DHS Hurricane 3-NEO vs Yasaka Rakza X: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane 3-NEO | Yasaka Rakza X | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| best_side | forehand | both |
| control | medium-high | medium-high |
| speed | offensive (medium passive, high when fully engaged) | high |
| spin | extreme | high |
| sponge_hardness | 39-41 degrees (DHS scale), also offered in 37 and 38 | 47.5 (medium-hard, roughly 45-50 degrees) |
| type | tacky inverted (NEO internal energy sponge) | tensor inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 70 | 69 |
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Both grip the ball hard, but in different ways. The Hurricane 3-NEO is tacky with extreme spin and a strong first attack, though it has low passive speed and often needs boosting. The Rakza X is a grippy tensor with a linear, predictable response and a high, safe throw arc that excels on loops and counter-topspins, with a forgiving touch in the short game.
The Rakza X is the more controllable choice for a fast modern game and works on both wings depending on the blade, while the Hurricane is forehand-focused. Both are on the heavy side, and the Rakza X’s grip can fade after a couple of months of heavy use.
Choose the Hurricane 3-NEO if you want the highest spin and a tacky first-attack loop on the forehand at a budget price and are willing to swing hard and boost. Choose the Rakza X if you want a grippy, high-spin tensor with a high throw and a forgiving feel on either wing, and especially if you liked the Rakza 7 but want more control in blocks and loop exchanges.
FAQ
Which is easier to control?
The Rakza X is linear and predictable with a forgiving short game, making it easier to control for a fast tensor. The Hurricane 3-NEO is harder to control coming from soft rubbers and rewards clean technique.
Which has the higher throw?
The Rakza X has a high, safe throw arc suited to loops and counter-topspins. The Hurricane 3-NEO keeps the ball lower and tacky, favoring a spinny first attack.
Can either play backhand?
The Rakza X is versatile on both forehand and backhand depending on the blade. The Hurricane 3-NEO is a forehand rubber.