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Yasaka Rakza 9

Speed
Rated 3 out of 5
Spin
Rated 3 out of 5
Control
Rated 3 out of 5
Grip / Tackiness
Rated 3 out of 5
Throw Angle
Rated 3 out of 5
Dwell Time
Rated 3 out of 5
Catapult Effect
Rated 3 out of 5
Hardness Feel
Rated 3 out of 5
Durability
Rated 3 out of 5

4.2/5

Overall Score

Quick Summary

Yasaka Rakza 9 is a fast, spin-capable pimple-in rubber built for offensive and all-round players who demand quick acceleration, grippy topsheet control, and consistent loop performance. Using Yasaka’s Hybrid Energy technology and a newly developed top sheet, it offers high speed with a more approachable feel due to its 42.5° sponge hardness. The result is a rubber that balances catapult power and spin while remaining manageable for advanced intermediate and high-level players. Best suited for aggressive loopers and forehand-dominant attackers who play close to mid-distance.

Specs

Type: Offensive
Surface: Grippy
Sponge Hardness: 42.5° ESN
Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm / 2.0 mm / Max
Speed (Manufacturer): 91
Spin (Manufacturer): 85
Control (Manufacturer): 60
ITTF Approved: Yes
Made In: Germany

Pros

Fast and responsive with high spin capability
Medium sponge offers better dwell and control than many fast rubbers
Catapult helps extend power at mid-distance
Durable and stable across long-term use

Cons

Requires active strokes and good timing for best control
Short game demands precision due to bouncy response

Scoring Breakdown

Aspect	Rating	Explanation
Speed	4.5	Quick and responsive on loops and counters. It’s clearly faster than Rakza 7, but still easier to control than very hard rubbers.
Spin	4.5	Excellent grip enables strong topspin and variation. Performs well on brush loops and service spin.
Control	4.0	Maintains good control, especially when paired with good timing and technique.
Grip / Tackiness	4.5	High-friction topsheet generates consistent spin in both open play and service.
Throw Angle	4.0	Medium-high trajectory with a reliable arc, allowing good net clearance on looping strokes.
Dwell Time	4.0	Moderate to long dwell time from the softer sponge. Helps with spin control and feedback.
Catapult Effect	4.0	Springy and responsive when activated. Noticeable kick on high-impact shots.
Hardness Feel	3.5	Feels medium, firm yet forgiving. Offers a blend of stability and touch.
Durability	4.5	Sturdy topsheet with consistent play characteristics. Surface wear is gradual with regular use.

Core Performance Aspects

Looping & Topspin Play

Yasaka Rakza 9 performs very well in loop-oriented play. The grippy topsheet and medium sponge allow confident brushing and varied topspin. The throw angle is medium-high, providing good clearance over the net and a reliable arc. While it doesn’t dwell as long as softer rubbers like Rakza 7 Soft, it still offers sufficient contact time to shape spin, especially on forehand loops.

Driving & Hitting

Flat hits, counter-drives, and smashes come off fast and controlled. The medium sponge gives a clean, slightly softer feel on contact, compared to harder tensors. Rakza 9 works well for players with good technique and body movement, delivering fast shots while still keeping a decent feel.

Blocking & Passive Play

Rakza 9 handles blocking reasonably well, especially punch blocks and active redirection. The catapult is noticeable on passive blocks but not overwhelming. Softer sponge helps absorb incoming energy, making it a bit more forgiving than ultra-fast rubbers like Tenergy 64 or MX-P.

Serve & Receive

Short serves benefit from the grippy topsheet, which allows for varied spin and a low trajectory. On receive, pushes are controlled, but the rubber’s springiness means precision is needed to keep returns short. Flicks are sharp and fast, ideal for backhand banana flicks when performed with good timing.

Flicks & Short Game

In close-to-table exchanges, Rakza 9 delivers decent touch for an offensive rubber. Short pushes are manageable but require light hands. The medium sponge makes backhand flicks more accessible than harder alternatives, offering a good balance of grip and control when accelerating through the ball.

Distance Play (Mid-Far Table)

Rakza 9 maintains power and spin well from mid and far distances. The catapult effect adds energy to shots, helping players stay aggressive even when off the table. Its speed and arc allow confident topspin rallies from all court zones, assuming the player can keep up physically.

Strategic Considerations

Comparison to Similar Rubbers

Compared to Rakza 7, Rakza 9 is faster with a more direct feel and slightly shorter dwell. It offers a more aggressive trajectory and faster catapult. Against Tibhar Evolution FX-S, Rakza 9 feels more linear and better suited for direct attacks. It’s less bouncy than Tenergy 64, which improves predictability in the short game.

Blade Compatibility

Pairs well with medium to stiff blades. Inner-carbon blades with some flex enhance the control and spin, while stiff outer-carbon blades maximize its speed. Players using flexible all-wood blades may benefit from added stability, though may sacrifice some explosiveness.

Ideal User Profile

Best suited for intermediate to advanced players who favor fast loop-and-drive play. Especially good on the forehand side for players who rely on controlled aggression, third-ball attacks, and mid-distance pressure. Not ideal for beginners or players who rely heavily on touch-based short play.

Yasaka Rakza 9 delivers a strong balance of speed, spin, and control in an offensive rubber with a medium sponge feel. It brings more energy and catapult than Rakza 7 while staying manageable thanks to its 42.5° sponge. This makes it a reliable choice for advanced loopers and counter-attackers seeking dynamic play without sacrificing consistency.

If you’re looking for a fast offensive rubber that blends speed, spin, and medium sponge feel, Yasaka Rakza 9 is definitely worth considering. Check current deals and trusted retailers below to find the best setup for your playing style.

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