DHS Hurricane 3-NEO vs Yasaka Rakza Z: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane 3-NEO | Yasaka Rakza Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 |
| best_side | forehand | forehand |
| control | medium-high | high |
| speed | offensive (medium passive, high when fully engaged) | medium |
| spin | extreme | extreme |
| sponge_hardness | 39-41 degrees (DHS scale), also offered in 37 and 38 | 50 degrees (medium-hard; Extra Hard version around 57 degrees) |
| type | tacky inverted (NEO internal energy sponge) | hybrid tacky tensor |
| weight_uncut_g | 70 | 72 |
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This is a tacky forehand duel. Both are rated extreme spin and both are forehand rubbers, so the decision comes down to feel and how they behave at less than full power. The Hurricane 3-NEO is a tacky NEO sheet with linear, limitless power and many gears, but it has low passive speed and often needs boosting. The Rakza Z is a hybrid tacky tensor with a harder 50-degree sponge, surprisingly high control and long dwell for a hard rubber, plus a strong linear kick when you commit to a full stroke.
The Rakza Z is rated high control versus medium-high for the Hurricane and grips heavy backspin easily, but it has a high throw that needs a closed blade angle and goes weak and slow when you are out of position or not swinging fully. Both are heavy; the Rakza Z is the heavier of the two.
Pick the Hurricane 3-NEO if you want the proven Chinese tacky forehand on a budget and are happy to boost it. Pick the Rakza Z if you are a proactive forehand looper who swings fully and wants heavy spin with more control, or you like the feel of Dignics 09C and boosted Hurricane 3 but want a cheaper hybrid.
FAQ
Which has more control?
The Rakza Z is rated high control with long dwell for a hard rubber, versus medium-high for the Hurricane 3-NEO. Both can feel weak when not swung fully.
Do both need a full swing?
Yes. The Rakza Z is weak and slow at less than full power, and the Hurricane 3-NEO has low passive speed and only delivers high pace when fully engaged. Both reward committed strokes.
Which is the better value?
Both are budget-friendly tacky rubbers. The Rakza Z is pitched as a cheaper alternative to Dignics 09C and Tenergy, while the Hurricane 3-NEO is exceptional value but often needs boosting to reach its ceiling.