Well, I'm back full circle to my Volkl PB10 mid

[MCN]

I've used a PB10 mid for a number of years but wanted something a bit more forgiving whilst retaining the Volkl feel. Something lighter but stable, easy access to spin and generally a good all round racquet.

Moved to the Organix X10 325 and appreciated some of the attributes (quite solid and stable, quick to maneuver, especially defensively and on quick exchanges) but it never felt 'right' in my hand - perhaps it was too stiff, and since I've had a history of arm/TE issues, have had to string this quite low so as to protect my arm.

Then, after some advise on these forums, moved to BB Londons which are good all round racquets, nice and soft, no real downsides. Could generally play well with these but I seemed to lose the ability to hit a really heavy penetrating ball, especially with spin.

I played around with lead on the above racquets with some improvements but I never felt totally comfortable with either frame in terms of putting balls away or putting opponents under significant pressure.

So the other day I dusted off the PB10 mid and played a friendly match. It seemed much more hefty than the other sticks in comparison but as soon as I adjusted my timing, I noticed that my usual opponents were missing or mistiming more of my shots - ie the depth and penetration of my shots was making life much more difficult for them. (They even mentioned that after the match). I was finding better angles again with much more pace, and my volleys were so rock solid, absorbing the hard pace from my opponents and forcing them under pressure again. My serve (usually the weakest part of my game) became more dependable and heavy as well, so long as I relaxed and didn't try and overdo things. The only shot I struggled with was a defensive lob - the solidity and mass of the racquet pushed a lot of my shots long, because I was probably using the same technique as with the other racquets, but I'm confident I'll adjust again if I persevere.

After 3 sets, I realised why I looked for a change in the first place - I started to get a bit tired and my arm started to feel heavy.

But I think I'm now going to stick with the PB10 mid for a while again and maybe build up some strength, because I've realised that this racquet has so many great attributes that are difficult to forego and not easily replaced by other 'more modern' sticks - for me anyway.

[Hi I'm Ray]

When I was playing well with it, I remember the PB10 mid hitting a very penetrating ball, well as far as my standards go, especially on passing shots. That was over a year ago and my game improved quite a bit overall, but I'm not sure that I can hit as good a passing shot today with my current frame.

[Wes_Loves_Dunlop]

I agree with you the the PB10 mid was an amazing racket, but I couldn't get over the grip shape. Was trying to find a different pallet to replace it with, but decided wasnt worth the hassle.

How do you find the grip shape?

[MCN]

Originally Posted by Wes_Loves_Dunlop

I agree with you the the PB10 mid was an amazing racket, but I couldn't get over the grip shape. Was trying to find a different pallet to replace it with, but decided wasnt worth the hassle.

How do you find the grip shape?

I get on with it OK. The grip that I found strange was the BB London one as it was a bit squared off. The PB10 mid is rectangular and players either like it or loathe it.

[netguy]

Originally Posted by MCN

I've used a PB10 mid for a number of years but wanted something a bit more forgiving whilst retaining the Volkl feel. Something lighter but stable, easy access to spin and generally a good all round racquet.

Moved to the Organix X10 325 and appreciated some of the attributes (quite solid and stable, quick to maneuver, especially defensively and on quick exchanges) but it never felt 'right' in my hand - perhaps it was too stiff, and since I've had a history of arm/TE issues, have had to string this quite low so as to protect my arm.

Then, after some advise on these forums, moved to BB Londons which are good all round racquets, nice and soft, no real downsides. Could generally play well with these but I seemed to lose the ability to hit a really heavy penetrating ball, especially with spin.

I played around with lead on the above racquets with some improvements but I never felt totally comfortable with either frame in terms of putting balls away or putting opponents under significant pressure.

So the other day I dusted off the PB10 mid and played a friendly match. It seemed much more hefty than the other sticks in comparison but as soon as I adjusted my timing, I noticed that my usual opponents were missing or mistiming more of my shots - ie the depth and penetration of my shots was making life much more difficult for them. (They even mentioned that after the match). I was finding better angles again with much more pace, and my volleys were so rock solid, absorbing the hard pace from my opponents and forcing them under pressure again. My serve (usually the weakest part of my game) became more dependable and heavy as well, so long as I relaxed and didn't try and overdo things. The only shot I struggled with was a defensive lob - the solidity and mass of the racquet pushed a lot of my shots long, because I was probably using the same technique as with the other racquets, but I'm confident I'll adjust again if I persevere.

After 3 sets, I realised why I looked for a change in the first place - I started to get a bit tired and my arm started to feel heavy.
But I think I'm now going to stick with the PB10 mid for a while again and maybe build up some strength, because I've realised that this racquet has so many great attributes that are difficult to forego and not easily replaced by other 'more modern' sticks - for me anyway.

After hitting with the PB 10 mid for over a year (too heavy) I switched to the Dunlop 100 4D. Can't be happier!