The feel is still frame, but not unyielding, even with a full bed of poly (Volkl Cyclone 17g). Volkl frames are generally arm-friendly thanks to all dampening technologies. The V10 has the V-Tex butt cap made of silicone polymer and the V-Sensor pin in the handle to lessen harsh vibration. The feedback at contact is a little muted, but gets through well enough to know where the ball is on the strings.
This shows up at net where the frame is a standout volleyer. Its weight and sturdy composition stand up to and redirects incoming pace with relative ease. Just like from the baseline, the fine control encourages you to be greedy when aiming your volleys. Touch isn’t quite the same as a plusher, more flexible frame, but won’t hold you back when taking pace off the ball, as well as playing those tricky in-between midcourt shots. Skilled doubles players and attacking all-courters should have no issues employing their full arsenal.
What Needs Work
The V10 takes effort. Not because of its dimensions, but because you’ve got to be on top of your game to make it hum. Other frames let you get away with a little sloppiness, but this one isn’t fond of cheaters. It has a smallish sweet spot and not much inherent power to bail you out of trouble. If you’re not consistently on-time at contact with fluid, technically proficient strokes, it could be a long day. In other words, the racquet is really best-suited for advanced players who don’t want much—if any—help from their racquets. Which is what you should expect from the most demanding 10 in the Volkl lineup.
The V10 also has narrow shoulders. Many of the recent 98s—especially lighter models—are wider and beefier across the top of the hoop. This can raise the sweet spot a little bit, which can be helpful if you have more vertical, topspin-heavy strokes. However, contact in that part of the frame on the V10 can feel a little dead.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Vostra is another strong update to the venerable Volkl 10 family. If you’ve got some serious all-court chops, it has all the ingredients needed to show them off.
