DHS Classic 08X

DHS 08X

Tested with a straight handle (hard to find), the DHS 08X features a 7-ply blade with 2 very thin inner carbon layers. It weighs 89 g and has an oversized head (164 x 155). The design is simple and elegant, and the handle is comfortable due to its 5.9 mm thickness.

Despite coming from more flexible defensive blades, the 08X is relatively stiff and hard, though not as much as the JSH or Diode. It falls somewhere between stiff/hard and flexible/soft blades, with a similar stiffness to the Matsushita Special but a softer touch.

When paired with hard offensive rubber on the forehand and long pips 0.5 mm on the backhand, the 08X excels in defense and short game. Chops on the inverted side are flat and easy to execute consistently. Opening loops and topspins require some adjustment due to the shorter dwell time and lower throw angle. Speed is average, neither too fast nor too slow.

On the pimple side, the 08X produces flat trajectories. It performs well for chops from a distance but may require adjustments for pushes close to the table. Heavy underspin balls need some tweaking, but the resulting ball is deceptive.

Overall, the DHS 08X is a beautifully designed blade with its own unique personality. It is a pleasure to use and will be tested further in the future.

I used this blade as a modern defender, with long pips on the backhand and various forehand inverted rubbers. My conclusion is that the blade is very good for players that attack more and chop less.

The blade is fast for chopping, and it has control, but the ball jumps quickly from the pips. You need a quick hand for serious chopping. The good news is that the forehand attack is very effective. I paired the blade best with Dignis09c and DHS H3-50 and it works great.

I keep the blade as my second choice. It may work better for an Ox blocking game, but for chopping, there are plenty of slower blades.