END OF AN ERA? {2006}
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
I know it doesn’t sound like it, but this column is a critique of the DNX 1 recently released by Völkl. According to Völkl,
“… the POWER ARM remains constantly stable in its vertical alignment. The POWER ARM enlarges the racquet's sweet spot and endows it with maximum power.”
The benefits claimed are the same, almost word for word, as touted by Prince for their Vortex, Wilson for their Rollers and any number of other racquets in recent history. Ask yourself, what happened to those other “technologies” if they were so wonderful? All this pseudo-technology does two things. It gets attention because everyone is always looking for “new and improved.” It also floods the market with an excessive number of frames, making choice more difficult. Much so-called “technology” put forth in the last ten years is beneficial mainly because if you convince someone something will help, the mind makes it so.
Our play tests by competitive players indicate the DNX 1 has a SMALLER sweetspot than the Catapult 1 F.I.R.E. Also, these frames were considered “pretty much the same” when compared by recreational players who tested them side-by-side.
In 1994, Völkl introduced the V1. It started a new era in racquets. The frame was well built and it had two true innovations, namely, Big Grommets and the Dual Dampening Handle System. The special thing about these two ideas was that they really did what they were advertised to do at a level that the player could benefit from AND actually feel. Twelve years later, this frame is still in the Völkl line with NO changes other than cosmetics! Völkl introduced several other technologies over the years that carried forward and truly helped players. The latest of these was the Catapult system that added more “pop” to a shot.
At present, there is only one new frame in Völkl’s line that retains the Catapult system, the DNX 3. However they have reduced the number of Catapult springs, thereby reducing the effectiveness.
In my opinion, with the advent of the Power Arm “pseudo-technology” Völkl has abandoned their heritage of sound technical innovation to join the race for “the look.”
My advice is not to take anything at face value. Try racquets without regard to manufacturer or “techno-gimmick”. Judge for yourself. After all, it’s you who are going to play with it, not the manufacturer, or your buddy. Be skeptical about anything claimed by anyone.
COPYRIGHT 2006
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Editor's note pertaining to all articles presented.
All articles are presented as they were written and published. Some information contained in these articles may have changed over the years. Please be cognizant of this as you read. Additionally, since these articles go back as far as 1994, some of the technology may have changed, and new methods and advancements may have come about. Please contact us if you have any questions.
