DNX 11 -- Funky But Clunky

[Dedans Penthouse]

Played with a Volkl DNX 11 the other day. Mini review:

Cosmetics are first rate; racquet frame is predominantly deep orange with the same type of "DNX" graphics currently on the DNX 10, i.e. an "orange" DNX 10.

Weight/Balance: Nice heft that plows through the ball; definitely a "players" category racquet. As for the frame's "balance," the DNX11 appeared to be not as head light as other Volkl "10" racquets such as the C10, Tour 10, V-E10, or the DNX 10 itself. Even though I have a C10 Pro "leaded up" with 12 grams of Bablolat lead tape (at 9:30 and 2:30 o'clock position in the hoop), my C10's still feel noticeably more manuverable than the DNX 11. I didn't look at the "balance specs" (there were some 'specs on the inside of the frame's throat), but the DNX11 did feel more even-balanced nevertheless. In short, the frame's HEAVY swingweight gave it a clunky feel. I would compare it to the Pro Kennex K5 PSE model--another clunky albatross in your hand. At net, very solid volleys, albeit at the price of manuverabilty.

Comfort: Didn't feel quite as comfortable as the DNX 10 and definitely not as comfortable as the C10 Pro. HOWEVER it should be noted that the DNX 11 was a new frame (it only had one string job vs. many on the DNX 10 and many,many on the C10 Pro). Also, the DNX 11 had a hybrid string set up that employed a rather stiff polyester string, vs. "full multi" set-up in both the DNX 10 and C10 Pro.

There's no accounting for personal taste, but having played with the C10 Pro for years and being of the opinion that the DNX 10 is probably the closest "new version" of the C10 Pro to come down the pike, in my opinion, the DNX 11 is a sexy-looking but not-so-sexy playing klunker. Then again, just a mini-review of a 1/2 hour "hit" with it.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Yo Dedans..what were you expecting....more over cooked C10 pasta? ;O The Becker11 plays more like good pasta should..el dente. stick some DeCecco Vermicelli strings in there, and you got it made in the shade

Colourwise, I prefer to think of it as Home Depot orange

Keep in mind that you were hitting a seed frame, and the specs of those may or may not be like the main stream production frames. In fact, every pre production i've ever hit from Volkl that was an advanced players frame, swung heavier than the final spec. thats why i try not to talk about specs much and go by the final specs which volkl always seems to get right, and they will even tell you what the swingweight will be. the prelim info i have sez 315, and i think we both agree it swings heavier than that. if i can get a revised number, i will post it. also balance can really mess with peoples' interpretation of swingweight..i know that frames with more weight in the head cause me to think they are harder to swing then they really are..i go by how i feel after a good hour and a half of hitting in the florida sunshine as to what the swingweight is, and the becker11 wasnt all that tiring for me, and i'm not swinging heavy frames any more, but it is definitely less headlight than what is marked on the frame

You're very observant tho, as the Becker11 frame I have is also heavier in the head. I think they nailed the static weight but the balance is off by a perceptable amount
I created a thread about this frame which is maybe on the 2nd page if you are interested.

I found the frame to be extremely well made and really really solid, but it sure doesnt feel like a Volkl 10 series..it isnt supposed to..if you're still diggin' the c10, they are planning a cosmetic change next year...load up man.....who knows how long they will keep making that dinosaur

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Thanks for the info, NBMJ. As for the C10 Pro's "cosmetic change" for '08, I recall you mentioning in another thread that it would involve a color-reversal, i.e. the C10 Pro frame would be black with yellow graphics. If in doing so, they would keep the present "gloss" finish of the current C10's, Volkl would have a knockout-looking frame that I'd even take to bed. If those C10 cosmetic changes do come to fruition for '08, I hope that Boris & Co. do not employ that dull (boring) "matt" finish like the original Tour 10 series. No gloss, their loss.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Thanks for the info, NBMJ. As for the C10 Pro's "cosmetic change" for '08, I recall you mentioning in another thread that it would involve a color-reversal, i.e. the C10 Pro frame would be black with yellow graphics. If in doing so, they would keep the present "gloss" finish of the current C10's, Volkl would have a knockout-looking frame that I'd even take to bed. If those C10 cosmetic changes do come to fruition for '08, I hope that Boris & Co. do not employ that dull (boring) "matt" finish like the original Tour 10 series. No gloss, their loss.

yw. and I agree..gloss is boss. i didnt like the rubbery mate finish of the T10's either, but managed to struggle away w. that for about 5 years or so...form follows function and all that abba dabba. funny how the better a racquet works out for you (or shall i say, the better you cause them to work), the prettier they become....it's like playing tennis...the better you get at it, the luckier you become aye? i'll let you apply this all to females if you wish.......

 

[Deleted member 6835]

dedans i didnt even know you actually played tennis... but you use a volkl, so you cant be a good (unless your name is nobadmojo...)

im just kidding dont flame me... LOL