Lighter Version of Volkl C10 Pro?
- Thread starter 2kay
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
I was in your position a number of years with the C10 Pro getting to the point that it was too heavy for my shoulder. With that being said, IMO the Wilson Blade V7 98 16x19 is the closest due to having the plush feel, good control and has enough plow to give you decent pop if you are 4.0 or better player. The Blade has one of the best feel on the market and reminds of the C10 Pro in a much lighter package. You could also try the Clash 98 but I was not crazy about the stability and the feel with balls hit in the upper hoop. If you are player like me who has been playing for many years, go for the Blade v7 98 16 x 19. I absolutely enjoy the Blade and if for some reason it's a tad light you can always add some weight. The plush feel is the best ! I also use the Prince Phantom 100p which is also a great all around with excellent comfort! I know some players swear by Yonex but I personally don't like the feel and they are not all that arm friendly.
Good luck!! Let me know if you have any other questions.
+1 for the v7 blade, I had the 18x20 and there wasn't much of a transition with similar comfort. the 16x19 is probably even closer. I lost out on the wilson qc lottery though and the balance was 10mm head head so they felt similar to swing even though the static weight was lower on the v7. At the time I figured an on spec v7 would be a good option as I was struggling to handle the c10 after 3 sets
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
I also played the C10 Pro for a few seasons - absolutely loved the racquet, except for one thing (and it was big). The racquet was really powerful. And I could just not seem to get enough top on my groundies or underspin on my volleys to keep it in the court consistently. It made me slow my swing down, and I was always worried about launching a shot mid-rally. I am a 4.5 player, and I do swing at it. Even with dampened polys at around 54, I could not seem to get enough spin on it (great for my serves though).
I have tried many racquets since and haven't really found anything that is as solid and comfortable. The PK Redondo is nice but it is so low-powered, and hard to get depth on the ball. It's still my go-to when the wheels fall off, or I am playing a tight doubles game, where I need to block a lot of returns and volleys.
I use the Prince TT100P now and have worked on my technique to get topspin. It is far from the comfortable, plush feel of the C10 Pro. I haven't tried the Blade, but if other players are saying that is similar to the C10Pro that could be an option. For me it depends what you're looking to replace - the plush comfort or the power. I decided to gradually go more modern with my swing and racquet - but that's a process, for sure. Good luck finding your replacement.
I have tried many racquets since and haven't really found anything that is as solid and comfortable. The PK Redondo is nice but it is so low-powered, and hard to get depth on the ball. It's still my go-to when the wheels fall off, or I am playing a tight doubles game, where I need to block a lot of returns and volleys.
I use the Prince TT100P now and have worked on my technique to get topspin. It is far from the comfortable, plush feel of the C10 Pro. I haven't tried the Blade, but if other players are saying that is similar to the C10Pro that could be an option. For me it depends what you're looking to replace - the plush comfort or the power. I decided to gradually go more modern with my swing and racquet - but that's a process, for sure. Good luck finding your replacement.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I have been playing for 30 years and would definitely find it difficult to play with some of the wider beam modern racquets. You give up alot on the plush feel. I don't play with poly anymore so I would rather play with a more controlled frame like the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 or the Prince Phantom 100p to save my arm. I still get really good control and decent pop with my goat string Gosen Micro 16. It all comes down what your priorities in a racquet as there will always be pros and cons.
That's known to be a pretty plush frame, if it's tearing up your arm, maybe you just need to try a different string in it. Old poly will tear up your arm regardless what racket you use. I stopped using poly and only use the ZX Crossfire hybrid now, stringing the kevlar mains lower than the zyex crosses - plenty of spin, maybe not top shelf poly spin but better control IMO. I use it in my Organix 10 Super G 330 which is a super stiff and heavy frame and my arm is fine. Actually, I've had a tinge of TE but that goes back to before the Volkl to a Prince Response 97 I was dabbling with.
Hansen
Professional
cool if true. but hopefully they don´t fu'k up the balance with something like 310gr, 285sw and 7pts headlight (unstrung), like these weird tec ltd specs.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
Is this the classic 10 that you mentioned was rumored some time ago??? Or is this a new development?
Wow! Where did you hear this? Do you know when?
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
I can’t say much yet,
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
What I would like to see is some special edition colour ways of the C10 and then retire the racquet gracefully and then do a re introduction of the Tour 10 mp Gen 1 and 2 and a V Engine 10mp.
In addition a remake of the Catapult 10mp should be done as well to demonstrate to the world that Volkl already thought of a racquet that had attributes of the Wilson Clash 98 before Wilson thought of it and claimed it as something new and innovative.
There is so much Volkl could do if they decided to get a little creative again.
In addition a remake of the Catapult 10mp should be done as well to demonstrate to the world that Volkl already thought of a racquet that had attributes of the Wilson Clash 98 before Wilson thought of it and claimed it as something new and innovative.
There is so much Volkl could do if they decided to get a little creative again.
Automatix
Legend
Why aren't you the CEO of Volkl's tennis division is beyond my comprehension...
Unfortunately, none of these is available anymore
Are you familiar with the V-Sense 10 Tour? I've heard from some that it works as a C10 Pro replacement, but it's so stiff, and the sweetspot (reportedly) so small that I'm unsure.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Yes I have and it’s quite a thin beam. It’s RA was meant to be around 66, but to me it felt softer. The racquet was one of those frames with the weight taken out of the handle and placed in the head.Unfortunately, none of these is available anymore
Are you familiar with the V-Sense 10 Tour? I've heard from some that it works as a C10 Pro replacement, but it's so stiff, and the sweetspot (reportedly) so small that I'm unsure.
TennisHound
Legend
I would say the Volkl Super G 10 295g, or Volkl V-Sense 10 295g might be close.
dje31
Professional
If I were Volkl's product manager, I'd split the difference and release the--wait for it---Volkl C9.5 Pro, somewhere between the 9 and 10 between beam, stiffness, balance, swingweight, etc. A hybrid...best of both worlds, if you will.
Then, they can maintain the C9 and C10 line as they were, as legacy models, for the hold-outs, that can't / won't commit to the new-and-improved version.
It's a win-win for the consumer as well as the MFR.
Now, to whom do I send my invoice for consulting services rendered?
Then, they can maintain the C9 and C10 line as they were, as legacy models, for the hold-outs, that can't / won't commit to the new-and-improved version.
It's a win-win for the consumer as well as the MFR.
Now, to whom do I send my invoice for consulting services rendered?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Volkl made a C10 Pro Xtended... which was lighter... but extended in length. Plays well... ripe for tweaking to ones liking
Did it feel like the C10 Pro to you? Vague question, I know, but still.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Felt more like the Tour 10mp once you weight it up.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
My son just switched to this racquet, so we just bought 4. It's nothing like a C10 Pro, imo, except that both are thin, but this one is even thinner. And while it's midrange stiff, it's very muted/plush but also dynamic. The small sweet spot reputation is probably exaggerated and can be overcome with string/tension. I strung his with multifeel/ghost wire at 47/50, and he's hitting a quality, shapely ball with it. Rope slices and much more maneuverable than the C10. It's really like a more stable better all around London. He's hitting it stock, but I'd likely adjust the balance if I hit it. Very nice racquet that bridges the classic Volkl stuff and the modern.
He loved his V-Feel V1 Pros, but he instantly connected with the 10 Tour. He does everything just a little better with it, and I think the clincher for him is the maneuverability/stability combo, even in stock form.
Do you know if this was the racquet that Almagro actually used, or was he actually sporting something else?
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
There’s a little conjecture about this. There was a claim made that he did but other sources suggest he used the Power Bridge 10mp
louis netman
Hall of Fame
Modded C9 Pros for you! I was fortunate that the C9 Pro came out when I was coming back from a rotator cuff tear.
I always kept my c10s on the rack, however, but as I got older, and more injured, all I could do was look at those sweet frames
... I sold a few and I'm looking at my last two right now, a "Made in Germany" all caps graphic frame, and a 1st generation "Classic 10 Pro" fishscale/tire-tread, both in like new condition ... I have half a dozen C9s left, but they will be placed in my coffin when I leave this arid place for greener grass courts...
louis netman
Hall of Fame
Which frame are you referring to in this post, the Tour 10 (the GOAT of Volkl frames)? Reason I ask is where the heck did you find 4 of these...???
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
The poster I quoted was referring to the V-Sense 10 Tour. We have 4 of these. Unfortunately, I've never hit the legendary Tour 10 Gen. 1.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
I've been hooked on the C10's for a long time and despite a few attempts with different frames through recent years, I haven't been able to quit them. I don't have shoulder issues, but I got to thinking that I'd be better off with a mildly lighter alternative now that I'm headed into my mid 50's. Perhaps playing with wooden racquets as a kid shaped my tennis DNA to the point that these Volkls are much more my personal normal among more modern frames.
I did get myself a pair of the 2015 Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) a couple years ago when I really identified with that semi-flexible feel. But the C10 gives be pretty much all the power potential I can work with - not the case with those Blades and those tricked me into swinging a lot harder with my strokes and serves to try and compensate. That over-compensation strained my shoulder pretty badly. I wasn't completely sidelined, but it took me down a peg and the twinges lingered for a long time.
With that in mind, I'd encourage you to look at racquets that are only mildly less hefty than your C10. You might be just right with an option that's only lighter by 0.3-0.5 oz. If I had to go shopping for an alternative to this frame today, the first thing I'd probably try is the ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour. These come in a couple models that have different weights. The other one that would be high on my list would be the Prince Phantom 97. Haven't sampled either one, but they look like they could be my cup of tea.
Also keep in mind that it's easy to tune in a little extra stability to any racquet you find by placing only a few grams of lead tape on the hoop. I usually put it at 3/9 o'clock. My C10's give me enough stability through the ball as they are - no lead on their hoops - but they were just a little sluggish for me with their stock balance. Mine have lead under their grips (it's actually under their overgrips) to give them a balance up around 10-11 points head-light.
Tuning can sometimes help with dialing in a better fit, but it's not a sure thing. I tried tuning those Blades into a more familiar layout of weight and balance, but those particular frames felt better for me in their stock form.
You still coming in north of 13ozs with those sticks? I’m right around 13 with my Organix 10 mid 330s. I don’t understand the fuss as I haven’t had any shoulder pain or TE and this is a stiffer wider beam frame. Been playing these pretty exclusively since I picked them up in the sale or trade section a couple months ago but I do have some Pro One 97s and some Beast 98s I’m very fond of as well. I’m 66 and have no trouble wielding this club. I think I like it and was drawn to it because it reminds me of the Kneissl Lendl I used to use including a semi-teardrop shape. That one came in at 14 ozs strung.
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fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
My C10's are at 12.5 oz. and my Organix 10 325g's are 12.7 oz. Balance for both is around 10-11 pts. HL.
My old Prince NXG mids tip it at around 13 oz. (stock form with string) and a pair of LM Prestige mids with lead on their handles weigh in at 13.4 oz. - those are terrific trainers, but I don't use them all that much aside from occasions on the practice grinder.
Instead of looking for the very heaviest racquet that I can manage, I've started looking at this recipe from the other way around. I want my racquet to be light enough to be good and manageable, but only as light as I can go while still getting that stable feel through the ball. Too light for me is still too light, but I don't want more heft than I need to do my thing.
Interesting points! As a doubles specialist, my primary concerns are free points on serve and to have enough zip on my shots that makes them difficult for opponents to volley. I also require touch for lobs and drop shots. These Volkls seem to check all the boxes. I’m also intrigued with these Volkls right now because of some crazy spin I’ve been able to hit. No question they’re good sticks but so are my others - Donnays at 12.3 and Princes at 12.1. I think for me it comes down to how I’m feeling on any particular day. I’ve got this feeling that the Beast 98 is the easiest to use but hits the least imposing ball. It’s kind of an embarrassment of riches for me right now because for so many years I could find nothing that compared with my PT280s.
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
if that is the same as the tour 9 which was very stiff?
C9's stiffness was around 58 if memory serves.
