Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft

Rubber description:

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is an advanced table tennis rubber that combines a soft sponge with high elasticity and exceptional control, making it an ideal choice for players who prioritize spin and precision in their game. This rubber is particularly well-suited for close-to-the-table play, offering a balanced performance across various strokes, including looping, blocking, and serving.

In terms of tackiness, the Rakza 7 Soft features a medium-level grip (2.5), allowing players to generate substantial spin while maintaining a forgiving touch. The rubber’s sponge hardness falls at a moderate level (2.5), which provides both elasticity and a soft feel, enhancing the control during fast exchanges. The weight of the rubber is classified as medium (around 3.7), contributing to a well-balanced overall setup on the paddle.

Durability is another highlight of the Rakza 7 Soft, with users praising its ability to maintain performance over extended periods, often lasting months with minimal degradation. However, careful handling is advisable to avoid damage to the edges of the rubber. For those seeking alternatives, the Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft stands out against competitors like the Butterfly Tenergy 05FX and Xiom Omega IV, particularly for players who desire a softer feel without compromising on spin. Overall, this rubber is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to enhance their offensive capabilities without sacrificing control and accuracy.

Recent Reviews

#1 — March 2023

The most spinny rubber I’ve ever had. It has a pretty soft sponge, making it easy to control at low speeds.

However, there are a few problems:

High bounce on servings, regardless of the type of serve I attempt.
Otherwise, the trajectory on any stroke is very linear. Though I am not a professional, even DHS Hurricane 8 has a less linear trajectory than Yasaka from my perspective.

The high speed of the rubber combined with its linear trajectory makes it both offensive and dangerous. Unfortunately, the high bounce undermines this advantage, making it more dangerous for the user than the opponent.

#2 — January 2023

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is a highly recommended rubber for intermediate all-round players. It features an excellent combination of spin, control, and softness. While its speed is not extraordinary, it makes up for it with ease of play.

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is best suited for backhand use. It provides great control and spin, allowing players to execute precise shots and generate ample rotation. The rubber’s softness contributes to its playability, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.

To summarize my assessment of Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft on a scale of 1 to 10:

Speed: 8.0
Spin: 9.2
Control: 9.6

#3 — November 2022

Diverse in play. This rubber imparts confidence to execute a wide range of shots.

The most noticeable aspect of this rubber is its exceptional control. For optimal results, I recommend using it on a harder surfaced blade.

I previously tried Goiabao 5 but lacked confidence in its performance. The YEO7 power felt crisp and responsive. After using different combinations for months, I have returned to this one.

If you find yourself overshooting frequently, applying 1-2 layers of booster after a layer of glue can help lift the throw angle and shorten the distance of travel. Give it a try.