DHS Hurricane 301 vs Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane 301 | Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| feel | medium-hard, crisp, direct inner arylate-carbon with deep dwell on power shots | medium-soft and flexible for a carbon blade, with clear feedback and a large sweet spot |
| handle | FL | FL/ST/AN |
| plies | 5W+2 Aramid-Carbon (Koto outer, Ayous middle and core, inner Arylate-Carbon) | 7-ply (5 wood plus 2 very thin carbon layers) — same outer veneer as the Yasaka Extra |
| speed | OFF | OFF- |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 90 | 87 |
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Both are carbon blades aimed at improvers, but they feel different. The 301 is a 5W+2 inner arylate-carbon blade rated OFF, crisp and direct with a wide gear range, long dwell and high spin. The Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a 7-ply blade with two thin carbon layers, rated OFF-, medium-soft and flexible with linear power, an outstanding short game, excellent blocking and unusually clear ball feel for a carbon blade.
Choose the 301 if you want more speed and spin potential, a wide control range and an affordable inner-carbon blade for forehand-dominant looping, accepting that the surface can splinter and benefits from sealing. Choose the Ma Lin Soft Carbon if you are a control-oriented improver moving up from premade bats who wants a soft, forgiving blade with a superb short game and strong blocking rather than raw far-table speed.
The 301 carries the higher rating and the deeper spin and power ceiling, while the Ma Lin Soft Carbon offers more touch, easier control and a more predictable, linear feel. Both are similar weight and 5.8mm thick.
FAQ
Which is faster?
The Hurricane 301, rated OFF with a gear range to OFF+. The Ma Lin Soft Carbon is OFF-, softer and more controllable.
Which has the better short game?
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon, with outstanding control on pushes, touches and serves. The 301 is also strong against backspin but is a more offensive blade.
Which generates spin more easily?
The Hurricane 301, thanks to long dwell and high spin potential. The Ma Lin Soft Carbon has shorter dwell, so heavy spin needs better technique.
Which is better for moving up from a premade bat?
The Ma Lin Soft Carbon is a natural, controllable upgrade for improvers, while the 301 suits players ready for a faster, spin-friendly inner-carbon blade.