Hurricane 3: National/Provincial/Normal?

chotter wrote: Hi guys, what exactly is the difference between those national/provincial versions compared with the normal one except for the price? Could be that I'm no pro, but I have played some national versions but they didn't seem so much different than the normal ones? Can anyone elaborate please?

Best I can put it...

Compared to commercial: The National sponge tends to be more elastic and reacts well to lots of speed glue.  Provincial seems to have a better top sheet and OK sponge that is closer to the commercial version. Both seems a little lighter in weight than the commercial. Whether they are worth the price differences, that's one's opinion.

The Provincial is a lot like the G-666, so I can't see spending the $ for it. I don't know about the National, but the problem is (based on living in China) you never know if it's real or an imatation. In Mainland they are really good at doing fakes . . . sometimes the fakes are good . . . sometimes not. I have a James Bond collection that's great, except Thunderball switches from English to French half way through. So, maybe your H2 will be H2 on the left side and PF4ish on the right. Who knows? That's the point. Having said all this . . . ask questions from someone you trust . . . buy from a reputable dealer.

Hum ... rubbers which have regional differences within itself. Should be a fun one to try to tame.

Do they have rubbers with 1/4 long pip, 1/4 smooth, 1/4 short pip, 1/4 anti etc etc? What about sponge? Blade?

Chotter,
I think it's important to buy fresh sheets of rubber, regardless of stickiness/tackiness. But, remember, most Chinese rubbers are like flypaper, which isn't all bad. It often works for them. It's about style of play and what suits you . . . what you feel comfortable with. I got so excited about the H2, I bought 4 sheets based on review and hype. Within a week I realized I hated it and had to sell the rest off for a loss. It's a great rubber, but not for me!!! Hardly anyone seems to use the G-666 and Dipper; however, I've won a bunch of matches with them.
I buy here and there. But, if you buy direct from China there's a good chance you'll get fresher stuff, but I've bought sheets in China that had a date stamp from 2 years ago. At my level I believe in buying good quality BASIC popular gear from reputable dealers, who deal direct with the factory/company and quality inspect the sheets. Cole does this. Jian from DHS supplies does this. Tom from Zeropong does this. The "special" versions of popular rubber is often FAKE. I'd be VERY careful when buying Provincial or National anything! Unless I was sponsored I would NOT seek these "special" rubbers. I will stay with the good basic gear and work on my technique. Then, when I am competing at a VERY high level I might try to gain an edge and further improve my game with the rubber that has some stamped seal and numbers on it. Many champions became champions by using basic stuff . . . like the DHS PF4.  I remember trying out for HS and College baseball teams . . . there were always some rich kids showing up with $1000 of new shiney stuff and they usually stunk.  I don't want to be those kids and you don't either.
If you're an intermediate guitar player, does it make sense to buy a $10,000 Martin special edition? NO. What recording equipment did the Beatles use? I could go on and on. Bottom line . . . it's about skill. Use GOOD commercial rubber, not SPECIAL rubber. Spend your money on building skills. Play, Play, Play. Ask questions about technique. Watch videos. Get a coach. That's what I would advise, unless you are competing at the very highest level.
Regardless of what you decide I wish you the best. I hope some of what I rambled in useful.
Take care.
TZ
PS. Having said all that . . . I will say that using the right rubber does make a big difference, but it does not have to National or Provincial.

ditto...
respect.

Gark

Just a thought though, isnt the hurricane 3 pretty much the same as the TG3? true it might have a little more speed and spin but when both are glued up who can notice the difference? besides pros i dont think anyone can. Plus i think the TG series is much more consistent with the sponge degree and manufacturing. 

I'd agreee that from the commercial version, the TG series is definately of a higher quality and also more control.
However if you've been playing with the H-series for a while, you'd notice the speed difference, maybe it was just the TG2 I tried, but it was so tacky that it made Geospin Tacky look like Jap rubber! 3 weeks in and still could not break into the rubber (either that or someone at the factory got a little too enthusiastic with the spinmax).

I've heard that TG3 supposedly plays a little better but I haven't tried it so I won't comment.

Gark

Take this as an opportunity to improve the physical aspect of your game. How much effort does it take to do a few pushups, chin-ups and squats regularly? Once you get stronger you handle heavier setups, which means a vast power increase (you swing faster, plus you have a heavier bat).

I'm not sure about the throw angle of either TG2 or 3 . . . haven't hit a ball yet. Anyone able to compare the TGs and Hs in play?