DHS Hurricane 2 Neo

Rubber description:

The DHS Hurricane 2 Neo is a highly renowned table tennis rubber, primarily favored by aggressive players who excel in close-to-table looping and counterloops. Known for its exceptional speed and spin, this rubber scores an impressive 8.3 for speed and a remarkable 9.3 for spin, making it a top choice for those seeking a powerful attacking game. The Hurricane 2 Neo incorporates a hard sponge, noted for its 8.7 hardness rating, contributing to a low throw angle that allows for fast, forward-moving shots—ideal for aggressive topspin attacks where precision and speed are essential.

When it comes to tackiness, the Hurricane 2 Neo does not disappoint, with a rating of 8.3. This high level of tackiness translates into excellent spin potential, making it easier for players to generate heavy topspin on serves and loops. The somewhat dense and tacky topsheet requires a specific stroke technique, particularly for those not familiar with Chinese-style rubbers. As players become accustomed to its idiosyncrasies, they often find that the rubber rewards aggressive strokes with substantially enhanced spin and speed.

In terms of weight, the DHS Hurricane 2 Neo can be considered medium, averaging around 43-46g depending on the thickness and sponge hardness. Players appreciate its durability; it typically withstands extensive play without significant wear, earning a durability rating of 7.8. However, newcomers may find that it demands time to break in properly to reach optimal performance.

For alternatives, players often consider the Hurricane 3 Neo or various tensor rubbers. While the H3 Neo provides a higher throw angle with more spin sensitivity, the Hurricane 2 Neo’s low arc might appeal more to those who prefer a direct attacking style, making it perfect for those looking to drive the ball aggressively. Overall, the DHS Hurricane 2 Neo is a compelling choice for advanced players aiming for high speed, spin, and low arc in their gameplay.

Recent Reviews

#1 — December 2022

Boosted Version

Speed is slow when you hit slowly, but very quick when you hit quickly. There is no major catapult effect, but the rubber becomes bouncy once boosted and has great feeling. It’s harder and tackier than Super 999t, and feels more premium.

#2 — November 2021

This rubber has a hard sponge, medium tackiness, and a very low throw angle, which makes it the perfect rubber for a counter spin. Control is not the strongest point here, however, the sheer amount of spin you can generate is ridiculous, especially when executed with low throw angle shots.

You can block with this rubber, but you need to be more involved in your shots. The durability is great, and it needs some time getting used to, but once you do, it is a deadly beast.

You can execute very fast shots for a Chinese rubber. This one is really fast and loaded with spin. It is recommended for advanced players, but it can also be a good learning curve for beginners, as this rubber is highly unforgiving.

#3 — August 2021

The perfect counterlooping rubber. It’s a very low throw, low arc rubber, making it suitable only for advanced, close to table loopers. Counterlooping is very easy with this rubber because the ball stays low. However, it offers very little margin for error in loops, resulting in a very flat loop arc.

Compared to the H3 Neo, the H2N has a different trajectory. With the H3N, your shot goes upward, while with the H2N, your shot goes forward. This means that more power goes into speed and less into spin. As a result, the H2N provides less spin but more speed, reduced spin sensitivity, and makes it easier to keep the ball low. In contrast, the H3 Neo has a very high throw. With the H3N, the first loop is very easy, but if you get a good block, you are likely to go long. With the H2N, the opposite is true – the first loop will be very difficult, but the next ones will land.

Nowadays, the H2N is available in hardness 39 and 40, which are very different. The 39 is softer, bouncier, and can even be used unboosted. On the 40, you will need to use 2-3 layers.

The topsheet of the H2N is very hard, harder than other NEO rubbers due to bigger pimples, so it’s difficult to use on the backhand.

Short receive is excellent with this rubber, but this is true of all rubbers like H3, TG2, TG3, H2, and H8.

To summarize the throw angles (= arcs) of these rubbers:

H2N: very low
Tg2N: low (almost exactly like 729 superfx, or 729 bloom power)
H8: low
Tg3N: medium
H3N: very high

Based on this information, you can choose the arc that suits your skill level and playing style. If you play close to the table, a low throw is recommended.