Yasaka Mark V HPS is a high-quality offensive table tennis rubber developed by the Japanese manufacturer Yasaka, combining the legendary Mark V series top sheet with advanced High Performance Sponge (HPS) technology. ITTF-approved, this rubber features a newly developed medium-hard (~42.5°) sponge that ensures increased speed and spin without additional weight. Available in 2.0 mm, or max thickness, Yasaka Mark V HPS boasts high speed (94/100, ~11.8/20), balanced spin (60/100, ~7.5/20), and good control (70/100, ~8.8/20), making it an ideal choice for players seeking aggressive close-to-the-table play with precise shots. The rubber stands out with its medium-arc trajectory, durability, and the classic Mark V feel, making it suitable for beginners, intermediate players, and those who value reliability and versatility. Yasaka Mark V HPS delivers speed, control, and the classic Mark V legacy!
Key Features:
Rubber Type: Inverted (Pimples In)
Sponge Hardness: Medium (~42.5°)
Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm, Max
Speed: 94/100 (~11.8/20 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 Characteristics: Classic Mark V top sheet, strong grip, medium-arc trajectory
Technologies: High Performance Sponge (HPS)
Color: Red, Black (top sheet)
Country of Origin: Japan
Certifications: ITTF-approved
Suitability: Aggressive close-to-the-table attacking play, topspin shots, flat hits, versatile play for beginners and intermediate players
Yasaka Mark V HPS stands out with its balanced construction, improved HPS sponge, and classic Mark V top sheet, making it ideal for aggressive players seeking a combination of speed and control:
Top Sheet Composition: The classic Mark V top sheet, based on natural rubber, provides strong grip and balanced ball "grabbing," allowing for sufficient spin generation in topspin shots and serves. The top sheet maintains the reliability and durability of the Mark V series while being adapted to modern play with plastic ball challenges. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 9 (~42.5° sponge, ~11.4/20 speed), Mark V HPS offers similar speed (~11.8/20) but less spin (~7.5/20 vs. ~10.6/20) and better control (~8.8/20 vs. ~7.5/20).
Sponge: The medium-hard (~42.5°) High Performance Sponge (HPS) uses a new formula to enhance dynamic response and energy efficiency while maintaining a lightweight feel. HPS technology provides a controlled catapult effect, facilitating quick shots and flat hits close to the table. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (~38° sponge, ~10.0/20 speed), Mark V HPS has a harder sponge, offering higher speed (~11.8/20 vs. ~10.0/20) and similar control (~8.8/20 vs. ~9.0/20). Compared to XIOM Vega Europe (~37.5° sponge, ~12.5/20 speed), Mark V HPS provides less speed but similar spin and control.
High Performance Sponge (HPS) Technology: This technology enhances sponge dynamics, ensuring faster ball rebound and a stronger catapult effect without extra weight. The medium-arc trajectory facilitates precise shots, reducing forced errors. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~36° sponge, ~15.0/20 spin), Mark V HPS offers less spin but better control (~8.8/20 vs. ~12.0/20) and easier handling.
Spin and Trajectory: The classic Mark V top sheet and HPS sponge provide a medium-arc trajectory (9.0/10), facilitating topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks. The rubber is effective against backspin balls, aiding in opening shots, though spin generation is lower than in modern rubbers. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 9 (8.8/10 trajectory), Mark V HPS offers a slightly higher trajectory, enhancing versatility. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), Mark V HPS generates less spin but offers easier handling and better control.
Control: The medium-hard sponge and classic Mark V top sheet provide good control, especially in topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza X Soft (~9.3/20 control), Mark V HPS offers similar control (~8.8/20) but higher speed (~11.8/20 vs. ~10.5/20) and less spin (~7.5/20 vs. ~11.0/20).
Technical Specifications and Playing Characteristics:
Speed (94/100, ~11.8/20): Yasaka Mark V HPS is a fast rubber suitable for topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks close to the table. The HPS sponge ensures a controlled catapult effect, enabling sufficient speed for attacking play. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (~10.0/20 speed), Mark V HPS is faster. Compared to Nittaku Fastarc G-1 (~13.9/20 speed), it is slower but offers competitive control and versatility.
Control (70/100, ~8.8/20): HPS technology and the medium-hard sponge ensure good control, particularly in topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 7 (~8.0/20 control), Mark V HPS provides better control. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05 (~12.0/20 control), control is lower but handling is easier in aggressive play.
Spin (60/100, ~7.5/20): The classic Mark V top sheet generates balanced spin, suitable for topspin shots and serves, though less than modern rubbers. Compared to XIOM Vega X (~16.1/20 spin), spin is lower but handling is easier. Compared to DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (~15.5/20 spin), spin is lower but control is better and speed is higher.
Trajectory (9.0/10): Medium-arc trajectory facilitates topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks. Compared to Yasaka Rakza 9 (8.8/10 trajectory), the trajectory is slightly higher, aiding versatility. Blocking is stable, suitable for passive and active blocks.
Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm offers a balanced speed-control mix, and max thickness enhances catapult effect for attacking play.
Gameplay Aspects:
Topspin Shots (9.2/10): Effective for topspin shots, especially forehand strokes against backspin balls, due to the HPS sponge and classic Mark V top sheet, ensuring balanced spin and speed. Suitable for opening shots and versatile rallies.
Blocking (9.4/10): Effective in blocking topspin shots close to the table, especially on forehand and backhand sides, due to the medium-hard sponge stability and Mark V top sheet precision.
Push Shots (9.0/10): Allows precise pushes against backspin or dead balls, though spin generation is limited compared to modern rubbers.
Counter-Hitting (9.3/10): Suitable for quick counter-attacks close to the table, thanks to the HPS sponge’s catapult effect and Mark V top sheet accuracy.
Smashing (9.4/10): Effective in flat hits, generating fast and precise trajectories with power, ideal for aggressive attackers.
Serves & Receives (9.0/10): Enables precise serve control, especially with the Mark V top sheet, and is effective in passive (9.0/10) and active (8.9/10) receives due to balanced spin and control.
Flick Shots (9.1/10): Banana flicks are easy to execute due to the Mark V top sheet and medium-hard sponge, ensuring accuracy and sufficient spin.
Compatibility with Blades:
Yasaka Mark V HPS pairs well with versatile and fast blades that complement its speed, control, and medium trajectory:
Nittaku Engent (~11.3/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances rubber control and spin, ideal for backhand side in versatile players.
Donic Skachkov Carbospeed (~13.1/20 speed, OFF+): Boosts rubber speed, suitable for forehand side in aggressive attackers.
DHS Q968 Hurricane King National (~12.9/20 speed, OFF+): Provides excellent speed-control balance, ideal for forehand side.
Butterfly Primorac (~10.8/20 speed, ALL+): Enhances rubber control, suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (~11.5/20 speed, OFF): Perfect for players emphasizing speed and topspin shots.
Recommended to use Mark V HPS in 2.0 mm for backhand on all-round blades (e.g., Nittaku Engent) or 2.0 mm/max for forehand on faster blades (e.g., Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive) to maintain racket balance and maximize speed potential.
Additional Information:
Yasaka Mark V HPS is an upgraded version of the classic Mark V series, integrating HPS technology for added dynamism and speed without extra weight. Compared to Yasaka Mark V, Mark V HPS offers higher speed (~11.8/20 vs. ~10.0/20), similar spin (~7.5/20 vs. ~7.0/20), and similar control (~8.8/20 vs. ~9.0/20), making it suitable for players seeking a modernized feel. Compared to XIOM Vega Asia (~16.3/20 speed, ~12.5/20 spin), Mark V HPS provides less speed and spin but better control and easier handling, making it more suitable for beginners and intermediate players. Users highlight the rubber’s "reliability," "excellent control," and "durability" but note that spin generation is limited compared to modern rubbers like Yasaka Rakza 9. The rubber is lightweight, long-lasting, and offers excellent value for money, remaining a popular choice among players who appreciate the Mark V legacy. It is recommended to clean the surface regularly with a dedicated cleaner (e.g., Yasaka Rubber Cleaner) and use a protective film to prevent damage. ITTF-approved, Yasaka Mark V HPS is suitable for competitions and ideal for players seeking a dependable rubber with balanced speed and control.
Who is Yasaka Mark V HPS For?
Yasaka Mark V HPS is designed for players seeking speed, control, and reliability:
Beginners & Intermediate Players: Those looking for a dependable rubber with balanced speed and control, especially for forehand and backhand.
Aggressive Close-to-Table Attackers: Players emphasizing topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks.
Versatile Close-to-Table Play: Effective in topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks.
Serves & Receives: Enables precise serve control (9.0/10) and is effective in passive (9.0/10) and active (8.9/10) receives.
Players Valuing Classic Feel: Ideal for those wanting a reliable rubber with modernized dynamics and durability.
Yasaka Mark V HPS Advantages:
Speed (11.8/20): High speed, suitable for topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks.
Control (8.8/20): Good control, especially in topspin shots, flat hits, and blocks.
Spin (7.5/20): Balanced spin, suitable for topspin shots and serves.
Trajectory (9.0/10): Medium-arc trajectory, facilitating topspin shots and blocks.
HPS Technology: Enhances dynamism and speed without extra weight.
Lightweight: Improves handling and reduces fatigue in long rallies.
Durability: Classic Mark V top sheet ensures long lifespan.
Value for Money: Affordable price for reliable quality and performance.
High Quality: ITTF-approved, suitable for competitions.
Compared to Yasaka Rakza 9, Mark V HPS offers higher speed and control but less spin, making it more versatile. Compared to Butterfly Tenergy 05, it provides less spin but better control and easier handling. Yasaka Mark V HPS is ITTF-approved, competition-ready, and ideal for players prioritizing speed, control, and the classic Mark V feel. Its HPS technology ensures modernized performance and reliability. Yasaka Mark V HPS delivers speed, control, and the classic Mark V legacy!