Weight
84g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Mark V Special Edition
Yasaka Mark V Special Edition is engineered for offensive players who demand a perfect balance between speed and control. This blade delivers an exceptionally well-balanced, ultra-touch, and powerful playing experience, ideal for dominating with powerful loops, smashes, and loop-drives while maintaining precision in blocking and countering. Its classic all-wood construction provides a reliable feel and versatile performance, making it a top choice for a wide range of offensive techniques.
The blade features a symmetrical, traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This design provides a classic balance of speed, control, and feel, with a consistent response across all strokes. The all-wood nature results in a softer feel and good dwell time, which is highly beneficial for spin-oriented play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 8.7, this blade sits firmly on the offensive side, suitable for dynamic play. Players report it performs well for aggressive loops and fast attacks, though it requires good technique to generate maximum speed, especially when paired with harder rubbers. While excellent for loop-driven play, some find it lacks the sheer power for blistering smashes from a distance.
The Mark V Special Edition provides excellent controllability for an offensive blade. This allows for accurate shot placement and precise execution in blocking and countering maneuvers. It's perfectly suited for players who value control within an aggressive game, enabling consistent and reliable stroke play.
The blade offers a soft and controlled feel, which is incredibly beneficial for looping and setting up offensive plays. Many players find it provides 'incredible feel' and good 'touch,' though this softness can translate to a less solid sensation during full-power smashes compared to stiffer blades.
The Mark V Special Edition produces a reasonably high throw angle. This is advantageous for lifting the ball over the net with heavy spin and for executing aggressive loops that have a strong, penetrating trajectory and good depth.
The all-wood construction and medium-soft feel contribute to a good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This characteristic is excellent for generating heavy spin and gives players a pronounced feel for the ball throughout their strokes.
Our testing shows the blade has a noticeable amount of flex. This flexibility enhances its dwell time and spin-generation capability, making it particularly suitable for looping and counter-looping. It provides a great feel and control for shots ranging from slow to medium pace.
The combination of an all-wood construction and its offensive characteristics results in a moderate level of vibration. This feedback contributes positively to the overall feel of the blade without being excessive, though players seeking a highly dampened sensation might look elsewhere.
The quality is generally considered good, featuring a classic all-wood construction known for reliability. However, TTSensei experts note there can be variations between individual blades, with some exhibiting rougher surfaces or slight inconsistencies in performance. Durability is typically solid for a wood blade, though care is advised during rubber removal.
Technology
The Yasaka Mark V Special Edition is a testament to classic table tennis craftsmanship, featuring an all-wood construction that prioritizes feel and control. While specific advanced technologies aren't highlighted for this 'Special Edition,' the blade benefits immensely from Yasaka's decades of expertise in blade manufacturing. This heritage ensures a consistent and reliable playing experience that builds upon the legendary reputation of the Mark V name. The focus remains on delivering a balanced platform for offensive play where touch and spin creation are paramount.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Classic
The Yasaka Sweden Classic is another excellent all-wood, 5-ply blade from the same manufacturer. It offers a similar classic feel and superb control, making it a fantastic choice for developing players and all-round play. While the Mark V Special Edition leans more towards offense, the Sweden Classic is generally viewed as a more controlled, all-round oriented blade.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
The Tibhar Stratus Power Wood is an all-wood, 5-ply offensive blade that shares a similar classic feel and control profile. It's also highly recommended for offensive players and those looking to upgrade their setup, offering a great balance of speed, spin, and control. Many players find it to be a satisfying step up, especially when paired with modern, faster rubbers.