Stiga Emerald VPS V vs Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Stiga Emerald VPS V | Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| feel | Stiff, hard outer surface with medium throw angle and large sweet spot | medium-soft and flexible for a carbon blade, with clear feedback and a large sweet spot |
| handle | Flared (FL), also available in ST and Chinese pen | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (Ebenholz/dark outer, VPS-treated middle veneers) | 7-ply (5 wood plus 2 very thin carbon layers) — same outer veneer as the Yasaka Extra |
| speed | OFF+ | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 6.2 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 98 | 87 |
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These represent different construction philosophies and playing styles. The Emerald VPS V is a premium all-wood maximum speed blade optimizing for counter-looping from mid to long distance with hard Ebenholz outer and VPS treatment. It demands consistent full-swing technique and weighs 98g.
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a medium-soft, flexible carbon blade prioritizing short game and blocking over far-table speed. It’s excellent for control-first play with linear power and clear ball feel, staying forgiving and controllable despite carbon construction. Short dwell makes generating heavy spin harder without good technique. For maximum speed and far-table attacking, Emerald wins; for control, blocking and soft carbon feel, Ma Lin Soft Carbon excels.
FAQ
Which blade is better for short game?
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon is outstanding for short game with clear ball feel. Emerald VPS V’s short game is adequate.
Which blade is better at blocking?
Ma Lin Soft Carbon is excellent for blocking, unusual for carbon. Emerald VPS V blocks well but prioritizes attacking.
Which blade is heavier?
Emerald VPS V at 98g is notably heavier than Ma Lin Soft Carbon at 87g.
Which blade generates more spin?
Emerald VPS V with longer dwell time is better for heavy spin. Ma Lin Soft Carbon requires good technique for heavy spin.
Which blade is faster?
Emerald VPS V is substantially faster at OFF+. Ma Lin Soft Carbon is OFF- and control-focused.