Nittaku Hurricane Pro 3

Nittaku Hurricane Pro 3 – High-Quality Table Tennis Rubber with Pimples-In Design

Nittaku Hurricane Pro 3 is a high-quality pimples-in table tennis rubber developed by Japanese manufacturer Nittaku and produced in China. It combines a highly tacky Chinese topsheet with a Japanese "Powersponge" sponge. This ITTF and JTTA-approved rubber is a professional version of Hurricane 2, offering high spin potential (14.52–15/20) and medium speed (10.25/20). It is ideal for aggressive attackers who seek precise, spin-heavy topspin shots and controlled play. Due to its tacky topsheet, Hurricane Pro 3 is especially suited for play with 40+ plastic balls, delivering excellent spin and control. Compared to Hurricane 2, Hurricane Pro 3 is slightly softer (42.5°), offers a higher, more arched trajectory, and is used by players such as Chinese star Wang Liqin. It stands out with Japanese quality control that ensures consistent performance, making it a great choice for players seeking spin, power, and technique.

Key Features:

• Rubber type: Pimples-in
• Speed: 10.25/20
• Spin: 14.52–15/20
• Sponge hardness: 42.5° (medium-hard, equivalent to ~48° on the ESN scale)
• Sponge thickness: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm
• Colors: Red, black
• Origin: Topsheet and assembly in China, sponge made in Japan
• Certifications: ITTF and JTTA approved
• Weight: ~47 g (uncut, 180x170 mm), ~34 g (cut, 157x150 mm)
• Technologies: Highly tacky Chinese topsheet, Japanese Powersponge sponge

Construction Highlights:

Sponge (42.5°):
This medium-hard Japanese Powersponge (42.5° on the Nittaku scale, ~48° ESN scale) features a fine-pored structure that ensures balanced ball rebound and a catapult effect. Compared to the Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (50°), this sponge is softer and offers more forgiveness and control, especially in topspin and short play. It is harder than Tenergy 05 (36°) but more forgiving than Hurricane 2 (45°), making it suitable for a wider range of players. The sponge transmits a strong sense of feedback, delivering a "crisp" hitting feel.

Topsheet:
A highly tacky, sticky Chinese topsheet based on DHS Hurricane 3 technology, optimized for maximum spin (14.52–15/20), especially in topspin strokes, serves, and backspin pushes. The topsheet allows the ball to "dwell" longer, ensuring high spin and precision in spin shots. Compared to Nittaku Magic Carbon (spin 9.25/20), Hurricane Pro 3 is significantly tackier but more sensitive to incoming spin, requiring precise technique. Compared to Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Orange, the spin is similar, but Turbo Orange delivers more speed due to its ACTIVE CHARGE technology.

Japanese Powersponge Technology:
The Japanese sponge enhances the rubber’s elasticity, adding extra speed (10.25/20) and explosiveness, particularly in topspin shots and counterattacks. Compared to traditional Chinese rubbers like DHS Hurricane 3, the Powersponge is more dynamic, providing a higher trajectory and better control.

Weight:
Hurricane Pro 3 is a medium-weight rubber (~34 g cut), heavier than Moristo SP (~31 g) but lighter than Tenergy 05 (~37 g). Its weight allows pairing with various blades, but it is best suited for light or medium-weight blades like the Nittaku Acoustic to maintain racket balance.

The rubber comes in two sponge thicknesses: 1.8 mm for balanced play and control, and 2.0 mm for aggressive attacking, especially topspin attacks. Available in red and black, compliant with ITTF standards. Nittaku recommends water-based adhesives like Nittaku Fine Zip for mounting.

Performance Characteristics:

Speed (10.25/20):
Hurricane Pro 3 is a medium-speed rubber suitable 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 accuracy. Compared to Yasaka Mark V (speed ~9/20), it is faster and has more spin. This rubber suits players who prioritize spin and control over maximum speed.

Spin (14.52–15/20):
Thanks to its extremely tacky topsheet, Hurricane Pro 3 generates exceptional spin, especially in topspin shots, serves, and pushes. While slightly less spinny than Hurricane Pro 3 Turbo Blue (15.5/20), it is close to Tenergy 05 (61/100). The rubber is sensitive to incoming spin, requiring precise blocking technique but is highly effective for spin shots, particularly against backspin balls.

Control:
Its medium-hard sponge (42.5°) and tacky topsheet offer high control for technical players, especially in topspins, pushes, and short game. Compared to Turbo Blue, it is more forgiving and better suited for a wider range of players, including intermediates. Compared to Moristo DF, it is less forgiving but provides more spin.

Trajectory:
High, arched trajectory on topspin shots, ideal for offensive and spin-focused techniques. The trajectory is straighter when blocking, supporting stable table-side blocks. Compared to Hurricane 2, Hurricane Pro 3 offers a higher arc, making it effective for both close-to-table and mid-distance play.

Gameplay Breakdown:

Attacking (driving):
Highly effective for topspin attacks (9.3/10), especially forehand shots, delivering accurate hits with heavy spin. Excellent for third-ball attacks and counterattacks against backspin balls, particularly close to the table or mid-distance.

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

Pushing:
Long pushes (9.5/10) are highly spinny, generating strong backspin that complicates the opponent’s return. Short pushes (9.2/10) are precise and well-suited for short game at the table.

Flicks:
Banana flicks (9.3/10) are effective, especially over backspin, thanks to the sticky topsheet and medium speed.

Serves and Receive:
Serves (9.4/10) are very spinny, particularly backspin and sidespin serves. Passive receives (8.8/10) require good technique due to spin sensitivity, while active receives like flicks are highly effective.

Blade Compatibility:

Nittaku Hurricane Pro 3 pairs well with various blades, especially those emphasizing spin and control:

• Nittaku Acoustic: Offers feel and control, ideal for technical players
• Nittaku Violin: Balances speed and feel, great for topspin
• Butterfly Timo Boll ALC: Maximizes speed, suited for aggressive attackers
• Butterfly Korbel: Ensures stability, suitable for control and spin
• Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive: Adds speed, good for offensive play