DHS Gold Arc 5 vs Yinhe Big Dipper: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Gold Arc 5 | Yinhe Big Dipper | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| best_side | backhand | forehand |
| control | very high | high |
| speed | ALL-OFF | medium (offensive) |
| spin | high | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | 42.5 deg | 38/39/40 degrees (provincial-style blue sponge; 39 measures roughly 51 ESN) |
| type | inverted | hybrid tacky (blue sponge) |
| weight_uncut_g | 71 | 68 |
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DHS Gold Arc 5 and Yinhe Big Dipper serve opposite roles. Arc 5 is non-tensor, ultra-predictable, and light for control-first backhand play. Big Dipper is a modern tacky hybrid with exceptional spin on serves and loops, porous blue sponge, and outstanding stability—marketed as a Hurricane 3 Neo and European tensor alternative at budget pricing.
Big Dipper excels at spin generation and stability for aggressive forehand loopers. Arc 5 excels at pure control and lightweight simplicity. Big Dipper demands active, hard hitting—it is slow and demanding at lower power. Arc 5 rewards any technique. Big Dipper available in 38, 39, and 40-degree hardness options; Arc 5 is single 42.5-degree. Big Dipper is genuinely good value versus premium tensors but carries some quality control variance. Arc 5 is consistent batch-to-batch. Choose Arc 5 for reliable backhand control; choose Big Dipper if forehand tacky spin is your priority.
FAQ
Can beginners use Big Dipper?
Not recommended. Its stiff sponge and demand for active hitting make it unsuitable for learning. Arc 5 is vastly more beginner-friendly.
Which Big Dipper hardness should I choose?
39 degrees is a good middle ground. 38 is softer for control; 40 is faster and more aggressive.
Should I boost Big Dipper?
Many players boost it for optimal performance. Arc 5 does not require or benefit from boosting.
How does Big Dipper compare to Hurricane 3?
Very similar in spin output. National version approaches boosted blue-sponge Hurricane 3. Big Dipper is cheaper.