Ma Long Balance

Weight

89g

Thickness

5.9mm

Plies

7-ply

Handles

FL

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Dhs

Ma Long Balance

China
2014

DHS Hurricane Long 5 is a premium table tennis blade engineered for offensive players who demand a perfect harmony of speed, spin, and control. Developed with the Chinese National Team and famously used by Ma Long, this professional-grade instrument excels at aggressive looping and fast-attack play. Its 5+2 Arylate Carbon construction delivers a lively feel, an amplified sweet spot, and the power to execute heavy, spin-infused shots with pinpoint accuracy. The blade facilitates seamless transitions between attack and defense, providing a stable, responsive platform for dynamic, high-level gameplay.

7-Ply Construction

The 5+2 construction features Limba outer plies for initial speed and feel, followed by Ayous and embedded Arylate Carbon layers. This inner ALC placement provides elasticity, vibration dampening, and a larger sweet spot, contributing to a powerful yet controlled offensive performance.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.0

Hurricane Long 5 is designed for fast attack, delivering significant speed for aggressive loops and drives. The inner Arylate Carbon layers contribute to a powerful rebound, enabling players to generate high-paced attacks. Our testing shows it provides excellent offensive pace, making it suitable for players who want to dominate rallies with speed.

Control
8.5

Despite its offensive power, Hurricane Long 5 offers excellent control, thanks to the inner ALC placement and 5-ply wood structure. This design provides good dwell time for spin generation and precise placement, even during powerful strokes. Players can execute a wide range of tactics, from heavy loops to controlled blocks and pushes, with confidence.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

The blade offers a relatively hard, direct feel due to the ALC layers and wood composition, providing clear feedback. However, the inner ALC construction also imparts a degree of elasticity and dwell, preventing it from feeling overly stiff. This results in a responsive feel that still allows for good ball contact and touch.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

This blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for aggressive looping, allowing players to clear the net with significant topspin and arc for powerful, controlled attacks.

Dwell Time
8.0

The combination of Arylate Carbon layers and wood plies creates a blade with significant ball dwell time. This is crucial for generating heavy spin on loops and maintaining control during softer shots, allowing players to feel the ball and impart maximum rotation effectively.

Flexibility
6.0

Hurricane Long 5 strikes an excellent balance between flexibility and stiffness. It offers enough flex for good dwell and spin generation on loops, while remaining sufficiently stiff to provide the power and stability needed for fast attacks and drives.

Vibration
4.0

While an offensive blade, the inner ALC construction helps absorb excessive vibrations, providing a comfortable and controlled feel. Players receive clear, crisp feedback without harshness, which supports consistent and confident stroke execution.

Quality
9.5

DHS blades, especially those associated with Ma Long and the national team, are renowned for exceptional build quality and precision manufacturing. The materials are high-grade, and the construction is robust, ensuring consistent performance and longevity that meets the demands of the most competitive players.

Technology

DHS Hurricane Long 5 features an advanced 5+2 Arylate Carbon (ALC) construction. The ALC layers are strategically placed between the wood plies, offering enhanced elasticity, vibration dampening, and a larger sweet spot compared to blades with outer carbon layers. This inner fiber technology allows for a softer feel at lower impact while generating significant power and speed on hard strikes. Refinements in the blade's responsiveness and stability support the dynamic playing style of top professionals, enabling swift transitions between offense and defense with maximum spin and power.

Pro Players Using This Blade

Ma Long

Ma Long has famously used various iterations of the DHS Hurricane Long series, including the Hurricane Long 5, as his primary blade during many of his most successful periods. The blade's inner ALC construction perfectly complements his aggressive, spin-heavy, and dynamic playing style. It allows him to generate immense power on his forehand and backhand loops while providing the necessary control for precise placement, short game, and defensive maneuvers. The blade's responsiveness is key to his rapid transitions between offense and defense.

Similar Blades

Butterfly InnerForce Layer ALC.S

Similar to Hurricane Long 5, the InnerForce Layer ALC.S features an inner ALC construction, offering a comparable feel with a balance of speed, control, and spin. Both blades cater to offensive players who rely on powerful loops. However, the Butterfly blade might offer a slightly different feel or speed characteristic due to its specific wood and fiber combinations, often perceived as having a softer touch.

Stiga Intensity NCT

Stiga Intensity NCT is another blade known for its offensive capabilities with a focus on spin and speed. While its construction differs, utilizing NCT technology, it aims to provide a similar playing experience with good dwell time for spin and enough power for aggressive shots. It's a solid alternative for players seeking a blade that supports a dynamic, loop-driven game.