Intro

Volkl is in the midst of an evolutionary update across their model lines for 2020. For players looking for extra forgiveness in a powerful frame with reasonable control, Volkl has updated the 4 series to the new V-Cell 4. This update now utilizes V-Cell into the layup of the racquet’s shaft and hoop. V-Cell is a light and strong organic, cellulose material that’s capable of adding improved power and feel. The highly regarded Volkl handle system continues its use of REVA for 25% more shock absorption than the previous used EVA material. Volkl also uses VTEX in the butt cap again for more dampening and better resistance to heat, cracking and movement over time. As with previous generations of the 4 series, the V-Cell 4 uses Volkl’s Catapult system for better ball pocketing and energy transfer on contact. Recently, I got the chance to hit the court with the new V-Cell 4 and see how it performed.

Groundstrokes

The V-Cell 4 definitely had no shortage of available power from the baseline. It took almost no effort to hit fast pace groundstrokes with this racquet. The firm 25 mm beam had ample power no matter which wing I was striking from. The 105 inch head provided plenty of forgiveness and a generous sweet spot. The Catapult Effect system, a signature part of the 4 series, seemed to really help the ball launch off the string bed back to opponents. At 10.3 oz strung and a low swingweight, players of all levels should have no problem accelerating for maximum pace. With all of this power on hand, the V-Cell 4 was surprisingly well behaved. While the low static and swing weights made flattening balls out tougher, the easy acceleration made it easy to use spin as a method of control. Focused on applying spin to my shots, I found easy margin on groundstrokes and the ability to hit angles that opened up the court for the next ball. The extra .6 inches of length proved most effective on my backhand side as I was able to drive through the ball on that side. The extra length also aided in defense as I was able to reach balls on the run and flick them back to stay in the point. The racquet’s lightweight specs led to stability suffering against heavy hitting but for its target audience, the V-Cell 4 should have plenty of stability for low to medium pace balls.

Volleys & Serves

The lightweight specs of the V-Cell 4 made it a fast performer at the net. The racquet was even light enough to offset the extra length, something that usually makes racquets cumbersome at net. Put away volleys were finished off quickly thanks to the frame’s readily available power. At times, the power level was a little too much and led me to sail volleys. The key much like the previous model was keeping my volley very compact, allowing me to retain better control over the power. Touch volleys were a bit challenging because of the racquet’s stiffness and low mass. I found that the more I focused on volleying aggressively, the better the V-Cell 4 performed.

Serving with the V-Cell 4 was an exercise in unrestrained power. At too high of a swing speed, the power level was simply overwhelming and sent my serve sailing well past the box. I had to focus on reducing my swing speed and letting the frame make up the power differential. Once I did, I was able to enjoy the extra leverage the extended length provided and the way it helped drive the ball down and through the court. Pinpoint accuracy was also not a strong suit of the V-Cell 4. I definitely used it as much more of a blunt instrument, picking big targets and letting it rip. I had plenty of spin for kick and slice serves and it was just a matter of dialing in the right swing speed to control them. My kick serve got strong action up and away from returners. My slice serve was a little less effective as the frame lacked the mass to drive the ball low through the court.

Feel & Comfort

The feel of the V-Cell 4 was still firm but a bit cleaner than the outgoing V-Feel version. It still had a bit of edge stiffness in the string bed but it was just a matter of firm feedback rather than any type of harsh vibration. The racquet really didn’t allow me time to have much feedback because of how quickly the ball rebounded off the string bed. The trade off for the high energy return of the frame was that there was little ability to really feel the ball on the strings. The combination of V-Cell in the layup and REVA and VTex in the handle did an admirable job of keeping the comfort level high despite the frame’s near 70RA stiffness level. While feedback was firm, I never had any moments of discomfort or shots that made my arm twinge. The V-Cell 4 should be comfortable for a wide range of players and sensitive players should be able to tweak their string and tension to maximize comfort levels.

Overall

Strong beginners and intermediates looking for a fast frame with loads of power and spin will enjoy this latest offering from Volkl. It offers easy pace and depth from the ground with enough playability to be dangerous at net. The extra length also gives players a bit more leverage on serve and defense while still being easy to swing. The Volkl V-Cell 4 is a well balanced offering for developing players that can offer ample power and spin with enough responsiveness to help them develop their all court game.

About the Reviewer: Matt Locke formerly served for 3 years as the Junior Programs & Development Coordinator for USTA-Idaho. He is a PTR certified coach and is an active USTA 4.5 League and Tournament player.