Intro

Volkl is focused on more incremental changes with its introduction of the V-Cell family of frames. The new Volkl V-Cell 9 carries over the big changes that were made to the V-Feel 9 and provides some comfort focused updates. The frame layup now utilizes V-Cell throughout the hoop and shaft. V-Cell is a cellulose material that provides improved responsiveness and better feel. For this version of the 9, Volkl has lowered the stiffness and swingweight to provide a more comfortable, easier-to-use frame. Volkl also carries over their use of REVA, a material that offers 25% more shock absorption, in the handle of the racquet. The butt cap also uses VTex again for better shock absorption and is more resistant to shrinking and cracking under extreme temperatures. With such drastic changes leading to a somewhat up and down experience with the last model, I wanted to see how the new V-Cell 9 would compare on court.

Groundstrokes

Off the ground the V-Cell 9 still packed a punch. The 68 RA and 24-26-23 mm beam width combined to provide plenty of power from the back of the court. I found the slightly lower flex easier to control from the baseline than the previous V-Feel 9. It was a quicker transition for me to start bringing the ball down in the court with pace and depth. At 11.4 oz strung with a headlight balance and a slightly lowered swingweight below 320, the frame felt easier to accelerate as well, leading to better racquet head speed and pace. The V-Cell 9 wasn’t as precise as a thinner beam frame, but the improved flex and ball pocketing gave me better directional control than I expected. I was able to hit more aggressive targets than with the last model version. The 16 x 19 string pattern offered plenty of spin potential from the baseline. I had no trouble adding air to my groundstrokes and playing with margin when the situation called for it. I also found the V-Cell 9 to be better at flattening out mid court balls than the V-Cell 8 series, likely owing to its slightly tighter string pattern. Stability was solid and the thicker middle of the hoop helped keep the frame steady when I was under heavy fire. It wasn’t as rock solid as a frame with a swingweight in the high 320s or 330s, but it was largely able to defend pace and it came around fast when I was on the run looking to snap off a quick pass.

Volleys & Serves

The V-Cell 9 was a capable performer at the net. Its readily available power made quick work of anything up that I could get my hands on. It was maneuverable thanks to its weight and balance although I still missed the sub 100 inch head size this series used to have. Directional control was average and much like the last model, I had to not be too casual or balls would sail longer than intended. The racquet felt a little less table than the previous model (likely due to reduced swingweight) and it had some wobble on hard hit shots close to my body. This racquet was slightly better at touch volleys than its predecessor, but I still felt it was too firm to really bleed pace off the ball and feather it back over the net lightly.

There was a lot to enjoy about serving with the V-Cell 9. Similar to groundstrokes, I was able to find my rhythm and start making the frame’s power level work for me. The manageable weight made it easy to accelerate through contact and put plenty of pace on my first serve. The V-Cell 9 had decent directional accuracy, but I still found more success picking bigger targets and hitting through returners with speed. The solid acceleration helped my kick serve get strong jump off the court, to the point where I even started mixing it in as a first serve. My slice serve was also effective, especially in the ad court. The racquet did an impressive job of sliding the ball low and wide.

Feel & Comfort

There was definitely a chorus of feedback when the V-Feel line was introduced about it being too firm. Volkl focused on improving that aspect with the V-Cell ranges. The V-Cell 9 had noticeably better feedback across the string bed than the previous model. I still felt it was a bit firm for my preference however. The addition of V-Cell throughout the hoop seemed to take the sharp edge off the stiffness but still didn’t bring back that soft, flexy feel so many people associate Volkl with. The combination of REVA and VTex in the handle did a good job absorbing shock, but there was still a feeling of disconnect due to how quickly the ball exited the firm frame on contact. From a comfort perspective, the V-Cell 9 was definitely an improvement. The harsh feedback off center that was present in the last model was replaced by a firm but not unduly harsh response instead. Players with sensitive arms would still be wise to consider softer strings or lower tensions to ensure maximum comfort.

Overall

After making some dramatic changes to the 9 series, Volkl opts for a more iterative approach with the V-Cell 9. It still brings ample power and spin to the table but refines the comfort and feedback slightly over the last version. Anybody looking for a comfortably crisp frame that provides speed, spin and controllable power should spend some time with the Volkl V-Cell 9.

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.