Weight
89g
Thickness
6.1mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Wang Liqin Penhold
DHS Hurricane King series blades, famously linked to three-time World Champion Wang Liqin, are engineered for high-level offensive play. These blades deliver a powerful blend of speed and spin while maintaining impressive control and feel. Available in both classic all-wood and modern composite constructions, they cater to aggressive loopers and attackers who demand a direct connection to the ball. The series is celebrated for its quality craftsmanship and ability to support a dominant, spin-focused playing style.
The classic all-wood construction uses a symmetrical 5-ply build with Koto outer layers, Spruce middle layers, and an Ayous core. This arrangement provides a balanced blend of hardness and flex, contributing to the blade's excellent dwell time and classic feel. Hybrid models integrate composite materials like glass-carbon between plies for added stiffness and speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Hurricane King blades are renowned for their offensive capabilities, with models like the H-WL and Hurricane King 3 rated very high in speed. They are suitable for aggressive loopers and attackers who rely on pace. Even the all-wood variants offer significant speed for their class, delivering the power needed for modern attacking play.
While prioritizing speed, these blades maintain a respectable level of control. The all-wood versions generally offer better control and feel due to their inherent dwell time and feedback. Composite models might require more advanced technique to manage their speed, but still provide enough control for skilled players to execute precise shots.
The feel ranges from a classic, medium-hard sensation in the all-wood versions, providing good feedback and dwell, to a stiffer, crisper feel in composite models. This allows players to feel the ball securely for spin generation and control during fast exchanges.
The throw angle is generally perceived as medium-high, facilitating high-arcing loops with significant spin. This characteristic helps players generate deep, spin-heavy shots that are challenging to return, especially when paired with tacky rubbers.
All-wood variants are praised for their significant dwell time, which is crucial for generating heavy spin on serves, loops, and counter-loops. This extended contact allows players to impart more rotation, making it a key characteristic for spin-focused offensive play.
Flexibility leans towards the stiffer side, especially in composite versions. All-wood blades offer a moderate flex that complements their dwell time, allowing for controlled power and spin. Composite layers contribute to reduced flex and increased stiffness for a more direct response.
Vibration levels vary across the series. Some users report a feeling of stiffness or occasional vibrations, particularly with composite models or certain rubber combinations. However, many describe a solid feel without excessive jarring, contributing to controlled power.
DHS is known for quality manufacturing, and the Hurricane King series reflects this. Blades are well-constructed with good finishing, using materials selected for performance. Even the all-wood versions are noted for their durability and solid feel, earning praise from players for their craftsmanship.
Technology
The series incorporates proprietary technologies like the 'Energy-Shaking-System' (ESS) and advanced gluing techniques designed to optimize the balance between speed, control, and feel. Models like the Hurricane King 3 feature fiberglass-carbon layers for enhanced power and a crisper response. These innovations are tailored to meet the demands of professional offensive play, ensuring minimal elasticity loss and maximum energy transfer.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Liqin
Wang Liqin, a three-time World Champion, is most famously associated with the DHS Hurricane King series. He used the original Hurricane King blade when he won the 2005 World Championships in Shanghai, and variants like the Hurricane King 3 during the VOC-free era. The blade's design, emphasizing powerful offensive play with excellent control and spin, perfectly complemented his aggressive, loop-driven style, supporting both close-to-table attacks and mid-to-long-distance rallies.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
The Viscaria is often cited as a benchmark for modern offensive blades. Compared to the Hurricane King series, it is generally considered faster with a stiffer feel, offering more direct power. However, many players find the Hurricane King series, especially all-wood versions, to provide superior dwell time and a more classic feel for spin generation, making it a preferred choice for those with a traditional or spin-focused offensive style.
Stiga Offensive Classic
The Stiga Offensive Classic is a classic all-wood 5-ply blade known for its balanced feel, control, and excellent dwell time. The DHS Hurricane King (all-wood versions) is often seen as a spiritual successor, offering a similar playing experience with a focus on spin-friendly characteristics. While the Offensive Classic provides a reliable foundation, the Hurricane King series might offer slightly more speed or power, tailored for the aggressive demands of professional play.