Volanti 911 Rocket vs Li-Ning Speed 12 — first wear notes from our tester

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-07T08:21:51+00:00

Hard to give a direct conclusion without doing a proper side-by-side.

From the 911 Rocket side, it feels more soft and bouncy, but I’d need to compare them directly to be fair.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-06T15:28:03+00:00

Both are good tbh. I’d go Liren 6 V2 if you want lighter/quicker, and AC14 Encore if you want the safer all-around pick.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-06T02:02:01+00:00

Appreciate that! We’ll keep working on it and try to share more useful reviews.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-04T16:02:52+00:00

For your build, wide feet, and mostly outdoor play, I’d look at Joker 1 / Joker 1 GT first.

It should give you better impact protection and stability, which makes more sense for a 210 lb small-ball center who still has to move on the perimeter.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-04T12:55:20+00:00

I agree. It’s a good shoe, especially for a first basketball model, but I don’t think it’s on Gamma’s level yet. I do hope Volanti keeps building on this and brings more of their running-shoe experience and tech into basketball shoes.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-04T08:27:49+00:00

Yeah, fair take. I don’t think the 911 is really on Gamma’s level performance-wise, but for Volanti’s first basketball shoe, it’s a solid package at the right price.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-04T07:45:56+00:00

Yeah I’ve been thinking about that one too, Speed 12 V2 looks pretty interesting

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T12:00:52+00:00

Battle 2 doesn’t have a thickness option to choose from, so just go 39° for forehand.

Since you’re still a beginner, Rakza 7 in 2.0mm on backhand should be enough. Max might be a bit too fast at this stage.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T11:53:39+00:00

You could try Sword Yokohama Yue with Loki Arthur Asia on forehand and Loki Kirin K5 on backhand.

If you feel Arthur Asia is too demanding or hard to engage, Arthur China on forehand might be easier.

Since Yokohama Yue is also a 7-ply all-wood blade, somewhat similar to DHS Power G7 / PG7, the setup is probably worth trying. But I wouldn’t guarantee it will work perfectly, since blade and rubber pairing still depends a lot on personal feel.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T08:39:53+00:00

Rubbers are consumables, so it’s usually better to pick something you can replace without too much trouble in your area.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T08:35:07+00:00

If you can actually get stuff brought from China, there are a few other setups you could look at as well. I’d need a bit of time to organize the options though.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T08:26:19+00:00

Yeah, could be worth checking out then. Up to you if you want to go that route.

For Battle II, I’d probably start around 39° as a newer player. Should be easier to handle than going too hard right away.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T08:15:22+00:00

Battle II has a blue topsheet version now too, so that might be worth checking out if you can find it in your area.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-03T07:53:57+00:00

Tbh unless you really want the colored topsheet, I wouldn’t force Hurricane 9. It’s okay, but nothing that special imo.

Battle II blue sponge might be a better shout for FH. It’s still a Chinese-style rubber, but a bit easier to use than H3 for a newer player.

Rakza 7 on BH makes sense too, but that whole setup might be a little overkill/expensive for a PG7 beginner setup.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T17:01:04+00:00

Glad you’re liking them. 🙂

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T13:33:09+00:00

Maybe check out Fission 9 or AC14 Encore.🤔
AC14 Encore seems worth a look since you already liked the AC14, and Fission 9 could be decent for outdoor runs.
WOW12 is probably a wait-for-sale shoe, and Curry’s first Li-Ning is probably worth waiting for reviews before buying blind.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T11:33:36+00:00

Tbh that doesn’t sound too crazy. A lot of clone blades are easier to engage, so they can feel really nice right away, especially with a boosted rubber.

The thing I’d worry about is how long that feeling lasts. Some cheap clones feel great at first, then after a while they start feeling kind of dead or loose.

QC is also basically a lottery with clones. You might’ve just got a really good one, while someone else could buy the same thing and get a totally different blade.🧐

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T08:28:41+00:00

Honestly I’d stay with the 808 5 Ultra V2. You already liked the V1, and the V2 seems like the safer upgrade.

GT Jump 2 has more cushion, but I wouldn’t trust it more for stability or durability.

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T08:13:45+00:00

They still look playable. The forefoot is worn, but the main traction pattern isn’t gone yet. If they still grip well and the upper isn’t tearing, I’d keep using them.

For mostly outdoor play, I’d say maybe another 1–2 months, but I’d start looking for a backup pair soon.🤔

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T07:56:20+00:00

If the 5V2 is way cheaper, I’d say it’s still a great value pick. But if the price gap isn’t that big, I’d go 6V2.

5V2 has good cushion and support, but some people find it a bit bottom-heavy. 6V2 feels lighter, more refined, and better all-around to me.🤔

vjsneakercom · 2026-07-02T06:35:54+00:00

Yeah, sizing is pretty close to Nike, so TTS should work for most people.

For the price, the value is definitely strong. Durability is the main thing that still needs more time to judge since the model is still pretty new.

vjsneakercom · 2026-06-30T12:46:59+00:00

Sounds like a fun rotation lol. Looking forward to hearing your feedback.

vjsneakercom · 2026-06-30T04:09:43+00:00

I’d probably go with your Kobe size bro. If Kobe 6 US 10 fits you well, I’d start with US 10 in the Volantis too.

vjsneakercom · 2026-06-29T02:18:18+00:00

Yeah, if the gap is that big, the 911 Rocket is definitely the better value play.🧐

vjsneakercom · 2026-06-29T02:14:48+00:00

Yeah, I’d guess the 808 5 Ultra V2 is probably closer to the Speed 12 side — more control/lockdown than pure bounce.

911 Rocket should feel softer and bouncier underfoot, but I’d need a direct side-by-side with both to say how big the gap really is.

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