Yasaka Mark V Table Tennis Rubber Review (By PongKart)
1. Introduction: The Legendary Classic
The Yasaka Mark V is a true legend in the world of table tennis. For decades, it has been the go-to rubber for players seeking a perfect balance of speed, control, and spin. Favored by both rising talents and seasoned veterans, Mark V remains relevant even in today’s high-tech rubber landscape due to its reliable all-round performance.
Who is it for? Perfect for beginners to intermediate players, and even advanced players who want precision without extreme speed.
2. Technical Specifications
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Type: Inverted
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Speed: 8.5
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Spin: 8.0
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Control: 9.0
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Sponge Hardness: Medium (around 45 degrees)
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Available Thickness: 1.8mm, 2.0mm, Max
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Origin: Made in Japan
3. Build Quality & Feel
The Yasaka Mark V is built with a natural rubber top sheet and a medium-density sponge. It has a smooth yet slightly tacky surface, which provides great ball contact and feel.
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Durability: Exceptional. Many users report 6–9 months of consistent performance.
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Weight: Medium, adding stability without sacrificing maneuverability.
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Glue Compatibility: Works well with both VOC-free and speed glue.
4. Performance Review
A. Speed
Mark V isn’t blazing fast, but it offers predictable linear speed. Perfect for developing offensive strokes with confidence.
B. Spin
Spin potential is solid, especially when brushing the ball with good technique. Excellent for loop drives, flicks, and side-spin serves.
C. Control
This is where Mark V shines. You get fantastic control over blocks, pushes, chops, and service returns. It gives players room to focus on placement and consistency.
D. Looping & Counterplay
Mark V supports gentle looping and steady topspin exchanges, though it’s not intended for power loopers. More spin-oriented strokes work better than brute force.
E. Serve & Short Game
Touch play is easy to execute. The tacky topsheet grips the ball for accurate serve spin and soft hands during short exchanges.
5. Ideal Pairings
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Blades: Yasaka Sweden Classic, Stiga Allround Classic, Butterfly Petr Korbel
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Playing Style: All-round / Spin-control / Technical development
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Best For: Learning advanced techniques with forgiving response
6. Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
7. Final Verdict
PongKart Rating: 9.0/10
The Yasaka Mark V continues to be a timeless choice for players who value control, feel, and consistency. Whether you're honing your basics or playing strategic rallies, this rubber delivers every time.
👉 Buy Yasaka Mark V on PongKart
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