and spin. However, users must master controlling this blade, as it can be quite fast but is also effective for blocking and attacking.

This is the speedy all-wood blade, but I’m not satisfied with the blade quality. The edges of the blade are not sanded. The plastic label on the handle fell out after a couple of games. You can buy Tsp swat for the same price, but its building quality is outstanding. Concerning playing characteristics, they are good: speedy loops and a good block. Good balance.

Works well.