Yasaka Rakza Z is a high-spin offensive rubber featuring a sticky topsheet combined with a hard “Power Sponge.” Unlike earlier Rakza rubbers that emphasized grip through a grippy surface, Rakza Z introduces a sticky surface for greater spin potential, particularly on slow loops, brush shots, and service play. Provides a longer dwell time, high arc, and solid control, making it ideal for loop-oriented attackers and strategic all-round players seeking heavy spin and consistency.
| Aspect | Rating | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4.0 | Offers solid offensive speed, but clearly spin-focused. Not as fast as typical tensors in the Rakza line. |
| Spin | 5.0 | The sticky topsheet generates very high spin, especially on serves, brush loops, and chops. |
| Control | 4.5 | Excellent control due to the tackiness and dwell time. Forgiving on spin-sensitive shots. |
| Grip / Tackiness | 5.0 | One of the tackiest Yasaka rubbers. Great grip on contact, especially for open-ups and service. |
| Throw Angle | 4.5 | High arc on loops provides margin over the net, helping with consistency and safety in topspin rallies. |
| Dwell Time | 4.5 | Long dwell time supports spin generation and touch-based play. |
| Catapult Effect | 3.0 | Limited catapult. Ball exits slower unless fully engaged, prioritizing control and spin over bounce. |
| Hardness Feel | 4.0 | Feels firm. The harder sponge balances well with the sticky topsheet. |
| Durability | 4.5 | Excellent durability for a tacky rubber. Topsheet holds tack and structure longer than expected. |
This is where Yasaka Rakza Z shines. The sticky topsheet grabs the ball exceptionally well, making it ideal for heavy brush loops, especially against backspin. The arc is naturally high, and the dwell time helps players shape their shots with confidence. It excels on both slow spinny openers and fast forehand loops, particularly from close to mid-range.
While Rakza Z is effective for looping, it isn’t optimized for flat drives or direct smashes. The slightly lower catapult and tackiness can make flat hits feel muted unless executed with power. However, for players who blend loop and drive strokes, the rubber still offers enough speed to finish points with controlled aggression.
Passive blocking is possible, but not the strongest aspect. Due to the tacky topsheet and modest catapult, blocks can drop short or carry less energy unless timed well. Active blocking or punch blocks offer better results. On the backhand, a more active blocking style is recommended.
Serve generation is excellent. Short sidespin and underspin serve are easy to execute with high spin levels. The tackiness also helps reduce errors on service receive, making it easier to control pushes and short touches. Flicks require a bit more wrist acceleration due to the stickier feel but can be effective with good timing.
Touch play is controlled and consistent. The tacky surface helps keep pushes low and adds unpredictability to spin variation. Backhand flicks are best executed with a brushing motion rather than a direct hit. The rubber rewards players with refined touch and compact technique.
From mid-distance, Rakza Z remains spinny and manageable, though speed generation becomes more effort-dependent. At a far distance, it starts to lose punch unless paired with a faster blade. It’s best suited for players who stay in close or mid-distance looping positions.
Compared to Rakza 7, Rakza Z is significantly tackier, has higher arc, and is more spin-oriented. Compared to Rakza X, it offers less speed but more dwell and spin. Against tacky rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, Rakza Z feels slightly faster, with less need for boosting, but doesn’t reach the same peak spin levels.
Rakza Z pairs well with fast or stiff blades, especially inner-fiber carbon types that add dwell and boost its moderate catapult. On flexible all-wood blades, it may feel a bit slow for some users. Offensive players using composite blades will get the best balance of spin and speed.
Best suited for advanced intermediate to advanced players who focus on spin control and consistency. Ideal for forehand loopers, especially those who value brush technique and spin variation. Less suited for flat hitters or passive players looking for speed with minimal effort.
Yasaka Rakza Z offers a unique blend of tackiness, dwell time, and control, making it a standout rubber for spin-based attackers. It rewards players who use active strokes and spin variations, particularly in looping and service play. While not the fastest in the Rakza lineup, it delivers outstanding spin consistency and high arc play, making it a reliable choice for forehand-dominant strategies.
If you’re looking for a tacky offensive rubber with high spin, strong control, and reliable arc on loops, Yasaka Rakza Z is a smart choice. Check current prices and availability from trusted retailers below to find the best setup for your game.
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