DHS Hurricane Long 5 has long been considered a benchmark for inner ALC blades. Its flexibility, dwell time, and controlled power have made it a favorite among advanced loopers.
But what if you’re looking for a Long 5 alternative that offers similar performance — with a slightly softer touch, quicker rebound, and a more accessible price point?
Meet the SANWEI Verdi Inner.
Engineered as a True Inner ALC Alternative
The SANWEI Verdi Inner is not just inspired by inner-fiber construction — it is carefully engineered to deliver the same class of performance as premium inner ALC blades.
✔ VerdiX Fiber (Polyarylate Carbon Fiber) – Inner Placement
The Verdi Inner features VerdiX Polyarylate Carbon Fiber positioned on the 3rd layer (inner structure).
This strategic placement delivers:
- Softer impact feel compared to outer-carbon blades
- Longer dwell time for controlled topspin
- Higher throw angle for arc-heavy looping
- Stable power when engaging in mid-distance rallies
The result? A blade that plays with control first — but unlocks power when you accelerate.
Advanced Wood Composition for Balanced Performance
The Verdi Inner’s structure is where it truly becomes a serious Long 5 alternative.
✔ Kiri (Paulownia) Core – Lightweight & Responsive
Unlike the limba core found in some inner ALC blades, Verdi Inner uses a kiri core, similar to Butterfly Viscaria.
Benefits include:
- Lighter overall weight
- Faster rebound
- Softer touch in the short game
- Improved maneuverability
This makes it slightly more forgiving while maintaining offensive capability.
✔ Ayous Reinforcement – Stability Under Pressure
Ayous layers enhance structural integrity and consistency during high-speed exchanges.
You get controlled elasticity without vibration overload.
✔ Limba Outer Ply – Spin-Oriented Surface
The premium limba top ply provides:
- Excellent grip on the ball
- Smooth touch in service and receive
- Enhanced spin generation
For loop-driven players, this surface feels natural and confidence-inspiring.
Technical Comparison: Verdi Inner vs Long 5
DHS Hurricane Long 5 is known for flexibility and high arc.
The Verdi Inner offers:
- Similar inner ALC flex profile
- Slightly softer feel due to kiri core
- Comparable looping arc
- Excellent mid-distance control
- 5.9mm thickness for maintained speed
While the Long 5 uses a limba core structure, the Verdi Inner’s kiri core introduces a bit more softness and rebound responsiveness — making it easier to control for many offensive players.
If you love the Long 5 but want:
- More forgiveness
- Slightly quicker rebound
- A refined balance between Viscaria and Long 5 feeling
Then Verdi Inner is a serious contender.
Verdi Inner
- VerdiX Fiber(Polyarylate Carbon Fiber)
– Enhanced Control: By positioning the VerdiX Fiber on the third layer, the Verdi Inner offers improved control without sacrificing power. This strategic placement ensures that your shots are not only strong but also incredibly precise.
- Superior Core Construction
– Kiri Core: The Verdi Inner retains the lightweight and durable paulownia wood core, providing quick response times and an agile feel essential for competitive play.
– Ayous Reinforcement: Reinforced with ayous wood, the blade maintains stability and consistency, giving you confidence during intense rallies.
– Limba Outer Ply: The outer layer features premium limba wood, known for its smooth, responsive surface, enhancing spin and touch for superior ball control and a satisfying feel on impact.
The VERDI INNER combines the speed and power of a Viscaria with the flexibility and control of a Hurricane Long 5. With its ALC plies in an “inner” position, it offers a softer feel and a higher throw angle, requiring a slight adjustment of the racket angle when playing topspin. To maintain speed, its core has been thickened to ~5.9 mm (compared to ~5.75 mm for the Viscaria). Its composition is almost identical to the Long 5, but with a kiri core (like the Viscaria) instead of limba, bringing more softness. The result is a unique balance of speed, flexibility, and touch—perfect for offensive players seeking a feel between these two benchmark blades
Who Should Choose This Long 5 Alternative?
The SANWEI Verdi Inner is ideal for:
- Two-winged loopers
- Offensive players who prioritize control
- Players transitioning from outer carbon to inner carbon
- Athletes seeking premium performance without premium pricing
It provides a playing sensation positioned between Viscaria and Long 5 — blending speed, flexibility, and touch into one cohesive design.
Real-World Playing Experience
In match conditions, the Verdi Inner excels in:
- Controlled third-ball attack
- Counter-looping from mid-distance
- High-arc opening loops
- Stable blocking with soft feedback
- Confident short game control
The slightly higher throw angle requires a small racket-angle adjustment when topspinning — but rewards you with safer net clearance and heavier arc.
Final Verdict: A True Long 5 Alternative
If you’re searching for a Long 5 alternative that maintains inner ALC characteristics while offering enhanced control and softness, the SANWEI Verdi Inner deserves your attention.
It captures the essence of what makes the Long 5 special — flexibility, arc, and dwell time — while refining the feel through its kiri core and optimized 5.9mm thickness.
Precision meets performance.
Elevate your game with SANWEI Verdi Inner — and experience a new standard in balanced offensive blades.
