Tennis Racquet Review: Volkl Vostra V9 (305g)

• Price: $250
• Head Size: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.4 oz.
• Balance: 4 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 318
• RA Rating: 65
• Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm
• String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

Compared to the outgoing V9, the Vostra edition carries an entirely new mold. The variable beam is thinner and has a lower flex for greater control, feel and comfort. The primary innovation for the entire family of racquets is Volkl’s Red Cell technology. It’s a composite of the carbon fiber V-Cell that carries over from the previous generation with REVA (Revolutionary EVA) dampening resin. The Red Cell is placed in strategic locations on the hoop and throat of the frame to improve its performance and feel at contact. The V-shaped throat (V-Engine), a familiar staple in older Volkl frames, is also being reintroduced. It lengthens main strings for a more elastic string bed.

What Works

The V9 has been a curious model in the Volkl lineup. While the brand’s numbering system runs from power (1) to control (10), this particular frame hasn’t always followed suit. Recent additions seemed like experiments in terms of specs and playability. The outgoing V-Cell 9 was rather stiff, thick and powerful; the V-Sense 9 had an unusual, spin-centric 16x17 string pattern. They felt like outliers in the Volkl lineup.

Thankfully, the new mold of the Voestra 9 positions the racquet squarely in between the V8 and V10 franchises. The extra cross string and thinner beam gives it more control and versatility compared to the more powerful and spin-friendly V8; its larger head size and slightly thicker beam makes it more user-friendly than the V10. And the sum of those parts adds up to a smooth and reliable frame that does a lot of things well.

From the baseline, it’s easy to shift into cruise control with the V9. It has a predictable response with enough pop to help you put balls away or get out of trouble, but never becomes difficult to manage. The longer main strings from the back-again V-Engine technology results in extra spring and a higher launch angle. You can get good depth on shots without too much work.

Directional control is the strength of its 16x19 string pattern. The racquet compares favorably to other brawnier 100s when it comes to zeroing in on targets. You can take advantage of the slight bump in pop on serves and focus that aggression at smaller spots in the box.

Topspin production is on the modest side. When matched against the V10, the extra hitting surface of the V9 does give it an advantage in this regard. But the string pattern is still conservatively spaced in the sweet spot. On the plus side, the racquet is breezy through the air, bolstering the swing speed needed to add work to the ball.

On the other hand, slice backhands come rather naturally. The racquet has just enough backbone to redirect pace with a solid block or chip, and the control to manipulate it. If confronted with a net rusher, you can get ball down at their feet to produce a weak volley, and you can put by them with a pass on the next shot. And it really shines when carving out a more aggressive slice—the ball takes a hard bite out of the court and skids low.

The response at contact is slightly dampened and mostly comfortable. There’s just enough feedback to be connected to the ball on the more delicate swings. Volkl always puts plenty of tech in the handle to make the frame quieter and arm-friendly, and its noticeable with this one. Contact in the upper portion of the hoop can draw a penalty, but it’s not harsh.

Up at net, the V9 can hold its own. The smooth handling makes it a snap to get the racquet into position and give the ball forceful punch. The fine control means you don’t need much open court to put the volley away. Stability is good for the weight, and there’s enough feel to make use of drop and angled volleys.

What Needs Work

The V9 performs capably in just about every area, but perhaps lacks a standout feature. You don’t leave the court wowed by the heaviness of your ground strokes or the heat of your serves. It’s a bit tempered in its approach, which could be attractive to solid players who want the added forgiveness of a 100 square-inch head, but not necessarily anything extra.

That said, the sweet spot on the V9 is on the smallish side. There are competing racquets in the category that often more margin for error. Because of its head shape, contact in the upper portion of the V9’s hoop can feel a little dead. Poly string players could mitigate this issue by stringing at lower tensions and using softer or thinner options.

Bottom Line

The Voestra 9 is not only a return to form for the franchise, but a solid all-around option for players seeking a control-oriented 100 square-inch frame.