Loki vs Yasaka: UK all-wood blade & rubber comparison
Yasaka’s Mark V is one of the longest-running rubbers in the sport, and the Sweden Extra blade remains a club and league staple. This guide maps Loki’s closest equivalents by rubber type and construction, with Yasaka prices checked against Thorntons Table Tennis, a UK stockist carrying the Yasaka range.
Yasaka prices verified via thorntonstabletennis.co.uk, 14 September 2026 (current selling price)Rubber & blade comparison matrix
| Category | Yasaka | Yasaka price | Loki alternative | Loki spec | Loki price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic entry tensor | Mark V | £34.99 | Kirin K1 | Tensor, A37Speed 11.5 • Spin 8 • Control 10 | £13.99 |
| European tensor, offensive | Rakza 7 | £44.99 | Telson Germany | Tensor, 45.0°/47.5°Speed 12 • Spin 11 • Control 12 | £29.99 |
| European tensor, softer sponge | Rakza 7 Soft | £44.99 | Arthur Diamond (Europe) | Tensor, A37Speed 12 • Spin 11 • Control 12 | £35.99 |
| 5-ply inner-fibre allround blade | Sweden Extra | £39.99 | Kirin K9 | Inner Aramid Carbon-Light, OFF+Speed 13.6 • Control 11.8 | £33.99 |
Loki figures are manufacturer specification from Loki’s 2026 catalogue. Sweden Extra is a 5-ply all-wood blade, where the Kirin K9 uses an Inner Aramid Carbon-Light layup, so treat this pairing as closest playing style and price tier rather than an identical construction match.
Featured Loki equipment from the matrix
Loki Kirin K9
Benchmark: Yasaka Sweden Extra (£39.99)
- Construction7-ply, Inner Aramid Carbon-Light
- Blade typeOFF+
- Speed / Control13.6 / 11.8
Loki Telson Germany
Benchmark: Yasaka Rakza 7 (£44.99)
- Rubber typeTensor
- Sponge hardness45.0° / 47.5°
- Speed / Spin / Control12 / 11 / 12
A curated club/league setup
Kirin K9 + Telson Germany / Arthur Diamond
A fast inner-fibre blade with a firmer offensive tensor on the forehand and a softer-sponge tensor on the backhand for control.
Nearest Yasaka combination (Sweden Extra + Rakza 7 + Rakza 7 Soft): £129.97
Build this in the Racket Configurator →Which brand actually suits you?
When Yasaka is the right choice
- You’ve played Mark V for years and know exactly how it responds — it’s one of the most consistent rubbers ever made, and switching costs timing, not just money.
- You specifically want a genuine 5-ply all-wood blade rather than a fibre-composite alternative.
Why players consider switching to Loki
- Every mapped Loki equivalent above currently undercuts its Yasaka benchmark on price, as the table shows live.
- Every Loki rubber and blade meets the same tournament-legal construction and ITTF approval standards as Yasaka’s own range.
Common questions
Are Loki rubbers and blades legal for Table Tennis England and ITTF events?
Yes. Every Loki rubber holds ITTF approval on the List of Authorised Racket Coverings, and every Loki blade meets the ITTF construction rule requiring at least 85% natural wood by thickness.
Is the Kirin K9 the same construction as the Sweden Extra?
No. Sweden Extra is a genuine 5-ply all-wood blade, while the Kirin K9 uses an Inner Aramid Carbon-Light layup. They’re matched on price tier and playing style, not identical construction.
Build your club or league setup
Pick a blade and two rubbers in the Racket Configurator and see the live total before you buy.