Yonex SV 98 x DR 98 x Duel G 97 (310)

Roland G

Hall of Fame
Can anyone describe for me the differences between these three frames?

Which would be the most powerful, spin-friendly, control oriented?

I want to buy one and can't demo so any feedback most welcome
 

RGT

Rookie
I demoed the DR 98 and the Duel G 97 and I found the DR 98 to have the most power of the two and having just slightly more spin potential. Control wise the DR isn't a bad stick at all but I think the Duel G takes the edge in that department. Personally I preferred the DR 98 over the duel G because of the easier power/winner hitting potential. I didn't try the Sv 98 so no comments there :)

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Roland G

Hall of Fame
I demoed the DR 98 and the Duel G 97 and I found the DR 98 to have the most power of the two and having just slightly more spin potential. Control wise the DR isn't a bad stick at all but I think the Duel G takes the edge in that department. Personally I preferred the DR 98 over the duel G because of the easier power/winner hitting potential. I didn't try the Sv 98 so no comments there :)

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Thanks. Really looking forward to some feedback on the SV. I know the DR98 is a great stick but will hold off until I find out more on the SV as the specs look good to me[emoji1]
 

Gemini

Hall of Fame
I don't think many people have access to the SV 98 yet so it'll probably take some time to get feedback on that particular racquet.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Most powerful: DR
Most spin friendly: SV
Most control: Duel G

#opinion. For all we know, you may perceive the Duel Gs have more pop than the DR. And that's OK. I think the DR is very well received - so your chance of liking it are higher than your chances of liking the SV or Duel G. I've tried the Duel G 97 (310) and it reminds me of the classic response like the Ti 80 or a stiffer RDX 500.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I use a prior version of the SV98 (vcore xi 98), have owned the Tour G 330 and the Ai98. My racquet of choice from all of those is the Xi98. It has the most spin and is the most powerful, but I lead mine up. The feel of the TourG is top notch.

Most likely, I will be getting an SV98 at some point.
 

kimguroo

Legend
I only tried briefly with those frames except new SV.
Spin might be SV (I tried SI and it gives better spin potential).
Heard that SV is less stiffer feeling.
AI/DR: somewhat reason this frame did not fit my game, tried several times but never worked for me.
it gives decent power and spin but nothing really special.
Vcore duel G: I used 330g version and surprisingly it gives decent power than I thought. control was good too.

If you want power and spin, new SV might fit better. if you want decent power and spin with comfort, AI/DR might better.
If you want control and you can provide your own power and hitting flat shots, Vcore duel G might be the one.
 

Roland G

Hall of Fame
I know the DR is a cracking frame and I'm sure I'll get along with it . I've tried the DR100 and liked it but felt it would be better for me in a slightly smaller head, less thick beam and a touch more weight. However, this is lame I know, I'm not crazy about the PJ and I think the new SV looks the business!
 

Gemini

Hall of Fame
I use a prior version of the SV98 (vcore xi 98), have owned the Tour G 330 and the Ai98. My racquet of choice from all of those is the Xi98. It has the most spin and is the most powerful, but I lead mine up. The feel of the TourG is top notch.

Most likely, I will be getting an SV98 at some point.

I owned a couple of the Xi 98s but sold them off without giving them a fair chance. I love the Ai's and DR's but the higher stiffness rating of the SV 98 has me intrigued. I'll definitely be picking one up and customizing it.
 

ONgame

Semi-Pro
SV just up for preorder and already seeking reviews, how many people do you expect to have used it already?
Might have a better chance asking in the TW Questions section as they are playtesting them right now.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
I owned a couple of the Xi 98s but sold them off without giving them a fair chance.

I loved the EZONE Xi 98s w/ PTS at 45 lbs. Powerful enough for me!

I like the Ai98 and DR98 quite a bit, but I'm willing to give the VCORE SV 98 a chance even though I could not stand the VCORE Si 98 at all. It was crazy stiff from the demo I tried. I had a good love affair with the VCT89 back when it was the new model.
 

donquijote

G.O.A.T.
I just demoed a SV100 and Duel G97 310g. Looks like Yonex made another winner with SV line.
I'd definitely go with SV98. Ai/DR lacks good feel and connection. Duel G 97 lacks power (but of course has the most control).
SV has the best feel, most spin and power without hurting your arm.
BTW, SV is totally different than stiff feeling Si which I owned before.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
The SV98 doesn't seem to have the "Quake Shut Gel" in the handle that the DR98 does. I'm getting my shoulder killed with the Babo PS17, and if I can't customize it successfully I'll have to switch back to the DR98.

I like the reports of greater spin for the SV98 over the DR, but am concerned about comfort.

Any thoughts on that?
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
OMG - I have cracked several Yonex frames in the past (not throwing - legit - I have witnesses). I have a DR 100 strung up with gut.
Last night I dreamed I volleyed back an overhead and heard a snap. Figured, oh, well, there goes the gut. looked down and I had cracked the frame....

woke up in a cold sweat....
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
The SV98 doesn't seem to have the "Quake Shut Gel" in the handle that the DR98 does. I'm getting my shoulder killed with the Babo PS17, and if I can't customize it successfully I'll have to switch back to the DR98.

I like the reports of greater spin for the SV98 over the DR, but am concerned about comfort.

Any thoughts on that?
No issues whatsoever with the SV. It's crisp for sure but not jarring at all. I do use the Sampras damp though. It also doesn't have the dead feeling at the top of the string bed that the duel g has. I haven't hit with the DR but hit with the ezone xi which has the same specs and I didn't like it at all. The SVs are great and the only Yonex frame I've ever liked.
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
I'm playing my DG97 (310) as my SV98 is getting restrung - and really enjoying it, after trying a few diff lead setups. Stock it just didn't have enough depth. The best setup so far has been 2g @12, almost identical as my SV98. The DG97 is a frame that gives you what you put in: great footwork and weight transition = heavy shots w/pace and spin. But when I let go of the gas pedal a bit, it gives me very little for free. Control and feel are excellent, and when I've tried my RF97As, they feel clunky in comparison.

The SV98 is still my favorite frame. I've never served better, and the same goes for my OHBH. Effortless power and spin. Control on the FH is good, but not DG97 good. I see some complaints about a lack in feel and touch, and I can relate to that when compared to say an IG Prestige, but some comments come from PA/PD users, and that baffles me.

Btw. I've previously owned the AI100, AI98 and DR98 - and didn't really care for any of them. Imo, the AI/DR98 was too muted and soft, whilst feeling sluggish. The SV98 feels much faster at the same SW.
 
D

dblsplayer

Guest
I've had all three in the last year and for me, my favorite is the Dual G 310. It has the most control, feel, and touch, and I don't find the others have significantly more power.

Then again, my go to raccquet is the Blade 98 16x19, including the new CV model. The Dual G plays most like the Blade, perhaps it due to the thinner beam width.
The Blade is more even balanced but I don't feel it is slower for reaction volleys than the more headlight Dual G.

If you prefer the more slightly thicker beam, the SV might be your choice. The DR is right in the middle. Really all are very good, it was just the little things I preferred with the Dual G
 

phanker

Semi-Pro
I demoed the whole Yonex line up all strung with Head Hawk Touch 17 recently.
For the 3 you mentioned, here's my rating.

Power: SV > DR >> DG (DG needs some lead in the hoop and should be strung at lower tension)
Feel: DR > DG >>> SV (SV just felt very odd and disconnected. DR is plush but too soft for my taste but could work well with a stiffer string)
Control: DG > DR >>> SV (I can't control the SV consistently for some reason. Some balls would just occasionally fly long on me.)
Spin: SV > DR > DG (I get almost as much spin with the DR surprisingly compared to the SV but with much better control and consistency. Likely due to better dwell time with its softer frame)
Comfort: DR >>> DG > SV (DR by a wide margin as it's very soft in comparison. Elbows be warned with the SV)

You should consider the Tour F 310 also as that ended up being my stick for the 97/98 range. With the right string at low tension, I get a ton of consistent spin while retaining the excellent control from the tight 16x21 string pattern. It's pretty comfortable too considering.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
I played 90 mins of competitive drills last night (4 courts, level min 3.5- / avg 4.0 / max 4.5) and played an SV98 with Cyclone Tour 17 @ 51 x 47.

Great: 1HBH, volleys, slice. Really impressed with slice.

Had trouble, particularly at first, hitting "my" forehand, although I could land it in the court pretty easily. Didn't improve all that much after 90 mins.

This isn't that unusual for me with these lighter frames. If I'm going to get power out of the FH side, it'll take a few days to work it out.

From memory of playing the DR for a few sessions, a few weeks back (same string, only 51 x 48):

I greatly prefer the feel of the DR, and I didn't have any problem with power after 30 mins or so. I like the look and the beam of the DR better, too, but that's not a deal breaker.

I'll try the SV for a few more days and see how I adapt to it.
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
Ime, both the SV98 and the DG97 need 2-3g @12, to compare favorably to the DR98.
If the new Pure Strike doesn't pan out, it seems I've become a big Yonex fan :-D
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
for reasons I cant put my finger on, every yonex racket I've ever had (all the way back to the R-22) has been a slice master.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
Ime, both the SV98 and the DG97 need 2-3g @12, to compare favorably to the DR98.
If the new Pure Strike doesn't pan out, it seems I've become a big Yonex fan :-D

Yes, I've just today finally given up on the PS17. Trying the SV98 which was a magic wand on the 1HBH, but which is still getting there on the FH.

Serves today were more potent than the PS17 for sure.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Yes, I've just today finally given up on the PS17. Trying the SV98 which was a magic wand on the 1HBH, but which is still getting there on the FH.

Serves today were more potent than the PS17 for sure.
Ever thought about trying the SV95?
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
I think the duel g with 3gr of lead at 12 taking it to the 325sw region, or 2gr at 12 and 1gr each at 3and9 will make this an even better stick. The scores are very high according to playtesters. Like the ai/dr range, stability is the only issue (easily fixed imo)

Power 82
Control 88
Maneuverability 86
Stability 78
Comfort 84
Touch/Feel 88
Serves 84
Groundstrokes 88
Returns 83
Slice 87
Topspin 84
Volleys 83
Overall 86
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
I'm still really enjoying the DG97, and I had great expectations getting my SV98 back from the stringer, with Ultra Cable @52; I really liked it w/ Focus Hex 1.1 @54, so I thought I'd go down a couple of pounds given the "effective" gauge of the UC.

Wow, what a letdown. With every racket I've tried the UC so far (old PST, PAT, and now SV98), the UC is too mushy and too powerful compared to other polys. I don't think 52 lbs is low tension, so I'm not sure what the deal is. I have another set still, so I might try 56-58 next time.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
Ever thought about trying the SV95?

No, although the specs look interesting. But it's been six weeks now since I went on the racquet hunt, and I'm really needing to settle on something. I love the DR98 except it can be an adjustment to get the amount of spin I want. The SV98 is really good too. I could see settling on either of them.

Cyclone Tour 17 at 51x48 (51x47 for the SV) feels like a perfect match for both frames.
 

anhboa2

Rookie
As many reports here that DR98 lacks spin but me coming from Prestige Mp & Pro, this racket lacks nothing except for Plow, of course. But I'm sure we can adjust to it in no time.
Mine Dr 98 Lite leaded up to 315g strung is just as solid as ever, and my placement game taken to another level, really.
 

liam1

New User
Excited to demo an SV98 tonight, currently using a DR98. Don't know if this has been mentioned before but the SV head is noticeably bigger. I sat one racket directly on top of the other and frames are flush all the way around except in the throat area where the SV is larger by almost the frame width.
 

donquijote

G.O.A.T.
Excited to demo an SV98 tonight, currently using a DR98. Don't know if this has been mentioned before but the SV head is noticeably bigger. I sat one racket directly on top of the other and frames are flush all the way around except in the throat area where the SV is larger by almost the frame width.
Please let us know how SV98 and DR98 compare.
 

liam1

New User
Please let us know how SV98 and DR98 compare.
Well I just got to play 1.5 hrs of doubles with the SV, it's tough to demo now that tennis has moved indoors in the *******,$$. Initial reactions are positive, OHBH, volleys and overheads were all good. Forehand and serves not so much, in fact after serving 3 doubles in one game I had to switch back to the DR for service games. All my serves were going long but I would put this down to the strings mainly, some Genesis poly at 57lbs. My usual set up is Hyper G 17ga @52lbs.
I definitely liked the crisp feel of the SV, the DR feels very mushy in comparison. With the DR I can swing for the hills and not miss. Can't say I noticed any discomfort issues but I guess I didn't use it for long enough. Ultimately I will definitely try the SV again but would love to do so with the same string set up and grip size although I'm not sure that's possible. Lastly one of my opponents said I played better with the DR although he's my USTA captain and probably didn't like me serving so many double faults.
 

Kurt

New User
Would be curious too to see how the SV98 stacks up. I have a couple DR98's which I love and still fine tuning strings and weight. Currently have one strung with Yonex PTP 1.25 @ 53lbs and another with Yonex PTF 1.20 @ 53lbs. Just added 6" of lead tape to the 3 & 9 o'clock positions (both sides), plus damper, plus Yonex OverGrap = 341.4grams or 12.03oz.

Hit balls for an extended time yesterday and also hit with a Yonex Duel G97 330 with Solinco Revolution 1.25 @ 55lbs. The Duel G provides a little more maneuverable and control vs. the DR98. Don't know if I would say better at this point, as they both feel equally good depending on what you are looking for. The sweet spot feels larger on the DR98, while the Duel G97 offers more precision. The Solinco Revolution felt great, firm but smooth.

After about 1.5hrs of hitting I went back to the DR98 to hit a couple balls at the end and was amazed at how much softer, plusher, marshmallow like the DR98 felt after having just hit 100+balls with the Duel G97 -330. Not a bad thing, as the difference wasn't apparent at the beginning of my session, but was very obvious at the end as my input up until then was only the DR98 which feels great.

So, would the SV98 sit between the DR98 and Duel G97 - 330?
 

Tuskarr

Semi-Pro
I played 90 mins of competitive drills last night (4 courts, level min 3.5- / avg 4.0 / max 4.5) and played an SV98 with Cyclone Tour 17 @ 51 x 47.

Great: 1HBH, volleys, slice. Really impressed with slice.

Had trouble, particularly at first, hitting "my" forehand, although I could land it in the court pretty easily. Didn't improve all that much after 90 mins.

This isn't that unusual for me with these lighter frames. If I'm going to get power out of the FH side, it'll take a few days to work it out.

From memory of playing the DR for a few sessions, a few weeks back (same string, only 51 x 48):

I greatly prefer the feel of the DR, and I didn't have any problem with power after 30 mins or so. I like the look and the beam of the DR better, too, but that's not a deal breaker.

I'll try the SV for a few more days and see how I adapt to it.
how would you compare the maneuverability of teh dr to the sv98? It's been awhile since i hit with the dr98 but i remember it feeling like a wand in my hand...swinging much faster than the weight indicated.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
how would you compare the maneuverability of teh dr to the sv98? It's been awhile since i hit with the dr98 but i remember it feeling like a wand in my hand...swinging much faster than the weight indicated.

I'm back to playing with the DR98 after a 8-10 days with the SV98, so your timing is good.

The SV98 is a great frame; lots of spin which I like. It also feels a lot faster, and people I hit with (coaches and 4.0/4.5 players) say the ball has more RPM and is faster off the court.

If maneuverability was the most important thing I'd say the SV > DR. But I'm trying to put my shoulder back together after 5-6 weeks of trying to make the Babolat PS17 work -- and I need the DR's comfort right now.
 

liam1

New User
I'm back to playing with the DR98 after a 8-10 days with the SV98, so your timing is good.

The SV98 is a great frame; lots of spin which I like. It also feels a lot faster, and people I hit with (coaches and 4.0/4.5 players) say the ball has more RPM and is faster off the court.

If maneuverability was the most important thing I'd say the SV > DR. But I'm trying to put my shoulder back together after 5-6 weeks of trying to make the Babolat PS17 work -- and I need the DR's comfort right now.
Any chance of an update? I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on an SV but an curious as to how you are getting on. How uncomfortable is it compared to the DR and is that something that could be helped by choosing the right string. My current setup is a DR strung with Hyper G but I definitely enjoyed the crisp feel of the SV when I demoed it. Thanks.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
Any chance of an update? I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on an SV but an curious as to how you are getting on. How uncomfortable is it compared to the DR and is that something that could be helped by choosing the right string. My current setup is a DR strung with Hyper G but I definitely enjoyed the crisp feel of the SV when I demoed it. Thanks.

I could easily play with the SV, and there's a lot I really like about it. That crisp feel and how it's imparted to the ball is one of them.

The DR is shaping up pretty nicely, and its feel is just something I prefer. It feels a little heavier, and since I'm coming from a 12.4 oz frame that's 4pt HL (modded TF 315 Ltd 16) I personally just feel more at home on the DR.
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
Just a quick update: I've been playing with my DG97 (310) for quite a few weeks now, and I have to say that it is a fantastic frame. I'll be giving the SV98 another run when I change the strings back to a thin poly w/ mid 50s tension, but for now the DG97 works as well as the TT95 did (albeit in a diff way) with a bit more power and control.

I got a fantastic deal on some used frames, so I'm getting both the DG100, another DG97 and a TT100P.
Why did I ever buy that €400 giftcard from TWE? :-D
I'm getting the DG97 (330), but might pass on the new PS 16x19. Then I'm done for a long while.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
the duel G97 310 is one of the better frames i have played with. i regret selling mine ...

they are quite low-powered (why i sold mine), but control is fantastic and they were balanced in a way that i could develop good RHS. i hit more spin with a racquet like the ai98, but it also has a more muted, less direct feel due to the cushioned throat grommets. almost a rubbery feel?
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
the duel G97 310 is one of the better frames i have played with. i regret selling mine ...

they are quite low-powered (why i sold mine), but control is fantastic and they were balanced in a way that i could develop good RHS. i hit more spin with a racquet like the ai98, but it also has a more muted, less direct feel due to the cushioned throat grommets. almost a rubbery feel?

It is low powered, but not in the same way as the TT95 or the X Feel Pro 95. It lets me rip some epic FHs, whilst the control this gaves offers lets me easily slow down the pace if I want to. This I find harder with the SV98 and DR98 f.inst.

But there was a magic "sweet spot" or combo, when the SV98 was strung with Focus Hex 1.1, so much so I was considering selling the DG97 (at the time). That would have been an epic mistake :-D
 

Joonas

Semi-Pro
I have been geling into SV98 for some time. I almost gave up but there was always something that has been pulling me back to it. Today finally I felt home with it. I am super happy for having patience as I found the trust in it and that brought back elements in my game that have been missed.

It has this Yonex feel that calls you hit big and perhaps flattish. And the reward is heavy ball with decent accuracy. My initial mistake was to try to play loopy with it. It is not my game and while some rackets are more suitable for that this SV98 is not. Rip it and let go and leverage the fast tip started to work wonders.

It is crisp but not overly stiff like PD for example. The feel is unique. Can be seen bad but after adapting to it I actually like it a lot!

I found the same confidenece of going for the ball as I always had with Prestige but the power comes easier and spin builds the confidence. And that 320sw with 305g overall weight make unbeliavable angles possible.

Initially I had these occasional losses of control and balls sailing but the name of the game for me with this frame is to stay on gas and rely on the acceleration of the tip and just rip.

It has decent power for defense but getting lazy and pushing the ball in by trying to trust the weight like you can do with heavier sticks is not good. Thats where I initially doubted the feel of SV98.

I tried several weighting setups with it only to return to stock form. Added weight slowed it down (obviously) but that worked against its character. While the feel improved the control did not. Thats why for me the stock setup actually finally opened up and I can only think to switch to SV98.

To sum it up. It can be bit tricky frame but for me getting used to it seem to be worth it.
 

Joonas

Semi-Pro
I use a prior version of the SV98 (vcore xi 98), have owned the Tour G 330 and the Ai98. My racquet of choice from all of those is the Xi98. It has the most spin and is the most powerful, but I lead mine up. The feel of the TourG is top notch.

Most likely, I will be getting an SV98 at some point.

@Power Player go for it! Knowing your thoughts of some rackets that I have digged as well I know you will like it. If not blame it on me.
 
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