DHS N656 blade review

I could not find any good review on this blade, so I am writing it myself.

Description

Chinese national team version of DHS Hurricane Hao 2.

As I know it, N656 has a different surface color and thicker core.

Composition

Koto - Spruce - Ayous - Spruce - Koto

Measurements

I took the following measurements myself.

 

Head size

- Height: 16.3cm

- Width: 15.0cm

 

I pursue a balanced play style between backhand and forehand, so I like blades with big head size.

Otherwise the sweet spot decreases for my backhand.

For example, Viscaria CS has a head size of 158 * 150 mm, and I feel it a bit too small.

 

Grip size

- Height: 8.1cm

- Width

  - Top: 2.5cm

  - Bottom: 3.1cm

- Circumference (Bottom): 9.5cm

 

Performance

Rated from 1 to 10.

I am not sure if any blade would get a 1 on any criteria, but I would give a 10 if it is the fastest / spinniest / has the best feel among the blades that I have used.

 

Speed

Would give an 7~8.

Since it is an 5 ply all-wood blade, you can't expect it to be faster than modern carbon blades.

But that in itself is not a disadvantage because it provides better control in low gear.

 

Surprisingly, it provides faster speed compared to DHS Hurricane Hao 2 in high gear.

I am guessing this is due to the thicker core.

 

Control

10.

The best among the blades that I have tried.

Paired with tacky rubbers, you will have super fun in short games.

 

Spin

9.

It's one of the best blades for topspins. It's not so much different from Hurricane Hao 2, but the ball travels faster after the first bounce.

 

I didn't give it a 10 because I believe blades with a limba surface, such as Hurricane Long 5, have better spin, or at least gives that impression.

 

Feeling

10.

 

First of all, the feeling of all-wood blades can not be compared to any carbon blades.

And I haven't tried so many all-wood blades so this is the one with the best feeling for me so far.

 

As a Chinese penhold player I have 2~3 fingers pressed against the head and when the ball hits the racket, I can feel exactly where it hit, and the hit resonates(?) somewhat which leads to the sensation that I have more dwell time.

 

 

Final thoughts

This is my first equipment review, so it might lack some info that you are looking for.

If you want to know more about N656 or any other equipment, please let me know!