Nittaku Hurricane 3 Neo (8701)

Nittaku Hurricane 3 Neo (8701) – High-Quality Table Tennis Rubber for Spin-Oriented Attackers
The Nittaku Hurricane 3 Neo (8701) is a high-quality pimples-in table tennis rubber developed by the Japanese manufacturer Nittaku specifically for the Japanese market, meeting the high-quality demands of Japanese players. Produced in China, this rubber is an enhanced version of DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, featuring a slightly harder medium-hard sponge (42.5°) and an extremely tacky topsheet. Approved by both the ITTF and JTTA, the Hurricane 3 Neo stands out for its high spin potential (15/20) and moderate speed (11.25/20), providing an excellent balance between power, spin, and control. Thanks to its tacky surface and Japanese “NEO” sponge technology, this rubber delivers a powerful, arcing trajectory, ideal for aggressive attackers who emphasize topspin, counter-attacks, and spin shots. It is especially suited for players who rely on spin as their primary weapon and is recognized by active players worldwide for its ability to produce powerful, versatile strokes.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Pimples-in
• Speed: 11.25/20
• Spin: 15/20
• Sponge hardness: 42.5° (medium-hard, close to 48° on the ESN scale)
• Sponge thickness: 2.0 mm
• Colors: Red, Black
• Country of origin: China
• Certifications: ITTF and JTTA approved
• Weight: ~47 g uncut (180x170 mm), ~34 g cut (157x150 mm)
• Technologies: Ultra-tacky Chinese topsheet, Japanese “NEO” sponge

Construction Details:

Nittaku Hurricane 3 Neo combines the spin of a Chinese topsheet with the elasticity of a Japanese “NEO” sponge, ensuring excellent balance of spin, speed, and power:

• Sponge (42.5°):
The medium-hard “NEO” sponge (42.5° on Nittaku's scale, close to 48° on the ESN scale) is slightly harder than the original DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, featuring a fine-pore structure that ensures balanced ball rebound and a “catapult effect.” Compared to the Nittaku Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (50°), this sponge is softer, offering more forgiveness and control, especially in topspin and short game. Compared to Tenergy 05 (36°), it is harder, but more forgiving than Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Orange (45°), making it suitable for a wider range of players. It strongly conveys the feel of the blade, giving a “crisp” impact sensation.

• Top sheet:
The extremely tacky, sticky Chinese topsheet based on DHS Hurricane 3 technology is optimized for maximum spin (15/20), especially in topspin, serves, and backspin pushes. It allows the ball to “dwell” longer, providing high spin and accuracy in spin-based strokes. Compared to Nittaku Magic Carbon (spin 9.25/20), the Hurricane 3 Neo topsheet is much tackier but more sensitive to incoming spin, requiring precise technique. Compared to Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (spin 15.5/20), the spin is slightly lower but offers better control.

• “NEO” Technology:
The Japanese “NEO” sponge increases rubber elasticity, adding extra speed (11.25/20) and power, especially for topspin shots and counter-attacks. Compared to traditional Chinese rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3, the “NEO” sponge is more dynamic, offering a higher trajectory and better control—especially when using plastic balls.

• Weight:
The Hurricane 3 Neo is a medium-weight rubber (~34 g cut), similar to Nittaku Hurricane Pro 3 (~34 g) and lighter than Tenergy 05 (~37 g). This weight makes it compatible with various blades but is best paired with light or medium-weight blades, such as the Nittaku Violin, to maintain racket balance.

The rubber is available in 2.0 mm thickness, suitable for aggressive attacking shots, particularly topspin attacks, and balanced play near the table or at mid-distance. The red and black color options meet ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends using water-based glue like Nittaku Fine Zip when mounting the rubber.

Technical Specifications and Playing Characteristics:

• Speed (11.25/20):
A medium-speed rubber ideal for technical topspin attacks, backspin pushes, and third-ball attacks. Compared to Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (15/20) or Turbo Orange (14.75/20), it is slower but offers more control and precision. Compared to Nittaku Magic Carbon (speed 8.75/20), the Hurricane 3 Neo is faster and delivers higher spin. Suitable for players who prioritize spin and control over maximum speed.

• Spin (15/20):
Thanks to its extremely tacky surface, Hurricane 3 Neo produces exceptional spin, especially in topspin, serves, backspin pushes, and banana flicks. Compared to Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (15.5/20), spin is slightly lower but comparable to Tenergy 05 (61/100). The rubber is sensitive to incoming spin, so blocking requires precision, but it is highly effective in spin-based strokes, particularly against backspin.

• Control:
The medium-hard (42.5°) sponge and tacky surface provide high control for technical players, especially in topspin, pushes, and the short game. Compared to Turbo Blue, the Hurricane 3 Neo is more forgiving and suitable for a wider range of players, including intermediate-level players. Compared to Moristo DF, it is less forgiving but offers more spin.

• Trajectory:
High, arcing trajectory in topspin shots, ideal for offensive and spin-focused techniques. Blocking has a flatter trajectory, good for stable blocks at the table. Compared to Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue, the Hurricane 3 Neo offers a slightly higher arc, making it suitable for both close-to-table and mid-distance play.

Playing Aspects:

• Driving (attacking):
Excellent for topspin attacks (9.4/10), especially forehand strokes, generating precise, heavily spun shots. Great for third-ball attacks and counter-attacks on backspin balls near the table or at close range.

• Blocking:
Blocks against topspin are stable but require technique (8.9/10) due to the rubber’s sensitivity to incoming spin. Enables precise passive and active blocks, especially on the forehand side, though the backhand side may be more difficult for beginners.

• Pushing:
Long pushes (9.5/10) generate heavy backspin, making returns difficult for opponents. Short pushes (9.2/10) are precise and well-suited for short play at the table.

• Flicks:
Banana flicks (9.4/10) are effective, especially in topspin strokes against backspin, thanks to the tacky topsheet and moderate speed.

• Serving & Receiving:
Serves (9.5/10) are highly spinny, especially backspin and sidespin serves. Passive receives (8.8/10) require good technique due to spin sensitivity, but active receives like flicks are very effective.

Compatibility with Blades:

Nittaku Hurricane 3 Neo is compatible with a variety of blades, especially those that emphasize spin and control:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Offers excellent feel and control, ideal for technical players.

• Nittaku Violin: Balances speed and feel, well-suited for topspin play.

• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed, perfect for aggressive attackers.

• Butterfly Korbel: Offers a great mix of touch and control for all-round players.

Conclusion:

Nittaku Hurricane 3 Neo (8701) is a premium pimples-in rubber tailored for the Japanese market, merging the best of Chinese tacky topsheets with Japanese sponge elasticity. It stands out with its powerful spin, respectable speed, and great control, making it ideal for offensive players who rely on spin-based strategies. Thanks to its high-arc trajectory, grippy topsheet, and balanced sponge hardness, it performs exceptionally in topspin rallies, counter-attacks, and precision pushes. Suitable for advanced and intermediate players seeking a dynamic, spin-oriented rubber with a controlled feel.

Key Highlights:

• Enhanced version of DHS Hurricane 3 Neo, made by Nittaku for the Japanese market

• Grippy Chinese topsheet + Japanese “NEO” sponge (42.5°) = balance of spin, power, and feel

• Great for forehand-dominant topspin play and spin-heavy techniques

• ITTF and JTTA approved, available in red and black, 2.0 mm thickness

• Best paired with lighter or medium-weight blades for optimal balance