
Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.65mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157.5x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Rifle
Yasaka Rifle is a distinctive offensive table tennis blade engineered for spin generation and controlled power. Its unique inner carbon construction delivers a feel closer to traditional wood during soft touches while unleashing dynamic speed when you accelerate through strokes. This hybrid design suits players who want responsive feedback and smooth transitions between controlled short game and aggressive attacking shots. The blade offers a satisfying 'carbon kick' that engages with power, making it ideal for spin-oriented attackers who appreciate nuanced feel.
Yasaka Rifle features a 5+2 ply construction with inner carbon layers positioned away from the outer veneers. This configuration places carbon deeper within the blade structure, contributing to a softer feel during gentle shots while engaging the carbon for increased speed and power during hard hits. The core wood ply matches the thickness of adjacent layers, creating a balanced construction designed to provide wood-like sensation with carbon performance enhancements.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Yasaka Rifle delivers impressive speed, rating as a fast blade that engages its inner carbon layers for significant power generation. When you put force into your strokes, the carbon provides a noticeable 'inner fiber' effect that boosts acceleration without the harshness sometimes found in outer carbon designs. This makes it particularly effective for players who want explosive power on their attacking shots while maintaining a connected feel.
Despite its high speed rating, Yasaka Rifle maintains excellent control through its inner carbon placement and thoughtful construction. The blade allows for precise ball placement and management even during aggressive offensive plays. Players report good feedback and the ability to execute controlled shots consistently, making it suitable for those who need both power and precision in their game.
Yasaka Rifle offers a distinctive medium-hard feel that behaves like a wood blade during soft touch play, then engages the carbon layers to provide a pronounced 'kick' when you execute harder swings. This hybrid sensation delivers excellent ball feedback and connection, particularly appealing to players who prefer blades that aren't overly stiff or dead while still providing responsive power.
The combination of inner carbon and wood plies creates a medium-high throw angle that's particularly effective for generating steep attacking shots and powerful loops. This trajectory helps players produce offensive shots with good arc and penetration.
The inner carbon placement and wood construction provide moderate to good dwell time, allowing sufficient ball contact for effective spin generation. This characteristic helps players 'hold' the ball during strokes, contributing to the blade's spin-oriented performance especially when paired with modern rubbers.
As a hybrid blade with inner carbon, Yasaka Rifle offers moderate to slightly stiff flexibility. This balance enables efficient energy transfer during powerful shots while retaining enough flex for controlled looping and delicate touch play, making it versatile across different stroke types.
Yasaka Rifle's inner carbon design helps dampen excessive vibration while maintaining responsiveness. Players experience feedback that isn't harsh or jarring, offering a comfortable playing sensation that provides useful information about ball contact without being uncomfortable during extended sessions.
Yasaka Rifle reflects the brand's reputation for well-engineered table tennis equipment with its unique construction and performance focus. While specific quality ratings are limited, the blade's design suggests robust engineering and attention to durability. The engaging 'carbon feel' that activates with power indicates a solid build that can withstand regular play while delivering consistent performance.
Technology
Yasaka Rifle utilizes innovative 'inner carbon' construction where carbon fiber layers are embedded within the blade's wood plies rather than placed directly beneath the outer veneers. This strategic placement enhances speed and power potential while retaining natural wood-like feel and dwell time during softer strokes. The design creates a unique playing sensation that delivers a distinct 'kick' when you accelerate through the ball, making the blade highly responsive to increased power input while maintaining touch sensitivity.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ma Lin
While not explicitly documented as his primary competition blade, Yasaka Rifle shares characteristics with equipment favored by Ma Lin, particularly the Ma Lin Extra Offensive. Given Ma Lin's association with Yasaka and his preference for offensive blades with good feel, it's plausible he tested or used the Rifle during development. The blade reflects the playing style principles associated with his aggressive, spin-oriented approach to the game.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive serves as a natural comparison, with players noting the Rifle feels like the 'Ma Lin Extra Offensive with better sweet spot and feeling.' Both are offensive blades from Yasaka, with the Ma Lin Extra Offensive being a 5-ply all-wood design known for its power and tactile feedback. Players considering the Rifle might appreciate this alternative if they prefer pure wood construction while seeking similar offensive characteristics.