Yasaka Rifle

Carbon blade with allwood feeling. Great for looping and short play. Initially, I glued it with medium and medium soft rubbers. The second time, I tried it with medium hard and medium rubbers. The second combination felt better. More power will trigger the carbon feel. Overall, I’m satisfied to have this blade as one of my collections.

This is quite a unique inner carbon blade in terms of veneer construction. Most other blades that I have seen have a thicker core ply than the other layers. However, this blade has a core that is as thick as the second and sixth layers. This makes the carbon layer sit deeper from the surface compared to other inner carbon blades.

In play, it feels more like a wood blade in soft-touch play. However, the harder you swing, the more the carbon starts to “kick-in.” Pairing it with a proper rubber (I am using 39° Chinese rubber for the forehand and medium hardness Chinese rubber for the backhand) makes this blade show its potential. It is a spin machine with linear power output and has plenty of control at the same time.

Great blade from Yasaka. Inner Carbon makes the blade fast when hitting with power, yet it remains controllable. I would go as far as to say that Rifle is Ma Lin Extra Offensive with a better sweet spot and feeling.