Weight
88g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
164x150
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hurricane Hao 656
DHS Hurricane Hao 656 is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade crafted for players who thrive on spin and aggressive looping. Inspired by the legendary Wang Hao, it delivers a compelling mix of power and fine control, making it a top choice for developing consistent offensive pressure. Its thick core ply enhances stability and hitting effect, excelling in both close-to-the-table exchanges and mid-distance rallies. The blade is renowned for its impressive dwell time and responsive, engaging feel, providing the feedback needed for precise stroke play and heavy spin generation with modern rubbers.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction uses Koto outer layers for a responsive hitting surface that enhances spin, with Spruce intermediate layers and an Ayous core that contribute to the blade's flexibility and overall feel. The arrangement creates a balanced character ideal for controlled offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hurricane Hao 656 delivers strong offensive speed, perfectly suited for players using modern rubbers and focusing on aggressive shots. It provides ample pace for quick attacks at the table and powerful loops from mid-distance, enhanced by its thickened core construction. While it doesn't reach the extreme velocities of composite blades, our testing shows it offers more than enough speed for effective offensive play, ensuring you can pressure opponents without sacrificing control.
Control is where this blade truly shines. It offers exceptional precision in all phases of the game, from delicate short pushes to aggressive loops. This high level of control allows players to execute consistent placement and develop sophisticated tactical plays, making it a reliable foundation for building offensive strategies. Players report superb feel in the short game, giving you confidence to control the rally's tempo.
Hurricane Hao 656 offers a responsive and engaging feel that sits in the medium range—neither too soft nor too hard. It provides good dwell time and a slightly bouncy character that helps with spin generation, giving players clear feedback on their strokes while maintaining a comfortable, connected sensation during play.
With its flexible nature and responsive surface, the blade produces a medium-high throw angle that's ideal for aggressive looping. This trajectory allows players to generate powerful arcs over the net while maintaining good control, helping keep aggressive shots on the table during sustained rallies.
This blade excels in dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the racket face longer for enhanced spin generation. This characteristic is crucial for creating heavy topspin on loops and serves, giving players more control over the ball's trajectory and rotation during offensive plays.
Hurricane Hao 656 shows good flexibility that enhances its spin-generating capabilities. This flexibility allows the blade to bend and rebound effectively, helping players impart more rotation on the ball while maintaining control, especially noticeable during looping strokes where the dwell time and flex work together.
The blade provides a moderate level of vibration that contributes to its overall feel without being excessive or distracting. This balanced vibration profile gives players enough feedback to sense their shots while maintaining comfort during extended play sessions.
Hurricane Hao 656 is generally regarded as a well-constructed blade with quality wood veneers and good overall build integrity. It offers a premium feel for its price point, with durable construction that holds up well to regular play. While minor cosmetic variations can occur, the core quality and performance consistency are considered excellent, providing good value for players seeking a professional-grade wood blade.
Technology
DHS Hurricane Hao 656 represents an evolution designed for modern environmental standards, being part of the VOC-free production era. Its 5-ply all-wood construction focuses on a thickened center ply to enhance hitting effect and stability during rallies. The specific wood combination—Koto outer plies with Spruce and an Ayous core—creates a blade that balances speed, control, and spin generation. This design philosophy optimizes performance for today's offensive game, particularly for players who rely on spin-oriented strategies and consistent attacking play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Hao
Hurricane Hao 656 was explicitly designed with Wang Hao's legendary playing style in mind, capturing his aggressive looping and exceptional control. The blade's emphasis on spin generation, rally stability, and suitability for close-to-the-table play perfectly mirrors his offensive yet controlled penhold approach. The '656' designation often indicates a refined version suitable for elite players seeking that professional-grade performance.
Wang Liqin
While the blade features Wang Liqin's imagery and shares Koto top plies similar to his signature Hurricane King blade, direct usage of this specific model isn't definitively documented. However, the association reflects a design philosophy that incorporates elements favored by top Chinese professionals known for powerful looping and all-around offensive games.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane King
The Hurricane King shares similar characteristics as another DHS offensive blade focused on control and spin. Many players consider it a comparable option with a potentially higher price point, though the Hao 656 is specifically noted for its VOC-free era construction and refined playing characteristics that some prefer for modern game demands.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (YEO)
YEO is a popular 5-ply all-wood blade known for its excellent balance of speed, control, and feel. Players often note similarities in playing characteristics between these blades, making YEO a potential alternative for those seeking a similar all-wood offensive experience with good dwell time. However, TTSensei experts note the Hao 656 typically feels stiffer and harder, offering a slightly different tactile response.