Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC vs DHS Hurricane 301: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Lin Gaoyuan ALC | DHS Hurricane 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| feel | Soft — flexible ALC gives a more wood-like feel than other carbon blades; high dwell time | medium-hard, crisp, direct inner arylate-carbon with deep dwell on power shots |
| handle | Shakehand (FL, AN, ST options); shorter anatomic handle than Viscaria | FL |
| plies | 5 wood + 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — 7-ply construction with koto outer layers and inner arylate-carbon fiber | 5W+2 Aramid-Carbon (Koto outer, Ayous middle and core, inner Arylate-Carbon) |
| speed | OFF (Butterfly rates Reaction 118, mid-fast; equivalent to OFF/OFF+ class) | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.7mm | 5.8 |
| weight_g | 84-87g typical (Butterfly spec approx 87g) | 90 |
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The Lin Gaoyuan (8.7) is a finished product: soft, flexible, premium, and built in Japan for advanced attackers who want wood-like dwell in a carbon package. The Hurricane 301 (8.6) offers exceptional value at roughly one-third the price, with a crisp inner-carbon feel and wide control range from touch play to power loops.
Choose Lin Gaoyuan if budget allows and you want the softest ALC experience available, plus premium Japanese build quality and a larger sweet spot. Choose Hurricane 301 if you want proven spin capability, deep dwell on power shots, and strong value without sacrificing performance—it rewards solid technique from all distances.
FAQ
How different is the feel?
Lin Gaoyuan delivers a soft, wood-like flexibility. Hurricane 301 is medium-hard and crisp, with a direct carbon feedback. Lin Gaoyuan is more forgiving; Hurricane 301 is more communicative.
Which plays better against backspin?
Hurricane 301 excels against backspin thanks to its inner-carbon and long dwell. Lin Gaoyuan also handles it well but relies more on soft feel for control.
Is Hurricane 301 suitable for beginners?
Yes, more so than Lin Gaoyuan. Its wide gear range and value make it ideal for intermediate offensive players building technique. Lin Gaoyuan demands advanced stroke mechanics.
What about durability and build?
Lin Gaoyuan is premium Japanese. Hurricane 301 is lighter Chinese manufacture; it splinters on rubber changes, so sealing is recommended.