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Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft

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

4.1/5

Overall Score

Quick Summary

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is a softer, more controlled version of the popular Rakza 7 rubber, suited for players who prioritize spin, feel, and precision over maximum speed. With its grippy natural rubber topsheet and a softer sponge, it offers excellent dwell time and is easier to handle during spin-heavy rallies, touch play, and service return. This rubber is ideal for intermediate to advanced loopers and all-round attackers who prefer a more forgiving and controlled rubber that still offers high spin capabilities.

Specs

Type: Offensive
Surface: Grippy
Sponge Hardness: 40° ESN
Sponge Thickness: 1.8 mm / 2.0 mm / Max
Speed (Manufacturer): 84
Spin (Manufacturer): 88
Control (Manufacturer): 67
ITTF Approved: Yes
Made In: Germany

Pros

High spin potential with soft, grippy feel
Great control and placement precision
Long dwell time aids spin variation and consistency
Suitable for intermediate players upgrading from beginner rubbers
Easier to handle than many fast tensors

Cons

Lacks the pure speed needed by advanced power hitters
Slightly muted feel on high-impact shots
Softer sponge may bottom out under very aggressive play

Scoring Breakdown

Aspect	Rating	Explanation
Speed	3.5	Provides moderate speed, enough for confident offensive shots, but not overwhelming. Prioritizes control.
Spin	4.5	High spin output, especially on slow loops and serves. Soft sponge and grippy topsheet allow easy brushing.
Control	4.5	Very stable and predictable during blocks, pushes, and counters. Great for placement-oriented players.
Grip / Tackiness	4.5	Grippy surface enables strong spin generation. Excellent for brushing and flicking.
Throw Angle	4.5	High arc offers good net clearance and safety during topspin exchanges.
Dwell Time	4.5	Long contact time due to the soft sponge. Makes it easier to control spin and adjust placement.
Catapult Effect	3.5	Moderate catapult, noticeable on full strokes. Not too bouncy, so it helps with short game and control.
Hardness Feel	3.0	Feels soft. Absorbs impact well and gives high feedback, which suits players who rely on touch and feel.
Durability	4.0	Reliable over time. Topsheet holds up well, though softer sponges may wear quicker under intense play.

Core Performance Aspects

Looping & Topspin Play

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is an excellent looping rubber, especially on the forehand for players who value spin and arc over maximum speed. The softer sponge increases dwell time, which helps generate spin even on slow loops or against underspin. Its High throw angle gives safety over the net, making it forgiving for developing players and effective in longer topspin rallies.

Driving & Hitting

The rubber is more spin-focused than speed-focused. While direct hits and counters are consistent, they feel less powerful compared to harder rubbers. The soft sponge compresses more on high-impact shots, which can reduce energy transfer but enhance control and directional accuracy.

Blocking & Passive Play

Rakza 7 Soft performs very well in blocking situations. It’s not overly reactive to incoming spin, and the ball stays on the rubber longer, making it easier to control blocks and redirects. Passive blocks feel safe, and punch blocks are stable with good placement.

Serve & Receive

The grippy topsheet enables effective spin production on serves. Short backspin serves and side-top variations are easy to control. On receive, the rubber’s softness helps tame incoming spin, making it a great choice for precise pushes and controlled flicks. You can play short or long with good touch.

Flicks & Short Game

Touch play is one of Rakza 7 Soft’s strong suits. Its longer dwell and soft feel allow for better control in the short game. Backhand flicks are easier to execute due to the increased ball contact and grippy surface. This rubber offers confidence on delicate short pushes, drop shots, and soft openings.

Distance Play (Mid-Far Table)

From mid-distance, Rakza 7 Soft remains spinny and accurate, but players need to engage more physically to maintain depth and pace. From far away, it can struggle to generate enough penetration unless paired with a fast blade. It suits players who mostly play close to mid-distance.

Strategic Considerations

Comparison to Similar Rubbers

Compared to Rakza 7, the Soft version is slower but offers more dwell time and control. Versus Tibhar FX-S, it feels slightly less springy but easier to handle in short play. Compared to the Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX, the Rakza 7 Soft offers better value and a more linear feel with less bounce.

Blade Compatibility

Pairs best with medium to stiff blades to balance out the soft sponge. Works well on inner-carbon blades where players want a softer feel with strong spin potential. On flexible all-wood blades, the rubber may feel overly soft or too slow for some offensive styles.

Ideal User Profile

Best suited for intermediate to advanced players who prioritize spin and control over speed. Ideal for forehand loopers, all-rounders, or backhand-oriented players who rely on placement, spin variation, and stability rather than explosive finishing. Also, a strong upgrade for players transitioning from beginner rubbers.

Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft provides excellent spin, long dwell time, and superior control, making it a great choice for loopers and all-round players who prefer a softer feel. While it doesn’t offer the explosive speed of harder tensors, it stands out with its safety, consistency, and comfort across a range of shots. A dependable rubber for controlled offense and spin-oriented play.

If you’re looking for a softer offensive rubber that emphasizes control and spin without sacrificing feel, Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is definitely worth considering. Check current deals and trusted retailers below to find the best fit for your playing style.

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