The Völk PB10 Mid Club - please join :)

[rlau]

Hi Gee,

How's it going with the PB10 Mid? How do you like it so far? Now it's not so hot anymore here, I assume you've given it some court time.

I'm considering trying this racquet as a replacement for my C10 Pro (or just as an addition).

Best regards,

rlau

[Gee]

Originally Posted by rlau

Hi Gee,

How's it going with the PB10 Mid? How do you like it so far? Now it's not so hot anymore here, I assume you've given it some court time.

I'm considering trying this racquet as a replacement for my C10 Pro (or just as an addition).

Best regards,

rlau

Hi rlau,

I played 5 sessions with the PB10 Mid so far. Here are my findings.


First session

The first session I hit the PB10 Mid on an artificial grass court. I only practiced groundstrokes, volleys and smashes for an hour.

I noticed that it swings very light compared to my TF335. It is also very low powered. When you mishit the ball it has no pace with a dead feel but this kind of symptom also means a very good feedback from the racquet.

Volleys are the best part with the PB10. Very maneuverable and rock solid. That DNX stuff at 3 and 9 o'clock position really works great.

Hitting smashes felt more effortless than I was used to with my TF335. I only was forced to concentrate a bit better with high lobs because its smaller headsize but that's not a bad thing.

Note: The second through the fifth session I played on a Provision court (artificial claycourt).


Second session

A different feeling than the first session.
Groundstrokes felt more solid with a firm ball contact. Through this I also noticed a more plow through effect. Especially with my one handed backhand when I hit through. My slice bh also felt buttery and smooth.
Volleys were solid as well like during the first session. You can really feel it has a solid firm head that is very suitable for net play.

And finally I also hit some serves because we played a doubles match.
A fantastic serving stick! Light into the shoulder with an effortless swing and still you clearly feel the weight behind the ball. Especially with flat serves. Slice and kick serves are also great. I was a bit anxious my slice and kick serves with the PB10 Mid wouldn't be as good as with midplus frames but I was gladly surprised it did its job very well. My slice and kick serves were more penetrating than with a Head MG Prestige Mid (that I demoed a few years ago) because of the 16x19 open string pattern of the PB10 Mid.


Third session

The third session again on Provision. This time I played a singles match. The first set with the PB10 Mid and the second one with my TF335. I won both sets with 6-1 but I felt more confidental with my regular TF335 into the rallies because the TF335 feels more solid during groundstrokes.


Fourth session

Fourth session I practiced with a former 6.0 player who hits with a lot of space and quick variations. We only hit groundstrokes and some volleys and smashes.

Groundstrokes felt not as solid as previous sessions and underpowered to my taste. It definitely needs more swingweight IMO.

So this time it all didn't feel as great as previous sessions.


Fifth session

Before the fifth session I added about 5 grams of lead at 12 o'clock position.

First I warmed up against that same guy (former 6.0 player).
My groundstrokes felt a lot better with the added weight. More power and more solid.

After that warming up of 20 min we played a doubles match.

During the match I hardly lost a point at my service. Really remarkable! It is an such a terrific serving racquet!

Serve of returns were difficult because all players were serving well but they felt precise and solid when I was successful.


Conclusion

So... I still need some time to get used to the PB10 Mid. Though it serves great I still think it swings too light with my groundstrokes. Maybe I 'll add another 5 grams at 12 in order to increase the swingweight.

Besides I need to customize the grip shape a bit more. I prefer a bit thicker and more square shape. I already put 2 layers of Tesa extra power tape at the top and bottom pallet faces. So I 'll add another layer.

[rlau]

Hi Gee,

Originally Posted by Gee

I played 5 sessions with the PB10 Mid so far.

Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experiences with the PB10 Mid. So in conclusion you could say that in stock form it's a great serve and volley stick (i.e. excellent for doubles), but lacks a bit of swingweight for the groundstrokes (i.e. not terrific for baseline play)?

(By the way, what is your rating according to the Dutch rating system? Just curious.)

Best regards,

rlau

[morningglory75]

Originally Posted by Gee

Hi rlau,

I played 5 sessions with the PB10 Mid so far. Here are my findings.


First session

The first session I hit the PB10 Mid on an artificial grass court. I only practiced groundstrokes, volleys and smashes for an hour.

I noticed that it swings very light compared to my TF335. It is also very low powered. When you mishit the ball it has no pace with a dead feel but this kind of symptom also means a very good feedback from the racquet.

Volleys are the best part with the PB10. Very maneuverable and rock solid. That DNX stuff at 3 and 9 o'clock position really works great.

Hitting smashes felt more effortless than I was used to with my TF335. I only was forced to concentrate a bit better with high lobs because its smaller headsize but that's not a bad thing.


Second session

The second session I played on a Provision court (artificial claycourt).
A different feeling than the first session.
Groundstrokes felt more solid with a firm ball contact. Through this I also noticed a more plow through effect. Especially with my one handed backhand when I hit through. My slice bh also felt buttery and smooth.
Volleys were solid as well like during the first session. You can really feel it has a solid firm head that is very suitable for net play.

And finally I also hit some serves because we played a doubles match.
A fantastic serving stick! Light into the shoulder with an effortless swing and still you clearly feel the weight behind the ball. Especially with flat serves. Slice and kick serves are also great. I was a bit anxious my slice and kick serves with the PB10 Mid wouldn't be as good as with midplus frames but I was gladly surprised it did its job very well. My slice and kick serves were more penetrating than with a Head MG Prestige Mid (that I demoed a few years ago) because of the 16x19 open string pattern of the PB10 Mid.


Third session

The third session again on Provision. This time I played a singles match. The first set with the PB10 Mid and the second one with my TF335. I won both sets with 6-1 but I felt more confidental with my regular TF335 into the rallies because the TF335 feels more solid during groundstrokes.


Fourth session

Fourth session I practiced with a former 6.0 player who hits with a lot of space and quick variations. We only hit groundstrokes and some volleys and smashes.

Groundstrokes felt not as solid as previous sessions and underpowered to my taste. It definitely needs more swingweight IMO.

So this time it all didn't feel as great as previous sessions.


Fifth session

Before the fifth session I added about 5 grams of lead at 12 o'clock position.

First I warmed up against that same guy (former 6.0 player).
My groundstrokes felt a lot better with the added weight. More power and more solid.

After that warming up of 20 min we played a doubles match.

During the match I hardly lost a point at my service. Really remarkable! It is an such a terrific serving racquet!

Serve of returns were difficult because all players were serving well but they felt precise and solid when I was successful.


Conclusion

So... I still need some time to get used to the PB10 Mid. Though it serves great I still think it swings too light with my groundstrokes. Maybe I 'll add another 5 grams at 12 in order to increase the swingweight.

Besides I need to customize the grip shape a bit more. I prefer a bit thicker and more square shape. I already put 2 layers of Tesa extra power tape at the top and bottom pallet faces. So I 'll add another layer.

The stick was designed 10 pts head light to be customized for what is standard practice for the level of play for which it was designed.

It plays fine stock for a few, but it was not designed to play straight off the rack.

[Gee]

Originally Posted by rlau

Hi Gee,



Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experiences with the PB10 Mid. So in conclusion you could say that in stock form it's a great serve and volley stick (i.e. excellent for doubles), but lacks a bit of swingweight for the groundstrokes (i.e. not terrific for baseline play)?

(By the way, what is your rating according to the Dutch rating system? Just curious.)

Best regards,

rlau

Yes it is like you concluded. Though it is very arm friendly racquet with a great control it needs more weight into the hoop for a more solid and powerful baseline game.

I used to play at level 4 (Dutch rating). And you?

[Gee]

Originally Posted by morningglory75

The stick was designed 10 pts head light to be customized for what is standard practice for the level of play for which it was designed.

It plays fine stock for a few, but it was not designed to play straight off the rack.

Thanks for your confirmation. I 'll examine more my best setup with the PB10 Mid.

I also think it needs a crisp and powerful string. I prefer multi but I don't like too much string movement. What string do you recommend? (I read many posters use MSV Focus Hex 1.10).

[rlau]

Originally Posted by Gee

I used to play at level 4 (Dutch rating). And you?

I used to be a level 5 player when I was young, but I now (aged 35) only play at level 6 (Dutch rating). Trying to get better, but I just don't have enough time to play as often as I would like.

Being somewhat of a racquet junkie I'm always interested in trying something 'better'.

[morningglory75]

Originally Posted by Gee

Thanks for your confirmation. I 'll examine more my best setup with the PB10 Mid.

I also think it needs a crisp and powerful string. I prefer multi but I don't like too much string movement. What string do you recommend? (I read many posters use MSV Focus Hex 1.10).

I found that the stick played real well with Volkl Gripper 17ga which I strung at 56M/52.5C. NRG2 worked and felt very similar.

I recently had three cortisone shots to reset my shoulder, so I don't mess with poly. However, I tried it once with Cyclone 17 ga/16 ga Legend gut at 50 lbs M/C, and it really played awesome. When my shoulder feels good, I may try it again.

[Rich]

A question for the Dutch guys: do you know how the USA rating system corresponds to our Dutch rating system? I've always guessed that a Dutch rating of 6 corresponds to a USA rating of about 4, but that's just a wild guess. I've never been able to find any info on this.

My apologies for taking the thread off topic. I recently bought a PB 10 mid too, because of it's supposed arm friendlyness. This stick only has enough power for me when I string it at low tensions. I really love how it plays with MSC Focus Hex 1.10 at 17 kilo (about 37,5 pound), but unfortunately a poly string at very low tensions is still a poly string... my arm doesn't like it too much.

[rlau]

Hi Rich,

Originally Posted by Rich

A question for the Dutch guys: do you know how the USA rating system corresponds to our Dutch rating system? I've always guessed that a Dutch rating of 6 corresponds to a USA rating of about 4, but that's just a wild guess. I've never been able to find any info on this.

Having looked at the US rating system, I'd consider myself a high 3.5 or low 4.0 player, so I guess you're probably right.

Originally Posted by Rich

My apologies for taking the thread off topic. I recently bought a PB 10 mid too, because of it's supposed arm friendlyness. This stick only has enough power for me when I string it at low tensions. I really love how it plays with MSC Focus Hex 1.10 at 17 kilo (about 37,5 pound), but unfortunately a poly string at very low tensions is still a poly string... my arm doesn't like it too much.

Perhaps instead of a relatively stiff poly like MSV Focus Hex you could try a softer co-poly like Kirschbaum Pro Line II or Volkl Cyclone. Or maybe even a powerful multifilament string like Tecnifibre X-one Biphase. Or a hybrid of those. And you could try adding a couple of grams of lead at 12 o'clock to increase the power level.

Best regards,

rlau

[Gee]

Originally Posted by Rich

A question for the Dutch guys: do you know how the USA rating system corresponds to our Dutch rating system? I've always guessed that a Dutch rating of 6 corresponds to a USA rating of about 4, but that's just a wild guess. I've never been able to find any info on this.

Yes, Dutch 6 is comparable with 3.5-4.0 USA. See this international rating comparison table.

Originally Posted by Rich

My apologies for taking the thread off topic. I recently bought a PB 10 mid too, because of it's supposed arm friendlyness. This stick only has enough power for me when I string it at low tensions. I really love how it plays with MSC Focus Hex 1.10 at 17 kilo (about 37,5 pound), but unfortunately a poly string at very low tensions is still a poly string... my arm doesn't like it too much.

Maybe it's hard to believe but I learned from the book Technical Tennis from Lindsey/Cross that strings or lower string tension don't really add power. So called power strings (or a lower tension) deflect more that 'll result into a higher ball traject. Through this you 'ĺl hit deeper into the court. That 'll give you the illussion that you hit harder. Of course you should read this book if you want to understand this.

Stiffness, headsize, racquet length, swingweight and racquet speed are the most important factors that contribute to the power potential of a racquet.

So... you can add weight to increase the power potential of the PB10 Mid as I did. IMO this is also the best way to increase the power of a frame because you should play with the heaviest (highest swingweight) frame you can still handle comfortably. Besides this 'll improve both the power and control whereas you 'll lose some control by lowering string tension (or with a so called more powerful string).

I added lead strips of 20cm at 12 (about 5g). It feels more solid and powerful but still too maneuverable to me. I think I 'll add even more weight.

[Rich]

Guys,

Thanks for the info on the rating system. That table is really handy.

Thanks for the tips on strings I should try (I thought that MSV Focus Hex already was considered soft for a poly, but maybe I was wrong... I'll look into softer strings) and on string tension. With these low tensions, the ball trajectory indeed seems to be much higher. But isn't the size of the sweet spot also related to string tension? It may be just in my mind, but I really feel that racquets like the PB 10 Mid and the PB 9 play easier with low tensions... Anyway, it's interesting info.

[Gee]

Originally Posted by Rich

Guys,

Thanks for the info on the rating system. That table is really handy.

You're welcome.

Originally Posted by Rich

But isn't the size of the sweet spot also related to string tension?

True. A lower tension will increase the sweet area as well as adding weight into the hoop.

In that case you should first determine where you hit the ball most frequently.

Especially at 3 and 9 'll widen the sweet area. Adding weight at 10 and 2 or at the tip of the head 'll raise the sweet spot a bit.

I don't think the PB10 Mid needs more weight at 3 and 9 because of the DNX material in that area. It has enough torsional stability IMO as volleys feel rock solid to me.

That's why I prefer to add weight at 12. Furthermore it is very headlight in stock condition.

Concerning strings you can try a multi string like TF X-1 Biphase 17g that is very comfortable and lively as well. That is at least a lot more arm friendly than a poly string.

[UcannotBserious]

Okay, after weeks of demo-ing this frame, I just placed an order for a "matched" pair of PB10 Mids from TW and went with Kirschbaum Helix 17 @ 55lbs. I am totally psyched... Can't wait for Thursday.

I find it hard to believe that this racquet has not drawn out the kind of fervent support we see from the PSL or the 6.1 95 or the K/BLX 90 or the Prestige Mid. It's everything you could want in a player's frame and a great template for customization...

After a very happy time with PSTs, I'm ready for this next racquet phase...

Would be very curious to continue to explore optimal string & tension with this frame.

[HiroProtagonist]

Allright PB 10er's I'm preforming a last second re-demo of the racquet in my sig and the PB 10 mid. I love the thinner beam and flex of the PB10, but can't get over the plow and control of the 6.1 95.

So I want to lead up the PB10 on my re-demo, whats the best lead set-up to increase plowthru?

[netguy]

I would start with 3 grams at 3 & 9.

[HiroProtagonist]

Ok so i will make it quick, Just went out for a hit w the demo PB10 mid.

Put all the lead I had left(4gs) @ 12 and plowthru felt good in warm up. But once we moved on to something a little more competitive my balls from the base-line were coming off the racquet at the speed of light.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this frame but i cant afford to lose the base-line smash ability from my all-court game.

So ne full fast swingers out there that has tamed this beast?
If so whats ur set-up, strings, tension, lead?

I would love to be converted my serve and volley game is unbreakable w this stick!

Thnx PB 10er's

[Gee]

Originally Posted by HiroProtagonist

Ok so i will make it quick, Just went out for a hit w the demo PB10 mid.

Put all the lead I had left(4gs) @ 12 and plowthru felt good in warm up. But once we moved on to something a little more competitive my balls from the base-line were coming off the racquet at the speed of light.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this frame but i cant afford to lose the base-line smash ability from my all-court game.

So ne full fast swingers out there that has tamed this beast?
If so whats ur set-up, strings, tension, lead?

I would love to be converted my serve and volley game is unbreakable w this stick!

Thnx PB 10er's

It may be sound weird but keep adding weight at 12 (or where ever you want) till your racquet speed 'll be slower and your shots are landing just before the baseline due the higher sw.
Through the slower swing you 'll be able to hit with more precision as well. Finally you 'll discover your ideal (maximum) swingweight by this way.

[Dez]

I love this stick!!
5 minutes into the demo I decided to order the PB10.
It plays great at low tension and, for me, it does everything right.
Serves, volleys are fantastic, 1HBH is sweet, ground strokes silky smooth. I can generate plenty of topspin, (not as much as with my POG but after all the POG is a Spin Monster) but I can easily hit powerful flat shots without losing control. The stability if offers makes it so easy of block the opponents big serves...I could go on all day...
Big, Big Volkl PB 10 mid Fan!!!!

[UcannotBserious]

My matched PB10s arrived on Weds and I've played 3 sets with them. So far they're everything I was hoping for. 1HBH was the first to find a groove and then the forehand. I was dumping the early volleys into the net and then eventually figured it out. The most amazing thing about the way the racquet forces me to play (prepare earlier, swing smoothly) is the options I feel like have on both wings (loop it, flatten it) and it feels like i have a tiny bit more time to make that decision. It's also forcing me to use my feet more thoughtfully. I had a hard time adjusting my flat serve at first, but I seem to have started to find the sweetspot towards the end of my match. And so far happy with the Helix 1.25 at 55.

But I agree with the consensus above that the racquet seems a bit slight in stock form. I'll probably start toying with a bit of lead over the next few months.