DHS Hurricane Long 5

Scoring Breakdown

Description

The DHS Hurricane Long 5 is not just another blade; it is an icon of the modern forehand-dominant looping game. Its reputation is built on a unique construction that sets it apart from the more common outer-fiber carbon blades.

Construction and Design:
The blade’s aesthetics are striking, often featuring a portrait of Ma Long and a dragon motif on the head. The build quality is top-tier. Its 7-ply construction features Limba outer plies, which provide a softer touch than the Koto used in many Butterfly blades. The key innovation is the placement of the two Aryl-Carbon layers next to the central Kiri core. This “inner-fiber” design means that on soft shots, the ball primarily interacts with the outer wood layers, giving it a flexible, high-control, woody feel.

Real-World Performance:

• Looping: This is the HL5’s supreme discipline. The incredible dwell time allows a player to “grip” the ball for an extended moment, generating vicious amounts of topspin. The resulting shot has a characteristically high arc that clears the net safely before dipping aggressively, a nightmare for blockers.
• Short Game: Its “low gear” is brilliant. Pushing, dropping short, and flicking are executed with high precision, as the blade does not feel overly bouncy on delicate shots.
• Blocking and Smashing: Blocking with the HL5 is stable, but due to its flexibility, it requires a more active, forward-engaging stroke compared to stiffer, outer-carbon blades. When you do decide to flatten out a shot, the power is immense, though it truly excels at looping rather than flat hitting.

Comparison with Similar Blades:

• vs. Butterfly Viscaria/Timo Boll ALC: This is the classic comparison. The Viscaria is stiffer, crisper, and has a more direct, lower trajectory. The HL5 is more flexible, has much more dwell time, a woodier feel, and a higher throw angle. Players who rely on direct counters and blocks often prefer the Viscaria, while players who build points with heavy, variable-spin loops gravitate toward the HL5.
• vs. Butterfly Innerforce ALC: The HL5 is often seen as a super-charged version of the Innerforce concept. Both share the inner-fiber design, but the HL5 has a higher top speed and a more pronounced head-heavy balance, making it more powerful overall.

Compatibility and Ideal Player:
While the HL5 can work with any modern rubber, it was designed to be paired with hard, tacky Chinese rubbers, such as the DHS Hurricane 3 (National or Provincial). The blade’s flexibility and long dwell time help activate the otherwise less bouncy sponge of the rubber, creating a synergistic combination of spin and power.

This blade is not for beginners. It is designed for intermediate to professional-level players with a strong looping foundation who understand how to use body rotation to generate power. Its head-heavy balance further rewards a full-swinging motion.

Value Proposition:
The Hurricane Long 5 commands a premium price, but it delivers a unique and world-class playing experience. For the dedicated, spin-oriented attacker, it offers a level of performance and a connection to the ball that few other blades can match. It is an investment that provides the tools to play a truly devastating looping game, fully justifying its cost.