Friendship 729 Battle II vs DHS Hurricane 3-NEO: Which Should You Buy?
| Friendship 729 Battle II | DHS Hurricane 3-NEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| best_side | FH | forehand |
| control | 8 | medium-high |
| speed | 8 | offensive (medium passive, high when fully engaged) |
| spin | 9 | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | hard | 39-41 degrees (DHS scale), also offered in 37 and 38 |
| type | tacky | tacky inverted (NEO internal energy sponge) |
| weight_uncut_g | 68 | 70 |
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Both are tacky Chinese forehand rubbers aimed at spin-first attackers. The Battle II is a hard, tacky sheet with a low diving arc and long dwell that loads serves and brush loops from a small wrist motion, with linear no-catapult control and surprising speed for the type. The Hurricane 3-NEO offers class-leading spin rated 9.3 by hundreds of reviewers, a uniquely strong first-attack loop, very spinny serves and linear, limitless power with no catapult once engaged.
On style and speed, both are forehand specialists with linear power and no catapult. The Hurricane 3-NEO has low passive speed, so you must hit hard to unlock pace, is heavy and unforgiving without perfect technique, performs poorly in high humidity and often needs boosting. The Battle II is rated tackier and grippier than Hurricane 3 Neo, handles the poly ball well and runs faster passively, though its tackiness fades after about two months.
Choose the Hurricane 3-NEO if you lead with the forehand close to the table, value heavy spin and a powerful first attack over springy speed, and accept boosting and variable quality control. Choose the Battle II, equally rated, if you want similar tacky spin with more out-of-the-box speed and consistency on a budget, and prefer a sheet that plays well without boosting.
FAQ
Which has more passive speed?
The Battle II has more passive speed, described as surprisingly fast for a tacky rubber. The Hurricane 3-NEO has low passive speed and needs a hard hit to unlock pace, often with boosting.
Which produces the most spin?
Both are extremely spinny. The Hurricane 3-NEO has class-leading spin rated 9.3 by hundreds of reviewers, while the Battle II is rated tackier and grippier than Hurricane 3 Neo.
Which is more forgiving of technique?
Both demand strong technique. The Hurricane 3-NEO is heavy and unforgiving without near-perfect technique, and the Battle II also demands committed strokes to extract its spin and speed.
Which handles humidity and the poly ball better?
The Battle II handles the plastic poly ball well, while the Hurricane 3-NEO performs poorly in high humidity. Both attract dust through their tacky topsheets.