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Tensor 38 reviews
Very good rubber for forehand (FH) and backhand (BH). I tried it in both maximum and 2.0 thickness, but I prefer the 2.0 because the rubbers are quite heavy.
This rubber is good for FH, but it ultimately served as a stepping stone to Chinese rubbers. However, it’s my favorite BH rubber for hinoki blades.
It’s controlled and very spinny, though not super fast. It’s fast enough, with very good short game and flicks. It’s also good for all kinds of spin play, especially spinny looping with beautiful arcs. It can even chop pretty well.
It has a somewhat high throw. I don’t like high throw on FH, but I do on BH. I think Yasaka did a great job with this hybrid-style rubber. It’s hard, but it doesn’t feel that hard because of the tackiness.
I use this as BH on my Xiom ICE CREAM AZXi. It offers super control and spin. I can swing hard and the ball will stay on the table. This is also partly due to my blade, which has very high control on the AZXi. For me, this rubber has as much spin as an H3 neo Boosted, but it is slower. I still think it has enough speed to finish off a point. My backhand money shot is hard flat hits, and it works very well with Rakza Z, even though it’s on the slower side. It works very well for my game.
If you are looking for a Tenergy-like speed rubber, this is not it. But if you are looking for a spinny, controllable rubber with all+ to -off speed, this rubber works extremely well. I recommend this rubber for a spinny, control-oriented game.
Excellent rubber, but it seems to be discontinued. Any ideas for the best replacement (other than Rakza Z Hard)?
The Seven Wonders of the World are no longer seven. With the addition of Rakza Z, there are now eight wonders in the world.
Review:
Very similar to Dignics 09c at one-third the price. The sponge is hard, and the topsheet is tacky. It is not sensitive to spin, making it very easy to return serves. It is made for fast carbon blades and is a hybrid of Chinese and European qualities. It is very forgiving and offers high control, resulting in insane spins. I love it so much that I bought four and will buy even more.
This rubber is a dream for flat hitters. For topspin, you need to close the racquet angle more, as the rubber is bouncy with a higher throw. You will also need to move your hand forward, as the racket alone will not generate enough spin. Pushes, chops, and lifting underspin serves are all very easy with this rubber.
I’ve always struggled to generate significant topspin on my strokes, but this rubber almost does it for you. Its throw angle is rather high, which means you have to close the racket angle more for drives. This was an easy and instant adjustment for me, and after which I started to brush the ball a lot more, keeping it low over the net and super spinny. It gives opponents a lot of trouble, especially the less experienced ones. The tackiness helps with lifting underspin; this rubber is a confidence booster.
I think this hybrid approach to tackiness and sponge is perfectly balanced and the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for offensive topspin play, and serve and receive are also excellent thanks to the tackiness.
The downsides are that it’s not good for flat hitting (which shouldn’t really matter, as loop-drive / brushing strokes are a better option in my opinion, and with this rubber you’ll do it instinctively). And the weight. I don’t find it a problem either, because I lift weights lol.
Previously used rubbers: Mark V, Xiom Vega Europe, Xiom Vega Intro, Rakza 7 Soft…
Great rubber at a great price. It serves, attacks, loops, and blocks very well. It does not have the huge kick of a Tenergy or Dignics, but I feel very confident that my ball will find the table.
You have to clean it (water for me) to keep the tackiness, or that can be lost pretty easily.
My second favorite pad after Fastarc G-1. It has a high throw angle, good speed, and a soft feeling. However, the sponge is quite dense and elastic. It fit perfectly on the bh.
This rubber is truly extraordinary, boasting exceptional qualities. Its most remarkable attribute lies in its rotation, allowing players to effortlessly lift any cut and execute topspins with the assurance that the ball will soar over the net and land precisely on the opposite side, thanks to its impressive angle. It is particularly well-suited for players who favor playing close to the table and in the mid-distance.
While the speed is manageable, it is not exceptionally fast, which can result in a loss of momentum when playing away from the table. Notably, this rubber exhibits a unique blend of Chinese grip and European responsiveness, making it an exceptional hybrid.
Meticulous maintenance is essential to preserve its performance, but its durability is a significant advantage. I have practiced six to seven hours weekly for the past year, and the rubber has maintained a remarkable lifespan. Even after extensive use, it retains approximately 25% of its efficacy, a testament to its exceptional endurance.
In comparison to similar rubbers such as the Joola Dynaryz ACC, Goldarc 8, Tenergy, and Hurricane Neo, none offer the same combination of durability and performance. Its exceptional spin and control enable effective short serves and ensure dependable returns with topspin.
The rubber is relatively impervious to spin, providing confidence when returning serves. I am strongly considering incorporating it not only on my forehand but also on my backhand. While my playing style favors a soft rubber forehand and a harder, higher-tension rubber on my backhand, the Rakza Z’s versatility has me contemplating its use on both sides. I remain undecided about the “Hard” version or the Nittaku G1, but the Rakza Z has secured its place as my preferred forehand rubber.
Despite its outstanding qualities, it does have some drawbacks. The weight can be a concern, and the speed is slightly inferior to certain other rubbers. Additionally, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal performance.
The Rakza Z is an excellent choice for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced. However, for professional players, its suitability remains uncertain, as I have yet to witness its use by any prominent athletes.
Excellent rubber offering great spin. Due to the hard sponge, you have to play active strokes, otherwise the ball will die. This encourages proper technique, which is only beneficial for an intermediate player like myself. It’s very good for serves and short play, but really shines when executing spinny topspin loops. Highly recommended.
This rubber matches the performance of Butterfly Dignics 09C and Nittaku Sieger PK50. I tested all three, and Yasaka Rakza Z emerged as my favorite. It exhibits a speed between Dignics 09C and Sieger PK50.
Among the three, Rakza Z is the tackiest. It shares the same hardness level as Sieger PK50, while Dignics 09C is the hardest. I selected this rubber because while tacky hybrids tend to struggle with passive blocks, Rakza Z minimizes this weakness. Active blocks pose no difficulty for any of these rubbers.
Rakza Z and Sieger PK50 feel slightly softer than Dignics 09C, providing a better touch for slow play. Dignics 09C produces a lower arc than the other two, making it more effective when playing far from the table.
If your game centers around close-to-the-table play, Rakza Z and Sieger PK50 can generate extreme angles and excel at attacking short serves. After 2 to 3 months of use, the initial tackiness of Dignics 09C diminishes, potentially leading to frustration. This may be due to the high price tag associated with it.
In conclusion, Rakza Z is an affordable rubber that rivals the latest and greatest hybrid rubbers. It is highly recommended for players who rely on spin, utilize their wrist for additional spin, and prioritize serving with spin. I prefer using the same rubber on both my forehand and backhand, and my review is based on this approach.
I am at a loss for words to describe this monstrous rubber, but I will attempt to do it justice.
Pros:
Overall, this rubber deserves a perfect score of 10/10.
This is a really good rubber that has so many gears. Previously, I used Yasaka Rakza X and Yasaka Valmo rubbers. For me, the Z-series is better because it has less unpredictable catapult effect, and all shots have more feeling and consistency, with more spin and control. The sticky topsheet makes serving, receiving, and short games much easier and more understandable when compared with tensor rubbers.
I also have Nittaku Sieger PK 50, which is also nice, but it requires more time to work on it for better understanding. Overall, these rubbers can be useful for any type of player, from beginners to very good levels. You just need to pair it with the right blade—not super stiff and hard.
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I have a friend who uses this rubber, and I’m going to give a perspective from the other side of the table. We play together three times a week, and he changes his rubbers many times during the season. He is significantly older than I am. I am 19 years old, and he is over 50. He is not old, but his age is not a positive thing when it comes to long rallies and playing side to side.
Anyhow, because he’s not as fast and aggressive, he plays with control and spin. He switched from Rakza X to Z, and I’m feeling a big difference. It’s more comfortable and chill when he plays and trusts his rubber. Before, he was playing aggressively and missed a lot of points because of that. But now he’s getting points because of his spin and placement.
I think this rubber is for people who like to control the table and play with spin and placement. You don’t usually open first, but you can if your footwork is good that day. You prefer to block and place the ball one or two times before finishing the point. It’s perfect for slower players (with all due respect).
Rakza Z is a very fine hybrid rubber. It has a sticky surface rubber and elastic sponge. It outperforms all other hybrid rubbers that I have tried. It is slightly tackier than BTY D09c and has a softer feel. Rakza Z is easier to play with than D09c and has just the right amount of tackiness. You will not notice a difference if you switch from ESN rubbers like MXP.
You can still serve long with this rubber like a T05. The tackiness aids in short serves, short returns, and small strokes for slow spinning loops. Additionally, you do not need to boost it. This rubber is exceptional.
Best quality for a reasonable price.
First Impression:
I initially tested this rubber on my friend’s Viscaria. After six months of intensive use, the rubber’s grip and spin remained exceptional. Despite losing its tackiness, its durability and grip were impressive. I was astounded, as my Tibhar MX-P felt depleted after three months, with minimal spin and frequent ball drop-offs.
Characteristics:
The Z rubber exhibits a balanced and linear predictive arc. While it was slightly springy on the Viscaria, it maintained high stability. It lacks the catapult effect found in Tenergy or MX-P, requiring a more forward stroke motion.
Current Setup:
I am currently using the Tibhar ForcePro Black Edition with this rubber on my forehand (FH).
It is slightly slower, falling between the off+ ratings of Tibhar MX-P and Tenergy. This reduced speed provides enhanced stability and a higher success rate in keeping the ball on the table.
I experienced significant point loss due to the excessive catapult of MX-P, but with Rakza Z, I feel more confident in my shots.
Flat Shots:
This rubber excels in flat shots, providing exceptional ease of use.
To me, it felt like a H3 Neo with less speed. It had good control, which was notable, but ultimately it didn’t suit my playing style and preferences. I would recommend going with Nittaku Sieger PK50 instead.
Been using Rakza Z on FH and BH for 2 months now together with Ma Lin Extra Offensive blade. Previously used rubbers: Rakza 7 Soft, Rakza X, Stiga Calibra LT, and DHS Hurricane 3.
Pros:
Cons:
Summary:
Considering the price, spin, tackiness, and control, this is an amazing rubber. If you have a controlled attacking style (not that Asian robotic full-on attacking style), then this is the rubber for you. Serves, loops, sidespins, and underspins are beautifully executed by this rubber. Would recommend combining Rakza Z with an all-wood blade, since a carbon blade would take away the control.
Phenomenal rubber, as it’s meant to be the best of both worlds—the tackiness from China and Euro/Japanese springy sponge.
This rubber makes chiquita really easy and opening on backspin too. Blocks are better if active, smashes are direct with a lot of control and speed. Very sensitive for incoming spin; active push will solve this.
Easy to change on different blades because this rubber does not shrink. I suggest to use this rubber on a soft and flexible blade. It works really well on my Butterfly Innerforce ZLC. I can hear the carbon is more easily activated from the crispy sound and the power kick.
I tried it on a Butterfly Timo Boll ALC and it didn’t work well. It was too fast and had bad dwell and feeling.
Before this I used DHS GoldArc 8 also an ESN rubber. It had similar speed, hardness, and control without the tackiness; therefore, Rakza Z is more grippy.
I use the Rakza Z on my backhand because I attack more with my backhand and use my wrist. As always, if you can’t use the wrist on any tacky rubber, use non-tacky rubber.
Played on TB ALC, black, Forehand.
Very unusual rubber. Fast, ultra-spinny. Will update soon.
I have been using Rakza Z as a forehand. It has nice control and generates good spin. I also tried Dignics 09c and I can compare the two. Dignics is more punchy, while Rakza Z is more subtle. I like both. Try Rakza Z in backhand and you will not be disappointed.
The best rubber on the market right now!
Hard rubber with superb spin and control. However, its durability is not as good as the Rakza 7.
What an amazing rubber! For me, it’s the best forehand rubber. It’s slower than normal ESN rubbers, but the quality of the shots is just wow. The shots are loaded with spin, and you have long dwell time to aim where you want to play. It offers very good control through the thickness and isn’t spin-sensitive. If you like to brush the ball, this rubber is made for you. However, if you prefer to hit, there are other better choices.
I have only tested this rubber for two hours. I have it in my XIOM IceCream AZXi blade in the forehand. The rubber is quite similar to T09c, but the sponge is much softer. It is a bit tacky and easy to spin. However, something is still missing and I prefer T09c over this. I will continue testing it in the coming weeks.
The best rubber that has happened to mankind since Pink Floyd… Yasaka is a brand that really tests their material instead of mass-outlets. For example, Donic throws out 12 different Blue that and Blue that a year, while Yasaka sticks to a more focused approach.
The Yasaka rubber offers excellent looping capabilities. It also excels in spin, serves, and shortplay at the net. These qualities make it an exceptional choice for table tennis players.
The best rubber I have ever used.
My brother, a much better table tennis player, also plays with this rubber.
This is as close to Butterfly products as you can come, but this is WAYYY better than any Tenergy. I have tested them all except 09C. And the price… I bought 4 straight up, both versions. The 57-degree is hard, while the 52 version is better, for me that is. But believe me when I say this will be very hyped within a month!
Been testing this for 2 hours only yet, but what a rubber! It’s ca 47-52 degrees, so it is hard, yet it is the soft version. The spin beats the most I have tried. The grades can shift after some passes more. Be sure to check out Rakza Z 55 (!) degrees!
WoW esta goma tiene una velocidad, efecto y control sobresalientes. Compré esta goma porque quería probar una goma híbrida por primera vez y me encantó. Tiene un grado de pegajosidad alto, por lo que es genial para el toque corto. En el topspin cerca y a media distancia de la mesa es increíble, y genera un efecto y control increíbles. Puedes generar servicios cortos con mucho efecto. Pronto tendré que probar la versión Extra Hard.
Excellent hybrid rubber. I’ve been using it on a Donic True Inner Carbon for the forehand mostly.
I got it in a MAX thickness.
It’s my second hybrid rubber after I tried a used Butterfly Dignics 09C.
Comparing a new rubber with a used one is unfair, but this rubber appears to be tackier and spinnier than Dignics 09C.
Durability is also excellent. I’ve used it for 6 months, playing around 7/8 hours per week and it’s still in good condition. It can grab the ball for a couple of seconds when it’s clean. I have been taking care of it by cleaning it with water and/or a rubber cleaner after each session.
Speed is not extreme, but it’s definitely good enough. Looping top spins, short touches, chops, and chop blocks are all easy. The slightest active wrist variation results in spins of excellent quality.
Counter and blocking are very good, too. They require a closer bat angle when compared to a tensor rubber like Tibhar MXS (which I use on the backhand).
The only real drawback I can find is that flat smashes feel a little mushy. However, they can still be performed reasonably well.
I’ve been playing with Rakza Z on FH for about 2-3 weeks and find it intriguing. The rubber is fairly heavy with a medium-tacky topsheet and a pretty hard sponge (50 degrees according to Yasaka). From the first passive shots when warming up, the rubber seems pretty slow and “dead” with a very high arc. Even the coach has told me to keep the ball lower. However, when I’ve started looping, the grip or “bite” on the ball from the topsheet is instant, and the amount of spin is very noticeable while maintaining good control. Picking up low balls is pretty easy due to the high trajectory.
On serves, I can generate a lot of spin while keeping my serves pretty short. One thing that I’ve struggled with a little in the beginning is that I can’t do short movements when serving because the rubber doesn’t have that catapult effect, so I have to do full swings. On the receive/short game, the rubber has great control, and it’s very easy to place the ball close to the net.
The speed on this rubber is pretty subjective because on passive shots/blocking the ball bounces pretty slow and high, but when you start looping and using your force, the rubber can generate good speed along with some exceptional spin. I’ve played before with Rakza 7 and will say that with Rakza Z, I can generate more speed, but overall, Rakza 7 has better speed. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I find that it fits my game because I like to put my own power into the shots.
It’s my first hybrid rubber, and I am very pleased with it. The rubber has exceptional grip, spin, and control, giving me the consistency that I need in my FH shots. As for the price/quality ratio, this is definitely a 10/10.
The rubber is slow if you play slowly and fast if you play quickly. It’s good for all types of shots, providing excellent control and significant power for fast topspins.
While I can’t deny this rubber’s spin and control, its speed and feeling are nothing to write home about. I’ve had two of these rubbers, and the red one is quite inferior to the black one. The topsheet on the red rubber was significantly harder and less tacky than on the black one. I could recommend the black rubber to beginners for forehand play, but it does have one more downside, which is its weight. After playing with other, better rubbers, I’m no longer particularly enthusiastic about this one. The price is reasonable, but I still think the rubber is overhyped.
Great rubber. It is very linear, and I’m using it on backhand (Zhang Jike ALC). It is not the fastest, but control and grip are exceptional. Chinese style, the more you give, the more you get. Placement is super sharp, and blocking is on Rakza 7 level — like a wall (just need bat angle adjustment because of high throw angle).
I hope Yasaka will produce it for a long time. It’s a gem.
I have it on my 5-ply wood Nittaku Kasumi Basic forehand. Before, I used Xiom Vega X and Xiom Vega Pro. Before Xioms, I had used DHS Neo Hurricane 3, but I changed it after my coach said that I should.
So about Rakza: I use 2.00 because I want my bat around 180g. First drives are very strange comparing to normal ESN rubber. You need to understand how this rubber works. Loops are perfect! Tons of spin with control which this rubber has, can make points. Not a speed monster like ESN tensors, but using the placement of the ball and rotation, you can win. This rubber is for active players.
Counter tops and blocks are nice and stable. Short game and receive are fine. Serves can cause some problems for your opponent. I don’t know about durability yet, but we’ll see. I can recommend this rubber for physically strong and active players; lazy ones won’t like it.
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