DHS Hurricane 301 vs Stiga Carbonado 290: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane 301 | Stiga Carbonado 290 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| feel | medium-hard, crisp, direct inner arylate-carbon with deep dwell on power shots | very stiff, hard, crisp and direct carbon feel with a high-pitched sound; fast and linear with a low throw |
| handle | FL | FL |
| plies | 5W+2 Aramid-Carbon (Koto outer, Ayous middle and core, inner Arylate-Carbon) | 5 wood + 2 carbon (7-ply), TeXtreme carbon |
| speed | OFF | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| type | — | OFF+ |
| weight_g | 90 | 95 |
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These two blades sit at opposite ends of the offensive spectrum. The DHS Hurricane 301 is a 5W+2 inner arylate-carbon blade rated OFF, with a medium-hard Koto top, long dwell and high spin potential at roughly one third the price of premium inner-ALC blades. The Stiga Carbonado 290 is a true OFF+ TeXtreme carbon blade with a very stiff, hard and direct feel, a high-pitched sound and a low, linear trajectory.
On speed the Carbonado 290 is clearly faster, delivering extreme power and exceptional stability for blocking and counter-blocking, and finishing points with hard drives and smashes. The Hurricane 301 trades that raw kick for a wider control range and deeper ball-holding on strong impacts, making it more forgiving on touch, blocks and pushes. The Carbonado is also heavier at around 95 grams against the Hurricane 301 at around 90 grams, and its very low throw can cause netting until you adapt your bat angle.
Choose the Hurricane 301 if you are an intermediate or improving looper who wants spin, control and a friendly price; it carries the slightly higher rating here at around 8.6. Choose the Carbonado 290 if you are an advanced, aggressive attacker who already has the technique to handle a very stiff, very fast carbon blade and want maximum finishing power at a premium price.
FAQ
Which blade is faster, the Hurricane 301 or the Carbonado 290?
The Carbonado 290 is a true OFF+ TeXtreme carbon blade with extreme power, faster than the OFF-rated Hurricane 301, which trades speed for a wider control range.
Is the Carbonado 290 suitable for intermediate players?
It is best for advanced, aggressive attackers who already have the technique for a very stiff, very fast OFF+ carbon blade with a low throw. Intermediates often find the Hurricane 301 more forgiving.
Why does the Carbonado 290 cause netting at first?
Its very low throw means the ball travels flat and low, so players can net shots until they adapt their bat angle. The Hurricane 301 has a more natural, higher arc.
Which blade is the better value?
The Hurricane 301 is the value pick, often cited at around one third the price of premium inner-ALC blades, while the Carbonado 290 sits at the high end of the market.