Chinese Tacky Rubbers That Can Stand In for Hurricane 3
By request from a few readers who wanted me to cover more accessible, down-to-earth gear rather than always focusing on the high-end stuff — today let’s talk about Chinese tacky rubbers that can substitute for Hurricane 3.
1. Blue Sponge Provincial Pento II — Keywords: loop-drive, push attack
Compared to most of the Chinese tacky rubbers in this article, this one has been around a bit longer. Over the past five years in my city, many strong amateur players have been using it — they consider it the most effective Hurricane replacement. It performs even better with boosting, but it’s still solid without.
Compared to Hurricane 3, the Pento’s topsheet is somewhat tougher, so the gripping sensation during thin-contact loops isn’t quite as satisfying — you’ll feel like it’s not biting as firmly when you try to generate heavy topspin. But the loop-drive speed is noticeably better than Hurricane 3, and pushes feel crisper and more solid. The blue sponge at 39 degrees is roughly half a degree harder than the Blue Sponge Provincial Hurricane.
Recently, 729 released a new non-boost energy version of the Pento. I asked 729 about it — the sponge treatment is a bit different, and the topsheet adhesion has been restored to its previous level. Worth checking out.
2. National Target 3rd Generation — Keywords: thin contact, cake sponge
Apparently made with the same white creased topsheet material used for provincial team equipment. First impression: the topsheet friction is seriously impressive — that’s pure Hurricane character, with that satisfying ‘drag’ sensation when you grip the ball. For players who place high demands on thin-contact loop performance, this one is a strong fit.
The sponge is a medium-pore cake sponge, so one coat of non-boost glue gives it great elasticity — clearly an energy rubber. Overall, if you love the way Hurricane 3 has that momentary pause in the topsheet during loop-drives, and you’d rather not boost, this is worth considering.
3. Hurricane 8-80 — Keywords: blade-dependent
I’ve put this on the backhand side — the contact is more consistent there, but the speed is still on the slow side. Sometimes I think the 38-degree version actually feels better on the forehand, even without boosting. The support is there, and when paired with a blade that has good flex but isn’t too soft, the results can be surprisingly good — Hurricane Long 5 and Boll ALC come to mind.
The 80# large-pore sponge doesn’t have explosive elasticity, but it’s an improvement over the old orange or blue sponge versions. The key is that when paired with a blade that has tension and flex, the added springiness brings it to life. Short version: for forehand use, choose your blade carefully.
4. Jupiter III Asia Version — Keywords: does everything, lazy-player essential
This one comes pre-treated from the factory. Convenient and affordable — just apply glue and you’re ready to play. Its all-around performance is solid: dwell time is fine, speed is decent. It’s the kind of rubber that does everything adequately but isn’t sharp in any particular area.
If you have very high standards for shot quality, look elsewhere. But if you want something easy to play, well-rounded with no obvious weak points, this fits. The Jupiter 5 launched this year has gotten even better reviews — widely regarded as a softer, springier version of Hurricane 8.
5. National Pento II — Keywords: speed, consistency, feel
Despite the ‘National’ branding, my personal rating actually falls below the Provincial Blue Sponge version. But a lot of readers have asked about it, so let’s cover it. Its speed boost is genuinely quick and the spin is decent — clear strengths. However, if you want to hit one heavy, powerful shot to win the point outright, you’ll find it difficult. For power players, this isn’t the right tool.
If you’re the type who wins through sustained looping rallies, it works. From that angle, it’s somewhat similar to Tibhar K3.
6. RKT Rui Long 9 National Rubber — Keywords: high-tack topsheet, high-energy sponge
This one gets pretty good marks across the board — sort of like an upgraded National Pento II. First, the topsheet is genuinely tacky. Tackiness doesn’t necessarily mean superior friction, but it handles backspin lift without any issues. Second, the sponge is among the most powerful in Chinese tacky rubbers — springy enough to loop fast. On both counts, it edges out the National Pento II. The only area where it falls short of Hurricane is the ability to drive through heavy backspin — it still doesn’t quite match Hurricane at the top end there. But overall, it’s a very solid rubber.
7. RKT Hyper Power — Keywords: effortless, great value
This comes in two versions: backhand orange sponge at 37 degrees, and forehand blue sponge at 40 degrees. I actually prefer the backhand version — it might even edge out the softer Hurricane 37, because it feels effortless and light, no strain at all. The forehand version is also very easy to get over the net; it has solid energy, makes it easy to keep the ball in play, and the arc is nice. Power is just average, and it fades a bit from mid-distance. For aggressive attackers with high standards for shot quality, it might not be enough. But for most beginner and intermediate players, it’s more than sufficient — and honestly, it’s really affordable.