Scores for Chris' Volkl C10 Pro 2012 Review?

Thanks to Chris for publishing his one-man reviews on frames that don't make it onto the full crew's review list. I think it's great that he is revisiting some classic frames like the POG OS and C10 Pro.

But would he be interested in adding his scores for the C10 (power, feel, spin, control, etc.) to the review to give us a better sense of how this frame stacks up to others for him, in the specific categories of performance?

My scores would look like this:
Power 85
Control 80
Maneuverability 77
Stability 83
Comfort 92
Touch/Feel 90
Serves & Overheads 84
Groundstrokes 84
Returns 82
Slice 90
Topspin 84
Volleys 86
Overall 87

Chris, TW

Wow. Easy to see why you switched. Thanks!!

Wow too.

The score from Chris pretty impressive.

Chris, how do you compare with Head YOUTEK IG Extreme Pro 2.0?

Chris, I saw you also playtested Donnay Pro One 97 18x20. I have a Donnay X-Dual Pro 97, the racquet seems very boardy when hitting. I also played P1 97 16x19, very comfortable, powerful, but some prob in accuracy (ball directions).

How do you also compare C10 Pro 2012 with Donnay Pro One 97 18x20?

Many Thanks!

The Extreme Pro 2.0 has a very different feel. It is crisp and very responsive -- but also comfortable thanks to the new grommet system. Great spin, great power. Kind of like a more maneuverable PDR, but without as much plow through power.

The C10 Pro offers more zip compared to the Donnay Pro One 97 18x20 and is actually closer in performance to the open patterned Pro One. After hitting the 16x19, I thought I was going to find my holy grail in the 18x20 Pro One, but it didn't pad out. The spec was slightly different and I ended up preferring the 16x19 even though it always felt a tad lively.

The C10 Pro has a similar lively response, but I have found simply going higher in tension solves the issue. I've not tried dropping very low in tension to see if that also solves the problem which may seem somewhat ironic since I did the whole low tension experiment, but I have been using the C10 Pro a lot during string testing where it is important I test the string at a more popular tension range.

I would recommend you try your Donnay Pro One at a high tension first -- it offers the comfort to handle it -- and see where you are.

The C10 Pro is also well worth a demo and there's a ton of info on here about it since it has been around forever.

Chris, TW

Chris, would you say that the c10 Pro's power level is around the new six.one 16x18s? Love the power just looking for a bit more consistence (As you know there are hot spots with the six.one)

I would say the power is in the same ball park, but the feel is quite different. You can certainly crush the ball with both as they both come through contact with some nice plow through. The stringbed feels livelier on the C10 Pro, so it is the more powerful of the two for me.

The Six.One has that solid box beam feel, while the C10 Pro has a flexier feel to it.

Chris, TW

Hi Chris,

How do you compare Maneuverability of C10 Pro, QTour and YOUTEK IG Extreme Pro 2.0?

I also noticed there is a maneuverability issue on QTour as you playtested.

I am a skinny guy at age 40, with shoulder problem (steroid treatment before). I played my friend's Boris Becker Delta Core London (not Tour), very comfortable and played quite well with this.

So I am now going look for a new one (more power, bigger sweetspot, better maneuverability) to replace my QTour.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

TW Staff said:

The C10 Pro is also well worth a demo and there's a ton of info on here about it since it has been around forever.

Chris, TW

Click to expand...

Will there be demos available for the 2012 version of the C10 Pro?

I click on Demo for the '12 and it doesn't show any. The $99 version shows demos available but I wasn't sure if it played the same as the '12 or not.

Thanks.

TripleB

TripleB said:

Will there be demos available for the 2012 version of the C10 Pro?

I click on Demo for the '12 and it doesn't show any. The $99 version shows demos available but I wasn't sure if it played the same as the '12 or not.

Thanks.

TripleB

Click to expand...

TripleB,

It looks like we will get in some of the Volkl C10 Pro 2012 demos at the beginning of November.

Brittany, TW

TW Staff said:

TripleB,

It looks like we will get in some of the Volkl C10 Pro 2012 demos at the beginning of November.

Brittany, TW

Click to expand...

Awesome...I look forward to trying it out soon. Thank you!!!

TripleB

mrrockstar said:

Hi Chris,

How do you compare Maneuverability of C10 Pro, QTour and YOUTEK IG Extreme Pro 2.0?

Click to expand...

I find both the C10 Pro and Extreme Pro 2.0 easier to accelerate through the hit than the Q Tour. I found the Q Tour high on control but lower on power. I think the fact I couldn't snap it through as fast on a serve or get as much drive off the ground accounted for much of that.

The Extreme Pro 2.0 is just a fast feeling racquet, pure and simple. I also find the C10 Pro an easy racquet to maneuver and it feels much faster than its specs would indicate.

Hope that helps.
Chris, TW

Thanks very much Chris

TW Staff said:

I find both the C10 Pro and Extreme Pro 2.0 easier to accelerate through the hit than the Q Tour. I found the Q Tour high on control but lower on power. I think the fact I couldn't snap it through as fast on a serve or get as much drive off the ground accounted for much of that.

The Extreme Pro 2.0 is just a fast feeling racquet, pure and simple. I also find the C10 Pro an easy racquet to maneuver and it feels much faster than its specs would indicate.

Hope that helps.
Chris, TW

Click to expand...

For me, the C10 pro is one of the most perfect weight and balance setups in stock form. Don't feel like it needs customization for optimal performance. There aren't many racquets around like that any more.

TW Staff said:

The C10 Pro has a similar lively response, but I have found simply going higher in tension solves the issue. I've not tried dropping very low in tension to see if that also solves the problem which may seem somewhat ironic since I did the whole low tension experiment, but I have been using the C10 Pro a lot during string testing where it is important I test the string at a more popular tension range.


Chris, TW

Click to expand...

Hey Chris, Any chance of talking you into trying the C10 at a low tension....say 35lbs or so? I'd just like to see your findings on this racquet strung like that.

mrmike said:

For me, the C10 pro is one of the most perfect weight and balance setups in stock form. Don't feel like it needs customization for optimal performance. There aren't many racquets around like that any more.

Click to expand...

I have leather grips on mine (I guess that would fall under customization) which makes it slightly more head light and a bit heavier. But my main reason is that I just prefer the feel of leather with a Tourna Grip overgrip.

For those that are using c10, I read in other threads that specs are all over the range due to QC issues. Do you find this to be true for you guys?

jjs891 said:

For those that are using c10, I read in other threads that specs are all over the range due to QC issues. Do you find this to be true for you guys?

Click to expand...

I beg to differ. I believe their quality control is among the best.

Good to hear.

I'll try and hit one at 35lbs this week.

Chris, TW

TW Staff said:

My scores would look like this:
Power 85
Control 80
Maneuverability 77
Stability 83
Comfort 92
Touch/Feel 90
Serves & Overheads 84
Groundstrokes 84
Returns 82
Slice 90
Topspin 84
Volleys 86
Overall 87

Chris, TW

Click to expand...

Chris, how would you compare the C10 to the POG OS?

Capt. Willie said:

Hey Chris, Any chance of talking you into trying the C10 at a low tension....say 35lbs or so? I'd just like to see your findings on this racquet strung like that.

Click to expand...

The racquet actually played much better than expected at 35lbs. There was more adjustment needed than when I dropped tension on the PB10 Mid, but I was able to quickly adjust and find control. On the PB10 Mid, my volleys felt more dialed in at low tensions -- I never really needed any adjustment. I remember reading how some had struggled at net with lower tension and experienced that for the first time when going to 35lbs in the C10 Pro. My first outing with the racquet was a couple of sets of doubles so the different response at net was immediately noticeable. I really enjoyed it off the ground and on serve right off the bat. At net, I just had to get used to the ball coming off with more jump from the stringbed.


@ Stroke,
Comparison to the POG OS
Two very different feeling racquets. Yes, both are very classic in their feel, but it pretty much ends there -- yet I like them both! The C10 Pro is interesting as it is very soft, silky smooth yet is pretty lively, too. The POG OS is rock solid, extremely forgiving, offers superb access to spin and is pretty lively, too.

Both offer some nice punch from their weight and an open (lively) feel from their respective stringbeds, but the feel is very different. The Prince has a very classic box beam feel to it (rock solid and stable) whereas the Volkl feels faster, smoother and I can really feel the flex towards the tip.

Both are great sticks, they just get you were you are going in two different ways.

Chris, TW

jjs891 said:

For those that are using c10, I read in other threads that specs are all over the range due to QC issues. Do you find this to be true for you guys?

Click to expand...

Yeah, it is true, the C10Pro 2012 that I purchased recently was lighter 13g based on unstrung wt and 15g on strung weight. However, I added 13g @ 6.75 inch from the butt to get the specified strung wt of 346 and close to the 8pt HL balance. Adding another 1g at 12 O'clock makes it my preferred stick at the moment.

Cheers !

Questions for Chris!

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. I posted in racquets and received no feedback. I release that the C10 Pro review was a while ago, however, I was wondering if Chris would be able to compare the following racquets if possible.

1. Donnay Pro One (16x19)
2. Volkl C10 Pro (2012 model)
3. Prince Classic Graphite 100

Any advice on major differences and similarity in the racquets would be great. I am currently using the Donnay Pro one, however my racquets are fairly warn and the bag I got with them is breaking (not great quality). I am starting to strike the ball cleaner and with more racquet head speed and find I need more control in my shots. I was thinking about changing to either of the other two frames. It is not possible for me to Demo the Volk,l but I will hopefully have a hit with the prince soon.

Cheers,
FALC

I find all pretty lively for player's racquets. The C10 Pro I string up to add control. With the Prince I can stay at or under mid and still get lots of control.

For feel, I like the Volkl. It is a silky smooth racquet. The power delivery is just so smooth. It really is a fantastic feeling racquet.

The Prince is the easiest to get around. I can whip up the ball with it and generate some nice angles. My shots don't have quite the push through the court as they do with the Donnay or Volkl, but I really like the control and spin.

I could enter a tournament tomorrow with either the Prince or the Volkl (have played tournaments with both) and be perfectly happy. I don't feel as confident with the Pro One (I always preferred both the Red 94 and Gold 99)

Hope that helps.
Chris, TW

chiming in

I thought I'd add my two cents' worth, as I have played mostly with the POG OS for the last five years, while mixing in both the C10 Pro and most recent Extreme Pro version in the last two years.

Here's my take on feel, performance and stringing. For context, I am a fit, middle-aged, athletic guy who started playing tennis seriously ~5 years ago and competes in USTA league 3.5 and 4.0 singles. All-court game, mostly SW forehand and 2HBH but hit lots of slice and sometimes hit 1HBH (heavier, harder shot than my 2HBH but less consistent).

C10 Pro
My current favorite. Stock + Gamma leather grip. Softer poly (Gosen Polylon SP) at 35-40# is working best for me. Static weight similar to POG OS but much faster through the ball. Find I can hit both good topspin and flatter more penetrating groundstrokes. Can really thump both 1st and 2nd serves with this racquet. Great soft feel and I feel very confident at the net with this: caressing volleys, consistently hitting drop shots off both sides that I wouldn't even bother trying with the POG OS or any other racquet, going after overheads without fear, attacking swinging volleys, etc.

POG OS
Still go back to this one often. Sharper/crisper/zingier feel than C10 Pro. Heavier feel (diff. balance and slightly higher SW). Nothing hits loopy, heavy, deep groundstrokes like this racquet, but unless I am absolutely in the zone, I have a hard time hitting flatter, penetrating shots with it. Good on slice serves for me, less dependable on flat first serve, hard for me to generate enough racquet head speed with it to hit a decent kick serve. Basically hit some variation on slice serve all the time with this. This racquet means business and if I had to play to save my life, this is probably the one. Stock, mostly play with Polylon SP at 45-50#, have played with multi, full gut, syngut, hybrids…it's awesome with all. Feels feel good at high tensions with gut or multi.

Extreme Pro 2.0 IG
Demoed this twice last spring and thought I'd found the holy grail. I returned it to the shop with the judgment, "It's a modern POG OS." Bought one and started playing with it all the time. Stock. Feels soft but its RA is high and I did develop some wrist and elbow pain while playing with this for a couple of months (with Polylon SP at ~40# and with syngut around 50#). Very, very similar to other popular racquets in this category (esp. APD, PD, PDR) but feels much better IMO. Great spinny serves, great spinny groundstrokes and, like other stiff, thick-beamed racquets, puts volleys away with additional zip. I'm sure there's a reason the PD and all imitations are so popular with tour doubles players -- if you put one of these sticks on the ball properly at net, that ball is going to be drilled. I fell out of love with this racquet but could still play well with it. Concerned that it might have contributed to a bout of tendinitis.