After reading Paul's excellent review of the VT80, I knew I had to get one and try it out, and I wasn't disappointed!  I knew that if I didn't like it the demand for this racket where I live is such that I probably wouldn't have any trouble selling it at a premium. This is one excellent racket, head heavy and powerful, but possesses speed and control as well. As Paul mentioned, it combines all the great elements of the Arcsaber, Nanospeed, and Armortec range into one killing machine. The first thing I noticed was just how stiff the frame was, even stiffer than my head heavy Babolat X-Feel Blast, which Babolat designates as “extra stiff.” Mine is a 3U/G5, strung with BG80 @ 27 lbs. I also used my favourite “tacky” Babolat tennis overgrip on the handle. I didn't bother to measure the actual balance point, but rest assured it's one of the most head heavy rackets I have had the privilege to play with. It's a veritable sledgehammer. You can feel the head / momentum cutting through the air.

As for the sound filter, I am not convinced that I can hear a difference during shuttle impact, so that may just be a marketing ploy. At least none of my opponents felt intimidated.

Played five games last night with the VT80 and I am still amazed at the difference this racket made to my overall stroke play. It's not so much about the power and control, but the overall confidence it inspired to try riskier shots and more difficult smashes. The racket just plain delivers. It has a larger sweet spot than the Z Slash and has probably 80-90% of its head speed. I think consistency and predictability is its major forte. I didn't encounter as many timing issues as I had feared, due to slightly faster head speed compared to my X-Feel, so that was good sign. I am still getting used to the stiffness, but that in itself is a good thing, and offered more control than my X-Feel, which can be an untamed beast at times due to more flex in the shaft combined with a heavy head (clears to the back can be difficult to control due to the power). Smash returns with the VT80 were also quite consistent, with enough repulsion to get the shuttle clear to the back line.

All in all, I'm a happy camper. My next session will be this Sunday, so am quite looking forward to it.  Is this my Holy Grail of rackets? I don't know; I haven't tried that many rackets before. But does it feel right? It sure does!