DHS Hurricane Long 5 vs Nittaku Violin: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane Long 5 | Nittaku Violin | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| feel | hard, powerful | Soft, warm and flexible with long dwell, premium hand-crafted Japanese all-wood feedback |
| handle | FL/ST | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon | 5-ply all wood (Kiri core with White Ash outer plies) |
| speed | OFF+ | ALL+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.9 | 5.3 |
| type | — | ALL+ |
| weight_g | 89 | 86 |
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These two blades both prize control but reach it very differently. The DHS Hurricane Long 5 is a 5W+2 arylate-carbon blade rated OFF+, with a hard, powerful feel, a large sweet spot and a deep catapult that returns a high, safe arc, and it comes alive with tacky Chinese rubber on the forehand. The Nittaku Violin is a flexible 5-ply all-wood blade with a soft, warm feel and long dwell, rated ALL+ and built around premium Made in Japan craftsmanship.
For speed and power the Hurricane Long 5 is the faster blade at OFF+, with inner carbon stepping in on hard hits and blocks, while the Violin is slower than its billing suggests and weak at long-distance pace. For touch, feel and spin the Violin shines, with exceptional control, pinpoint placement and a technique-building character, though it needs harder or tackier rubbers to reach its full potential and benefits from a break-in period. The Hurricane Long 5 carries the higher rating here at around 8.6.
Pick the Hurricane Long 5 if you loop with tacky Chinese rubber on the forehand and want a controllable, high-arc inner-carbon blade for close-to-mid topspin. Pick the Violin if you are an all-round or developing offensive player who prizes warm feel and spin over raw speed and wants a premium all-wood blade, including as a first custom blade leaving fast carbon setups.
FAQ
Which blade is faster, the Hurricane Long 5 or the Violin?
The Hurricane Long 5 is rated OFF+ and is the faster, more powerful blade, while the Violin is an ALL+ all-wood blade that is slower than its billing suggests and weak at long distance.
Which is better for tacky Chinese rubber?
The Hurricane Long 5 comes alive with tacky Chinese rubber on the forehand. The Violin also needs harder or tackier rubbers to reach its full potential and works well with tensors too.
Which blade has the softer, warmer feel?
The Violin has a soft, warm and flexible all-wood feel with long dwell, while the Hurricane Long 5 has a harder, more powerful inner-carbon feel.
Are these blades good for developing players?
The Violin is a strong technique-building and first custom blade for intermediates. The Hurricane Long 5 suits intermediate-to-advanced loopers, but can feel slow if your looping technique is not yet developed.