Weight
90g
Thickness
5.97mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Q968
DHS Q968, also known as the Hurricane King National, is a high-performance blade engineered for elite offensive play. Developed to meet the rigorous standards of top-level competition, it delivers exceptional power, speed, and spin. Its 5+2 ply construction with inner Arylate Carbon layers creates a unique blend of solid feel, enhanced elasticity, and a large sweet spot. Designed for aggressive attackers, it provides superior stability for powerful forehand and backhand attacks from mid to far distances, making it a formidable tool for players who demand precision and explosive shot-making.
The 5+2 construction consists of five wood layers and two inner Arylate Carbon layers. The Arylate Carbon is positioned closer to the core, contributing to the blade's speed, stiffness, and enlarged sweet spot, while the wood outer layers provide good feel and spin generation. This configuration enhances power and elasticity without sacrificing control for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
DHS Q968 is a very fast blade designed for aggressive offensive play. Its 5+2 Arylate Carbon construction provides significant speed, enabling powerful drives and quick attacks, especially from mid to far distances. It excels at generating fast, penetrating shots with high spin, making it a potent weapon for players who rely on explosive acceleration and offensive pressure.
Despite its high speed, Q968 offers surprisingly good control for an offensive blade of its caliber. The inner Arylate Carbon layers and carefully selected wood plies contribute to a stable, connected feel, allowing for controlled attacks and precise placement. This balance is crucial for executing delicate shots amidst high-paced rallies, providing the confidence needed for top-level play.
DHS Q968 delivers a medium-hard feel. The inner Arylate Carbon layers provide a solid and crisp sensation upon impact, with a good connection to the ball. This firm feel contributes to the blade's speed and directness, though some players might find it less bouncy or soft compared to blades with outer carbon layers.
Q968 generally produces a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping and topspin shots, allowing the ball to clear the net with sufficient arc while maintaining a high trajectory for continuous offensive pressure.
Dwell time on the Q968 is considered good for its class, offering enough contact to impart spin, especially on loop drives. However, compared to all-wood blades, it has a slightly shorter dwell time, requiring players to have good technique to maximize spin. It strikes a functional balance between dwell and speed for offensive play.
This blade is on the stiffer side, which is typical for offensive composite blades designed for speed. The low flexibility allows for direct power transfer and quick reaction times, crucial for modern offensive table tennis where immediate ball response is key.
Vibration level is moderate. The Arylate Carbon layers help absorb some excessive vibrations, providing a comfortable feel while maintaining necessary feedback for offensive play. It offers a good compromise between feeling the ball and minimizing harshness during powerful shots.
Manufactured to extremely high standards, Q968 reflects its designation for professional and national team use. TTSensei experts consistently note its premium build quality, excellent material selection, and consistent performance. This blade is crafted for durability and elite-level play, with a level of craftsmanship that meets the demands of the most competitive environments.
Technology
DHS Q968 utilizes a '5+2 AC Structure,' featuring five wood layers combined with two inner layers of Arylate Carbon. This construction aims to provide enhanced power, elasticity, and an enlarged sweet spot. The Arylate Carbon is strategically placed near the core, contributing to a crisp feel and fast rebound, while the outer wood plies offer control and spin potential. The blade also incorporates a thicker core design to enhance solidity and rebound speed, optimized for the 40+ plastic ball to generate stronger spin and better arc.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Chuqin
Wang Chuqin, a prominent Chinese professional, is strongly associated with DHS Q968. He uses this blade for his aggressive, two-winged attacking style characterized by powerful topspin shots and unpredictable pace changes. The Q968's combination of speed, control, and stability allows him to execute his dynamic game, excelling in backhand exchanges and mid-to-far table rallies, highlighting its suitability for high-level professional offensive play.
Similar Blades
DHS W968 (Hurricane Long 5 National)
DHS W968 is often considered a benchmark for high-end DHS blades. While both Q968 and W968 are national-level blades with 5+2 composite structures, TTSensei testing shows the Q968 is slightly faster with potentially less dwell time, while the W968 may offer more dwell and a softer feel. Players report the Q968 as bouncier and requiring less raw strength to activate compared to the W968.