Volkl Tour-10 V-Engine vs. DNX-10 vs. DNX-9 vs. T10 Gen I & II vs. T10

[iriesergio]

The Short Question
What is the difference between the Volkl Tour-10 V-Engine, the Tour-10 generation I and II, the C-10, the DNX-10, and the DNX-9?

In what order were they released?

How do the MP versions of each model compare in terms of softness, power, spin, heft?

In particular, I loved the Tour-10 V-Engine MP that I demoed. How do the DNX-9 and DNX-10 compare? Does the DNX-9 have a little or large sweet spot? Does the 18x20 string pattern on the DNX-10 make it harder to generate spin than on the T10VE MP?

The Long Story
I'm at my wit's end. I've been playing with Head i.Radical for a long time, and I've finally come to a point where I can't buy them anywhere--not even ****. And so I came to the realization that I would have to abandon my beloved i.Radical for a new stick because I'm down to two frames and no way to replace them. I strictly believe that there aren't really 'better' or 'worse' racquets. Instead, I think that racquets are a very personal choice. Some like them small and deadly accurate. Some like them big, stiff, and spin-friendly.

I'm about a 5.0-5.5 skill level in my late 20's. I've been playing for about 20 years. I have a very diverse game. I like to hit the ball flat, with a lot of spin, slice, drop shot, rush the net. My first serve is flat and fast and my second is a little kicker.

To make the long story short, I demoed every darn racquet in my local shop in San Francisco. I Tried a couple of Princes, a few Babalots, the new Head Microgels, the new Dunlop Aerogels. There was something off about all of them, and I started to think that finding a worthy replacement was worthless. Oh a whim, I saw a single rack of Volkls, so I decided to try one out. I demoed a Volkl Tour-10 V-Engine Mid-Plus and Mid. The mid was a little small for me and a little too flat. I picked up the Mid-Plus, and I fell in love. For the first time since I started demoing racquets I didn't want to run back to my i.Radical. In fact, I didn't want to stop playing with the T10VE MP.

I loved how soft it felt. It had just the right amount of heft while still being light and maneuverable. The open string pattern game me plenty access to spin and gave me good grip on the ball. It had just the right amount of power for me, and I hit everything right inside the base line. In short, it was more perfect than my beloved i.Radical.

I was suddenly full of optimism. I rushed back to my shop to buy a few sticks. Then the sales guy brought me back down to earth--they stopped carrying them. Darn!! I went online to see what was out there. I quickly found out that there were about a million different models of roughly the same racquet, and I could not for the life of me figure out which was the most recent and how they were different. Worse still, I couldn't find the ones that looked appealing to demo in the MP size.

Can anyone help me figure out which to buy? I don't want to get the T10VE MP, because it was discontinued and don't want another discontinued stick. But which from the recent models is closest to the T10VE MP?

Thanks a million!

 

[NoBadMojo]

Easy...Just by the T10MPVE as I think those are available once again at TW?
Also check out the specs of the various Volkls.
You also might want to wait for the Becker11 frame...it's really sweet and specs along the lines of the 10VE-MP. the final release frame may swing a little lighter than the 10VEMP..it's really solid and does everything well.

 

[LafayetteHitter]

Bad thing with a racquet these days is they get discontinued quickly so going with a recent racquet doesn't guarantee that it will be available the next year. Good thing about the Tour 10 VE MP is there are plenty new ones around at reasonable prices so someone could stock up on these along with grommets easily.

 

[TourTenor]

Recommendation to Try the DNX10 mid

Sergio ...
You will find alot of information on the volkls if you use the search feature here. You are right that some of the models are no longer being sold like the DNX10 MP. That racquet is very different from the DNX10 Mid which I think is fantastic. It is still available and I highly recommend it given the variety of shots that you use. This racquet has a huge sweetspot for a mid, is very maneuverable, and really is great for an all court, varied game. The big question becomes what is your optimum swingweight? This racquet is reported to be 331 SW but it is actually about 325.
Good luck. TourTenor

 

[kv581]

I would give C10 Pro a try. It's the older than any of the models you've listed, and TW still carries it.

 

[alkibiades]

I'll do my best here; I hope others will correct me if I make a mistake.

Order of release to the public: C10, Tour 10 (which, like WWI, got the numeral retroactively), Tour 10 Gen II, V-Engines, DNX's. There were 93 and 98 square inch versions of the C10, Tour 10, and Tour 10 Gen II, just like the V-Engines and the DNX 10, they just didn't sell nearly as well and so they're pretty rare. I think that only the C10 and the DNX series are still in production, i.e. all of the Tour I and II and V-Engines are NOS, even if they are still available from Voelkl (God only knows how many they have lying around).

You should definitely try the C10, DNX mid, and DNX 9. You already know you like the V-Engine MP better than the mid, so you needn't try that one again. Don't bother with the orginal Tour 10 either; you would be scarcely better off than with your current Head as far as finding more. The Tour 10 Gen II is still available in the U.S., but it has got to be on its way out SOON. So try that one too, and if you like it stock up. TW allows you to demo four racquets at a time, so: C10, DNX 10 mid, DNX 9, Tour 10 Gen II. Hit them for a week and pick one, they're all good. I like the C10 the best, but I wish I liked the V-Engine, because they are $100 brand new.

I'm sure Rabbit, Dedans Penthouse, Skraggle, and some other Voelkl pimps will chime in. Listen to them, they know what they're talking about. Be warned: the Voelkl feel is addictive.

 

[meh]

There are still T10VE MP's available from TW in 1/8 to 3/8 grip sizes. Volkl's pallet system allows you change the gripsize without changing the stock shape, weight, balance, etc.

If I had to make a choice from the DNX line, I'd say that the 9 is closest to the T10VE MP, but I am not a fan of the DNX line in general. The Boris Becker 11 295g may be worth a shot when it is released.

 

[wjt_tennis]

Great thread. I have recently switched to the Tour V-Engine 10 MP and was wondering how they all compare. I switched from the Prince Precision Equipe MP and really love the feel, soft feel, and the access to spin that you have wiht the Volkl. Does the DNX 9 give the same kind of access to spin with its 16x18 string pattern?

 

[fuzz nation]

With the way that frames seem to come and go, along with the approaching conversion of Volkl to Becker Tennis, I think you'd be smart to grab one or two of those T10VE mp's now while they're around. You tried it and loved it... case closed!

I've gained a lot of respect for Volkl gear having stumbled across some C-10 Pro's recently and really taking to them - I'm used to a mildly heavier frame and they responded quite well to a little tuning with some lead tape. The Tour 10 Gen II is what I'd call a "light heavyweight" that plays very headlight and very soft - more so on both counts than the C-10.

The DNX 10 mid was an unexciting demo for me, probably because I tried it in the same batch with the Fischer M Speed Pro #1, which was perhaps my best demo experience to date. I can't be especially critical of the DNX 10 mid, but it just wasn't for me. The DNX 9, while also a light heavyweight, has less heft than I like, but was still a lot of fun to hit with - much livelier than the T10GenII as I remember it. I may take a long test with one (the DNX 9) in the future and I'd certainly recommend it ahead of the M-Fil 300, LM Radical mp, or other frames in that weight bracket.

I get an overall impression that Volkl typically builds frames with a softer side and this gives them their own identity in a market that can seem overrun with lighter, stiffer frames designed to produce especially high power. For me, they've proven to be quite easy to live with.

 

[NoBadMojo]

With the way that frames seem to come and go, along with the approaching conversion of Volkl to Becker Tennis,.

Volkl isnt being converted to Becker Tennis. The name of the new Company is Volkl/Boris Becker Tennis

 

[iriesergio]

Thanks for the replies + some things I learned about Volkls

Thank you to all those that have replied to my thread thus far. I spoke to a local tennis store owner about the Volkls. He told me that all Volkl frames will effectively become discontinued, and many already have been discontinued. Thanks, Boris! I don't know if it's just me, but the re-branding to Becker Tennis is unbelievably dumb. Becker is a true tennis icon, but did he really have to rename a whole racquet company after himself? It's lame as far as I'm concerned, not to mention confusing. Volkl has build a great brand and reputation among tennis players. Did we really have to go there?

From what I've heard, the Becker line falls short of the Volkl legacy. Has anyone laid their hands on the BB-11? It was already supposed to be out, but production delays have pushed it back. As I write this on July 28th, I heard that it should be out in a couple of weeks--maybe mid August.

.S

 

[vsbabolat]

Thank you to all those that have replied to my thread thus far. I spoke to a local tennis store owner about the Volkls. He told me that all Volkl frames will effectively become discontinued, and many already have been discontinued. Thanks, Boris! I don't know if it's just me, but the re-branding to Becker Tennis is unbelievably dumb. Becker is a true tennis icon, but did he really have to rename a whole racquet company after himself? It's lame as far as I'm concerned, not to mention confusing. Volkl has build a great brand and reputation among tennis players. Did we really have to go there?

From what I've heard, the Becker line falls short of the Volkl legacy. Has anyone laid their hands on the BB-11? It was already supposed to be out, but production delays have pushed it back. As I write this on July 28th, I heard that it should be out in a couple of weeks--maybe mid August.

.S

The Becker 11 and Becker V1 are currently available at TW.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCVOLKL-B11.html
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCVOLKL-BV1.html

 

[Rabbit]

From what I've heard, the Becker line falls short of the Volkl legacy. Has anyone laid their hands on the BB-11? It was already supposed to be out, but production delays have pushed it back. As I write this on July 28th, I heard that it should be out in a couple of weeks--maybe mid August.

.S

From what I can tell, the BB 11 is just a DNX10 MP with a new cosmetic and an increase in $10 in price, imagine that.

 

[NoBadMojo]

From what I can tell, the BB 11 is just a DNX10 MP with a new cosmetic and an increase in $10 in price, imagine that.

These racquets arent close to being similar other than the static weight, swingweight, and balance.

The feel is totally different

The beam is thicker on the BB11

The use of the dnx material is totally different

The beam have differing shapes

The handle dampening system is different

The grip is different

The grip shape is different

The layup has diff composition

etc

Other than that they are pretty similar from the standpoint they are both tennis racquets commonly used to play tennis with. This is a totally new all over design. i doubt you have hit both of these frames where you could make a credible comment

 

[NoBadMojo]

Thank you to all those that have replied to my thread thus far. I spoke to a local tennis store owner about the Volkls. He told me that all Volkl frames will effectively become discontinued, and many already have been discontinued. Thanks, Boris! I don't know if it's just me, but the re-branding to Becker Tennis is unbelievably dumb. Becker is a true tennis icon, but did he really have to rename a whole racquet company after himself? It's lame as far as I'm concerned, not to mention confusing. Volkl has build a great brand and reputation among tennis players. Did we really have to go there?

From what I've heard, the Becker line falls short of the Volkl legacy. Has anyone laid their hands on the BB-11? It was already supposed to be out, but production delays have pushed it back. As I write this on July 28th, I heard that it should be out in a couple of weeks--maybe mid August.

.S

you've been given really inaccurate information

 

[Rabbit]

These racquets arent close to being similar other than the static weight, swingweight, and balance.

The feel is totally different

The beam is thicker on the BB11

The use of the dnx material is totally different

The beam have differing shapes

The handle dampening system is different

The grip is different

The grip shape is different

The layup has diff composition

etc

Other than that they are pretty similar from the standpoint they are both tennis racquets commonly used to play tennis with. This is a totally new all over design. i doubt you have hit both of these frames where you could make a credible comment

String pattern same
Head size same

The beam width is 1mm different
The flex is the same

Always on the attack, huh mojo?

Credibility? Have you ever hit with a Volkl product that you didn't like? You tried to sell the Tour 10 Gen II as being softer than a C10 because it had fibreglass. I had a pre-release and thought it tinny. I bought two after they came out because you said they were flexy. They were just the same as the pre-release I had. But, I let it go. I did learn something about your "reviews" at that point.

And please don't go trying to implicate me in some "creepy mission to spread whack" about Volkl. I don't think there's a poster on these boards whose ranted and raved more about Volkl's feel than me. You are the one who engages in character assassination over a difference of opinion.

Trust me, I'll demo the BB11 and when I do, I'll be sure to post exactly what I think of it in comparison to the DNX 10 MP (which I did not like either). If you remember, I posted a review on it as well along side the DNX10 Mid. And, if I remember, you agreed with my review. You going to waffle now because you don't like me? Credibility indeed.


Swansong - you may want to rethink your statement in the other thread as mojo gives as good or better than he gets. And, he's gotten in the habit of following people around crapping on their posts as well. And remember how he rails against that practice. He's done it to me on a variety of posts including something as inane as the Eddie Dibbs/Harold Solomon thread.

 

[NoBadMojo]

I am sick and tired of your wild speculations and agenda. I didnt attack you. You made a totally ridiculous statement which I corrected you on. I dont know anyone who ever picked up a tennis racquet that would consider these racquets the same..the racquet is a totally new design...anyone can see this. you've lost your credibility around here because you are on some sort of mission to spread crap about Volkl..that's very clear to anyone reading these posts.

 

[Rabbit]

^That's total and complete crap and you know it.

You didn't attack me?

i doubt you have hit both of these frames where you could make a credible comment

You've bristled at far less than this.

Yeah, kind of like your comments on natural gut you've never tried in another thread.

 

[Rabbit]

Spread crap?

Let's check my playing history for the last ten years or so:

Current - Volkl C10
-1 = Volkl Cat 8 V-Engine
-2 = Volkl C10
-3 = Wilson Tour 90
-4 = Volkl C10
-5 = Volkl Tour 10
-6 = Volkl C10
-7 = Volkl C9
-8 = Wilson ProStaff

That probably covers the last 12 years or so. Yeah, I've spread a lot of crap.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

If you truly love the Volkl T10 VE MP, the best thing you can do is buy up a decade long supply of them, along with enough grommets to last the same. NOTHING will torpedo your game/progress faster than the constant demo train. I speak from experience. Now that I've stuck with same frame the last several months I find myself back on track and playing well again. Just forget the obsessing, buy up a bunch of T10VE MP's from TW, and go to town playing tennis!!! CC

 

[NoBadMojo]

Spread crap?

Let's check my playing history for the last ten years or so:

Current - Volkl C10
-1 = Volkl Cat 8 V-Engine
-2 = Volkl C10
-3 = Wilson Tour 90
-4 = Volkl C10
-5 = Volkl Tour 10
-6 = Volkl C10
-7 = Volkl C9
-8 = Wilson ProStaff

That probably covers the last 12 years or so. Yeah, I've spread a lot of crap.

All of which has nothing to do with the fact that you are on some sort of mission to spread crap about Volkl...anyone can see this. i woul;d rather not have to respond to your wildly inaccurate on a mission posts, but as long as you post really wild inaccurate on a mission posts, i likely will correct you, as i would like to see that people around here get good info. you should just stop..it really doesnt look good on you. your contact at Volkl got canned..he's disgruntled..you're clearly disgruntled too and you have made this also into a personal issue because you and i have a history of enjoying each others posts...this has also spilled over into the agenda you now have against Klip as you got all hacked off at me in the strings forum merely because i politely suggested you compare similar strings

you havent hit the becker11 i'm pretty sure and maybe havent hit the dnx10mp...anyone who has even actually seen both racquets <let alone hit them> wouldnt make a statement like you did which restarted this whole thing. you're just trying to make Volkl look bad...anyone can see..you have zero credibility now because of your mission

 

[Rabbit]

Any length, huh mojo? Any length. I demoed the DNX10 MP and MId not too long ago and you posted on the thread I put up echoing everything I said.

I don't know where you get this mission stuff from. If what I hear differs from what you hear, I have as much a right as you to post. Only time will tell, but every indication is that Volkl is fading away. Your insistance that I am on a "mission" is really childish. Were I on a mission, I wouldn't be playing with Volkl. Duh?

You didn't "pollitely" suggest anything. Go back and read the thread. You always claim the higher ground when in fact, you're as guilty as anyone around here of personal attacks and pettiness. You really should get a grip, bud.

You insist on making a disagreement personal which I've seen you do to others and stayed away from. I find it very disheartening that you attack the messenger. Your personal attacks on me are unwarranted an unjustified. Your assumptions about my posts are just as unwarranted and unjustified and downright presumptuous.

You know, mojo, everything you claim to dislike you seem to be.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Rabbit i'm not even reading your stuff anymore..it's so wrong and off base, and i'm sure not going to respond...then i would be like you

 

[wjt_tennis]

No matter what your pro says, Volkl is not being discontinued. The Volkl brand will continue in the US.

Check this thread for more information on the restructuring and marketing behind Volkl and BB Tennis.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=147565

 

[OzNQc]

volkl T10 VE MP rocks

Great racquet and i cannot believe volkl has stopped their production of this bat. The SW can be an issue but hey if you are a young gun or strong, you should have no problems. Bludgeon your opponents with the V-engine on this bebe and enjoy the feeling

Happy hitting everyone

 

[bad_call]

iriesergio - just load up on the T10V MP if that's what u like. by the time those wear out, there will be more new models out there and the cycle starts again. lucky u and me and everyone else who gets those discounted frames.