Weight
85g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Extra 3D Soft Carbon
Yasaka Extra 3D Soft Carbon is a hybrid offensive blade that masterfully blends power with a sensitive touch. Its unique soft carbon layers within a 7-ply construction deliver a significant speed boost while maintaining excellent dwell time and a forgiving feel. This creates a larger sweet spot ideal for dynamic, spin-oriented attacks and controlled placement. Engineered in Sweden with 3D-technology, it offers a versatile and responsive playing experience for intermediate to advanced players seeking an offensive edge without sacrificing consistency.
This blade uses a 5+2 construction, featuring five wood layers and two inner layers of soft carbon fiber. This hybrid setup is engineered to provide carbon-like power and speed while retaining the softer feel and increased dwell time of wood blades. The strategic placement of the carbon between wood plies is key to achieving this balance, enhancing the sweet spot and managing vibration.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade delivers a significant speed boost over traditional all-wood designs, placing it firmly in the offensive category. The soft carbon layers provide ample power for aggressive topspin shots, smashes, and drives. While not an extreme OFF+ blade, its speed is well-balanced and effective for attacking play both close to and from mid-distance, giving players a potent offensive tool.
Despite its offensive nature, the Extra 3D Soft Carbon excels in control. The soft carbon and 3D technology enhance ball feedback and create a larger sweet spot, allowing for precise placement and consistent stroke execution. Players report excellent control for blocking, controlled attacks, serves, and even chops, making this a remarkably versatile blade that doesn't force a trade-off between power and precision.
The 'Soft Carbon' delivers a feel that is noticeably softer than typical hard-carbon blades. This provides excellent dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball contact deeply and impart spin effectively. The sensation is pleasant and sensitive, aiding control and spin generation without the harshness sometimes associated with carbon.
The combination of wood and soft carbon, along with the blade's flexibility, produces a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for offensive players, particularly loopers, as it helps shots clear the net with a good, spin-friendly trajectory for confident attacking play.
The soft carbon layers are specifically engineered to increase dwell time. This lets the ball sink into the blade longer, which is crucial for generating heavy spin on serves and loops. The extended contact also enhances control, making blocking and defensive play more forgiving and user-friendly.
The 3D-technology and soft carbon construction give the blade a noticeable degree of flexibility. This aids in creating a catapult effect upon impact, boosting spin potential and power. The flexibility also contributes to the larger sweet spot and forgiving nature, making it adaptable for dynamic, looping-oriented play.
Our testing shows the blade provides a controlled, positive vibration that offers good feedback without being jarring. This subtle vibration enhances the feel for the ball and contributes to an overall sensitive playing experience, supporting its blend of power and touch.
Yasaka Extra 3D Soft Carbon is a well-made blade with high manufacturing standards. The integration of soft carbon layers and careful selection of wood veneers result in durable, consistent performance. Its Swedish origin and the application of 3D-technology reflect a commitment to quality construction and a refined player experience, contributing to its reliable feel and longevity.
Technology
Yasaka Extra 3D Soft Carbon utilizes '3D-technology' designed to enhance blade flexibility and significantly enlarge the sweet spot. This is combined with the strategic integration of soft carbon layers. The carbon is carefully positioned within the wood veneer composition using advanced methods, aiming to retain the desirable ball feel and balance of wood while boosting speed and power. The result is a forgiving yet potent blade that enables players to execute a wide range of offensive shots with greater ease and effectiveness.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon shares a similar construction philosophy, utilizing soft carbon layers for a balanced, softer feel compared to hard carbon blades. Also made in Sweden, it aims for a comparable mix of speed and control. Players who enjoy the characteristics of the Extra 3D Soft Carbon might consider this as an alternative offering subtle variations in feel and performance.
Yasaka Extra 3D
This is the all-wood counterpart to the Extra 3D Soft Carbon, sharing the same 3D-technology for flexibility and sweet spot enhancement. Players who love the control and feel of the wood version but seek added speed and spin might upgrade to the Soft Carbon model. Conversely, players transitioning from carbon back to a pure wood feel would find the standard Extra 3D an excellent choice.