OK, c10 pro on the way!!

markwillplay · Aug 16, 2007

I know if you have read any of my posts you will see that I have really been searching for the right stick for me. After trying many lighter sticks I ended up really settling on a used 4 stripe POG OS. So funny how after all these years (I am 37 ad been off for over 10 years) that I would come back to the same stick I used when I was 18. Anyway, I have bought a used c10 pro from a fellow here and am really exited to used it for a few months. I serve and volley and I have heard so many things about this stick being good for that. Also very interesting how the specs of both of those sticks (POG and c10 pro) are very close even though I know the feel will be much different. I am hoping that the c10 won't be quite as clumsy at net for me.

sooooo, any advice on string tension on this bad boy? Any comments on this stick by folks that use it? I do like to hit out on my forhand and have good swing speed, I do think this stick is a little over my head but I also think I will be able to use it better and beter the more I play. I have really been getting much better I think (strokes and volleys).

ericsson · Aug 16, 2007

string this classical quite hard, its kinda flexible in the throat but ofcourse tension is personal...

bad_call · Aug 16, 2007

i'm thinking that a lower powered multi or multi hybrid at +/- mid tension would be a good place to start...especially since u say u are a S&V player. Rabbit would be the poster to ask tho not sure about Rabbit's game style.

max · Aug 16, 2007

I use a Volkl C-9 that has been weighted up to the C-10 weight. I like stringing it with Prince Synthetic Gut Soft (now called Ektelon Powerplay) at 2 pounds over mid-tension (57 lbs.). I've experimented with a lot of stuff, and this just fits the ticket for me. I'd recommend that if you do gut, to prestretch the gut and string it another 2 lbs. or so tighter.

max · Aug 16, 2007

Oh, and you know, I've had a POG mid and I think my Volkl works better at the net. I just never could get the hang of dealing with the POG's stiffness and open-open string pattern. I found it boardy feeling, smaller sweetspot; but at the same time, I could tell that some folks were really successful with spin and that open string pattern.

bad_call · Aug 16, 2007

ericsson - question for u

ericsson said:
string this classical quite hard, its kinda flexible in the throat but ofcourse tension is personal...

ericsson - how does the string tension range for the c10 compare to the t10v mid? for example if i string my t10v mid at 55 and wanted to hit with the c10, would 57 be somewhat comparable for the c10? thanks for your opinion.

markwillplay - sorry for hijacking this thread. just wanted a reference.

ericsson · Aug 16, 2007

bad_call said:
ericsson - how does the string tension range for the c10 compare to the t10v mid? for example if i string my t10v mid at 55 and wanted to hit with the c10, would 57 be somewhat comparable for the c10? thanks for your opinion.

markwillplay - sorry for hijacking this thread. just wanted a reference.

bad call, that's quite a difference of racket but 57 will be too low i think, i would go up a little more, but it depends what kinda string you would use, for example, when i used the c 10 some time ago i strung it near 60 with poly mains and 58 multi crosses. for me that was ideal, but 55 is too low, ofcourse after a few days play you need to restring with higher tensions.

hope this helps, but all depends on your style of play, i play kinda flat, if i string too low balls go long. now i play tour 10 and string at 58-57 but this racket is little stiffer then the C10...

Richie Rich · Aug 16, 2007

when i played with the c-10 mp i strung them at 62 with a nice multi (like nxt os, klip venom, x-1 biphase). i found the c-10 had surprising power for such a flexy frame.

fuzz nation · Aug 16, 2007

I thought that this frame needed a little bit of a looser stringbed because of its flex and I first tried mine in the mid 50's. Yuck. No control or touch compared to my old Prostaff 6.1 Classics which I string at 65 lbs with 17 ga syn gut.

The best tension for me looks to be 60-62 lbs and now I can hit some of my best serves and strokes ever with this frame. It is a little soft on the top end of the stringbed compared to some other frames, but it still seems quite capable up at the net and the squared off shape of the grip has proven to be easy deal with. I'm even putting together a true one handed backhand with this racquet.

Get yours strung up and go bananas!

bad_call · Aug 16, 2007

ericsson and richie - thanks for ur post. i hit some flat but with top to keep them in...kinda like the Fed. i hit primarily with a low powered multi mains and syn gut crosses so i'm thinking that 57 may be ok.

what are ur thoughts? apologies again to markwillplay for another hijack.

markwillplay - forgot to ask what string do u normally use or are u open on this one?

Richie Rich · Aug 17, 2007

^^^you're probably going to have to experiment a bit and find the right tension for you. by the third string job you should have the right tension.

morten · Aug 17, 2007

well i like syntgut at 45 lbs...on my c10

louis netman · Aug 17, 2007

C10 plays well anywhere from 45 to 65#, depending on he stringbed "feel" you prefer...Back when I was more fit, I loved mine with 17g KLIP gut hybrid at around 60#. Simply a pleasure to play with...

NoBadMojo · Aug 17, 2007

louis netman said:
C10 plays well anywhere from 45 to 65#, depending on he stringbed "feel" you prefer...Back when I was more fit, I loved mine with 17g KLIP gut hybrid at around 60#. Simply a pleasure to play with...

for sure. most of the 10series frames are very versatile and can play well with a big variety of strings and tensions depending of course on individual prefs. this one is certainly no exception.

Rabbit · Aug 17, 2007

I can tell you my personal history of string and tension with the C10.

Prince Topspin 16 @ 58 pounds - this, IMO, is a very overlooked string. I liked it and it played good in the frame, durability was the only downside on this string.
Tecnifibre TR Pro SPL @ 58 pounds - I loved this string, it is basically the TRC string they sell now. When fresh, it had a very soft feel and great playing characteristics.
VS Team @ 58 pounds- I got a couple of string jobs with this to see if there was much difference between it an TR Pro. Back then, I wasn't wowed enough and thought TR Pro was a better value. (More later)
Luxilon TiMo 17 @ 54 pounds - I bought one set of this to try. The first time I strung it up, I strung it way too tight using my normal tension of 58. I basically didn't believe the 10% rule on the package. I hated it. I cut it out and restrung down to 54. It sat in my bag. I was practicing with a friend and broke my last set of TR Pro. I pulled this frame out and was really amazed. It still wasn't the best feeling (or even close) string, but the control and spin were amazing. This was pretty much my standard until I jumped off to the Cat 8. I did experiment with gut crosses, and it did soften the feel at the expense of spin/control for me.
Klip Adrenalin @54 pounds - I tried this for a time. I installed it both ways with the poly mains/gut crosses and gut mains/poly crosses. This is a good string combination although I am of the opinion that you're wasting the gut putting it in the crosses. You'd do better with a multi. I tried 3 - 4 sets of this in search of a poly/combo that felt better than TiMo. This did, but didn't give me the spin or control of TiMo.
LaserFibre Supreme @ 56 pounds - this is a very firm playing multi. I liked it although it had some problems shearing at the frame (on more than one frame).
Pacific Xtreme 16L @54 pounds - this string gives me the control and spin of TiMo, but is way more comfortable and has better pop. It pockets the ball about as well or better than any string I've ever used. Durability is about double that of TiMo although I probably leave it in too long. It's also less expensive than TiMo.

Bottom line is that string/tension is the hardest part of getting a frame "right" for me. These are the strings I've used. There are quite a few more, but they never made a second stringing. Among them are about all of the Kirschbaums, Poly Polar, and Prince's Poly, BDE Performance and Rallye, Klip Legend, and some more.

I prefer the C10 at lower tensions and apparently with a firmer string. I play 4.5 level mostly doubles. I serve and volley a lot and do the same in singles.

Oh yeah, and welcome to the club! The C10 is probably the most unique feeling frame ever put out. I love mine and haven't found anything as good.

bad_call · Aug 17, 2007

Rabbit - thanks for sharing your extensive experience with this frame. I really appreciate it.

drakulie · Aug 17, 2007

ericsson said:
its kinda flexible in the throat but ofcourse tension is personal...

Compared to the POG it is a wet noodle in terms of flexibility. For this reason you may want to string it in the higher tension range.

Great all-around stick though.

Good luck.

Rabbit · Aug 17, 2007

Wet noodle? I prefer to term it as an arm-friendly flex akin to an old tennis shoe that just feels right...

drakulie · Aug 17, 2007

^^^^^ That sounds much better.

Rabbit · Aug 17, 2007

bad_call said:
Rabbit - thanks for sharing your extensive experience with this frame. I really appreciate it.

No problem, hope it helps.

drakulie said:
^^^^^ That sounds much better.

Yeah, I thought so too!

markwillplay · Aug 18, 2007

interesting, my POG OS has the same flex rating as the c10 pro. Anway, it has not arrived yet but when it does, I will surely report on how I like it. I have been out of town and had hoped it would have come to me by now. Anticipation...........

Peter Szucs · Aug 19, 2007

markwillplay said:
interesting, my POG OS has the same flex rating as the c10 pro. Anway, it has not arrived yet but when it does, I will surely report on how I like it. I have been out of town and had hoped it would have come to me by now. Anticipation...........

I just found a brand new C10 Pro in a local shop, unfortunately its not strung so i cannot test it unless i buy it. I am currently playing with the old 4 green stripe POG OS that i could buy new a couple of months ago. I am overall satisfied with the POG OS, but i can imagine that a bit lighter and more manoeuvrable frame with similar or maybe with little lower power level would work me better. One thing i dont like about the POG OS is that its a little clumsy when caught off balance or hitting tricky defensive shots. I wonder if the c10 pro would suit me better.
With regards to flex I am also curious on how the c10 would feel like so pls let me know once you tested it.

Peter Szucs · Aug 19, 2007

BTW to those who already played with both the POG OS and the C10 pro: what does the power level of the c10 feel like knowing that:

POG Mid power level index: 600
POG OS: 700
O3 Tour Mid: 750
O3 Tour MP: 800
C10 Pro: ??

for a Volkl reference i can only mention the Tour 10 Gen 1 that i used and found to be really under powered for my game.

fuzz nation · Aug 19, 2007

From what you're describing, the C-10 Pro could be an excellent alternative to your POG. It definately has an edge in the maneuvering dept. over the Prince and its power is nicely moderated - by that I'm inferring that I can hit it easy with touch or hit it really hard with a good dose of control.

If you pick up that one you saw in the shop, you may need to trial and error the string set up a little for your needs, but this frame seems to have a nice spectrum of behavior depending on how you rig it. I'm not much of a fan of lead - I prefer to have a frame work well without rebalancing - but I have found that these Volkls can be easily tuned with just a little heavy tape at one end or the other.

Bonus points: that frame is one of the current classics that you can always resell if it doesn't work out. As investments go, I don't think this one is too risky unless you really fall for this frame, ditch everything else, turn your back on any of your tennis friends who don't play Volkl, get a tatoo of their symbol, and then the honeymoon ends in tears...

Peter Szucs · Aug 19, 2007

fuzz nation said:
Bonus points: that frame is one of the current classics that you can always resell if it doesn't work out. As investments go, I don't think this one is too risky unless you really fall for this frame, ditch everything else, turn your back on any of your tennis friends who don't play Volkl, get a tatoo of their symbol, and then the honeymoon ends in tears...

thats funny, thanks for your valuable feedback. I think i will take a shot at it. One thing that i read a couple of times on this forum as a negative about the racq is serve. Now whats your view on that? The other thing is spin capacities? Is this frame more a flat hitter or a top spinner? If i remember right at one time in the past spanish clay courters used it a lot on the atp so i guess it has some great spin potential.

max · Aug 19, 2007

Hey, I like that idea of a Volkl tattoo on my backside!

Rabbit · Aug 19, 2007

The C10 does indeed have great spin potential.

bad_call · Aug 20, 2007

got a C10 now and strung it up with Rip Control / OGSM at 55. hopefully this string tension and combo will work for me. the C10 feels a touch heavier than the T10V mid.

Orly_Yarly · Aug 20, 2007

after reading all the threads on C10 pro, I'm very interested in this racquet. How would you guys rate its stability compared to some stable frames say n 6.1 95? Thanks.

Peter Szucs · Aug 21, 2007

I just bought one brand new in a local shop... they have an old wooden racquet holder that holds dozens of old terrible condition used frames and it was just in the middle of it almost buried in the 'trash'... never strung, still plastic on the handle... so i am kinda happy now. They now string it for me, i chose what they recommended since they dont hold the type of string i normally use.. so its going to be Head Sonic Pro... i have never heard of that string, will see how it works out. Tension will be 54, i normally use 55 or 56 in my POG OS but that has bigger headsize so therefore i went down a bit. If there is not rain i will do my first testing this afternoon.. will let you know what i feel.

fuzz nation · Aug 21, 2007

I've used the Prostaff 6.1 Classic for many years and mostly looked to this frame for a better option from the baseline - I'm trying to up my singles clout and I'm a very avid serve and volleyer. My findings thus far:

Stability is really good; only the real caveman sticks are more "unfluctuating". Here's the catch, though. Up at net, I found that the C-10 Pro is a little soft at the top of the hoop and I put a couple of grams up there to make it less of an issue (my old Prostaffs are quite firm and slightly more stable). The lead seems like a plus for me, but I only added it to one of the pair that I use and I enjoy both - I'm a bit flakey like that.

Serving! I've been a student of the serve forever and have skills that are on par with typical 4.0-4.5 players. My serve can push teaching pros around with velocity, placement, and spins. I thought the heavy LM Prestige mid was the nastiest thing I've served with, but in my recent workouts I've discovered that I have no less potential to serve how I want with this Volkl. For me, this frame has turned out to be a rare and exceptionally good server.

Spin production is right where I want it - I think there's a bit more available for me with the C-10's than my stiffer Prostaffs, so I'm a little more comfortable with the Volkls at the baseline. No problems hitting flatter balls or really turning strokes over when I want to. I've used the Flexpoint Radical Tour and Prince NXG midplus and would have to admit that both of those frames seem to make too much spin for me... who'd of thunk it?

For the sake of full disclosure, I'm not in the racquet industry and I have no tattoos.

Ripper · Aug 21, 2007

Wet noodle racquets rule! I'm an RD-7 user

bad_call · Aug 21, 2007

fuzz - thanks for your posting. i've been serving very well with the T10V mid and continue to improve.

will be hitting with the C10 late in the day and be able to make some initial comparisons.

bad_call · Aug 21, 2007

sorry for the double post.

max · Aug 21, 2007

You know, I feel I've used that upper-hoop flex to some very good advantage in volleying, in softening up the ball, drop volleys, etc.

I'm impressed with my service placement; extremely accurate for some reason with the Volkl.

bad_call · Aug 21, 2007

max said:
You know, I feel I've used that upper-hoop flex to some very good advantage in volleying, in softening up the ball, drop volleys, etc.

I'm impressed with my service placement; extremely accurate for some reason with the Volkl.

upper-hoop flex is good once u figure out how to use it.

Peter Szucs · Aug 21, 2007

So i had my first hit with the C10 Pro this evening. What a pleasure it was.. I really find it hard to calm myself down and be objective.. this is just an awesome frame.
Okay so i am a 31year old 4.0 - 4.5 claycourt baseline player who has decent technique, long forehand and a semi-compact 2hbh swing. My game relies on the serve and the forehand. I try to play aggressive and dictate as often as possible. I am bit over the optimal weight so sometimes i have problems with playing long rallies, in fact i tend to be not stable enough. I have used Fischer Mspeed 105 SL then moved to POG OS that i play consistently with in the past couple of months.
So i had a two hour hitting session today with an old friend, probably a 3.5-4.0 guy. We had one hour of practicing, groundstrokes, netplay, smash, drop shots and then played a two setter in the second hour.
Without doubt the C10 Pro is the sweetest, most buttery feel frame that i have ever hit with. (i tell you i hit with a lot) After that it was the Tour10 Gen 1, then the PS85 and the Mspeed 105. But none of these come close. You just feel the ball sitting on the strings waiting for you to fine tune your order. Control is therefore amazing. Its really pocketing the ball. Drop shots are just must to hit.. they just come so naturally.
The frame is very very easy to move provided its over 12oz. Much easier than the POG OS. Power level is lowered compared to the POG but still well enough for a med-long, long swing type player.
Spin capacity is very impressive also probably due to the headlight balance and the low flex.
Best volleying frame i have ever used, period.
Serving is a thing to learn with it. Nothing seriously wrong but just dont come naturally, nothing that practicing cannot tackle.
I will further test it tomorrow.

bad_call · Aug 21, 2007

here's my $.02. only tested tonite in friendly hitting and not a competitive match but here are my 1st impressions:

comparing the c10 to my regular racquet the t10v mid, tw specs the c10 at 5 points higher swingweight than the t10v mid. static weight is equal.

serving: the c10 is a solid serving racquet. had no problem hitting flat or spin serves with good accuracy and solid pace. however the t10 has a more penetrating serve.

groundstrokes: c10 is more forgiving and controlled. the t10 requires a bit more concentration and rewards for it. however hitting a bit late is easier with the c10.

volleys: only hit a few of these but the c10 is very solid and predictable. for doubles the c10 would be the pick. for attacking singles, i would favor the t10.

overheads: both racquets are about equal here.

conclusion: for me the c10 is great for friendly hitting and practice. however having used the t10, i favor the t10 for serious competition. it's probably wise to stick to one racquet but i think the differences between the 2 are slight enough and the fun factor high enough that all will be well using both.

Bad Dog · Aug 21, 2007

Peter Szucs said:
So i had my first hit with the C10 Pro this evening. What a pleasure it was.. I really find it hard to calm myself down and be objective.. this is just an awesome frame.
[...]
Without doubt the C10 Pro is the sweetest, most buttery feel frame that i have ever hit with. (i tell you i hit with a lot) [...] You just feel the ball sitting on the strings waiting for you to fine tune your order. Control is therefore amazing. Its really pocketing the ball. Drop shots are just must to hit.. they just come so naturally.
The frame is very very easy to move provided its over 12oz. [...]
Spin capacity is very impressive also probably due to the headlight balance and the low flex.
Best volleying frame i have ever used, period.
Serving is a thing to learn with it. Nothing seriously wrong but just dont come naturally, nothing that practicing cannot tackle.
I will further test it tomorrow.

Thank you for the excellent review – my experience with the C-10 is similar. I believe it’s one of the greatest rackets ever made – ultimate control, arm-friendly, and huge sweetspot. A real spin machine.

[Original quote summarized for space considerations.]

Peter Szucs · Aug 21, 2007

Bad Dog said:
Thank you for the excellent review – my experience with the C-10 is similar. I believe it’s one of the greatest rackets ever made – ultimate control, arm-friendly, and huge sweetspot. A real spin machine.

[Original quote summarized for space considerations.]

This frame is really unique in feel and performance. You might either love it or just cannot get in groove with it. One question i have though.. I have heard that there is an older (more flex) and a more recent version that is firmer. I also now that there is the fishnet paint version and the recent yellow w/o the fishnet cosmetics. Now is the fishnet version the old version that is more flex or the paintjob was not following the change in flex?? btw i have the w/o fishnet pj version.. thats the one TW has on the webpage right now.

louis netman · Aug 22, 2007

Peter Szucs said:
This frame is really unique in feel and performance. You might either love it or just cannot get in groove with it. One question i have though.. I have heard that there is an older (more flex) and a more recent version that is firmer. I also now that there is the fishnet paint version and the recent yellow w/o the fishnet cosmetics. Now is the fishnet version the old version that is more flex or the paintjob was not following the change in flex?? btw i have the w/o fishnet pj version.. thats the one TW has on the webpage right now.

from earliest to most recent: Fishnet graphix with all-caps lettering C10PRO. MADE IN GERMANY. Then same fishnet graphics, made in CHINA. Then non-fishnet graphics, made in CHINA....

Peter Szucs · Aug 22, 2007

louis netman said:
from earliest to most recent: Fishnet graphix with all-caps lettering C10PRO. MADE IN GERMANY. Then same fishnet graphics, made in CHINA. Then non-fishnet graphics, made in CHINA....

Okay thanks, so i have the firmer version.

jonolau · Aug 22, 2007

You will never go wrong with the C10 Pro. It is one of the nicest racquets out there that does what it's supposed to, plus it has the smoothest buttery feel on groundstrokes - no harshness or jarring vibrations coming down the handle. Plus it has such a solid feel upon impact when swinging wide and fast that it gives the player a huge confidence boost. The flexible upper hoop also provides so much access to control.

My only problem is that I bought mine 9 years ago one size too small, and adding a heat shrink sleeve put it out of balance.

This is truly a classic that nothing else can match.

markwillplay · Aug 22, 2007

well I finally got it. My impressions:

This particular one is 12.5 so that intimidated me before I hit with it. I think it is strung mid tension and not sure what strings are on it but they move a lot so maybe lower tension.

Right away I serve better. I think it is easier for me to let the stick do the work with this one and I find that the grip hpe realy helps me. I was suprised that i played 3 sets and really did not notice that the racquet was that heavy. With the POG, I noticed getting tired serving after a few sets but this one soesn't seem to do that and I don't really know why unless it is that it is a little more headlight

I find that I actually like hitting one hand backhand topspin with this one. That is the reason the fellow got rid of it but I find that I can keep it in and hit out pretty easily. I will say that I am in very god shape and do much work for my body off the court so really, the weight of any of these sticks should not be a factor...just what you get used to in my pinion. I will also say that I have now been playing with sticks that are all over 12 0z for over a month and I think really that I am starting to get used to the weight. . I am still framing some balls with this one on the forhand side so that will take time to really find the sweet spot.

This stick has more power on serve than the POG, at least with my motion and technique . I really love the way it volleys. Seems to have more punch (deeper easier probably due to string tension) when needed with less effort and also great for little touch voleys. I do wish this one was closer to 12 0z but I will not be getting rid of it. It is a great sign when you go out and hit and play match with a stick for the first time and it seems to fit if you know what I mean.

bad_call · Aug 22, 2007

forgot to add - the c10 is easy and results predictable when punishing balls on the rise...probably easier than the t10.

OK, c10 pro on the way!!

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