Intro

While the last V-Feel version of racquets from Volkl was somewhat polarizing among faithful fans for their stiff feel, Volkl is looking to right the ship with the new V-Cell line. The V-Cell 8 285g is the lightest member of the newly updated 8 series. Most of the specs are carried over from the previous version, but Volkl has expanded the use of the cellulose based V-Cell material to the full hoop and shaft now. The result is a more comfortable, responsive feel. Volkl retained the use of REVA foam and VTex in the handle system for consistent dampening and shock absorption. Having enjoyed the performance but not loved the feel of the V-Feel model, I was eager to see how the new refinements of the V-Cell 8 285g would translate on court.

Groundstrokes

From the baseline, the V-Cell 8 285g had the same impressive power to weight ratio of the previous generations. The firm, 22/24/22 mm beam had plenty of juice from both wings. At 10.6 oz strung, the frame was easy to accelerate and ratchet up the pace on all my groundstrokes. The V-Cell 285 also got a bit of a boost in punching power from its decent swingweight for its weight class. The improved feel gave me more immediate confidence and I felt dialed in off the ground much faster than with the last model. The 100 inch head still had a generous sweet spot, but I found the upper hoop to feel a little dead in comparison to the last model. Spin was consistent and easy to access with the frame’s 16 x 18 pattern and rapid acceleration. I was able to add air to my groundstrokes and enjoyed hitting my backhand with more net clearance and safety. Control and accuracy were solid although the lack of mass made it more challenging to step in and flatten out mid court balls. On defense, the V-Cell 285 lacked the stability of heavier racquets against big hitting but was exceptional on the run. When I was stretched out, it was easy to flick passing shots or throw up a high trajectory ball that could get me back to a more neutral position.

Volleys & Serves

The V-Cell 8 285g was impressively capable at net. It excelled at attacking net play. The controllable power level made it easy to finish balls left high although the reduced mass maybe led to a bit less authority on some exchanges, resulting in extra balls being played. The relatively thin beam offered solid control and accuracy. I was able to guide the ball to different spots and pick aggressive targets with confidence. The improved feel and response of the V-Cell 285 made it much easier to mix in touch and drop volleys than its predecessor. The racquet played with solid stability, with some flutter coming against heavy hitting. Intermediates should find plenty of stability and the racquet has room to take additional weight to enhance its stability.

Like previous generations, the V-Cell 8 285g was a versatile serving tool. The high swing speed allowed me to hit with plenty of pace on first serves while the thinner beam allowed me to keep relatively strong control. I was able to hit flat serves with plenty of pace although I missed the weight of shot that heavier models possessed. Accuracy was again a highlight of the frame. I was able to spot serve to aggressive targets and mix locations consistently. Kick serves were my most effective second serve. The spin friendly nature of the racquet gave me enough height and movement to keep returners from teeing off on my second serve. I sparingly mixed in slice serves in the ad court but mostly relied on my kick serve’s consistency to help me start second serve points on mostly neutral footing.

Feel & Comfort

As noted in other V-Cell reviews, the feel of the V-Cell 8 285g was a marked improvement over the outgoing V-Feel generation. Even though they had similar stiffness ratings, the new model played with a much more responsive, connected feel. It still had some crispness but I felt better connected to the ball and had a stronger gauge of what it was doing as it left the strings. This also allowed me to play a more versatile game and mix more touch oriented shots into my point construction as I had a higher degree of confidence. The handle combination of REVA foam and Vtex rubber again did an impressive job of dampening down vibrations. This combined with the softer feel made the V-Cell 8 285g a very comfortable racquet to hit with. Players should have no trouble pairing it with a variety of strings and tensions comfortably.

Overall

Volkl’s update is very much an incremental one focused on comfort and response. The racquet still provides an impressive blend of power spin and control, now just with an improved feel and enhanced connection to the ball. Rising players who want a light, easy swinging frame that can mix baseline power with all court response should consider the new Volkl V-Cell 8 285g.

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.