Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.85mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hurricane 301
DHS Hurricane 301 is an offensive blade built for aggressive loopers seeking a powerful yet controlled game. Its 5+2 innerforce construction places arylate-carbon layers near the core, enhancing dwell time and delivering a crisp, woody feel with excellent spin potential. Koto outer plies provide a direct touch and solid ball grip, making it exceptionally versatile for both powerful attacks and precise short play. This blade is a favorite for players using Chinese tacky rubbers, offering a balanced, linear response that supports development while delivering serious power when needed.
This 5+2 construction features a symmetrical build with Koto outer plies, Ayous inner wood layers, and two arylate-carbon fiber layers placed inside, adjacent to the core. This innerforce design is key to its balanced performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hurricane 301 delivers solid offensive speed with a linear, manageable response. While categorized as OFF, it plays more like a controlled OFF- to OFF+ blade, offering significant acceleration when you fully engage the inner carbon layers on big strokes. This makes it powerful for finishing shots without feeling uncontrollably fast, providing a good balance for players who want power without sacrificing touch.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The inner carbon placement and wood composition create a predictable, consistent response that excels in the short game and allows for precise placement during rallies. Players report it feels incredibly trustworthy, making it suitable for developing techniques while maintaining an offensive edge, as the smooth transition between defense and attack is seamless.
Hurricane 301 offers a medium feel that is crisp yet forgiving. The inner carbon layers filter vibrations effectively, delivering a 'woody with a kick' sensation that provides excellent feedback, especially on touch shots, making it feel more like an enhanced wood blade than a stiff composite.
It produces a medium-low throw angle, especially on hard hits, resulting in direct, fast topspins that stay low over the net. This characteristic suits players who favor sharp, penetrating attacks.
Dwell time is notably good for a composite blade, enhanced by the innerforce design which helps grip the ball for spin generation. It provides more dwell than outer-carbon blades, though players familiar with all-wood constructions might find it slightly less pronounced, offering a great compromise for loopers.
This blade strikes an ideal balance with medium flexibility. It has enough give to aid dwell and spin on loops, yet sufficient stiffness from the Koto and carbon to support solid blocks and powerful drives, making it a versatile offensive tool.
Vibration is well-controlled, offering clear feedback without being harsh. The inner layers dampen excessive shock, resulting in a balanced, comfortable feel that isn't overly stiff, even on powerful impacts.
Build quality is generally very good with consistent craftsmanship. However, the Koto outer ply can be prone to splintering when rubbers are removed, so many players recommend sealing the blade and sanding the edges before first use. Once treated, it proves to be a durable and reliable piece of equipment.
Technology
DHS Hurricane 301 incorporates Blade Balancing Technology (BBT), a manufacturing process designed to enhance consistency and durability by making the blade less susceptible to environmental factors like humidity and temperature. This helps maintain its elasticity and internal power over time. The construction also uses a specialized arylate-carbon fiber composite integrated within the wood plies, creating the signature innerforce effect that balances speed, control, and a traditional feel.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Chinese Professional Players
While not tied to a single superstar, the blade's BBT technology and performance profile are widely recognized and utilized within the professional Chinese table tennis circuit, indicating its suitability for high-level, spin-oriented attacking play.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane Long 5
Often called the 'little brother' to the Long 5, the Hurricane 301 offers a similar innerforce ALC experience at a more accessible price. The Long 5 typically uses Limba outer plies and may have different fiber arrangements, generally resulting in higher speed and flexibility, making the 301 an excellent value-oriented alternative.
Stiga V5 / Inspire Series
Blades like the Stiga V5 share the inner-ALC construction philosophy, prioritizing a softer feel, increased dwell time, and control over raw speed. These alternatives are great for players who want the composite stability and spin focus of an innerforce blade, though the exact feel and feedback will vary based on the specific wood and fiber composition used.