The Tour 8 V-Engine is the latest reincarnation of the Tour 8. The newest version has a slightly wider beam, increased swingweight, and of course the V-Engine yoke. The Tout 8 V-Engine has a nice blend of power, control, and maneuverability with more control than power. Touch, feel, and comfort are all excellent due in part to Volkl's Sensor Handle System. On court, we found the increase in swingweight to be an asset allowing the racquet to supply a little more power and stability without sacrificing control when compared to its predecessor.

The racquet was originally produced for aggressive all-court players, who are most comfortable hitting big top spin shots from the baseline. The Tour 8 is for players who are looking for a stiff, middle-weight racquet that is biased for controllable power and heavy spin. For all this baseline aggressiveness the Tour 8 is a very accomplished volleying racquet.

An open, 16 mains by 18 crosses, string pattern supplies plenty of spin potential and offers reasonably good string durability for such an open pattern.

The Tour 8 is ideal for experience players looking for an increase in power in a lighter but stable frame with the benefits of extended length. The racquet is an excellent platform for players wanting to customize weight and balance.

Catapult Technology: Völkl's patented spring system. Catapult technology is based around springs constructed of Lite-Carbon and High Modulus Graphite that are freely mounted onto the walls of the frame. When the ball hits the string bed the spring compresses or “loads” the catapult, creating a deeper string bed pocket. This increases the time the ball stays on the strings. As the spring resets, the contact time is shortened delivering more power. The overall contact time between the ball and the strings remains the same what Völkl has been able to accomplish is to change the contact time between the Control and Power Phases.

Sensor Handle Tour System: A vibration suppression system that utilizes a two part racquet shaft and TecnoGel™ provides ideal shock dampening. EVA, surrounds the shaft, offering superior vibration dampening without sacrificing touch or racquet “feedback.”

Dynamic Power Control Pattern (PCP): Variable string pattern, more dense in the racquet's sweetspot ensures more control and string durability, while the string pattern is more open outside the sweetspot providing more power and comfort on off-center shots.

Pure Fiber Technology: A new technology which results in more fibers and less resin in the racquet. This heat-activated molding process optimizes the amount of resin each graphite fiber can absorb. The result is a sheet of graphite that has 10% more fibers with less resin and is more uniform and consistent in all aspects resulting in more stability, performance, and durability.

Vibration Control Handle: VCH features an Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sheath surrounding the racquet shaft, located beneath the pallet. This sheath is designed for optimum vibration dampening which provide additional protection for the arm.

Soft Butt Cap: A soft pliable polymer is used instead on the usual hard plastic to form the cap that is placed at the bottom of the handle. These soft butt-caps compliment Völkl's Sensor Handle System by further absorbing unwanted shock and vibration while still allowing racquet “feedback."