The 968 and 301 are two types of carbon fiber structures in Double Happiness (DHS) racket frames. The 968 is known for its horizontal orientation and is used by top national team players such as Ma Long, Wang Chuqin, and Sun Yingsha.
The 301 is more commonly known for its vertical orientation and is used by straight-hitting players such as Xue Fei and Zheng Peifeng.
However, the main difference between the two is the type and thickness of carbon fiber used in their construction. The 968 is essentially the same structure as the DHS Hurricane 5, which many straight-hit players use.
The 301’s horizontal orientation is also excellent. Today, let’s talk about the growing DHS 301 family.
DHS Hurricane 301
The DHS Hurricane 5 is made of Limba wood with Ayous outer layers, a yellow carbon fiber layer, and an Ayous core structure.
Hurricane 301 (also known as H301) has the same structure but outer layers made of dyed Koto wood instead of Limba. The carbon fiber layer of Hurricane 301 is also thinner than that of Hurricane 5. As a result, Hurricane 301 has a more pure wooden feel at moderate power levels.
Additionally, the Koto wood outer layers are slightly more brittle than the Limba wood (straight-hit players tend to prefer marginally stiffer rackets), making the 301 more appealing to straight-hit players.
The Hurricane 301 has a very bouncy feel, with superior elasticity that gives the ball a slightly blurry sense but also provides a strong foundation for hitting topspin shots. It’s worth noting that at its current price point, the Hurricane 301 is a top contender among rackets with built-in carbon fiber structures.”
DHS Hurricane N301
The Hurricane 301 is the standard consumer version, while the N301 is a higher-spec, special edition. The shoulder of the racket has undergone “fiberless treatment” to make it easier to polish. The overall feel is more solid, and when hitting with force, there is a clear feeling of longer arcs and more power.
However, the “power” of the special edition N301 is somewhat of a “gear shift” in that the ball is finer than with Hurricane 301, but when hitting with force, it suddenly speeds up and lengthens the arc. For average players, it may not be as easy to control. Professional players with good power will find it more comfortable to use.”
DHS Hurricane 301X
The Hurricane 5X and the Hurricane 301X are both made with thinner layers and a thicker core than their respective counterparts, the Hurricane 5 and 301.
As a result, Hurricane 301X has increased support and fewer “empty” hits. It can be said to be more suitable for a balanced, fast-paced, backhand-forehand style of play. It reduces the time needed for storing power in the ball but increases the speed of the shot.
The structure is still the same as the original 301, but it is crisper with added power. After thickening the core, there is a greater sense of stability during defense and strength in controlling the ball on the table.”
DHS Hurricane 301T
The Hurricane 301 and 301X are both made with yellow and carbon fibers, while the Hurricane 301T is made with a blend of yellow, blue, and carbon fibers. In terms of feeling, Hurricane 301T is more complex and has a faster shot speed. It is more similar to an external carbon board.
If you prefer a softer ball hold, Hurricane 301 may be more suitable. If you want a more fierce and quick feel and a rigid feel in your hand, then the Hurricane 301T is a better fit.
DHS Hurricane 301Z
Like the other internal fiber structures, the Hurricane 301Z is made with strengthened aramid material, which has a strength comparable to that of super fibers. As a result, Hurricane 301Z had a more pronounced increase in toughness. More toughness often means a better sense of stored power and a more substantial arch-killing ability.
The feel of the Hurricane 301Z is also more transparent and clear, making it a board that is more suitable for storing power (and actively using energy) and has more substantial arch-killing power. The current price of the Hurricane 301Z is worth it.”
DHS Hurrican W968 vs. W997 vs. N301 vs. 655 vs. 656 Blade Reviews
My name is Cosmos Boll and I’m 26 years old. I’m Chinese and live in Shanghai.
I am a table tennis enthusiast and a professional table tennis coach.
My idol is Timo Boll who is the greatest player in the world.
Im a penholder, I use TG2 Provincial as a forehand rubber. Ive used the H301 and found that I often overshot the table when power driving on a 3rd ball attack or I have to pull back power for accuracy but then quality of 3rd ball is no good. Every other aspect of this blade is superb but 3rd ball attack. Because of this inconvenience I went back to yasaka extra offensive 7 power. But I still think about going back to Hurricane 301 series all the time. I don’t want to change FH rubbers to adjust. I want to know if purchasing the H301T and H301Z would be more suited towards a Ma Lin type style as this is the style I like to play (touch game, attack from backhand side of table.)
Which of then do you think has more vibrations when you hit the ball ? Something related to be a “softer blade”.
Greatings from southamerica