Volkyl PB V1 Mp vs. V1 Classic

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
I'm a 50 yo, NTRP 3.5-4.0, all around game, no arm/shoulder issues. Just got a chance to demo the PB V1 MP today, and really enjoyed the racquet. Very easy on the arm, good power, good control, felt stable on volleys, and excellent spin and power on serve. I've noticed some people now posting about the V1 Classic on other threads. Should I try the V1 classic, or is the PB V1 an updated and better choice? If Tennis Maverick reads this, would also appreciate any string recommendations and also recommended tensions for mains and crosses. Appreciate any thoughts from those who have played with either of these racquets.
 
I'm a 50 yo, NTRP 3.5-4.0, all around game, no arm/shoulder issues. Just got a chance to demo the PB V1 MP today, and really enjoyed the racquet. Very easy on the arm, good power, good control, felt stable on volleys, and excellent spin and power on serve. I've noticed some people now posting about the V1 Classic on other threads. Should I try the V1 classic, or is the PB V1 an updated and better choice? If Tennis Maverick reads this, would also appreciate any string recommendations and also recommended tensions for mains and crosses. Appreciate any thoughts from those who have played with either of these racquets.

Some people felt that the Classic V1's dwell time and power level was too long and too underpowered. All of the following iterations addressed that--the Cat V1, Cat V10, DNX V1, BB V1, PB V1, and Sportster, all of which are more powerful or crisper. The PB V1 is crisper than the Classic V1, but the arm saving quality is still there, and so is the dwell time. pneumated has written much about his experience regarding my PB V1; check his posts. Stock, the Classic's design with the Big Grommet tech works much like lead tape, or how the X material works in the X-frames, so it is more stable than the PB V1, but if you mod the PB V1, then they match-up well, with the PB V1 being crisper. The Classic is the better arm saver, if your issues are more extreme. Be careful with multi if your stringer's craftsmanship is weak, as the string in the Classic gets loose quick, so I suggest that you string it a little tighter than you normally would. The PB V1 hold tension better, because there is less resistance coming from the smaller Big Grommet tech, even though the DNX material is in there, so it loosens the string less. Syn gut works well in the Classic, as the design softens the string, relatively, and you still get the durability. I've never installed poly, so you need to get feedback from others regarding that. I assume that the comfort level due to the sticks design would be very high.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Thanks TM. Really appreciate it. Since I played so well with the PB V1, I'm going to go ahead and purchase it. It appears that you think a full bed multi would be the best way to go. Would you recommend mid-range on the mains, and drop the tension on the multis 2-3 lbs on the crosses, as discussed on some of the other threads on Volkyl/Becker racquets? Thanks again.
 
Thanks TM. Really appreciate it. Since I played so well with the PB V1, I'm going to go ahead and purchase it. It appears that you think a full bed multi would be the best way to go. Would you recommend mid-range on the mains, and drop the tension on the multis 2-3 lbs on the crosses, as discussed on some of the other threads on Volkyl/Becker racquets? Thanks again.

Stringing with Big Grommet tech is tricky. String the stick straight-up and see where your your string movement by hand is. Whichever string moves more, crosses or mains, is what should be strung tighter the next time. unless the stringer is weak, that tension difference will be 1-3 lbs, I would also string it more towards the higher end of the spectrum, as the string in this stick loosens a lot very quickly.
 

jackcrawford

Professional
I string the Classic with full poly at 55 and it has a huge sweet spot, is very soft and even balls hit near the frame do not jar. All the V1's are fine frames, the Classic is my current favorite although I can use my DNX version if I break a string without feeling it's a huge change although the DNX is noticeably crisper.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Thanks for the additional information. I find it interesting that you string the Classic full poly. Is that to harness some of the power? Should I worry about any potential arm issues with full poly as a 50 year old? Also wondering which poly you use. Thanks in advance
 

jackcrawford

Professional
Thanks for the additional information. I find it interesting that you string the Classic full poly. Is that to harness some of the power? Should I worry about any potential arm issues with full poly as a 50 year old? Also wondering which poly you use. Thanks in advance
I'm a 3.5 retriever who uses heavy spin, and the poly in my sig is the spinniest I've found - more so than using a hybrid. I'm in my 50's and have no arm issues with full poly in the Classic.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Nice to see a few V1 Classic users here :)

I am still playtesting mine and I just strung mine today with Xcel main/VPro at 59/55. Remember the V1 Classic's range is 52-62, so 57 is mid. Will report back after playing more with it. I played
one set with it yesterday and stuggled a little to keep balls from going long. It wasn't so much the power, but the trajectory of the V1 seems way higher than my IG Instinct. Just gotta aim lower I guess. It might be that the Volkl grip is
making my grip lean more towards Eastern instead of my usual semi-western, causing me to hit with less spin. I am still adjusting to this racquet, so we'll see.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Can anyone else offer comparison's between the V1 Classic and the PB V1? The Classic on TW's power map, has quite a bit more power than the PB version:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/cgi-bin/storepower2.cgi?racquetA=VPBV1|102|Volkl|Power:Bridge:V1:Midplus|RCVOLKL|x&racquetB=CV1SVR|102|Volkl|V1:Classic|RCVOLKL|&racquetC=none&racquetD=none

Also the USRSA power ratings say this:

Classic
2220 power index
320 Swing weight

PB V1 Mid Plus
2048 power index
291 Swing weight

Can anyone who w has actually played both versions please confirm if this is true or any other differences between the 2 frames?
 
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jackcrawford

Professional
Can anyone else offer comparison's between the V1 Classic and the PB V1? The Classic on TW's power map, has quite a bit more power than the PB version:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/cgi-bin/storepower2.cgi?racquetA=VPBV1|102|Volkl|Power:Bridge:V1:Midplus|RCVOLKL|x&racquetB=CV1SVR|102|Volkl|V1:Classic|RCVOLKL|&racquetC=none&racquetD=none

Also the USRSA power ratings say this:

Classic
2220 power index
320 Swing weight

PB V1 Mid Plus
2048 power index
291 Swing weight

Can anyone who w has actually played both versions please confirm if this is true or any other differences between the 2 frames?
My mixed doubles partner plays the PBV1, and I have hit with it quite a bit - it's also strung full poly at 55. It feels more like a Pure Drive to me with less weight than the Drive, very solid and crisp. It does not allow me to hit a lob half-volley over the net people's heads like the Classic, but it does stick volleys better. It has a smaller sweet spot, hence for me from the baseline not as good for retrieving. As always, others may have different experiences.
 
My mixed doubles partner plays the PBV1, and I have hit with it quite a bit - it's also strung full poly at 55. It feels more like a Pure Drive to me with less weight than the Drive, very solid and crisp. It does not allow me to hit a lob half-volley over the net people's heads like the Classic, but it does stick volleys better. It has a smaller sweet spot, hence for me from the baseline not as good for retrieving. As always, others may have different experiences.

It's a plow thru issue. The Classic has more, enlarging the sweet spot, plus, the sweet spot is larger due to the larger grommet holes. It is difficult to modify the Classic, as many would find it too head heavy or too heavy if modified or modified with a counter balance. However, the PB V1 can be beefed-up a lot, which will open-up the sweet spot, and resist the ball better when you are stressed or stretched. When you match the up with the proper mods, the PB V1 is far crisper and more powerful. You can also drop the tension in your PB V1 to make it play more like the Classic.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
My mixed doubles partner plays the PBV1, and I have hit with it quite a bit - it's also strung full poly at 55. It feels more like a Pure Drive to me with less weight than the Drive, very solid and crisp. It does not allow me to hit a lob half-volley over the net people's heads like the Classic, but it does stick volleys better. It has a smaller sweet spot, hence for me from the baseline not as good for retrieving. As always, others may have different experiences.

I just tried PB V1 demo for a bit. It felt lighter than the Classic and also much more head heavy. I would need to add some weight to the handle and try it again. The Classic on the other hand plays fine stock. It did feel a little more crisp, but I think I like the Classic better at this point.
 

Posture Guy

Professional
I've never played the PB V1, but recently switched to the V1 Classic MP. I really like this stick, a LOT.

over the weekend did a few things that were interesting. First, I added about 10 grams of lead tape to the head. Arranged it from basically the 2nd to last cross towards the top down to the last cross on the bottom. Then rechecked balance and it's still basically just a smidgen head light, maybe half a point. Plays just fine, I really like the feel of it.

Then I wanted to try NRG2 as a string so I strung both my frames up, one at 57 and one at 62 (on a lockout machine). Started playing last night with the 57 and it felt good, but when I switched to the 62, I knew that was the right tension for me. Just enough added control that I felt like I could really hit out more on my backhand and keep the balls inside the baseline. Not sure I'm going to stick with NRG2, there are a few other multis I want to try. But as currently configured the stick feels great. Does everything very well.
 

dParis

Hall of Fame
It's a plow thru issue. The Classic has more, enlarging the sweet spot, plus, the sweet spot is larger due to the larger grommet holes. It is difficult to modify the Classic, as many would find it too head heavy or too heavy if modified or modified with a counter balance. However, the PB V1 can be beefed-up a lot, which will open-up the sweet spot, and resist the ball better when you are stressed or stretched. When you match the up with the proper mods, the PB V1 is far crisper and more powerful. You can also drop the tension in your PB V1 to make it play more like the Classic.
Mav, how would you say the BB Sportster stacks up against the Classic and the PB V1s?
 

dParis

Hall of Fame
My mixed doubles partner plays the PBV1, and I have hit with it quite a bit - it's also strung full poly at 55. It feels more like a Pure Drive to me with less weight than the Drive, very solid and crisp. It does not allow me to hit a lob half-volley over the net people's heads like the Classic, but it does stick volleys better. It has a smaller sweet spot, hence for me from the baseline not as good for retrieving. As always, others may have different experiences.
Very similar experience, actually. Though I like the Classic better at the net too as it absorbs the hard passing attempt better than the PB.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I've never played the PB V1, but recently switched to the V1 Classic MP. I really like this stick, a LOT.

over the weekend did a few things that were interesting. First, I added about 10 grams of lead tape to the head. Arranged it from basically the 2nd to last cross towards the top down to the last cross on the bottom. Then rechecked balance and it's still basically just a smidgen head light, maybe half a point. Plays just fine, I really like the feel of it.

Then I wanted to try NRG2 as a string so I strung both my frames up, one at 57 and one at 62 (on a lockout machine). Started playing last night with the 57 and it felt good, but when I switched to the 62, I knew that was the right tension for me. Just enough added control that I felt like I could really hit out more on my backhand and keep the balls inside the baseline. Not sure I'm going to stick with NRG2, there are a few other multis I want to try. But as currently configured the stick feels great. Does everything very well.

Was it too powerful at 57? I currently have a hybrid of Xcel multi mains and Vpro copoly crosses at 59/55 and it seems to have the right power level.
 

Posture Guy

Professional
yeah, at 57 it was a bit too powerful. 62 felt just right for me.

FYI, I'm probably playing at a weak 4.5 level right now, FWIW.
 
Mav, how would you say the BB Sportster stacks up against the Classic and the PB V1s?

The Sportster is the stick which should have been a huge sales killer, but I don't know why it didn't, except for possibly cosmetics. The BB V1 was a little harsh and was polarized, but it sold off the charts. Both men and women loved the stealth stick. I tried to order a 1,000 all black, but they wouldn't go for it. At any rate, the Sportster fixed the BB V1, as it is softer and better balanced. I prefer it to the PB V1, because IMPO, the DC sticks are more Volkl-like than the PB sticks. The Sportster has great feel, and it solves the crispness/lack of power issues of the Classic V1. To use a tweener, against the players whom I hit with, requires that I string my sticks at a minimum of 62 lbs--my Classic V1 is strung at 68M/66C with Powerfiber II--and the Sportster gives more pop than the Classic, and more feel than the PB V1. If it is an arm issue, just go with the Classic, or if you can find them, the Cat V1, or Cat V10 are even better for busted joints. All of the V1s sell off the charts; they comprise of 30-50% of Volkl sales, depending on the releases, from what I've been told.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
The Sportster is the stick which should have been a huge sales killer, but I don't know why it didn't, except for possibly cosmetics. The BB V1 was a little harsh and was polarized, but it sold off the charts.

That paintjob sure is butt ugly, but so are almost all the DC racquets. Not sure what team Boris had designing the cosmetics for that thing, but he should hand them their walking papers. On the flipside, the London sure is purty. Someone nailed that one.
 

tennisamba

New User
The Sportster is the stick which should have been a huge sales killer, but I don't know why it didn't, except for possibly cosmetics. The BB V1 was a little harsh and was polarized, but it sold off the charts. Both men and women loved the stealth stick. I tried to order a 1,000 all black, but they wouldn't go for it. At any rate, the Sportster fixed the BB V1, as it is softer and better balanced. I prefer it to the PB V1, because IMPO, the DC sticks are more Volkl-like than the PB sticks. The Sportster has great feel, and it solves the crispness/lack of power issues of the Classic V1. To use a tweener, against the players whom I hit with, requires that I string my sticks at a minimum of 62 lbs--my Classic V1 is strung at 68M/66C with Powerfiber II--and the Sportster gives more pop than the Classic, and more feel than the PB V1. If it is an arm issue, just go with the Classic, or if you can find them, the Cat V1, or Cat V10 are even better for busted joints. All of the V1s sell off the charts; they comprise of 30-50% of Volkl sales, depending on the releases, from what I've been told.

TM,

I had the opportunity to buy the Sportster and I am really impressed. I play with a BB V1 mod according to your suggestions. Well, the stock Sportster plays better in my opinion. The head transmits a feeling of fullness that was absent in the unmodified BB V1. It is very stable and the feel has increased a lot. I also find it very precise compared with the BB1, not only in depth and directional control, but, above all, in controlling the path (the trajectory)
of the ball. Even the spin's far better ... in a sense it behaves as if it had a less tick beam.

It also seems to me, but please confirm this, that it is less necessary (due to the higher flex) to increase the drop of the tension in the crosses in order to increase dwell time and feel as in the BB V1.
 
TM,

I had the opportunity to buy the Sportster and I am really impressed. I play with a BB V1 mod according to your suggestions. Well, the stock Sportster plays better in my opinion. The head transmits a feeling of fullness that was absent in the unmodified BB V1. It is very stable and the feel has increased a lot. I also find it very precise compared with the BB1, not only in depth and directional control, but, above all, in controlling the path (the trajectory)
of the ball. Even the spin's far better ... in a sense it behaves as if it had a less tick beam.

It also seems to me, but please confirm this, that it is less necessary (due to the higher flex) to increase the drop of the tension in the crosses in order to increase dwell time and feel as in the BB V1.

The BB V1 was a great frame. Volkl's #1 seller at the time, and I agree, the Sportster tweaked the BB V1 to make for even a better stick, with a less hollow feel(more fullness as you say), because they made the frame less polarized, adding weight in the throat, as they did to the Melbourne to fix it from the Legend, BB Pro to DC Pro, and PB8 295 to PB8 315, to X8 300. They play-test the frames on red clay in Europe, but sell most of the frames for the USA hard court/indoor market, so polarized frames get a little hurt on hard when you are hitting thru the back of the ball a little more. IMPO, they should keep it but make it black and silver like the BB V1, which is one of the reasons why it was so popular. As I mentioned in another thread, I wanted to buy 1,000 Stealth frames, all black, but they wouldn't let me!

You should experiment with the amount of tension drop, but yes, all things being equal, you can drop less in the comparable frames, BB V1(DNX) to Sportster(DC). I use 2 lbs with the Classic V1, and 3 lbs with the PB V1. If I were to string the Sportster, I would go with my Classic V1 tensions.

Sorry for the long answer. Trying to keep things short because the shadow stalkers hate it when I give TMI. LOL!
 
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tennisamba

New User
You should experiment with the amount of tension drop, but yes, all things being equal, you can drop less in the comparable frames, BB V1(DNX) to Sportster(DC). I use 2 lbs with the Classic V1, and 3 lbs with the PB V1. If I were to string the Sportster, I would go with my Classic V1 tensions.

Sorry for the long answer. Trying to keep things short because the shadow stalkers hate it when I give TMI. LOL!
:)


Thanks TM!

Do not keep things short since it is always a pleasure to read your comments.

My BB V1 is strung with Gripper 1.24 24/22.5. The Sportster came with Sensation 1.30 25/24 and I liked it. Does it depend on the fact that the frame is more powerful than the BB V1?
 

Posture Guy

Professional
TM.....I probably missed it, what's your ideal tensioning for the V1 Classic MP?

I'm about to string up a hybrid combo for the first time that I'm excited about. Pacific Gut Classic in the mains, B5E in the crosses. Was gonna go 60 lbs mains/56 lbs crosses.
 
TM.....I probably missed it, what's your ideal tensioning for the V1 Classic MP?

I'm about to string up a hybrid combo for the first time that I'm excited about. Pacific Gut Classic in the mains, B5E in the crosses. Was gonna go 60 lbs mains/56 lbs crosses.

I would be stringing in that tension range as well. IMPO, the Classic V1 plays better on the higher end of its string parameters. Mine is strung with Excellerator@62/60. You may want to drop the cross string tension a little more with that poly. I usually use this formula, depending upon how stiff the poly is to the gut: Subtract your 2 lbs, and then, multiply by .85-.90.

In your case, B5E is like Volkl Cyclone, which is soft: 60-2=58x.90=52 lbs.

HOWEVER, if you lose any tension while stringing crosses due to friction, bowing, clamp torque or slippage, clutch tensioner as opposed to constant pull pneumatic/electric/drop weight, stay with your 56 lbs.

Let us know how it turns-out!
 
:)


Thanks TM!

Do not keep things short since it is always a pleasure to read your comments.

My BB V1 is strung with Gripper 1.24 24/22.5. The Sportster came with Sensation 1.30 25/24 and I liked it. Does it depend on the fact that the frame is more powerful than the BB V1?

That's a hard one. I haven't used Sensation in years, but it should be less lively than Gripper, which is not a gummy multi, but, you strung it with thinner gauge string, one kilo tighter, which could match them up pretty well. The difference could be the 1 kilo drop vs 1.5 kilo drop. All of the responses off the original BB DNX Wing sticks were very quick, especially the BB 11 Mid, and including the BB V1. The Sportster's dwell time is a little longer, and has more solidity and plow thru, but your extra 1/2 kilo drop in the BB V1 would increase its dwell time closer to that of the Sportster.

All of the DC sticks have more Volkl feel than the Volkls (DNX/PB/X), so I'm thinking that you just prefer the less polarized lay-up and the DC feel, if that makes any sense. That even happened to me with the London Tour, as I switched from the PB 10 Mid, which has tons of feel. Weight/balance your BB V1 to your Sportster, string it a little tighter, and keep the cross string tension the same 1/2 kilo less. I predict that when you play aggressively, taking balls on the rise and half-volleying, that you will prefer the BB V1, but when you are playing more methodically, you will prefer the Sportster.
 
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tennisamba

New User
That's a hard one. I haven't used Sensation in years, but it should be less lively than Gripper, which is not a gummy multi, but, you strung it with thinner gauge string, one kilo tighter, which could match them up pretty well. The difference could be the 1 kilo drop vs 1.5 kilo drop. All of the responses off the original BB DNX Wing sticks were very quick, especially the BB 11 Mid, and including the BB V1. The Sportster's dwell time is a little longer, and has more solidity and plow thru, but your extra 1/2 kilo drop in the BB V1 would increase its dwell time closer to that of the Sportster.

All of the DC sticks have more Volkl feel than the Volkls (DNX/PB/X), so I'm thinking that you just prefer the less polarized lay-up and the DC feel, if that makes any sense. That even happened to me with the London Tour, as I switched from the PB 10 Mid, which has tons of feel. Weight/balance your BB V1 to your Sportster, string it a little tighter, and keep the cross string tension the same 1/2 kilo less. I predict that when you play aggressively, taking balls on the rise and half-volleying, that you will prefer the BB V1, but when you are playing more methodically, you will prefer the Sportster.

Thanks a lot TM!
 
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