Racket Review

The brand new Volkl DNX 1 is the subject of this review. About a year ago Volkl introduced the "DNX" fiber to racquets as an exclusive. "DNX" fibers are actually hollow fiber tubes (very tiny tubes) which add strength and stiffness where desired without adding weight. The "DNX" fiber has allowed Volkl to build a racquet with the throat NOT connected to the rest of the frame. The "Power Arm" just sort of sits there in space, but firmly attached to the shaft. This design allows the arms of the "Power Arm" to flex during impact and add velocity to the stroke. I am not, generally, fond of light weight "power" racquets, so I was anxious to give this baby a try. Just the look is enough for some people to gladly shell out the $269.99!

But first, here are some of the important specs for this racquet:

Head Size (this is a oversize)	115 sq. in
Flex (racquet bending stiffness)	68 (RDC)
Weight	259gr/9.14oz
Polar Moment (resistance to "twisting")	326
Swing Weight (the power number)	312
Recoil Weight (Stability on volleys. Higher numbers are better)	125.4
Center of Percussion (COP) Sometimes referred to as the "sweet spot")	21.502 from butt end
Power Calculation	2384.04
Dwell Time (calculated length of time the ball is in contact with the string)	9.09ms
First Moment (pick-up weight)	.762nm
Reference Tension (machine tension setting)	55lbs
ASPS (Absolute String Plane Stiffness) also String Bed Stiffness	49 (RDC)
K (spring constant), (force in pounds to deflect string bed 1.00 inch)	157.5 lbs/in
Length (racquet length)	70.8cm/ 27.8 inches
String Pattern	M=16, X=17 (Open)
Ratio (natural tension ratio)	.699
String Brand	RAB Spin 16
Stringing Machine	True Tension Professional

The overall weight of 9.14 ounces may be a little mis-leading, in that this racquet feels much heavier due to 56.2% of the weight is toward the head. For static balance freaks that is 5.04 points head heavy. The head weight was most obvious when serving. Once I got the ball toss squared away I was able to hit very effective serves.

Make no mistake, this is a power oriented racquet, and it does not ask much in the way of a fast swing. However, I found that the DNX 1 was equally at home with my long fairly fast stroke which delivered the ball pretty much where I wanted it. "Power and Control". What a concept.

Ground strokes off the forehand side were comfortable and precise with depth when wanted and touch when needed. The backhand side was another story, at first, not allowing me to generate much top spin. After a few hits I figured it all out and only tried to generate top spin when I was totally setup, all other back hands were of the "slice" variety and the DNX 1 performed great!

The recoil weight of 125.4 confirms the head heavy proportions of this racquet. For pure serve and volley play I would prefer a higher recoil weight but with the power and control of this racquet you may never need to hit a volley!

The head size of 115 square inches looks much smaller, and the "Power Arm" just hanging out there brings the focus to the narrow throat region. The wonderful black and silver of the racquet is attractive and will look great in the pictures of you receiving your wining trophy!

The red and silver colors make this one of the best looking racquets around, according to our customers.

It is difficult to categorize this racquet since it offers so much to so many. I suggest you take one out for a try and decide for yourself.

There is no image of this racquet at this time. I will add it as soon as possible.