Yasaka Rakza X Review: The Grippy, High-Control Tensor That Sits Right Between Rakza 7 and Tenergy 05

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-06 · rubber

The Yasaka Rakza X is the harder, faster modern sibling within Yasaka’s long-running and highly successful Rakza family. Where Rakza 7 is the spin-priority benchmark and Rakza 9 leans toward speed, the Rakza X aims to thread the needle with a natural rubber gum top sheet bonded to a harder Power Sponge. Yasaka markets it as a top surface with exceptional grip that enables both phenomenal spin and speed, and the broad consensus from real reviewers backs that claim. It is a tensor inverted rubber with a medium-hard sponge in the 45 to 50 degree range, sold in 1.8mm, 2.0mm and Max thicknesses, and it lands at a friendly mid-range price of roughly 50 USD. This review pulls together first-hand impressions from Revspin’s user community, the rated reviews on TableTennisDaily, the 43 customer reviews on Megaspin, and setup discussions on Reddit’s r/tabletennis to build an honest, multi-source picture of how the Rakza X actually plays.

Performance

Grip is the headline. Almost every source leads with how grippy the top sheet feels, and several describe how it instantly grabs the ball and overrides the opponent’s spin. On Revspin one user called the spin out of this world, and TableTennisDaily reviewers consistently rate spin around 8 out of 10. Importantly the rubber is mildly grippy rather than tacky, so it behaves like a typical high-spin Japanese tensor, not a Chinese hybrid. Speed is solidly offensive without being uncontrollable. TableTennisDaily numeric reviews put speed in the 7.5 to 8.2 range, and reviewers note that the medium-hard sponge adds real power to drive shots while keeping mid-distance play manageable. A recurring comparison frames the Rakza X as slightly slower than Xiom Vega Pro and more in line with Tenergy 05, but more forgiving than Tenergy 05, and as feeling in between a Tenergy 05 and a Rakza 7 with more control and accuracy than the Tenergy. The throw angle is medium to high and is one of the rubber’s defining traits. Reviewers describe a beautiful arc that helps enormously on counter-topspins, with the ball passing high above the net and still landing deep on the table. This makes opening loops on backspin easy and safe, and one Megaspin reviewer noted the first loop is so easy to do and produces very high spin that is difficult to block. The short game is rated highly, around 8 out of 10, with a forgiving feel that lets you correct touch shots quickly and a sponge that avoids the bouncy catapult effect of softer rubbers, so the ball stays low and short. Control is where the rubber earns most of its praise. Despite being a fast offensive sheet, its linear, predictable response gives players confidence, with one TableTennisDaily reviewer scoring control as high as 9.5. The flip side shows up in three areas. First, weight: many reviewers call it medium-heavy to heavy, with one player reporting a 200g racket once both rubbers were mounted, and heavy blades amplify this. Second, passive blocking and lobs draw repeated criticism, since the lively sponge makes purely passive blocks harder to keep down even though active, directed blocking is rated very good. Third, durability is mixed: scores range from a strong 8.8 down to a 5, and one detailed reviewer reported the top sheet losing grip after a couple of months at 10 to 15 hours of play per week. Players switching from soft rubbers also need an adjustment period because the firmer sponge demands that you actively engage it.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

The strongest agreement across all four sources is on grip, spin and a high, controllable throw arc, plus the framing of the Rakza X as a balanced all-rounder that sits between Rakza 7 and the faster end of the line. TableTennisDaily’s summary that it does not excel anywhere in particular but never disappoints captures the prevailing view, and it carries a 4.67 star average there with no negative ratings. The clearest disagreement is on durability and on how it stacks up against Rakza 7. Some long-term users call it their all-time favourite and say it improves on Rakza 7’s control in blocks and loop exchanges with the same speed and spin, while a minority found the top sheet wore out within months or simply preferred the spinnier, more familiar Rakza 7. A small number of dissenters described it as dull or dead on specific all-wood blades, which suggests blade pairing matters. Weight and weaker passive blocking are acknowledged by nearly everyone, even among fans.

Who Should Buy It

Buy the Rakza X if you are an intermediate to advanced offensive player who prioritises grip, spin and control over raw top-end speed, and who wants a high, safe arc for looping and counter-topspin. It is an especially smart choice for the backhand for players coming from Rakza 7 who want more control in blocks and loop exchanges, and it works equally well on the forehand on a faster blade. Pair it with a medium to fast blade and be mindful of total weight, since the rubber is on the heavy side. Think twice if your game leans heavily on passive blocking or lobbing, if you are very sensitive to racket weight, or if you are stepping straight up from a soft rubber and want an effortless transition. Heavy hitters who play 10-plus hours a week should also factor in that the top sheet’s grip may fade faster than premium rubbers, though the mid-range price softens that concern.

FAQ

Is the Yasaka Rakza X better than the Rakza 7?

It depends on what you want. Reviewers generally rate the Rakza X as faster, with a higher throw and more control in blocks and loop exchanges, while the Rakza 7 is seen as slightly spinnier and the established benchmark. Several long-term users prefer the Rakza X on the backhand for its control, but a minority stick with Rakza 7 for its spin and feel.

Is the Rakza X tacky or grippy?

It is grippy, not tacky. Reviewers describe it as mildly grippy like a typical high-spin Japanese tensor, with the top sheet rated around 3 out of 10 for tackiness. The grip is strong enough to override incoming spin without the sticky surface of a Chinese hybrid rubber.

How hard is the sponge and how heavy is the rubber?

The sponge is medium-hard, rated about 5 out of 10 or roughly 45 to 50 degrees. The rubber is on the heavier side, described as medium-heavy to heavy, and several reviewers note it adds noticeable weight to the racket, so it pairs best with blades that are not already very heavy.

Is the Rakza X good for forehand or backhand?

Both. Reviewers use it successfully on either wing depending on the blade. It is praised as an excellent forehand rubber for grip and rotation, and many players favour it on the backhand for its control, easy first loop and high throw.

How durable is the Rakza X?

Durability is mixed. Some reviewers rate it highly, around 8.8 out of 10, while others scored it as low as 5 and reported the top sheet losing grip after a couple of months of heavy play at 10 to 15 hours per week. Given its mid-range price, most consider the value reasonable even if it is not the longest-lasting top sheet.