Question for Chris (or other TW staff member) - Volkl C10 pro alternative

tnns4life

New User
Hi there,

First - thanks for running a great business - nice forum and even better customer service. I have been playing with the C10 pro for over a year (before that I spent a few years with the Six.One 95). Anyways, my typical setup is with a 1.25 poly at 50 lbs (Solinco Revolution being my favorite) or with a poly/synthetic hybrid (52/48). Over the course of multiple matches in a short period (e.g. tournaments), my arm hurts a ton. While the Volkl C10 pro is definitely an arm-friendly stick, I think the static weight (12.6 lbs) is causing fatigue which in turn makes me "arm" the ball more to maintain the same pop/spin. FYI, I had even more pain with the Six.One. I have tried the Project One Pure Strike, Pure Aero VS Tour, Volkl V-Sense 8 etc but find those "modern" sticks underwhelming for the hype. I guess I just love the feel of the classic player sticks. A couple of questions.

1. Is it safe to say that the new Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro offers a similar playability/feel to the C10 Pro but in a lighter package to ultimate help with arm fatigue?
2. Will going to a 1.20 poly in the low 40s in an all poly (or hybrid) combination be a better fit?

Not sure what to do to continue playing at the highest level I can. Multi breaks in no time, natural gut is too expensive and synthetic gut just doesn't feel good in a full bed.

Really appreciate you reading my long post. Thanks.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
Have you tried the Prince Textreme Tour 95? It has a soft and plush feel that is missing in most modern racquets. It has an arm-friendly 60 RA and at only 11.8 strung it should play noticeably lighter. I like to combine that frame with low string tensions which bump up its power and make it even more arm-friendly.

I'm not much of a fan of the Graphene XT Prestige Pro, although it is the best Prestige in that series. IMO Head hasn't made a true Prestige since the Youtek IG series. I've not enjoyed the Graphene or Graphene XT versions nearly as much. Having hit the Graphene Touch updates to the Speeds and Instincts I'm not holding out much hope for the next gen Prestige, either. Hopefully Head can right the ship at some point and start building the quality player's racquets they were once know for.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 

Dso

Semi-Pro
Hi there- I'm not sure I'm breaking protocol by responding to this thread- if I am please delete.

However I too have been dealing with arm issues. I went to the C10 Pro to help get over the arm issues (GE/Bicep). It really, really helped. Mishits weren't as jarring as with my Babolat APD (surprise, surprise). It did allow me to play but the weight and feel of the C10 is tough and at the end of short matches I too felt that my already weakened arm was struggling with almost 13 oz of racquet.

Ironically I bought a Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro shortly there after and just LOVE it. Mine weighs out at 12 oz and I just love the way the racquet plays. I love the weight and this is definitely manageable for me. I think it is very arm friendly for me BUT I use Xone Biphase at 44 lbs. I've used this racquet/string at 50 lb but man- 44 lbs is just heaven at this point.

This was my first experience with Head and Volk so I have no other reference points like Chris. Best of luck- arm problems can be so frustrating.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
Good input Dso. I also preferred the Prestige XT Pro and MP at lower tensions -- I mention that in our MP review. I think the Pro is the best of the Prestige line. I didn't think about this earlier but the Head handle shape could be an easier transition from the Volkl handle shape as they are both somewhat rectangular.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
I own a couple of Voll's including the C10's, and I,m pretty sure that I can get satisfaction out of a Volkl V Sense 10 325 in terms of arm safe performance. I'm going to add weight to get it up to 355 - 360g strung. Its a nice feeling racquet. The Super G version of both mp and mid 330 are also options. The 330 mid swings very light although I string it in the 40's and it has beautiful feel.
 

tnns4life

New User
Chris and Dso - thanks for your responses. I tried the Prince TT 95 earlier and found it to have a small sweetspot. I might try it again at very low tensions. I am also trying the Yonex DR 98. I tried the new Pure Strike and Pure Aero VS Tour and was underwhelmed by both. Plus they seemed stiff. How is the Yonex SV 98?

Tennis elbow is painful but finding the right frame that offers the key attributes one is looking for (control, comfort, plow through in my case) is equally painful. I love the Volkl C10 pro but given my 12.6 frame, I think for me it is going to come down to Prince TT 95, Yonex DR 98 or Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro all at around the 11.7/11.8 range with a 325+ SW.
 

Dso

Semi-Pro
Tennis elbow certainly makes it more painful finding that racquet that you really want. It's not easy. Although I plan on playing with the Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro for a bit and really like it- I did buy a Dr 98 and SV 95 as well but haven't used them. Like you, I seem to be interested in racquets just about 12 oz all set up. The Yonex racquets are supposed to be arm friendly but I'll have to determine that for myself. Keep us posted as to what you do.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
I would go with DR over SV not only in terms of comfort but also in general playability. The DR 98 is a great, great racquet. I really had control over my shots with that racquet. I could have easily switched to it, but given the fact I have 3 perfectly good Pure Drive Plus racquets which I also love there seemed no point.

For me the SV line has a much more modern feel where the ball gets in/out faster and the frame feel is stiffer/crisper. The DR in contrast gives that sense of a softer feel with more dwell time -- something I think you'd prefer since you are coming from a flexy C10 Pro.

Hang in there and enjoy the search. Although it can seem daunting and frustrating finding the right racquet, think about all the different experience you are getting hitting different racquets. When all is said and done you'll have a much better idea of what you like/dislike and you'll be better prepared for the next time you make a racquet switch.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 

tnns4life

New User
Thanks again. I had a quick hit with a couple of the frames and wanted to share my findings. First, I tried my C10 Pro with a soft poly (Yonex Poly Tour Pro) at 40 lbs. Very comfortable feeling but I needed a bit of a hit to get used to the very low tension. The weight of the stick is still an issue though. Next I hit with the DR 98 and liked the comfort and control for sure. Was not a fan of the feel at the point of contact. I then tried three HEAD sticks from a friend - Graphene Touch Speed Pro, Graphene XT Radical Pro and Graphene XT Prestige Pro. Didn't like the Speed at all. I quite liked the Radical Pro and Prestige Pro. I realized that my like/dislike has come down a lot to swingweight. In stock form, the C10 Pro, Radical Pro and Prestige Pro are all north of 330g while the Speed Pro and DR 98 are more in the 320g range. Adding lead to the DR 98 at 10 and 2 and counterbalancing in the handle might make me change my mind - i'll give that a shot.
 
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morten

Hall of Fame
I would go with DR over SV not only in terms of comfort but also in general playability. The DR 98 is a great, great racquet. I really had control over my shots with that racquet. I could have easily switched to it, but given the fact I have 3 perfectly good Pure Drive Plus racquets which I also love there seemed no point.

For me the SV line has a much more modern feel where the ball gets in/out faster and the frame feel is stiffer/crisper. The DR in contrast gives that sense of a softer feel with more dwell time -- something I think you'd prefer since you are coming from a flexy C10 Pro.

Hang in there and enjoy the search. Although it can seem daunting and frustrating finding the right racquet, think about all the different experience you are getting hitting different racquets. When all is said and done you'll have a much better idea of what you like/dislike and you'll be better prepared for the next time you make a racquet switch.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
Chris maybe you can get a pair of DR at a good price at Tennis Warehouse.. atleast 10% off dont you think...
 

Dso

Semi-Pro
Thanks again. I had a quick hit with a couple of the frames and wanted to share my findings. First, I tried my C10 Pro with a soft poly (Yonex Poly Tour Pro) at 40 lbs. Very comfortable feeling but I needed a bit of a hit to get used to the very low tension. The weight of the stick is still an issue though. Next I hit with the DR 98 and liked the comfort and control for sure. Was not a fan of the feel at the point of contact. I then tried three HEAD sticks from a friend - Graphene Touch Speed Pro, Graphene XT Radical Pro and Graphene XT Prestige Pro. Didn't like the Speed at all. I quite liked the Radical Pro and Prestige Pro. I realized that my like/dislike has come down a lot to swingweight. In stock form, the C10 Pro, Radical Pro and Prestige Pro are all north of 330g while the Speed Pro and DR 98 are more in the 320g range. Adding lead to the DR 98 at 10 and 2 and counterbalancing in the handle might make me change my mind - i'll give that a shot.

I'm sure you know this… but I can't emphasize enough how significant of a difference the strings and/or tension can make on a given racquet. I agree the swing weight of a racquet is big part but all swing weights are not created equal. The Head Prestige pro really felt MUCH better when I dropped the tension to 44 lbs. It was good at 50 but 44 it was like a different racquet all together! That's my experience anyway. I wish I had the nuts to experiment like this 20 years ago!! LOL

Separately- I have not tried the Radical Pro, but I picked the Prestige Pro based on it being more HL and I think it's a tad heavier. Speed Pro is totally different string pattern and I didn't like that.

Can't wait to see what you end up with!
 

tnns4life

New User
I'm sure you know this… but I can't emphasize enough how significant of a difference the strings and/or tension can make on a given racquet. I agree the swing weight of a racquet is big part but all swing weights are not created equal. The Head Prestige pro really felt MUCH better when I dropped the tension to 44 lbs. It was good at 50 but 44 it was like a different racquet all together! That's my experience anyway. I wish I had the nuts to experiment like this 20 years ago!! LOL

Separately- I have not tried the Radical Pro, but I picked the Prestige Pro based on it being more HL and I think it's a tad heavier. Speed Pro is totally different string pattern and I didn't like that.

Can't wait to see what you end up with!

I tried the DR 98 with some lead at 3 and 9. It actually made the frame sluggish. Didn't help that I had 4G strings in there. My good experience with the Radical Pro was short lived. Some arm trouble. As far as the Prestige Pro, the stick feels a little hollow but the strings in there are Hawk Touch which is not my favorite. Gosh deciding on a frame is not easy at all. Separately I've heard that Gosen Sidewinder and Weiss Cannon Silverstring are the best low powered polys for a comfortable ride. Thoughts @Dso and Chris?
 

Dso

Semi-Pro
I tried the DR 98 with some lead at 3 and 9. It actually made the frame sluggish. Didn't help that I had 4G strings in there. My good experience with the Radical Pro was short lived. Some arm trouble. As far as the Prestige Pro, the stick feels a little hollow but the strings in there are Hawk Touch which is not my favorite. Gosh deciding on a frame is not easy at all. Separately I've heard that Gosen Sidewinder and Weiss Cannon Silverstring are the best low powered polys for a comfortable ride. Thoughts @Dso and Chris?

Oh man. Not sure you want to ask me. I'm using a soft multi at low tensions. Love it and it really is easy on the arm! Polys don't fit into my game. Sorry.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
I'm a fan of both of those strings. I think both offer a lot of performance for the $$. You can also throw in something softer in the mains to further soften the blow. I'd recommend Alpha Gut 2000 or Wilson Optimus as affordable main string options to give you a more comfortable ride.
Cheers,
Chris, TW
 

tnns4life

New User
I'm a fan of both of those strings. I think both offer a lot of performance for the $$. You can also throw in something softer in the mains to further soften the blow. I'd recommend Alpha Gut 2000 or Wilson Optimus as affordable main string options to give you a more comfortable ride.
Cheers,
Chris, TW

Thanks guys, I tried a hybrid setup today - Tourna Black Zone mains (48) and Tourna Quasi Gut Armour (52) crosses. Pretty soft ride. But I was spraying balls a lot more than I normally do. Will bump tension up to 52/56 and see how that plays. Not sure of the durability although Quasi Gut gets some solid reviews since it is a multi with a hair of poly in it. Have you had any experience with it?

Also a string specialist at TW recommended I try Gosen AK Pro CX as a cross for my poly mains. I'll try that.

Chris - you say try multi mains but in the recent instance where I tried the Volkl Psycho hybrid (with multi mains) i snapped the mains in under 2 sets :( of course the Cyclone cross is brutal for a softer mains.
Will Alpha Gut 2000 or Wilson Optimus offer a more durable mains for a rounded poly?
 

TW Staff

Administrator
I can't say if either of those will offer you better durability? If I had to guess, I'd say Optimus, but honestly that's a bit of a shot in the dark.

On this week's vlog I go over some durable/control string options that aren't polys (that video posts Friday). Those strings won't be as durable as a full bed of poly, but should last longer than most other multi/syn options.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 

Dgdavid

Professional
Do the OP, Chris or any of the other posters have an opinion on the Volkl V-Sense 10 325 versus the C10? The comments seem to suggest the V-Sense 10 has a more traditional feel than the recent Organix and Super G so maybe it is a slightly easier switch. I do like the C10 myself but find the upper hoop flex to be erratic for my (lack of) technique. I know you can string higher for that but my normal inclination is to string at 50 or lower. Has anyone tried the V-Sense 10 for an extended period?
 

TW Staff

Administrator
I'm going to have playtester Troy chime in since he has been hitting the V-Sense 10 325 since the review. He has customized his which he does with most of his racquets.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
Troy s awesome!! I am excited to hear what his final specs are on the Vsense 10 (also, does he still have his Microgel Radical around for fun?) :)
 

TW Staff

Administrator
The V-Sense 10 325g, in stock form, swings a little faster, and is a little less stable compared to the C10 Pro. Although, during the playtest, the V-Sense 10 325g wasn't quite up to my desired spec, I just loved the feel of the racquet. It was so much more responsive, and I could feel the ball more with this racquet, compared to other Volkl racquets I have tested in the past. I would agree with you that, although the specs of the C10 Pro line-up pretty well with the racquets I play with, I have never felt fully connected to the ball, specifically when taking big swings from the baseline.

I have been using the V-Sense 10 325g quite a bit, since the conclusion of our playtest. I have put a leather grip, as well as some TW Tungsten Tape in the hoop, to achieve a spec that is roughly: 12.7oz, 338 SW, 9 points HL, (fully-clothed as they say here on TT).

I have been stringing this racquet with various co-poly's that we have been playtesting, anywhere from 42-48 pounds. Overall I really like the control, feel, and spin that this racquet gives me. It has been one of the few racquets that has given me some hope, since the sailing-away of the Six.One 95. Its definitely worth a try, and slight customization, if that is at all possible for you.

Troy, TW
 

Dgdavid

Professional
Thank you Troy, I have to give it a try I think. I will get on TWE for a demo.

Where did you put the tape in the hoop?

Cheers

David
 

TW Staff

Administrator
Thank you Troy, I have to give it a try I think. I will get on TWE for a demo.

Where did you put the tape in the hoop?

Cheers

David
Hi David,

7" @ 12 o'clock
7" @ 3 o'clock, 7" @ 9 o'clock
One pack of TW Tungsten Tape has 24" total, so I was able to get the job done with one pack.

I started with placing the tape at 3, and 9 o'clock, which is my favorite location, to increase torsional stability. From there, I gradually added some tape at 12 o'clock, to achieve the desired swingweight.

Troy, TW
 

TW Staff

Administrator
MadisonTennis,

It will go for pre-sale on February 17th and will be in stock on February 28th.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 

Christian Olsson

Professional
I love the solid controlled feel of my 12 oz weighted super G 10-295. Is the Vsense less solid? Is it a racquet I should demo? I used to miss my old radical on court sometimes but playing it briefly confirmed my play was better with the SG10. How much different is the vSense to super g? And when are the mids due?

Thanks for being awesome, TW team! :)


Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk
 

TW Staff

Administrator
Out of the 2 295s, I preferred the Super G version as it just felt more solid (in stock form). The V-Sense felt faster and I liked the feel a bit more, but I was able to happily play the Super G version stock whereas I'd be adding weight to the V-Sense version for sure.

Nothing to confirm on a direct replacement for the 10 mids, yet.

Chris, TW
 

tnns4life

New User
Update: after much demoing, I decided to get the Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro. I like it a lot strung with Weiss Cannon Silverstring 1.20mm at 48 lbs. The frame has more pop than the C10 pro, similar control and more of a monster on serve given it is more maneuverable. One thing though - my palm is blistered up. Never happened with the Volkl. Same grip size and same over grip as in my C10 pro. I'm wondering if the diff grip shape of Head or the diff sizing (is 3/8 for Head diff from 3/8 for Volkl) is causing this. Thoughts anyone?
 

tnns4life

New User
Do the OP, Chris or any of the other posters have an opinion on the Volkl V-Sense 10 325 versus the C10? The comments seem to suggest the V-Sense 10 has a more traditional feel than the recent Organix and Super G so maybe it is a slightly easier switch. I do like the C10 myself but find the upper hoop flex to be erratic for my (lack of) technique. I know you can string higher for that but my normal inclination is to string at 50 or lower. Has anyone tried the V-Sense 10 for an extended period?

I'm glad Troy gave his detailed response. I have not tried the V-Sense version simply because my earlier hit with the Super G10 was short of amazing. I easily picked the C10 pro over the Super G and didn't think V-Sense would be that much better than the Super G to make me reconsider. I am quite happy with the XT Prestige Pro aside from this blister issue. Good luck.
 
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