Volkl Super G 10 (295g)

Groundstrokes - Score: 81

Precision was the standout feature of the Super G 10 (295g) from the baseline, according to our playtest team. For Chris, it was love at first strike. He raved, "I simply loved this racquet. During this test I was also testing a bunch of other racquets, but every time I came back to this one it felt like I was coming home. I had the kind of confidence with the Super G 10 (295g) that only comes from a racquet that feels like an extension of my arm. I just felt totally dialed in, and I was able to completely trust the response. I thought the feel was very solid for a racquet this light and fast. I was impressed by the comfort and the forgiving response. Whereas the previous version felt like it got pushed around by my hard-hitting opponents, this racquet seemed to handle the heat much, much better. I was hitting all of my shots to the best of my ability. Throw in some Volkl Cyclone 16 gauge at 53 lbs and I'm tournament ready with this racquet."

Tiffani also really liked the control the Super G 10 (295g) offered, but she would have liked a little more power when he had to hit a defensive shot on the run. She explained, "In previous iterations of the 10 (295g), I felt there wasn't quite enough power for my game. I felt the Super G 10 (295g) was still control-oriented, but it provided me with just enough power. I really enjoyed hitting my two-handed backhand; I could drive shots deep or hit with angles. I did struggle a bit hitting forehands on the run. I just struggled to get any depth when I was stretched off that wing, which is the weaker of my groundstrokes. When I didn't have time to set up on my forehand I was hitting sitters that my opponent could easily attack. Otherwise, I liked the feel and felt at home hitting both topspin and slice shots."

Although she enjoyed hitting some strokes from the baseline, the Super G 10 (295g) didn't work out quite as well for Brittany, who typically prefers a faster racquet with more power. She said, "When I first started hitting with the racquet there was excellent control. I was missing some of the power that I normally get from my racquet, and I also had a hard time creating racquet head speed. When I had plenty of time to set up for the ball I was able to get my shots deep in the court. However, when I was on the defensive or the ball was hit deep in the court with pace, I was hitting the ball later than normal and hitting the ball shorter in the court. This was less of a problem with my backhand because using two hands allowed me to get the racquet around faster. On my forehand I couldn't get enough wrist snap to hit my angles or brush up enough on low balls to go up the line. I did love hitting slice with the Super G 10 (295g), and I could really keep the ball low."

Volleys - Score: 80

The fast, precise feel of the Super G 10 (295g) continued to impress most of our playtesters around the net. Tiffani felt as comfortable as ever when volleying. She said, "The Super G 10 (295g) was very maneuverable, so I felt as good as I could when it came to volleying. I wasn't hitting my volleys late and I felt in control when I was punching the ball. I'm generally a fan of the Volkl feel, and I liked the way the Super G 10 (295g) felt, too. There were some stability issues when I missed the sweetspot, but that is to be expected in this weight range."

Chris felt just as dialed in volleying with this racquet as he did from the baseline. He said, "This racquet felt very fast and maneuverable at net. I could get it in position very quickly and snap away volleys. There was just enough mass to keep it from getting pushed around. I also found that I could hold it lightly for maximum touch and not have to worry too much about the racquet twisting. When I hit my volleys cleanly I felt absolutely connected to the ball. When I hit slightly outside the sweetspot the Super G 10 (295g) was forgiving enough to help me still make my shot. I played a ton of doubles with this racquet and loved the response at net."

Once again, the Super G 10 (295g) didn't work quite as well for Brittany, who had issues getting the racquet in position and keeping it stable on mishit volleys. She explained, "I didn't really feel like I had to do a whole lot when it came to volleys. There was plenty of pop to keep my volleys deep in the court and there was enough feel for me to keep my half volleys short and over the net. I did have to make an extra effort to get the Super G 10 (295g) in position due to the maneuverability issues I had. I also found that the Super G 10 (295g) fluttered a little when I made contact off-center."

Serves - Score: 79

There were some varying opinions among our testers when it came to serving with the Super G 10 (295g). Tiffani liked the control the racquet offered but wished for a little easier power. She said, "This is the area I was left wanting for extra power. I felt comfortable swinging the racquet and was able to serve with decent spin, but my serve was lacking some oomph. On the upside, because of the easy swing and control level, I felt pretty confident directing my serve to different spots around the box."

Brittany produced some heavy spin serves throughout the test. She said, "Once I got the racquet above my head I found I could hit a plethora of serves. I did have to put extra effort to get the racquet moving, but once I did I was rewarded with slice serves into the body or flat serves deep in the service box. I preferred hitting my kick second serve more than my first serve because I was finding a more consistent response."

Control was once again the most prominent feature of the Super G 10 (295g) for Chris. He explained, "I served well with this racquet. There was just enough power for me to feel confident in getting the ball away. However, I was most impressed by the control. I felt very dialed in and that allowed me to chase the added pace and spin I wanted to get on my shots. I kept my tip speed up on both deliveries without fear of overhitting. I had several matches with this racquet where I was just hitting first serves. Even if I missed my first serve I was confident enough to go after another one -- never feeling like I had to take anything off."

Returns - Score: 80

Our playtesters really enjoyed returning with the Super G 10 (295g). Chris appreciated the perfect blend of pop and precision that allowed him to swing freely during his return games. He raved, "I enjoyed returning with this racquet. The blend of power and control was spot on. Again, I felt like I could take a good crack at the ball and be confident my shots would find their intended targets. Both topspin and slice felt easy to generate. I also continued to find the forgiving response I found in other areas of the court."

Tiffani, who was also able to access her full array of returns with full confidence, said, "I was pleasantly surprised with the stability of the Super G 10 (295g) on returns. I was able to drive both first and second serve returns. This was one of my favorite shots to hit with the Super G 10 (295g)."

Brittany had a slight issue with maneuverability, but she ultimately found a solid, stable feel for her returns. She said, "Returning for me was good -- not great, but not bad, either. I felt late at times when I had to reach out wide to my forehand side, especially on first serves. However, the Super G 10 (295g) was stable, and there was enough plow through that once I got my racquet on the ball there wasn't a lot I needed to do to hit an effective return of serve."

Overall - Score: 80

Technical Specifications Length 27 inches 69 centimeters Head Size 98 square inches 632 square centimeters Weight 11 ounces 312 grams Balance Point 13.1 inches 33 centimeters 3 pts Head Light Construction 20mm / 20mm / 20mm Composition Organix/ Carbon/ Fiberglass String Pattern 16 mains / 19 crosses

Babolat RDC Ratings Score Grade Flex Rating 65 Range: 0-100 Swing Weight 316 Range: 200-400

Scores

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester Profiles

Chris: 5.0 all-court player currently using the Wilson Six.One 95S. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.

Tiffani: 4.0 level baseliner with a semiwestern grip on the forehand and hits a two-handed backhand. Currently playing with the Donnay Formula 100.

Brittany: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Yonex EZONE Ai 100.

Review date: September 2014. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.

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