New Balance - Fuel Cell 996 v6
- Thread starter MSUspartans
- Start date
MSUspartans
Rookie
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
I found them to be better than the v5 when playtesting both. They breathe a bit better for me
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
This is a weak initial colorway but the shoe is solid
the v5 is going hard in the paint for the Olympics:
the v5 is going hard in the paint for the Olympics:
MSUspartans
Rookie
I've been using the "pickleball" version and I love them. Durability on these is fantastic for hard courts.
Is there actually any difference between these and the tennis version ????
MSUspartans
Rookie
There is zero difference. Love the shoe.
Anyone else have experience with this new version?
I have a couple of pairs of the 996v5 and generally like them, but they fit a little weird for me. The size 9.5 2E version is the right width, but slightly too short, and the size 10 2E version is definitely too long and too wide. Anyone have experience with how these fit compared to the V5?
I have a couple of pairs of the 996v5 and generally like them, but they fit a little weird for me. The size 9.5 2E version is the right width, but slightly too short, and the size 10 2E version is definitely too long and too wide. Anyone have experience with how these fit compared to the V5?
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
They fit me the exact same as far as size goes. A little less vertical toebox room (a good thing). These feel more supportive and substantial with a small increase in weight. I would say a strict upgrade for my needs if you discount the toe dots lol
I have maybe 10 hours on these. They fit very similar to the 996 v5; the outsole is the exact same (maybe a bit stickier?) Can't really slide around in them. Straight upgrade for me, now that the laces are an appropriate length. Hopefully the extra material means the toes will be more durable, which is what killed my v5s.
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I ended up getting my pair, size 9.5 2E (the same size I got my v5s in) and they don't work for me. The lateral side of my right foot feels like there's something hard under it that puts pressure on my foot. The v5s didn't do this to my recollection. Length-wise, they're perfect, and I have just about the right amount of width for the toe box. Bummer. On to looking for new shoes.
babar
Hall of Fame
I jsut tried on the v6 today in the store with the v5 in a couple of colorways. The V6 felt like it held my heel in place sooo much better than the v5. The v5 had some pretty significant heel slippage for me. I tried it with thicker socks as well as thinner socks. I will be getting some of the v6s soon.
d-quik
Legend
The fifth generation had these fitting notes:
Fit Details
| Length: | True |
|---|---|
| Width: | Medium |
| Arch: | Medium |
| Break-in: | None |
| Surface: | Hard (all court) |
| Durability Guarantee: | Yes |
| Weight: | 12.9 ounces (size 10.5) |
but the sixth generation has these instead:
Fit Details
| Length: | Slightly Short |
|---|---|
| Width: | Medium |
| Arch: | Medium |
| Break-in: | None |
| Surface: | Hard (all court) |
| Durability Guarantee: | Yes |
| Weight: | 14.7 ounces (size 10.5) |
If there is "zero difference", what could account for the almost two ounce difference in weight?
Surely these two things can not co-exist at the same time. Perhaps @TW Staff can weigh in on this conundrum? Did the 6th generation of this shoe really increase in 1.8 ounces of weight, and become more of maximalist construction (harkening back to the 3rd generation of this model)? Because if so, this could possibly explain the extra lockdown that was experienced by @babar when trying them on in-person!
MSUspartans
Rookie
The fifth generation had these fitting notes:
Fit Details
Length: True Width: Medium Arch: Medium Break-in: None Surface: Hard (all court) Durability Guarantee: Yes Weight: 12.9 ounces (size 10.5)
but the sixth generation has these instead:
Fit Details
Length: Slightly Short Width: Medium Arch: Medium Break-in: None Surface: Hard (all court) Durability Guarantee: Yes Weight: 14.7 ounces (size 10.5)
If there is "zero difference", what could account for the almost two ounce difference in weight?
I wasn't referring to the v5 and v6. I was referring to the "pickleball" version of the v5. It's the same v5 just with the word pickleball on it.
d-quik
Legend
Do you guys have a scale? I would be curious what the weight is (in whatever sizes you guys have). TW says that these outweigh the 5th generation by quite a bit, but sometimes they make errors. A photo of the scale reading would be appreciated to inspire confidence. Thank you!
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
They were heavier for sure but I use Cages too so I did not mind. If you hyper focus on weight and have used both... these v6 will bother you.
They were not bricks but they werent feathers. I find anything between 14.5 and 16 oz feels about the same once moving. The shape and ergonomics of the shoe will matter way more.
They were not bricks but they werent feathers. I find anything between 14.5 and 16 oz feels about the same once moving. The shape and ergonomics of the shoe will matter way more.
d-quik
Legend
No scale though?
I wouldn't say I am very "sensitive" about weight but rather, I am just curious about the accuracy of product's description. Usually added weight usually means the uppers are more secure, the uppers are more comfortable, or the outsole is more stable. Weight is usually a good thing IMO.
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
i have a scale but failed to get the v5 weight
15.3 oz for mens size 11 on my v6
15.3 oz for mens size 11 on my v6
I can't fulfill your request either unfortunately, I trashed my v5s after they started developing holes all over. But here's my input about v5 vs v6 after hundreds of hours on both shoes.
In my experience, the V5s weren’t very durable. Mine started developing holes where the upper creased, and the area around my toes blew out pretty quickly. The mesh on the V6s is different—slightly less breathable but noticeably more durable—and it has held up much better over time. The midsole and insole foam on the V6s also seem to last longer. I remember the V5 foam 'bottoming out' and molding to my foot, which I actually liked because it gave me a low-to-the-ground feel that’s hard to find in many newer shoes. Maybe NB bulked up the midsole foam as well?
I think the listed weights make sense. The added material provides extra durability, which is great because I expect these V6s to last me more than a few months. I've always preferred speedy, lightweight tennis shoes over stability-oriented options, but I haven't noticed a significant difference in how they feel during play.
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
are you a dolphin?
d-quik
Legend
They were narrower and higher off the ground than expected.
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
I kid I kid
d-quik
Legend
Lol I totally got that
I really wanted to love these though
The 996V3 were my favorite shoes in 4E width.
Then they became speed shoes in the 4th and 5th generations for some dumb reason - something totally different
Glad to see they went back to a more tanky layup just like the 3rd generation, but without the width though. I feel like just like the 3rd gen, I would have taken these in a heartbeak if it came in 4E.
Whatever, can't have it all, I guess.
TourStrike7
Rookie
I have the pickleball version and just got the normal tennis version. There is a 3 gram difference, heavier for the tennis shoe, so I imagine that's just enough for variation at the factory level. But what is more important is that there is significantly more rubber buildup around the toebox for the tennis version. I have had my pickleball version for about 4 weeks and they are getting trashed right where all the rubber buildup is on the tennis version. Seems like at least there is a difference in that regard. I may have already smashed my soles down (I play everyday, so that's about 30 court times) but the soles on the tennis version seem like they are thicker. Perhaps I really have worn out the pickleball ones! - I love these shoes. I put the carbon fiber "superfeet run low arch" insoles in them, and that reduces the weight a little bit and adds excellent support. Never been happier with a shoe.
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
Gao
Rookie
Looks like 996v4.5 to me
EastAngels2014
Semi-Pro
Saw these go on Happy Hour sale and bought a pair. Have people enjoyed these?
996 is a really good shoe.
Very underrated and overshadowed by Nike, Adidas, et al.
Likely because the lack of pro endorsements.
I had the V3 which were very stout but still quick and also the V4 which were very comparable to the Vapor X I had been using.
Seems like they continue to improve them. Only reason I don't use them regularly is they only release like one clay version a year.
d-quik
Legend
How much was it?
EastAngels2014
Semi-Pro
$69
BenC
Hall of Fame
"Our scale returned 13.8 oz (390g) in a men's US size 9 which is a whole ounce heavier than average. What's more, the v6 gained some serious weight over its previous version - the 996 v5 came in at only 11.9 oz (336g)!"
Cut in half: New Balance FuelCell 996 v6 Review (2024)
New Balance FuelCell 996 v6 review: One of New Balance's top offerings for tennis, we found the 996 v6 a solid performance shoe. Stable and propulsive, it accommodates fast and shifty movements all over the court. And it's a must to consider if you mostly play in hot conditions. On the downside...
runrepeat.com
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
Yeah they def gained weight but don’t at all feel “slow” to me
d-quik
Legend
BenC
Hall of Fame
Nope, wide not included. Other places have it on sale though, I picked up a pair of 996v6 hoping I'll like them as much as the v5.Did it come in wide?
Major regret if I missed 9ut on 12.5 2E
d-quik
Legend
I wonder what that extra weight actually added to the V5?
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
It plays in very quickly
BenC
Hall of Fame
the v6 insole seems like a big improvement to me.
the v5 had Ortholite open cell foam insoles which was supposed to be better for ventilation but I'm my experience went completely flat in a few hours. I think this is why people complained of the v5 cushioning wearing out quickly.
the v6 uses a more resilient foam insole, literally the same insole as in the CT Rally.
the v5 had Ortholite open cell foam insoles which was supposed to be better for ventilation but I'm my experience went completely flat in a few hours. I think this is why people complained of the v5 cushioning wearing out quickly.
the v6 uses a more resilient foam insole, literally the same insole as in the CT Rally.
Just pulled the trigger on a pair of 996 v6's in 2E (after ordering the D by accident, and almost not even being able to get into it). I can understand former v5 and prior users being upset at the apparent, inexplicable narrowing of the last. The D fits more like an A-B and the 2E fits more like a C-D. I have a normal-width C-ish foot, luckily.
Coming from Wilson Rush Pro 4.0's that I think helped contributed to achilles tendonitis. Then Asics Court FF3's, which were a bit better, but still harsh at times due to being so beefy, and the collar piping rubbed against my inside ankle bones.
Haven't gotten the 996 v6's out on court yet, but out-of-the-box fit with a Move Game Day Pro insole feels amazing right away. Hope the on-court experience matches. Will update after a few sessions.
Coming from Wilson Rush Pro 4.0's that I think helped contributed to achilles tendonitis. Then Asics Court FF3's, which were a bit better, but still harsh at times due to being so beefy, and the collar piping rubbed against my inside ankle bones.
Haven't gotten the 996 v6's out on court yet, but out-of-the-box fit with a Move Game Day Pro insole feels amazing right away. Hope the on-court experience matches. Will update after a few sessions.
Interested to hear your thoughts, particularly on how fast they feel.
This used to be kind of a Vapor competitor but some say the V6 is more of a maximalist because its been beefed up a bit and is heavier.
Any thoughts on the nimble, speediness are much appreciated.
Will do. Mind you, I'm 6'2" 200-lbs and I pivot a bit hard, so I suppose the beefing up of the v6 is a good thing for me, as I tend to prefer comfort over speed and weight savings, but at least I'll be able to relate them to the Rush Pro's (medium-heavy, medium quickness) and FF3's (pretty heavy, kind of quick but not really).
Should have some early feedback by the weekend / early next week. Will update and @ mention you.
Yeah I'd say if the 996 are similar to those two other shoes than it has lost some of its speedy nature.
