PRICE $190
HEAD SIZE 100 sq. in.
LENGTH 27.25 in.
WEIGHT 10.8 oz.
FLEXIBILITY Firm
BALANCE 7/10 in. head light
BEAM WIDTH 24 mm
IDEAL SWING Long
NTRP 3.0–5.0

FIRST TAKE:
You’ve got a fairly long and fast stroke, confidence in most of your shots, and a desire to get better. This Völkl racquet, which is on the lighter side of an advanced-player’s stick, may be what you need.  

COMPARE TO:
Völkl Tour 8 V-Engine  

HOW IT TESTED:
It’s not exactly lightweight, but the Catapult 8 V-Engine is so head light you’ll have no trouble maneuvering it at the baseline and net. In fact, stronger players, particularly men, said the racquet was too light. But juniors ready to step up to their first high-performance frame and strong women players who want a maneuverable racquet will find the swing weight—how heavy a frame feels in motion—to be perfect. In addition to its maneuverability, the Catapult 8 V-Engine’s strength is its comfort. That’s because the racquet has graphite springs on each side of the frame’s head that compress when the ball hits the strings, cushioning the blow, and then release for extra power. With a fairly long and fast swing, the racquet gives you depth and control on your ground strokes. Hackers beware: Any hitch in your swing and you’ll struggle to get enough juice on your shots.  

BOTTOM LINE:
It’s too light for the elite but ideal for anyone with aggressive strokes who prioritizes comfort and maneuverability.