Tibhar Samsonov Alpha vs Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| Tibhar Samsonov Alpha | Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| feel | medium-stiff, good dwell time, controllable | medium-soft and flexible for a carbon blade, with clear feedback and a large sweet spot |
| handle | FL/ST | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5-ply all wood (Limba outer plies, Koto/Ayous middle layers) | 7-ply (5 wood plus 2 very thin carbon layers) — same outer veneer as the Yasaka Extra |
| speed | ALL | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 85 | 87 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Tibhar Samsonov Alpha is a lightweight, forgiving 5-ply all-wood blade ideal for beginners seeking control and maneuverability. Its limited speed and modest performance outside close-table range restrict long-term appeal.
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon bridges wood and carbon with its medium-soft, flexible design, exceptional short game, and clear feedback. Though less dwell-time oriented than pure wood, it offers improving players a natural upgrade path with better speed and durability while preserving control.
FAQ
Which is better for upgrading from wood?
Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a natural upgrade providing more speed while maintaining control. Samsonov Alpha is entry-level.
Which has better short game?
Both excel at short game. Ma Lin Soft Carbon is slightly more precise; Samsonov Alpha is forgiving.
Which is more forgiving?
Samsonov Alpha is slightly more forgiving. Ma Lin Soft Carbon is also forgiving but slightly less so.
Which works at mid-distance better?
Ma Lin Soft Carbon performs better mid-distance with its carbon layer. Samsonov Alpha is limited to close-table.