Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is a high-quality offensive table tennis rubber developed by the Japanese manufacturer Yasaka, designed for spin and control, making it ideal for players who emphasize spin-based attacks and precision. ITTF-approved, this rubber features a sticky natural rubber topsheet, identical to the Rakza 7, paired with a soft (~40°) Power Sponge that ensures longer ball contact, strong spin, and excellent control. Available in 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, or max thickness, Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft offers a balanced speed (84/100, ~10.5/20), strong spin (88/100, ~11.0/20), and high control (67/100, ~8.4/20), making it an excellent choice for players seeking heavy spin, high trajectory, and stability in fast rallies. The rubber stands out with its high-arc trajectory, superb short-game control, elasticity due to the built-in speed glue effect, and durability, making it suitable for both forehand and backhand, especially for loop-oriented attackers close to the table. Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is all about spin, control, and precise attacking!

Key Features:

• Rubber Type: Inverted Tensor

• Sponge Hardness: Soft (~40°)

• Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, Max

• Speed: 84/100 (~10.5/20 on the general scale)

• Control: 67/100 (~8.4/20 on the general scale)

• Spin: 88/100 (~11.0/20 on the general scale)

• Topsheet Properties: Sticky natural rubber surface, strong grip, high-arc trajectory, precise ball placement

• Technologies: Hybrid Energy, Power Sponge, built-in speed glue effect

• Color: Red, Black (top sheet)

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Certifications: ITTF-approved

• Suitability: Looping strokes, topspin attacks, counter-looping, short game, blocking, close-to-table play, modern defensive play

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft distinguishes itself with its sticky topsheet, soft sponge, and high trajectory, catering to players seeking spin, control, and forgiveness:

• Topsheet Composition: The sticky natural rubber topsheet, identical to Rakza 7, is manufactured using Hybrid Energy technology, ensuring strong grip for generating maximum spin during loops, topspins, serves, and short touches. The surface "grabs" the ball, facilitating backspin ball lifts and ensuring precise shots. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~45° sponge, ~10.9/20 speed), Rakza 7 Soft offers slightly lower speed (~10.5/20 vs. ~10.9/20), similar spin (~11.0/20), and higher control (~8.4/20 vs. ~7.9/20) due to its softer sponge.

• Sponge: The soft (~40°) Power Sponge increases dwell time, allowing for more spin generation and easier control of fast shots. The sponge absorbs incoming energy, making blocks and counter-loops more stable. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~47.5° sponge, ~10.9/20 speed), Rakza 7 Soft offers lower speed (~10.5/20), similar spin (~11.0/20 vs. ~10.6/20), and slightly lower control (~8.4/20 vs. ~8.8/20). Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~37.5° sponge, ~12.5/20 speed), Rakza 7 Soft provides lower speed but similar spin and higher control (~8.4/20 vs. ~7.5/20).

• Hybrid Energy & Power Sponge Technologies: Hybrid Energy combines the sticky topsheet with the soft Power Sponge, creating a synergistic effect that enables strong spin and precise shots. The built-in speed glue effect adds elasticity, enhancing explosiveness in short-game and looping play. The high-arc trajectory makes net clearance easier, increasing shot success rates. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36° sponge, ~15.0/20 spin), Rakza 7 Soft offers less spin but higher control (~8.4/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and easier short-game handling.

• Spin & Trajectory: The sticky topsheet and soft sponge ensure a high-arc trajectory (9.5/10), facilitating loops, topspins, and opening shots against backspin. The rubber effectively manages incoming spin, making it suitable for counter-loops and passive returns. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (9.0/10 trajectory), Rakza 7 Soft offers a higher arc, aiding attacks against low balls. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), Rakza 7 Soft generates less spin but provides a higher trajectory and easier control.

• Control: The sticky topsheet, soft sponge, and speed glue effect deliver excellent control, especially in short play, serves, passive returns, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 9 (~7.5/20 control), Rakza 7 Soft offers higher control (~8.4/20) and greater forgiveness.

Technical Ratings & Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (84/100, ~10.5/20): Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is a medium-speed rubber suitable for topspins, loops, counters, and close-to-table blocks. The soft Power Sponge ensures controlled power transfer, generating enough speed to pressure opponents. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~10.9/20 speed), Rakza 7 Soft is slightly slower but more controllable. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~13.9/20 speed), it is slower but offers competitive spin and control.

• Control (67/100, ~8.4/20): The sticky topsheet and soft sponge provide high control, especially in short play, serves, passive returns, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (~8.8/20 control), Rakza 7 Soft offers slightly lower control but greater forgiveness. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), control is lower but handling is more stable for beginners.

• Spin (88/100, ~11.0/20): The sticky topsheet generates strong spin, particularly in loops, topspins, serves, and short touches, with a sharp 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 trajectory is higher and control is more forgiving.

• Trajectory (9.5/10): The high-arc trajectory eases looping, topspins, and opening shots against backspin. Blocking trajectory is stable, suitable for active and passive blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X (9.0/10 trajectory), Rakza 7 Soft provides a higher arc, aiding attacks against low balls.

• Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm suits players prioritizing maximum control, 2.0 mm offers a balanced speed-control blend, while max thickness enhances power for looping.

Playing Aspects:

• Topspin Attacks: 9.5/10 – Extremely effective for topspin and loop strokes, especially on forehand and backhand, due to the spin potential of the sticky topsheet, dwell time of the soft sponge, and high trajectory. Ideal for opening shots against backspin.

• Blocking: 9.3/10 – Effective in blocking topspins close to the table, thanks to the sponge’s energy absorption and topsheet stability.

• Push Shots: 9.4/10 – Enables precise pushes against backspin or dead balls, leveraging the topsheet’s grip and sponge control.

• Counter-Hitting: 9.2/10 – Effective for fast counters near the table, aided by the Power Sponge’s elasticity and speed glue effect.

• Smashing: 8.9/10 – Effective for flat hits, though speed is slightly lower than ultra-offensive rubbers, emphasizing spin and control.

• Serves & Receives: 9.5/10 – Allows precise serve control (9.5/10) and excels in passive (9.5/10) and active (9.4/10) receives due to strong spin and control.

• Flick Shots: 9.5/10 – Banana flicks are easy to execute due to the topsheet’s grip, soft sponge, and dwell time, ensuring accuracy and spin.

Blade Compatibility:

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft pairs well with all-round, fast, and defensive blades that complement its spin, control, and high trajectory:

• Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances control and spin, ideal for backhand on all-round players.

• Donic Appelgren Allplay (~10.5/20 speed, ALL): Offers excellent control-spin balance, suitable for forehand or backhand.

• DHS Q968 Hurricane King National (~12.9/20 speed, OFF+): Boosts speed and spin, ideal for forehand attackers.

• Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Improves control, suited for beginners and all-rounders.

• Yasaka Sweden Defensive (~8.0/20 speed, DEF): Perfect for modern defenders combining defensive chops with attacking strokes.

For best results, use Rakza 7 Soft in 1.8 mm or 2.0 mm on backhand with all-round/defensive blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent) or 2.0 mm/max on forehand with faster blades (e.g., DHS Q968) to maintain racket balance and maximize control/spin potential. The soft sponge and high trajectory make it especially suitable for players seeking easy handling and spin.

Additional Information:

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is a softer version of Rakza 7, built on Hybrid Energy technology that combines a sticky natural rubber topsheet with a soft Power Sponge for balanced spin, control, and elasticity. Compared to Rakza 7 (~45° sponge, ~10.9/20 speed), Rakza 7 Soft has lower speed (~10.5/20), similar spin (~11.0/20), and higher control (~8.4/20), catering to players desiring more forgiveness and easier handling. Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~37.5° sponge, ~12.5/20 speed), it offers lower speed but similar spin and higher control, appealing to spin-focused players. Users praise its "excellent short-game control," "strong spin," "high trajectory," and "durability," though note it may feel slow for ultra-aggressive shots versus offensive rubbers. Its durability, cost-performance ratio, and ease of use make it suitable for various playing styles, especially beginners and intermediates. Regular cleaning (e.g., with Yasaka Rubber Cleaner) and protective film use are recommended. ITTF-approved, Rakza 7 Soft is tournament-legal and ideal for players prioritizing spin, control, and elasticity.

Who is Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft For?

This rubber suits players seeking spin, control, and forgiveness:

• Beginners to intermediates (0–15+ years experience): Those wanting an easy-to-control rubber with strong spin and high control, especially on forehand/backhand.

• Spin-oriented attackers: Emphasizing controlled topspins, loops, opening shots vs. backspin, and blocks.

• Modern defenders: Blending defensive chops with attacks on defensive blades.

• Close-to-table play: Effective for topspins, loops, blocks, short play, and serves.

• Serve & receive: Enables precise serves (9.5/10) and excels in passive (9.5/10) and active (9.4/10) receives.

• Spin-control seekers: Optimal for those desiring high trajectory, elasticity, and easy handling.

Advantages of Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft:

• Speed (10.5/20): Medium pace, suitable for topspins, loops, counters, and blocks.

• Control (8.4/20): High control in short play, serves, passive returns, and blocks.

• Spin (11.0/20): Strong spin for loops, serves, and short touches with sharp trajectory.

• Trajectory (9.5/10): High arc eases topspins and attacks vs. backspin.

• Hybrid Energy: Combines sticky topsheet and soft sponge for spin and precision.

• Speed glue effect: Adds elasticity for explosive short-game and looping.

• Forgiveness: Easy handling reduces errors.

• Durability: Natural rubber topsheet ensures longevity.

• Cost-performance: High quality at an affordable price.

• Premium quality: ITTF-approved for competitions.

Compared to Rakza 7, Rakza 7 Soft offers lower speed, similar spin, and higher control, appealing to players wanting easier handling and higher trajectory. Versus Butterfly Tenergy 05, it provides less spin but higher control and easier handling. ITTF-approved, Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is perfect for competitive players emphasizing spin, control, and forgiveness. Its Hybrid Energy, Power Sponge, and speed glue effect ensure exceptional performance and feel. Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft—spin, control, and precise attacking!

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft