What's going on with Hurricane Long 5 versions?

[TareqPhoto]

Hi all,

So i look at blades from that Chinese site Pro.... where i see lots of Hurricane Long blades versions, and i can't tell what is the difference, is it only promotion things more than just performance differences?

Here are some links:

https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=OFFICIALW968
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=96802
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=playerno1
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=2017968
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=MLSPECIAL
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=MLW968
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=968888

And there are more, so what is all that about? Is DHS just offering them for sale no matter what? And which one of those to get even for a beginner with nice budget to spend?

 

[TareqPhoto]

And of course the one from TT11:

https://www.tabletennis11.com/other_eng/dhs-w968-hurricane-long-5-national

 

[kingkimchi]

Hi all,

So i look at blades from that Chinese site Pro.... where i see lots of Hurricane Long blades versions, and i can't tell what is the difference, is it only promotion things more than just performance differences?

Here are some links:

https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=OFFICIALW968
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=96802
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=playerno1
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=2017968
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=MLSPECIAL
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=MLW968
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=968888

And there are more, so what is all that about? Is DHS just offering them for sale no matter what? And which one of those to get even for a beginner with nice budget to spend?

So, you know how dhs has 250 different hurricane variations (talking about the rubber) they probably did the same thing for w968. If you look at the normal hl5, they have hl5, hl3, hl, hl5 light, hl5x... Now they are just selling diff version of w968. w968 is very popular in the cnt, so different numbers (e.g. number 1, number 8... shown above) mean they are custom made to the specs of different cnt players. 1 is malong I think, 3 might be chen meng or chen xingtong, thats all I know. For the personal version, it's j a w968 no 1 with a different box picture and a different photo at the bottom of the blade. Probably the same as no 1, ma long's specs. For the signature version, probably a ma long no 1, or just a normal w968 with ma long's signature, an item for display, not for play.

 

[TareqPhoto]

So, you know how dhs has 250 different hurricane variations (talking about the rubber) they probably did the same thing for w968. If you look at the normal hl5, they have hl5, hl3, hl, hl5 light, hl5x... Now they are just selling diff version of w968. w968 is very popular in the cnt, so different numbers (e.g. number 1, number 8... shown above) mean they are custom made to the specs of different cnt players. 1 is malong I think, 3 might be chen meng or chen xingtong, thats all I know. For the personal version, it's j a w968 no 1 with a different box picture and a different photo at the bottom of the blade. Probably the same as no 1, ma long's specs. For the signature version, probably a ma long no 1, or just a normal w968 with ma long's signature, an item for display, not for play.

Yes i know, but even in rubbers there is like clear versions all people know about, like National version is on top, so there are not so so many National version to buy commercially that is great, i won't buy National versions of players, but the standard National one, same with Provencial, BS is among the best recommended, so it is easier to pick in rubbers than in blades maybe, and now you explained about numbers, thanks.

So, if all topics keep saying that W968 is the best overall model of HL by miles, so which version of W968 to get without paying premium for it? I mean i am willing to pay from $400-800 rather than paying $1200-3000, but i have to be sure that if i pay $400 or $700 then i get a nicer and better version than my HL5X or any commercial HL5 regular.

 

[kingkimchi]

Yes i know, but even in rubbers there is like clear versions all people know about, like National version is on top, so there are not so so many National version to buy commercially that is great, i won't buy National versions of players, but the standard National one, same with Provencial, BS is among the best recommended, so it is easier to pick in rubbers than in blades maybe, and now you explained about numbers, thanks.

So, if all topics keep saying that W968 is the best overall model of HL by miles, so which version of W968 to get without paying premium for it? I mean i am willing to pay from $400-800 rather than paying $1200-3000, but i have to be sure that if i pay $400 or $700 then i get a nicer and better version than my HL5X or any commercial HL5 regular.

I would say stay away from the number versions. The only number version (if you really want one) is 1, as it is ma long's. After all you are buying ma long's blade right. Don't waste your money on the $3000 personal version. You're just paying 2000 more for a different photo on the bottom. Just go for the original w968, provincial vers will be fine. National vers is ok too but the price gap... or you could go for the number 1. Thats it. If you want something to look at, buy the signature vers and keep the box, PLEASE keep the box. It is worth half the damn price lmao. If you're just experimenting with it and want to have something to keep, stick a rubber on the non signature side of it and play. After you're done, just look at it somewhere, for $1500.

 

[TareqPhoto]

I would say stay away from the number versions. The only number version (if you really want one) is 1, as it is ma long's. After all you are buying ma long's blade right. Don't waste your money on the $3000 personal version. You're just paying 2000 more for a different photo on the bottom. Just go for the original w968, provincial vers will be fine. National vers is ok too but the price gap... or you could go for the number 1. Thats it. If you want something to look at, buy the signature vers and keep the box, PLEASE keep the box. It is worth half the damn price lmao. If you're just experimenting with it and want to have something to keep, stick a rubber on the non signature side of it and play. After you're done, just look at it somewhere, for $1500.

I didn't decide anything yet, it is just i am open to suggestions and opinions for now, if i have the choice then i might get just that Prov version for less than $300 or that cheapest W968 i find which is less than $500-600 anyway, but for like $100-300 less i might miss something i should get, for example if that $700 version is better in control or speed above that $500 version then why not, i just don't want to spend $800 to find out that it is only 5% better over $400 version, pointless really, and at my level point i will never find the big differences between $300 and $3000 for sure.

 

[kingkimchi]

I didn't decide anything yet, it is just i am open to suggestions and opinions for now, if i have the choice then i might get just that Prov version for less than $300 or that cheapest W968 i find which is less than $500-600 anyway, but for like $100-300 less i might miss something i should get, for example if that $700 version is better in control or speed above that $500 version then why not, i just don't want to spend $800 to find out that it is only 5% better over $400 version, pointless really, and at my level point i will never find the big differences between $300 and $3000 for sure.

Get the cheapest one, after all, it is still a w968. No need to buy all the expensive stuff to find out minor differences. Your friends won't care any less anyways, you have a w968 wow! Same if you have the most basic w968 or personal $3000 vers...wow!

 

[dingyibvs]

The W968 is a different blade from the other HL5 versions, the fiber layers are different so it feels like a completely different blade. The provincial version is probably indistinguishable to most people from the national or player/numbers version.

For the regular HL5 versions, including the HL5, HL5 old version (I think 2016 and older, maybe?), HL5X, and HL5 Golden are all just variations of each other, with varying qualities, head sizes, and wood veneer thickness. That does create pretty different feeling blades, but not as different as from the HL5 to the 968.

To give you an idea of how different the HL5 is to the 968, it took me about 2 weeks to get used to the HL5 after switching from a YSE which is a 5-ply wood blade. It took me 2 months to get used to the 968 after switching from the regular HL5.

 

[TareqPhoto]

Get the cheapest one, after all, it is still a w968. No need to buy all the expensive stuff to find out minor differences. Your friends won't care any less anyways, you have a w968 wow! Same if you have the most basic w968 or personal $3000 vers...wow!

I kind of agree with you, i have time, i might or might not buy one, it all depends on my future situations with table tennis, thank you

 

[TareqPhoto]

The W968 is a different blade from the other HL5 versions, the fiber layers are different so it feels like a completely different blade. The provincial version is probably indistinguishable to most people from the national or player/numbers version.

For the regular HL5 versions, including the HL5, HL5 old version (I think 2016 and older, maybe?), HL5X, and HL5 Golden are all just variations of each other, with varying qualities, head sizes, and wood veneer thickness. That does create pretty different feeling blades, but not as different as from the HL5 to the 968.

To give you an idea of how different the HL5 is to the 968, it took me about 2 weeks to get used to the HL5 after switching from a YSE which is a 5-ply wood blade. It took me 2 months to get used to the 968 after switching from the regular HL5.

Yes, but i was talking about W968 versions itself and not regular HL5, even W968 is called Hurricane Long blade after all or just a higher better version of HL5, so i am not thinking about HL5 regular or even golden, already have HL5X and ordered a second one, but i am thinking about that 968 versions in the higher level expensive one, i feel i will ignore that Prov for now as it is almost like $120-150 more than regular HL5/5X, so i will just go directly to W968 versions to look at.

 

[dingyibvs]

Yes, but i was talking about W968 versions itself and not regular HL5, even W968 is called Hurricane Long blade after all or just a higher better version of HL5, so i am not thinking about HL5 regular or even golden, already have HL5X and ordered a second one, but i am thinking about that 968 versions in the higher level expensive one, i feel i will ignore that Prov for now as it is almost like $120-150 more than regular HL5/5X, so i will just go directly to W968 versions to look at.

The Provincial version is also a 968. The main 968 line goes from Prov -> national/official -> player/numbers. They only vary by a minor amount, probably can't be felt by amateurs. Then there are variants such as 968-3, 968-6, 968-8, etc. which can have different veneers, thickness, etc. For example the 968-8 is kind of like the 968 version of the HL5x, with a thicker core and thinner veneers.

 

[TareqPhoto]

The Provincial version is also a 968. The main 968 line goes from Prov -> national/official -> player/numbers. They only vary by a minor amount, probably can't be felt by amateurs. Then there are variants such as 968-3, 968-6, 968-8, etc. which can have different veneers, thickness, etc. For example the 968-8 is kind of like the 968 version of the HL5x, with a thicker core and thinner veneers.

Ok, those two blades are Prov W968 but they didn't write any 968 on the blade, instead i can see clearly "HL5", so i didn't consider it as 968 until or unless they write on the box or the blade itself.

https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=W968-5
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=2020W968L

So what is the differenec between the following two?

https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=96802
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=OFFICIALW968

And if there is any version of W968 No.1 cheaper than $1000 should i buy that instead for example?

 

[dingyibvs]

Ok, those two blades are Prov W968 but they didn't write any 968 on the blade, instead i can see clearly "HL5", so i didn't consider it as 968 until or unless they write on the box or the blade itself.

https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=W968-5
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=2020W968L

So what is the differenec between the following two?

https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=96802
https://prott.vip/Product-Details.aspx?productcode=OFFICIALW968

And if there is any version of W968 No.1 cheaper than $1000 should i buy that instead for example?

Lol, that's the reason I got the national/official version as well, because it actually says W968 on it. Plus I'm a huge Ma Long fan

I don't know about your personal preferences, but I can't tell the difference between the main line 968 versions, so I just got the cheapest one with W968 written on it, which would be the "Official" version that costs $430. The other versions are more for collectors, or just bragging rights.

If you're really that specific in your need in a blade, you need to try them out yourselves. Pros select one blade out of 10 or maybe even 50, they don't just get one because it's a certain version.

 

[TareqPhoto]

Lol, that's the reason I got the national/official version as well, because it actually says W968 on it. Plus I'm a huge Ma Long fan

I don't know about your personal preferences, but I can't tell the difference between the main line 968 versions, so I just got the cheapest one with W968 written on it, which would be the "Official" version that costs $430. The other versions are more for collectors, or just bragging rights.

If you're really that specific in your need in a blade, you need to try them out yourselves. Pros select one blade out of 10 or maybe even 50, they don't just get one because it's a certain version.

Ah ok, then i will buy the cheapest National version i can find with W968 written on it, thank you very much.

 

[ben1229]

Just buy the # version , forget about the letter version, you won't regret. If you know someone can select blade for you I will strongly recommend to choose weights.

 

[mightymouse]

My honest opinion on this matter:

I am really confused on the DHS rubbers (H3 especially): commercial, provincial, national, etc. One person said that they are the same rubbers manufactured in the same production line, and the ones with best quality designated for national version, the good quality designated for provincial version, and the regular one for commercial version. But all come from the same production line. Other said that DHS really produces different versions of DHS rubbers for national players, provincial players and for mere mortal like us. I do not know which one is right / correct.

NOW, with the Long 5 and W968. Same thing happens. Too many versions and variations and all come with outrageous prices.

Why can't they just produce 1 type of HL5 and 1 type of W968 with excellent quality. Just to avoid any confusions. Even with the standard product of 1 type of blade, let's say Stiga Clipper, there are already varying characteristics of the blade, given the 95 grams Clipper vs. the 84 grams Clipper. Now, there are too many versions of DHS W968 and HLong 5 and I don't even know which one is the "standard" one.

Even through extensive research, let's say I can determine the "standard" / the true W968, where should I buy it? Can I just call DHS HQ and asked for the standard / true W968? There are too many online sellers who offer this blade with so many claims on the superiority of their product.

At one time, quite some time ago, when I consider buying this blade, I thought of just buying Donic Original Senso No. 1, because there are only 2 types: Original No. 1 (ordinary quality) and Original Senso No. 1 (superior quality of materials). I believe they are made by DHS themselves and I thought that Donic must have selected the good ones. And it is easier for me because I know authorized Donic store nearby who sell genuine product.

Sorry guys, I just vent my frustration with DHS way of making rubbers and blades.

 

[TareqPhoto]

Just buy the # version , forget about the letter version, you won't regret. If you know someone can select blade for you I will strongly recommend to choose weights.

What do you mean by # and not letter? # of what and letter of what?

Unfortunately, i don't have anyone to select for me, unless i decide one day to travel to China for vacation and try to find someone and buy it from them directly.

 

[TareqPhoto]

My honest opinion on this matter:

I am really confused on the DHS rubbers (H3 especially): commercial, provincial, national, etc. One person said that they are the same rubbers manufactured in the same production line, and the ones with best quality designated for national version, the good quality designated for provincial version, and the regular one for commercial version. But all come from the same production line. Other said that DHS really produces different versions of DHS rubbers for national players, provincial players and for mere mortal like us. I do not know which one is right / correct.

NOW, with the Long 5 and W968. Same thing happens. Too many versions and variations and all come with outrageous prices.

Why can't they just produce 1 type of HL5 and 1 type of W968 with excellent quality. Just to avoid any confusions. Even with the standard product of 1 type of blade, let's say Stiga Clipper, there are already varying characteristics of the blade, given the 95 grams Clipper vs. the 84 grams Clipper. Now, there are too many versions of DHS W968 and HLong 5 and I don't even know which one is the "standard" one.

Even through extensive research, let's say I can determine the "standard" / the true W968, where should I buy it? Can I just call DHS HQ and asked for the standard / true W968? There are too many online sellers who offer this blade with so many claims on the superiority of their product.

At one time, quite some time ago, when I consider buying this blade, I thought of just buying Donic Original Senso No. 1, because there are only 2 types: Original No. 1 (ordinary quality) and Original Senso No. 1 (superior quality of materials). I believe they are made by DHS themselves and I thought that Donic must have selected the good ones. And it is easier for me because I know authorized Donic store nearby who sell genuine product.

Sorry guys, I just vent my frustration with DHS way of making rubbers and blades.

That is why i asked, and many ask, and so so many threads or topics about DHS Hurricane mainly 3 because of this maybe, and it is no fix or solution about.

For now i ordered Long 5X twice, one i have already since 2020 and one ordered few days ago and waiting it, i chose it over regular Long 5 and no regret, but going for 968 now that is like a "Mission: Impossible", but i can wait and won't give up, i have hopes.

 

[ben1229]

What do you mean by # and not letter? # of what and letter of what?

Unfortunately, i don't have anyone to select for me, unless i decide one day to travel to China for vacation and try to find someone and buy it from them directly.

Go do a research before you buying any of them, if you have a chance to China then buy in China.

 

[TareqPhoto]

Go do a research before you buying any of them, if you have a chance to China then buy in China.

I only searched in that site Prott, i saw # and letters, but i can't understand what do you mean by number and letters here, i mean people told me to go with #1 if possible as this is Ma Long quality type, so what about letter?

I will not go to Chiba any soon, even if i plan to travel to China most likely i won't have enough budget by then as i spent a lot on tickets and hotels and food and transport and need to leave something for emergency, so i won't travel to China carrying like $400-1000 only for a blade, but if i didn't travel then the budget for travel is saved for a blade.