Andro Rasanter R42 vs DHS Hurricane 8: Which Should You Buy?
| Andro Rasanter R42 | DHS Hurricane 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| best_side | both | forehand |
| control | 9.2 | medium-high |
| speed | 8.5 | high |
| spin | 9.3 | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | 42 degrees medium-soft | 39-40 (DHS scale, medium-hard) |
| thickness_mm | 2.3 | — |
| type | inverted | hybrid tacky tensor |
| weight_uncut_g | 61 | 70 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The Andro Rasanter R42 is the forgiving all-rounder, with a grippy topsheet, generous dwell, many gears and a light feel despite its thick sponge. The DHS Hurricane 8 is a tacky hybrid that is faster and easier to drive than the Hurricane 3 family, with excellent spin and tack on serves, serve receive and short pushes, plus capable fast, low-arc loopdrives and counterloops.
The two differ in weight and demands. The Hurricane 8 is heavy, often 50 grams or more cut, demanding stronger technique and proper footwork, and it is weak in the passive and flat game with inconsistent tackiness between sheets. The R42 stays light and easy to swing, lifting backspin with its higher throw, though it lacks top-end firepower from deep.
For buyers, it is tacky Chinese forehand power versus all-round forgiveness. Developing-to-intermediate, forehand-dominant attackers who want tacky spin and feel but with more speed and easier driving than a boosted Hurricane 3 Neo, and who can handle a heavy rubber, should take the Hurricane 8. Control-oriented improvers wanting forgiveness on either wing should take the R42. The R42 holds a slightly higher rating of around 8.7.
FAQ
Is the Hurricane 8 easier to use than the Hurricane 3 Neo?
Yes. It is faster and easier to drive than the Hurricane 3 family, and many reviewers rate its control and feel better than H3 Neo, though it still demands committed technique.
Which rubber is heavier?
The Hurricane 8 is heavier, often 50 grams or more cut, while the R42 is notably light despite its thick Ultramax sponge.
Can the Hurricane 8 be used on the backhand?
It is not recommended as a backhand rubber for most players, whereas the R42 is a natural backhand choice.
Which has the better short game?
The Hurricane 8 has excellent spin and tack on serves and short pushes, but it is weak in the passive and flat game, while the R42 offers many gears including soft touch and blocks.