Volkl 10 Afficionados...

TripleB

Hall of Fame
I'm currently demoing the Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid and am really like a lot of things about this racquet: serves (especially the flat serve), pop on volleys (amazing put away power for the 59 flex), crosscourt shots (very good maneuverability even though it isn't 10 points HL like specs say), and slice.

This racquet has a feel that seems a little crisper (less flexy, which at times in the past felt way too flexy in previous 10 models) than I remember Volkl 10 models feeling...especially the Gen II model I playtested a few years ago. I like the crisper feel.

The first three items mentioned above are places I've really struggled with in the past.

It's hard to tell exactly how this racquet would play when strung like I would have it, but this racquet is the most intriguing of the four I'm demoing. The demo, obviously strung by someone other than T-W, is strung with Pacific 17g natural gut (a string I couldn't afford to play with on a regular basis) at what seems like a tension over 60 pounds...I've never tried a natural gut string that felt this crisp.

Anyway, with the success I'm having with the Power Bridge 10 Mid it makes me wonder how the following Volkl 10's play since they are the ones still available at Tennis-Warehouse:

- Volkl DNX 10 Mid
- Volkl Power Bridge 10 Midplus
- Volkl C10 Pro

Can anyone compare any of the above racquets to the Power Bridge 10 Mid or to each other?

BTW: I include the midplus versions of the 10 series because when I began my racquet quest this year I was looking at a midplus racquet so, even though I'm like the PB 10 Mid, I still want to consider the midplus models

I appreciate your comments.

TripleB
 
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I had the PB10 MP for a while, which got me started down the road to Volkl, and then bought a DNX10 Mid. Neither of those stuck although I did REALLY like the PB10MP.

As noted, I am currently using the C10, and loving every minute. Coming from the Bab Pure Storm LTD, the C10 just feels "easier" - similar feel, but more life from the frame.

The PB10 MP I remember feeling firmer than the C10, in part due to the 18x20 pattern. It did, however, create nice spin - I was mashing groundies. Never grooved my serve, however. I would say that the PB10 had an adequate amount of power - it's still on the low end, but I could get depth without too much work.

I had the exact opposite experience with the DNX10 - my serve was great, my groundies were tough to find the groove with. In my hands, I had trouble finding consistent depth - the ball would fly on me if I didn't focus on getting on top of the ball. This is softer feeling than I remember the PB10 being. The swing feel is a little weird IMO - weight was perfect, just felt like it was in a weird spot.

I feel like Goldilocks right about now though - the C10 is just right. I string with poly at higher tensions (58-60#), but I am going to try standard syn gut to see what that does. Power-wise, it's got enough to carry the ball through the court without having to overhit. The flex and pattern allows me to hit with more margin and drop the ball in play. Serving is a joy - I'm just now finding the top range of my swing speed, and I'm serving bigger than I have before, and the action off of the court seems almost unfair.

Like you, I'm a former PS Classic user, and feel-wise, the C10 isn't really the same, but it does share a similar "rewarding" feeling when you catch the ball just right.

I would suggest you demo the PB10 MP and the C10 - they share the Volkl feel, but the PB10 seems a bit stiffer and rewards someone who needs the 18x20 pattern, where the C10 is quite plush and gives you a hand with the extra spin and pop from the 16x19.
 
I would suggest you demo the PB10 MP and the C10 - they share the Volkl feel, but the PB10 seems a bit stiffer and rewards someone who needs the 18x20 pattern, where the C10 is quite plush and gives you a hand with the extra spin and pop from the 16x19.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment...how do you think the power compares between the C10, PB 10 MP, and the DNX 10 Mid?

Until I started playing with the Head LiquidMetal Radical Midplus I had always used a more open string pattern. I still think I prefer that open string pattern (although I did like the KBlade 98 with 18x20) in order to hit those 'dippers' at the net chargers of the world and to get those sharp crosscourt angles.

Again, thank you for your input.

TripleB
 
I would say that power-wise, it goes:

DNX10>C10 (by a small margin)
C10>PB10 (this could also be adjusted with string selection)
 
I had the PB10 MP for a while, which got me started down the road to Volkl, and then bought a DNX10 Mid. Neither of those stuck although I did REALLY like the PB10MP.

As noted, I am currently using the C10, and loving every minute. Coming from the Bab Pure Storm LTD, the C10 just feels "easier" - similar feel, but more life from the frame.

The PB10 MP I remember feeling firmer than the C10, in part due to the 18x20 pattern. It did, however, create nice spin - I was mashing groundies. Never grooved my serve, however. I would say that the PB10 had an adequate amount of power - it's still on the low end, but I could get depth without too much work.

I had the exact opposite experience with the DNX10 - my serve was great, my groundies were tough to find the groove with. In my hands, I had trouble finding consistent depth - the ball would fly on me if I didn't focus on getting on top of the ball. This is softer feeling than I remember the PB10 being. The swing feel is a little weird IMO - weight was perfect, just felt like it was in a weird spot.

I feel like Goldilocks right about now though - the C10 is just right. I string with poly at higher tensions (58-60#), but I am going to try standard syn gut to see what that does. Power-wise, it's got enough to carry the ball through the court without having to overhit. The flex and pattern allows me to hit with more margin and drop the ball in play. Serving is a joy - I'm just now finding the top range of my swing speed, and I'm serving bigger than I have before, and the action off of the court seems almost unfair.

Like you, I'm a former PS Classic user, and feel-wise, the C10 isn't really the same, but it does share a similar "rewarding" feeling when you catch the ball just right.

I would suggest you demo the PB10 MP and the C10 - they share the Volkl feel, but the PB10 seems a bit stiffer and rewards someone who needs the 18x20 pattern, where the C10 is quite plush and gives you a hand with the extra spin and pop from the 16x19.

Ah i'm dying to get out and hit with the demo i just received. I demo'd the black version and it looks sick. Can't wait to try it. The N95 is feeling good, but if I can find an arm friendlier alternative that is just as good, i'm getting it!
 
First of all, I string at the lower end of the tension range with a really thin poly, around 50 lb and with MSV Hex 1.10 Black, so take that for what it's worth. My history with Volkls started with the C10PT, then C10, T10G1MP and have tried pretty much most of the 10 series since then.

I currently use the PB10mid as my game day stick. I love the feel, as you said, that's some what crisp yet it has a flex to it. The DNX10mid would have been the stick for me but for some odd reason I never got it around that fast; granted these were the two I picked up from TW as the other one I picked up may have been a pre-production version that was slightly lighter than spec. I was also coming off of the T10VE mid as well. The PB10mid to me is a cross between the maneuverability of the T10VEmid with the slight stiffness of the DNX10.

My remaining C10s are the black version, with 5g at 3/9 and strung with poly mains, gut crosses. They also have L3 Attiva pallets installed. I always found the C10 a bit noodley in the head but with the lead there now I actually like it a bit more as the mass helps since I hit the ball slightly above middle. Compared to the PB10, my C10s swing slightly slower but thanks to the midplus (98 ) I get slightly more forgiveness and launch angle. I think if you do decide to get the C10, since you like a crisper feel, you'll probably have to modify the frame with lead and string at a higher tension.

I demoed the PB10MP from TW and it wasn't a bad frame. It swung fairly fast for me and I wish I could've had my string and tension in it because I think the syngut or multi that was in it did it no justice. It had a somewhat firm feel for me and I grooved with it right away. It just didn't have the pop or spin for me, but I attribute it to the strings/tension. If I found some on the cheap, I'd pick some up and give them a try.

As for the PB10, I have one of them strung with V-Icon 17 mains, 18g syn crosses at 55 lbs and I thought that was a real crisp setup. I definitely wouldn't go higher than that though because I prefer a loose tension.

OT: BBB, I'd look into the Dunlop AG 4D 200. I hit with a friend's that was strung with Polystar Energy IIRC and it hit a pretty heavy, flattish ball. I wouldn't call it extremely crisp but it wasn't noodley either.
 
Ah i'm dying to get out and hit with the demo i just received. I demo'd the black version and it looks sick. Can't wait to try it. The N95 is feeling good, but if I can find an arm friendlier alternative that is just as good, i'm getting it!

Make sure you post your comments on how it plays!!!

TripleB
 
I always found the C10 a bit noodley in the head but with the lead there now I actually like it a bit more as the mass helps since I hit the ball slightly above middle. I think if you do decide to get the C10, since you like a crisper feel, you'll probably have to modify the frame with lead and string at a higher tension.

It had a somewhat firm feel for me and I grooved with it right away. It just didn't have the pop or spin for me, but I attribute it to the strings/tension.

OT: BBB, I'd look into the Dunlop AG 4D 200. I hit with a friend's that was strung with Polystar Energy IIRC and it hit a pretty heavy, flattish ball. I wouldn't call it extremely crisp but it wasn't noodley either.

'Noodley'...crazy word, but you know what, that is exactly the perfect word to describe how I remember many of the old Volkl 10 racquets feeling. As you probably know from my other posts I'm not a big fan of lead and my current elbow problems, I may not be a fan of higher tensions either.

The lack of spin with the PB10MP might be a problem for me...really rely on spin for much of my success. Strange they went to the 18x20 string pattern for the PB10MP...would have liked to see it in a 16x19 like the C10 Pro.

I have that Dunlop on my list of possible demos*...I just worry about the spin potential of the 18x20 string pattern on a 95 sq in racquet.

I appreciate all your input...it's a great help.

TripleB

*others on my possible demo list: Dunlop 4D 300, Dunlop 4D 200, Prince Ozone Tour, PK Type C Redondo, PowerBridge 10 Mid+, C10 Pro, DNX 10 Mid, Wilson BLX Pro Tour, Wilson BLX Six-One Tour, Yonex Ultimum RDTi 80 ( along with probably one or two of the demos I'm trying now: KBlade 98, YouTek Prestige Pro, PowerBridge 10 Mid, BLX 6-1 16x18 )
 
I have a thread just for it. I took after the example of another frequent demoer on these boards :D

You better watch out...if you're talking about me, you don't want to do anything like I do...some posters will start circling you like sharks just waiting to eat you up when you put up too many posts :mrgreen:.

TripleB
 
You better watch out...if you're talking about me, you don't want to do anything like I do...some posters will start circling you like sharks just waiting to eat you up when you put up too many posts :mrgreen:.

TripleB

Oh i'll try and keep it toned down :D
 
'Noodley'...crazy word, but you know what, that is exactly the perfect word to describe how I remember many of the old Volkl 10 racquets feeling. As you probably know from my other posts I'm not a big fan of lead and my current elbow problems, I may not be a fan of higher tensions either.

The lack of spin with the PB10MP might be a problem for me...really rely on spin for much of my success. Strange they went to the 18x20 string pattern for the PB10MP...would have liked to see it in a 16x19 like the C10 Pro.

I have that Dunlop on my list of possible demos*...I just worry about the spin potential of the 18x20 string pattern on a 95 sq in racquet.

I appreciate all your input...it's a great help.

TripleB

*others on my possible demo list: Dunlop 4D 300, Dunlop 4D 200, Prince Ozone Tour, PK Type C Redondo, PowerBridge 10 Mid+, C10 Pro, DNX 10 Mid, Wilson BLX Pro Tour, Wilson BLX Six-One Tour, Yonex Ultimum RDTi 80 ( along with probably one or two of the demos I'm trying now: KBlade 98, YouTek Prestige Pro, PowerBridge 10 Mid, BLX 6-1 16x18 )

My humble opinion on 18x20 frames is that the spin you generate is a tighter spin and the launch angle isn't as high as 16 mained frames. It all depends on technique obviously but the spin is there if you can swing fast enough. In that sense the PB10MP would win out over the AG4D200 because it's easier to get around.

I'm like you and require spin in my game and so the C10 Pro out of your current list would be the one to try first. I wouldn't rule out lead as even 2-3g at 2/10 or 3/9 would help slightly reduce that 'noodley' feeling yet still keep the racquet easy to swing.
 
For me, it was pretty bad since I hit slightly above center (SW FH, primarily kick serve user) and if I mishit just above that the ball wouldn't go anywhere. I remember one C10 user add lead up at 3/9 to his setup and thought it could work for me and it did.

Since you're demoing the C10 Pro compared to your N95, I think you'll notice a difference right away. The Wilson series just has more mass up there it seems, I assume because of the beam width and construction/shape.
 
I tend to hit the ball lower most of the time, but the upper hoop is pretty dead - I will agree about that.

If I miss high, it's tough to get depth, but I do tend to hit lower, having grown up on Pro Staffs and such with the lower sweet spot.
 
Hmm, it should be an interesting hit. Is it bad form to lead up demos?
 
I use the C10Pro normally, and recently hit with a friend's PB10mp demo. Both were strung with 16g synthetic gut.

The first thing I noticed about the PB10 was the weight. My sticks have a ton of lead on them, and I really wanted more weight in the handle of the PB10.
That said, I hit with it fine. It did feel a bit crisper than my C10Pro (not a pro or con, just different). The spin was fine. I mean, the string spacing is IDENTICAL except that the C10Pro has 2 outer strings (mains or crosses) in the same space the PB10 has 3. That's it. Same spin potential in the sweet spot, just the strings are closer to the frame.

I liked the racket (and it is my friend's favorite of the 8 that he's demoed so far) and I would love to try the PB10mid based on what I felt with the midplus.

One last thought... my friend usually hits with the NCode 6.1 18x20 but broke it in a fit of rage and is looking for a replacement. His shots came to me the same with the PB10mp as they did with his old racket, and it took him no time at all to adapt to the Volkl.

Edit: what's wrong with leading the demos? you can take it off when you're done!
 
I tend to hit the ball lower most of the time, but the upper hoop is pretty dead - I will agree about that.

If I miss high, it's tough to get depth, but I do tend to hit lower, having grown up on Pro Staffs and such with the lower sweet spot.

I grew up with the PSC6.1 as well and I guess I got away with hitting slightly higher because of the mass and stiffness of the 6.1.
 
I mean, the string spacing is IDENTICAL except that the C10Pro has 2 outer strings (mains or crosses) in the same space the PB10 has 3. That's it. Same spin potential in the sweet spot, just the strings are closer to the frame.

Edit: what's wrong with leading the demos? you can take it off when you're done!

I haven't seen the YouTek Prestige Midplus ( 18x20 ) but would about assume that's what Head did with the Pro and the Midplus because the 16x19 string pattern on the Pro is very tight with a lot of space on the sides...very disappointed when I got the demo of the Pro and saw how tight of a string pattern it had for a 16x19.

If you're referring to me not preferring lead...it isn't just the demos, I don't like adding lead to any racquet.

Thanks for your input.

TripleB
 
I haven't seen the YouTek Prestige Midplus ( 18x20 ) but would about assume that's what Head did with the Pro and the Midplus because the 16x19 string pattern on the Pro is very tight with a lot of space on the sides...very disappointed when I got the demo of the Pro and saw how tight of a string pattern it had for a 16x19.

If you're referring to me not preferring lead...it isn't just the demos, I don't like adding lead to any racquet.

Thanks for your input.

TripleB

I think GPB was talking about Mansewerz and leading up demos. As for the YT Pres Pro and MP, I tried a friend's and owned the MP and I think you're right about the spacing. I was a bit disappointed because both of them felt a bit light for me. With the Pro, I felt I had to really muscle the ball to get it going. Granted the times I tried out the Pro, it had dead poly in one time and the other times it had 18g Kevlar in it so that may have greatly skewed my perception.
 
not on your list but the volkl v-engine mid would be a worth swing. it feels crisp yet has a nice flex similar to the pb 10 mid.

i actually looked at the pb10 mid as a replacement for my ve mid, and it was the closest i found out of the other volkl 10 series rackets. i really wanted to make the pb10 mid work, but felt the ball flew too much and slices tended to float more for me.

that said, it's a great update to the volkl line. its maneuverability and has a large sweet spot that makes it play larger than other mids. i know the main criticism most players had with past volkls is the mushy feel, but i felt the pb10 (like the ve mid) managed to play crisp while maintaining that soft feel at the same time.

i think if there was an 18x20 string pattern it would be my current frame.
 
not on your list but the volkl v-engine mid would be a worth swing. it feels crisp yet has a nice flex similar to the pb 10 mid.

i think if there was an 18x20 string pattern it would be my current frame.

I don't think T-W still offers the VE 10 Mid...do they?

If it were an 18x20 string pattern I don't think I would like it as much :).

Thanks for your input.

TripleB
 
First post. I did a search, but couldn't quite find what I'm looking for. I'm sorry if this has been covered in another thread.

After demo'ing the pb10mid for a month or so, I purchased it. I had it strung with lux big banger rough's at 59 on the mains, vs gut at 57 on the crosses. I gotta say, I'm less than thrilled with the set up...the stick feels dead/flat. What can I do to crisp the racquet up, make it more lively...? Full poly? Full gut? My demo was strung w/ Wilson nxt at 57. I didn't mind that, but I was just hoping for something with a little more umph...
What deadened the racquet? Was it the poly? Either way, my game has definitely dropped...

Any advice would be totally welcomed.
 
First post. I did a search, but couldn't quite find what I'm looking for. I'm sorry if this has been covered in another thread.

After demo'ing the pb10mid for a month or so, I purchased it. I had it strung with lux big banger rough's at 59 on the mains, vs gut at 57 on the crosses. I gotta say, I'm less than thrilled with the set up...the stick feels dead/flat. What can I do to crisp the racquet up, make it more lively...? Full poly? Full gut? My demo was strung w/ Wilson nxt at 57. I didn't mind that, but I was just hoping for something with a little more umph...
What deadened the racquet? Was it the poly? Either way, my game has definitely dropped...

Any advice would be totally welcomed.
There is a contingent of users, including myself,that thinks that the the PB10 mid should be strung below mid-level. The PB10 mid seems to be sensitive to this more than others. I am stringing at 53lbs. Also, try the gut in the mains and the poly in the crosses. I have used 17g. VS Team (or Wilson Natural) in the mains and 17g PHT in the crosses for about three years and now like it in the PB10 mids as well. Hope this helps.
 
First post. I did a search, but couldn't quite find what I'm looking for. I'm sorry if this has been covered in another thread.

After demo'ing the pb10mid for a month or so, I purchased it. I had it strung with lux big banger rough's at 59 on the mains, vs gut at 57 on the crosses. I gotta say, I'm less than thrilled with the set up...the stick feels dead/flat. What can I do to crisp the racquet up, make it more lively...? Full poly? Full gut? My demo was strung w/ Wilson nxt at 57. I didn't mind that, but I was just hoping for something with a little more umph...
What deadened the racquet? Was it the poly? Either way, my game has definitely dropped...

Any advice would be totally welcomed.

Full poly at 35lbs should do the trick!
 
not on your list but the volkl v-engine mid would be a worth swing. it feels crisp yet has a nice flex similar to the pb 10 mid.

i actually looked at the pb10 mid as a replacement for my ve mid, and it was the closest i found out of the other volkl 10 series rackets. i really wanted to make the pb10 mid work, but felt the ball flew too much and slices tended to float more for me.

that said, it's a great update to the volkl line. its maneuverability and has a large sweet spot that makes it play larger than other mids. i know the main criticism most players had with past volkls is the mushy feel, but i felt the pb10 (like the ve mid) managed to play crisp while maintaining that soft feel at the same time.

i think if there was an 18x20 string pattern it would be my current frame.

Try stringing your PB 10's crosses 2-4 lbs loser than your mains. Your dwell time will increase, your slices won't float, and your drives won't fly. Volkl has been recommending this since the first DNX sticks came out.

With that being said, the T10 VE Mid is my all time favorite stick. I have like six of them gathering dust.
 
Thanks for the reply.

What do you think is causing the dead feeling? The gut? The poly?

I demoed sticks for about 3 months - the whole babolat range, and the volkl PB10mid, mid+, light, and PB9. All were strung at about mid +2 using NXT. Nothing had the feel of the PB10mid, which is why I went for it. I'm a 3.5 and I tend to over hit, so stringing it that low seems off for my game. I'll admit, I'm a bit below the level of this racquet - but that's why I love it, it's making me play better tennis.

But I'll admit - my initial thought was to go full poly. Been wanting to try the BB rough's or those new Babolat's that Nadal uses - something to help with my spin. But yeah, I really thought the gut/poly blend was gonna give me that extra feel, liveliness and pop that I was after...instead, it's the exact opposite.



There is a contingent of users, including myself,that thinks that the the PB10 mid should be strung below mid-level. The PB10 mid seems to be sensitive to this more than others. I am stringing at 53lbs. Also, try the gut in the mains and the poly in the crosses. I have used 17g. VS Team (or Wilson Natural) in the mains and 17g PHT in the crosses for about three years and now like it in the PB10 mids as well. Hope this helps.
 
Attiva Pallets for the C-10

Thanks for all the great posts guys, I have been a raquet nut for years and enjoy the info. I just swithched from the Prince Speed Port Tour to the C-10 (Classic 10 Volkle yellow version). The handle shape is the only complaint I have. I assume from previous post the Attiva is a little more square? Does anyone know where I can get some 4 1/2 Attiva pallets?
 
Anyway, with the success I'm having with the Power Bridge 10 Mid it makes me wonder how the following Volkl 10's play since they are the ones still available at Tennis-Warehouse:

- Volkl DNX 10 Mid
- Volkl Power Bridge 10 Midplus
- Volkl C10 Pro

I appreciate your comments.

TripleB

Just as a note, the DNX 10 Mid plays identically to the old Volkl C10 Pro (bumblebee cosmetic) albeit a tad lighter. Those interested should serioulsy give this frame a look if they want the same thing. A little lead tape would make it identical. I think it comes from the same mold.

The PB 10 MP IMO, doesn't have the same feel or playability as the Mid. I attribute this soley to the string pattern, but I am not a fan of dense string patterns.

The C10 pro plays with more flex and is more headlight and swings lighter than the PB10 Mid. From a spin perspective, they are equal IMO. But, I like the feel from the C10 better as it feels more plush and just all around better IMO. But I am probably a little biased toward that feel.
 
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Thanks for all the great posts guys, I have been a raquet nut for years and enjoy the info. I just swithched from the Prince Speed Port Tour to the C-10 (Classic 10 Volkle yellow version). The handle shape is the only complaint I have. I assume from previous post the Attiva is a little more square? Does anyone know where I can get some 4 1/2 Attiva pallets?

You have to go through your pro shop; Volkl will not sell to consumers.
 
My favorite Volkls of all time are;

Tour10 VE MP
Tour10 VE Mid
Tour10 Gen II (MP)
PB10 Mid

I have phases of using all of them. They are all great. I bought the PB10 Mid when it came out and I liked it but didn't love it but I recently switched back to it and I am playing the best tennis of my life now. It is really a great stick and I don't understand how it is so stable at net for a flexy racket. If you don't mind that fact that it is a mid I would recommend it over the others you mentioned just because I think it is better all around and will be around for a while so you won't have trouble buying another one. My favorite MP ever is the Tour10 VE MP. In general though I think it is hard to go wrong with any 10 serious Volkl.
 
How're you stringing that Mid?


My favorite Volkls of all time are;

Tour10 VE MP
Tour10 VE Mid
Tour10 Gen II (MP)
PB10 Mid

I have phases of using all of them. They are all great. I bought the PB10 Mid when it came out and I liked it but didn't love it but I recently switched back to it and I am playing the best tennis of my life now. It is really a great stick and I don't understand how it is so stable at net for a flexy racket. If you don't mind that fact that it is a mid I would recommend it over the others you mentioned just because I think it is better all around and will be around for a while so you won't have trouble buying another one. My favorite MP ever is the Tour10 VE MP. In general though I think it is hard to go wrong with any 10 serious Volkl.
 
How're you stringing that Mid?

It's very odd, I remember stringing this at a high tension (58-60lbs). When I did it I thought it might have been too high although it played pretty well but now time has passed and it plays even better. If you are using a lively poly like the one I am I think you should be fine in the low range 50-52 lbs or even the mid range. I use MSV Hex 1.10 on all my sticks. When I string mine up again its gonna be somewhere in the neighborhood of 50lbs.
 
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