Weight
88.5g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
164x154
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Head-Heavy
Classic 08X
DHS Classic 08X is a 7-ply hybrid blade that masterfully blends the classic touch of wood with the stability of modern carbon. Designed for players who value tactical precision, it features a crisp, medium-hard feel from its Limba outer plies and inner carbon layers. The enlarged head size creates a generous sweet spot, enhancing control for both spin-focused attacks and dependable blocks. This construction delivers a stable, controlled speed ideal for players who rely on placement and spin generation, making it a versatile choice for modern defensive and all-round offensive styles.
The blade is built with a symmetrical 7-ply construction. It starts with a crisp Limba outer layer, followed by a penultimate wood layer, an inner carbon layer, a central Ayous core, then another inner carbon layer, another penultimate wood layer, and finishes with the outer Limba. This stack aims to provide stability and a crisp feel while maintaining good control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
DHS Classic 08X delivers a controlled, moderate speed ideal for tactical play. Its inner carbon layers provide a crisper, more direct response than a pure wood blade, supporting safe loops and accurate counters without being overly fast. This makes it excellent for players who build points with spin and placement rather than raw power.
With its stable construction and oversized head, the 08X offers exceptional control. The large sweet spot and predictable response allow for precise ball placement and consistent play, whether you're executing delicate blocks, heavy chops, or spin-oriented attacks. It's a blade that inspires confidence in tactical maneuvers.
DHS Classic 08X provides a stiff and crisp feel with pronounced vibrations upon contact. It's harder than many dedicated defensive blades but offers excellent feedback, letting you feel exactly how the ball interacts with the rubber and wood.
DHS Classic 08X tends to produce a medium-low throw angle, resulting in flatter ball trajectories. This requires players to adjust their stroke technique slightly to achieve sufficient net clearance, particularly on opening loops against backspin.
Dwell time on this blade generates discussion. Many players find it offers above-average dwell for good spin generation, especially on loops, while others note it feels quicker off the blade compared to pure defensive models. Your technique and rubber choice will significantly influence this characteristic.
Despite its composite layers, the 08X feels surprisingly stiff and direct. This stiffness contributes to its controlled speed and precise response, making it less flexible than many all-wood blades designed for a catapult effect.
This blade produces strong, clear vibrations that contribute to its distinctive crisp feedback. Players who enjoy feeling every detail of their shot will appreciate this, though those preferring a heavily dampened, muted feel might find it pronounced.
DHS Classic 08X is well-regarded for its solid build quality and finish. While some players note the wing edges can be sharp, the overall construction is robust and reliable. It represents good value within its category, offering premium performance characteristics in a durable package.
Technology
DHS Classic 08X utilizes a sophisticated 5+2 ply construction, sandwiching two inner carbon fiber layers between wood plies. This design harmonizes the classic, responsive feel of Limba outer layers with the stability and reinforcement of carbon. The carbon layers are placed internally to increase stiffness and directness without overwhelming the wood's natural characteristics. A key technological feature is the oversized head shape, engineered to expand the sweet spot significantly, which enhances control and forgiveness. Together, these elements create a blade that feels traditional yet performs with modern precision and stability.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Hou Yingchao
Hou Yingchao, the 2019 Chinese National Champion and a renowned modern defender, is associated with this blade. His style, which masterfully blends precise defensive chops with aggressive forehand counter-attacks, aligns perfectly with the 08X's characteristics. The blade's stability, control-oriented speed, and spin potential make it an ideal tool for his tactical, variation-rich game.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita Offensive
The Victas Koji Matsushita Offensive is a classic benchmark for control-oriented defensive blades. Players report the DHS Classic 08X shares a similar philosophy of excellent control and spin but offers a stiffer, crisper feel due to its inner carbon layers. If you enjoy the Koji Matsushita's playstyle but desire a slightly faster and more direct response, the 08X is a compelling modern alternative.
Nittaku Diode V
Nittaku Diode V is another highly controlled blade known for defensive stability. While the Diode V is generally considered stiffer and harder, the DHS Classic 08X offers a similar level of control with a crisper touch and the reinforcement of inner carbon. Players who appreciate the Diode's precision but seek a blade with more distinct feedback and modern composite construction might find the 08X a suitable option.