DHS Hurricane 301 vs Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Hurricane 301 | Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| feel | medium-hard, crisp, direct inner arylate-carbon with deep dwell on power shots | stiff outer oak veneer, medium throw, solid dwell, consistent blocking |
| handle | FL | Flared, Straight, Anatomic |
| plies | 5W+2 Aramid-Carbon (Koto outer, Ayous middle and core, inner Arylate-Carbon) | carbon composite (oak outer + carbon fleece CFNW inner, 5+2 layers) |
| speed | OFF | OFF |
| thickness_mm | 5.8 | 5.5-5.6 |
| weight_g | 90 | 87-90 |
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The Hurricane 301 prioritizes spin and control consistency through inner-carbon architecture and long dwell time, delivering excellent value and wide gear range across touch, driving, and looping. The Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon brings genuine outer-carbon speed at an accessible price, emphasizing blocking consistency and near-table play with a larger sweet spot from its forgiving CFNW carbon fleece. Both sit at OFF speed but approach the position differently: the 301 is spin-forward and dwell-based, while the Yasaka is speed-forward with medium throw angle.
The choice hinges on playing style and priorities. The 301 suits forehand-dominant loopers and third-ball attackers who want maximum spin output and dwell feel. The Yasaka excels for club and intermediate players transitioning to carbon, all-rounders who block frequently, and those pairing softer rubbers like Rakza 7 Soft. The Yasaka’s early ball release makes heavy topspin harder to generate compared to the 301’s specialist dwell. The 301 at 8.6 rating edges the Yasaka at 8.0, reflecting a spin specialist versus a balanced all-rounder positioning.
FAQ
Which blade generates more spin?
The Hurricane 301 is optimized for spin with lab-confirmed deep ball-holding and long dwell time. The Yasaka’s early ball release actually makes heavy topspin harder to produce.
Which is better for first carbon blade purchase?
The Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon is designed specifically for intermediate players making their first move to carbon, with forgiving CFNW fleece and larger sweet spot. The 301 is actually an inner-carbon blade, not outer-carbon like traditional carbon blades.
Which blade is faster?
Both are OFF speed, but the Yasaka delivers genuine outer-carbon speed while the 301 is direct and responsive without true carbon speed. The Yasaka will feel faster on power shots.
Which is better for passive play and blocking?
The Yasaka Sweden EK Carbon has excellent blocking stability and consistency from near-table, making it superior for defensive players. The 301 is less ideal for pure defensive styles.