Volkl Power Bridge 10
The PB 10 is the latest in evolution of the 10 series from the German company. And as they say in the Sham Wow commercials, “you know those Germans make good stuff!” The PB 10 is no exception. For those who are not familiar with the Volkl name and product line you can read about the company’s history at http://www.voelkl-tennis.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=36. Those tennis aficionados who are familiar with the name know that Volkl is known for two things, High End-High Performance tournament level racquets and arm/elbow friendly racquets.

The PB 10 is both. However, Light weights need not apply! If you don’t bring your own power the PB 10 won’t provide it for you. If however you are a big hitting 4.0+ who is looking for excellent control for pinpoint shot making, then line up and take your shot. The PB 10 is ideal for players with long, fast swings and little trouble creating spin. Players of all styles will find attractive benefits to the this all around solid frame.

The PB 10 weighs in at 12.0 ounces (strung) making it a hefty racquet, however the thin frame (19mm) and head light balance (7pts. HL) make it extremely maneuverable negates the usual heavy racquet feel found in many racquets of this weight. The dual shock absorbing Sensor handle does its job in dampening frame vibration. However, it might do too good of a job; for those players who like a lot of feedback on their shots will find that the racquet has a ‘dead’ feel (much like the old Wilson 6.1 classics with its foam injected frame). If however you have a sensitive elbow, shoulder or forearm you won’t find a more comfortable racquet in this genre.

Despite the frame’s larger head size (98 sq. in.) it boasts a relatively small sweet spot and can be somewhat unstable on off center hits. However in this regard the PB 10 is superior to its 10 series predecessors due to the DNX fibers placed at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock on the hoop. The DNX technology is a tubular carbon fiber section that strengthens the frame and helps to stabilize the hoop. If you are good enough to be using this type of racquet you know that slight instability on off center hits is to be expected in all racquets at this level. That being said the PB 10 is like a brick house on return of serves, no matter how fast the serve comes at you; you’ll never feel like you don’t have enough behind the ball. The racquet’s weight, dense string pattern, and shock absorbing handle make is feel like you can handle anything. Serve and volley enthusiasts will find the experience is the same when you get to the net.

The string pattern is an 18×20 which helps in controlling the ball and will increase string life; but sacrifices some spin potential. Unlike most 18×20 pattern racquets the PB 10 provides significant ‘pop’ on serves while still providing superior accuracy. Top level players will want to use a hybrid stringing rather than using polyester in both mains and crosses and 4.0-4.5 will want to use a softer synthetic gut. While you will give up some durability, it is negligible while the playability increases dramatically with a softer string. I personally suggest:

Elite players:
Technifibre Pro Red Code or Klip K-Boom in the mains & Klip Venom, Prince Syn. Gut w/Duraflex, or Gamma Syn. w/Wearguard. (or for those of you Natural gut people, the gut of your choice) in the crosses.

USTA League Players:
Gamma TNT 16 or Fat Core, Wilson Sensation, Prince Premier Softflex 16, PrinceLighting XX 16, Babolat Excel Premium 16, or Natural Gut

Comparisons:
The PB 10 compares with the Wilson KSix-One 95 (18×20), Babolat Aero Storm Tour, Technifbre Tfight 325, Head Microgel Prestige, and Prince O3 Speed Port Tour.

Final Analysis:
Serve and volleyers will appreciate the pinpoint accuracy of serves, net maneuverability, and solid response on volleys. Baseliners will love the ease and consistency with which they can create angles and hit spots on the court and the solid feel on return of serves. The PB 10 is an excellent frame for the elite player looking to more accuracy, older teen tournament players looking for to step up their games, and higher level recreation players who demand precision response without sacrificing comfort.

Frame Statistics
Weight: 11.5 (unstrung)
Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Swing Weight: 320
Length: 27 in.
Balance: 7 pts Head Light
Beam Width: 19mm Straight Beam
Construction: Graphite/Fiberglass/DNX

The Power Bridge 10 retails for $189.00 and can be found in most online retailers or your local shop that is a Volkl authorized dealer.

Jay Wiseman is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a certification that is bestowed upon only the elite racquet and equipment service professionals. Additionally Jay is a certified P-1 Professional by the USPTA and has served as the Head Professional and Pro Shop manager at multiple clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Jay has previously spent 3 years coaching Division I collegiate women’s tennis and currently serves as a teaching professional at the largest tennis club in Toledo, Oh and is the Head Boy’s & Girl’s Tennis Coach at Sylvania Southview High School.