Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is a high-quality offensive all-round table tennis rubber developed by the Japanese manufacturer Yasaka, combining the legendary Mark V series' tacky topsheet with a slightly softer (~37.5°) High Performance Sponge (HPS) that ensures improved speed, spin, and control without additional weight. ITTF-approved, this rubber features a natural rubber topsheet paired with a medium-soft sponge, delivering a balanced feel suitable for powerful loop drives, flat hits, and precise ball placement. Available in 2.0 mm or max thickness, Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft boasts high speed (87/100, ~10.9/20), good spin (60/100, ~7.5/20), and excellent control (70/100, ~8.8/20), making it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players seeking an all-round offensive game with enhanced dynamics. The rubber stands out with its medium-arc trajectory, durability, and outstanding value for money, making it suitable for both forehand and backhand play. Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is all about dynamics, control, and versatile attacking!

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted

• Sponge Hardness: Medium-soft (~37.5°)

• Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm, Max

• Speed: 87/100 (~10.9/20 on the general scale)

• Control: 70/100 (~8.8/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: 60/100 (~7.5/20 on the general scale)

• Top Sheet Properties: Tacky natural rubber surface, medium-arc trajectory, precise ball placement

• Technologies: High Performance Sponge (HPS)

• Color: Red, Black (top sheet)

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Loop drives, topspin shots, flat hits, short game, blocking, close-to-the-table and mid-distance play

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft distinguishes itself with its upgraded HPS sponge, tacky surface, and balanced trajectory, making it ideal for players seeking an all-round attacking game with high control:

• Top Sheet Composition: The tacky natural rubber top sheet, inherited from the classic Mark V series, ensures good grip, allowing for spin generation on loop drives, topspin shots, serves, and short touches. The surface is reliable and easy to control, making it suitable for players transitioning from all-round rubbers to offensive ones. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~45° sponge, ~10.9/20 speed), Mark V HPS Soft offers similar speed (~10.9/20), less spin (~7.5/20 vs. ~11.0/20), and better control (~8.8/20 vs. ~7.9/20) due to its softer sponge.

• Sponge: The medium-soft (~37.5°) High Performance Sponge (HPS) ensures a balanced combination of speed and control, providing a light yet dynamic feel suitable for powerful loop drives and flat hits. The sponge is softer than Yasaka Rakza 7 (~45°), offering similar speed (~10.9/20) but greater control (~8.8/20 vs. ~7.9/20) and easier handling. Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~37.5° sponge, ~12.5/20 speed), Mark V HPS Soft provides lower speed (~10.9/20 vs. ~12.5/20), less spin (~7.5/20 vs. ~12.1/20), and similar control (~8.8/20).

• HPS Technology: The High Performance Sponge technology enhances the sponge’s dynamics, delivering more speed and spin without extra weight compared to the classic Mark V rubber. The medium-arc trajectory (9.0/10) facilitates net clearance, increasing shot success, while the sponge provides a light yet controllable power feel. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36° sponge, ~15.0/20 spin), Mark V HPS Soft offers less spin but better control (~8.8/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and easier handling for beginners.

• Spin & Trajectory: The tacky surface and HPS sponge produce a medium-arc trajectory (9.0/10), facilitating loop drives, topspin shots, and opening attacks against semi-long balls. The rubber is effective in handling incoming spin, making it suitable for passive returns and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (9.5/10 trajectory), Mark V HPS Soft has a slightly lower arc but similar forgiveness and easier handling. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), Mark V HPS Soft generates less spin but offers a more stable trajectory and easier control.

• Control: Thanks to the tacky surface and medium-soft sponge, the rubber provides excellent control, especially in short-game play, serves, passive returns, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~7.9/20 control), Mark V HPS Soft offers better control (~8.8/20) and greater forgiveness.

Technical Specifications & Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (87/100, ~10.9/20): Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is a fast rubber suitable for topspin shots, loop drives, flat hits, and blocks at the table or from mid-distance. The HPS sponge ensures controlled power transfer, allowing players to generate sufficient speed to pressure opponents. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~10.9/20 speed), Mark V HPS Soft offers similar speed but greater forgiveness. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~13.9/20 speed), speed is lower, but control and spin remain competitive for all-round play.

• Control (70/100, ~8.8/20): The tacky surface and medium-soft sponge provide high control, especially in short-game play, serves, passive returns, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~8.8/20 control), Mark V HPS Soft offers similar control but easier handling for beginners. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), control is lower, but the rubber is more stable for beginner and intermediate players.

• Spin (60/100, ~7.5/20): The tacky surface generates good spin, particularly on loop drives, topspin shots, and serves, with a medium trajectory. Compared to XIOM Vega X (~12.5/20 spin), spin is lower, but control is easier. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), spin is lower, but the trajectory is more stable and control is more forgiving.

• Trajectory (9.0/10): The medium-arc trajectory facilitates loop drives, topspin shots, and opening attacks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft (9.5/10 trajectory), Mark V HPS Soft has a slightly lower arc but greater forgiveness for beginners. When blocking, the trajectory is stable, suitable for both active and passive blocks.

• Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm is ideal for players seeking balanced speed and control, while max thickness enhances power for stronger loop drives.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Shots (9.2/10): The rubber is effective in executing topspin and loop shots, especially on the forehand and backhand, due to the tacky surface’s spin potential and HPS sponge dynamics. Suitable for opening attacks and controlled rallies.

• Blocking (9.3/10): Highly effective in blocking topspin shots at the table, thanks to the medium-soft sponge’s energy absorption and the tacky surface’s stability.

• Pressure Push (9.2/10): Allows precise pushes against backspin or dead balls, particularly due to the tacky surface’s spin potential.

• Counter-Hitting (9.1/10): Effective for fast counterattacks at the table and from mid-distance, especially due to the HPS sponge’s controlled speed.

• Attacking Shots (Smashing) (9.2/10): Effective in flat hits, generating fast and precise trajectories with sufficient power.

• Serves & Receives (9.3/10): Enables precise serve control (9.3/10) and is effective in passive (9.3/10) and active (9.2/10) receives due to spin and control.

• Flick Shots (9.2/10): Banana flicks are easy to execute due to the tacky surface and medium-soft sponge, ensuring accuracy and spin.

Blade Compatibility:

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft pairs well with all-round and fast blades that complement its speed, spin, and control:

• Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances the rubber’s control and spin, ideal for backhand play by all-round players.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~10.5/20 speed, ALL): Provides an excellent balance of control and spin, suitable for backhand or forehand play.

• DHS Q968 Hurricane King National (~12.9/20 speed, OFF+): Complements the rubber’s speed and spin, ideal for forehand play by attacking players.

• Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances the rubber’s control, suitable for beginners and all-round players.

• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (~11.5/20 speed, OFF): Perfect for players emphasizing spin and loop drives.

It is recommended to use Mark V HPS Soft 2.0 mm on the backhand with all-round blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent) or max thickness on the forehand with faster blades (e.g., Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive) to maintain racket balance and maximize control and spin potential. Due to its lightweight sponge and high control, the rubber is particularly suitable for players seeking an all-round offensive game with easy handling.

Additional Information:

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is an upgraded version of the classic Mark V series, developed using HPS technology that combines a tacky natural rubber top sheet with a medium-soft sponge, ensuring improved speed, spin, and control without extra weight. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~45° sponge, ~10.9/20 speed), Mark V HPS Soft offers similar speed (~10.9/20), less spin (~7.5/20 vs. ~11.0/20), and better control (~8.8/20 vs. ~7.9/20), making it ideal for beginners and intermediate players. Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~37.5° sponge, ~12.5/20 speed), Mark V HPS Soft provides lower speed and spin but similar control, making it an easier-to-handle alternative for all-round players. Users praise the rubber’s "excellent control," "balanced speed," "easy handling," and "durability," though some note it may be too slow for extremely aggressive shots compared to modern offensive rubbers. The rubber is durable, offers great value for money, and is easy to control, making it suitable for various playing styles, especially beginners and intermediate players transitioning to offensive play. Regular cleaning with a specialized cleaner (e.g., Yasaka Rubber Cleaner) and protective film use are recommended to prevent damage. ITTF-approved, Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is suitable for competition and ideal for players seeking a reliable rubber with balanced speed, spin, and control.

Who is Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft For?

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is designed for players seeking versatility, control, and enhanced dynamics:

• Beginners & intermediate players (0–10+ years of experience): Those looking for an easy-to-control rubber with good speed and control, especially on the forehand and backhand.

• All-round offensive players: Those emphasizing controlled topspin shots, loop drives, flat hits, and blocks.

• Close-to-the-table and mid-distance play: Effective in topspin shots, loop drives, blocks, short game, and serves.

• Serves & receives: Enables precise serve control (9.3/10) and is effective in passive (9.3/10) and active (9.2/10) receives.

• Players seeking balanced attacking play: Ideal for those who want a rubber with a medium arc, easy handling, and reliability.

Advantages of Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft:

• Speed (10.9/20): High speed, suitable for topspin shots, loop drives, flat hits, and blocks.

• Control (8.8/20): Excellent control, especially in short-game play, serves, passive returns, and blocks.

• Spin (7.5/20): Good spin, particularly on loop drives and serves, with a medium trajectory.

• Trajectory (9.0/10): Medium arc, facilitating topspin shots and attacks.

• HPS Technology: Enhances sponge dynamics, ensuring speed and spin without extra weight.

• Forgiveness: Easy to control, reducing error frequency.

• Durability: Natural rubber top sheet ensures a long lifespan.

• Value for money: Affordable for its high quality and performance.

• High quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competition.

Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7, Mark V HPS Soft offers similar speed, less spin, and better control, making it ideal for players seeking easier handling and versatility. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05, the rubber provides less spin but better control and easier handling. Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is ITTF-approved, suitable for competition, and ideal for players emphasizing control, versatility, and improved dynamics. Its HPS technology ensures exceptional performance and feel. Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft is all about dynamics, control, and versatile attacking!

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft

Yasaka Mark V HPS Soft