Weight
90g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Hurricane Long 5x
DHS Hurricane Long 5X is an evolution of the classic Hurricane Long 5, engineered for the modern, fast-paced game. It caters to aggressive players who demand explosive speed, power, and heavy spin. The blade's construction features a thicker core and inner aryl-carbon layers, which enhance its catapult effect and expand the sweet spot for consistent, powerful strokes. Inspired by Ma Long's dynamic style, it excels at rapid transitions between offense and defense, making it a formidable weapon for players looking to dominate rallies with a versatile and powerful offensive game, perfectly suited for the 40+ ball era.
The 5+2 construction features Aryl-Carbon layers positioned closer to the core. The thicker Ayous core enhances power and elasticity, while the outer Limba layers provide a good feel and spin generation.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hurricane Long 5X is renowned for its high speed, rated as OFF+ to OFF++. This is attributed to its thicker core and the integration of Aryl-Carbon layers. It provides excellent power for offensive shots, making it suitable for aggressive players and fast-paced rallies. Our testing shows it is noticeably faster than the original Hurricane Long 5 due to this enhanced core construction.
While categorized as an offensive blade, Hurricane Long 5X offers a respectable level of control for its speed. However, the increased speed and bounciness from the thicker core can require more active engagement from the player to maintain precision, especially in touch play. It provides good control for powerful strokes but demands focus for delicate shots.
Hurricane Long 5X delivers a stiffer and harder feel compared to many all-wood or softer composite blades. While it provides clear, direct feedback on powerful shots, softer touches might feel slightly less nuanced. The presence of Aryl-Carbon layers contributes to this crisp, responsive sensation.
Hurricane Long 5X generally offers a medium-high to high throw angle. This is beneficial for executing looping shots with a strong upward trajectory, allowing the ball to clear the net with ample margin and land deep. The high arc is well-suited for spin-oriented attacks and powerful topspins.
The blade offers good dwell time, which is beneficial for generating heavy spin. This characteristic allows players to feel the ball securely on the blade, enabling them to impart significant rotation. The deep ball hold is particularly noticeable on powerful topspin strokes, aiding in spin production.
Hurricane Long 5X is characterized by its stiffness rather than flexibility. This attribute contributes to its high speed and power, allowing for direct energy transfer on powerful shots. It leans towards the stiffer end of the spectrum, which is typical for high-speed offensive blades with composite layers.
Vibration levels are generally considered moderate. While the blade's stiffness transmits some feedback, it's not excessively jarring. The construction with Aryl-Carbon layers and the thicker core helps manage and dampen harsh vibrations, providing a controlled and solid feel upon impact.
Hurricane Long 5X is widely regarded as a high-quality blade, reflecting DHS's reputation for professional-grade equipment. Players report solid construction and consistent performance. The attention to detail, including a data card with exact specifications, reinforces the perception of excellent build quality and meticulous craftsmanship.
Technology
DHS Hurricane Long 5X features a 5+2 plies construction, combining 5 layers of wood with 2 layers of Aryl-Carbon fiber. The Aryl-Carbon layers are positioned 'inner' to the core, contributing to a more controlled feel and enhanced dwell time compared to outer-carbon blades. A key technological enhancement is the thicker Ayous core, which increases the blade's elasticity, power, and speed. This construction, along with Pith-Film technology, is optimized for the 40+ plastic ball era, aiming to generate more spin and a better arc on shots. The blade's design is directly influenced by Ma Long's playing style, focusing on rapid transitions between offense and defense.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ma Long
Ma Long is intrinsically linked to the DHS Hurricane Long series. While he uses a customized version, the commercial Hurricane Long 5 and its variants, like the 5X, are based on his preferred specifications. The 5X, with its enhanced speed and power, aligns perfectly with Ma Long's aggressive, dynamic, and versatile playing style, which involves rapid offense-defense transitions and powerful, spin-laden shots. The blade's construction is engineered to support his high-level offensive game in the modern plastic ball era.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is a highly popular inner-carbon blade often compared to Hurricane Long 5X. Both feature inner Aryl-Carbon layers and are known for speed, spin, and suitability for aggressive, topspin-oriented play. While the Viscaria offers a slightly different feel—often described as more muted with distinct vibrations—it serves as a comparable high-performance option. Many players find the HL5X to be stiffer and potentially more direct on very powerful shots.
DHS Hurricane Long 5
Hurricane Long 5X is a direct evolution of the Hurricane Long 5. The primary difference is the 5X's thicker core, which enhances speed and power at the cost of some control. Players who find the original Hurricane Long 5 slightly lacking in offensive punch for the modern game might consider the 5X an upgrade. Conversely, players who prioritize control and a slightly softer feel might prefer the original model.