DHS Table Tennis Rubbers Compared in India: Neo Hurricane 3 vs Hurricane 8-80 vs Goldarc 9
Three DHS table tennis rubbers compared: the tacky Neo Hurricane 3, the livelier Hurricane 8-80 and the easy-to-use Goldarc 9, with advice on which to pick.
DHS table tennis rubbers compared: Neo Hurricane 3, Hurricane 8-80 and Goldarc 9
DHS table tennis rubbers are the backbone of the Chinese game, and the Hurricane name is the one most players have heard. Choosing between them is confusing, though, because they behave very differently from the European and Japanese rubbers many Indian club players start with. This comparison looks at three DHS rubbers on InstaSport: the Neo Hurricane 3, the Hurricane 8-80 and the Goldarc 9, priced from ₹2,299.
Quick comparison
| Rubber | Price | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHS Neo Hurricane 3 | ₹3,477 (2.1 mm, black); also listed at ₹2,299 | Tacky topsheet, firm sponge, very high spin on loops and serves | Forehand loopers with a full, committed stroke |
| DHS Hurricane 8-80 | ₹2,499 | High-elasticity 80 sponge, balance of speed and control, short break-in | Players who want Hurricane spin with less effort |
| DHS Goldarc 9 | ₹2,399 | Pips-in spin rubber built for control and ease of use | Backhands and players moving from European rubbers |
DHS Neo Hurricane 3: the classic tacky forehand rubber
The Neo Hurricane 3 is the best-known Chinese rubber in competitive table tennis. Its sticky topsheet grips the ball for heavy topspin on loops and serves, and it is excellent in the short game because the ball does not spring off the bat on touch shots. The Neo sponge is factory-tuned to be livelier than the original Hurricane 3. The trade-off is effort: the rubber is firm and rewards a fast, brushing stroke with full body rotation. Played passively, it feels slow. It is traditionally used on the forehand.
DHS Hurricane 8-80: Hurricane spin, friendlier sponge
The Hurricane 8-80 pairs a Hurricane-family topsheet with what DHS calls a new 80 high-elasticity sponge. The brand describes it as keeping a good balance between speed and control, with solid feel and a short break-in period, and as producing good speed even at small and medium power. In plain terms, it is easier to get pace from than Neo Hurricane 3, which makes it a sensible choice for club players who like the Chinese-style spin but do not train daily.
DHS Goldarc 9: the control option
The Goldarc 9 is not a Hurricane at all. It belongs to DHS's Goldarc line of non-tacky, European-style tensor rubbers. DHS describes it as a delicate-control, easy-to-use spin rubber. It gives more built-in catapult than a tacky rubber, so blocks and counters need less arm speed. That is why many players pair a tacky Hurricane on the forehand with a rubber like this on the backhand.
Tacky vs non-tacky: which should you choose?
- Choose tacky if you win points with heavy forehand topspin, spinny serves and tight short pushes.
- Choose non-tacky if you rely on blocking, counter-hitting and a compact backhand.
- If you are a beginner, start with the more forgiving option and add a tacky forehand rubber once your stroke is consistent.
- Tacky rubbers pick up dust quickly in Indian halls. Wipe them after play and store them under a protective film.
Thickness, colour and boosting
Check the sponge thickness and colour on each listing before you order; the Neo Hurricane 3 listed at the higher price is 2.1 mm in black. Thicker sponge gives more speed and spin potential with a little less control. You will read about players boosting Hurricane rubbers with tuning oils. Boosters are not permitted under ITTF rules, and factory-tuned sponges such as Neo exist precisely so players do not need them.
Which DHS rubber should you buy?
For an attacking forehand and a player willing to work for spin, Neo Hurricane 3 is the reference. For similar spin with easier speed, pick Hurricane 8-80. For a controlled backhand or a first step into DHS rubbers, Goldarc 9 is the low-risk choice.
Shop the gear
- DHS Neo Hurricane 3 Table Tennis Rubber — ₹3,477
- DHS Hurricane Neo 3 Table Tennis Rubber — ₹2,299
- DHS Hurricane 8-80 Rubber — ₹2,499
- DHS Goldarc 9 Table Tennis Rubber — ₹2,399
Related reading
- Tacky vs Non-Tacky Table Tennis Rubbers: Which Should You Buy? (India)
- Table Tennis Rubber Ratings Explained: Speed, Spin, Control and Sponge (India)
- Andro vs Donic Table Tennis Rubbers: Rasanter, Bluestorm and Bluefire Compared (India)
Frequently asked questions
Is DHS Neo Hurricane 3 good for beginners?
It is usually not the easiest first rubber. It is firm and tacky and rewards a fast, full topspin stroke. Beginners often do better with a more forgiving rubber and move to Hurricane later.
What is the difference between Hurricane 3 Neo and Hurricane 8-80?
Both are spin-focused DHS rubbers. Hurricane 8-80 uses a high-elasticity sponge that DHS says gives a balance of speed and control with a short break-in, so it is generally easier to generate pace with than Neo Hurricane 3.
Should I use a tacky rubber on my backhand?
Most players prefer a livelier non-tacky rubber on the backhand because the stroke is shorter. A common setup is a tacky rubber on the forehand and a rubber such as Goldarc 9 on the backhand.
