Volkl / Becker V1 MP Info and Playtest

[NoBadMojo]

I've got a Becker V1 MP and was asked to post info about it. I will be playtesting soon, but thought to provide some prelim info for those interested:

Specs taken from the frame itself:
102
10.1 oz - 285gms
.7" HL - 32.5cm
25-22-28 mm
16x19

Additionally, the stiffness is 64 <prelim info> and the swingweight seems like 308-310 to me

There is also an OS version forthcoming. I dont have one to hit

This frame is matte black and the attention to detail is really quite excellent even for Volkl standards. The DNX material is a brushed silver finish and there are orange accents. The beam configuration is classic V1 and the big grommets are classic V1 an at 3,6,9, and 12

They have a new handle/grip system called Sensor Plus which offers even more shock absorption I am told. THE GRIP SHAPE IS DEFINITELY MORE SQUARE. It also has something called 'Sensor Shaft' which I presume further isolates and eliminates shock and unwanted vibration

The DNX material has been expanded and repositioned compared to the regular Volkl DNX frames. It has been elongated and positioned on the outside of the frame rather than the inside with some additional material at both ends which wrap around the frame. On the collar cuff, they have extended the material up the inside of the shaft. Composition unknown.

It's strung w. Klip Venom17 at 58. I'll post a playtest review when I've spent at least an hour with her on court hitting all the shots. I dont have any of the other V1's here, so my comparison will have to be from recollections rather than a side by side hit.

Lots of technology in here to help people with arm, wrist, shoulder issues. The Sensor grip, the Sensor shaft, the Big grommets, and the stiffness is only 64 which is pretty low for a lighter weight frame.

borisbecker.com

later on,
Mojo

 

[BruceG]

NoBadMojo, based on those preliminary specs, the Becker V1 sounds a lot like the Catatpult V1 which was 10.8oz, 4pts head light, stiffness of 64 and a 310 swingweight.

I'll be very eager to hear how the reduction in stiffness and the more head light balance has affected the power level of the Becker V1, compared to the Classic Silver and the Dnx V1. Plus, you mentioned that the Becker V1 has the big grommets. Looking at the DnxV1 MP on the tennis warehouse website, where they list the technology in the racquet, there's no mention of the Classic Big Grommets. On the page for the V1 Classic (Silver) they do appear. Is it the case that the Dnx v1 doesn't have the big grommets ?

Im asking because, on the Volkl website they mention that those special grommets give you more power, even if the ball isnt hit ideally and increases the size of the sweetspot. Ive also read they help to give you more comfort.
As a 3.5 I cant be turning up my nose at some extra power, if its controllable, and as an aging player I cant ignore something that gives me more comfort.

 

[haerdalis]

I have a DNX V1 OS and it has big grommets. Aleast thats what they look like.

 

[NoBadMojo]

NoBadMojo, based on those preliminary specs, the Becker V1 sounds a lot like the Catatpult V1 which was 10.8oz, 4pts head light, stiffness of 64 and a 310 swingweight.

I'll be very eager to hear how the reduction in stiffness and the more head light balance has affected the power level of the Becker V1, compared to the Classic Silver and the Dnx V1. Plus, you mentioned that the Becker V1 has the big grommets. Looking at the DnxV1 MP on the tennis warehouse website, where they list the technology in the racquet, there's no mention of the Classic Big Grommets. On the page for the V1 Classic (Silver) they do appear. Is it the case that the Dnx v1 doesn't have the big grommets ?

Im asking because, on the Volkl website they mention that those special grommets give you more power, even if the ball isnt hit ideally and increases the size of the sweetspot. Ive also read they help to give you more comfort.
As a 3.5 I cant be turning up my nose at some extra power, if its controllable, and as an aging player I cant ignore something that gives me more comfort.

The Becker V1 has significantly more power than the CatV1. The CatV1 was pretty low powered as I recall

I dont have a DNXV1 here to look at, but seems to me they dont have the big grommets

 

[HappyLefty]

NBM,
I was planning to buy another V1mp. Considering this post, I´d rather to wait for this review to see if it worths to upgrade my current equipment.

I´ll wait for....

 

[lprogers]

The Becker V1 has significantly more power than the CatV1. The CatV1 was pretty low powered as I recall

I dont have a DNXV1 here to look at, but seems to me they dont have the big grommets

My husband uses the DNX V1 MP, and I don't think it has Big Grommets. The grommets at the 12, 6, 9 and 3 positions are a little bigger, but they are not as big as the Big Grommets on the V1 Classic. He switched from the Cat V1 MP to the DNX V1 MP, and now he's wishing he hadn't. His shoulder and elbow have bothered him off and on since going to the DNX, and he never had any shoulder or elbow problems when he used the Cat V1 MP. He's considering going to the V1 Classic, and is finding it more comfortable.

I just switched to the V1 Classic, and I wish I had years ago. I think it's a lot more comfortable than the DNX V1 MP, partially due to the Big Grommets. I think the stiffness is about the same, but the DNX feels a lot stiffer to me.
BruceG, you should give the V1 Classic a try. I think it has a little more power than the Cat V1 MP. I used the Cat V1 MP briefly, but never fell in love with it. I felt like I needed more power. The V1 Classic is heavier than what I'm used to, but I'm not having any trouble maneuvering it on reflex volleys and quick overheads, which is important to me. I'm a female 4.0 all court type doubles player. Hope this helps.

 

[Alafter]

NBMJ

Today while shopping I came across a Volkl mid frame for cheap. If I remember correctly, it was

mostly yellow color
c10 tour? tour 10? Cant remember, "10" was the only thing i was sure of
93sq inches face
definitely an outdated model - it was 82 bux in a local shop
i think it was 16 mains

at any rate, i wanted to ask a more sweeping question about the older "10" mid-sized frames...which is basically, were any of them a bad frame? Maybe I'll buy this one for kicks and giggles...

 

[NoBadMojo]

NBM,
I was planning to buy another V1mp. Considering this post, I´d rather to wait for this review to see if it worths to upgrade my current equipment.

I´ll wait for....

i would wait which V1 do you have?

NBMJ

Today while shopping I came across a Volkl mid frame for cheap. If I remember correctly, it was

mostly yellow color
c10 tour? tour 10? Cant remember, "10" was the only thing i was sure of
93sq inches face
definitely an outdated model - it was 82 bux in a local shop
i think it was 16 mains

at any rate, i wanted to ask a more sweeping question about the older "10" mid-sized frames...which is basically, were any of them a bad frame? Maybe I'll buy this one for kicks and giggles...

mostly yellow sounds lke the c10Tour and def not the Tour10. They are really nice frames whose time has passed them by....they are logs and midsize frames so consider that accordingly. in . If a new one, I would say that's a sweet deal..if used....ehhhh

 

[lprogers]

Nobadmojo, I'm not really clear on what's happening with Volkl. Looks like Boris Becker bought Volkl tennis. I looked online and saw the website, www.borisbecker.com. Looks like the DNX frames are now "Energy" frames and they now have Boris Becker names rather than Volkl. Are they the same racquets?

What will happen to the V1 classic and the older Volk models still in production?

 

[NoBadMojo]

Nobadmojo, I'm not really clear on what's happening with Volkl. Looks like Boris Becker bought Volkl tennis. I looked online and saw the website, www.borisbecker.com. Looks like the DNX frames are now "Energy" frames and they now have Boris Becker names rather than Volkl. Are they the same racquets?

What will happen to the V1 classic and the older Volk models still in production?

<paste>
i've posted about this several times. boris becker didnt buy volkl tennis. he has decided to interject himself more into the business being one of the owners of the company, and the company decided to make more use of his name as a marketing tool rather than trying to buy off pros to use their products....there are some financial goings on within the Company, and who knows how that may be structured. there has been a Boris Becker line of racquets out for maybe a year and a half now, and now there are additions and a new logo (Serveman)..as to what happens with upcoming products, i think that will depend upon what the results are in different parts of the world. Here in the States, there will be Boris Becker racquets and Volkl racquets (same Company), and they will skew the product mix and development of new prods according to sales velocity of the various proucts.....so if the Becker V1 is wildly successful and Classic V1 and/or DNXV1 sales dump, I could see the Volkl V1 being dropped....it's been in the line since the early - mid 90s...that's one hell of a run..i think the Company has finally woken up..they've always made great proucts but havent been even decent marketers..until now.
<end paste>

 

[BreakPoint]

Here in the States, there will be Boris Becker racquets and Volkl racquets (same Company), and they will skew the product mix and development of new prods according to sales velocity of the various proucts.....so if the Becker V1 is wildly successful and Classic V1 and/or DNXV1 sales dump, I could see the Volkl V1 being dropped....

Of course, that begs the question why they would come out with the Boris Becker V1, which it's essentially the same racquet as the Volkl DNX V1, as it could only steal sales away from the Volkl DNX V1? Why sell them side-by-side? It's a zero sum game.

It would be like Wilson coming out with a Roger Federer K90 only to steal sales away from the Wilson K90. What would they have to gain? They would only waste more money on marketing and branding a new brand. It would only make sense if they were trying to kill the Wilson brand name because they think the Roger Federer name would make a stronger, more recognizable brand name.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Of course, that begs the question why they would come out with the Boris Becker V1, which it's essentially the same racquet as the Volkl DNX V1, as it could only steal sales away from the Volkl DNX V1? Why sell them side-by-side? It's a zero sum game.

It would be like Wilson coming out with a Roger Federer K90 only to steal sales away from the Wilson K90. What would they have to gain? They would only waste more money on marketing and branding a new brand. It would only make sense if they were trying to kill the Wilson brand name because they think the Roger Federer name would make a stronger, more recognizable brand name.

Dear Inspector Clousseau..This marks the 128th time I've politely asked you..then politely told you that I've less than zero interest in having any sort of dialogue with you. it's pointless to even attempt such a thing, as many others can attest. Please have just a minimum of courtesy and dignity and honour my very simple request. thanks..

For everyone else. ONCE AGAIN..everyone sing....IT'S THE SAME COMPANY! It's Volkl/Boris Becker Tennis...in the US anyway, and I'm sure in other places as well. both product lines will be offered...that's a bonus, not a problem. Maybe in Uzbechistan it will be just Boris Becker Tennis......Nobody here knows all the intricate details

 

[BruceG]

lprogers, I have been demoing the Classic Silver V1 and the Dnx V1 MP. Really like them both. The Classic Silver was more comfortable but the Dnx V1 MP was crisper and did better for me up at the net. That could be because its more head light and has less swing weight. How is the V1 heavier than you're used to if you've been playing with the Dnx V1 and the Cat V1?You need to read the Volkl history, on their main page. It shows you that Becker bought into the racquet part of the company (its only a small part of the company) back in 1999 but only owns 50% (it might not be so much any longer). Anyway, if all of the Volkl racquets were shunted over to a Becker line, why would anyone care? They'd still play the same and be owned by the same people but just be marketed differently.

NoBadMojo, thankyou again for the information. Are you able to make a comparison between the Becker V1 MP, the V1 Classic MP and the Dnx V1 MP in power, comfort and the usual suspects (spin, slice, whatever) ? Sorry to be a bit eager but I'm really digging this racquet line.

 

[HappyLefty]

i would wait which V1 do you have?


I own a DNX V1 Midplus.

 

[drakulie]

Of course, that begs the question why they would come out with the Boris Becker V1, which it's essentially the same racquet as the Volkl DNX V1, as it could only steal sales away from the Volkl DNX V1? Why sell them side-by-side? It's a zero sum game.

It would be like Wilson coming out with a Roger Federer K90 only to steal sales away from the Wilson K90. What would they have to gain? They would only waste more money on marketing and branding a new brand. It would only make sense if they were trying to kill the Wilson brand name because they think the Roger Federer name would make a stronger, more recognizable brand name.

Yeah, Volkl/Becker or whomever doing this doesn't make any sense on all sorts of levels. Perhaps Volkl thinks adding the becker name to a frame will "jump start" there sales?? But as pointed out by several people, the Boris Becker name is not as widely known in the tennis world as it once was. Additionally, juniors I'm sure don't know who he is.

I agree this is a no win situation, and bad idea.

 

[NoBadMojo]

NoBadMojo, thankyou again for the information. Are you able to make a comparison between the Becker V1 MP, the V1 Classic MP and the Dnx V1 MP in power, comfort and the usual suspects (spin, slice, whatever) ? Sorry to be a bit eager but I'm really digging this racquet line.

sure...yw. I am able to do this, but this will be from memory as I dont have any of the other V1's here to compare side by side. I've hit them all, and until now, the old Classic V1 has always been my fav...i think they've hit a homer with the Becker V1 as the V1's since the first one are really only minour incremental changes, and all are all quite similar specwise and performancewise....this version has significant changes, but let me put in a solid hit with it and i'll give my honest impressions.....hopefully on the morrow

 

[lprogers]

lprogers, How is the V1 heavier than you're used to if you've been playing with the Dnx V1 and the Cat V1?

I used the Cat V1 about 3 years ago for about 3 months, but never liked it that much. It was OK, but I felt that I needed more power. My husband uses the DNX V1 MP, and I thought I mentioned that I hit with it quite a bit but never switched to it. Between the Cat V1 MP and my recent change to the Volkl V1 Classic, I used the Yonex Vcon 17 OS and the Dunlop Mfil 500, which are both lighter than the V1 classic. I've switched racquets several times in the last 5-6 years.

 

[mctennis]

I used the V1 when I first started demoing racquets to switch from my PK Bronze Dominator I had been using for 12 years. That demo got me hooked on Volkl racquets. I've been happy using them since that time. I've demoed a lot more racquets since then but have not found any other racquet that feels, hots or has the control that my C10 PT and C 1o Comps have.

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

I like it

what is up with the BB11 special edition, takes tweaking to a new level?!?!

 

[NoBadMojo]

I had the chance to put a good hour in with the Becker V1 this morning, and here are my thoughts.

This racquet is VERY comfortable. To the point that when I got off the court, my arm, hand, shoulder, didnt even feel like I played. They've eliminated the harmful shock and you are presented with a low solid thud and a generously sized sweetspot. I'm going to stick with my estimation of a 310 swingweight. I intentionally misshit some balls and those made for shots with absolutely nothing on them, but it was really hard to misshit this frame.

It hits similarly to the other V1's in most respects from my recollection (power, spin, control, etc), but less stiffly and even more all around solid. Like the other V1's it's quite good at all the shots. Perhaps slightly more juice. Frames like this dont well suit my preference as I prefer headlight verging on very headlight, so I had trouble serving with this frame (as far as hitting my spots). This is no fault of the frame of course, and this is one of the few frames which I recommend leading..In particular, you could add a little lead around the grip collar cuff..Just enough to make the frame swing a little headlight, and then it would serve just fine I believe for those who prefer headlight. I've done this with other V1's. I was fine with all the other shots and it hits a nice solid ball from the back mixing up the spins and shots. It also volleys quite well, especially for an evenly balanced type frame, and no problemo on service returns

This racquet isnt going to give you crazy power and wont let you get away with really sloppy technique, but it's a terrific all around user friendly frame..comfortable..big sweetspot....good at all the shots

I would rate the V1's this way from a performance point of view
1. Becker V1
4. Original V1
D. Silver and 10 yr V1
9. DNX V1 OS
R. DNX V1 MP

In summary, this would be a great frame for someone with arm, elbow, shoulder, wrist problems. It would lend itself well to a variety of strings and tension. It's got power, but not b-o-i-n-g type power.
It's a racquet which well supports all levels of play and all styles of play..closest i've seen to the universal racquet. Would also be excellent for an advanced older player who can hit with power and knows how to load it up with spin for control, but needs something more maneuverable. Volkl did a really good job with this frame..they should do quite well with it.

 

[lprogers]

Thanks for the review NBMJ. It's very helpful. I'm looking forward to demoing the new Becker V1. Sounds like it may be similar to the Quantum V1, which was a bit lighter than the Classic / Vario V1.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Thanks for the review NBMJ. It's very helpful. I'm looking forward to demoing the new Becker V1. Sounds like it may be similar to the Quantum V1, which was a bit lighter than the Classic / Vario V1.

sure..you're welcome. the Becker V1 may spec like the QV1, but doesnt hit like it...I remember the Quantum stuff to be lighter as you said, but stiffer and also 'tinny' for a Volkl.

 

[HappyLefty]

Switching from V1 MP

NBM,
Considering your test, does it worth to upgrade my current DNX V1 MP (see signature) for this new racquet?
It seems to be a good option, specially in my case with some minor issue in my elbow.

Thanks for your input.

HappyLefty

 

[NoBadMojo]

NBM,
Considering your test, does it worth to upgrade my current DNX V1 MP (see signature) for this new racquet?
It seems to be a good option, specially in my case with some minor issue in my elbow.

Thanks for your input.

HappyLefty

oh yea..a worthwhile switch, assuming you are comfortable with the specs of the V1's. i would be really surprised if you arent impressed w. this frame and it really is easy in the arm

 

[HappyLefty]

oh yea..a worthwhile switch, assuming you are comfortable with the specs of the V1's. i would be really surprised if you arent impressed w. this frame and it really is easy in the arm

Thank you again for your advice.
I´l be waiting for availability at TW or any other on-line store.

Great!

 

[Steve H.]

Does anyone know whether the Becker V1 contains kevlar like the Classic?

 

[haerdalis]

Yeah thats an interesting question. Kevlar seems to make racquets play in a way that I like.

 

[FlogSinnet]

Hi,
I've just read this thread and wonder if I prefer my racquet to be a little bit head heavy b/c I am used to heavier racquets from the 80s but appreciate the update of technology, is this Becker V1 feels more head heavy to you? I have got the Roddick PD. Although it feels nice and weighted but I feel the racquet head is much too light for me.
Reading your review I feel that it is slight more head heavy.