Nike Lunar Vapor 8 or Nike Lunar Ballistecs 1.5?

[David Le]

I'm about to purchase the Nike Lunar Vapor 8 Tour (Red ones Federer wore at 2011 French Open) I heard mixed reviews about these. I also heard the VI were better. Anyways, I was going to purchase the Ballistecs but I like how the Vapor feels. I own the Zoom Vapor 9.5, and haven't torn a hole on it or anything. Had it since last November, & I don't drag my feet, very light baby steps. Could any of you guys compare and tell me the diffrence and similarity in terms of feel, flex, durability, etc. Thanks mate.

 

[gino]

Fed only wore the V8 for a few tournaments AO2011 through Miami 2011. He went back to the V6 in April and wore it until early 2012 when the V9 came out. I have a lot of experience using the V8, and I loved Nike's use of the full-length lunarlon. However, the LB1.5 is a much better and more refined version of lunarlon cushioning for tennis. The LB1.5 is higher off the ground, yet provides more court feel and impact protection that the V8. If you want to feel quicker, and don't mind sacrificing durability, then I suggest buying the V8. If you want a more durable, well-cushioned, and refined shoe, go with the LB 1.5 @David Le

 

[Fintft]

Fed only wore the V8 for a few tournaments AO2011 through Miami 2011. He went back to the V6 in April and wore it until early 2012 when the V9 came out. I have a lot of experience using the V8, and I loved Nike's use of the full-length lunarlon. However, the LB1.5 is a much better and more refined version of lunarlon cushioning for tennis. The LB1.5 is higher off the ground, yet provides more court feel and impact protection that the V8. If you want to feel quicker, and don't mind sacrificing durability, then I suggest buying the V8. If you want a more durable, well-cushioned, and refined shoe, go with the LB 1.5 @David Le

Totally agree, to me the V8 have a problem not only with durability (on hard courts), but support as well, on all surfaces (they start to give in pretty fast). Not so with Nike Lunars.( ver 1.0 in my case and just ordered a pair of 1.5).

 

[gino]

Totally agree, to me the V8 have a problem not only with durability (on hard courts), but support as well, on all surfaces (they start to give in pretty fast). Not so with Nike Lunars.( ver 1.0 in my case and just ordered a pair of 1.5).

Would agree that the V8 doesn't have the best support, but the static flywire does get the job done. It will tend to loosen up over time, whereas, the LB1.5 stays very supportive and adaptable.

 

[David Le]

QUOTE ="gino, post: 9484967, member: 64698"]Fed only wore the V8 for a few tournaments AO2011 through Miami 2011. He went back to the V6 in April and wore it until early 2012 when the V9 came out. I have a lot of experience using the V8, and I loved Nike's use of the full-length lunarlon. However, the LB1.5 is a much better and more refined version of lunarlon cushioning for tennis. The LB1.5 is higher off the ground, yet provides more court feel and impact protection that the V8. If you want to feel quicker, and don't mind sacrificing durability, then I suggest buying the V8. If you want a more durable, well-cushioned, and refined shoe, go with the LB 1.5 @David Le[ QUOTE ]

Okay, I thought the LB1.5 were low off the ground since it's lunarlon not air-max? Alright, I guess I will get the V8 instead, like I said before durability won't be a factor to me. Btw, are the uppers the same on both? They both don't have good ventilation I'm guessing right?

 

[David Le]

Sorry I'm not good at this quoting and stuff haha @gino

 

[gino]

QUOTE ="gino, post: 9484967, member: 64698"]Fed only wore the V8 for a few tournaments AO2011 through Miami 2011. He went back to the V6 in April and wore it until early 2012 when the V9 came out. I have a lot of experience using the V8, and I loved Nike's use of the full-length lunarlon. However, the LB1.5 is a much better and more refined version of lunarlon cushioning for tennis. The LB1.5 is higher off the ground, yet provides more court feel and impact protection that the V8. If you want to feel quicker, and don't mind sacrificing durability, then I suggest buying the V8. If you want a more durable, well-cushioned, and refined shoe, go with the LB 1.5 @David Le[ QUOTE ]

Okay, I thought the LB1.5 were low off the ground since it's lunarlon not air-max? Alright, I guess I will get the V8 instead, like I said before durability won't be a factor to me. Btw, are the uppers the same on both? They both don't have good ventilation I'm guessing right?

No worries. Welcome to the boards. Were glad to help you out.

The LB1.5 is still pretty "elevated" off the ground. You'll get more court feel and slightly better traction with the V8, I really enjoyed the "pivot point" under the toe on the V8. It works well for transferring weight on groundstrokes, and turning on a dime. The V8 traction is some of the best that the vapor line has to offer. The V8 is much better ventilated the LB1.5, and is has perforations all throughout. The uppers are very different in these two models. The V8 is composed of static flywire, which is supportive, and more rigid. The LB1.5 has a modern synthetic upper, with touches of the drag-on cage used in the Cage/Courtballistec line. The LB1.5 has much more soft uppers, but also heats up the foot due to a more insulated material.

Good luck with the new kicks @David Le

 

[gino]

Here's a picture of the V8 outsole and pivot point, I was talking about before. The V8 traction is much better than the LB, in my opinion.

 

[David Le]

Okay I see. Yeah I rather get the V8 then LB1.5. My friend had the LB1.5 and he said it heated up his foot quickly. Only if I can find some Vapor VI, those are pretty hard to find, and expensive as well. Wish Nike would re-release or release something similar to the Vapor VI or V8. Also, one last question; do you know why the Vapor VI and V8 had the carbon fiber shanks, but the V9/9.5 doesn't? @gino

 

[gino]

Okay I see. Yeah I rather get the V8 then LB1.5. My friend had the LB1.5 and he said it heated up his foot quickly. Only if I can find some Vapor VI, those are pretty hard to find, and expensive as well. Wish Nike would re-release or release something similar to the Vapor VI or V8. Also, one last question; do you know why the Vapor VI and V8 had the carbon fiber shanks, but the V9/9.5 doesn't? @gino

The carbon fiber shank helps to reduce weight and improve torsional stability. The V9/9.5 uses a plastic shank, that honestly, works better than the carbon fiber ones. The V9 was designed to perform like a running shoe with lateral stability, which it does. The V9 has such a good fit around the mid-foot, that Nike must have felt compelled to just use a plastic shank instead. In general, the V9/9.5 is the best vapor that has ever been released in every department expect for traction/cushioning. The fit, support, weight, tounge, lacing system, and heel support is the best that Nike has put out. I have used the Vapor Speed (2) through V9, and the V9/9.5 comes out on top, by far.

Also, it's the best looking Vapor, IMO

 

[David Le]

Oh okay, I see. I would have thought the carbon fiber shank was better. I own the 9/9.5 and I think the cushioning on it is great, but we will have to wait and see about the V8s. Wow, so you been wearing them almost since the beginning then. No wonder Federer uses the Vapor VI sole on his customs opposed to the regular 9/9.5 sole. @gino

 

[gino]

Oh okay, I see. I would have thought the carbon fiber shank was better. I own the 9/9.5 and I think the cushioning on it is great, but we will have to wait and see about the V8s. Wow, so you been wearing them almost since the beginning then. No wonder Federer uses the Vapor VI sole on his customs opposed to the regular 9/9.5 sole. @gino

Exactly, the V9 cushion is great, but falls short of the V7/V8 combination that used the lunar foam. That stuff is magical, and can be used in a more minimal application ( I am hoping for the V10). Fed most likely uses the V6 sole (custom variation of it) due to his loads of success wearing that shoe. He posted 4 slam finals in 2009, which makes it hard to switch to something else.

And yes. I have been around the block with the Vapors, here are my Vapor power rankings. @Babolast might agree with #3

1. Vapor 9/9.5
2. Vapor 6
3. Zoom Vapor Speed (2)
4. Vapor 8
5. Vapor 7

 

[volleynets]

Exactly, the V9 cushion is great, but falls short of the V7/V8 combination that used the lunar foam. That stuff is magical, and can be used in a more minimal application ( I am hoping for the V10). Fed most likely uses the V6 sole (custom variation of it) due to his loads of success wearing that shoe. He posted 4 slam finals in 2009, which makes it hard to switch to something else.

And yes. I have been around the block with the Vapors, here are my Vapor power rankings. @Babolast might agree with #3

1. Vapor 9/9.5
2. Vapor 6
3. Zoom Vapor Speed (2)
4. Vapor 8
5. Vapor 7

Why is vapor 5 not on your list? They're far better than 7 and 8 without a doubt. 7 or 8 are among the worst vapors. Vapor 5 is more comfortable than vapor 6 as well ( those pinch your feet and required one month break in period since they are made of plastic). I never got to own the speeds unfortunately though...

 

[gino]

Why is vapor 5 not on your list? They're far better than 7 and 8 without a doubt. 7 or 8 are among the worst vapors. Vapor 5 is more comfortable than vapor 6 as well ( those pinch your feet and required one month break in period since they are made of plastic). I never got to own the speeds unfortunately though...

Man it was a tough call.... i owned 4 pairs of the V5, but decided not to include the Vapor 5 for a few reasons:

1. Durability was sad. I mean I tore through a pair in two weeks once.

2. Cushioning was pathetic. No foam or midsole layer in the forefoot, actually was a catalyst for a bad shin splint problem that I have had.

3. The soft uppers. This synthetic leather was great out of the box, but I felt it deform in the middle of sets/matches. I am glad Nike moved towards flywire/adaptive fit. It remedied my biggest problem with the vapor line V3-V5, fit.

The vapor 6 required break-in if you were wearing the wrong size, I always felt that they stayed relatively stiff throughout my time wearing them (as in there was no breaking in stiff plastic). But that's my personal feelings

The V5 was a damn good looking shoe, though. One of my favorites. Here's my favorite colorway:

 

[David Le]

Exactly, the V9 cushion is great, but falls short of the V7/V8 combination that used the lunar foam. That stuff is magical, and can be used in a more minimal application ( I am hoping for the V10). Fed most likely uses the V6 sole (custom variation of it) due to his loads of success wearing that shoe. He posted 4 slam finals in 2009, which makes it hard to switch to something else.

And yes. I have been around the block with the Vapors, here are my Vapor power rankings. @Babolast might agree with #3

1. Vapor 9/9.5
2. Vapor 6
3. Zoom Vapor Speed (2)
4. Vapor 8
5. Vapor 7

I see, yeah I should really invest in some V6 is see what all the fuse is about. Do you think Nike should re-release the V9 but with Dimitrov's design? You know the one thats all black and red. He wears the shoes with most of his outfits and for practices/matches. @gino

 

[gino]

I see, yeah I should really invest in some V6 is see what all the fuse is about. Do you think Nike should re-release the V9 but with Dimitrov's design? You know the one thats all black and red. He wears the shoes with most of his outfits and for practices/matches. @gino

That V9 is a Nike ID. You can still buy them. The V9 should be available until next January when they make the 9.5ID version. You can customize them to have the same colors as Grigor, it's going to cost you though, they're $180. Almost double the price of the regular 9.5

 

[David Le]

That V9 is a Nike ID. You can still buy them. The V9 should be available until next January when they make the 9.5ID version. You can customize them to have the same colors as Grigor, it's going to cost you though, they're $180. Almost double the price of the regular 9.5

Yeah I know they are Nike V9 id but it would be cool to have Dimitrov line like Feds. Tbh, I already have a pair of the V9 custom. Like how they added tech spray paying homage to the Air tech challenge series.

 

[gino]

Yeah I know they are Nike V9 id but it would be cool to have Dimitrov line like Feds. Tbh, I already have a pair of the V9 custom. Like how they added tech spray paying homage to the Air tech challenge series.

Tech spray is amazing, wish I had the spare cash to pick up a pair

Did you ever get the V8? How are they playing @David Le

 

[David Le]

Yeah I got it cheap by using my courtballistecs 4.3 warranty Anyway, the V8 are coming. I got it off from the Bay that's way.

 

[West Coast Ace]

I still have a pair of these in almost new condition - just wear them around town:

All the Nikes have evolved - for the good IMHO - since then. The tongue on these feels hard like cardboard with almost 0 cushioning. Great looking but not very comfortable.

 

[gino]

I still have a pair of these in almost new condition - just wear them around town:

All the Nikes have evolved - for the good IMHO - since then. The tongue on these feels hard like cardboard with almost 0 cushioning. Great looking but not very comfortable.

This tongue did have an awkward feeling to it, I had forgotten about that. It really did help wick sweat away though, always had a dry vamp

 

[volleynets]

Man it was a tough call.... i owned 4 pairs of the V5, but decided not to include the Vapor 5 for a few reasons:

1. Durability was sad. I mean I tore through a pair in two weeks once.

2. Cushioning was pathetic. No foam or midsole layer in the forefoot, actually was a catalyst for a bad shin splint problem that I have had.

3. The soft uppers. This synthetic leather was great out of the box, but I felt it deform in the middle of sets/matches. I am glad Nike moved towards flywire/adaptive fit. It remedied my biggest problem with the vapor line V3-V5, fit.

The vapor 6 required break-in if you were wearing the wrong size, I always felt that they stayed relatively stiff throughout my time wearing them (as in there was no breaking in stiff plastic). But that's my personal feelings

The V5 was a damn good looking shoe, though. One of my favorites. Here's my favorite colorway:

Makes sense, mine wore out way too fast. I had the black colorway which had mesh instead of leather.

And the V6 required heavy break in even in the right size for most people. The toe box was so stiff that it would snap back after bending which felt very bad for the toes and top of my foot. If I purchased a bigger size it was too big and smaller size was too tight.

The V6 only worked with no break in if the shoe shape was perfect for your foot which is usually rare. That is why most shoes need a break in period to get comfortable and shaped to your foot. V6 was not possible because it was that stiff. I kept a pair brand new for all these years and now they are yellow lol (were white) so the materials are bad on those too. The V6 Oreos were the best looking Nike tennis shoe I've ever owned along the Nadal 2010 USO Ballistec 2.3s.

V9 and 9.5 are like a more durable V5 in my opinion.

 

[David Le]

I still have a pair of these in almost new condition - just wear them around town:

All the Nikes have evolved - for the good IMHO - since then. The tongue on these feels hard like cardboard with almost 0 cushioning. Great looking but not very comfortable.

That's the one I got from the Bay! Wish they would bring the RF logo back on the shoes. It makes them look like "limited edition" shoes for some reason.

 

[tomus_jerry]

Both the series of nike shoes are not long lasting they hardly last 3 months
Plus the customer care service dosent seem to care much they always give a causal reply no replacement given

 

[David Le]

Both the series of nike shoes are not long lasting they hardly last 3 months
Plus the customer care service dosent seem to care much they always give a causal reply no replacement given

Mine is lasting pretty long tbh. In November it will be a year since I got them. Talking about the V9.5. I don't drag my feet so yeah

 

[Big_Dangerous]

That's the one I got from the Bay! Wish they would bring the RF logo back on the shoes. It makes them look like "limited edition" shoes for some reason.

Yeah I got the Black/White and Red Vapor 9's from Winter 2013 that had the RF logo, but I think those were the last publicly available ones they put the RF logo on.

 

[David Le]

Yeah I got the Black/White and Red Vapor 9's from Winter 2013 that had the RF logo, but I think those were the last publicly available ones they put the RF logo on.

Wish they would out the RF logo on the tongue instead of the side.