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Last updated: June 22, 2023

DHS Hurricane 8 Review – Great Rubber to Update Your Paddle!

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By
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Last updated: June 22, 2023
PingPongAcademy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Ideal for:
  • For professional player
  • For refreshing your paddle
  • For additional spin
Main features:
  • Decent speed
  • Perfect spin
  • Two size options
Editor's Rating
9.6
out of 10
  • Hardness 9.3
  • Speed 9.8
  • Spin 9.8
  • Control 9.6
  • Overall 9.7
Users’ Rating
4.3
out of 5
  • 114 Users’ Ratings rating rating rating rating rating
    rating
    rating rating rating rating rating
    4.3
    out of
    5
    114 Users’ Ratings
    • 5 stars
      34%
    • 4 stars
      61%
    • 3 stars
      4%
    • 2 stars
      2%
    • 1 stars
      0%
  • Add your rating:
PingPongAcademy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Speed, agility, balance, power, super reflexes are some of the qualities of an excellent table tennis player. However, the rubber you use plays a major part in the quality of serves, forehand, and other playing techniques. For a long time, players have used the DHS Hurricane 3(H3) to play games until we witnessed a shift from the typical 40mm ball to the 40+ ball. This move prompted DHS to create a sponge rubber that gives players a comfortable feeling. Does hurricane 8 offer the level of satisfaction players demand to play well? Well, this DHS Hurricane 8 review will give you an insight into the latest DHS rubber material and a complete analysis of its effectiveness while playing.

Specifications

Hardness
39 degrees
Speed
92
Spin
98
Control
74
Size
2.15, 2.2
Colors
Red and Black

DHS Hurricane 8 Review

Hurricane 8 was developed to work perfectly with the newly implemented 40+ plastic ball back in 2015. This production started after a transition from the 38mm celluloid Trusted Source The transition from celluloid to plastic balls - International Table Tennis Federation lways aiming to take the sport of table tennis in a bright and innovative direction, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) agreed upon a bold decision in 2014 to move away from the long-established celluloid ball in favor of a new approach based around a new compound. www.ittf.com ball to the 40mm and finally the 40+ plastic ball. The ball transition led to different players demanding a more comfortable rubber that offered great control and grip while maintaining a spongy elasticity.

After a series of hurricane rubbers, DHS sought to improve and take its production to a new level. They made use of their high-density sponge technology to increase the elasticity of Hurricane 8 by 15%. The Chinese-style rubber now offers better shots, speed, and spin with the new 40+ ball. You should consider replacing your ping-pong paddles to get a better playing experience with the new ball.

DHS looked to improve the spongy rubber to in hurricane 8 create high speeds and impact shots while playing, especially for offensive players. DHS decided against using the Neo technology used in previous models to test the density of the elasticity on hurricane 8. The new spongy design makes the ball penetrate better, allowing you to make linear shots and unpredictable arcs.

While the DHS Hurricane 3 seems to be the commonly used rubber, Hurricane 8 has caught the attention of many players. DHS describes Hurricane 8 as a rubber that provides a great balance in speed and control while giving players a firm grip. With a 15% increase in its elasticity, the H8 gives a lighter and spongy feeling than its previous model.

More players are now embracing the new Hurricane 8 as it suits the material of the ball used in recent times. Hurricane 8 comes in three versions depending on which one you think is best suited for you. These versions include the: hard, mid-hard, and soft. For instance, the soft version comes with a softer sponge that is perfectly suited for spins. With Mid-Hard, you get a fair balance between the hard and soft versions. However, you will have to adapt to a Chinese technique over the typical European technique to get the most out of this rubber.

If you have ever seen a professional table tennis game, chances are you witnessed a DHS product in use. You could also purchase some of the best ping pong tables below $500 and try out different paddles. You can choose one of the H8 designs and select the one that best suits your playing style. The thickness of the Hurricane 8 surface means that the rubber may not require boosting, which is a good thing should the ITTF(International Table Tennis Association) nullify the usage.

DHS Hurricane 8 Review - Great Rubber to Update Your Paddle!

Since you already get enough speed on the rubber and forehand control, boosting the rubber may tamper with the accuracy and trajectory.

Key Features

The change to plastic balls necessitated the need for compatible rubbers that creates adds a balance for effective gameplay. A detailed overview and history of table tennis Trusted Source Table tennis - an overview and history of the sport - Table tennis - factfile - GCSE Physical Education Revision - OCR - BBC Bitesize Table tennis can be played in either a singles or doubles format and involves using a small round bat to hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table divided by a net. www.bbc.co.uk will give you an insight into why the paddle rubbers influence gameplay. Some players like to apply boosters to their rubbers to give an extra bit of tackiness for better contact. While boosters are very much legal according to the rules stated in the ITTF handbook, Trusted Source Handbook - International Table Tennis Federation The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), founded in 1926, is the world-governing body of the sport of table tennis with 227 member Associations in the world. www.ittf.com you may not see the need to apply them to the Hurricane 8.

DHS touts the Hurricane 8 as a rubber that compensates for the new plastic ball’s shortcomings.

Overall performance and functions

You get a much better and clearer accuracy using the hurricane 8, allowing you to add techniques that improve your spins on shots. With the right technique, you can make great serves that allow you to keep the ball low over the net. Whether you like playing close to the table or further away from it, the H8 is pretty effective, thanks to its low trajectory. You also get enough power to put your opponent under pressure when playing aggressive close-range shots.

Speed

DHS Hurricane 8 Review - Great Rubber to Update Your Paddle!

The major aim of DHS was to create a rubber that offers a solid grip and, more importantly, improves the speed of the ball and overall play.

With hurricane 8, a player can attempt a weak drive and generate a high shot speed. You get the catapult effect needed to improve the speed of a 40+ plastic ball when playing with the Hurricane 8. This creates enough power for it to reach the other side of the table with speed.

Spin

Since the new 40plus plastic ball offered less spin, DHS worked on producing a rubber that compensates for the shortcomings of the new ball. Hurricane 8 gives players an impressive spin on their attacks with a deceptive arc on shots. DHS looked to significantly create a rubber that makes up for the poor speed and spin of the 40+ ball. Hurricane 8 seems to have done a pretty good job at fulfilling this aim.

It is also a good serving rubber, thanks to its tacky surface that holds onto the ball for a split second before release. This allows you to create enough spin with the right technique and application. The sticky rubber provides a very good counter topspin when playing against an opponent.

Control

Playing table tennis requires a lot of control and agility. While getting some of the best table tennis shoes will improve your balance, a very good rubber also plays a significant role in ensuring solid control. Hurricane 8 also offers decent control on each shot. The contact point is pretty sharp and solid, which makes for efficient drives and counter drives. When playing away from the table, you will need an increased level of effort and attack to generate enough pace on the ball.

You will get greater control when using different techniques in performing maximum effort shots. The grip of the top sheet is so excellent and feels solid that it gives you great control even when out of position. The tackiness of the rubber also allows you to generate just enough pace on your shots.

Material

DHS Hurricane 8 Review - Great Rubber to Update Your Paddle!

While the previous Hurricane 2 and 3 were made using Neo rubber, DHS took a different approach with Hurricane 8. The H8 was produced using Macro-Cell and High-Elasticity Particle Osmosis with the aim to create a sticky-like rubber.

The sponge feels quite dense and compact, which many professional table tennis players would appreciate. Despite the spongy feel, it’s pretty sturdy and not porous as other rubbers tend to feel over time. The top sheet of the Hurricane 8 also offers more thickness than the preceding H2 and H3. This improved material makes for better forehand and backhand drives.

Size

The hurricane 8 comes in two thickness which includes a 2.15mm or a 2.2mm rubber with free sponge harnesses of 39 to 41 degrees. You can choose either of these sizes depending on your preference and the amount of control you would love to have while playing. The Hurricane 8 is also available in red or black rubber.

Durability

The spongy elastic Chinese rubber is quite tacky and very solid. It possesses a hard high density that not only gives you a comfortable feel when playing but also protects the rubber from wearing off easily. The solid surface gives it a comfortable feel and design that lasts longer than average periods. You get a moderately soft blade that is perfect for serves and backspins.

Price tag

With an average customer rating of 4.3, many find Hurricane 8 a good value for money. The hurricane 8 costs about $27 to $45, depending on the rubber you prefer.

Key features

Let’s not forget that DHS primarily made this Chinese-style rubber to compensate for the lack of spin and speed in the 40+ ball. So if you prefer power over spin, this may not be the perfect fit for you. However, some significant attributes make the hurricane different from its siblings. Some of the most notable features of the Hurricane 8 include:

  • A 15% increase in Spongy Elastic rubber with firm contact points
  • Spin and speed-oriented

Pros:

  • Tacky surface for improved speed accurate spins
  • Perfect spongy feel to boost serves
  • Dynamic Chinese rubber capable of producing longer and faster trajectory
  • Firm top sheet for easy control and grip

Cons:

  • Reduced tackiness over time
  • Adapt technique

Final Thoughts

DHS rubbers are becoming more popular worldwide, and it’s no surprise they are gathering a lot of positive reviews. The hurricane 8 is a typical Chinese rubber that works really well with the 40mm+ ball and offers increased speed and accuracy. This DHS Hurricane 8 Review comprehensively highlights the elements that make the H8 a well-formed rubber which satisfies DHS claims of producing a speed and spin oriented rubber. While it may not be suited for every player, Hurricane 8 does live up to the expectation of compensating for the reduced effect of plastic balls.

References

1.
The transition from celluloid to plastic balls - International Table Tennis Federation
lways aiming to take the sport of table tennis in a bright and innovative direction, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) agreed upon a bold decision in 2014 to move away from the long-established celluloid ball in favor of a new approach based around a new compound.
2.
Table tennis - an overview and history of the sport - Table tennis - factfile - GCSE Physical Education Revision - OCR - BBC Bitesize
Table tennis can be played in either a singles or doubles format and involves using a small round bat to hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table divided by a net.
3.
Handbook - International Table Tennis Federation
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), founded in 1926, is the world-governing body of the sport of table tennis with 227 member Associations in the world.
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