DHS Hurricane 8 vs Nittaku Hammond Z2: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane 8 | Nittaku Hammond Z2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| best_side | forehand | forehand |
| control | medium-high | 7.5 |
| speed | high | 9.0 |
| spin | extreme | 9.5 |
| sponge_hardness | 39-40 (DHS scale, medium-hard) | 52 |
| type | hybrid tacky tensor | inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 70 | 70 |
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The DHS Hurricane 8 offers tacky grip combined with tensor speed, making it a strong choice for players who want traditional Chinese spin feel with more driving capacity. Excellent serve and short-game spin, fast loopdrives and counterloops, and good durability create a well-rounded attacking profile. The heavy 50g-plus cut demands strong technique and footwork, while inconsistent tackiness fading after two weeks and weakness in the passive game are limitations. Boosting enhances its ceiling significantly.
The Nittaku Hammond Z2 is a hard inverted tensor rated 8.8, offering exceptional looping and counterlooping power with very high spin output. Made in Japan for a non-ESN character, it delivers distinctive active blocks and dangerous smashes. Above-average durability for a tensor and a strong community consensus make it appealing. The trade-off is that it demands active, well-timed strokes—passive contact is very unforgiving. Better suited to OFF-minus or flexible blades than stiff carbon.
FAQ
Which generates more spin?
Hammond Z2 rated 9.5 vs. Hurricane 8’s extreme rating. But Hurricane 8’s tacky topsheet offers a different spin quality—grip vs. speed spin.
Which is better for passive play?
Hurricane 8. Its tacky grip works even on passive contact. Hammond Z2 is extremely unforgiving of mis-timed or passive strokes.
Which suits an intermediate player?
Hurricane 8. Hammond Z2 demands upper-intermediate or advanced technique and active strokes. Hurricane 8 is more forgiving.