DHS Hurricane Wang Chuqin

I must first say that this is my first blade from DHS. Previously, I played with Innerforce blades from Nittaku, Butterfly, and Xiom — models such as the Hina Hayata H2, Tiago Apolonia ZLC, and An JaeHyun TMXi. All these blades have the qualities attributed to Innerforce blades; however, the TMXi exhibits fewer of these Innerforce characteristics, being stiffer and less flexible, with a higher initial speed. But I’m not talking about that one.

So, this blade — the Hurricane Wang Chuqin (and arguably the same can be said for the Hurricane Long 5, which is cheaper, though I haven’t directly compared it since I don’t own one) — boasts excellent flexibility or elasticity, much like a slingshot or a bow launching a projectile when you put a solid amount of power into a topspin. At the same time, this type of blade has a relatively low initial speed (I suspect the Hurricane Long 5x might offer a higher initial speed due to a thicker central layer).

Due to this nonlinearity, this blade is clearly not suitable for those who have previously played with outer carbon blades; however, one can get used to it — just be prepared for frequent losses in matches at first, though the initial struggles will eventually pay off. Topspins generated with this blade are very challenging for opponents to handle, but achieving this effect requires excellent topspin technique. The on-table control, especially in short, controlled shots, is high — again thanks to the low initial speed. However, executing blocks (both active and passive) is quite challenging due to the blade’s elasticity, a significant delay in response which demands high concentration. If you are primarily a blocker, there are more suitable blades for that style.

The backhand performance of this blade is excellent — it works like a whip — but you need to be active and use a sufficiently wide, dynamic stroke, much like you would on the forehand.

It performs well in the second to third zones, though in the first zone it lacks dynamism, in my opinion.

Since many table tennis equipment commentators often write in isolation from the overall setup — thus arriving at contradictory conclusions — I will describe my own setup: The blade weighs about 90g. For the forehand, I use DHS Hurricane 3 Provincial 40’ blue sponge rubber, and for the backhand, Nittaku Hammond Z2. The overall setup weighs approximately 200g. The rubbers definitely need to be ‘prepared’. And you will be delighted.

Wow. Top blade. Forehand is amazing. Paired with Hurricane 3 blue, 41, Neo. Very nice feeling. Picks up backspin around the table really well. Counters like a dream. Supreme touch around the net. Backhand rips like a whip. What more do you want?

It’s definitely for those players with a lot of power, rather than relying on the blade to provide the power. It has gears and needs time to understand and release those gears.