Volkl Tour 10 generation I (mid, mp and xtended)

[gonzalocatalino]

Today I went to the local Volkl rep here in Bs. As. to buy a new bag, looking at the store, i saw an entire box fully of the discontinued "Volkls tour 10", in all 3 versions of the frame (mp, mid and xtended). they are selling this frames for 100-110 u$s each...
As i am looking to buy a new pair of racquets just for fun (i play with the Tour 10 Gen 2, and dont want to change the racquets, i´m happy with them) , i want to ear some experiences from you guys. The price of the racquets seems to be pretty decent for this lands, so, maybe i could make a good deal.
Has anyone played the Tour 10 MID (93", 18x20, 12ox strung)??

i will appreciate any comment about those 3 classics, I have read something on the mp, but the others are not very popular...

Thanks

Gonzalo

 

[louis netman]

Tour 10 mid (Gen I) is a great frame with no weaknesses. Great feel, ample spin potential and very nimble. Can be quite a weapon in able hands. I got injured and older and had to settle on the MP version...Wish I had a few of those left for those days when I'm really on the ball...

 

[skraggle]

Great, great sticks. I have a bunch of the MPs, and a couple of the mids. Flexible, great control, low power. You can trim the head guard down and it will swing even easier. And even though it's not that important, one of the best looking sticks ever.

 

[ssjkyle31]

I once owned all three models of the midplus in Generation 1, V engine and Generation 2. I like the Generation 1 the most out of the three. I had all three in stock mode except I had volkl leather grips on all three models.

Out of the midplus verse the mid (gen 1), I prefer the mid because of the racket speed I can generate on overheads & serves. I cannot really comment on the extended version.

 

[MikeZee]

Hey skraggle, how did you trim the headguard? and which part of it?

 

[MikeZee]

Oh and, gonzalo, my advice to you is that if you've actually found some brand new tour 10 mid's gen 1, buy as many as you can afford!! They seem to be pretty hard to come by, especially in the mid version, and especially brand new. It may not be the most popular frame, but don't let that fool you, its really a special racquet. The flexibility and low-power makes it so precise. You've got to try it, at least.

 

[Field]

I love my Völkl's Tour 10 MP
Have 5 of them strung with either Topspin CyberFlash 1,25, SPP Plasma 1,23 or SPP Megaforce 1,24.

Cheers,
Field

 

[gonzalocatalino]

Oh and, gonzalo, my advice to you is that if you've actually found some brand new tour 10 mid's gen 1, buy as many as you can afford!! They seem to be pretty hard to come by, especially in the mid version, and especially brand new. It may not be the most popular frame, but don't let that fool you, its really a special racquet. The flexibility and low-power makes it so precise. You've got to try it, at least.

I was more interested in the Mp`s, i call them today and they have only the MID and the Xtended in my gripsize (L4), so, maybe i would buy a couple of the mids...

 

[ironstring]

I was more interested in the Mp`s, i call them today and they have only the MID and the Xtended in my gripsize (L4), so, maybe i would buy a couple of the mids...

You can't go wrong with the mids for sure.
Especially, you already like the GenII and plan to "play" with the mids.
not the main sticks.



-The good: absolute feel.

I played many 10's, and this one seriously stands above others.
C10 PT might match, but they are quite different sticks.
IMO, feel in 10's: Gen I MID >> Gen I MP >= Gen II >> VE

It gives me the addicting volkl feel, plus some kind of more penetrating "looking" shots. (especially compared to Gen II, maybe due to the spin difference)

Many people complain that volkl feels like noodle.
If you are used to hard string+dampner combo,
I suggest trying soft string+no dampner combo.

my personal experience is that the dampner really makes the feel akward, while the soft volkl frame itself kills a lot of vibration for you.
With that big chunk of plastic in the string, the raquet just feels too muted.
especially the small headed ones like T10 MID.

so, go with a powerful and soft string(gut will be ideal) and ditch that dampner. The feel on your hand will make you smile. I use rubber bands instead of bigger dampners to minimize extra damping, even for poly strung MP's I have. (and no dampers on MID)

I also own and love a very stiff stick like PS 6.1 classic(euro, 18X20).
and understand the feel difference. Still, among the bunch, T10 mid is one of the supreme.



-The bad: low powered, harder to spin, a bit heavy, smaller head.
(to sum it up, its more old school compared to other 10's)

Compared to other 10's, MID is the heaviest.
But, like all other 10's, it feels and swings pretty light, somehow.
You can put lots of spin with MID, but with the same mechanics, you can get even more spin with MP or Gen II.
The biggest downfall is the low power, I think.
At least to me, it is significantly lower than other 10's.

I have to maintain a very fast swing speed to "dominate" in rallies. (or overpower the opponent) It is just impossible to stay calm/relexed in that situation for me. This made me to use MID for practice and MP for matches.

As you can guess, MID has all the demanding specs like smaller head.
I'm not a power player and wanted a lil more kick in 2nd serves, so I decide to go to MP/Gen II.

But, that's my specific case anyway.
MP replaced my match stick and is pretty close to MID with some trade offs.
less feel, a tiny more nasty vibration, more power/spin.
Maybe that 18X20 pattern is the key to that extra sweet feel, but.....

I guess I can't have it all

have fun with those. I hope my experience help you to enjoy it further.

 

[gonzalocatalino]

thanks! great review!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gonzalocatalino]

Finally i bought a brand new pair of Volkls Tour 10 MIDs (18x20), tomorrow i will play with them. They are beautiful!!!

 

[gonzalocatalino]

first impression

Today i played with the MID. Strung at 50lbs with a thin poly string (1.18, to help me in the spin dept.). After just 2:00hs of hitting on a super slow clay court -1 hour rally and 1 set (i won, 7-6 btw)-, for now i only can say is very nice racquet, extremely under powered and flexible, but with a surgical control in every sense. I´m surprised with the maneuvrability, is very easy to swing all around (in part, this helps a lot, because after 40 min of play, i was swinging faster than ever to get some power, deep and topspin...). I will try some lead tape tomorrow...

 

[Tour 90]

can you post some pics by any chance? Thanks!

 

[gonzalocatalino]

can you post some pics by any chance? Thanks!

Sure, no problem, check the thread in a few hours

 

[gonzalocatalino]

Volkl Tour 10 Gen I MID (PICS)

My new babys:

 

[gonzalocatalino]

 

[gonzalocatalino]

 

[gonzalocatalino]

the last ones, compared with the gen 2 MP:

 

[ericsson]

gonza, take good care of them man, they become quite rare (just like the pro tour) nice pics!

 

[ps60]

wow, beautiful sticks, brand new
i've got mine 2nd hand, and is dirty, a wax layer starts to come out. and also have a "Quantum" on the throat. Yours are admirably New.

i also played with a T10G2, and sold it before. How do u compare the 2 ?

i think the G2 is a little too heavy to swing around,SW324 as measured by a RDC.
(but my Prince Rebel is 330 SW and not as tiring as the G2, although much more shock N vibration.) G2 has a lot of power, lot of spin, esp on slice (easier to swing fast on slice than forehand topspin). Sold it also for an inability to serve consistantly (for me).

Also would like to know
1. how much do your new mids weigh ?
2. what tension and string ppl use for the T10mid. Mine was strung with PSGD 17 @57/55.
very good control and decent power (i've lead in the head, opposite to trimming grommet)
just a bit harsh if hit too close to the tip.

 

[gonzalocatalino]

wow, beautiful sticks, brand new
i've got mine 2nd hand, and is dirty, a wax layer starts to come out. and also have a "Quantum" on the throat. Yours are admirably New.

Thanks, and yes, they look beautiful. I love the cosmetics, those volkls have a great paintjob, the solid black with yellow is a great combination.

i also played with a T10G2, and sold it before. How do u compare the 2 ?

i think the G2 is a little too heavy to swing around,SW324 as measured by a RDC.
(but my Prince Rebel is 330 SW and not as tiring as the G2, although much more shock N vibration.) G2 has a lot of power, lot of spin, esp on slice (easier to swing fast on slice than forehand topspin). Sold it also for an inability to serve consistantly (for me).

Yes, the G2 is heavier to swing compared with the T10mid. SW is not even close to 315 (like TW says), but i love them anyway, the comfort, spin and feeling of the G2 is unbeatable.
The T10mid is easier to swing, but you really need swing very fast, if you want something from her...
The mid has a more crisper feel on it, the G2 is more "buttery". I will play with the mid again tonight and will keep posting my impressions.

Also would like to know
1. how much do your new mids weigh ?
2. what tension and string ppl use for the T10mid. Mine was strung with PSGD 17 @57/55.
very good control and decent power (i've lead in the head, opposite to trimming grommet)
just a bit harsh if hit too close to the tip.

I´m thinking on putting lead tape, maybe this week, and i will measure the weight too. About the strings, i will try a softer string next time (maybe some textured syntethic...)

 

[bad_call]

...Yes, the G2 is heavier to swing compared with the T10mid. SW is not even close to 315 (like TW says), but i love them anyway, the comfort, spin and feeling of the G2 is unbeatable.
The T10mid is easier to swing, but you really need swing very fast, if you want something from her...
The mid has a more crisper feel on it, the G2 is more "buttery". I will play with the mid again tonight and will keep posting my impressions....

so is the SW on the T10mid around 315? also do u know how the T10 G1 compares to the T10V mid?

thanks and nice racquet find.

 

[gonzalocatalino]

so is the SW on the T10mid around 315? also do u know how the T10 G1 compares to the T10V mid?

thanks and nice racquet find.

I´m not sure about SW´s, i only can say that the T10 MID swing lighter compared with the G2 ( some users are saying that the G2 SW is arond 325, maybe higher), if thats true, the Mid would swing around 315-320...

Never played the T10 mid VE...

 

[NoBadMojo]

I think Gonza may have some earlier Gen2's as those swung heavier. I think the sw of the Gen2 is about 315-320. The sw of the 10VEMid is about the same. The Gen1 in MP is 325 or slightly more, and the Gen1 in Mid form was hard to swing for me and the sw felt easily in the 330's.

 

[jeffreyfranz]

thanks! great review!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I agree, thanks for the great review (see above). And I echo what others have said: If you can buy a bunch of these, Mid or MP in NOS condition, do it! I have only one Tour 10 MP and wish I had bought more. Also I agree with the "feel-order" in the review: T10 Gen I > Gen II > VE. Good luck; you cannot go wrong. :grin:

 

[gonzalocatalino]

After a few rainy fuc**** days, i could play again with the T10mid...
The experience was basically the same, but i noticed that a softer and powerfull string will improve the racquet performance and feel (actually i´m using a cheap 1.18 poly).The racquet is very flexible and unstable sometimes, so, i will put some lead all over the head tomorrow...

 

[witit]

Very beautiful racquets indeed. I managed to get it used recently. I love the feel of the T10G1 Mid more than my old main stick, the DNX 10 Mid now. It also swings lighter, not sure because of the leather grip that I put on the DNX or not. Very very easy on arm and shoulder. No doubt it's the best of the 10 series that I've tried so far. I wish they still make it.

Gonza: How do you like poly on the T10G1? I'm still hesitating whether to put poly on it or not. I didn't like it that much on my DNX.

 

[gonzalocatalino]

Gonza: How do you like poly on the T10G1? I'm still hesitating whether to put poly on it or not. I didn't like it that much on my DNX.

Not really sure about how the poly feels, because is the first time i play with this racquet. I will put a different string in the other frame today, and i will let you know...

 

[ps60]

The T10mid is easier to swing, but you really need swing very fast, if you want something from her...
The mid has a more crisper feel on it, the G2 is more "buttery".

buttery yeah, that's the word. They surely feel a little different. T10mid seems crispier. with same PSGD setup. G2 is very stable but tiring and sth. strange on the upper hoop. my T10G2 was measured by an RDC at 324 SW.
not too much, but really feel harder to swing than a SW 330 Rebel.

i will try a softer string next time (maybe some textured syntethic...)

So u haven't use anther type of string on it ? try the PSGD 17, they feel crisp and Cheap my friend strung it at 57/55 (Babolat blue machine) and hang there for a yr b4 sold to me. Guess what, it feels better than new (maybe)

 

[OzNQc]

gonzo..i notice you use p2 in your bats!

Good to see you come across some rare bats!

Anyway, i see in your signature that you use p2 17L strings in your T10 gen 2 racquets! Great string hey! I use them in my T10 VE MPs!

Have a good one mate!

 

[OzNQc]

oops correction in your Gen 1 mids sorry!

sorry my msitake but the thought still counts on the p2! Nice string for volkl bats it seems!

 

[NoBadMojo]

Yes, I agree, thanks for the great review (see above). And I echo what others have said: If you can buy a bunch of these, Mid or MP in NOS condition, do it! I have only one Tour 10 MP and wish I had bought more. Also I agree with the "feel-order" in the review: T10 Gen I > Gen II > VE. Good luck; you cannot go wrong. :grin:

i'm moving on to the dnx10mp from the Gen1, and have a few of the Gen1's I can sell. let me know if you're interested.

 

[TourTenor]

Changes

NoBad ...
This might deserve its own thread but I am interested in why you are making the change. I think the DNX10 MP is slightly stiffer but I know it doesn't offer the 16X19 stringbed that I think you indicated that you like. Maybe the older Gen 1's are losing something? Perhaps this is an interim measure while you wait (and hope) for a new BB or Volkl more to your specs?

 

[NoBadMojo]

NoBad ...
This might deserve its own thread but I am interested in why you are making the change. I think the DNX10 MP is slightly stiffer but I know it doesn't offer the 16X19 stringbed that I think you indicated that you like. Maybe the older Gen 1's are losing something? Perhaps this is an interim measure while you wait (and hope) for a new BB or Volkl more to your specs?

Hi..i dont think it deserves it's own thread, but am happy to explain. I think I am going to be a hold out for the Becker11 frame based upon the specs and what I hear from someone I trust who has hit the frame who praises it very highly.
I was getting very good results out of the DNX9 but it wasnt giving me the sort of ball feel I like, so my hits were less fulfilling and i kept going back to my old love the Gen1's. I hit with an early release DNX10MP long ago and it was heavier than the target swingweight, and I wasnt getting much on the ball (i had it strung too tight). I recently revisted these frames and found the swingweight was much lower than the one i tried before and in fact sligtly lower than how i modified my Gen1's to be...soooooo....i played one strung at a good tension (low because of the dense stringbed), and this frame came to life for me and i can swing it fast for long enough, and it has really great ball feel...it's kind of both firm yet soft... The Gen1's are great but the dnx10MP gives you a very precise feeling as opposed to the Gen1 whiich is more loosy goosy and traditional feeling..it;s also good at all the shots in typical 10series fashion...so if the Becker11 doesnt turn out to be all that for me, i can very happily play the nx10Mp's..life = good

I think it's a good idea sometimes to revisit a frame and to consider how a great frame can turn into something a lot less than great if strung with a wrong string and tension

ADJUNCT: I have nothing against 18 mains stringbeds per se. they give you a more precise feel often, but they do shrink the sweetspot in general. in my case, i like the 18 mains in this frame.....my ralley ball has a lower trajectory with the same swing (it;s still spinny but not as loopy, and that's a good thing)

 

[TourTenor]

SW Comments

NBMJ - Do you think that the early DNX10 mids, like the MP version, also had an early heavier swingweight? The reason I ask is that the TW figure of 331 SW seems too high. I am finding the mid to be only slightly higher than my Gen 2 (315) ... I guess somewhere around 320??? Also, the the DNX10 mid's SW did not seem to be higher than the DNX10 MP. Your thoughts?? TTen

 

[shiva29]

NBMJ : can you tell me what are the specs of the BB11 please!!

 

[gonzalocatalino]

Go P2!!!!

sorry my msitake but the thought still counts on the p2! Nice string for volkl bats it seems!

I will probably put P2 in all my racquets, i love it!

 

[NoBadMojo]

NBMJ - Do you think that the early DNX10 mids, like the MP version, also had an early heavier swingweight? The reason I ask is that the TW figure of 331 SW seems too high. I am finding the mid to be only slightly higher than my Gen 2 (315) ... I guess somewhere around 320??? Also, the the DNX10 mid's SW did not seem to be higher than the DNX10 MP. Your thoughts?? TTen

absolutely. the swingweigt of the dnx10Mid is 325 and they swing that way. the early release ones were significantly heavier. Same thing happened with the first dnx10mps.
think you would find them to go like this now
Gen2 = 315
dnx10mp = 320
dnx10Mid = 325

NBMJ : can you tell me what are the specs of the BB11 please!!

i've given you the scoop in the other thread

 

[TourTenor]

NBMJ, More SW thoughts

Thanks for the input. The mid still feels like the best for my game with the Gen 2 a close second. The 16X19 works best for me. And, for some reason, it feels like I am swinging the mid longer before tiring than I did originally. Might be why I was thinking it was closer to the 320 SW range. Could be that my perceptions of SW is easily biased by how tired I am before starting to play. I have to take that into account when thinking about what my actual SW limits are. It is definitely different when I am well rested.
Anyway, although I am interested in the new Volkls, I am very happy with how this one fits my game.
Again, your insights are helpful.

 

[phucng_10]

The most beautiful sticks ever.

 

[gonzalocatalino]

I love it!

Well, after some weeks playing with the Volkl Tour 10 MID, i only have good things to say about her .
I´ve tried different strings, and the Kirschbaum P2 17L is perfect for this racquet: with the frame strung at 50lbs, i can get everything i want: power from the baseline (with a decent swing, of course), LOTS of ball feel and comfort, and top levels of control.
The racquet sweetspot is bigger than i was expecting from a 93" head and 18*20 string pattern, i am having much confidence in my shots from the backcourt.
I´m only having some troubles with kickserves...but besides that, is a GREAT racquet...

 

[gonzalocatalino]

Gonza: How do you like poly on the T10G1? I'm still hesitating whether to put poly on it or not. I didn't like it that much on my DNX.

A little late, but better now than ever :
At the begining i used a cheap 17L poly that was a little in the stiff side (with some weird vibrations and noises ), but after some nylon experience (with poor results), i found the "holy grail" of the polys: Kirschbaum P2.
This string feels really good, because is really soft-flexilble (with that "pocketing feel" of some strings), having a decent amount of power at lower tensions, but still keeping that "firm stance" of the polyester strings, wich is what will give you lots of spin and a controlled stringbed...

10 out of 10 for the P2!

 

[novak.20v]

I know this thread is old & I haven't been on this forum since 2003 (new name, couldn't remember my old password) but I had to show off my Volkl Tour 10 Mids that I've been using since 2002.
I might have to switch frames if i'm not able to find some new ones. :-|
Mods: Some lead tape here and there, babolat leather, klipper white overgrips, head buttcaps, luxilon alu/babolat natural gut hybrid (just luxlion in the pictures.)

 

[ericsson]

I know this thread is old & I haven't been on this forum since 2003 (new name, couldn't remember my old password) but I had to show off my Volkl Tour 10 Mids that I've been using since 2002.
I might have to switch frames if i'm not able to find some new ones. :-|
Mods: Some lead tape here and there, babolat leather, klipper white overgrips, head buttcaps, luxilon alu/babolat natural gut hybrid (just luxlion in the pictures.)

Great sticks and one of Volkls best, take care of them as they become rare.

 

[jayserinos99]

I recently lucked out and found a T10g1mid recently. I'll keep it around for when I have a hankering for a Volkl 18x20 mid...

 

[WildAce]

I'm curious to what you guys think about this Tour10 Mid V-Engine.... Can't seem to find much said about this one!

 

[novak.20v]

Great sticks and one of Volkls best, take care of them as they become rare.

Thanks! & I do keep great care of them. They barley even have a single scratch on them (the 3rd one is in mint condition, I've only used it incase of an emergency, hah) I've never thrown them over the 8 years of using/having them, I always keep them in a plastic bag (except if they need to be strung of course) and in my Volkl bag, but the main two I use are starting to loose their feel, so I really need to find some more, preferably brand new, so if anyone knows of anyone who sells them let me know! or I might need to find a new frame :-|:-|:-|
What racquet(s) would anyone of you suggest to try out that's close to mine? I'm so out of the loop with all these newer frames.

 

[rlau]

I'm curious to what you guys think about this Tour10 Mid V-Engine.... Can't seem to find much said about this one!

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=149568&highlight=T10VE

 

[jaydubbs15]

wow, beautiful sticks, brand new
i've got mine 2nd hand, and is dirty, a wax layer starts to come out. and also have a "Quantum" on the throat. Yours are admirably New.

i also played with a T10G2, and sold it before. How do u compare the 2 ?

i think the G2 is a little too heavy to swing around,SW324 as measured by a RDC.
(but my Prince Rebel is 330 SW and not as tiring as the G2, although much more shock N vibration.) G2 has a lot of power, lot of spin, esp on slice (easier to swing fast on slice than forehand topspin). Sold it also for an inability to serve consistantly (for me).

Also would like to know
1. how much do your new mids weigh ?
2. what tension and string ppl use for the T10mid. Mine was strung with PSGD 17 @57/55.
very good control and decent power (i've lead in the head, opposite to trimming grommet)
just a bit harsh if hit too close to the tip.

Is there a difference between the Tour 10 and "Quantum" Tour 10? If so, what is it?

 

[Rabbit]

Is there a difference between the Tour 10 and "Quantum" Tour 10? If so, what is it?

Yeah, two completely different frames. The Q10 Tour was a descendant of the Q10. The Q10 was the much ballyhooed and disappointing effort which was allegedly a result of Boris Becker's involvement with Volkl. The original Q10 was too light, too stiff, and very tinny. The follow on Tour was heavier, felt a little softer and was a pretty good effort although it was not generally well received by the playing public.

The Tour 10 was a direct descendant of the C10. It was a little lighter, a little stiffer in the head and more evenly balanced. It is generally considered the best, and most unique, of the original 10 series. It was accompanied by a full length grommet that was a welcome addition. In many's view, it was an improved version of the C10.

Both frames were 98 square inches.