Volkl users....Help please

[Richard]

I currently play with the Tour 10 MP and have been having some shoulder problems, particularly when serving. I have tried several strings and tensions and it still bothers me.

As I love every other aspect of the racquet is there anything else I can do or should I be looking to change racquet? I really would like to stay with the Volkl brand as I love the feel etc they provide.

The V-Engine racquets both 9 & 10 intrigue me and am thinking of demoing.

Can anyone give me any feedback on these racquets compared to the Tour 10MP? OR suggest any other Volkl racquets I should be thinking about??

Also does the V-Engine technology really work / have any affect??

I play singles, doubles and receive some coaching and play approx. 3-4 times per week. Pre-dominantly from the base line but am trying to introduce more volleying into my game (hence the doubles!!)

I have previously demoed the Prince Tour Diablo MP, LM Radical MP & OS and the Bab PD. Nothing came close to the Volkl feel I am used to and now prefer.

Cheers for any feedback / advice you can give me.

 

[jomiller]

What string are you using now and at what tension?
Have you lead taped the head in any way?
I find the T10MP brilliant with 55pd tension in both
directions, using a soft string Wilson sensation
supreme 16 VET5.
Have tried various strings and tensions. Found that
tensions of 60 and above and hard strings such as
BB alu 16 and some kevlars were totally unforgiving
resulting in sore shoulder and elbow on even the
slightest of off centre hits.
This Wilson string reduces the pop a bit, but it does
not take long to get used to. But there are many other
soft strings about which may have the same result.
I just happen to find this one during the trials and
stuck with it since as it suited my need of comfort

 

[Richard]

I currently have the volkl duradrive at 58lbs. I have tried the bab pro hurricane @ 56, bab powergy @ 57 and Wilson stamina @ 58.

I haven't applied any lead tape either.

 

[Michael Musok]

I use the Tour 10 Mid Plus with Head Intellistring strung at 55 lbs of tension and it plays great with no arm soreness. Nice soft forgiving string that seems to enlarge the sweet spot yet still plays pretty crisp. I think some others use the Head Intellitour in their Tour 10 Mid Plus as well.

 

[louisc]

Richard

It sounds like your best bet as a first attempt at diagnosing the problem would be to try a softer string, like the others say. I demoed the Tour 10 MP with Gamma TNT2 17 at 57lbs and it was great. Other good soft strings I've tried (although not with the Tour 10) are the Wilson NXT, Technifibre NRG, and Pacific Futura TXT.

I haven't played with the frame as much as you have yet - the ones I bought are in the post, but I played 2 hard hours for two days in a row with no problem, followed by a session of just serving, having switched from years of playing with the POG MP.

Adding weight to the frame can reduce vibration further, but other times the increased weight can cause arm/shoulder problems, and even inadvertently alter technique slightly (so beware if you try it). I added 12g of lead to the frame and found it much better on serves, without compromising control on other shots.

The pain could be other things, like a slight change in technique, playing in damp conditions, even wear and tear due to age (sorry!). I'm 30, play 2-3 times a week and have done since I was a wee lad. I get pain now that I didn't get when I was 20 - but Tour 10 MP ought not to be too aggravating. I also get arm/shoulder pain whenever I end up playing with Tretorn tennis balls - weird!

I haven't tried the V-Engine models. The reviews seem to say that the MP version has a bit more pop, but has the same weight, flex and string pattern as the non-V-engine Tour 10 MP. Cold eb worth a look, but I'd try chaging your strings first.

Wigmore Sports in London sell the Pacific Futura TXT 16g - very soft.

Louis

 

[NoBadMojo]

the tour10mp is easy on your arm. it also isnt the easiest frame to serve with..so if the serve is causing you the prob i would switch to a frame that is better serving or develop your technique to serve with the t10mp so it doesnt give you a prob. i have found you really have to stay smooth and in rhythym and not force your serve w. this axe. ed

 

[jayserinos99]

I had arm problems at first when I bought my T10 MPs used from someone on the boards; they strung up the racquets with TiMo at 50 lbs. I had to switch strings and have found my setup with a hybrid of ALU Rough in the mains and Hex Power 17 in the crosses. Both strung at 58 lbs. It's not the greatest serving racquet, but it has decent pop with this setup.

 

[Richard]

Thanks guys for all of your help and advice. I'm definitely going to try some softer strings and also get my coach to work on my serving technique some more.

Much appreciated as I really, really didn't want to change from this racquet as in all other areas of my game I love it.

Fingers crossed.........

 

[Steve Huff]

Although strings seem to be an important part of avoiding elbow problems, I haven't found them to be the cause or cure of most shoulder problems. I think that racket weight has more to do with shoulder problems, with heavier rackets causing a lot more stress than lighter ones. Unfortunately, the same lack of weight that may help the shoulder seems to be what adds to elbow problems. I think that you'll need to find a compromise. I tried using a Golden Ace to start the season this year. It's a wood/graphite racket, and is very flexible. You'd think it would be easy on the body. Well, it was easy on the elbow, but after 3 weeks of playing with it, I could barely move my shoulder because of the burning pain near the shoulder blade. Went back to my lighter 5g and the pain went away. Have talked with other guys at my club who have had to balance the elbow safety with shoulder safety this way too. Maybe you should try a little lighter frame.

 

[louisc]

I agree with NoBadMojo - to serve well with the Tour 10MP you need a smooth, relaxed action and rhythm, allowing the momentum of the stroke and the racquet's weight to do the work right up until the wrist snap. if you force it befroe then, balls tend to go long, in my albeit limited experience so far. if you have a fluid, relaxed action, it is a very rewarding racquet to serve with, both in terms of pace and direction, along with spin. please bear in mind though that i've put a total of 12g of lead to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions to get this result.