Weight
89.5g
Thickness
6.1mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
155x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Ma Lin Max Carbon
Yasaka Ma Lin Max Carbon is a powerful hybrid blade built for offensive players who want a balanced mix of speed, power, and control. Its inner carbon construction places carbon layers deep within the wood plies, creating a more natural feel on soft touches while unlocking explosive speed on full swings. This design yields a large sweet spot and a medium-hard feel, making it versatile for powerful loops, smashes, and drives. Players appreciate its clear feedback and strong spin generation, making it a formidable weapon for aggressive rallies. Crafted in Sweden, it reflects Yasaka's commitment to quality and performance.
This 7-ply blade features a symmetrical inner carbon construction. Carbon layers are positioned internally between the wood plies, designed to offer a softer feel and better control compared to outer carbon blades, while still enhancing speed and sweet spot size when struck firmly. The outer Limba layers contribute to good feel and responsiveness.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Ma Lin Max Carbon delivers high speed, though perceptions can vary. Our testing shows its inner carbon placement means speed activates more with player input, distinguishing it from ultra-fast outer-carbon blades. It excels in offensive strokes like loops and smashes, offering significant power potential that becomes evident with a full swing.
Players consistently praise Ma Lin Max Carbon for its excellent control. Its inner carbon design and overall build create predictable, forgiving behavior, making short game play, blocking, and counter-hitting remarkably easy. This high level of control makes it a great choice for intermediate players moving to carbon, while still offering the precision advanced players demand.
Ma Lin Max Carbon offers a medium-hard feel. The inner carbon provides a softer, more woody sensation on light strokes, but when you hit harder, the carbon engages for a stiffer, more direct response. This dual character gives versatility, offering feedback for delicate shots and a solid base for power plays.
Throw angle is medium-high, allowing for aggressive topspin shots with a good arc to clear the net and land deep. This characteristic, stemming from the blade's speed, dwell time, and flexibility, benefits players who rely on powerful, high-arching loops.
Dwell time is good to very good for a carbon blade. The inner carbon and wood selection allow it to grip the ball reasonably well, aiding spin generation. It provides sufficient dwell for aggressive topspin and controlled short play, though a full swing helps activate it most effectively.
Flexibility is medium. It's not as stiff as many outer-carbon blades, allowing for natural ball contact and moderate flex that aids dwell time and spin generation. Yet, it retains enough stiffness from the carbon to deliver power for offensive shots, striking a nice balance.
Vibration is low to medium. The internal carbon layers help dampen excessive vibrations, leading to a controlled, comfortable hitting experience. While some might notice a slight hollow feel on hard impacts, it's generally well-managed for an offensive carbon blade.
Build quality is rated as good, reflecting Yasaka's reputation. Craftsmanship is solid with minimal manufacturing issues, though some note minor cosmetic details like labels. The materials and construction method result in a durable, reliable blade that holds up well to regular play.
Technology
Yasaka Ma Lin Max Carbon uses an 'inner carbon' construction where carbon fiber layers are placed deep within the wood plies, not directly under the surface. This design aims to provide a natural, wood-like feel on light strokes while letting the carbon engage for speed and power on hard hits. The goal is a versatile blend of speed, control, and dwell time for offensive play. Yasaka's Swedish manufacturing, known for quality craftsmanship and specialized gluing techniques between wood and carbon, contributes to the blade's performance and durability.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ma Lin
This blade is named after the legendary Chinese player Ma Lin, who has used variants of the Yasaka Ma Lin series throughout his career. While most famously linked to the all-wood Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive, he has also used carbon models. The Max Carbon builds on the technology and feedback from these predecessors, reflecting Ma Lin's style of powerful forehand loops, excellent control, and masterful short game by offering a blend of speed for attacks and high control for precision.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon shares a similar inner carbon construction but is described as having a softer feel, likely from different wood layering or materials. It emphasizes control and dwell time even more, making it a great alternative for players who want a gentler response while still benefiting from carbon's properties.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (YEO)
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (YEO) is the all-wood predecessor to the carbon series, known for excellent control, feel, and suitability for developing players. Compared to the Max Carbon, YEO offers a more classic wood feel and typically a softer touch. It serves as a good benchmark for players transitioning to carbon, with the Max Carbon providing a significant step up in offensive capability.