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Volkl Power Bridge 2, 115 sq in., 16 x 19, 9.4 ounces

The first thing you notice is how big this racquet is….at 115 sq inches and 28 mm beam…in reminds me of the old Wilson Profile…with very similar playing characteristics. It’s technical components scream, game improvement racquet…and that’s what it is, I was skeptical at first and haven’t played with a racquet of this type in more than 20 years…but the overall theme here was fun…and it provided just that…

Groundstroke’s

After slowing my swing down to match its playing characteristics, slow to moderate, I began to really enjoy the feel and liveliness of the Power Bridge 2. I had no problems generating any power and enjoyed its very comfortable and easy swing feel. The groundstroke’s played as I suspected, very good power with good control — not stellar control or feel, but good. Perfect for the player looking to improve their game and have more fun. My slice forehand and backhand seemed to be more accentuated by the Power Bridge 2. I was amazed at the power and slice I could generate with very little effort. Hitting topspin or trying to angle my shots with any varying degree of spin other than slicing was difficult. But then again if you are a 1.0 - 3.5 player those shots may not be in your arsenal anyway…so you aren’t missing too much. The off center shots were excellent, then again I’m not sure if I hit any off center shots with the Power Bridge 2, they all felt good—by design.

Return of Serve

Much like the groundstroke’s, the return of serve was predictable, lots of power with ok control. Its bulky feel was very prominent on the returns and at points I had a difficult time getting around on my shots, which is unusual for its 9.4 ounces and headlight balance. Players with flat swings and slice returns will see an added benefit to using this racquet for returns. Trying to add topspin or come over the ball with any type of control was particularly difficult, again, hitting flat or slicing the return seemed a much better and more accurate option.

Volley’s

The volley’s felt effortless. Crisp, comfortable and very solid. It did however lack some feel and touch needed around the net, but that is to be expected with this type of frame. I wasn’t expecting anything more than what it delivered…a good, solid, comfortable and effortless feel at the net.

Serve

Like most game improvement frames, this one served up (sorry) plenty of power and fairly good control. Though I didn’t ace anyone, I did get the needed pop on my first serve and good control on my second serve. The oversized head certainly helps with any off center hits on the serve but lacks the real control other frames provide with respect to control and feel on the serve. It wasn’t totally disappointing on the serve but it didn’t provide the needed benefit one truly needs to hold serve.

This racquet is best suited for 2.0+ all court players, especially doubles players, looking for power, comfort and a little control. It was a fun racquet to play with and very effortless in its feel and play. Again, very reminiscent of the Wilson Profile when it was released many years ago…some of us remember those days…