Weight
86g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Ma Lin Soft Carbon
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a 7-ply offensive blade designed for players seeking a perfect balance of speed, control, and enhanced feel. It evolves from the classic Sweden Extra by integrating two thin inner layers of soft carbon fiber (CFNW). This inner fiber construction expands the sweet spot and improves energy transfer while preserving the tactile feedback and dwell time of a premium wood blade. The result is a versatile tool that offers increased stability and power for drives, excellent control for blocking and short game, and a forgiving nature ideal for spin-oriented attacks and precise placement. It's a superb choice for intermediate to advanced players transitioning to a faster game without sacrificing touch.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply construction. It uses two thin layers of soft carbon fiber (CFNW) placed between the inner and middle wood plies. This inner fiber arrangement is designed to enhance the sweet spot and power while maintaining a softer feel and good ball feedback, distinguishing it from outer-carbon blade designs. The specific wood types are consistent with high-quality Swedish blade construction.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon offers a solid offensive speed, providing a noticeable increase over all-wood blades thanks to its inner carbon layers. It delivers ample power for strong drives and offensive strokes, fitting well into the OFF- to OFF category. Our testing shows it has a very usable pace for attacking play, though it is intentionally designed to be slightly slower and more controlled than its sibling, the standard Ma Lin Carbon, prioritizing feel over raw velocity.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. It offers excellent command for blocking, short game pushes, and touch shots. Despite the carbon integration, it maintains a soft feel and good ball retention, allowing players to execute precise placements and controlled loops with confidence. This high level of control makes it a reliable choice for offensive players who prioritize accuracy and consistency in their game.
The 'Soft Carbon' name is accurate, as this blade provides a distinctly medium-soft feel. It offers excellent ball feedback and dwell time, creating a sensitive connection that absorbs impact comfortably. This softer sensation is a key reason it appeals to players moving from all-wood blades, as it avoids the harshness sometimes found in carbon composites.
The combination of construction, dwell time, and flexibility produces a medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is beneficial for loopers, allowing for aggressive topspin shots with a good arc that can be challenging for opponents to counter.
This blade provides very good dwell time, allowing players to maintain sufficient contact with the ball to impart heavy spin, especially on loops. This extended contact contributes significantly to its control and spin-friendly character, enabling precise shot shaping and consistent execution of spin-based tactics.
The blade exhibits a good degree of flexibility, which enhances its spin-friendliness and dwell time. This elasticity allows the blade to bend slightly on impact, creating a larger effective sweet spot and helping players generate more spin and control, particularly during looping strokes. It feels more elastic and less rigid than many fast carbon blades.
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon transmits a medium level of vibration. Some feedback reaches the hand, which can aid in feeling the ball impact, but it is generally not excessive or uncomfortable. The inner carbon construction helps filter out harshness, resulting in a more muted and controlled sensation compared to many carbon blades.
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon is recognized as a high-quality blade, manufactured in Sweden with the precision the region is known for. Players report consistent praise for its construction, finish, and durability, often comparing it favorably to more expensive options. The build quality is reliable and reflects Yasaka's reputable standards in blade production.
Technology
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon utilizes an innovative inner fiber construction with two thin layers of soft carbon fiber (CFNW) placed between the wood plies. This 'innerforce' technology aims to maximize carbon benefits—like an enlarged sweet spot and improved energy transfer—while preserving the soft feel, tactile feedback, and dwell time of high-quality wood blades. By keeping the carbon away from the outer surface, the design filters harshness and promotes a more controlled, sensitive playing experience. Manufactured in Sweden, it benefits from precision engineering traditions, making it easier for players to generate spin and execute precise shots without the board-like sensation of some carbon composites.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon
The standard Ma Lin Carbon is a direct sibling, often compared for its similar inner-carbon construction. Players report it is generally considered slightly faster and potentially stiffer, with a less pronounced soft feel compared to the Soft Carbon version. It's a good alternative for those seeking a bit more raw speed while still benefiting from the controlled carbon response.
Yasaka Sweden Extra
The Sweden Extra is the all-wood predecessor that inspired the Ma Lin Soft Carbon. It's a 5-ply blade renowned for its exceptional feel and control. The Ma Lin Soft Carbon is essentially an evolution, maintaining much of that beloved wood feel while integrating carbon for a larger sweet spot and more power. Players who love the Sweden Extra but want a slight offensive upgrade without a drastic change in character will find the Soft Carbon a logical and satisfying step forward.