Völkl C10 Pro Club!
- Thread starter Shasha
- Start date
redpurusha
Rookie
Volkl Club member but not C10 yet..
I've been playing with the PB93 for a couple of years now and really enjoy it all around. But I've been wondering, if these Volkl sticks are so good (from reviewers and testers), including the ProC10 (I have yet to try but will look for the extended version somewhere).. WHY THE HELL DOES NOT ONE PRO ACTUALLY PLAY WITH ONE ON TOUR?
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I've been playing with the PB93 for a couple of years now and really enjoy it all around. But I've been wondering, if these Volkl sticks are so good (from reviewers and testers), including the ProC10 (I have yet to try but will look for the extended version somewhere).. WHY THE HELL DOES NOT ONE PRO ACTUALLY PLAY WITH ONE ON TOUR?
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
kvan
Semi-Pro
Many people actually question why smaller companies with great racquets don't have as much hype in pro ranks. As for volkl, check this thread out.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=391122
Carolina Racquet
Professional
Ok... I'm trying out the C10 Pro next week, and I'm very anxious because while I like the feel of the Prestige, I really loved the Volkl feel I've experienced in the past.
I like the low tension setup with Cyclone, but would appreciate some advice in a good starting point. I'm thinking 45 lbs.
I like the low tension setup with Cyclone, but would appreciate some advice in a good starting point. I'm thinking 45 lbs.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Interesting - I got hold of an M-Comp 95 a couple years ago, but just couldn't make that racquet work for me, even with different string setups and some lead tuning to get a more familiar balance. For me, that racquet played super-dead.
Also agree that the C10 isn't quite a lightning rod of a serving tool compared with some other frames, but I find that it's heavy enough to thump the ball nicely compared with some slightly leaner alternatives. Spin and kick on my serves take some deliberate work, but they can be coaxed out to acceptable levels. Overall though, the balance of comfort and performance I get with these frames is superior.
Currently trying out a 325 gram version of the Volkl Organix 10 and immediately found it to be a lighter, leaner frame compared with my C10's. Some tuning with lead tape made this racquet much more comfortable in a hurry for me, especially with a few grams of 3/9 o'clock lead on the hoop. That certain level of stability is tough to live without once I've gotten so used to it. The O10 is a little more crisp and spin-happy than my C10's, but also a bit less of a cannon when I step on the gas (all strung with syn. gut in the low 60's). So far, an interesting contrast and fun to have both racquets in the bag.
Bodycamp13
New User
C10 Update
Still playing my C10's...I am firmly committed now.
I just hit with a news string job...Gamma TNT2 to test a full multi.
I have it at 57lbs.
How would X-1 compare to TNT2?
I don't see much difference in the performance on my frames dropping back to multi...except on serve. I found the power and action I used to have before I started playing around with racquets and poly strings.
Felt awesome to drop a few bombs like it was 1994 all over again.
Still playing my C10's...I am firmly committed now.
I just hit with a news string job...Gamma TNT2 to test a full multi.
I have it at 57lbs.
How would X-1 compare to TNT2?
I don't see much difference in the performance on my frames dropping back to multi...except on serve. I found the power and action I used to have before I started playing around with racquets and poly strings.
Felt awesome to drop a few bombs like it was 1994 all over again.
LafayetteHitter
Hall of Fame
Too bad to see the C10 thread drop off. Here is a question the, since there have been quite a few people going back to this frame with the most recent review. What is your favorite cosmetics on the C10?
mrmike
Semi-Pro
I'm playing the 2010 yellow versions at the moment, but I think I like the 2008 predominately black and the new 2012 cosmetics a little better.
LafayetteHitter
Hall of Fame
I haven't seen the 2012 graphics in person, looks similar to my old Tour 10 gen 1's of course. I think the 08 graphics are my favorite.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Among my C10's, I agree that the predominately black '08 C10 has a rather handsome paint job. Funny though - I really love those older yellow and black ones, too. I'm just not so fond of the hot pink that they decided to use for the "pro" lettering on those... cheapens the overall look for me a bunch.
LafayetteHitter
Hall of Fame
I'm officially in the C10 Pro club now, it's funny in all my years here I have never got in on the club threads but this frame is one that more people wanting a frame in this weight range should be hitting with. My first one has a Bosworth shape pallet with Bosworth leather and I simply love it. I am sending in two more to Jay to have the pallets matched up.
kvan
Semi-Pro
There's been some chatter about the c10 on the boards recently, so why not on here?
For those of you using the c10, try using TB mains and Forten Sweet crosses... For me it plays great, lasts a while, and makes the c10 a true spin monster! I string up around the high 40s low 50s and it seems to work great. Try it out!
Also, has anyone tried a champion's choice type of setup on the frame? I've been meaning to try out a gut hybrid but haven't settled on the strings and whether the c10 would perform better with it or not. Suggestions would be appreciated!
Happy New Years and hope everyone has another great year full of tennis!
For those of you using the c10, try using TB mains and Forten Sweet crosses... For me it plays great, lasts a while, and makes the c10 a true spin monster! I string up around the high 40s low 50s and it seems to work great. Try it out!
Also, has anyone tried a champion's choice type of setup on the frame? I've been meaning to try out a gut hybrid but haven't settled on the strings and whether the c10 would perform better with it or not. Suggestions would be appreciated!
Happy New Years and hope everyone has another great year full of tennis!
boinz
Rookie
Well since Kvan restarted this allow me to add on..
I got a C10 strung on full cyclone 18g @ 52lbs. It plays great spin and control but surprisingly it didn't give me a good ball pocketing feel whereas I'm my PT630 also on a full cyclone setup I got it strung up @ 54g ball pocketing felt better.
What should I do to better ball pocketing feel? Lower tension? Softer strings? But I really like how the cyclone plays in the PT630 just don't understand why in a more open pattern C10 the string bed feels stiffer
I got a C10 strung on full cyclone 18g @ 52lbs. It plays great spin and control but surprisingly it didn't give me a good ball pocketing feel whereas I'm my PT630 also on a full cyclone setup I got it strung up @ 54g ball pocketing felt better.
What should I do to better ball pocketing feel? Lower tension? Softer strings? But I really like how the cyclone plays in the PT630 just don't understand why in a more open pattern C10 the string bed feels stiffer
kvan
Semi-Pro
Try lowering tension, creating a greater difference in tension between the mains and xs, or hybrid cyclone with a syngut. One or a mixture of these should probably help you out.
I used to play with a full bed of cyclone 17 in my c10s around 57? And it pocketed pretty nicely... Anyways....
I used to play with a full bed of cyclone 17 in my c10s around 57? And it pocketed pretty nicely... Anyways....
mrmike
Semi-Pro
Another string setup to try is Volkl Psycho, a pre packaged hybrid. Its available with multiple colors of Power Fiber II multi , and the poly half is black Volkl Cyclone. Its available in 16 and 17 gauge and was rated very well in the TW play test. I have it in one of my C10's now at 48/53 lbs and it plays very well.
I've read on other threads about some ppl complaining about elbow tenderness/ vibration form the C10 pro while others praise the smooth buttery feel. I recently too have been feeling a lot of vibration coming from my C10 pros.
My theory is, it's due to cold weather. I live in a place with 4 distinct seasons. I started playing the C10 pros in mid fall (Nov) and had no issues w/ elbow tenderness. Once the temp really started to drop (Jan. 5C / 40F) I definitely started feeling it in the elbow.
Wondering if anyone else who lives in an area of 4 seasons have/had this same experience.
I plan to take it easier during the winter mos (altho I play indoors, clay), also my right knee is a lot more sensitive and prone to injury (meniscectomy 2008) during the winter mos.
level: 4.0
Head Rip Control 17/ OG 16 @54/48
Cheers~ Scott
My theory is, it's due to cold weather. I live in a place with 4 distinct seasons. I started playing the C10 pros in mid fall (Nov) and had no issues w/ elbow tenderness. Once the temp really started to drop (Jan. 5C / 40F) I definitely started feeling it in the elbow.
Wondering if anyone else who lives in an area of 4 seasons have/had this same experience.
I plan to take it easier during the winter mos (altho I play indoors, clay), also my right knee is a lot more sensitive and prone to injury (meniscectomy 2008) during the winter mos.
level: 4.0
Head Rip Control 17/ OG 16 @54/48
Cheers~ Scott
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Although my C10's were among the most arm-friendly racquets I've ever had, I liked them strung at maybe 3-4 lbs. lower tension for playing outdoors in the cold. Even though the hoop flex in this frame seems to magnify the comfort level, at least for me, that doesn't prevent the string bed from getting more firm in the cold (40-45F).
I liked 16 or 17 ga. syn. gut in my C10's and still use that sort of string now in my O10's. Same issue with the colder conditions - if I don't drop tension, they get too clunky and dead for me.
I liked 16 or 17 ga. syn. gut in my C10's and still use that sort of string now in my O10's. Same issue with the colder conditions - if I don't drop tension, they get too clunky and dead for me.
Carolina Racquet
Professional
I'm really enjoying my C10 experience. Took me a little while to adjust to the heavier static weight and flexible hoop.
I found, especially when it's under 50 degrees, a tension of 47 - 50 lbs feels great with a textured stiffer poly like Cyclone or Blackout.
Also, I feel I need to finish my strokes with a more distinctive "roll" to get the topspin I desire.
Other than that, my elbow/arm love the feel and forgiveness and I'm hoping to get fully adjusted to the frame come spring leagues.
I found, especially when it's under 50 degrees, a tension of 47 - 50 lbs feels great with a textured stiffer poly like Cyclone or Blackout.
Also, I feel I need to finish my strokes with a more distinctive "roll" to get the topspin I desire.
Other than that, my elbow/arm love the feel and forgiveness and I'm hoping to get fully adjusted to the frame come spring leagues.
GrandSlam45
Rookie
I'm still loving my C10 pro! I recently strung it with NRG2 17 @ 57lbs, and wow... the control is amazing!
Unfortunately I can't string with poly due to arm tenderness, so I can only imagine how awesome this racquet would be with a poly set up.
Unfortunately I can't string with poly due to arm tenderness, so I can only imagine how awesome this racquet would be with a poly set up.
Yes, very true about lowering tension in colder conditions. For me a 1 lb drop in the mains is a noticeable difference in feel and performance (based on pog mid, not sure about the C10 pro as I haven't had enough time to play around with tension yet).
This post would prob be better suited in the 'strings' section, but I'll go ahead and post it here first.
Do any of you travel and play much in different locations/countries? And do/did you notice any difference in string tension/feel between the different locations? For me I'll compare S. Korea and Hawaii (Oahu). I reside in Korea and travel to Hawaii few times a year. Haven't had much time to hit with my C10 Pros in Hawaii the last time I was there so~ reference racquet: Pog mid (TW reissue) Head Rip Control 16/ OG 16 @ 52/43 lbs: this set up gives/gave me good pocketing while offering good bite on my forehand. Took the same frame with same strings (strung in korea) and the string bed felt approx 8~9 lbs tighter. Needless to say, it nearly destroyed my elbow had I continued to play with it in Hawaii.
So I took my Pog mid to a local tennis shop and had it restrung with Pros pro hex (a buddy of mine gave me, not sure the exact name) 17 g @ 48/45 lbs. Surprisingly the stringbed was still too stiff and tight for me. Took it to Korea and the stringbed felt too loose and couldn't play with it.
Maybe it has something to do with atmospheric conditions or longitude/latitude, not sure, but definitely a huge difference in stringbed tightness. The next time I visit the islands I plan on stringing roughly 15% lower.
Note: I'm at roughtly 36 degrees N. Lat. in Korea which is about the same Lat as N. Carolina/ Virginia. Whereas Hawaii seems to be aroung 20 degrees N. Lat.
It would be gd to hear if anyone else have had any exp playing in different locations throughout the world.
Also, I Know a tennis ball is roughly 57 grams. As far as general play (ground strokes, serves, volleys, during play etc.) The ball in Hawaii felt noticeably heavier, more momentum... roughly 1.5 times heavier (during play) than in Korea. Which added to elbow tenderness.
Cheers~
Do any of you travel and play much in different locations/countries? And do/did you notice any difference in string tension/feel between the different locations? For me I'll compare S. Korea and Hawaii (Oahu). I reside in Korea and travel to Hawaii few times a year. Haven't had much time to hit with my C10 Pros in Hawaii the last time I was there so~ reference racquet: Pog mid (TW reissue) Head Rip Control 16/ OG 16 @ 52/43 lbs: this set up gives/gave me good pocketing while offering good bite on my forehand. Took the same frame with same strings (strung in korea) and the string bed felt approx 8~9 lbs tighter. Needless to say, it nearly destroyed my elbow had I continued to play with it in Hawaii.
So I took my Pog mid to a local tennis shop and had it restrung with Pros pro hex (a buddy of mine gave me, not sure the exact name) 17 g @ 48/45 lbs. Surprisingly the stringbed was still too stiff and tight for me. Took it to Korea and the stringbed felt too loose and couldn't play with it.
Maybe it has something to do with atmospheric conditions or longitude/latitude, not sure, but definitely a huge difference in stringbed tightness. The next time I visit the islands I plan on stringing roughly 15% lower.
Note: I'm at roughtly 36 degrees N. Lat. in Korea which is about the same Lat as N. Carolina/ Virginia. Whereas Hawaii seems to be aroung 20 degrees N. Lat.
It would be gd to hear if anyone else have had any exp playing in different locations throughout the world.
Also, I Know a tennis ball is roughly 57 grams. As far as general play (ground strokes, serves, volleys, during play etc.) The ball in Hawaii felt noticeably heavier, more momentum... roughly 1.5 times heavier (during play) than in Korea. Which added to elbow tenderness.
Cheers~
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
I'd say make sure to confirm the strung weight of any 2nd hand C10 you're considering before you pick it up. I've been through several of these frames from a few different generations and they can definitely vary both in static weight and balance.
No idea how to identify the different generations aside from their finishes (paint jobs), but the newest C10 I have is one of the black with yellow letter frames (from maybe '08?). I have an older "fish scale" C10 and also a few with the mostly yellow pj with black lettering. These are the ones that vary big time. A couple weigh maybe 12.2-12.3 oz. strung in their stock form, but I also have one or two others that weight almost 13 oz., plus one that I traded a while ago that weighed maybe 12.8 oz.
Not sure about the exact spec's on my go-to C10's because most of mine have some lead tape on their handles for a little extra HL balance. From what I've heard, the more recent generations of this racquet have been quite consistent, but I've got a bundle of older ones that I accumulated from different sellers here.
The fish scale C10 has a rather unique, ultra soft feel (it may also have a heat shrink sleeve to build up the grip for a previous owner) and I could only use the heaviest ones for training on the practice grinder or for an occasional doubles endeavor. I'd say that every C10 I have does come with that trademark feel of the more flexible hoop. My O10's also have a softer feel (which really came out after I leaded them up to 12.4-12.5 oz.), but they're definitely firmer and more crisp through the hoops.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
I've always enjoyed a LOT of performance and comfort with these frames when strung with syn. gut. My elbow can get grumpy if I play with too harsh of a setup - never had a real case of tennis elbow - but the C10's were great for me, even with snug setups of 16 ga. syn. gut.
My favorite stuff now is from Tecnifibre, but I also did okay with Gosen OGSM (prefer their 17 ga. to the rather firm 16 ga.), Volkl syn. gut, and the supremely soft Forten Sweet 16. Prince SG with Duraflex was too harsh and clunky for me in 16 ga., but that string in 17 ga. has been acceptable. Prince's original syn. gut is still an all-time great as well.
Pretty sure I tried a hybrid of multi mains and low tension poly crosses in one of my C10's a couple years ago, but it was simply too harsh and dead to be of any use for me. With the right syn. gut at the right tension, I got all the crispness and control I wanted in those frames.
Curious what tension you strung with syn gut or even gut.
I am more of a flat hitter. I purchased one in the last year on sale and hit with it from time to time but feels kind of dead with Nxt tour at 59/57.
Might try with gut but not sure what tension will loosen up bed while maintain control.
I am more of a flat hitter. I purchased one in the last year on sale and hit with it from time to time but feels kind of dead with Nxt tour at 59/57.
Might try with gut but not sure what tension will loosen up bed while maintain control.
Ive read a few posts mentioning the c10 pro frames becoming 'blown-out' or fatigued after years of use. Is this the case w all makes and models? What are some signs that a frame might be fatigued/blown out? More vibration/jarring on off centered hits, more flex around the throat/hoop?? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Cheers~
Cheers~
mrc
Rookie
The C10 Pro is a really sweet stick. I have been hitting Head I.Prestige MP for a year or two and really did not expect the C10 Pro to be better. It gives it a run for its money with the feel and great sweet spot. I have used it with Nat Gut, Poly, and Multi's..I have used Hybrids as well and have been impressed with all of them as the racquet plays differently but still really good. As the season gets ramped, I am leaning torward using Sonic Pro Edge at 53lbs in the entire frame. Its a soft poly and good spin. The C10 just performs great with that set up. #2 would be Nat Gut mains and Poly crosses. I really like that set up but find I win more with SPE set up.
000KFACTOR90000
Professional
The old school graphite/Kevlar frames generally play better with age IMO.
From What I've read on these boards the '08, '10, and '12 all should play the same and have the same specs. I'm not sure about the models prior to the 2008 frame although I read on some earlier posts that the earlier version (before 2000) there was noticeably more flex in the upper hoop. Again this is what I read on earlier posts.
I'm going to have to agree w/ you on that so far. I picked up a couple 2010 C10 pro's (used) last year and have been loving the frame more as I continue to play with it. Making the transition from the POG mid wasn't easy. At first I couldn't get the timing and finding the sweet spot on the C10 was difficult.
I have to admit, the first few outings with the C10 was a very awkward experience and probably put it in the bag sooner than I should have. May be it was the strings that it came with, but since 2 mos ago with my new string set up, I'm loving it more and more each time.
Needless to say I just purchased my 3rd C10 pro 2010 (used) version!!
Cheers~
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Given the heft of these frames, I found that they could get a little too lively for me if the strings got too soft. The sweet spot would get a little "hot" and it was easier for me to spray some extra shot off toward who-knows-where. The C10's made me aware of just how string sensitive some racquets can be - I think this is one of them.
I was stringing my C10's with 17 ga. syn. gut in the low 60's, but that was when I was using a different machine that didn't hold tension as effectively as my current rig. Now I'm getting a similar firmness in my Volkl O10's when stringing them in the neighborhood of 55-57 lbs. BIG difference with the new machine (fixed clamps and better mounting system than my old table top setup). If I was looking to put new string in one of my old C10's, I think I'd start at 55 lbs. to get a reference tension and go from there.
kvan
Semi-Pro
Just got my Volkl black/yellow mega bag in the mail today! A great bag for a great racquet. Matches most of the paint jobs for the c10, and especially for my 2012s.
Quality is there, and some nice accents like the zipper detailing. Just hope the straps will be durable.
Can't wait to pack it up and hit the courts! Happy hitting!
Quality is there, and some nice accents like the zipper detailing. Just hope the straps will be durable.
Can't wait to pack it up and hit the courts! Happy hitting!
Carolina Racquet
Professional
Pretty psyched. I just bought a new brand new 2010 to add to my collection!
I now have 3. I think this is a commitment!
I now have 3. I think this is a commitment!
GrandSlam45
Rookie
Just got my Volkl black/yellow mega bag in the mail today! A great bag for a great racquet. Matches most of the paint jobs for the c10, and especially for my 2012s.
Quality is there, and some nice accents like the zipper detailing. Just hope the straps will be durable.
Can't wait to pack it up and hit the courts! Happy hitting!
I guess I'll have to disagree with you on this bag. I ordered one about a month ago and was wholey disappointed, so I sent it back. Main complaints were:
* cheap materials
* black vinyl sidings look like a woman's purse. I mean seriously.... vinyl?
* Annoying velcro mid-top handle that you have undo/redo every time you open/close the bag.
* Bag came crumpled and wrinkled and didn't look like it would correct itself anytime soon.
I'm not sure what kind of bags you've owned in the past, but the Babolat and Wilson bags, for example, put this one to shame.
It's too bad because as a Volk enthusiast I would love rep with one of their bags, but they leave much to be desired.
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kvan
Semi-Pro
To each his own, but I got the bag from Happy Hour a couple weeks ago, so it works for me!
GrandSlam45
Rookie
Changing subject back to the racquet....
Has anyone tried stringing the C10 with lower tensions... like in the 50 to 55lbs range? To date I've been stringing mine with multi's in the 57 - 60lbs range and getting good results, but my arm is starting to hurt, so I think I'm going to lower the tension to see if that helps.
I know Chris from TW recommends stringing the C10 with higher tensions, but I'm curious how the racquet will perform on the lower end of the scale?
Has anyone tried stringing the C10 with lower tensions... like in the 50 to 55lbs range? To date I've been stringing mine with multi's in the 57 - 60lbs range and getting good results, but my arm is starting to hurt, so I think I'm going to lower the tension to see if that helps.
I know Chris from TW recommends stringing the C10 with higher tensions, but I'm curious how the racquet will perform on the lower end of the scale?
SOY78
Professional
I have a C10 Pro MP Xtended and it is strung with full poly Topspin Polytech 17g at 35#'s. It took a couple of games to adjust but it felt really good the rest of the time. I think I put 30+ hours on it. In the end of it's life the strings moved all over the place and the notched strings where about 50% in cross section. It played good from start to finish, something I never had with poly before.
Carolina Racquet
Professional
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Carolina Racquet
Professional
I'm playing with my C10 at 50-52 right now with a stiffer poly. I love the feel. I'm not sure how it would feel with a multi at low tension. Might be too much of a launcher for me.
I had a C10 Pro laying around with no strings on it so a few days ago I just strung it up with Pro's Pro Blackout to test out the string. Took it out for a hit and boy I was impressed, the feel of this racket it solid, control is great, power was immense! Is the C10 Pro supposed to be a powerful racket?
TW's head playtester, Chris Edwards, gave it an 85/100 in power, making it the most powerful racquet he's reviewed in the "player" category.
RiggensAuroraHO
Rookie
"It lacked power for me, BITD, so I switched to the smaller head, the Pro Tour version. Big difference."
boinz
Rookie
can anyone point me to a photo of the very first generation C10 Pro that I read comes with R.A.P grommets (CAP grommets Volkl style) I cant find any pic on the net at all. All i get are the fishnet/fishscale ones.
And if you are interested in selling do also let me know.. i am a sucker for CAPish rackets
And if you are interested in selling do also let me know.. i am a sucker for CAPish rackets
