Yasaka Rakza 7 Hard

[TampaBayTableTennis]

What is the weight of the rubber r7h, razka rubbers tend to be on the heavier side. Thanks

For my sheets, Rakza 7 - Red 2.0mm weighed 68.87g uncut and Rakza 7 Hard - 2.0 Black weighed 70.01g.

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I'll edit my last posts when possible, just using this as my training log as thread would disappear anyway... Whenever I win a good match with the R7 setup I call it a proof of concept. Another couple of those in the books. The setup works, it's just a matter of determining if that is my best way to win matches (pros: controlled offense, spinny opens, solid follow-ups, well-placed blocks, more consistent overall... cons: very aggressive over table shots are tougher compared to my 09c, short touch is a little hard to keep low/spinny, have to be composed to finish medium-high balls, slightly less deadly overall).

Good spinny opens from either side that elicit a floatier block, need to play that next ball quick off bounce on backhand side or strong hit through at highest point. Forehand needs to be either a solid spin follow-up and then attack higher ball, or a very composed power hit to crush it with sponge/blade.

Serve return vs short/dead serves should be active/positive, not trying to touch short mostly. Flips are kinda easy and while not overly threatening with speed/spin, can place well and then follow up with solid next shot. Backhand flicks are getting stronger and I can load up spin if i get good contact on side of ball forward. Have to keep good spin on strongest forehand attacks to forehand side to avoid fast blocks back. Can keep using the flat/fade forehand finishes from backhand side though as it sneaks out very wide and either goes by completely or gets blocked into the net.

Half-long and long serves are better relative to short serves with R7, although my short underspin serves are good enough to keep people honest and get the push I want for a spinny open. Have to be careful with side underspin serves as the returns are a little awkward to attack, but once I commit to spinning strong then the balance tips back in my favor.

Blocks on backhand side are getting better and better. Forehand blocks are good too but need to start countering just a little more to control ball better and make it a little more offensive in nature.

We are halfway through the mandatory trial period (1 month) but I expect to continue until they are worn out, most likely. More updates to come.

 

[Learning]

Hey TampaBayTableTennis, if you have the time, what are your conclusions on R7H vs R7? I've been a fan of Rakza 7 since I started playing a few years ago, and I was super curious to see that now there's a R7H.

 

[TampaBayTableTennis]

Hey TampaBayTableTennis, if you have the time, what are your conclusions on R7H vs R7? I've been a fan of Rakza 7 since I started playing a few years ago, and I was super curious to see that now there's a R7H.

Hey! I would say that Rakza 7 Hard is pretty much exactly what you’d think it would be. A slightly harder version of Rakza 7 with very similar characteristics overall. Like Rakza 7, it doesn’t get in your way and can do anything just fine. Takes effort to get a lot of spin/speed and there’s a lower ceiling compared to more offensive rubbers, but has decent speed/spin on low to midrange shots. For me, the bounciness on basic hits when adding nothing is a little too much compared to what I like with a hard sponge and it lacks a little in terms of grabbing with top sheet compared to rubbers with more grip/tack. I adjusted to it quite quickly and played plenty of solid matches, which was the aim of my experiment. If you like Rakza 7 (like I do) and find the idea of having the same rubber with just a little firmer sponge (like I did) then it might be worth a try. Ultimately, the trade off for top end attacking vs all round consistency wasn’t quite worth it. I enjoyed playing with the R7H/R7 but I enjoy my D09c more.

 

[NetProphet]

Hey! I would say that Rakza 7 Hard is pretty much exactly what you’d think it would be. A slightly harder version of Rakza 7 with very similar characteristics overall. Like Rakza 7, it doesn’t get in your way and can do anything just fine. Takes effort to get a lot of spin/speed and there’s a lower ceiling compared to more offensive rubbers, but has decent speed/spin on low to midrange shots. For me, the bounciness on basic hits when adding nothing is a little too much compared to what I like with a hard sponge and it lacks a little in terms of grabbing with top sheet compared to rubbers with more grip/tack. I adjusted to it quite quickly and played plenty of solid matches, which was the aim of my experiment. If you like Rakza 7 (like I do) and find the idea of having the same rubber with just a little firmer sponge (like I did) then it might be worth a try. Ultimately, the trade off for top end attacking vs all round consistency wasn’t quite worth it. I enjoyed playing with the R7H/R7 but I enjoy my D09c more.

Yes, D09c is such an interesting rubber.
It seems to quite often buck the trend of what we know about relatively hard and tacky(ish) rubber. So many people like it in their BH which surprised the heck out of me. Probably it a lot to do with the plastic ball and different level players use it for different things on that side. Personally I can't use it there but am amazed that some can.
I have tried several rubbers on FH (D09c, R7, D80, G09c, T19) and now D05 and while I need 3 or 4 months with D05 to find a conclusion on it at the moment I am leaning still towards D09c. But really, it should be too hard at 52 (or whatever it is) for me to play, right?
If 3 months coaching with D05 doesn't see me prefer it to D09c the I will probab boost the 09c (I'm thinking one layer just to soften it slightly).
Anyway, point is, there is something about this rubber that so many ppl at different levels and styles can seem to find something in it that they like.
Sry if this post is a bit rambling, it's a 'not previously thought out' observation that just struck me as I was reading your post above 🤷

 

[hazzaa96]

Hey TampaBayTableTennis, if you have the time, what are your conclusions on R7H vs R7? I've been a fan of Rakza 7 since I started playing a few years ago, and I was super curious to see that now there's a R7H.

I’ve tried both recently and currently got a Rakza 7 normal and a Rakza 7 hard of 2 identical bats to get a good comparison.

For me I prefer the normal due to its better control and ease of use. The Rakza 7 hard version for me was too quick and hard for my backhand blocks and loops.

If you are a more dominant backhand player then it would be a good choice, but if your backhand is weaker and more controlled I would suggest the normal Rakza

 

[TampaBayTableTennis]

I was editing highlights of this match and felt like my last feedback was doing a slight disservice to Rakza 7 & Rakza 7 Hard. Even if I don't continue with it (you never know...), I'm very happy I used it for the month and I really like how some of my shots and sequences look. Here are some highlights from a practice match at a cool new athletic club that recently opened up. (Rakza 7 Hard - Black on forehand and Rakza 7 - Red on backhand of XIOM Hugo HAL blade - Black shirt).