Volkl C10 Pro - Get's No Respect?

Carolina Racquet

Professional
I picked up a Volkl C10 Pro last summer and recently pulled it out and re-strung at a lower tension to compensate for the colder temperatures.

Very happy with the result. I love the flexy upper hoop area of the head and the soft feel of the frame. As others have mentioned, it's very string sensitive and I really like how a stiffer poly feels in it. The frame is rock solid, kind of like the "Range Rover" of frames. Also, my arm loves the softer feel :)

Leads me to the question... Does the frame not get the respect it should? It's 15+ years old and isn't a high profile frame because there were few pros endorsing it.

As a matter of background, I'm a 4.5 all-court player that tends to take the ball early and play mostly doubles at this point.
 
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McLovin

Legend
I used it for a year. The only reason I changed was my aging shoulder could no longer handle the heft, especially on clay where the ball would routinely get above my shoulders.

I sold them to a friend, who 3 years later is still using them.

If they had made a 'Team' version, one that came in @ 310g or 320g unstrung, I probably would have switched to that.
 
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Moz

Hall of Fame
I like mine with a couple of caveats which were enough not to go with it.

I don't think it has superb control for a 98 and I also think it feels like it lacks a bit of heft for a racket of that weight.
 

Carolina Racquet

Professional
I like mine with a couple of caveats which were enough not to go with it.

I don't think it has superb control for a 98 and I also think it feels like it lacks a bit of heft for a racket of that weight.

Interesting comments. I thought it played "bigger" than a 98, probably due to it's oval-shaped head?
 

Moz

Hall of Fame
I agree with your last comment and perhaps that reflects the apparent lack of control.
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
The C10 was really a game-changer for me when I decided to switch into a softer racquet. It gave me the impressions of both a somewhat modern frame, but seemed to have a lot of old school personality, too. Whenever one of our pals here is considering a demo with the C10, I like to point out the personality quirks that come with that flexible hoop. That diminished response up in the top of the string bed isn't such a big deal as long as the sampler knows what's going on I think.

As busy as my schedule could get, this racquet was supremely kind to my arm. I've switched into Volkl's O10 325g because I found a little better overall performance with it, especially in terms of spin potential, but I have no interest in unloading my C10's for now. If my arm demands a softer ride sometime in the future, those racquets should be all I need. I should note that I've tuned my O10's so a weight and balance that are very close to my C10s.

In case you haven't tried a C10 search, I'm sure I've jumped into at least a couple of threads about it here through recent years. I suppose it's not exactly winning the popularity contests around here because it's heavier than what some folks prefer. I'd say it also plays a little on the mellow side, but that's got to be the hoop flex at work. While the C10 has a small devoted following, I think it dwells more toward the margins in terms of both easy handling and easy power. Since I'm an all-courter who grew up playing wood racquets, this frame was a great fit for me when I needed a switch.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
I played with the C10 for close to ten years. I loved it. Then I "embraced" technology. I went through Babolat Aero Storm, Prince EXO 3 Tour Team, Prince Warrior EXO, and then the Wilson 99S along with a Dunlop Tour Team thrown in. All of the aforementioned racquets had something attractive, but they all lacked oomph that only heft can bring. Now I'm playing with the Wilson 6.1.

The C10 is a fantastic racquet, I still have a treasure trove of them. I tried it again and found it didn't have the same feel as the 6.1. Apparently I prefer a stiffer frame now. The C10 is as fuzz nation described it, quirky and either loved or hated. I found it would play stiffer the tighter it was strung. In the end, I think my hand just doesn't like the feel of the grip any more and I prefer the Wilson shape.

The C10, for me, does everything well, just not as good as the 6.1. The biggest difference is serving. The 6.1 just produces bombs. Volleys are also really good with both.
 

burn1986

Banned
Chris, a tester from Tennis Warehouse, still raves about it. In fact, he quit his IG Prestige MP and went back to the Volkl C10 Pro. That was the only way I heard about it.
 

Jocke

Rookie
I haven't come across any other frame that has that flexy upper hoop of the head, that probably gives the soft feel of the frame. Can you guys come to think of any?
 

OTMPut

Hall of Fame
I haven't come across any other frame that has that flexy upper hoop of the head, that probably gives the soft feel of the frame. Can you guys come to think of any?

volkl PB10 mid?
prokennex redondo type C MP?
 
Used it for a few years with great results. As a soft racquet I loved it with a poly mains, syn gut crosses set up. had a bit of lead at 3&9. about 354grams strung, still very headlight. You just have to put in the work, footwork....etc. put them down as I am getting older and can use just a bit more power these days.
 

RobFL

Rookie
Great all around frame, i still have 1 and hit it from time to time. My experience mirrors Rabbit's in that I'm with a K6.1 95 right now due to a need for a little more stiffness. In order to get a good win in a tournament I've got to beat a 5.0 player, most likely playing with a PD or AeroD, i need a little stiffer frame against those match ups. I have my C10 leaded up to about 12.5 at 3/9, that helps hit a little heavier ball on clay.
 

kvan

Semi-Pro
I like my C10s a good bit, but I'm wondering how it compares to the technifibre TF 315 ltd (16M).... Anyone hit/ enjoy them both? How do they compare?
 

Balaji_R

Rookie
Chris, a tester from Tennis Warehouse, still raves about it. In fact, he quit his IG Prestige MP and went back to the Volkl C10 Pro. That was the only way I heard about it.
Wow, I have both these racquets. Curious to know why did he do so? Pros and cons of both?
 

graycrait

Legend
I strung one of my 2008 C10 Pros with 16g Lux Nat Gut x 17g Wilson Revolve (white) at 58/56lb, stock with synthetic grip. I bagged my RF97As strung the same and won't be playing those any longer. @kvan , I also have recently acquired a TF 315 Ltd that is weighted up to 342g, so will be restringing that with Lux Nat Gut x Revolve just like the 340g C10 Pro to see how it swings.
 
I tried this yesterday. The copy I had been loaned was right around 350g, and felt to have a similar swingweight as Duel G 97/330, and more head heavy than PS85 that’s a bit heavier (mine at 365g). Pretty decent power but I felt like it didn’t give me as much control as the DG97 or the PS85.
 

Balaji_R

Rookie
Whats the best string pattern for C10 pro for good comfort and control among the below. I know it has good mass and power.
1. High tension poly
2. Relatively low tension poly (ok lets say my elbow isnt the strongest esp with stiff frames and stiff polys)
3. Syn /multi (ie non poly) mains, poly cross hybrid at high tension
4. Poly main, non poly cross at moderate tension
5. Poly main , non poly cross at high tension
 

grhcan99

Semi-Pro
Whats the best string pattern for C10 pro for good comfort and control among the below. I know it has good mass and power.
1. High tension poly
2. Relatively low tension poly (ok lets say my elbow isnt the strongest esp with stiff frames and stiff polys)
3. Syn /multi (ie non poly) mains, poly cross hybrid at high tension
4. Poly main, non poly cross at moderate tension
5. Poly main , non poly cross at high tension
Been a long-time low-tension (mid 40s) poly/syngut hybrid user. Just switched to full syngut Gosen OGSM 17 @ 57lbs recently (2/3 months ago). Elbow is so much happier. Long lingering elbow soreness/pain almost gone. Comfort is excellent. Control and spins all still there. Only con is durability. But I already know that coming in. It's just the nature of the beast. I string my racquets so it's no big deal. Moreover, syngut is cheaper.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I used it for a year. The only reason I changed was my aging shoulder could no longer handle the heft, especially on clay where the ball would routinely get above my shoulders.

I sold them to a friend, who 3 years later is still using them.

If they had made a 'Team' version, one that came in @ 310g or 320g unstrung, I probably would have switched to that.

You might want to give the C10 Pro Xtended a go then... lighter, more customizable version... it is extended though, but I haven't found that to be a problem
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I like my C10s a good bit, but I'm wondering how it compares to the technifibre TF 315 ltd (16M).... Anyone hit/ enjoy them both? How do they compare?

I have both... they both feel great, but I find that for me at least, the C10 Pro has more control, more power, and is more predictable. I find that the Tec TFight 315 Limited 16M (2013) is sometimes a little erratic and the ball will fly long on me when I don't expect it to. I don't have the same problem with the TFight 315 Limited (2013) 18M version, which is superb.

The C10 Pro though has more easy power and a greater weight of shot than either of the TFight 315 Limited versions (all of mine are weight modified to about 350g). If I want to enjoy my tennis, I could pull out either racquet (although I prefer the 18M version out of the two 315 Limiteds). However, if I want to boss my opponent and take control of the point (or I'm playing an opponent that produces lots of power), I will pull out the C10 Pro out every time. It absorbs pace effortlessly but seems to trouble my opponents more.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Is this a new frame, or an old one? All I can find on it is from 2014.

Older frame... I think the one I've got is the Fishscale version... maybe 2008-ish?

They are called C10 Pro Xtended (with the X instead of Ex). There is also the Volkl X10 Pro which seems to be between the C10 Pro and C10 Pro Xtended in specs but also extended length.

Have a look on Racquet Finder... all three versions are listed there... Recently, I saw an X10 Pro for sale on the Bay but it got snapped up before I could buy it.

The one I have looks like this...

 
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Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
@Classic-TXP-IG MID , by 2008, the X-tended was long gone. 2008 was the year of the all black C10. I think the X-Tended dates back to 2002-2004 or so.

The X-Tended was 110 square inches, lighter than the C10 Pro, and a spin monster. It was a lot of fun to play with. In retrospect, I probably should have gone to it rather than the Pro back in the day.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
@Classic-TXP-IG MID , by 2008, the X-tended was long gone. 2008 was the year of the all black C10. I think the X-Tended dates back to 2002-2004 or so.

The X-Tended was 110 square inches, lighter than the C10 Pro, and a spin monster. It was a lot of fun to play with. In retrospect, I probably should have gone to it rather than the Pro back in the day.

Like I said, I wasn't sure about the year. However, the other stuff you're wrong about. I have the C10 Pro Xtended and it's a 98, lighter, different balance and SW, and extended. There is also an X10 Pro which is in between with respect to specs but still extended and 98 sq inch. Look them up on Racquet Finder and type it into Google and pick images.

Volkl C10 Pro Xtended
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27.60 inches / 70.1 cm
Strung Weight: 11.00 oz / 312 g
Balance: 8pts HL
Swing Weight: 311
Beam Width: 0.0mm
Tip/Shaft:0.0mm / 0.0mm
Composition:
Power Level:
Stiffness: 58
String Tension:
String Pattern: 16 Mains/19 Crosses
Main Skip:


Volkl X-10 Pro
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27.50 inches / 69.85 cm
Strung Weight: 11.40 oz / 323 g
Balance: 11pts HL
Swing Weight: 307
Beam Width: 20.0mm
Tip/Shaft:20.0mm / 20.0mm
Composition: 100% Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stiffness: 61
String Pattern: 16 Mains/19 Crosses
Main Skip: 8T,8H
String Tension: 52-62

The one you're talking about is called C10 Pro Oversize and was 110 sq inches. I think there are one or two for sale on the Bay at the moment.
 

hotasice

Semi-Pro
Like I said, I wasn't sure about the year. However, the other stuff you're wrong about. I have the C10 Pro Xtended and it's a 98, lighter, different balance and SW, and extended. There is also an X10 Pro which is in between with respect to specs but still extended and 98 sq inch. Look them up on Racquet Finder and type it into Google and pick images.

Volkl C10 Pro Xtended
Head Size:98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length:27.60 inches / 70.1 cm
Strung Weight:11.00 oz / 312 g
Balance:8pts HL
Swing Weight:311

Beam Width:0.0mm
Tip/Shaft:0.0mm / 0.0mm
Composition:
Power Level:
Stiffness:58

String Tension:
String Pattern:16 Mains/19 Crosses
Main Skip:


Volkl X-10 Pro
Head Size:98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length:27.50 inches / 69.85 cm
Strung Weight:11.40 oz / 323 g
Balance:11pts HL
Swing Weight:307

Beam Width:20.0mm
Tip/Shaft:20.0mm / 20.0mm
Composition:100% Graphite
Power Level:Low-Medium
Stiffness:61

String Pattern:16 Mains/19 Crosses
Main Skip:8T,8H
String Tension:52-62

The one you're talking about is called C10 Pro Oversize and was 110 sq inches. I think there are one or two for sale on the Bay at the moment.

I have the c10 xtended too. It’s incredibly light and highly customizable. I leaded mine up to match the stock specs of the standard length c10 pro and it is soft and plush Iike the standard length but had more power and spin.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I have the c10 xtended too. It’s incredibly light and highly customizable. I leaded mine up to match the stock specs of the standard length c10 pro and it is soft and plush Iike the standard length but had more power and spin.

Same here. I added weight at 3,9, and 12 o'clock, then counter-balanced with weight at 7" above the butt cap, leather grip, overgrip and a rubber band dampener.

Awesome!!!

I think the RA is also lower than the standard length ( 58 Vs 63 at least according to Racquet Finder). I saw an X10 Pro for sale on the Bay but by the time I tried to buy it someone else beat me to it. That one seems to be in between the Xtended and regular C10 Pro in specs (more static weight, more HL, lower SW, and slightly higher RA of 61), as you can see from my previous post.
 

graycrait

Legend
Right now I swing the c10 Pro with gut/poly with a lot of satisfaction. So took some rackets off the wall and strung them with Lux Nat Gut x Revolve and see if any "beat" the C10 Pro. They all weigh between 340-349g: RF97, Tour 10 Mid, ROK 93, C10 Pro, TFight 315 Ltd. I am hoping the ROK 93 surprises me because so far with several other string jobs it hasn't made me smile when I swing it.
cUGHCvy.jpg
 

Balaji_R

Rookie
Older frame... I think the one I've got is the Fishscale version... maybe 2008-ish?

They are called C10 Pro Xtended (with the X instead of Ex). There is also the Volkl X10 Pro which seems to be between the C10 Pro and C10 Pro Xtended in specs but also extended length.

Have a look on Racquet Finder... all three versions are listed there... Recently, I saw an X10 Pro for sale on the Bay but it got snapped up before I could buy it.

The one I have looks like this...

Strange. I have two C10 pros and they are of similar specs. One is an older one and it looks the same as what you have posted on the link but it says C10 pro and not x or extended. Now I am confused as to what it is :)
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Strange. I have two C10 pros and they are of similar specs. One is an older one and it looks the same as what you have posted on the link but it says C10 pro and not x or extended. Now I am confused as to what it is :)

You have a regular length of C10 Pro in that particular paint job. I saw the picture you posted in the other thread. :giggle:

They both came in identical paint jobs, just one was the regular length (just had C10 Pro on the side), and the other was an extended length (had C10 Pro Extended written on the side). There is also an Oversize version in the same paint job (just to confuse you further), and that one says C10 Pro Oversize on the side (110 sq inch).

Hope that helps
 

kvan

Semi-Pro
I strung one of my 2008 C10 Pros with 16g Lux Nat Gut x 17g Wilson Revolve (white) at 58/56lb, stock with synthetic grip. I bagged my RF97As strung the same and won't be playing those any longer. @kvan , I also have recently acquired a TF 315 Ltd that is weighted up to 342g, so will be restringing that with Lux Nat Gut x Revolve just like the 340g C10 Pro to see how it swings.
I have both... they both feel great, but I find that for me at least, the C10 Pro has more control, more power, and is more predictable. I find that the Tec TFight 315 Limited 16M (2013) is sometimes a little erratic and the ball will fly long on me when I don't expect it to. I don't have the same problem with the TFight 315 Limited (2013) 18M version, which is superb.

The C10 Pro though has more easy power and a greater weight of shot than either of the TFight 315 Limited versions (all of mine are weight modified to about 350g). If I want to enjoy my tennis, I could pull out either racquet (although I prefer the 18M version out of the two 315 Limiteds). However, if I want to boss my opponent and take control of the point (or I'm playing an opponent that produces lots of power), I will pull out the C10 Pro out every time. It absorbs pace effortlessly but seems to trouble my opponents more.

Can’t believe this was nearly 7 years ago. Anyway, just an update on my racquet progression and my thoughts on the C10 after all these years...

Prince Spectrum Comp 90 > Volkl C10 Pro > Babolat Pure Strike 2014 16x19 > TFight 315 LTD 16M (2013) > Volkl C10 Pro > RF97A (2017)

I’ve always played with fairly heavy sticks and the lighter ones (the Pure Strike and TFight LTD) were leaded up and had leather grips to get them to a spec I liked. Not sure why or how I played with the 2014 Strikes for so long. They were super brassy and pretty flimsy in the hoop even with a considerable amount of lead. I had a short stint with the Technifibre—I enjoyed it but never gelled with it like I did with my old prince or C10 pro. I felt inconsistencies in feel and wanted to stop customizing my frames so much and focus more on playing.

I ended up on the TW playtest for the RF97 2017 and half of me wanted to dismiss the frame along with the hype it carried with it. The other half wanted to really want to like the stick. Fortunately, my aggressive game and familiarity with hefty frames allowed that other half win out. Although the feel of the RF97 and C10 are miles apart, it shares a few of the things I loved most about the Volkl. A knifing slice and smooth transfer for the OHBH, relatively open string pattern, stable and offered plenty of feel on drops, lobs, and volleys. The Wilson served better for me than the C10 could (which I feel is one of the only larger downsides of the frame) and offered a crisper “thwack” at contact, which reminded me more of my Spectrum Comp. I’ve played with it for the last 3 years and even after college, don’t find myself craving to hit with many other frames. The one exception is the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD...

I’ve since sold all my other frames, but man, if you’ve never tried the C10 pro before, you need to. It’s a special frame with a special feel and checks a LOT of the right boxes. It won’t give you much for free (other than that buttery contact), but it does many things right if your game is up to par.

Oh, I miss that gel butt cap, too. That said, I won’t be switching back... at least for a little while longer.
 

tonylg

Legend
Prince Spectrum Comp 90 > Volkl C10 Pro > Babolat Pure Strike 2014 16x19 > TFight 315 LTD 16M (2013) > Volkl C10 Pro > RF97A (2017)

Funny you should say that. Thanks to @graycrait, I recently got reacquainted with the Spectrum Comp 90 after a longer separation. My regular hitting partner commented that I thumped everything with it like I'd been practicing with it every day for years. It's just a beautiful frame.
 

kvan

Semi-Pro
Funny you should say that. Thanks to @graycrait, I recently got reacquainted with the Spectrum Comp 90 after a longer separation. My regular hitting partner commented that I thumped everything with it like I'd been practicing with it every day for years. It's just a beautiful frame.

Small world. My dad grew up using the limited edition bright yellow version, and it was the stick I learned to play with. Excellent frame. Think my folks still have it somewhere back home. Glad you’re putting yours to good use!
 

Balaji_R

Rookie
You have a regular length of C10 Pro in that particular paint job. I saw the picture you posted in the other thread. :giggle:

They both came in identical paint jobs, just one was the regular length (just had C10 Pro on the side), and the other was an extended length (had C10 Pro Extended written on the side). There is also an Oversize version in the same paint job (just to confuse you further), and that one says C10 Pro Oversize on the side (110 sq inch).

Hope that helps
Thanks. I am wondering when did I post the pics
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
To those who know about the C10?, know how good it is. The issue is that the average tennis player doesn't even know what a Volkl is, which is their loss,
I just hope Volkl return to super plush sticks with their next range, because it's that aspect that made Volkl such a great brand for the Volkl enthusiast.
A few years ago there was a huge gap in comfort between say a Volkl, Pacific and Pro Kennex and the mainstream Wilson, Head and Babolat. To some degree the gap has closed with some sticks ( Gravity, Clash). Also with Prince back in the business and Angell, Donnay, Yonex, Dunlop and Tecnifibre all offering a comfortable hitting experience things are s bit tight.
The great thing about the C10 is its distinctive feel, and it's combination of mass, stability, balance and manuverability. In contrast maybe the feel for some people is a little dated compared to say compared to a Wilson Ultra Tour or K7 Lime and Tecnifibre T40 315. Just like a Yonex V Pro 97 330 and RF autograph it's heavy in comparison to most other racquets on the market. There would also be a lot of players out there who want something new.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Thanks. I am wondering when did I post the pics

My apologies... I thought that was you, but it was another poster... too many threads beings read in a row late at night :oops::)

It still holds that if what is written on the side of the racquet is C10 Pro (or in some older versions Classic 10 Pro), then you have the regular length racquet that is around 330g unstrung and has an approximate balance of 31cm.

If it says: C10 Pro Xtended or X10 Pro on the side, it's one of the longer, lighter racquets with different balances and SWs.

Apologies again for mistaking you for someone else. :)
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
How do today's models compare to those from a decade ago? Something like this from TW

I haven't played with that version, however, based on the specs the RA is up a fraction, as is the SW. Others have commented that it feels a bit stiffer, but that is an individual thing. The models of the past have been softer, and although I love the paint job of this one, I have stocked up on several older models that look like new.

At the end of the day, it is all individual.
 

Balaji_R

Rookie
My apologies... I thought that was you, but it was another poster... too many threads beings read in a row late at night :oops::)

It still holds that if what is written on the side of the racquet is C10 Pro (or in some older versions Classic 10 Pro), then you have the regular length racquet that is around 330g unstrung and has an approximate balance of 31cm.

If it says: C10 Pro Xtended or X10 Pro on the side, it's one of the longer, lighter racquets with different balances and SWs.

Apologies again for mistaking you for someone else. :)
No issues at all. Anyways let me post pic now as we had so much discussion , hehe.
In the image you would see an IG Prestige MP and couple of C10 pros. Now tell me which year were they manufactured :)

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPNJ35IOs5dRbxel4juy1uRJd3xiDqjSjQy03cz
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame

tennis347

Hall of Fame
The C10 Pro is one of the best player"s racquets of all time. It has solid feel, plow, pop and control as well superb comfort. The only problem for me these days is that the weight is too much for my shoulder these days. I had C10 versions from 2007 and 08. The 07 version was a monster and weighed 12.8 ounces with a 335-340 swing weight. I could absolutely wallop the ball off the ground and serving back then with never any arm issues. But at 53 I need a more user friendly racquet.
 

speedysteve

Legend
I finally got the balance and weight of my older and more current C10 Pro frames where I like it.
359g and 8pts HL.

This required removing a heavy Wilson leather grip (25g / previous owner fitted) on the older one, and using 2 over grips instead, at 5g each + 5g of lead under the grip.
Once I added the about 6g in total at 3&9 I got there.
Just feels so right.

I didn't like 9/10 PTS HL or 7 PTS HL.
Fun to customise!

The newer frame was a grip 2 so I built the pallet up with 1/16" balsa (strips cut to fit pallet and butt cap - tacked in place with hot glue gun).
With two over grips getting me size 5. The balsa is lighter than other solutions and gives customisation scope..
 

Balaji_R

Rookie
No issues at all. Anyways let me post pic now as we had so much discussion , hehe.
In the image you would see an IG Prestige MP and couple of C10 pros. Now tell me which year were they manufactured :)

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPNJ35IOs5dRbxel4juy1uRJd3xiDqjSjQy03cz
I can't see anything... just an Error message... sorry
How do you attach files, pics in this board. I dont see an attach, upload button.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
How do you attach files, pics in this board. I dont see an attach, upload button.

I've never attached my own photos... the only thing I've attached are reviews of racquets and such, which I did by hitting the "Share" icon and then copy and pasted it on here. Sorry, maybe someone else can help you with that. You have to use one of the image hosting sites... there is an "Insert Image" icon in the options above... @graycrait maybe you can help. Thanks :) ... and sorry again @Balaji_R
 
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