DHS W968 Hurricane Long 5 National
Blade description:
The DHS W968 is a high-performance composite blade utilizing a 5+2 construction. Designed primarily for advanced, offensive-minded players, it is recognized for offering a dynamic gear range that allows for both high-level control in the short game and significant, explosive power when moving away from the table.
Playing Characteristics
- Feel and Flex: The blade is noted for its distinctive ball feedback and vibration, which is often perceived in the head of the racket. While some iterations are described as having notable flex for looping, others note a stiffer, more powerful performance that excels in blocking and counter-spinning.
- Power and Control: It is capable of handling both high-speed attacks and delicate touch shots. Because of its wide gear range, the blade provides stability during intensive rallies and allows players to generate significant spin.
- Equipment Pairing: The blade is widely paired with hard, tacky rubbers (such as Hurricane 3 variants) on the forehand to maximize its potential for loop-dominant play. It is generally considered less suitable for players focused primarily on flat hitting or smashing.
Construction and Handling
- Design: It features a 5+2 construction, integrating composite layers to support its offensive capabilities.
- Build Quality: Experiences regarding the top sheet vary; while the blade is highly regarded for its performance, some users report a sensitive top ply that is prone to splintering when removing rubbers, as well as occasional inconsistencies in assembly.
- Weight and Balance: Users often report a head-heavy weight distribution, which can be further influenced by the choice of rubbers. Care should be taken to ensure the total setup weight remains within a comfortable range for the user’s playing style.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — June 2025
Best blade ever. I play for fun with this one because my main style is modern defensive.
How do I know it’s great? Because it has a great feeling, consistency, and accuracy in shots. It also has several speeds depending on what you want to do with it.
I have tried almost everything that Butterfly has that’s considered better (I give them as an example because they are a standard in this field), but this blade is on another level.
#2 — April 2025
I had hoped this blade would be like the Ma Long 5 on steroids- a best version of this classic blade. I hoped for more of the flex that allows the blade to have an extra gear over stiffer blades. This was not to be the case. With 2 sheets maximum thickness 09c and a DHS grip tape the weight was 207 grams. Took off the grip and tried lighter rubber(T05) and even one side T05 and one side 09c to keep the weight down.
Even with lighter rubbers it was very head heavy. I like a little extra weight in the head of the racket but this was too much for me. Can’t really see much difference between this blade and the DHS Long 5X. Both have good power and feel very stiff. The flex of the Ma Long 5 is almost completely gone. Felt like I was playing with a Butterfly blade. Build quality was average with strands of carbon sticking out of the blade in several places.
The larger handle that many have mentioned with the W968 was barely noticeable. Cannot appreciate anything this blade can do better than the Ma LongLong 5X. I competed at the national level in the USA as a young adult and owned a large table tennis equipment business for several years. I will continue playing with a Ma LongLong 5X and will revisit the W968 from time to time in the future.
I had truly believed that having artisans pick out the best quality pieces of wood would make a significant difference. Unfortunately, not in this case. I would recommend you buy the Ma LongLong 5X and then invest in the highest quality of rubber. Hope this helps you make a decision.
#3 — March 2025
Amazing blade to play with. Well worth the price.
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