volkl v1 VS becker pro

[tp12]

I'd like to ask advice about Volkl racquets. I'm a 3.5 (4.0 on good days) all court-player. I'm a big fan of the Volkl feel/comfort. I like racquets that are head light and fairly flexible. I used to play with a C10 Xtended, and then moved to a V10MP a couple of years ago. Last summer, after several matches in which I felt constantly late and pushed around by my opponents, I reached the conclusion that I needed something lighter, more powerful and less demanding. Despite my preferences, I went for a racquet that is neither HL nor flexible: I bought a Classic V1 (the Silver edition). However, this racquet has improved a lot my game: I hit with more pace than before, I defend more effectively, and I'm rarely rushed or pushed around by my opponents. My ranking in the league of my club has also improved (yesterday I won 6-3,6-0 against a player I rarely beat before!).

My only complaints about the V1 are:

1. lack of control. This forces me to be more conservative in my shots, e.g. I don't go for shots near the lines as much as I used to do with the V10.

2. manoeuvrability. At the net the V1 feels like a OS compared to the racquets I used to play with. Touch shots are also much more difficult to pull out.

3. feel. The V1 is actually very comfortable for a stiff frame, but it's just not what I'm used to.

The added power is nice although it is a lot less controllable than with the V10. Some of my shots end up being shorter/longer than I expect.

I'd like to know if there is anything new in the Volkl/Becker line that might address some of these issues. I am intrigued by the Becker Pro. Is this frame comparable to the V1 in terms of power level? Is it more control-oriented than the V1? How is the feel?

The other option is to just stick w/ the V1, since it has improved my game and I've now adjusted to it. I am tempted to try and add lead tape to the handle to make it more HL and closer to what I used to play with. Would that help to make the frame more manoeuvrable at the net?

 

[m1stuhxsp4rk5]

never hit with the v1 but i did hit with the becker
the becker is and awesome frame great serve and hitting groundstrokes.

 

[srvnvly]

Becker V1 is an awesome racquet - very forgiving on the arm yet very maneuverable; Becker Pro is a more aggressive racquet, with a bit better at punching volleys

 

[NoBadMojo]

Becker V1 is an awesome racquet - very forgiving on the arm yet very maneuverable; Becker Pro is a more aggressive racquet, with a bit better at punching volleys

I think so too..the becker V1 is a nice upgrade to a classic racquet. The Becker Pro feels firmer but in the same swingweight range. From Volkl, there is a Powerbridge8 coming out.....all 3 would be good demo material I think.
Logically, since you like the V1Classic, the becker v1 would be a really good choice

 

[srvnvly]

I think so too..the becker V1 is a nice upgrade to a classic racquet. The Becker Pro feels firmer but in the same swingweight range. From Volkl, there is a Powerbridge8 coming out.....all 3 would be good demo material I think.
Logically, since you like the V1Classic, the becker v1 would be a really good choice

NBMJ - is the Becker racquet line going to incorporate Volkl's Powerbridge? any other Becker frames coming out? thanks

 

[NoBadMojo]

I'd like to ask advice about Volkl racquets. I'm a 3.5 (4.0 on good days) all court-player. I'm a big fan of the Volkl feel/comfort. I like racquets that are head light and fairly flexible. I used to play with a C10 Xtended, and then moved to a V10MP a couple of years ago. Last summer, after several matches in which I felt constantly late and pushed around by my opponents, I reached the conclusion that I needed something lighter, more powerful and less demanding. Despite my preferences, I went for a racquet that is neither HL nor flexible: I bought a Classic V1 (the Silver edition). However, this racquet has improved a lot my game: I hit with more pace than before, I defend more effectively, and I'm rarely rushed or pushed around by my opponents. My ranking in the league of my club has also improved (yesterday I won 6-3,6-0 against a player I rarely beat before!).

My only complaints about the V1 are:

1. lack of control. This forces me to be more conservative in my shots, e.g. I don't go for shots near the lines as much as I used to do with the V10.

2. manoeuvrability. At the net the V1 feels like a OS compared to the racquets I used to play with. Touch shots are also much more difficult to pull out.

3. feel. The V1 is actually very comfortable for a stiff frame, but it's just not what I'm used to.

The added power is nice although it is a lot less controllable than with the V10. Some of my shots end up being shorter/longer than I expect.

I'd like to know if there is anything new in the Volkl/Becker line that might address some of these issues. I am intrigued by the Becker Pro. Is this frame comparable to the V1 in terms of power level? Is it more control-oriented than the V1? How is the feel?

The other option is to just stick w/ the V1, since it has improved my game and I've now adjusted to it. I am tempted to try and add lead tape to the handle to make it more HL and closer to what I used to play with. Would that help to make the frame more manoeuvrable at the net?

A couple other comments please. First off, welcome to the forum. I see you are new to posting here.
I think more posters should pay attention to what you just posted...How you elevated your game by going to the 'right' racquet for your skillset rather than struggling to make the 'wrong' racquet work for you.
Dont think you talked about what string and tension you are using in your V1. That's a big part of the equation and maybe a change in that area may be meaningful enough for you to hang on to what you've got. In anycase, after spending some time with both the V1 and Becker v1, I think you would agree the BV1 is a nice upgrade.

 

[DrPieZon]

I've demoed both the Becker V1 and Becker Pro recently (but not at the same time). The V1 was a bit too muted for me and had a hair too much power. While it played nice I could never tell if I was getting the sweet spot or not which translated in some control issues.

The Becker Pro on the other hand let me swing out, but it came off a bit too stiff. I was also demoing a Wilson KPro Open at the same time and actually liked it better. Both played very similarly, but the Wilson gave a nice solid "thunk" with no vibration, while the Becker Pro gave a "ping" and some vibration after the hit.

As always it's always better to demo first if you can.

 

[NoBadMojo]

NBMJ - is the Becker racquet line going to incorporate Volkl's Powerbridge? any other Becker frames coming out? thanks

I dont know of any Becker frames getting the Powerbridge just now. The new becker frames upcoming are called DeltaCore and are GameImprovement frames.

 

[tp12]

Thanks for the suggestions.

My string setup is X-One Biphase 17 @ 55 lbs.

DrPieZon, you describe exactly the problem I often feel with the V1. I get pretty much the same feedback regardless of whether I hit the ball well or not. It could be a string issue, but from what I read the X-One string is supposed to be quite good in this respect (I wish I could use nat gut but I live in England and I am often forced to play with a bit of rain...).

Hmmm, from what you say the Becker Pro has a tinny feel. I doubt I would like it.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Thanks for the suggestions.

My string setup is X-One Biphase 17 @ 55 lbs.

DrPieZon, you describe exactly the problem I often feel with the V1. I get pretty much the same feedback regardless of whether I hit the ball well or not. It could be a string issue, but from what I read the X-One string is supposed to be quite good in this respect (I wish I could use nat gut but I live in England and I am often forced to play with a bit of rain...).

Hmmm, from what you say the Becker Pro has a tinny feel. I doubt I would like it.

I would def try another string before letting a racquet you seem to really like go away. I think the BiPhase gives a very vague ballfeel. if you like to stick with Technifibre, I suggest you try the NRG2 string...if your racquet system still doesnt feel right, then perhaps time to move on.

 

[tp12]

Thanks NBMJ. You have a good point. I will experiment a bit with strings before starting to demo new racquets. Are there other feel-oriented strings besides the NRG2 that I should consider? I'm also open to trying non-Technifibre strings.

As I mentioned, I'd like to try adding a bit of lead tape to make the V1 more head light. Am i right thinking that this would make it more manoeuvrable at the net?

Another question: due to the Volkl handle system I doubt I can remove the butt cap to put lead tape there. Where do you guys add lead tape in Volkl frames to make them more head light? I don't want to add it under the overgrip as the grip size of my racquet is already a tiny bit too large for me.

 

[0d1n]

I suggest also trying a thicker gauge of the same string. The V1 has a big head and an open string pattern. Your control/targeting may suffer as a result of a slightly inconsistent string bed caused (partly) or at least "helped" by the thin string you use.
I find that I like thinner strings in smaller racket heads and/or dense string patterns and thicker strings in bigger racket heads and/or open string patterns.
If I use a thin string in 100 sq inch head with 16x19 pattern I find that my control is less precise than when I use a thicker one for example. If I use a thick string in a prestige mid, I find I get less feel and bite (the racket feels like a freaking wood paddle to me).
Hope this makes sense and helps...cheers.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Thanks NBMJ. You have a good point. I will experiment a bit with strings before starting to demo new racquets. Are there other feel-oriented strings besides the NRG2 that I should consider? I'm also open to trying non-Technifibre strings.

As I mentioned, I'd like to try adding a bit of lead tape to make the V1 more head light. Am i right thinking that this would make it more manoeuvrable at the net?

Another question: due to the Volkl handle system I doubt I can remove the butt cap to put lead tape there. Where do you guys add lead tape in Volkl frames to make them more head light? I don't want to add it under the overgrip as the grip size of my racquet is already a tiny bit too large for me.

Sure.....I would also try Klip Excellerator. Those two <while not the most durable> have a lot of ball feel to them.

As to making the V1 a bit more headlight, that is a good idea if you can handle the extra swingweight. it wont make your racquet more maneuverable however. You can simply wrap lead around the grip collar cuff and cover it up with that rubber thingy. No need to take the grip/handle apart.

 

[CBORNANCINI]

You might think about the BB 11 light. I´m switched to this from a BB V1, for the same reasons, and I´m very happy for do it. I´m a 4.0 (in lucky days player.
String is Head Rip Control, 51 pounds.
Hope this helps. Good luck.