The Vulcan VPRO Flight Ball, the official ball of the PPA tour, has faced a challenging first season, leading to frustrations and mixed reactions from professional players. While Vulcan has made efforts to improve its design, some still question its consistency and performance under pro-level conditions.
Controversy Surrounding the Vulcan VPRO Flight
The Vulcan VPRO Flight ball was introduced as the official ball for the PPA tour, but its first season has been turbulent. Many professional players have voiced concerns about its performance.
On the court, the ball’s bounce has been described as inconsistent, and its flight unpredictable, making it difficult for players to adjust. Despite the feedback, Vulcan has been working hard to fix these issues, with improvements being noted in later versions, such as the Vulcan VPRO Flight 2.
Professional Reactions to the Ball
At the recent PPA Las Vegas Open, the frustration with the ball was clear, even from the sport’s top players. Ben Johns, one of the best pickleball players in the world, was visibly upset during his match and expressed his displeasure with the ball’s performance.
“It’s garbage,” Johns shouted in frustration. “Get a new ball; make it a real sport! It doesn’t bounce.” This moment highlighted how the ball’s unpredictable bounce has caused challenges, especially in crucial moments during matches.
Economics Behind the Ball
Vulcan’s deal to become the official ball of the PPA is reported to be worth $2.5 million annually, plus royalties on every ball sold.
This lucrative agreement benefits Vulcan and the PPA, creating a situation where players might hesitate to speak negatively about the ball due to its financial significance for the tour.
Despite the complaints, the PPA has continued to use the Vulcan ball, which may raise questions for those affected by its performance.
How the Vulcan Ball Affects Gameplay
The Vulcan VPRO Flight ball is harder and faster than other pickleballs, leading to a faster-paced game. However, its unpredictable bounce has affected return shots.
Some players have noticed that they can no longer attack returns as easily and must slow down to ensure they make solid contact. This adjustment has led to more third-shot drives at the pro level, where players take advantage of the ball’s odd bounce to catch opponents off balance.
In addition, the unpredictable bounce has changed how players approach certain shots. Dinking, a critical skill in pickleball, has become riskier, with more players opting for volleys and attacks out of the air instead of soft returns.
This shift in playstyle has benefited taller and more aggressive players, like Andrei Daescu, who has adapted to the Vulcan ball without much difficulty.
The Science Behind the Ball’s Design
The Vulcan ball’s design aims to strike a balance between durability and speed. While the ball is more durable than others like the Dura Fast 40, its harder composition causes it to maintain an unpredictable shape after being hit with power.
This means that after prolonged play, the Vulcan ball may lose its consistency and become unstable. While it performs well in amateur leagues, professionals often find that the ball warps quickly under the intense conditions of high-level play.
Is the Ball Really That Bad?
Some argue that the issues with the Vulcan ball don’t matter as much because all players are using the same equipment.
Andrei Daescu, a professional player, emphasized that just like in tennis, where players must adjust to different balls, pickleball players can adapt to the Vulcan ball’s quirks. However, for players trying to win at the highest level, the unpredictability of the ball may be a significant challenge.
News in Brief: Vulcan VPRO Flight Ball
The Vulcan VPRO Flight Ball, the official ball of the PPA, has faced criticism for its inconsistent bounce and unpredictable flight. While improvements have been made, some top professionals continue to struggle with the ball’s performance. Its high price and limited availability make it unpopular among recreational players.
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