DHS W968 Hurricane Long 5 National

This is one of the best blades, for sure. But is it really a 10/10 blade? No blade is. This blade requires good fundamental techniques. A problem for this blade is that the price is ridiculously high and it is hard to buy authentic ones. It’s supposed to be made for China national players only. For USATT 2000 and below players, a DHS PG7 might let you play better. I intentionally give a lower rating to it to subdue the hype on this blade. I think it’s a 9.6/10 blade.

Updated 10/04/2022: Using T05/T05FX makes the W968 an excellent blade, great for short touch and powerful from middle away from the table. If you use Hurricane rubbers, make sure to boost them well.

Exceptional blade, but quite expensive, like a handmade piece of furniture. DHS used the best pieces of wood from each tree in its production. I like the narrow throat and handle overall. Excellent control and enough power to overcome slower rubber (Max H3 National and 09 °C). The slower, hard sponges help me control the opponent’s hard shots close to the table. My game emphasizes looping, blocking, and pushing, which the blade does well. I don’t recommend the blade for flatter hitters and smashers.

Ma Long uses this blade, and it is the best.

The best blade here offers both all+ and off++ capabilities, allowing you to effortlessly overspin your opponent while simultaneously blocking their shots with ease. It creates the impression that your opponent is not even using their full arm strength to generate spin on the ball. However, it’s important to note that this blade may not be suitable when paired with soft rubbers.

This review compares the W968 to the Hurricane Long 5 Commercial blade.

Upon initial examination, the W968 Long5 feels vastly different from the commercial Long 5. Its handle is larger and thicker, and the first stroke reveals a noticeably slower blade compared to the HL5. The W968 feels softer and has more flex, with the vibration or feel being more pronounced in the head than the handle. This allows for a more refined touch on the ball.

Despite its apparent slowness, the W968 offers exceptional control due to its extensive gear range. The W968 has a broader range of gears (30, from 1 to 30) compared to the HL5 (20, from 5 to 25). While gears 1-5 contribute to the slower feel, activating gears 25-30 enhances both speed and power. This versatility allows the W968 to adapt to various playing styles, offering both control and raw power when needed.

This blade is incredibly hard and powerful. It is ideal for offensive play, as it can generate a great amount of spin and power. However, it is also relatively heavy, so it may not be the best choice for players who prefer a lighter blade. Overall, it is a great choice for players who want a blade that can generate a lot of spin and power.

WOW is the adjective that comes to mind when describing this blade. I own several high-end blades from various brands, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Its exceptional craftsmanship and performance make it a true standout.

I’ve been using this blade for three years. I’ve tried three different DHS w968 Long 5s. The simple version for the European market is not worth the cost and offers poor control. The superior blade is the one made for the Chinese national team, which Ma Long uses. There’s a series with a gold DHS logo rather than Ma Long’s image. This is the fastest and most controlled W968 available in Asia. I use this blade, which weighs 93 grams. My setup is BH Tenergy 05 and FH DHS National blue sponge Hurricane 3. The blade provides explosive power in attack and is stable in blocks and counterspins. I highly recommend this blade for players seeking something special. However, it’s not for beginners. It’s expensive, around $1000, and fast, requiring skill to handle. Strong ball rotation and speed define this blade.