Ivan Rojas Breaks Down Volkl’s Signature Technologies

When you talk to Ivan Rojas, Vice President of Sales & Promotions for Florida and Latin America at Volkl, one thing becomes clear: Volkl is not just another tennis brand. For more than five decades in the racket space — and over a century as a company — Volkl has built its reputation on German engineering, innovative design, and player-first comfort.

Florida Tennis Magazine’s Editor Matt Pressman caught up with Rojas after a long day on the court testing rackets. The conversation quickly turned into a master class on Volkl technology.

Photo credit: Chelsea Perry

The Volkl Difference: Comfort by Design

For decades, Volkl has been synonymous with player comfort — a reputation built largely on their industry-leading vibration dampening technology.

“We have a very sophisticated set of components underneath the grip that no other tennis brand has,” Rojas said. “From the VTEX butt cap to the V-Sensor and low-density EVA foam, every part works together to isolate vibrations before they reach the player’s arm.”

Unlike many manufacturers who rely on a single dampening insert, Volkl’s system is a multi-layered approach:

• VTEX Butt Cap – Isolates the handle from frame vibrations.

• V-Sensor – A rubber insert that counteracts frame shock at the source.

• Low-Density REVA Foam – Wraps around the graphite to soften every impact.

• Pallet System – Seals the handle for a stable yet cushioned feel.

This engineering focus means that for players battling wrist pain, tennis elbow, or shoulder discomfort, Volkl isn’t just an option — it’s often a prescription.

“It’s even recommended by doctors for players returning from injury,” Rojas noted. “The racket’s soft feel and big sweet spot make it easier for them to get back on court without fear of aggravating the problem.”

Photo credit: Chelsea Perry

Super Grommets: The Bigger Sweet Spot Secret

If the vibration dampening system protects your arm, Volkl’s Super Grommets protect your performance.

Placed at the 6, 12, 9, and 3 o’clock positions, these larger, figure-eight-shaped grommets allow the strings to move more freely and deeply when the ball strikes the string bed.

“That extra movement expands the sweet spot, makes it softer, and increases dwell time,” Rojas explained. “You can generate more spin, add power, and enjoy a more forgiving hit — even when you don’t strike the ball perfectly.”

For recreational players who know the frustration of framing shots, this innovation can mean fewer mishits and more confident swings.

V-Engine Technology: Bringing the Sweet Spot Closer

One of Volkl’s revived technologies is the V-Engine design, found in models like the Vostra 9 and 10.

“That V shape in the bridge elongates the central strings,” Rojas said. “It shifts the sweet spot slightly deeper into the string bed, creating a softer feel, longer dwell time, and better control.”

This is particularly beneficial for players who rely on precision and touch, but still want a racket that offers easy access to spin and stability.

Photo credit: Chelsea Perry

Power Arm: A Floating Bridge for More Power

If the V-Engine fine-tunes control, the Power Arm supercharges power and feel.

“It’s a floating bridge in the throat of the racket that doesn’t touch the frame at the usual points,” Rojas said. “When the ball hits, the bridge moves slightly, producing more power, dwell time, and an even larger sweet spot.”

This isn’t just theoretical — players can feel the difference immediately. The ball seems to sit on the strings longer, giving you more time to control your shot while still delivering penetrating pace.

Photo credit: Chelsea Perry

From the Alps to the Baseline: Volkl’s Story

The Volkl name first appeared over a century ago in Straubing, Germany — not in a tennis shop, but in a ski workshop. The company’s roots in high-performance ski manufacturing influenced everything they did when they entered the tennis market over 50 years ago.

The early years saw groundbreaking innovations like fiberglass frames, followed by industry-first applications of vibration dampening in player-level rackets. Volkl earned a reputation for premium craftsmanship, often being compared to luxury German cars — Porsche, BMW, Mercedes — for their precision engineering.

“The ski division’s expertise translated perfectly into tennis,” Rojas said. “We’ve always been about pushing the limits of design and comfort.”

Photo credit: Chelsea Perry

Racket Categories: Matching Players to the Right Frame

One of the most valuable takeaways from Florida Tennis' conversation Rojas was Volkl's philosophy on racket selection.

1. Game Improvement Frames

2. Tweeners Frames
The most popular category in the tennis industry today. Tweener frames, from the Vostra V5, to Vostra V7 up to Vostra V8, are ideal for 3.5–5.0 players and offer:

• 100 sq. in. head size

• Weights between 285–315g

• Blend of power, spin, and control

3. Player Frames

For advanced players (4.5+), these are control-oriented rackets with thinner beams and heavier weights. Frames like the Vostra V9 (305 & 290 grams). As well as the Vostra 10 (300 & 320 grams). These racquets offer:

• V9's 100 sq. in. & V10's 98 sq. in.

• Amazing control & spin

• Perfect power for aggressive players

“The right racket for your level is critical,” Rojas emphasized. “Too many players choose frames that are too heavy or too demanding, which can lead to injuries and stalled improvement.”

Photo credit: Chelsea Perry

Where to Demo Volkl Rackets

Volkl frames are widely available at tennis retailers across the U.S. In Florida, demos can be found at the following retailers: Tennis Plaza, GoPro Tennis, e-tennis, Strictly Tennis, ProAm Tennis, Wrigley’s Tennis, Advantage Yours, Stuarts of Boca, Tennis Frenzy, and MP Tennis. Players can also explore additional options and specifications on the official Volkl website.

“Once you feel the comfort, the sweet spot, and the control, it speaks for itself,” Rojas said.

Whether you’re chasing more power, trying to protect your arm, or looking for a racket that truly fits your game, Volkl’s German-engineered lineup offers a unique blend of innovation and comfort that’s hard to match.

Exclusive Interview

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Written by Florida Tennis Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Interview conducted by Florida Tennis Editor Matt Pressman. Photo credits: Chelsea Perry. Top photo: Florida Tennis via YouTube.