Went on vacation last week and hit a few times with the c10 pro with the gut and lead tape. Have not used the stock TW frame for more than 1/2 hr. Finally played some singles with it and my impressions are as follows:
Grip and launch angel: I use an eastern grip with my Melbournes. I installed Attiva palltes and they work great for me. The Volkl grip is more square and I find that If I use an eastern grip I tend to send a few routine balls long. By shifting to a semi western grip I can add more spin and keep the balls in play with more pace and spin, but I have to be consciously moving to that grip as it is not yet natural for me. Same on my 1HBH side. I have to really be in a semi western grip as well on that side so I can rip the ball with authority, otherwise Hit Long. launch angle is a little higher than the melbourne. Not a bad thing, just not used to it yet. If I can find any, I will probably change the pallets on the c10 as well.
Serving: The weight of this frame can be an asset or a liability depending on how you use it. This is a great serving frame as long as I let the frame do the work. If I try to really blast serves by staying relaxed and use my legs, no problem. If I am tired and start using more muscle and less leg drive,I can still serve okay, but I lose some pop. fantastic frame for S&V.
Volleys: I like an 18 x 20 string bed better across the board, but especially for volleys. This frame is solid up at the net, but again I can spray a few that come out of nowhere, that I would paste with my Beckers. Again 10 years with the Beckers, so I am giving this frame more time as it is solid when I execute properly and it is sweet when you hit the ball well.
Groundstrokes: This is where this frame surprises me. It has more flex and is more HL than my Beckers, but once I figured out the grip issue, you can pound groundstrokes with this frame, unlike most any other frame I have tried. The feel, ball cupping and launch off the string bed is addictive. I have to consciously be moving to that ball with my shoulder turned and with good racket prep on both sides or due to the weight, I can be late on shots, but If I am in good position to strike the ball, I can generate good spin and weight of shot on both sides.. I went back & forth between the Becker and C10 yesterday during a hitting session and both frames had the exact same set up and strings and my hitting partners I was working out with both agreed that the weight of shot & pace was bigger with the C10 pro. the only potential issue, again could be the higher swing weight, if I am late or lazy the balls land short or sail.( as with most frames, right?). I can create great angles and easily keep the ball deep, creating many options during a rally.
return of serve: excellent!! the mass allows me to block hard serves deep with ease and any weak or slow 2nd serves are easy to tee off on and still keep good control. Great chip and charge frame as well because the slice has a good bite to it with good depth.
Overall a solid frame with no major weakness. Super comfortable and absorbs shock very well. Super feel, unlike any of the newer frames I have tried and very solid. The only issue I can see is the weight being an issue in a long match. This frame makes me want to come up to the net and finish point because you can hit big shots from anywhere on the court. This frame kind of reminds me of a more user friendly Dunlop 200 tour that I used for a while before I discovered the Beckers. Great heavy frame, but a 60, even though I am extremely fit, I do have a frail right shoulder and I could see serving out a long match being a challenge compared to my Melbournes.
I have a few friendly matches set up for this week, so i will see how I do. I'' leave the Melbournes at home so They will be out of mind if things get complicated. I know this a long review, but I have to say, I am impressed with this frame much more than any other of the ""new"" frames out there that I have recently tried. sadly, The new Volkls don't come close to the feel this frame offers. They feel much cheaper and muted.
