DHS Hurricane 301 series [Lab Test Report]

Table of Contents

1. Overview 2. Performance Indices 3. Comparison by Performance Indices ……. 3-1. Elasticity Indices ……. 3-2. Vibration Indices 4. Summary

DHS ‘Hurricane 301’ is the blade family of inner fiber blades with Koto top layers. It is usually called just as ‘301’ series, but originally it is one of the families of high-class blades in DHS range those have ‘Hurricane’ is their names. ‘Hurricane 301’ series aims at more various playing styles than ‘Hurricane Long’ series which is more expensive than ‘Hurricane 301’ series. When compared with ordinary inner fiber blades with Limba top layers, ‘Hurricane 301’ series transfers more direct feeling and provide higher speed for light hitting. Currently 4 variations are available. TTGearLab will analyze these four models through Performance Indices and then compare with some other models in the market.

---

1.  Overview

Above picture shows four variations of current ‘Hurricane 301’ series – ‘Hurricane 301’, ‘Hurricane 301X’, ‘Hurricane 301T’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’ from left to right. That order is also the order in which each model was released. ‘Hurricane 301’ is the base model, and the other three models are the variations based on ‘Hurricane 301’. All four models are inner fiber blades with Koto top layers.

The appearance and composition of each model are as follows:

1-1.  Hurricane 301

‘Hurricane 301’ is the base model of this series. DHS is explaining that ‘Hurricane 301’ is produced by new technology that makes the blade less influenced by temperature and humidity.

Above picture shows the construction of ‘Hurricane 301’. The top layer is dyed Koto, the middle layer and the center layer are Ayous. ALC(= Arylate Carbon) is inserted between the middle layer and the center layer. Overall thickness is around 5.8mm.

Above picture shows the weave pattern of the fiber which is used in ‘Hurricane 301’. Arylate fibers are arranged only in vertical direction, and Carbon fibers are arranged only in lateral direction.

1-2.  Hurricane 301X

‘Hurricane 301X’ is the high-power version of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. It provides improved speed by increasing thickness of center layer from ‘Hurricane 301’ and adopting new fiber.

Above picture shows the construction of ‘Hurricane 301X’. The concept is based on that of ‘Hurricane 301’. Like ‘Hurricane 301’, the top layer is dyed Koto, the middle layer and the center layer are Ayous. ALC(= Arylate Carbon) is inserted between the middle layer and the center layer. Overall thickness is around 6.0mm.

‘Hurricane 301X’ has different fiber from ‘Hurricane 301’. The difference of fiber is in the weave pattern. In the fiber of ‘Hurricane 301X’, both of Arylates and Carbon fibers are arranged in both of vertical direction and lateral direction. Thicker construction and different weave pattern make ‘Hurricane 301X’ quite different from the original ‘Hurricane 301’.

1-3.  Hurricane 301T

‘Hurricane 301T’ is also based on ‘Hurricane 301’. But it uses three kinds of fibers for the fine adjustment of characteristics of vertical direction and lateral direction.

Above picture shows the construction of ‘Hurricane 301T’. The top layer is also dyed Koto, the middle layer and the center layer are Ayous. The artificial material that is woven from three kinds of fibers is inserted between the middle layer and the center layer. Overall thickness is around 5.8mm.

The artificial material of ‘Hurricane 301T’ has three kinds of fibers – Carbon fibers and two kinds of Arylate fibers. The two kinds of Arylate fibers with different characteristics are distinguished by colors – yellow and blue. Carbon fibers are arranged in both of vertical direction and lateral direction. Yellow Arylate fibers are arrange only in lateral direction, while the Blue Arylate fibers are arranged in vertical direction. By the use of this artificial material, ‘Hurricane 301T’ provides same level of elasticity as ‘Hurricane 301X’ without increasing thickness from ‘Hurricane 301’.

1-4.  Hurricane 301Z

‘Hurricane 301Z’ is the newest version of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. It adopts new artificial material which is called as ZC (Z-Carbon). The new graphic pattern of handle symbolizes ‘Z’. Z-Carbon is woven from Carbon fiber and Z fiber. We may think of ‘Zylon’ when we heard ‘Z’. But, according to DHS, Z fiber is a kind of Arylate fiber which is more deformable and gives more transparent feeling than conventional Arylate fibers. (If it is revealed that this description is wrong and Z fiber is Zylon fiber, I will correct the description.) DHS also explains that ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is the most powerful version in ‘Hurricane 301’ series. (But it seems that the high power can be achieved only when the player actively performs offensive skills with strong impact, while the other three models of ‘Hurricane 301’ series utilize the high elasticity of the blades themselves to help the player make fast ball.)

Above picture shows the construction of ‘Hurricane 301Z’. The top layer is dyed Koto, the middle layer is Ayous. Overall thickness is around 5.8mm. Z Carbon is inserted between the middle layer and the center layer. But the center layer of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ looks a bit different from the Ayous of the other models in ‘301’ series, and it is somewhat softer than ordinary Ayous. Further it looks close to Kiri that is used for the center layer of outer fiber blades such as ‘506X’. (Once I explained that it is Kiri, but it seems that it is also different from Kiri. Regarding the kind of center wood, I have to check further.) The elasticity of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ seems to be significantly reduced due to the relatively softer center layer.

Above picture shows the weave pattern of the fiber which is used in ‘Hurricane 301Z’. Z fibers are arranged only in vertical direction, and Carbon fibers are arranged only in lateral direction.

<Additional Information>

The width of FL (flared) handle is around 26mm (at top) ~ 26.5mm (at bulge) ~ 26 mm (at narrowest point) ~ 35mm (at the end) for ‘Hurricane 301’ & ‘Hurricane 301T’, around 25.5mm (at top) ~ 26mm (at bulge) ~ 25.5 mm (at narrows point) ~ 34mm (at the end) for ‘Hurricane 301X’, and around 25mm (at top) ~ 25.5mm (at bulge) ~ 25 mm (at narrowest point) ~ 34mm (at the end) for ‘Hurricane 301Z’. And the thickness of FL handle is around 21.5mm (at thumb) ~ 25.5mm (at the end) for ‘Hurricane 301’ & ‘Hurricane 301X, and around 22.5mm (at thumb) ~ 26mm (at the end) for ‘Hurricane 301T’ & ‘Hurricane 301Z’. ST handle isn’t available.  The players will feel that the handle of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is slimmer than the handles of the other three models. (And the length of FL handle is around 101mm which is longer than ordinary handles by 1mm. This is one characteristic of DHS blades.)

The size of head is around 158mm x 150mm for all four models in ‘Hurricane’ series. But please note that there is difference by piece.

Then let’s check the characteristics of ‘Hurricane 301’ series by Performance Indices and then compare with some existing blades.

Please click here to return to top (table of contents)

---

2.  Performance Indices

Performance Indices are measured objective values to represent the characteristics of table tennis gears. Concerning the detail of four performance indices, please refer to following articles in ‘About TTGearLab’ section :

• Performance indices : the way to evaluate blade by measurement
• The example of comparison by performance indices

The performance indices of four models of ‘Hurricane 301’ series are as follows. Please note that the values are average values, and can be updated at any time by further measurement.

DHS Hurricane 301 (average weight = 89.6g)

             Ep = 1.88

             Ec = 1.64 (Ec/Ep = 0.87)

             Vp = 1.20

             Vl = 1.29 (Vl/Vp = 1.07)

DHS Hurricane 301X (average weight = 89.9g)

             Ep = 1.98

             Ec = 1.86 (Ec/Ep = 0.94)

             Vp = 1.28

             Vl = 1.27 (Vl/Vp = 0.99)

DHS Hurricane 301T (average weight = 90.7g)

             Ep = 2.05

             Ec = 1.87 (Ec/Ep = 0.91)

             Vp = 1.28

             Vl = 1.23 (Vl/Vp = 0.96)

DHS Hurricane 301Z (average weight = 88.2g)

             Ep = 1.64

             Ec = 1.36 (Ec/Ep = 0.83)

             Vp = 1.11

             Vl = 1.24 (Vl/Vp = 1.12)

‘Hurricane 301’ shows the Elasticity Indices those are in the range of the indices of general inner fiber blades. But, among the values are quite high within the general range. And Ec is much lower than Ep. Therefore, ‘Hurricane 301’ provides relatively higher speed as an inner-fiber blades, and it holds the ball deeply when the player hits the ball very strongly. Regarding feeling, the primary feeling of ‘Hurricane 301’ isn’t hard, but it gives somewhat sharper feeling to the index finger of the player. It is expected that ‘Hurricane 301’ is good for aggressive topspin at close-to-table area.

‘Hurricane 301X’ is noticeably more elastic than ‘Hurricane 301’. And the difference of Ec’s is bigger than the differences of Ep’s. So, we can expect that ‘Hurricane 301X’ will give much more additional kick than ‘Hurricane 301’ when the player hits the ball very strongly. But, instead, it will not embrace the ball that deeply. Regarding Vibration Indices, the primary feeling of ‘Hurricane 301X’ is harder than that of ‘Hurricane 301’, but the lateral feeling isn’t. The distribution of feeling is more uniform in ‘Hurricane 301X’ when compared with ‘Hurricane 301’. These characteristics make ‘Hurricane 301’ recommendable for hard hitters. Especially the players who have used 7-ply wood blades of classic construction will be able to replace their blades with ‘Hurricane 301X’.

‘Hurricane 301T’ is a more elastic than ‘Hurricane 301X’ when we observe the primary Elasticity Indices. But its central Elasticity Index is just a bit higher than that of ‘Hurricane 301X’. (It will be good for us to think that the central elasticity characteristics of two blades are almost identical to each other.) Because its Ec/Ep is small than that of ‘Hurricane 301X’, many players will feel that ‘Hurricane 301T’ holds the ball more deeply when they hit the ball very strongly. The primary Vibration Index of ‘Hurricane 301T’ is same as that of ‘Hurricane 301X’. But the lateral Vibration Index of ‘Hurricane 301T’ is lower than that of ‘Hurricane 301X’. The players will feel that ‘Hurricane 301T’ gives more comfortable feeling than ‘Hurricane 301X’. The advantage of ‘Hurricane 301T’ is that it provides more elasticity than ‘301X’ from thinner plywood construction while inhibiting the feeling to be harder.

‘Hurricane 301Z’ is less elastic than ‘Hurricane 301’. It coincides with what we can predict from the construction. Probably the cause is the softer center layer. But the ‘less elastic’ doesn’t always mean that it will not be less powerful. It’s just the matter of how we use the blade. With ‘Hurricane 301’ or even more elastic ‘Hurricane 301X’ we can make fast ball without effort thanks to the high elasticity of the blade itself. However, we can’t use ‘Hurricane 301Z’ in the same way. The blade itself will not make fast ball if the player doesn’t hit the ball strongly. In particular, the power of topspin largely depends on the properties of the rubber, and the blade only helps with that. It is expected that the highly skilled players will be able to make sufficiently powerful ball from ‘Hurricane 301Z’. And, for ordinary players, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ will be accepted as a highly controllable blade. Regarding Vibration Indices, the Vp of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is noticeably lower than those of other three models. It means that ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is the softest model in the series. But the Vl of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ isn’t that different from those of three other models. Because the Vl is much higher than the Vp, players will feel that ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is soft but sharp at the index finger. That is also the characteristic which is good for aggressive topspin.

Then let’s compare four models of ‘Hurricane 301’ series with some other blades in the market by Performance Indices. It will help us to understand the position of four models.

Please click here to return to top (table of contents)

---

3.  Comparison by Performance Indices

For the comparison 12 blades (except for reference blade) have been selected. Following is the list of the blades to be compared :

Inner Fiber blades with Koto top layer

• Stiga ‘Inspira CCF’ (avg. weight = 87.3g) : Inner woven carbon fiber. Koto top layer.
• Yinhe ‘M201’ (avg. weight = 87.6g) : Inner PL. Koto top layer.

Inner Fiber blades with Limba top layer

• Butterfly ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ (avg. weight = 89.8) : Standard inner ZLC of Butterfly. Limba top layer.
• Xiom ‘An Jaehyun TMXi’ (avg. weight = 86.4g) : Inner fiber version of Xiom Tri-metrix (Carbon + Zylon + Arylate) blade. Limba top layer.
• Butterfly ‘InnerForce Layer ALC (current)’ (avg. weight = 91.2g) : Standard inner ALC of Butterfly. Limba top layer. Current version measured in 2023. Thicker and more elastic than former ones measured in 2018.
• Butterfly ‘InnerForce Layer ALC (old)’ (avg. weight = 88.1g) : Standard inner ALC of Butterfly. Limba top layer. Old version measured in 2018. Thinner and less elastic than current ones measured in 2023.

DHS Hurricane Long 5 (inner ALC with Limba top layer)

• DHS ‘Hurricane Long 5 (new)’ (avg. weight = 88.1g) : Inner ALC blade. Limba top layer. New version whose artificial material is similar to that of ‘Hurricane 301X’. Measured samples were produced in 2022.
• DHS ‘Hurricane Long 5 (old)’ (avg. weight = 88.2g) : Inner ALC blade. Limba top layer. Old version whose artificial material is similar to that of ‘Hurricane 301’. Measured samples were produced in 2018.

Various types of blades

• Butterfly ‘Viscaria’ (avg. weight = 87.1g) : Reference of all outer ALC blade. Koto top layer.
• Butterfly ‘Clearfield’ (avg. weight = 97.0g) : Discontinued 7-ply wood blade with Koto top layer. Famous as Chen Jing’s blade.
• Stiga ‘Rosewood NCT V’ (avg. weight = 90.8g) : The 5-ply wood blade with Rosewood top layer.
• Butterfly ‘Korbel’ (avg. weight = 88.7g) : The standard of 5-ply wood offensive blades

(Reference blade)

• Stiga ‘Allround Classic’ (avg.weight = 84.3g) : Reference blade. Standard 5-ply wood all-round blade.

3-1. Elasticity Indices

Fig.16 shows the comparison graph of Elasticity Indices.

Ep (Primary Elasticity Index) is directly concerned with the rebound speed of blade. Ec (Central Elasticity Index) is concerned with additional ‘kick’ when player hits ball very strongly.

The first group to be compared is ‘Inner / Koto top layer’ group. ‘Hurricane 301’ series is a quite unique blade family because it includes four models of inner fiber blades with Koto top layers. In the market, there aren’t many inner fiber blades whose top layers are Koto, probably because softness is one of the main concepts of inner fiber blades. But, although its construction is inner-fiber construction, Koto top layer can be applied for the blades those lay emphasis on speed. And ‘Inspira CCF’ is another example than ‘Hurricane 301’ series. It is even thicker than ‘Hurricane 301X’ which is the thickest one in ‘Hurricane 301’ series, and its artificial material is pure woven Carbon fiber which is much more elastic than the artificial materials of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. So, it is more elastic than any model in ‘Hurricane 301’ series. However, the differences of Ep’s don’t look significant, and the differences of Ec’s are even smaller, even though ‘Inspira CCF’ is thicker than ‘Hurricane 301X’ which is the thickest model in ‘Hurricane 301’ series. That is because the center layer of ‘Inspira CCF’ is Kiri which is softer than Ayous that is the common wood material for the center layers of inner fiber blades. The second one in this group is ‘M201’ which is the standard speed version of inner fiber models in Yinhe ‘Mars’ series. The shape of its graph looks like those of ‘Hurricane 301’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’. ‘M201’ is less elastic than ‘Hurricane 301’, but more elastic than ‘Hurricane 301Z’.

Next, we can compare ‘Inner / Limba top layer’ group with ‘Hurricane 301’ series. ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ and ‘An Jaehyun TMXi’ are less elastic than ‘Hurricane 301X & 301T’ but more elastic than ‘Hurricane 301 & 301Z’. Although Zylon fiber is more elastic than Arylate fiber, the thicker constructions and the harder top layer of ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ make those two blades faster than the blades with a bit more elastic fibers. The comparison with inner ALC blade – ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ – will be more meaningful. The elasticity of current version of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ is similar to that of ‘Hurricane 301’. Although ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ has softer top layer, thicker construction of its new version makes its elasticity comparable with the elasticity of ‘Hurricane 301’. Players will feel the difference between new ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ and ‘Hurricane 301’ due to the difference of top layer. But, anyway the elasticity characteristics of those two blades are similar to each other. ‘Hurricane 301Z’ provides the primary elasticity comparable with old version of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. But, it holds the ball more deeply when the player hits the ball very strongly. This difference is noticeable, and the players will hardly feel the similarity between ‘Hurricane 301Z’ and old ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’.

Then let’s compare old & new ‘Hurricane Long 5’s with ‘Hurricane 301’ series. We can observe that ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is quite close to old ‘Hurricane Long 5’ while the other three are noticeably more elastic than two versions of ‘Hurricane Long 5’. Although there is the difference in top layer, we may be able to expect that ‘Hurricane 301Z’ can be used in similar way as old ‘Hurricane Long 5’.

Finally, we can compare various kinds of blades with ‘Hurricane 301’ series. We can see that the primary elasticity of ‘Hurricane 301T’ is even higher than that of ‘Viscaria’. (Of course heavier piece of ‘Viscaria’ can be more elastic.) But, the central elasticity of ‘Hurricane 301T’ is a bit lower than that of ‘Viscaria’. ‘Hurricane 301X’ can also be comparable with ‘Viscaria’. Here we can understand that inner fiber blade can be as elastic as outer fiber blade by the adoption of thicker construction. And, we can see the similarity between the elasticity characteristics of ‘Hurricane 301’ and those of ‘Clearfield’ which is a famous 7-ply wood blade with Koto top layer. But, ‘Hurricane 301’ is much lighter than ‘Clearfield’. That is the advantage of fiber blades when compared with 7-ply wood blades. ‘Rosewood NCT V’ shows 100% same values as ‘Hurricane 301Z’. (Of course the values are average values, and actual values of each piece can be a bit different.) Probably ‘Hurricane 301Z’ will be able to replace ‘Rosewood NCT V’ directly, but will provide more power than ‘Rosewood NCT V’ thanks to the higher energy efficiency of artificial fiber. The players who have used ‘Rosewood NCT V’ and need more power but think that current elasticity level is proper will be able to seriously consider ‘Hurricane 301Z’ as next blade to try.

Examining Ec/Ep is an easier way to understand the characteristics of blade concerned with elasticity. Fig.17 shows the relationship between Ec/Ep and Ep.

Ec/Ep expresses the ‘tendency’ of the elasticity of blade. By examining Ec/Ep and Ep at the same time, we can easily understand the behavior of blades.

On the graph, all blades in this comparison (except for reference blade whose Ec/Ep = 1.00) are in ‘Hold’ range (Ec/Ep < 1.0). We can roughly group them into three new groups according to the positions of the models of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. This grouping is different from the grouping discussed in the previous section.

‘Hurricane 301’ is the standard model of this series. The blades near ‘Hurricane 301’ are relatively fast models as inner-fiber blades. In the past, slower models were the standard of inner-fiber blades, and ‘Hurricane 301’ was classified as fast inner-fiber blade. However, in the meantime the elasticity level of inner-fiber blades has been gradually increasing, and currently the average elasticity of inner-fiber blades is noticeably higher than that of some years ago. ‘Hurricane 301’ which has once been dealt as a ‘fast’ inner fiber blade can now be considered as an inner-fiber blade of standard elasticity. When compared with three inner-fiber models nearby – ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’, ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ (current 5.9mm version) and ‘An Jaehyun TMXi’ –, ‘Hurricane 301’ shows the characteristic of deeper hold while there isn’t noticeably difference in primary elasticity.  It is also interesting that ‘Clearfield’ which is once famous but now discontinued 7-ply wood blade is placed very close to ‘Hurricane 301’. ‘Hurricane 301’ realizes the characteristics similar to ‘Clearfield’ which was the blade for fast attackers, with a much thinner construction.

‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ are high elasticity models in this series. Both of the Ep’s and Ec/Ep’s of those two are noticeably higher than those of ‘Hurricane 301’. ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ gives higher speed than ‘Hurricane 301’ even at light hitting, and provide more kick (= less hold) when the player hits the ball very strongly. The blade which can be grouped with ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ is ‘Viscaria’. We can observe that ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ those are inner ALC blades can be as elastic as ‘Viscaria’ which is the outer ALC blade. But, the ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ are much less elastic than ‘Inspira CCF’. Although ‘Inspira CCF’ is an inner fiber blade, its thickness and artificial fiber make it extremely elastic blade. When comparing ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’, ‘Hurricane 301T’ is located to lower right of ‘Hurricane 301X’. ‘Hurricane 301T’ is basically more elastic than ‘Hurricane 301X’, but players will feel that ‘Hurricane 301T’ holds the ball a bit more deeply when they hit the ball very strongly, although the differences aren’t significant. The most important advantage of ‘Hurricane 301T’ is that it provides higher elasticity than ‘Hurricane 301X’ with a thinner blade constrction.

On the other hand, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ has lower elasticity than ‘Hurricane 301’. Both of Ep anc Ec/Ep of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ are lower than those of the standard model of this series – ‘Hurricane 301’. Therefore, unlike other three models of this series, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ doesn’t let the player easily make fast ball by light hitting. If we set the ‘Low Elasticity’ group somewhat wide, it can include old version of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ and old/new versions of ‘Hurricane Long 5’. There isn’t significant difference in Ep’s between those three models and ‘Hurricane 301Z’. However, there are noticeable differences in Ec/Ep’s. When the player hits the ball very strongly, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ holds the ball deeper than old ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ and new ‘Hurricane Long 5’, but not as deep as old ‘Hurricane Long 5’. With same artificial fiber as ‘Hurricane 301Z’, old ‘Hurricane Long 5’ provides more extreme ‘Deep Hold’ characteristics than ‘Hurricane 301Z’. It may be too excessive in current standard, and that may be the reason why DHS changed the weaving method of ‘Hurricane Long 5’. The location of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ on the graph coincides with the location of ‘Rosewood NCT V’ which is a famous 5-ply wood blade. But, although the elasticity characteristics are identical, fiber blade can make more powerful ball because its energy efficiency during the process of deformation and restoration is higher than that of 5-ply wood blade. Probably that will be the most important advantage of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ when compared with 5-ply wood blades with similar elasticity characteristics. Finally, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ gives higher primary elasticity than ‘Korbel’, while giving the same level of Deep Hold characteristic and higher level of energy efficiency.

Then next, let’s compare Vibration Indices.

Please click here to return to top (table of contents)

3-2. Vibration Indices

Fig.18 shows the comparison graph of Vibration Indices. Vibration Indices are concerned with feeling. Vp indicates primary feeling which is transferred to player’s palm. And, Vl is the feeling at the edge of the wing – the lower side of blade head. It is felt by player’s index finger or middle finger.

‘Inner / Koto top layer’ group can be directly compared with ‘Hurricane 301’ series because ‘Hurricane 301’ series is a blade family of inner fiber blades with Koto top layer. But, the graph shapes of ‘Inspira CCF’ and ‘M201’ aren’t similar to the those of ‘Hurricane 301’, ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’. Only ‘Hurricane 301Z’ shows similar graph shape with those two. But, both of the Vp and the Vl of ‘Inspira CCF’ are noticeably higher than the Vp and the Vl of any model in ‘Hurricane 301’ series. The Vp and the Vl of ‘M201’ are also higher than those of ‘Hurricane 301Z’, but some players will feel that ‘M201’ is similar to ‘Hurricane 301Z’.

‘Inner / Limba top layer’ group looks more similar to ‘Hurricane 301’ series than ‘Inner / Koto top layer’ group. Especially the graphs shape of ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is very similar to that of ‘Hurricane 301T’ despite the differences in top layers and artificial materials. And, the graph shape of ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ (old version) looks somewhat similar to those of ‘Hurricane 301’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’ although there are differences in values. Its Vp is between that of ‘Hurricane 301’ and that of ‘Hurricane 301Z’, and its Vl is close to that of ‘Hurricane 301Z’.

In DHS blade range, the Limba top layer version is ‘Hurricane Long 5’ while the Koto top layer version is ‘Hurricane 301’ series. For that reason ‘Hurricane Long 5’ group shares two artificial materials and basic blade constructions (except for top layer) with ‘Hurricane 301’ series. If we don’t consider ‘Hurricane 301Z’, the Vp’s of ‘Hurricane Long 5’ group are lower than those of ‘Hurricane 301’ series, while the Vl’s of ‘Hurricane Long 5’ group are close to those of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. The low Vp’s of ‘Hurricane Long 5’ group is probably because the top layer of ‘Hurricae Long 5’ (old & new) is softer than the top layer of ‘Hurricane 301’ series.

In ‘Various’ group, we have observed that ‘Viscaria’ which is an outer ALC blade with Koto top layer shows elasticity characteristics close to ‘301X’ and ‘301T’. However, its vibration characteristics aren’t. Both of the Vp and the Vl of ‘Viscaria’ are higher than those of ‘301X’ or ‘301T’, and especially the differences in Vl is noticeable. That is probably the difference between outer fiber construction and inner fiber construction. On the contrary, ‘Clearfield’ is very close to ‘Hurricane 301’ not only in elasticity characteristics but also in vibration characteristics. Also, ‘Rosewood NCT V’ which is close to ‘Hurricane 301Z’ in elasticity characteristics also shows vibration characteristics close to ‘Hurricane 301Z’. ‘Korbel’ also looks simialr to ‘Hurricane 301’ on the graph. We may be able to think that ‘Hurricane 301’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’ can be the replacement of 7-ply wood blades and 5-ply wood blades respectively.

Examining Vl/Vp is an easier way for the comparison of the tendency of feeling. Fig.19 shows the relationship between Vl/Vp and Vp for easier comparison.

On the graph, most of blade in this comparison are placed in upper part of the graph – ‘Relatively sharper at finger’ range. And, four lies in lower part – ‘Relatively more comfortable at finger’, and two including reference blade are on uniform line (Vl/Vp = 1.0). As we did when we observed the graph of Elasticity Indices, we can roughly group the blades into three new groups – ‘Medium’, ‘Hard’ and ‘Soft’ – according to the positions of the models of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. This grouping is of course different from the grouping discussed in the previous section.

Since ‘Hurricane 301’ is in the middle position within the series, ‘Medium’ group for comparison can be set up around it. With its Vp (= 1.20), ‘Hurricane 301’ isn’t a blade with hard feeling. And, Vl/Vp is within ‘Near Uniform’ range. The one that is at the closest position to ‘Hurricane 301’ is ‘Clearfield’. Not only the elasticity characteristics but also the vibration characteristics of ‘Clearfield’ are very similar to those of ‘Hurricane 301’. Current ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ (= new version with 5.8mm thickness) is located below ‘Hurricane 301’. So, ‘Hurricane 301’ gives sharper relative feeling to the index finger of the player while providing similar primary feeling, when compared with ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’. On the contrary, old ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ (= old version with 5.7mm thickness) and new ‘Hurricane Long 5’ (MY 2022) are located to the left of ‘Hurricane 301’. Differently speaking, ‘Hurricane 301’ gives harder feeling than old ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ and new ‘Hurricane Long 5’ while keeping the feeling transmitted to the player’s finger. Because Vl/Vp is more important than Vp for the player’s adaptation, it will not be difficult for players to change between ‘Hurricane 301’ and old ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ or new ‘Hurricane Long 5’. But, players will feel much difference between ‘Hurricane 301’ and new ‘InnerForce Layer ALC’ although the Vp’s of those two are almost identical to each other.

Because the Vp’s of ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ are much higher than that of ‘Hurricane 301’, we can set ‘Hard’ group around those two. The blades near those two are ‘Viscaria’, ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ and ‘An Jaehyun TMXi’. ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ are located in ‘A bit more comfortable at finger’ range (Vl/vp < 1.0)’. And, ‘301T’ is located below ‘301X’. It means that the players will feel that ‘Hurricane 301T’ is a bit more comfortable than ‘Hurricane 301X’. ‘InnerForce Layer ZLC’ is softer than those two, and it is probably because of the harder top layer of ‘Hurricane 301’ series. ‘Viscaria’, which shows similar elasticity characteristics to ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’, is located to upper right of those two. So we can understand that outer fiber blade can be harder and sharper than inner fiber blade with similar elasticity characteristics.

Finally, we can set ‘Soft’ group around ‘Hurricane 301Z’. ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is much softer than ‘Hurricane 301’, but it transmits sharper feeling to the index finger of the player. New ‘Hurricane Long 5’ lied in the middle between ‘Hurricane 301’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’. Players will be able to fine-tune the feeling among ‘Hurricane Long 5’, ‘Hurricane 301’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’. ‘Korbel’ and ‘Rosewood NCT V’ are located close to ‘Hurricane 301Z’. The replacement from ‘Korbel’ or ‘Rosewood NCT V’ to ‘Hurricane 301Z’ will require some time for adjustment because ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is somewhat more comfortable at index finger. But, because ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is also in ‘Relatively sharp’ range (Vl/Vp > 1.0), that adjustment isn’t expected to be difficult.

The standard model of the series is ‘Hurricane 301’. If the player wants the feeling closer to 5-ply wood offensive blade, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ will be the solution. And, if the player wants harder feeling, ‘Hurricane 301X’ can be considered first. And, if the player wants to adjust the feeling of ‘Hurricane 301X’ more comfortable, ‘Hurricane 301T’ will be the solution.

Please click here to return to top (table of contents)

---

4.  Summary

DHS ‘Hurricane 301’ series is the blade family of inner fiber models with Koto top layers, and currently four models – ‘Hurricane 301’, ‘Hurricane 301X’, ‘Hurricane 301T’ and ‘Hurricane 301Z’ – are available. The characteristics of each of the four models are as follows :

‘Hurricane 301’ is the standard model in this series. Its elasticity characteristics are comparable with those of inner ALC/ZLC blades of Butterfly, but ‘Hurricane 301’ hugs the ball bit deeper than Butterfly models when the player hits the ball very strongly. Regarding feeling, with its harder Koto top layer, ‘Hurricane 301’ gives harder or sharper feeling than comparable inner ALC blades with softer Limba top layers, and it makes ‘Hurricane 301’ a blade which is good not only for topspin but also for fast attack with pimples out rubber on one face. In the past ‘Hurricane 301’ was dealt as an inner fiber blade with enhanced speed, but now it can be considered as a well-balanced blade that can be used for various strategy of table tennis. ‘Hurricane 301’ is recommended for the players who are searching for an inner-fiber blade that is more ‘exciting’ than ‘Hurricane Long 5’.

‘Hurricane 301X’ is thicker and faster than ‘Hurricane 301’. Its primary feeling is harder than ‘Hurricane 301’, it transmits more comfortable feeling to the player’s index finger. It provides high level of elasticity comparable with outer-ALC blade with Koto top layer, but its feeling isn’t as stiff as the feeling of outer-ALC blade. The players will be able to choose ‘Hurricane 301X’ without being conscious of its inner fiber construction when they need a blade that provide high level of elasticity. ‘Hurricane 301X’ is recommended for the players who want to play with various technics including hard smash.

‘Hurricane 301T’ is even more elastic than ‘Hurricane 301X’. However, it is thinner than ‘Hurricane 301X’, and probably as the result it hugs the ball a bit deeper when the player hits the ball very strongly, and will transmits more comfortable feeling to the index finger of player. Thanks to its thinner construction and more comfortable feeling than ‘Hurricane 301X’, ‘Hurricane 301T’ is expected to provide higher power and better ease of use when the player performs topspin.

Both of ‘Hurricane 301X’ and ‘Hurricane 301T’ are recommended for the players who lay emphasis on the speed of ball. Between those two, ‘Hurricane 301T’ expected to be better for the players whose main technic is topspin, and ‘Hurricane 301X’ for the players who play with a variety of technics including hard smash.

‘Hurricane 301Z’ provides reduced elasticity and soft but sharper feeling than standard ‘Hurricane 301’. Because its characteristics are close to those of 5-ply wood offensive blades it will provide absolute stability when the player aims at very early timing after the bounce of the ball. But, because ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is also a blade with artificial fiber, it will provide better energy efficieny than 5-ply wood blade, and as the result the ball from ‘Hurricane 301Z’ will be more powerful than the ball from 5-ply wood blade. Differently from the other three variations in ‘Hurricane 301’ series, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ will not make fast ball without the effort of the player. Therefore, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ is basically recommended for highly skilled close-to-topspin players. (But, the starters will be able to enjoy the high level of safety and stability of ‘Hurricane 301Z’ although they will not be able to easily make fast balls. For thar reason, if an entry-level player wants to start with ‘Hurricane 301’ series, ‘Hurricane 301Z’ may become a very good start point.)

Please click here to return to top (table of contents)

---

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to TTGear Lab with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The dates on TTGearLab follow the time in London, United Kingdom.