Butterfly Timo Boll ALC vs DHS Hurricane 301: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Timo Boll ALC | DHS Hurricane 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0/10 | 8.6/10 |
| feel | medium | medium-hard, crisp, direct inner arylate-carbon with deep dwell on power shots |
| handle | FL/ST/AN | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | 5W+2 Aramid-Carbon (Koto outer, Ayous middle and core, inner Arylate-Carbon) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 86 | 90 |
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Both are arylate-carbon blades, but they target different wallets and feels. The Timo Boll ALC nails a near-ideal balance of spin, speed, and control, with class-leading spin on both wings, a large sweet spot, and a solid, consistent face that famously pairs with Tenergy 05. The Hurricane 301 is an inner arylate-carbon build with a hard Koto top, long dwell, high spin against backspin, and a very wide gear range from controllable touch to OFF-plus power, at roughly one third the price.
The contrast comes down to feedback and refinement. The Timo Boll ALC gives little vibration and rewards a developed, active stroke, so it suits players who already trust their technique. The 301 has a crisp, direct, sometimes sharp index-finger feel, can splinter when changing rubbers so it benefits from sealing, and has less raw kick than stiffer variants, but its dwell, spin, and value are excellent.
For an attacking shakehand player with a complete stroke who wants a balanced, high-ceiling main blade and does not mind the price, the Timo Boll ALC is the safe premium choice. For an intermediate or improving forehand looper and third- or fifth-ball attacker who wants a spin-friendly inner-ALC blade with a wide control range on a budget, the Hurricane 301 is the value pick.
FAQ
Which blade gives more feedback?
The Hurricane 301. Its hard Koto top yields a crisp, direct, sometimes sharp feel. The Timo Boll ALC deliberately gives little vibration, presenting one solid, consistent face that suits players who do not need that feedback.
Does the Hurricane 301 need any prep?
It can splinter when you change rubbers, so sealing or sanding the surface is recommended. The handle can also feel slippery for heavy sweaters.
Is the Timo Boll ALC worth the extra money?
For a player with a developed, active stroke who wants a balanced, large-sweet-spot ALC blade proven across styles, yes. Less experienced players may prefer the 301’s wider control range and lower price.