This seems like a buyer's remorse thread. The OP has noted on these boards that he's purchased a Volkl, to be delivered in June, though has never used one (not a sign of keen judgement), and is now trying to figure out if he made a good decision by getting to the bottom of why pros aren't using them. My heart goes out to you. The truth is that the offerings from every manufacturer are now so broad in spec and scope that there are no longer traits that really define one brand from another. Every company makes racquets that are stiff or flexy, dead feeling or plenty of feel, every size and weight. Volkl made a fateful decision years ago to be a boutique brand and, for a time, avoid the internet. It paid the price. Being owned by an under-capitalized former player with tax problems helped no more than the NY Mets have been helped by having owners with a Madoff connection. I think the Volkl racquets I've used lately just seem less distinctive than they used to, particularly as the other manufacturers have caught up (or surpassed) in comfort features. As Volkl has tried to catch up in power by offering some stiffer frames, comfort is even less evident. (I tested a X-8 recently and thought it felt a little harsh).
Volkl Organix 8; 4 and 1/4 grip size.
Strings:Weiss Cannon B5E mains at 48 pds and VS gut 16 as crosses at 52 pounds.
Style of play: Baseliner with topspin strokes.
Played this morning with the X8 but only for an hour.
Serve: Good for flat serves, very precise and you can place the ball where you want. Had aproximately 70% of first serves in, two aces and about 6-7 winners. Slice and kick serves I cant comment to much yet but seems like I wont have a problem. The additional weight and swingweight, if compared with the Yonex VCORE 100, helps me serve better. Much better serving racket than the Babolat APD GT. I mention these two rackets as they were the last ones Ive used.
9/10
Forehand: I was able to generate good pace with my forehand and could either brush the ball to generate topspin or drive the ball a little bit more to flatten the shot. I was able to place the ball pretty well; good control. I was able to hit the ball in nice anles either crosscourt or down the line. Pretty impressive considering Im unfamiliar with this racket.
9/10
Backhand slice: My backhand slice was so so. This racket is pretty powerful, so if your technique fails the ball will fly. So, maybe my technique was not consistent today as some slices were good but others sailed long. But, good potential to use slice backhands as an offensive weapon.
8/10
Topspin backhand- I was able to generate good spin with the topspin backhand. The rectangular grip shape helps me to properly transition from semiwestern grip to eastern grip. Good pace in the topspin shots.
9/10
Net play- Due to time constraints ( I played early in the morning before going to work) I did not play net today.
Future considerations: Wonder if using VS gut as crosses is too powerful for this racket. Could increase tension a bit maybe. I could also try full copoly like Weiss Cannon Black5Edge or similar strings in the future. But again, to early to tell as I have used the racket only one time.
Final note- Very good initial impression. The racket suits my game well as I like to hit with topspin and the 100 sq. head and the 16 x 18 string pattern is great in this regard. Also, liked the muted feel of the racket and its "controlled liveliness."
As a curiousity, at the beginning I felt some vibration or not so dampened feel. I took off the Volkl dampener and put on a Yonex dampener and the problem was solved. Nonetheless, for some reason I dont know if Ill keep the Yonex dampener in a Volkl frame; its like using Nike shoes with Adidas clothing apparel. May try I a generic dampener like a Wilson Yin Yan or Gamma No Shock, this last one getting good reviews. If these or others dont work, the Yonex dampener will do.
May post a new review in two weeks after I adjust properly to the X8.
No remorse till now...
