Price: $340
Head Size: 115 sq. in.
Length: 27.8 in.
Weight: 9.8 oz.
Balance: 1 2/5 in. head heavy
Flexibility: Stiff
Ideal Swing: Short

Sales Pitch: A new, dense carbon material in this oversize frame makes it powerful and stable with limited vibration.

Compare To: N/A

How It Tested: The technology in the Delta Core 1 revolves around giving the user maximal pop with minimal fuss. The racquet’s carbon molecules are in triangular-shaped arrangements that strengthen the frame, providing more backbone and power. Plus, according to Völkl, which manufactures Boris Becker racquets, it acts as a vibration dampener. The braces at 3 and 9 o’clock (called Doublerails) are supposed to help the racquet resist twisting at contact. Playtesters did find feedback to be muted, but it wasn’t anything extraordinary. Power is plentiful, but you have to be able to maneuver the frame to harness it. Because it has nearly an extra inch in length and is head heavy, some testers found it a challenge to handle, particularly at the baseline. As one 3.0 club tournament player put it, “My swing was too slow, so volleys were my only success.” Those who could get the head moving found easy power and a soft response.

Bottom Line: A little cumbersome (and quite expensive), but otherwise a powerful and comfortable frame for club doubles.