Is anybody here still using and/or buying C10’s 330g

[Crocodile]

Just interested to hear about people’s thoughts and experiences about the C10 which has been around for 25 years.
The current version still got very positive review scores by TW testers and it’s quite a feat to be able to do that amongst frames that are being designed and made now in 2023.
For example how many of you would say consider buying a C10 but then also look at the possibility of buying a Yonex Percept H which I would assume is a more modern frame.
Are you still using and buying C10’s and will you continue to do so or has it had it’s day and it’s time for Volkl to retire it? Is the C10 along with the PB10 Mid still the best Volkl make for traditional advanced players or do they have a better frame that they should promote ?

 

[Crocodile]

So just to add to my introductory post, there are a few questions in this thread and happy for people to add whatever they think would be interesting to discuss.

 

[Crocodile]

While I’m at it I thought I would add a list of Volkl frames from the past that I have really enjoyed playing with apart from the C10 and PB10 Mid and they include ( in no particular order) the following:

1. Volkl V Engine 10 MP
2. Volkl Super G 10 Mid 330
4. Volkl Organix V1 Pro
5. Boris Becker Melbourne
6. Tour 10 MP 325
Anyway see how this thread goes

 

[Crocodile]

Also would like to add that the V Feel and V Cell ranges do not feel like Volkl frames in that they are quite stiff, muted and not a very nice sensation.
I can how understand what Volkl might be trying to do - that is make a racquet more powerful but put enough dampening to still make it comfortable and useable. I’m not sure whether they have achieved this but maybe in their next generation of frames they might have this idea nailed.
Other companies like Wilson with their Clash range have managed to make a flexible frame with flex profiles and beam structures that still give you the power. Any thoughts about this ?

 

[Kemitak]

I’m late to the party, but I wish I had bought the C10 Pro twenty years ago. I bought the 2019 version because it’s the first paint scheme that doesn’t look like a dog’s breakfast. It does everything really well, and it’s one of the few rackets I’ve used where if I make an error, I know it was me and not the racket. I switch frames around quite a bit, but the C10 Pro is always in my bag, along with my Redondo mid, and my VCP97HD.

The PB10 mid is also one of the best frames ever. To me, it plays much like an open pattern Prestige mid. The C10 Pro is just a more lively and more forgiving PB10 mid. The SuperG10 330 slots nicely in between the two, though the balance isn’t quite as headlight as with the other two, and I’m planning on fixing that soon. I’m a big fan of all three Volkls, and I use them all regularly. All three felt much stiffer than expected until a month or two in and then they became quite elastic, and they’re some of the best feeling rackets I’ve struck a ball with.

I slapped a fat TW leather grip on, so the balance is a bit more headlight, and I have my C10 Pro strung with Solinco Confidential 17g at 50lbs. I string everything else at 45lbs, but the C10 Pro is a surprisingly powerful racket, and I don’t need any help in that department.

 

[Phat Dave]

I demoed every racket line over the course of 2 years and hands down the V Feel was the worst, I almost swore off Volkl all together. I was confident the VCPHD was my stick for next 5+ years and was planing on getting 4 or 5 of them. The C10 Pro Yellow changed everything, ...it's a masterpiece. Mine has a static weight of 360 grams and I describe it as "whippy". It's 16X19 but perfect for my Eastern forehand flat shots. It's can produce great topspin when behind the baseline. It's thin beam can cut cleanly into backhand slice. It's tapered handle initially bothered me, now I love it. Shoot even the puffy replacement grip it comes with I've grown to appreciate. Gut/Cream combo makes it a beautiful and full feeling at impact, even better than HD, unmatched synergy btwn comfort and feedback. Im haunted because I can't demo the PB Mid and hate buying blindly but my next racket for sure will be another C10 or PB 10, Volkl is cheaper the comp too

 

[rlau]

In my experience, the famous ‘Volkl feel’ is gone since the Tour 10 days: DNX, Power Bridge, Organix, Super G, V Cell, I tried them all, to no avail. Exceptions are the C10 Pro and Power Bridge 10 Mid, which you can still get today. I used to be a Volkl fan, but now I only play with my Angell TC97 frames and H22s.

 

[Crocodile]

Any thoughts on how the C10 stacks up against the other heavy weight frames such as Yonex Percept H, Head Prestige Pro, Wilson Pro Staff including RF and something like a Prince Phantom 93 P and a weighted up Dunlop CX 200 and Angell TC97?

 

[Crocodile]

Also I wonder whether Volkl is active in designing the next generation of frames as in my opinion the V Cell and V Feel is not one of their best work.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Any thoughts on how the C10 stacks up against the other heavy weight frames such as Yonex Percept H, Head Prestige Pro, Wilson Pro Staff including RF and something like a Prince Phantom 93 P and a weighted up Dunlop CX 200 and Angell TC97?

@Vicious49

 

[Vicious49]

Any thoughts on how the C10 stacks up against the other heavy weight frames such as Yonex Percept H, Head Prestige Pro, Wilson Pro Staff including RF and something like a Prince Phantom 93 P and a weighted up Dunlop CX 200 and Angell TC97?

Ha! I've played with all of those In bold. Some have been a while though. Out of those the only one that has the mass and stability of the C10 Pro is the RF97. The RF97 is much harder to swing. Something about the weight distribution or more likely the beam shape/thickness. The C10 Pro is a bit of a unicorn. It has a thin beam so cuts through the air like the 93P/Prestige Pro/CX 200 Tour but it has the mass similar to an RF97 behind it. The other thin beamed ones I just named are also very maneuverable and fast through the air but don't have the same mass behind them. I put a leather grip and 4-6g of lead on the hoop of my CX200 Tour 16/19 and while that helped give it a bit more thump, it's nowhere close to the c10 Pro. The c10 Pro just hits a heavier ball.

I have a pair of the 2019 yellow C10 Pros that I go away from and then once I come back to them I ask myself 'why am I not using this more?'. I use mine stock with an OG and I think the static weight is 351g with a 331 SW. Those numbers are approximate from what I can recall so I could be off slightly. It is super comfortable with the Volkl dampening in the handle and the mass of the racquet absorbing most of the vibrations. The frame is not getting pushed around. At the same time it is very whippy and maneuverable due to the HL balance and beam shape. It's a great frame to play with. Serving with it over 3 sets will take it's toll on me as I can tell my arm is getting more and more tired so for that reason I primarily use it for doubles.

 

[Kemitak]

I don’t understand what Volkl is doing. If they’re happy selling a few rackets, why not just continue producing their good stuff and have a small cult following? But if they want to sell a lot of rackets and be one of the big brands, why are they not sponsoring tv players? Either way, the V Sense and V Feel lines aren’t going to help. There are so many garbage rackets that sell, just because top players are seen using them.

 

[bill a]

Another C10 Pro user here. It's my main stick. It does everything well and has a very satisfying sensation when in contact with the ball. Great feel. I also have a PB Mid which plays lighter (but isn't) and is a quicker racquet than the C10 Pro. It comes around fast. However, the feel on the C10 Pro is much better. I like the PB 10 but quite a bit less than the Pro.

 

[Crocodile]

Another C10 Pro user here. It's my main stick. It does everything well and has a very satisfying sensation when in contact with the ball. Great feel. I also have a PB Mid which plays lighter (but isn't) and is a quicker racquet than the C10 Pro. It comes around fast. However, the feel on the C10 Pro is much better. I like the PB 10 but quite a bit less than the Pro.

The interesting thing with the C10 was that earlier versions made say around 2013 did have a lower SW ( 323) and came around quickly then in 2018 when they released the matt finished yellow version the SW was bumped up to 330 so I thought it felt a lot slower than the earlier version and the PB 10 Mid. Now the 2022 version according to TW samples the SW has dropped back to around 326, so i would like to know if people can comment about this?

 

[Kemitak]

The interesting thing with the C10 was that earlier versions made say around 2013 did have a lower SW ( 323) and came around quickly then in 2018 when they released the matt finished yellow version the SW was bumped up to 330 so I thought it felt a lot slower than the earlier version and the PB 10 Mid. Now the 2022 version according to TW samples the SW has dropped back to around 326, so i would like to know if people can comment about this?

I think just the one guy has bought that fugly frame.

But what I’m hearing is that it does play more like the earlier versions. I’d love to hear a comparison between the two latest versions…

 

[Crocodile]

I remember when I bought my first C10 back around 1999 and it was either the C10 or the red Fischer Pro No 1 and I remember both racquets being very superior in arm comfort and feel that anything that Head and Wilson could muster. Wilson had the Hyper classic 6.1 Pro Staff and Head was trying to market their Ti Pro Tour which was terrible for the arm. Luckily at the time I new someone at Head who was able to order from Austria the Ti Fire Pro Edition which still had the twin tube hiding under the paint job. Prince had the TT Warrior which was good especially after they tried to subject everyone to the morph beams, which was not great on the shoulder. Unfortunately Australia didn’t get the late 90’s PK Black Ace but we got the Type S and Type C if you knew the rep.
So all this time has past and the C10 is still on the market competing against the new stuff. We have to remember that after the C10 we had these releases:
1. Tour 10 MP 325
2. Tour 10 MP V Engine - with US also getting a Mk2 of the Tour 10MP
Then Volkl went
3. DNX 10mp 325
4. Power Bridge 10mp
Then Becker got involved and here we only got
5. BB 11 Mp 325
Then back to Volkl with
6. Organix 10 Mp 325
7. Super G 10mp 325
8. V Sense 10 Mp 325
Then things went south
9. V feel 10 320
10. V Cell 10 320
11. And now the C10 still lives. That’s a lot of models between drinks
When the C10 was first replaced by the Tour 10mp I can recall that the drop in 5 grams was noticeable and while the frame was similar the hoop was slightly stiffer.
With the V Engine range the Kevlar was deleted and fibreglass was bought back and I really enjoyed this frame. It was more gutsy than the Tour 10.
Subsequently when the DNX arrived it was so thin that many thought it looked like a squash racquet. The colour was more of an orangey yellow than yellow, it was however very anaemic and less gutsy than the V Engine and it swapped the 16/19 for an 18/20. I didn’t like it at first and my wrist wasn’t happy with it but later realised that it was a very flexible and soft racquet.
The Power Bridge bought back a bit of the grunt and had a brick like solidity to it and the story goes on,
The Organix and Super G 10 bought RA levels up to 65 and had an interesting balance of power and control and when the V Sense arrived it felt quite weak and many swapped it with the Tour 10 with added lead under the handle,
The V Feel and V Cell was the end of the traditional Volkl feel and many who tried the V Cell felt arm issues due to the way the racquet was weighted.
So the C10 is still with us along with the V1 EVO and PB 10 Mid ( on order from Volkl because nobody else can sell it or not many people want to buy it and use it ) and the current V Cells are invisible to the market.
I will hopefully find out more information about the future and talk about it when possible

 

[ragingbull1980]

I'm still playing with my BB 11 MP. Have yet to find anything as good for my game. I did just buy the super g 10 mid 330 and am pleasantly impressed. It will stay in the bag, but probably won't overtake my BB 11 MP.

 

[TF40]

I’m currently using C10 pro, I have 3 2019 yellow versions, and 1 2022 black + 1 2022 yellow 25th ani. version. Interestingly all 3 2019 are heavier, to reduce the weight, I use replacement grip only, and thin rubber band as dampener. Three rackets weigh 348 349 350. While the 25th anniversary version is about 6-7 grams lighter, I put a mid size dampener to make it 345 g strung. This a little bit better maneuverability make this racket my favorite, especially when enter the third set of the day. The black 2022 one came out to be too light at 237g strung, it’s actually my favorite color-way. So I don’t know if mine is just one bad quality copy, or all other black ones are lighter. Can anyone who has a black version weigh your racket and let me know? Thx

 

[Crocodile]

I’m currently using C10 pro, I have 3 2019 yellow versions, and 1 2022 black + 1 2022 yellow 25th ani. version. Interestingly all 3 2019 are heavier, to reduce the weight, I use replacement grip only, and thin rubber band as dampener. Three rackets weigh 348 349 350. While the 25th anniversary version is about 6-7 grams lighter, I put a mid size dampener to make it 345 g strung. This a little bit better maneuverability make this racket my favorite, especially when enter the third set of the day. The black 2022 one came out to be too light at 237g strung, it’s actually my favorite color-way. So I don’t know if mine is just one bad quality copy, or all other black ones are lighter. Can anyone who has a black version weigh your racket and let me know? Thx

Interesting comparison - the 2019 versions in particular were meant to have that 330 swing weight whereas the newer 2022 frames were meant to come in around 326. My 2011 yellow C10’s with black stripes were around 323 in swing weight. Many people I knew who played with the 2011 C10’s and beyond didn’t like the 330 swing weight on the 2019 model and swapped them for the PB 10 Mid which was a 330 unstrung static weight but with a 320 swing weight.
Unfortunately some of the current users of the 2022 models were telling me that the spec consistency is a bit variable which is a little disappointing.
The thing is that most traditional Volkl 10 series users will still prefer the C10 and PB10 Mid to the current V Cell 10 320 and I’m just wondering what is happening with Volkl? I will try and find out to see where they are heading with the brand.

 

[TF40]

Besides the c10’s, I also have 2 PB10 mid’s, and 2 SuperG 325 midplus’s. The Super G’s feels a little bit stiffer and powerful, the swing weight is closer to the 2019 C-10. PB10 swings a little lighter, both very nice frames.

 

[fuzz nation]

Interesting comparison - the 2019 versions in particular were meant to have that 330 swing weight whereas the newer 2022 frames were meant to come in around 326. My 2011 yellow C10’s with black stripes were around 323 in swing weight. Many people I knew who played with the 2011 C10’s and beyond didn’t like the 330 swing weight on the 2019 model and swapped them for the PB 10 Mid which was a 330 unstrung static weight but with a 320 swing weight.
Unfortunately some of the current users of the 2022 models were telling me that the spec consistency is a bit variable which is a little disappointing.
The thing is that most traditional Volkl 10 series users will still prefer the C10 and PB10 Mid to the current V Cell 10 320 and I’m just wondering what is happening with Volkl? I will try and find out to see where they are heading with the brand.

Haven't bought a new Volkl (new for me) in quite a while, but the paint jobs on some of the current models are borderline offensive. Maybe a couple of rich turds at Volkl HQ made a bet to see how ugly they could go with their paint jobs and still convince some of us to buy them...

The C10's I've had on hand as my go-to players have been sidelined since the spring. These have the primarily black paint scheme with some yellow on the inside of the top half of the hoop from about 3-to-9 o'clock. I have lead tape on their handles for the balance I like and they weigh in near 12.5 oz., but I haven't done any more analysis than that. My small collection of C10's includes some older versions, but these two have been the ones I've kept in the bag.

I hit the pause button on my Volkls when I had a nasty bug right before starting my spring coaching with a high school team. That really took my fitness down a notch and my Volkls - including my Organix 10's leaded up to around the heft of my C10's - just weren't working for me through my slower-than-average recovery. The racquets were too much. Fortunately I had just picked up a pair of Dunlop CX-200 Tours (18x20), which turned out to be a good alternative for me in that moment.

I have the handles on these Dunlops weighted just a bit and they've worked just fine for me through the summer. I was sure when I first got these that I'd want to eventually also throw some lead on their hoops, but they've turned out to be okay as is. Just enough to really hammer the ball when I want, but also light enough to not overwhelm the ball as readily as my C10's, which have always given me all the power I could use (and not necessarily control).

My Volkls aren't going anywhere, but the Dunlops are working quite well for now. VERY pleasantly surprised with the soft racquet feel that I get with my CX-200 T's, which I'm stringing in the mid 50's using 17 ga. syn. gut. And even though this Dunlop is a 95 sq inch frame, it never occurs to me that I'm playing with a "smaller" head size when I use it. I already have way too many racquets squirreled away, so I'm not in a hurry to pick up any more Dunlops to sample right now. But if I get the itch to try anything different, Dunlop is easily at the head of the line for me.

 

[Crocodile]

Haven't bought a new Volkl (new for me) in quite a while, but the paint jobs on some of the current models are borderline offensive. Maybe a couple of rich turds at Volkl HQ made a bet to see how ugly they could go with their paint jobs and still convince some of us to buy them...

The C10's I've had on hand as my go-to players have been sidelined since the spring. These have the primarily black paint scheme with some yellow on the inside of the top half of the hoop from about 3-to-9 o'clock. I have lead tape on their handles for the balance I like and they weigh in near 12.5 oz., but I haven't done any more analysis than that. My small collection of C10's includes some older versions, but these two have been the ones I've kept in the bag.

I hit the pause button on my Volkls when I had a nasty bug right before starting my spring coaching with a high school team. That really took my fitness down a notch and my Volkls - including my Organix 10's leaded up to around the heft of my C10's - just weren't working for me through my slower-than-average recovery. The racquets were too much. Fortunately I had just picked up a pair of Dunlop CX-200 Tours (18x20), which turned out to be a good alternative for me in that moment.

I have the handles on these Dunlops weighted just a bit and they've worked just fine for me through the summer. I was sure when I first got these that I'd want to eventually also throw some lead on their hoops, but they've turned out to be okay as is. Just enough to really hammer the ball when I want, but also light enough to not overwhelm the ball as readily as my C10's, which have always given me all the power I could use (and not necessarily control).

My Volkls aren't going anywhere, but the Dunlops are working quite well for now. VERY pleasantly surprised with the soft racquet feel that I get with my CX-200 T's, which I'm stringing in the mid 50's using 17 ga. syn. gut. And even though this Dunlop is a 95 sq inch frame, it never occurs to me that I'm playing with a "smaller" head size when I use it. I already have way too many racquets squirreled away, so I'm not in a hurry to pick up any more Dunlops to sample right now. But if I get the itch to try anything different, Dunlop is easily at the head of the line for me.

Yes the C10’s definitely deserve a better cosmetic. I honestly would like to know who signed off the current cosmetic choice. Volkl
have some homework to do.

 

[TF40]

I’m currently using C10 pro, I have 3 2019 yellow versions, and 1 2022 black + 1 2022 yellow 25th ani. version. Interestingly all 3 2019 are heavier, to reduce the weight, I use replacement grip only, and thin rubber band as dampener. Three rackets weigh 348 349 350. While the 25th anniversary version is about 6-7 grams lighter, I put a mid size dampener to make it 345 g strung. This a little bit better maneuverability make this racket my favorite, especially when enter the third set of the day. The black 2022 one came out to be too light at 237g strung, it’s actually my favorite color-way. So I don’t know if mine is just one bad quality copy, or all other black ones are lighter. Can anyone who has a black version weigh your racket and let me know? Thx

Bought my sixth C10 Pro, which is a 2022 black with yellow stripes and red accent version. This copy has the identical weight (342g or 345g with a dampener) and balance as my 25th Anniversary copy. I'm currently rotating the 25th Ani. and 2nd black in practices and USTA matches. After a few matches, I feel the slightly lower weight makes my swings faster. I plan to add weight to my first underweight black 2022 to make it match the other two 2022's.

 

[Ross K]

Q. Anyone know which version had the absolute lowest SW of the lot?... Pre-'13 C10's are in my top 3 GOAT contenders.

 

[Crocodile]

Q. Anyone know which version had the absolute lowest SW of the lot?... Pre-'13 C10's are in my top 3 GOAT contenders.

For me it was the 2011 model that was predominantly yellow, it was around 323sw

 

[Crocodile]

What is fascinating about the C10 is how it’s seen off so many subsequent attempts to build a newer iteration of a 10 series racquet and is still well thought of today,
The racquet deserves a special classy paint job as a finale. The anniversary model cosmetic wasn’t very inspiring so another finale edition is needed.

 

[TF40]

I actually don’t mind 2022 color ways. They kind of have a unique “ don’t tread on me” look.

 

[PistolPete23]

In my experience, the famous ‘Volkl feel’ is gone since the Tour 10 days: DNX, Power Bridge, Organix, Super G, V Cell, I tried them all, to no avail. Exceptions are the C10 Pro and Power Bridge 10 Mid, which you can still get today. I used to be a Volkl fan, but now I only play with my Angell TC97 frames and H22s.

I have both the highly esteemed PB10 as well as the V-Engine Tour 10 mid. The V-Engine has all the characteristics that made the PB10 great but plays even more plush IMO. If you haven't tried it before, they're pretty affordable on the Bay.

 

[PistolPete23]

I don’t like the new logo. Wished they brought back the old one.

 

[PistolPete23]

What is fascinating about the C10 is how it’s seen off so many subsequent attempts to build a newer iteration of a 10 series racquet and is still well thought of today,
The racquet deserves a special classy paint job as a finale. The anniversary model cosmetic wasn’t very inspiring so another finale edition is needed.

Yes, bring it back with one of the original cosmetics and old logo please!

 

[Seth]

What is fascinating about the C10 is how it’s seen off so many subsequent attempts to build a newer iteration of a 10 series racquet and is still well thought of today,
The racquet deserves a special classy paint job as a finale. The anniversary model cosmetic wasn’t very inspiring so another finale edition is needed.

Is the current offering supposed to be a finale? I don’t follow Volkl closely, so forgive me if this was announced.

Either way, I agree with you. Would love to see another fishnet cosmetic or even the 2012 (which I thought was really sleek).

 

[Crocodile]

Is the current offering supposed to be a finale? I don’t follow Volkl closely, so forgive me if this was announced.

Either way, I agree with you. Would love to see another fishnet cosmetic or even the 2012 (which I thought was really sleek).

I don’t know for sure whether it is but it must be getting close and in some countries sales are slow.

 

[basil J]

In my experience, the famous ‘Volkl feel’ is gone since the Tour 10 days: DNX, Power Bridge, Organix, Super G, V Cell, I tried them all, to no avail. Exceptions are the C10 Pro and Power Bridge 10 Mid, which you can still get today. I used to be a Volkl fan, but now I only play with my Angell TC97 frames and H22s.

C10 evo has the classic volkl feel. great platform frame. It is not a c10 light. it is unique with it's own character.

 

[jxs653]

Volkl has produced fine products (I haven't used after their Super G line though) and I really wish they do fine in the market.

 

[bill a]

I currently have 4 C10 Pros. Two of the 2022s (the yellow ones), a 2010 and one of the early fishnet models. The 2022s have the heaviest swing weights with the 2010 having the lightest in my little group. I would like to see a pictorial history of this racquet so I can figure out which other versions I might want to acquire. They are a demanding racquet but what a sweet racquet to play with. I'm a big fan.

 

[sargeinaz]

Love the C10 Pro. Always thought it was a stick that could be used by many different types of players. I remember I had one and also had a PT630. Love the C10 and thought it deserved the hype, the PT630 was meh to me (I also felt the PT630 was clearly for players way better than me, so I don’t think I could give it a proper review)

 

[teachingprotx]

Volkl would do rather well bringing both the volkl tr 30 v throat in a lighter modelframe and the first versions of the c 10 pro in a light version bring ‘em both back and paint em both Candy apple red and white accents .
They would sell more of those 2 rackets than any of their current frames since early 2000’s.

 

[sargeinaz]

Volkl would do rather well bringing both the volkl tr 30 v throat in a lighter modelframe and the first versions of the c 10 pro in a light version bring ‘em both back and paint em both Candy apple red and white accents .
They would sell more of those 2 rackets than any of their current frames since early 2000’s.

I have said for years I wish they would make a modern version of their old v throat rackets. Painting it glossy candy apple red would be icing on the cake.

 

[Crocodile]

Volkl would do rather well bringing both the volkl tr 30 v throat in a lighter modelframe and the first versions of the c 10 pro in a light version bring ‘em both back and paint em both Candy apple red and white accents .
They would sell more of those 2 rackets than any of their current frames since early 2000’s.

They definitely need to do something imaginative to capture people’s attention again My view is that the V Feel and V Cell generation of frames was like an accountants decision to just put a range out there as a stop gap measure until they get their act together again and decide which way to go. They must be very close to replacing the V Cell range: