Description
The DHS Hurricane Long 5 is one of the most sought-after table tennis blades in the world, favored by professional players for its exceptional speed, control, and spin capabilities. Named after Chinese table tennis legend Ma Long, this blade is designed for aggressive offensive play while maintaining precision. In this 1900-word review, we’ll explore its construction, performance, pros and cons, and why it remains a top choice for competitive players.DHS Hurricane Long 5
Table of Contents
Introduction to the DHS Hurricane Long 5
Construction and Technology
Performance Analysis
Speed and Power
Spin Potential
Control and Feel
Comparison with Other Elite Blades
Best Rubber Pairings
Who Should Use the DHS Hurricane Long 5?
Pros and Cons
Final Verdict
1. Introduction to the DHS Hurricane Long 5
The DHS Hurricane Long 5 (also known as Hurricane Long V) is part of DHS’s premium blade series, engineered to meet the demands of professional players. It gained widespread recognition after Ma Long, one of the greatest table tennis players of all time, used it to dominate international competitions.
This blade is designed for offensive players who rely on powerful loops, fast counter-attacks, and heavy spin. Its unique composition provides an excellent balance between speed and control, making it ideal for modern attacking styles.
2. Construction and Technology
The Hurricane Long 5 features a 5-ply wood construction with two carbon layers, enhancing stiffness and power while retaining a natural wood feel. Here’s a breakdown of its composition:
Top Ply: Limba – Provides a soft touch and excellent dwell time for spin.
Inner Carbon Layers: Arylate-Carbon – Adds stiffness and explosive power without sacrificing control.
Core: Ayous – Lightweight yet sturdy, contributing to the blade’s stability.
This combination results in a medium-stiff blade that excels in both close-to-table and mid-distance play.
3. Performance Analysis
Speed and Power
The DHS Hurricane Long 5 is classified as an OFF+ blade, meaning it’s optimized for high-speed attacking play. The carbon layers amplify power, allowing for explosive shots, especially when looping or smashing.
Forehand loops generate tremendous speed and penetration.
Counter-drives are sharp and direct, making it difficult for opponents to block effectively.
However, beginners may find it too fast if they lack proper technique.
Spin Potential
Thanks to the Limba top ply, the blade offers exceptional spin generation. The dwell time allows players to brush the ball effectively, producing heavy topspin or sharp backspin.
Ideal for serves, loops, and flicks.
Works exceptionally well with tacky Chinese rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3.
Control and Feel
Despite its speed, the Hurricane Long 5 provides above-average control due to its balanced construction. The Arylate-Carbon layers soften the carbon’s harshness, giving a more wood-like feel compared to pure carbon blades.
Short game (pushes, drops) remains precise.
Blocking is stable and responsive.
4. Comparison with Other Elite Blades
Blade Speed Control Spin Stiffness Best For
DHS Hurricane Long 5 OFF+ High Very High Medium-Stiff Aggressive loopers
Butterfly Viscaria OFF High High Medium All-round attackers
Stiga Clipper OFF Medium Medium Stiff Power drivers
DHS Hurricane King 3 OFF+ Medium High Stiff Spin-oriented attackers
Key Takeaways:
The Hurricane Long 5 is faster and spinnier than the Viscaria but slightly less forgiving.
Compared to the Clipper, it offers better dwell time for spin-oriented play.
The Hurricane King 3 is stiffer and more direct, while the Long 5 has better touch.
5. Best Rubber Pairings
To maximize performance, pairing the Hurricane Long 5 with the right rubbers is crucial. Here are the top recommendations:
Forehand:
DHS Hurricane 3 Neo (Tacky) – Enhances spin and control.
Tibhar K3 – A hybrid rubber offering speed and grip.
Backhand:
Butterfly Tenergy 05 – For explosive backhand flicks.
Dignics 05 – More linear and controlled than Tenergy.
6. Who Should Use the DHS Hurricane Long 5?
This blade is best suited for:
✔ Advanced to professional players with strong technique.
✔ Offensive loopers who prioritize spin and power.
✔ Mid-distance attackers who rely on heavy topspin.
Not recommended for:
✖ Beginners – Too fast and requires good stroke mechanics.
✖ Defensive players – Better options exist for choppers.
7. Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Exceptional spin and speed for aggressive play.
✅ Great control despite its offensive nature.
✅ High-quality construction with premium materials.
✅ Versatile for both forehand and backhand play.
Cons:
❌ Expensive compared to intermediate blades.
❌ Requires good technique to fully utilize its potential.
❌ Not ideal for passive playstyles.
8. Final Verdict
The DHS Hurricane Long 5 is a top-tier blade designed for elite players who demand power, spin, and precision. Its unique Arylate-Carbon layers provide a perfect balance between explosiveness and control, making it a favorite among professionals.
If you’re an advanced attacker looking for a blade that can dominate rallies with heavy loops and fast counters, the Hurricane Long 5 is an outstanding choice. However, intermediate players may need time to adapt to its speed.
Rating: 9.5/10
Performance: ★★★★★
Control: ★★★★☆
Spin: ★★★★★
Value for Money: ★★★★☆
For those seeking a world-class blade that can elevate their game, the DHS Hurricane Long 5 is undoubtedly worth the investment.