Volkl V-Blast is a premium hybrid tennis-string set that combines V-Icon natural gut with V-Feel multifilament. It is designed for players who want the power, elasticity and tension stability of natural gut in the mains, supported by a soft synthetic cross rather than a firm polyester.
Within Volkl’s range, V-Blast is the comfort-led alternative to V-Fuse. V-Fuse combines natural gut with shaped Cyclone polyester for more spin and control, while V-Blast uses two highly elastic materials to emphasize cushioning, depth and touch.
This is not a durability-focused hybrid for heavy string breakers. It best suits beginners through advanced non-breakers, doubles players and anyone seeking a particularly forgiving premium setup. The Tennis String Finder can help compare it with full multifilament, natural gut and polyester hybrids.
Volkl V-Blast Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 9.5/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Control | 8/10 |
These ratings describe the packaged hybrid with V-Icon in the mains and V-Feel in the crosses. Reversing the orientation changes which component dominates the response.
Volkl V-Blast Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Natural-gut and multifilament hybrid |
| Main component | Volkl V-Icon natural gut |
| Cross component | Volkl V-Feel polyurethane multifilament |
| Profiles | Round natural gut and round multifilament with helix elements |
| Package options | 16 and 17 gauge versions |
| Principal colors | Yellow natural gut with Black and Silver multifilament |
| Set format | Two half sets for one hybrid installation |
| Primary benefits | Comfort, power, feel and tension stability |
Gauge availability can differ by market. The package is intended to provide enough of each component for one conventional hybrid string job.
Material and Construction
The V-Icon half uses genuine natural serosa fibers that are processed, twisted and protected by an exterior coating. Natural gut stretches and recovers efficiently, which gives the mains strong energy return, pocketing and long-term elasticity.
The V-Feel half is a soft polyurethane multifilament with metallic helix coils. Its many flexible fibers create a cushioned response, while the spiral elements are intended to add surface interaction.
Neither component is a solid polyester monofilament. V-Blast therefore feels softer and more powerful than a gut-polyester hybrid, but it does not provide the same low-powered containment or shaped-string bite.
The standard orientation places V-Icon in the mains and V-Feel in the crosses. Since the mains usually contribute most of a stringbed’s character, natural gut leads the response while the multifilament crosses retain a consistently soft foundation.
Volkl V-Blast Performance
Power
Power is the defining performance quality. V-Icon supplies efficient energy return, and V-Feel is itself a lively multifilament. Together they help compact and moderate swings produce depth without demanding exceptional racket-head speed.
The response remains useful for skilled all-court players because natural gut holds tension well and provides nuanced feedback. However, fast hitters using powerful rackets may find the launch too generous unless the setup is carefully matched to the frame.
Reversing the hybrid does not remove its power, but V-Feel mains produce a more synthetic and slightly less refined version of the response.
Power rating: 9.5/10
Spin
V-Blast offers good spin for a soft hybrid. Natural-gut mains can pocket the ball and move against the crosses, while the metallic helix construction of V-Feel adds some surface interaction.
The setup lacks the firm, low-friction cross found in many gut-polyester hybrids. As V-Feel notches and frays, main-string movement can decline, so its spin potential is based more on pocketing and technique than persistent polyester snapback.
Players who hit moderate topspin, slice and varied all-court shots should find the result effective. Extreme topspin players are better served by V-Fuse or another shaped-polyester option.
Spin rating: 7.5/10
Control
Control is strong for a hybrid built around two powerful materials. Natural gut’s tension stability supports a consistent launch, and its pocketing helps with directional changes, volleys and touch shots.
The stringbed does not provide the firm containment of polyester. Aggressive baseliners with long, fast swings may need a controlled racket or may prefer V-Fuse, especially if their current setup is a full bed of co-polyester.
Control also depends on wear. Once the multifilament crosses become deeply notched or the stringbed begins launching unpredictably, the useful performance period has ended even if neither component has broken.
Control rating: 8/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is exceptional. Both natural gut and polyurethane multifilament stretch more readily than polyester, creating a forgiving response across a larger part of the stringbed.
Feel is plush, pocketing and responsive. The combination is especially well suited to volleys, returns, slices and touch shots where feedback and depth control matter more than a firm baseline response.
No string prevents or treats an injury. Players with persistent elbow, wrist or shoulder symptoms should seek qualified guidance and consider technique, workload, racket specifications and string setup together.
Comfort rating: 10/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Physical resistance to breakage is moderate. V-Icon can fray and notch, while V-Feel’s soft fibers can wear where the two strings cross. Open patterns and heavy topspin accelerate this process.
The thicker package is the safer choice for players concerned about breakage. Careful installation also matters because kinks, damaged grommets and rough handling can weaken natural gut before play begins.
Tension maintenance is a separate strength. The V-Icon mains preserve elasticity exceptionally well, and the hybrid should remain more consistent than many polyester setups while both components are physically sound.
Useful playability can still end before the strings break. Replace V-Blast when deep notching prevents movement, launch becomes inconsistent or either component is close to structural failure.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Package | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 gauge | Greater control, stability and resistance to notching |
| 17 gauge | More response, pocketing and spin with faster wear |
The 16-gauge version is the best general starting point for open patterns and players unfamiliar with natural-gut hybrids. It gives both components more material to resist abrasion.
The 17-gauge package suits dense patterns and non-breakers who want maximum feel. Actual component diameters and package availability should be confirmed with the retailer because regional listings can vary.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
V-Icon Mains With V-Feel Crosses
This is the standard and most logical orientation. V-Icon mains lead the feel, power, pocketing and tension stability, while V-Feel crosses preserve softness and reduce the cost compared with a complete natural-gut stringbed.
It is the recommended arrangement for players choosing V-Blast specifically for its premium comfort profile.
V-Feel Mains With V-Icon Crosses
Reversing the set makes V-Feel the dominant string. The result remains powerful and comfortable but emphasizes multifilament softness rather than the distinctive response of natural-gut mains.
This orientation also exposes the multifilament mains to greater movement and can produce faster fraying. It offers limited practical advantage unless a player already knows that V-Feel mains suit the intended response.
Using Either Component in a Full Bed
A full bed of Volkl V-Icon maximizes natural-gut feel, power and tension stability at a higher cost. A full bed of Volkl V-Feel is less expensive and remains very soft, but it lacks the gut component’s elasticity and long-term tension behavior.
V-Blast itself is packaged as a hybrid and cannot create a complete full bed of either material from one set.
General Tension Guidance
V-Blast can begin near a player’s established natural-gut or multifilament reference. Players coming from polyester should expect much more rebound and should not copy the old setup without considering the material change.
Lower tension increases pocketing, comfort and launch. Higher tension reduces launch but can remove some of the cushioning that makes the hybrid distinctive and can place greater stress on the natural fibers.
The two components do not require a dramatic tension difference. Use the racket manufacturer’s recommended range, account for string pattern and make small changes after evaluating the complete setup. The Tennis String Tension Calculator provides broad starting guidance.
Who Should Use Volkl V-Blast?
V-Blast is best suited to:
- Non-breakers prioritizing maximum comfort
- Beginners and intermediates needing easy depth
- Doubles and all-court players who value touch
- Players who want natural-gut mains without a polyester cross
- Compact and moderate swingers
- Experienced players seeking a premium soft hybrid
Who Should Avoid Volkl V-Blast?
V-Blast is less suitable for:
- Frequent natural-gut or multifilament breakers
- Heavy topspin players who rely on shaped-polyester snapback
- Advanced hitters needing a low-powered response
- Players who regularly expose equipment to moisture
- Buyers seeking a low-cost string job
- Anyone expecting equipment alone to resolve an injury
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional comfort | Limited break resistance for heavy hitters |
| Outstanding power and pocketing | Less spin containment than a gut-polyester hybrid |
| Natural-gut feel in the mains | Premium price |
| Strong tension stability | V-Feel crosses can fray and notch |
| Excellent touch for all-court play | Lively launch may not suit fast swings |
| Softer than V-Fuse | Natural gut requires careful handling |
Volkl V-Blast Compared With Other Strings
V-Blast vs Volkl V-Fuse
Volkl V-Fuse combines V-Icon with shaped Cyclone polyester. V-Fuse provides more spin and control, while V-Blast is softer, more powerful and more forgiving.
V-Blast vs Volkl V-Icon
A full bed of V-Icon gives natural gut control over both directions of the stringbed. V-Blast lowers the amount of gut required and retains exceptional softness through V-Feel crosses.
V-Blast vs Wilson NXT
Wilson NXT is a complete premium multifilament. It is easier to install and usually costs less, while V-Blast adds the elasticity and tension stability of genuine natural-gut mains.
V-Blast vs Wilson Champion’s Choice
Wilson Champion’s Choice pairs natural gut with Luxilon ALU Power Rough polyester. Champion’s Choice is firmer and more control oriented; V-Blast is the clear comfort-first option.
Final Verdict
Volkl V-Blast is a specialized premium hybrid for players who want maximum comfort, easy power and natural-gut feel without adding a firm polyester cross. V-Icon mains provide the defining elasticity and tension stability, while V-Feel crosses keep the entire stringbed soft.
It is not the best choice for heavy string breakers, extreme spin players or aggressive hitters seeking low-powered control. Those players should look toward V-Fuse or a full polyester designed for their swing speed.
For non-breakers, doubles players and comfort-focused all-court players, the standard V-Icon-main orientation offers a distinctive combination of depth, cushioning and touch. The 16-gauge package is the safest general choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volkl V-Blast a polyester hybrid?
No. It combines V-Icon natural gut with V-Feel polyurethane multifilament.
Which string should go in the mains?
V-Icon should generally go in the mains so the natural gut controls the response. V-Feel crosses preserve the hybrid’s soft character.
Is V-Blast softer than V-Fuse?
Yes. V-Fuse contains Cyclone polyester, while both V-Blast components are highly elastic and comfort focused.
Does V-Blast offer good spin?
It offers good spin through pocketing and string movement, but it does not match the persistent bite and containment of a shaped-polyester hybrid.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16-gauge package provides the better general balance of stability and physical durability. The 17-gauge version suits dense patterns and non-breakers.
Can V-Blast cure tennis elbow?
No string can treat an injury. V-Blast provides a soft response, but persistent symptoms require qualified assessment and broader equipment and workload decisions.