Maybe the best players racket on the market today

[Coolhand Texas]

I have never tested a volkl racquet, but based from what al and xavi say it seems pretty good.

Al, how would you compare it to a kblade?

[djarvik]

I'm always interested in people's reasoning behind this:

Why do you string your crosses at different tensions?

Hmmm, honestly? ...because manufacture recommends.

I usually string at same tension if the same string is used, I read that Volkl recommends stringing crosses lower, even when stringing full bed one type of string.

I have hear tons of theories on this as well. Never go to test them, just went with what most say. But I am willing to test that theory myself now.

I have never tested a volkl racquet, but based from what al and xavi say it seems pretty good.

Al, how would you compare it to a kblade?

Which Kblade exactly, the tour or the 98? ...I assume you dont mean the team.

Honestly, Volkl feels like nothing else out there. You may like it, you may hate it. It is not a "better" feel, just different.

If you have a chance (or $20), order a demo from TT or anywhere else you like. This is the best way really.

[Coolhand Texas]

kblade 98. i usually demo from TW and dont mind the 20$ fee. But lately I have been using midwest sports. Its closer to me (in Cincy) and it costs 6.75 for one racquet. So if i just demo one racquet i get it from midwest.

but i think im going to try it this summer, you all have gotten me interested

[Rob ITST]

I'm always interested in people's reasoning behind this:

Why do you string your crosses at different tensions?

I only do it if it is a different material , for example poly and gut , gut is softer so it needs more tension , or else they are going to be dancing all over the place and they wont actually be doing anything as the higher tension string will be doing most of the work , causing the the poly to pop faster.

Unless you re-string regularly, that's actually not a good idea. The reason is that the gut holds tension MUCH better than poly, so as time passes, the gut is going to be much tighter - which is bad for the racquet. Pros do it, but they restring everyday.

If the manufacturer recommends it, then you should always do it.

[venom400]

I'm always interested in people's reasoning behind this:

Why do you string your crosses at different tensions?

I only do it if it is a different material , for example poly and gut , gut is softer so it needs more tension , or else they are going to be dancing all over the place and they wont actually be doing anything as the higher tension string will be doing most of the work , causing the the poly to pop faster.

Unless you re-string regularly, that's actually not a good idea. The reason is that the gut holds tension MUCH better than poly, so as time passes, the gut is going to be much tighter - which is bad for the racquet. Pros do it, but they restring everyday.

If the manufacturer recommends it, then you should always do it.

Really ? I always tought poly held the tension better , anyhow , I dont hybrid string and gut only lasts me about 1 day so I go full poly lol

[djarvik]

I have put on these strings on Sunday:

Kirschbaum Spiky Shark 17 (1.25) String



I must say, I like them more then Solinco's Barbwire. My reasons are:

- Both strings are shaped polys, but Barbwire is a twisted octagon while Spiky Shark is not. Spiky Shark is also a much finer shaped, the edges are tiny. I felt that with Barb the sting hardly moved, until a good few hours into playing and the "shape" on the string started to come off.... that when the spin was at its best, rapidly declining. Spiky welt great since the first hit. Mainly because the shapes on the strings are not "locking" the strings in place, allowing the strings to move and snap back on the hit. So you getting best of both worlds, the shape to grab and the movement and snap back on the strings. On spiky, you dont even see the shape on the strings....but you feel it when bashing your hand against the string bed, it feels like sandpaper. 4 hours on Sunday - steel feels exactly the same, a rough sand paper.

- Brab is a bit too soft. It is more of a touch or spin string. Not crisp at all when compared to Spiky. Spiky is a bit harsher, not much but noticeably so. But I liked the feeling more. Spiky is a bit livelier string, I felt I was getting more power. It holds the tension better for now. Brabwire picks at 4 hours and declines fast after for me. Spiky seems to have more life in it. But maybe I am wrong and it will start going out fast on my next hit.

Bottom line for me, this is a great string. I will be buying a reel.

[Moralspain]

just won a QF match 6-0 6-0, pretty happy with the racquet hahaha

[djarvik]

That's all the feedback?!?!?!!?

[jayl0ve]

Hey man, that's all the feedback that matters.

[Moralspain]

hahaha, i'll wait till tomorrow to see if works well too in the SF and then i', because talking about how i felt the racquet yesterday is a nonsense, i played a perfect match and my opponent didn't push me to the limit.
My next opponent is a good defensive baseliner, no unforced errors, so i'll have to take more risks to get the points and probably finish many of plays at the net, otherwise i'll be in trouble, so i'll be able to see how i feel the stick at the net. He's an extraordinary pusher so yeah as i said i'll have to take risks but i can commit many mistakes...i'll let you know. Last time we met he beat me.


I'll post my feeling about the racquet this weekend, one thing is sure my 2nd serve is much better now

[Moralspain]

this racquet sucks
i lost the SF, 7-5 2-6 6-7....pusher rules

[djarvik]

damn! 3rd set tie break. That's is close and that hurts

[Moralspain]

damn! 3rd set tie break. That's is close and that hurts

yep and i was leading the tie-break 3-0!!, but you know as i said days ago it's not easy when you're the only one taking risks and the other guy is just getting the ball back to you....but it's ok i always learn from defeats

And about the racquet, it's a great stick, very solid, love the sound when i hit powerful shots, and don't ask me why but my 2 handed backhand has improved a lot, a lot. I was able to hit wonderful cross court shots during the match

[Moralspain]

New Donnay racquets are already out, can't wait to test them out, 24 years back i started playing tennis using one of those beauties.



btw i sold the Volkl, good racquet, but my Heads fit my game better.

[RainingAmoeba79]

Right now, i am kicking ass against my fellow juniors w/ babs Serve and volleying with a PS 85

Helps in getting chicks too, especially if your gf sees a slam dunk