Yasaka Mark V HPS is an enhanced version of the legendary Mark V rubber, featuring a newly developed 42.5° sponge that provides more speed and spin without sacrificing control. With a grippy topsheet and slightly increased catapult effect, it’s designed for modern offensive or all-round players who want a faster, more dynamic feel than the classic Mark V. Ideal for intermediate and experienced players who rely on solid technique and want to transition toward a more aggressive, yet controlled, style of play.
Specs
Type: Offensive
Surface: Grippy
Sponge Hardness: 42.5°
Sponge Thickness: 2.0 mm / Max
Speed (Factory): 94
Spin (Factory): 60
Control (Factory): 70
ITTF Approved: Yes
Made In: Japan
Pros
Noticeable speed and spin upgrade over the original Mark V
Still offers great control and reliability
Grippy surface is consistent on all strokes
Balanced feel suitable for both looping and hitting
Ideal for players progressing from all-round to offensive styles
Cons
Less forgiving than the classic Mark V on passive strokes
Arc is moderate, may require clean contact for high clearance
Requires active strokes to bring out full potential
Scoring Breakdown
Aspect
Rating
Explanation
Speed
4.5
Faster than standard Mark V; suits active looping and counter-attacking.
Spin
4.0
Generates strong spin when brushing or driving, with good grip on the ball.
Control
4.0
Slightly less forgiving than Mark V, but still very stable and predictable.
Grip / Tackiness
4.0
Grippy surface with enough bite for effective spin generation.
Throw Angle
3.0
Medium trajectory; consistent arc suitable for both looping and hitting.
Dwell Time
4.0
The sponge provides enough dwell, allowing controlled spin and placement.
Catapult Effect
3.0
Mild catapult effect helps generate speed on active strokes.
Hardness Feel
4.0
Medium-hard feel (~42.5°); firm enough for power, soft enough for feel.
Durability
4.0
The topsheet and sponge last well with regular use and good care.
Core Performance Aspects
Looping & Topspin Play
Yasaka Mark V HPS supports spin-focused play with its grippy surface and slightly boosted sponge. It handles both slow, controlled loops and fast, deeper topspins effectively. The dwell time gives you a solid window to add spin, though the rubber rewards full, committed strokes rather than compact brushing.
Driving & Hitting
The HPS version improves on flat hits and counter drives. The 42.5° sponge adds a springier response, giving your forehand and backhand drives a bit more bite. Smashes feel crisp and direct, and the rubber maintains good control even at higher speeds.
Blocking & Passive Play
Blocking is solid overall, though a bit livelier than the original. The rubber keeps passive blocks low and accurate, but active punch blocks benefit more from the added sponge rebound. It’s stable enough to control incoming spin without being overly sensitive.
Serve & Receive
Mark V HPS delivers excellent spin and placement on serves, especially when using varied wrist motion. On serve receive, it feels secure and controlled for short pushes and openers. The added speed helps with flicks and punch receives, though some touch adjustment is needed compared to the slower original.
Flicks & Short Game
In close-to-the-table exchanges, the rubber feels stable and responsive. Flicks come off with more ease than the original Mark V, especially on the backhand. Pushes stay low, and soft hands allow for precise touch. The slight catapult helps, but does not overpower short game control.
Distance Play (Mid-Far Table)
From mid-distance, Mark V HPS retains its consistency well. The increased sponge makes it more suitable than the classic version for longer rallies. However, players will still need good physical engagement to maintain pressure from far away, as it’s not as springy as high-performance tensors.
Strategic Considerations
Comparison to Similar Rubbers
Compared to Mark V, the HPS version is faster and slightly more reactive while retaining the controlled, linear feel Yasaka is known for. It sits between all-round classics and more aggressive tensor rubbers like Rakza 7 or Vega Pro, making it a solid middle-ground option for players seeking progression.
Blade Compatibility
Mark V HPS performs well on both all-wood and composite blades. On a 5-ply all-wood blade, it emphasizes control and feel. Paired with a medium-fast carbon blade, it delivers more power while maintaining manageable touch. A good match for blades with moderate stiffness or flex.
Ideal User Profile
This rubber is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want to upgrade from a pure control rubber without losing predictability. It’s also ideal for players learning offensive transitions, those who loop, counter, and block with structure. It serves well on both forehand and backhand for versatile styles.
Yasaka Mark V HPS builds upon the legendary Mark V by offering a meaningful performance boost in speed and spin, thanks to its 42.5° sponge. While not a tensor, it bridges the gap between classic and modern rubbers, giving players a controlled offensive option that doesn’t overwhelm. A strong choice for players looking to elevate their game while prioritizing feel and reliability.
Ready to upgrade from your all-round setup without sacrificing control? Take a closer look at Yasaka Mark V HPS, a balanced offensive rubber designed to support your next level of play. Click below to view full product specs and buying options.
