Price: $200
Hitting area: 107 sq. in.
Length: 27 1/3 in.
Weight: 10.8 oz.
Swingweight: 316
Balance: 1/5 in. head light
Beam width: 23mm
Flexibility: Stiff
String pattern: 16 x 19
Ideal swing: Medium to medium-long
NTRP: High 4.0 and up
Playester Ratings (from 1–10 with 10 being excellent):
Power: 4
Control: 9
Maneuverability: 7
Stability: 7
Comfort: 7
Today’s tournament-level players have all but abandoned oversize racquets for the stability and control of the midsize. The Völkl Powerbridge 7 could change all that. This racquet has a jumbo 107-square-inch hitting area, but has the feel, control and touch of a midsize frame. It gives players who are high 4.0s and up extra real estate to get the ball on the racquet face when they’re stretched out of position, something that should also be a consideration for older high-level players. “The PB 7 will be my new stick because the first thing that went when I turned 40 this year was my return of serve,” said a 4.5 playtester. “I started shanking balls with my midsize against big servers and decided I needed a racquet that will give me a bigger sweet spot, but I didn’t want to compromise the touch and feel I get with my old mid.” The Powerbridge 7 will not only help your returns, but should improve pace and placement on your serve as well.
Bottom line: The Powerbridge 7 is the best oversize performer we’ve seen since the Prince Graphite and the Head Radical.