The Yasaka Rakza PO - A pimple-out rubber of the newest generation
For those of you who prefer table tennis rubbers with pips (pimples) out - attention! The table tennis manufacturer Yasaka now introduces high-quality "fresh meat", the Yasaka Rakza PO! This newly developed rubber successfully unites the excellent properties stemming from natural rubber (natural gum), and a special pimple geometry. The Rakza PO (PO stands for pips out) exhibits short pimples, clearly improved properties, and was developed in co-operation with the world class player Mattias Falck. The Swedish professional Mattias Karlsson, for example, uses the Rakza PO on his forehand.
Yasaka Rakza PO - A closer look at the innovations of this rubber
What are the above mentioned innovations? Well, for one thing it is the topsheet (the surface of the rubber). The topsheet is mainly made of natural rubber (a.k.a. natural gum). Natural rubber is a rubber-like ingredient of the sap of rubber plants. When implemented into the topsheet of a rubber, a high percentage of natural gum causes a surface with a lot of grip (very catchy). This means that much spin and rotational power can be generated.
For another thing, these properties are complemented by the geometry of the pimples of the Rakza PO. First, these are directed outwards. Second, the pimples are short. These features further increase the catchiness and spin. The third ingredient is the brand-new "Power Sponge". The sponge is also relatively soft / medium hard (40°), and has small pores. All these properties (natural rubber, pimple geometry, Power Sponge) are in perfect harmony with each other! Hence, the Yasaka Rakza PO is also called Hybrid Energy rubber. The life expectancy of this table tennis rubber is good.
Yasaka Rakza PO - The appropriate gaming style of this table tennis rubber
Provided you are having a good timing when hitting the ball (spatially and temporally), which is very important, then the balls exhibit a high accuracy. The strengths of the Yasaka Rakza PO are, for example, receiving/returning serves from your opponent, active and passive blocks, the backhand (also attacks!), long and short balls, chopped balls, etc.
The extreme development of spin, and the power of highly rotational balls, probably make you already presume that the Rakza PO from the house of Yasaka (made in Germany) is very suitable for the controlled offensive (Off-). However, this does not necessarily exclude an allround plus (All+) style. In summary, it can be stated that the Yasaka Rakza PO is a successful, high-quality rubber with short pimples out, which is definitely worth a try!