About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the tennis racquet, which I tested for 19 days in March of 2023.

My take

The Volkl V-Cell 10 300g is a slick, control-oriented racquet that is great for intermediate and advanced players.

About the racquet I tested

• Model: Volkl V-Cell 10 300g
• Grip Size: 4 ⅜ (3)
• String: Volkl Power Fiber II
• Head size: 98 in2
• Racquet Length: 27in
• Any Customizations: N/A

About me

• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 168 lbs
• Previous Racquet Played With: Wilson Clash 100, Volkl V-Cell 8
• Experience: 15+ years of tennis
• NTRP/UTA Rating: 3.5

Test conditions

• When I tested it: March 2023
• Days tested: 19
• Court Surfaces: Hard
• Match Play/Practice Session/Both: Match and practice
• Where I’ve used it: HCC Tampa Tennis Club, Morningside Clearwater Tennis Complex

How it performs

What I was looking for

When Volkl sent us Curated Experts a few of their racquets to try out, I jumped on it. Previously, I had never used a Volkl before, and was really excited to do so.

Why I chose to test this racquet

I tried out five different racquets but really narrowed down my favorites to two: the V-Cell 8 300g and the V-Cell 10 300g. While the V-Cell 8 is much more powerful, the V-Cell 10 has a very silky and unique feel. I also really wanted to try out a racquet with a 98-inch head size. Because I play mostly with larger 100s (The Wilson Clash 100 is my main racquet), I was curious to see if there would be any noticeable difference.

What I love about it

• Feel: Off the forehand side especially, this racquet feels as smooth as a knife cutting through butter. It’s a racquet that truly rewards good mechanics. On one point, I got into the right position and hit a wicked backhand winner that surprised my opponent. Further, the head size on the racquet is deceiving; it’s a 98, but due to Volkl’s design, has a large sweet spot to hit with.
• Control: This racquet feels very soft at contact, and putting the ball where I want it is a blast.
• Maneuverability: This racquet is easy on the arm. I have chronic shoulder pain, and this racquet was very kind—which is rare for 98s. While it feels a bit heavier when serving, it's very light for ground strokes.
• Volleys: Volleys are surprisingly good. I did not expect to go from a 100” to a 98” and have success at the net. But the V-Cell 10 feels very stable and versatile there.
• Ground strokes: Hitting cross court and deep down the middle is amazing with this racquet. Hitting down the line is a bit more hit or miss, but that may be due to familiarity more so than the racquet itself.

Issues I’ve encountered with it

• Power: Comparing and playing both Volkl racquets, the V-Cell 8 highlights the lack of power the V-Cell 10 has. While the V-Cell 10 has a nice touch and accuracy, I noticed that its shots fall short more often than with other racquets.
• Stability: A lot of times, I try to redirect the ball down the line and it sprays way outside. If I don’t hit the ball cleanly, any mishit will result in an error due to this racquet's smaller head size.
• Serves: This racquet feels a bit more stiff upon serving. It provides a bit less room for error, but when I hit the ball at the perfect spot it feels good. Just requires a bit more focus during serves.
• Other: I also have a tough time redirecting crosscourt forehands down the line with the V-Cell 10, which I don’t have trouble with when using my Clash 100 (and to some degree, the V-Cell 8 either). Dealing with pace is not the strongest characteristic of this racquet.

Favorite moment with this gear

I was returning serve on the deuce side. I hit a good, hard forehand return down the middle, which prompted a defensive short ball from my opponent. I’m not great with movement, but I hustled over and got in perfect position to uncork a crosscourt backhand winner—which there’s nothing better in all of tennis.

Value for the money vs. other options

This is a frame that is great for intermediates looking to raise their game and advanced players who would like a lighter, more precise racquet. Players who like to play at the net will also appreciate its large head space and maneuverability. It’s very versatile. They say one grows into the racquet they play with; if so, this racquet has the capability to transform someone into a precise player. Similar racquets would be the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 and the Yonex Vcore 98.

Final verdict

A hidden gem, this is one of the better “light” racquets an advanced player can buy, and a perfect racquet for a 3.5–4.0 looking to improve their game.