Babolat VS NCT Tour

PRICE: $199
BALANCE: 3/10 in. head light
HEAD SIZE: 100 sq. in.
FLEXIBILITY: Stiff
LENGTH: 27 in.
IDEAL SWING: Medium to long
WEIGHT: 10.5 oz.
NTRP: 3.0–4.5

FIRST TAKE:
Despite the word “tour” in the name, this racquet is too light and powerful for professionals, or even most advanced players. But it’s well-suited to intermediates.

COMPARE TO:
Babolat Pure Power Zylon

HOW IT TESTED:
Babolat reinforced the throat and the bottom half of the head with Carbon Nanotube, a light, ultrastiff material that’s designed to increase the racquet’s power. The VS NCT Tour’s extra pop works to your advantage when you have time to set up for your shot, though it can be difficult to handle balls with lots of pace because the racquet doesn’t have quite enough stability, according to playtesters. The frame’s stiffness also takes away some feel, which slightly impairs your ability to control the ball and, in particular, hit with touch. So if your game is based around finesse, look elsewhere. But if you’re content to bang at the baseline, you’ll enjoy hitting with this frame. It’s also exceptionally maneuverable, thanks to the head-light balance and medium weight. (It feels a half-ounce lighter than its 10.5-ounce weight.) Not surprisingly, juniors who only come to the net to shake hands said the VS NCT Tour was, in the words of one, “sweet.”

BOTTOM LINE:
The maneuverability and power make it a smart choice for aggressive younger players.