Volkl V-Feel is a premium polyurethane multifilament tennis string designed for maximum comfort, power and touch. Metallic helix coils distinguish it from a conventional smooth multifilament and are intended to add spin interaction and visual texture.
It occupies the softest position in Volkl’s synthetic string range and forms the multifilament half of the V-Blast natural-gut hybrid. Its response is intended for players who value easy depth and cushioning more than polyester control.
V-Feel best suits beginners, intermediates, doubles players and non-breakers seeking a plush full bed. The Tennis String Finder can help compare it with firmer Power Fiber Pro and natural gut.
Volkl V-Feel Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 9/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
These ratings compare V-Feel with the full string market. Comfort and power lead its profile, while control and physical resistance are lower than polyester.
Volkl V-Feel Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Polyurethane multifilament |
| Construction | Soft multifilament with metallic helix coils |
| Profile | Round overall profile with spiral elements |
| Gauges | 16 / 1.30mm and 17 / 1.25mm |
| Color | Black with Silver spiral |
| Set length | Approximately 12m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m |
| Primary benefits | Comfort, power and touch |
The spiral should not be confused with the sharp geometric cross-section of a shaped polyester.
Material and Construction
V-Feel uses many synthetic fibers supported by polyurethane. The flexible bundle stretches more readily than a solid monofilament, creating pocketing and easy rebound.
Metallic helix coils wrap through the construction. Volkl positions these coils as a way to improve spin while retaining the string’s soft feel.
The overall profile remains round rather than square, pentagonal or gear-shaped. Spin therefore comes from surface interaction, string movement and technique rather than durable sharp edges.
The soft fiber structure can fray and notch. The helix does not make V-Feel as physically resistant as polyester.
This construction explains the string’s main tradeoff. The same flexible fibers that create a cushioned response also move and compress under repeated impact. Players should choose V-Feel for its comfort and rebound, not because the spiral appearance promises shaped-polyester durability.
Volkl V-Feel Performance
Power
V-Feel provides easy power for compact and moderate swings. Its polyurethane multifilament construction returns energy efficiently and helps players achieve depth without exceptional racket-head speed.
The launch can be generous in powerful open-patterned rackets. Faster hitters may prefer Power Fiber Pro or a control hybrid.
The 1.25mm version feels more responsive, while 1.30mm produces a calmer trajectory.
Power rating: 9/10
Spin
Spin is good for a soft multifilament. The metallic helix coils add surface interaction, and the string’s pocketing supports topspin and slice at moderate swing speeds.
It does not reproduce shaped-polyester snapback. As the outer surface wears and the fibers notch, the strings may remain displaced.
Players wanting comfort with some texture should find V-Feel useful. Extreme topspin breakers should choose a more durable material.
Spin rating: 7.5/10
Control
Control is respectable for such a powerful string. Its consistent pocketing supports placement, touch shots and controlled doubles exchanges.
The high rebound requires more adjustment from fast, flat hitters. The thicker gauge and a controlled racket improve predictability.
Control declines as tension falls or the stringbed locks. V-Feel is designed around responsive comfort rather than maximum tournament containment.
Control rating: 7.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is exceptional. The soft polyurethane multifilament absorbs impact and remains forgiving on contact away from the center.
The feel is plush, dampened and pocketing. This works especially well for volleys, drop shots and players who dislike the abrupt response of polyester.
No string guarantees arm protection or treats an injury. Persistent symptoms require qualified guidance and management beyond equipment choice.
Comfort rating: 9.5/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Physical durability is below average across the complete market and moderate for a soft multifilament. The 1.30mm version offers the strongest resistance.
Heavy topspin produces fraying, flattening and notching. A shaped polyester partner can cut through V-Feel quickly in a hybrid.
Tension maintenance is acceptable, but useful response can change before breakage. Replace the string when launch becomes difficult to predict or the fibers are heavily compromised.
Visible fraying can begin while the string remains playable. More important replacement signs include deep notches, sudden increases in launch, inconsistent response across the stringbed and sections where the outer fibers have worn close to failure.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 / 1.30mm | Greater control, stability and physical resistance |
| 17 / 1.25mm | More power, feel and spin with faster wear |
The 16 / 1.30mm version is the best general starting point. The thinner gauge suits dense patterns and non-breakers seeking maximum response.
String pattern matters alongside gauge. A 1.25mm string in a dense pattern may last adequately, while the same diameter in an open spin-oriented racket can wear much faster. Players who are uncertain should begin with 1.30mm and move thinner only if they want a more lively response.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed maximizes V-Feel’s comfort, power and plush touch. It suits developing players, doubles specialists and anyone moving away from polyester.
The thicker gauge provides the most stable full-bed response.
Volkl V-Feel in the Mains With Firmer Crosses
V-Feel mains preserve the soft character. A smooth polyester or firmer synthetic cross can reduce launch.
The cross may notch the soft mains, so sharply shaped polyester should be used cautiously.
Firmer Mains With Volkl V-Feel Crosses
Polyester mains dominate control and spin, while V-Feel crosses add cushioning and power. Natural gut mains paired with V-Feel form Volkl’s V-Blast concept.
The result depends heavily on the main-string material and remains firmer when polyester leads.
General Tension Guidance
V-Feel can begin near a player’s usual multifilament reference. Players replacing polyester should expect greater rebound and should not copy the same setup automatically.
Racket power and pattern also influence the result. A large, open-patterned frame may need a more controlled starting setup than a compact, dense-patterned racket. The objective is a predictable launch without removing the comfort that makes V-Feel useful.
Lower tension adds power and pocketing. Higher tension reduces launch but can remove comfort and increase stress on the fibers.
Use the racket manufacturer’s range and make small changes. The Tennis String Tension Calculator provides general guidance.
Who Should Use Volkl V-Feel?
V-Feel is best suited to:
- Beginners and intermediate players
- Non-breakers prioritizing comfort
- Doubles and all-court players
- Players wanting easy depth and touch
- Former polyester users seeking softness
- Hybrid users needing a very soft component
Who Should Avoid Volkl V-Feel?
V-Feel is less suitable for:
- Frequent multifilament breakers
- Advanced hitters needing low-powered control
- Heavy topspin users relying on snapback
- Players who prefer crisp, firm impact
- Buyers wanting a budget synthetic gut
- Anyone expecting a string to cure pain
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional comfort | Moderate physical durability |
| Easy power | Can launch high for fast hitters |
| Plush pocketing and touch | Frays and notches |
| Metallic helix spin concept | Less snapback than polyester |
| Two practical gauges | Only one principal cosmetic |
| Useful full-bed and hybrid option | Premium price over basic nylon |
Volkl V-Feel Compared With Other Strings
V-Feel vs Volkl Power Fiber II
Volkl Power Fiber II is another plush power multifilament. V-Feel adds metallic helix coils and an especially soft polyurethane identity.
V-Feel vs Volkl Power Fiber Pro
Volkl Power Fiber Pro is firmer, more controlled and more durable. V-Feel prioritizes maximum softness and rebound.
V-Feel vs Wilson NXT
Wilson NXT is a premium multifilament with excellent power and comfort. V-Feel differentiates itself through its spiral coil construction.
V-Feel vs HEAD Reflex MLT
HEAD Reflex MLT uses a dense microfilament-and-resin design with an anti-friction surface. Both are premium comfort options with different feel.
Final Verdict
Volkl V-Feel is a specialist comfort multifilament for players who want plush pocketing, easy power and touch. Its polyurethane construction and metallic helix coils separate it from a basic smooth multi.
It is not designed for maximum physical durability or advanced polyester control. Heavy hitters should expect fraying and a lively launch.
The 16 / 1.30mm version is the best general choice. The 17 / 1.25mm gauge suits dense patterns and players who prioritize response over longevity.
Its clearest role is as an accessible premium string for players who do not need polyester’s firmness. Used for that purpose, V-Feel offers a coherent combination of comfort, depth and touch rather than trying to imitate a tournament-oriented monofilament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volkl V-Feel a polyester string?
No. It is a soft polyurethane multifilament.
What are the metallic helix coils?
They are spiral elements incorporated into the string to add surface interaction and support spin.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16 / 1.30mm version provides the better balance of control and durability.
Is V-Feel used in a Volkl hybrid?
Yes. It is paired with V-Icon natural gut in Volkl V-Blast.
Is it suitable for heavy string breakers?
Generally no. Its soft multifilament construction prioritizes comfort over maximum break resistance.
Does the spiral make V-Feel a shaped string?
Not in the same sense as a square or pentagonal polyester. V-Feel has metallic helix elements around a soft multifilament construction, but its overall behavior remains that of a powerful, comfortable multifilament.