Question about Volkl Power Bridge 10 mid?

[DNA2002]

I am sorry if this thread is old story.
I just ask your opinion whether I would buy Volkl power bridge 10 mid or not?
Let me say my favorite racket. I am using Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT(98SQ, mid-plus) as a main racket. But sometimes, I miss Wilson Kblade tour 93. I loved the blade, but I found that 18x20 dense string pattern was not for me. Another point is its a bit small sweet spot rather than Babolat PST.

But I am still wondering mid size racket. So I am loitering to find 'my racket'. I am searching Wilson BLX tour(Federer's) at first.

But, in recent, I found the review on Volkl power bridge 10 mid. It would be fantastic stick if the review is true. Low stiffness, more head light, weight, 16x19 open pattern, mid-size,,,,, everything is perfect.

So now I ask you who use the Volkl and the other racket such as Wilson Kblade tour(mid) or K90(Federer's). What difference are there? What racket do you prefer? and why?

Any comment, appreciated!
Thank you.

 

[jayserinos99]

I bought a couple of PST GTs a while back as an extended demo session while I still had my PB10 mids. I'm still using my PB10s while I sold off my PST GTs. The biggest difference I felt was the solidness of the PST GT; I can hit some really big and flatter shots with it. What I really like about my PB10s is how I can easily whip the ball around for more spin, something I couldn't do as easily with the PST GT. For my game the PB10 is better but I can't say the same for anyone else.

 

[monomakh]

I don't have the GT version of the PST, but do use the PB10 mid as my main stick.

The differences are substantial, primarily in feel (from grip shape to the solidity of the Volkl). While I like the PST, I love the Volkl (it is not, however, an open string pattern. Closer to mid-closed; it's got 8 strings at the throat instead of the typical 6 for an open pattern). The Volkl has a classic, heavy, solid feel, while still delivering great performance and power (if you're willing to put the work into it, that is, but for a flexy frame it is remarkably powerful). The Bab (pre-GT), felt good, but always a bit hollow. My primary complaint about the PST was the lack of pop on serves, which is a problem I do not have with the PB10.

Compared to the K90, the PB10 is much more arm friendly and, for me had better feel. I also prefer the Volkl grip shape to the Wilson/Bab one. The Wilson's have slight edge in serve power, the Volkls in groundstrokes. The Volkl is also a bit more forgiving - you don't need to be Fed to use it well - and better on off center hits. If you are a pure S&V player, the Wilson may be a better fit.

You also might want to check out the Yonex RQiS line. I haven't played with it, but I'm intrigued.

 

[jrod]

^^^ There are a great deal of posts on this board regarding the PB10mid. It is a very unique frame in many ways. The specs are perfect for my game as well and since I switched to it I've never considered using anything else.

I used to use the k90, and I find the PB10mid to be more forgiving and easier to swing. Spin, control, power, feel and touch are on par with the k90. Stability is excellent as well, with the edge going to the k90. Serving took me some time to get used to, but when I figured it out my serves improved noticeably. For volleys, I prefer the PB10mid due to the improved maneuverabilty over the k90. The key to playing well with the PB10mid is to play aggressively.

The Babolat Pure Storm is an entirely different frame. My son uses one and it's the only Babolat frame I like. That said, I feel the PB10mid does everything a little better than the PST, at least for my game.

Anyway, if you search 'PB10mid' and/or my user name, you will find a number of threads where people have provided their impressions of this remarkable frame.

 

[Sobonnk]

I love my two pb10 mids. I have been playing tennis for only 10months and love these rackets. When I first started I was using a Wilson k(five). I out grew that racket within 6 months, which is when I started my weekly lessons. I demoed about 15 difference rackets from my local shop. I didn't know anything about Volkl until the shop owner noticed I was leaning towards the heaver player stick like the k6.1, rebel 95. I was leaning towards the rebel 95 and he said try this volkl, i just got them in. I feel in love right away. It has great power, feel. It's more forgiving on off center shots than the rebel 95 and k6.1. I know according to the profile that this stick is meant for someone with a higher still level than I am currently (which is a 3.0, I hope to be a 3.5 within the next year). But when you find something that you like you just have to go with it.

The only change I might make is switching to a full bed of Multi string. The poly is starting to hurt my arm, since i am able to strike the ball harder then before. Does anyone know a softer poly than ALU BB?, if there is such thing as a soft poly. I was using NXT in the crosses.

 

[witit]

At least demo it if you can. I think you will like the PB10.

I've never hit with the PST GT or KBlade Tour. But I have the K90 and BLX90. Compare to them, the PB10 is more forgiving. Sweet spot feels larger. It is easier to generate power. But it has a classic soft Volkl feel which some people do not like. The K90 and BLX90 feel crisper and stiffer. They have better plow through than the PB10 but you have to be able to hit the smaller sweet spot all the time. They are harder to play with but the shots are more penetrating.

If I have to pick, I would go with the PB10. Very good racquet.

 

[DNA2002]

At least demo it if you can. I think you will like the PB10.

I've never hit with the PST GT or KBlade Tour. But I have the K90 and BLX90. Compare to them, the PB10 is more forgiving. Sweet spot feels larger. It is easier to generate power. But it has a classic soft Volkl feel which some people do not like. The K90 and BLX90 feel crisper and stiffer. They have better plow through than the PB10 but you have to be able to hit the smaller sweet spot all the time. They are harder to play with but the shots are more penetrating.

If I have to pick, I would go with the PB10. Very good racquet.

========
Thank you so much.
Your comment really helps.
Actually, I just used K90 one time, but I did not remember what the racket is.
However, I used Head Prestige Classic. I liked the feel that racket provided. But its small sweet spot and low power made me leave the racket finally. (I think its head size is not 93SQ. I got an elbow problem after three month's using the classic Head. But the feel was so nice). If you mean the classic soft feel is like HPC, I would like PB10 mid.

Please recommend string that fits to PB10 as well.
I currently use Luxilon rough 16L for main at 59/ Babolat natural gut 16 for cross at 61. This hybrid string is my favorite string.

Thank you again.
(I appreciate others' comments as well.)

 

[DNA2002]

I appreciate your kind and accurate comment. It's big help. thanks.

 

[witit]

========
Thank you so much.
Your comment really helps.
Actually, I just used K90 one time, but I did not remember what the racket is.
However, I used Head Prestige Classic. I liked the feel that racket provided. But its small sweet spot and low power made me leave the racket finally. (I think its head size is not 93SQ. I got an elbow problem after three month's using the classic Head. But the feel was so nice). If you mean the classic soft feel is like HPC, I would like PB10 mid.

Please recommend string that fits to PB10 as well.
I currently use Luxilon rough 16L for main at 59/ Babolat natural gut 16 for cross at 61. This hybrid string is my favorite string.

Thank you again.
(I appreciate others' comments as well.)

I've never hit with the Prestige Classic either. But right now I am demoing the YouTek Prestige. Few people mention it has similar feel to the Classic. If that is the case, I think you will like the Volkl feel. It is probably even softer (flexier) than that. The PB10 also has larger sweet spot than the Prestige.

To me, the PB10 feels pretty close to my main racquet, Volkl Tour 10 VE Mid. The main difference is string pattern, 18x20 on the VE, 16x19 on the PB. I do not have problem generating spin so 18x20 works fine for me.

I also hybrid the strings. I like smaller gauge. My main setup is MSV Focus Hex 1.10 (really great soft poly) on main and Gosen Micro 17 on cross. I string on the high 50s but I think the next string job I will go down a bit. I think your setup should work well for the PB10. But I would probably lower the tension down to about mid 50s and put the natural gut on main. That will give you plenty of feel and power.

Hope you enjoy the PB10.

 

[YH8733]

========
Thank you so much.
Your comment really helps.
Actually, I just used K90 one time, but I did not remember what the racket is.
However, I used Head Prestige Classic. I liked the feel that racket provided. But its small sweet spot and low power made me leave the racket finally. (I think its head size is not 93SQ. I got an elbow problem after three month's using the classic Head. But the feel was so nice). If you mean the classic soft feel is like HPC, I would like PB10 mid.

Please recommend string that fits to PB10 as well.
I currently use Luxilon rough 16L for main at 59/ Babolat natural gut 16 for cross at 61. This hybrid string is my favorite string.

Thank you again.
(I appreciate others' comments as well.)

I came from a K90. Had to make the switch, that thing was a club and I'm a pretty big strong guy.

I've also used the PC600 for 3 years. Absolutely loved that racket. But it wasn't for me. The 18x20 string pattern is too demanding for me. Still to this day I've been waiting for head to release a 16x19 PC600.

You'll like the PB10 mid alot if you like the PC, it has a nice soft feel. It doesn't hit the ball like a mid. Actually the head size is alot closer to a MP than it is to a K90 or PC600. Balls will sail on you if you're not relaxed and hit the sweet spot correctly. I think it's more demanding than it is forgiving.

I switched to full poly with PB10. I thought gut main, poly cross was too powerful, not firm or crisp enough. You might be ok with your setup since you use 16g. For me I need to use at least a 16g in the crosses. Well enjoy and keep us updated!

 

[DNA2002]

I came from a K90. Had to make the switch, that thing was a club and I'm a pretty big strong guy.

I've also used the PC600 for 3 years. Absolutely loved that racket. But it wasn't for me. The 18x20 string pattern is too demanding for me. Still to this day I've been waiting for head to release a 16x19 PC600.

You'll like the PB10 mid alot if you like the PC, it has a nice soft feel. It doesn't hit the ball like a mid. Actually the head size is alot closer to a MP than it is to a K90 or PC600. Balls will sail on you if you're not relaxed and hit the sweet spot correctly. I think it's more demanding than it is forgiving.

I switched to full poly with PB10. I thought gut main, poly cross was too powerful, not firm or crisp enough. You might be ok with your setup since you use 16g. For me I need to use at least a 16g in the crosses. Well enjoy and keep us updated!

Thank you for your comment! appreciated!