Customer review for Yasaka Mark V

External Review for Yasaka Mark V on September 23, 2014

When I was younger, I played with a Butterfly Power Drive/Mark V combination. This setup allowed me to win several tournaments in the early 1990s. After a 23 year layoff, I picked the sport back up and joined a league. When choosing a new blade/rubber combination, I was overwhelmed by new technologies such as carbon blades, tensor rubbers, etc. I began by purchasing a hard carbon blade (Xiom Stradivarius) with a fast rubber (Yasaka Rakza 7 soft). This combination was too fast for defensive strokes such a chops. I then decided to go with a slower more controllable rubber (Xiom Vega Europe). This rubber allowed my game to improve, giving me more confidence in strokes such a looping and blocking. Yet, I still wanted more control without sacrificing speed. I then decided to experiment with an all wood blade in order replicate the playing ability of my old Power Drive. I switched to a Nittaku Septear/Vega Europe combo and found my playing ability improve rather quickly. However, I was lacking confidence in my shots when playing against certain styles. After much consideration I purchased a Nittaku Kasumi Basic/Yasaka Mark V combo. This combination was amazing. I could hit all my shots with ease. I even defeated many players in my league that were giving me fits before. This combination provided excellent speed with precise control. I was truly amazed. This goes to show that a "classic" rubber from decades ago along with a simple 5-ply wood blade can be just as formidable a weapon as the newer technologies. As a result, I don't see myself using anything else. This rubber can't be beat when it comes to gears and its ability to play any kind of shot with consistency. Mark V would be perfect for a fast offensive blade in order to slow it down and provide greater control. Conversely, it can also take a slower all around blade and provide good speed with even better control. I highly recommend Mark V for all levels of play from beginner to advanced.

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