One-line verdict

The Hurricane Long 5 (commercial version, same build as the W968) is Ma Long’s inner-ALC benchmark — wood-like and controllable at soft touches, with the carbon waking up only on full swings for a high, heavy forehand loop; but it needs a solid looping stroke to show its speed and prefers tacky Chinese rubber.

Specs (official)

  • Construction: 5-ply + 2 inner aramid-carbon (Limba outer / Ayous core with BBT), OFF+
  • Thickness ~5.9–6.0mm, commercial weight ~89–93g, slightly larger head (160×152mm)
  • Ma Long’s blade; community ratings (UltraSpin): Speed 9.5 / Control 9.3 / Consistency 9.1

Hands-on

Long 5’s soul is “deep dwell.” At low force it plays like pure wood — short game, pushes and blocks stay controlled; drive through it and the inner carbon engages progressively, delivering a high, heavy loop. Paired with Hurricane 3 Neo it comes alive — its best state. Honest caveats: it is not inherently faster than outer-carbon blades, and without a developed loop it feels slow; the commercial version carries a “hollow” feel versus the premium W968 and has wider QC variance.

How it compares

  • Chinese-style forehand looping platform? Long 5 is the baseline.
  • Want a more explosive outer-carbon feel? Fan Zhendong ALC / Viscaria.
  • On a budget and want all-wood fundamentals? Galaxy U2.

Buying advice

Advanced players built around a Chinese forehand loop with a stable power base. Mostly European/Japanese rubber, or pure beginners, should wait.

References

  • PaddleWiz Long 5 (W968) review
  • UltraSpin Long 5 review
  • SportyCritique carbon-blade roundup