Yonex Vcore Tour 97 "Light" (the 310 grams version) discussion thread

[NeverGassed1212]

Originally Posted by Boricua

"I can't think of any other racquet I have used that feels quite like this frame."
Could you please elaborate a bit?

Have you thought using a hybrid with Pacific Classic gut in the crosses?

It is a little difficult for me to "feel", but I guess I can try to elaborate a bit. I tend to want to use the term "plush" to describe it because I have often heard it used but never had a frame that seemed to fit the bill. The frame feels solid on contact I would say on the muted side with the dampener. Yet I still feel connected to the shot and feel like I am placing the ball as well as I ever have. The sweet spot does feel pretty generous and is probably why my backhand feels so much better. I will say that my forehand has taken some adjustment, but that is mainly on low balls because I am not getting behind the ball enough (I tend to hit my forehand with more spin than my backhand).

I am still surprised by the power and depth I can generate with a relaxed swing, but control does not take a huge hit for the added pop I get compared to my PSL. I am actually swinging a little tentatively at times because I was so used to the low powered response of the PSL.

I did receive one with a multi in the mains but I preferred one strung up with Luxilon 4G as the string bed felt more consistent so I went with lower gauge poly's and am pleased with that. I have yet to string one up with a multi or gut in the crosses.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by NeverGassed1212

It is a little difficult for me to "feel", but I guess I can try to elaborate a bit. I tend to want to use the term "plush" to describe it because I have often heard it used but never had a frame that seemed to fit the bill. The frame feels solid on contact I would say on the muted side with the dampener. Yet I still feel connected to the shot and feel like I am placing the ball as well as I ever have. The sweet spot does feel pretty generous and is probably why my backhand feels so much better. I will say that my forehand has taken some adjustment, but that is mainly on low balls because I am not getting behind the ball enough (I tend to hit my forehand with more spin than my backhand).

I am still surprised by the power and depth I can generate with a relaxed swing, but control does not take a huge hit for the added pop I get compared to my PSL. I am actually swinging a little tentatively at times because I was so used to the low powered response of the PSL.

I did receive one with a multi in the mains but I preferred one strung up with Luxilon 4G as the string bed felt more consistent so I went with lower gauge poly's and am pleased with that. I have yet to string one up with a multi or gut in the crosses.

Try Kirshbaum Pro Line 17 at 54 and Pacific Classic Gut or Babolat Tonic crosses at 57 at least once. I will use this setup next week when I get my rackets, one strung with poly/gut, the other with full Pro Line. I will post my impressions.

I remember when I had a VCORE 100 S poly/gut felt very good but it was Revenge and VS. I also used poly/gut with a RDIS 100 MP and it felt good but so did the full poly (Weiss Cannon B5E) (felt good to but not that soft). The good thing about Yonex is that one can use a stiff poly or a soft string and get away with it. With rackets like a Pure Drive or Aeropro stiff polys are not recommended.

[Amp1]

This seems very similar to the new Xi98 in specs. Anyone thinks there will be a big difference between the two rackets.

If anything the Xi98 should have more power, which I think will be good for most players.

[Pure Babs]

I used this frame for awhile, and really enjoyed my time with it. I switched because of the stiffness and pop. I started to have arm issues into my matches because of the stiffness on the serve, and I could never really find a happy medium with control vs power. It is a really fun, whippy stick though!

[Geology_Rocks!]

Originally Posted by Pure Babs

I used this frame for awhile, and really enjoyed my time with it. I switched because of the stiffness and pop. I started to have arm issues into my matches because of the stiffness on the serve, and I could never really find a happy medium with control vs power. It is a really fun, whippy stick though!

If you don't mind some questions, you found it too powerfull? What string did you use?

[getsby]

interesting frame, who have had the experience of playing both, heavy and light version, compare sweetspot and stability?

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by getsby

interesting frame, who have had the experience of playing both, heavy and light version, compare sweetspot and stability?

I have only used the 330 version, too heavy for me. Getting the 310 this week.. Jose, a TW playtester. told me the 310 is as stable as the 330. The sweetsopot should be the same as they both are 98 with 16 x 20 string pattern and with isometric shape which makes the sweetpost huge.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by getsby

interesting frame, who have had the experience of playing both, heavy and light version, compare sweetspot and stability?

I have both demos on order and *should* arrive early next week (assuming my other demos are also available). Hopefully I will have a review up by late next week that can compare them side-by-side.

Boricua, if I like the 'light' version, one thing I'm thinking is to replace the regular grip w/ a leather grip, and maybe add some lead in the throat to bring it up to 320 unstrung (my ideal weight). Are you planning any customization? Or are you going stock?

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I have both demos on order and *should* arrive early next week (assuming my other demos are also available). Hopefully I will have a review up by late next week that can compare them side-by-side.

Boricua, if I like the 'light' version, one thing I'm thinking is to replace the regular grip w/ a leather grip, and maybe add some lead in the throat to bring it up to 320 unstrung (my ideal weight). Are you planning any customization? Or are you going stock?

Considering the 330 is too heavy and considering that the 310 is similar to a RDIS 100 MP that I used in the past, the 310's specs are in my whhelhouse. So, I will play it stock. Also, for some strange reason I don't like to have lead in my racket. I prefer Yonex original grip with Yonex Supergrap overgrip black or white.

[McLovin]

Yeah, I'm not normally one to customize as I prefer to find the stick that is just right for me 'stock'. But if I really like the VCORE Tour 97, and the 330 is too heavy for me, I may have to investigate some customization.

I haven't played w/ a leather grip in over 20 years, but I'm more interested in the added weight than anything as I use overgrips as well (usually Wilson, but am trying Supergrap this week). 310g just sounds too light for me, but maybe it will be OK.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Yeah, I'm not normally one to customize as I prefer to find the stick that is just right for me 'stock'. But if I really like the VCORE Tour 97, and the 330 is too heavy for me, I may have to investigate some customization.

I haven't played w/ a leather grip in over 20 years, but I'm more interested in the added weight than anything as I use overgrips as well (usually Wilson, but am trying Supergrap this week). 310g just sounds too light for me, but maybe it will be OK.

Supergrap is more than great. I used a Babolat overgrip last week and compared with the Yonex, the Bab feels cheap and dry.
310 may seem light but Yonex has great stability and solidness that makes the 310 weight seem like it has more mass to it. That was my experience with prior Yonex raquets.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by NeverGassed1212

I just recently purchased some off the boards here without demo and really enjoy the frames. The 310 grams allowed me to apply my personal touches and end up with a frame at 348-349g weight strung. I also played in stock form and found it to be surprisingly stable. It is the best stick I have hit in a long time.

You liked the racket better in stock form or with the added weight?

[NeverGassed1212]

Originally Posted by Boricua

You liked the racket better in stock form or with the added weight?

I am liking it best with my personal touches which now equals a leather grip with 2 overgrips and a yonex dampener. I had a little lead at 10 and 2 to try and keep the original balance but removed it and liked the more headlight balance. It now feels perfect in the palm of my hand and feels more whippy with the balance and low swingweight.

I also tried a hybrid with my "cheap" string (gosen polylon and og sheep micro 17g) and found it to play quite nicely. I still like the response of the full poly set up the best but the hybrid was more comfortable overall.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by NeverGassed1212

I am liking it best with my personal touches which now equals a leather grip with 2 overgrips and a yonex dampener. I had a little lead at 10 and 2 to try and keep the original balance but removed it and liked the more headlight balance. It now feels perfect in the palm of my hand and feels more whippy with the balance and low swingweight.

I also tried a hybrid with my "cheap" string (gosen polylon and og sheep micro 17g) and found it to play quite nicely. I still like the response of the full poly set up the best but the hybrid was more comfortable overall.

Did you demo the 330 version? If you did, how did it compare to the 310?
I just bought a 330 but will be reading about the 310 from people who buy it.

[NeverGassed1212]

Originally Posted by Boricua

Did you demo the 330 version? If you did, how did it compare to the 310?
I just bought a 330 but will be reading about the 310 from people who buy it.

I didn't demo the 330 because I want more of a platform frame and the 330g didn't seem like a good starting point for me. I kind of took a leap of faith and bought the 310g because the deal seemed to good to pass up and the specs were close to what I was looking for and it all worked out pretty well.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by NeverGassed1212

I am liking it best with my personal touches which now equals a leather grip with 2 overgrips and a yonex dampener. I had a little lead at 10 and 2 to try and keep the original balance but removed it and liked the more headlight balance. It now feels perfect in the palm of my hand and feels more whippy with the balance and low swingweight.

Any idea what the current weight/balance are? I'm demoing the 310 & 330 in a few weeks, and am thinking a leather grip & some lead in the throat will bring it up to ~ 320 unstrung. Just wondering how much lead will be needed in addition to the leather grip.

[tistrapukcipeht]

I'm also interested in this racquet, I'm waiting for it to be available at my local shop.

[richie65]

I just impulse purchased one of these. So I'll weigh in next week on how it plays.

[NeverGassed1212]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Any idea what the current weight/balance are? I'm demoing the 310 & 330 in a few weeks, and am thinking a leather grip & some lead in the throat will bring it up to ~ 320 unstrung. Just wondering how much lead will be needed in addition to the leather grip.

Just measured the frame with unstrung and with the leather and two overgrips it is weighing in at 332g and about 14 pts headlight by my estimation.

[Ess]

Anyone playing this racquet yet and can give some feedback on stiffness and difference between the two versions. My primary concern is the stiffness, but I have heard that the Yonex racquets play softer than indicated. Is this true?