‘Rakza XX’ and ‘Rakza Z’ are recent models of Yasaka’s ‘Rakza’ series. ‘Rakza XX’ is the top model which provide the highest power in the series, and ‘Rakza Z’ is the sticky tension rubber that provides the highest spin performance in the series. Yasaka is calling the new generation (or ‘Tenergy’ type) tension rubber as ‘Hybrid Energy Rubber’, and all of ‘Rakza’ series products classified as Hybrid Energy Rubber in Yasaka rubber range. (But, nowadays the sticky tension rubbers of new generation which provide higher speed than traditional sticky rubbers by reducing the adhesiveness of top sheet are called as ‘Hybrid’ sticky rubbers or simply ‘Hybrid’ rubbers. We have to be careful not to confuse the term ‘Hybrid’ rubber with Yasaka’s unique term ‘Hybrid Energy Rubber’, as they are completely different terms. ‘Rakza Z’ is both ‘Hybrid’ rubber and ‘Hybrid Eenrgy Rubber’.) As can be seen from the word ‘XX’, ‘Rakza XX’ is a power-enhanced version of ‘Rakza X’. And, ‘Rakza XX’ can also be considered as the higher-end model of ‘Rakza 9’ which is a speed-oriented version in the series. ‘Razka Z’ can be compared with former ‘Rakza 7’ because both of ‘Rakza Z’ and ‘Rakza 7’ are concentrating on spin performance. However, the critical difference between ‘Rakza Z’ and ‘Rakza 7’ is whether the top sheet has stickiness or not.
Yasaka is calling the new generation (or ‘Tenergy’ type) tension rubber released from 2010 as ‘Hybrid Energy Rubber’. It is Yasaka’s own term, and has different meaning as the term ‘Hybrid Rubber’ that indicates new sticky tension rubbers those are distinguished from traditional sticky rubbers.
Both of ‘Rakza XX’ and ‘Rakza Z’ are top models in Yasaka’s rubber range. ‘Rakza XX’ is the top model of non-sticky rubbers, and ‘Rakza Z’ is the top model of sticky rubbers.
‘Rakza XX’ is produced by the most advanced German rubber technology, and provides the highest power among the models in ‘Rakza’ series. But, its spin performance is a bit lower than that of ‘Rakza 7’ whose performance balance is biased to spin. ‘Rakza XX’ can be considered as the rubber advanced from the combination of ‘Rakza X’ which is biased to control and ‘Rakza 9’ which is biased to speed. The sponge density of ‘Rakza XX’ is around 50°.
The top sheet of ‘Rakza XX’ inherits the concept of the top sheet of ‘Rakza X’ which provides high ability of control by enhanced grip.
Although the sponge density of ‘Rakza XX’ is around 50° which is quite high value, the actual hitting feeling isn’t as stiff as the player imagines from the value, if the player hits the ball strongly.
The pimple geometry of ‘Rakza XX’ is identical to that of ‘Rakza 7’. (Pimples are arranged densly. The overall pimple geometry is similar to that of ‘Tenergy 05’ or ‘Dignics 05’.) But, the feeling and the overall performance of ‘Rakza XX’ are somewhat different from those of ‘Rakza 7’. ‘Rakza XX’ can be considered as the competitor of ‘Dignics 05’.
‘Rakza XX’ is the most powerful rubber in ‘Rakza’ series. But, it is easier to use than expected thanks to its top sheet with strong grip and its sponge that softens upon strong impact. Yasaka recommends ‘Rakza XX’ for top players and highly skilled amateur players.
‘Rakza Z’ is a ‘Hybrid’ sticky tension rubber released by Yasaka. Hybrid sticky tension rubbers those are faster than traditional sticky rubbers may become the mainstream table tennis rubbers in the future, and many table tennis makers are launching Hybrid sticky tension rubbers. ‘Rakza Z’ is one of those rubbers. The sponge density of ‘Rakza Z’ is around 50°. Yasaka also released ‘Rakza Z Extra Hard’ whose sponge density is even higher.
The surface of the top sheet of ‘Rakza Z’ is covered with a transparent plastic cover. That kind of transparent covers are commonly seen from the rubbers with sticky top sheets.
Although the sponge density of ‘Rakza Z’ is around 50° which is quite high value, the actual hitting feeling isn’t as stiff as the player imagines from the value, if the player hits the ball strongly.
The pimples of ‘Rakza Z’ is arranged more densely than those of ‘Rakza XX’ or ‘Rakza 7’. However, because the difference isn’t significant, we can hardly see the difference by our bare eyes.
Thanks to its sticky top sheet, ‘Rakza Z’ provides the highest spin performance in ‘Rakza’ series. And, because of the weakened stickiness of top sheet and recent rubber technology, it provides much higher speed than traditional sticky rubbers. The topspin from mid-distance area by ‘Rakza Z’ will be sufficiently powerful. And, using ‘Rakza Z’ at backhand side will not be difficult.
‘Rakza Z’ can be dealt as the enhanced version of ‘Rakza 7’ because both of those two models focus on spin performance. When compared with ‘Rakza 7’, ‘Rakza Z’ provides a bit higher spin performance while providing a bit lower speed.
Since the release of ‘Rakza 7’, Yasaka has added various models to the ‘Rakza’ series. Currently there are 8 models of pimple in rubbers the ‘Rakza’ series. (If pimple out rubber is included, there are 10 models.) The characteristics of each model can be summarized as follows:
- Rakza 7 : Standard model which focuses on spin performance. Sponge density is avg. 47.5°.
- Rakza 7 soft : The soft version of ‘Rakza 7’. Sponge density is avg. 40.0°.
- Rakza 9 : More biased to speed when compared with ‘Rakza 7’. Sponge density is avg. 42.5 °.
- Rakza X : More controllable model which focuses on the ability of gripping ball. Sponge density is avg. 47.5 °.
- Rakza X soft : The soft version of ‘Rakza X’. Sponge density is avg. 42.5°.
- Rakza Z : Sticky tension rubber which provides higher spin performance than ‘Rakza 7’. Sponge density is avg. 50.0°.
- Rakza Z Extra Hard : Harder version of ‘Rakza Z’. Sponge density is avg. 55°.
- Rakza XX : Current top model of which is the power version of ‘Rakza X’. Sponge density is avg. 50°.
7, 9 and X are the products focus on spin, speed and control respectively. Z is sticky version which provides even higher spin performance than 7. And, XX is the most advanced version for current professional players.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to TTGearLab with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
I have used different Yasaka Rakza rubbers including Rakza 7, Rakza 7 Soft, Rakza 9 in the past, and currently using Rakza Z for my backhand. My experience certainly aligned with the descriptions in your article. I switched to Rakza Z for my backhand because I am using a penhold grip and I have less control with my reverse backhand than my forehand swing. I found the Rakza Z has less catapult effort and feel a bit slower, thus giving me more ball contact time and control. Also my backhand swing produce less spin and the Rakza Z grippy top sheet is easier to produce more spin.
I have been using different rubbers for forehand and backhand since I started playing table tennis and I have never try using the same rubbers on both sides. I guess I am influenced the advice in the internet telling people to choose a softer, 2 to 4 degrees softer for backhand rubber. Now my current setup is the opposite because I am using the Tibhar M-P for forehand and a harder Rakza Z for backhand now.
What is your take in choosing forehand and backhand rubbers? Will it be easier to use the same rubbers on both sides, so your forehand and backhand feel and speed is more consistent?
I have been using which I consider the MX-P, Xiom Omega 4 Pro, Rakza 7 are traditional rubbers with a thicker and harder top sheets. The sponge is around 46 to 47.5 degrees.
Is there an advantage to switch to a newer type of rubbers, one with a thinner and softer top sheets and thicker sponge like the Tibhar MX-D, Andro Rasanter R48, Xiom Vega X or Xiom Omega 7?
The hybrid rubbers have become very popular these days, the Tibhar Hybrid K3, the DHS GoldARC 8, or the Rakza Z which I use for backhand.
I have to admit that I am am equipment junkies and I have bought all different rubbers mentioned above in my collection. However, I am hesitate to try different rubbers and blades combination too often because it will hinder my game improvement than helping.
What will you consider as a smooth transition if I want to switch to a different rubbers from the MX-P (Forehand), Rakza Z (Backhand) on Stiga Carbonado 190 blade?
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your experience. I will select Rakza 7 or Rakza 7 Soft for my backhand side. But, that is just because I like that kind of rubbers. If the player prefer softer feeling and higher speed of backhand side, Rakza 9 will be better choice. And, Rakza X or Rakza X Soft will be better choice if the player requires more grip.
Newer models are better if the impact strength of the player is very high. But, if the impact strength isn’t that high, newer models will be less meaningful.
Regarding hybrid rubbers, GoldArc 8 isn’t a hybrid rubber. It is just a normal new generation tension rubber. It can be compared with Rakza 7 and Tenergy 05, with its densely arranged pimples.
And, if there is a chance, please try Hybrid MK once for your forehand side. That is currently my favorite Tibhar rubber.
LikeLike
Thank you for your advice. I have a brand new Hybrid K3 in my collection, may be I give it a try on my Viscaria Super ALC blade.
LikeLike
Please share the result after your testing. 🙂
LikeLike