TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Good topic.
2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter ryushen21
- Start date
I think a lot of these stability issues people have when trying different racquets may be more down to inability to make clean contact with the ball consistently (because they're not yet used to the weight and swing-weight of the racquet). I know I had this problem with the HD when I first switched to it.
I just bought a Head Prestige Mid 93 and I've not encountered any stability problems, even though the twist-weight should be much lower, I think because I can swing it better.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I think it comes down to several things. Technique, feel, personal preference, personal sensitivity (some people may be able to handle vibrations better than others), the specs one is desiring or likes to play with, and the level of the player and the opponent.
It's all individual.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Good points, seems it is individual, but should the individual focus on changing their playing "style", I guess I am saying I can't create a vibration in these Yonex rackets even if I try to hit everything off center, what's going on here exactly? For instance, I would say many more levels can play and use a Vcore 95 or Ezone 98 than a D or H or HD or 330, yet the thing I noticed is the heavier racket is more stable eliminating vibrations, creates an interesting circle of chasing a stick that prevents vibrations or improves off center hit stability, yet probably doesn't improve play overall if one is often hitting off center, does that make sense?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
As I said in my previous post... there are many factors involved. I tend to hit the ball in the centre a great majority of the time (like @FuzzyYellowBalls said), but I also like a heavier SW and static weight, HL racquets, and when I'm playing a higher level opponent... I like to know that even my occasional mishit will make it over the net, my sweet spot is as big and as accommodating as possible, and that if I can reduce any unpleasant feeling/vibration... I will.
It's all individual.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Yeah, it does. I'll give you an example from my personal experience with the VC95 (2018). It also relates to what I just wrote to @cortado.
I like my racquets with a heavier static weight (most of my racquets are 350-364g strung), with a HL balance (quite a few are 315mm strung - but generally 6 pts HL or better), and a SW north of 330 (quite a few of my racquets are 340s... my BP 16x19 is 354-ish but has a 305mm balance unstrung).
So... I got my VC95, it felt like a toy in stock weight (I don't mean that in any negative way - I played well with my LM Rad MP in stock form but that was different due to the balance), and so I gave it a heavy weight mod (lots of weight in the head and handle, leather grip... the works). The result was a static weight of 363g (from memory), quite HL (I would guess 12 pts HL or more - as I didn't measure it), and a hefty SW that was very manageable due to the very HL balance. I had it strung with Hyper-G 1.15mm, and it played well... but I was often early to my shots, how the racquet was set up was causing issues with my timing, and the racquet was just a smidge too much in the SW department. So, after playing with it until the strings were used up, I decided to make some changes to the strings (to reduce the SW a bit), and I removed just a touch of the Tungsten tape from the head (not much). I put in a string combo that was very comfortable and one I have used in many racquets (WC Red Ghost/Klip Syn Gut @ 46 lbs). When I went to hit with the racquet, I started experiencing pain in my wrist (bottom of my wrist where the wrist meets the bottom of my palm), and the racquet felt quite jarring and brassy (which it didn't feel before). This confused me and made me want to sell the racquet.
I decided I would give it another try and make more mods. I removed the leather grip that I put on instead of the stock grip, re-applied the stock grip, and removed the 3g that I placed inside the butt cap (from memory). I didn't change the strings, nor the Tungsten tape placed in the head (which now sits at 6g total, spread through the head in varying amounts). I then went out and had a hit. The racquet still felt more substantial than in stock form (and more where and how I like it to feel), but it wasn't as HL as before. The difference was night and day. I immediately started hitting well, the racquet was comfortable (as its 62RA would indicate), I had no wrist pain, no brassiness, but there was plenty of power and awesome control. I just had a hit with it last night... and I was so dialled in that I had a hard time putting the racquet down and playing with the 2 newly strung Prestige racquets I brought to the courts. It was like a completely different and substantially better racquet than before the last mod. It now sits at 348g, 315mm balance, and a SW of around 340 (estimate based on stock SW and the weight added to head and handle).
Now, maybe it would have played well in stock form, but it felt like a plastic toy when I originally held it in my hand... and that would have bothered me. I tried my G360+ PMP and my Yonex VCP 97HD in stock form. They did fine, but the guys I usually hit with were handling my shots with more ease, I was having to play longer points, I wasn't able to dictate as much, and it was generally more work than I needed to put in. So why do it? I modded both the G360+ PMP and the 97HD to my preferred specs (around 350g, 315-ish mm balance, and SW estimate of 340-ish), and now they play absolutely awesome. The feel, accuracy, and control are still there, except I am able to dictate the points much more easily, my opponents are having a harder time, I'm having a better time, and I don't have to work as hard to win my points. Win/Win in my book. I have the same amount of mis-hits/ off-centre hits with the stock racquets and the modified ones, I just play better tennis (results-wise) with the modified versions.
Hopefully, that explains and illustrates what I'm trying to say, We are all different and we need to find what works for us. Sorry about the long post.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Very interesting, you are a true tennis scientist. I bet you and your hitting partners are bringing some powerful shots.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I never said you couldnt hit the ball hard with the racquet though?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy
Rookie
I just bought (and received) two of the new VCP 97 (310)s from Tennis Warehouse.
I took a chance and didn't request the matching service.
The club I go to has a Babalot RDC machine.
With no grip or Yonex vibration dampener:
Question would the 5 gram dampener bump the swingweight up even 1 or 2 points?
I took a chance and didn't request the matching service.
The club I go to has a Babalot RDC machine.
With no grip or Yonex vibration dampener:
- Static strung weight of each is 326 (both are strung with 17 gauge purple poly tour rev)
- Swing weight of each is 318 (not sure how much the 5 gram Yonex vibration dampener would alter this)
- With overgrip and Yonex vibration dampener both are 332 grams
Question would the 5 gram dampener bump the swingweight up even 1 or 2 points?
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
1 point in my experience.
Tranqville
Professional
I had my first proper hitting session with the new VCORE PRO 97 (310). Comparing it VCORE 95 (2021).
Summary: For my game, 97 (310) is a clear improvement over 95, I'm happily switching.
Specs: 332g strung w/Wilson PRO overgrip, strung with Yonex Polytour Rev @ 50/48
I gelled with the racquet from the get-go.
310 felt amazing on neutral/rally topspin balls. On my 1HBH, I did not miss a single ball for like 20 minutes. The ball had a nice shape and net clearance with a natural swing. Plenty of "free" controlled power. My pro coach mentioned that my ball had more spin than usual.
"Laser" shots were not as fast and penetrating as I hit with 95. The nice thing about attacking with 310 is computer-like shot accuracy. I hit all my small targets.
310 plays exceptionally well on the run, thanks to its stability, maneuverability, and big sweet spot. I hit all my forehands deep into the corner with tons of spin. Running forehands are usually my weakness, but I was crushing them today. I hit a few excellent passing shots.
I could not find my backhand slice, the ball kept floating and missing to the left. I hit an amazing slice with 95, deep and penetrating. In all fairness, my topspin backhand was so reliable that I kept hitting it and rarely had to resort to a slice. So this judgment is clearly premature, I will see what I need to do to adjust for the slice.
On the volleys, 310 is stable, definitely more stable than 95, but the shots have a bit less penetration. Again, more control. Wonderful overheads. Very maneuvrable.
I felt the ball very well, very connected, but strangely the racquet felt kind of muted at the same time. It creates this unique kind of plush computer feeling where you feel you can place the ball anywhere on the court. The sweetspot is huge so I had to remind myself not to get lazy on my footwork because everything went in anyway. Felt like a cheat!
I changed my opinion about Polytour Rev, did not feel brassy, I enjoyed it with the frame, it does complement it well. I still plan to switch to a softer setup, but the full bed of poly is so alluring on this particular frame. I want to try full bed of Element next @44.
Overall, the frame exceeded my very high expectations. I highly recommend trying it.
Summary: For my game, 97 (310) is a clear improvement over 95, I'm happily switching.
Specs: 332g strung w/Wilson PRO overgrip, strung with Yonex Polytour Rev @ 50/48
I gelled with the racquet from the get-go.
310 felt amazing on neutral/rally topspin balls. On my 1HBH, I did not miss a single ball for like 20 minutes. The ball had a nice shape and net clearance with a natural swing. Plenty of "free" controlled power. My pro coach mentioned that my ball had more spin than usual.
"Laser" shots were not as fast and penetrating as I hit with 95. The nice thing about attacking with 310 is computer-like shot accuracy. I hit all my small targets.
310 plays exceptionally well on the run, thanks to its stability, maneuverability, and big sweet spot. I hit all my forehands deep into the corner with tons of spin. Running forehands are usually my weakness, but I was crushing them today. I hit a few excellent passing shots.
I could not find my backhand slice, the ball kept floating and missing to the left. I hit an amazing slice with 95, deep and penetrating. In all fairness, my topspin backhand was so reliable that I kept hitting it and rarely had to resort to a slice. So this judgment is clearly premature, I will see what I need to do to adjust for the slice.
On the volleys, 310 is stable, definitely more stable than 95, but the shots have a bit less penetration. Again, more control. Wonderful overheads. Very maneuvrable.
I felt the ball very well, very connected, but strangely the racquet felt kind of muted at the same time. It creates this unique kind of plush computer feeling where you feel you can place the ball anywhere on the court. The sweetspot is huge so I had to remind myself not to get lazy on my footwork because everything went in anyway. Felt like a cheat!
I changed my opinion about Polytour Rev, did not feel brassy, I enjoyed it with the frame, it does complement it well. I still plan to switch to a softer setup, but the full bed of poly is so alluring on this particular frame. I want to try full bed of Element next @44.
Overall, the frame exceeded my very high expectations. I highly recommend trying it.
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TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Did you play with it in stock form with no added weight to the hoop?
Tranqville
Professional
Yes, stock. My 95 has 1g (total) added at 3 and 9.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
If you don't mind me asking. Do you have a USTA NTRP rating?
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
At least 2 points maybe 3. The Sampras damp adds 2.
ichaseballs
Professional
i have not fallen in love with the 310g
its pretty good...
but i find myself looking at my vcore98s and picking them up time to time
its pretty good...
but i find myself looking at my vcore98s and picking them up time to time
Tranqville
Professional
I'm about 4.0-4.5. I'm confident that my forehand and backhand are 5.0 class, but my poor serve and fitness level bring the whole rating down.
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Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Updating my experience between VC95, VCP97 and 97D and adding to @Tranqville’s post:
- For me it’s not a clear winner between VC95 and VCP97 they both are great so it’s difficult to chose one (I can’t keep both). I’m switching to the VCP97, I’m just in love with the plush feel. Having said that, this racquet does need firm strings. Both need lead but the 97 only @ 12 so it’s pretty straight forward and you don’t need to go down the rabbit hole.
- 97D > 97HD for my game. I would say they tried to move this racquet more towards the 360+ Prestige MP feel (Comfortable but with a bit more direct feedback). I can see however how the D is more of the same whereas the HD is unique with the extremely flexible feel without going overboard like a Clash.
- I think the 97 has a lot going for it: modern with a classic feel, big sweetspot, Paintjob is awesome, 16x19 for most players and very balanced specs. If it was around 62 RA and that translated to a bit more direct feedback keeping the plushness (like the prestige MP or VC95 ‘18) it would be a killer frame for a lot of players. For me, it’s great with the low RA. Already ordered 2 more and will be my racquet for at least 2021-2022.
Tranqville
Professional
Do you put 1g at 12 for VCP 97?
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
So far I've tried weight at 3 and 9 and 3,9 and 12. This weekend I'll try 4 grams each at 2 and 10. And if that doesn't tickle my fancy I'll try 5 grams at 12. Needless to say... I'm in the rabbit hole. But I'll get out soon... I hope.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
2 grams, I like SW around 228-230
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
I mean of course for some it needs more stability but I think it’s already stable enough, just needs plow.So far I've tried weight at 3 and 9 and 3,9 and 12. This weekend I'll try 4 grams each at 2 and 10. And if that doesn't tickle my fancy I'll try 5 grams at 12. Needless to say... I'm in the rabbit hole. But I'll get out soon... I hope.
I played a lot more with the Vcore pro 97D, and even if this is an interesting racquet with interesting new colors I still prefer the old HD. The HD is a real gem. I strung it up (the HD) with new strings today, Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable 1.23 mm, 22/21,5 kg. OMG! I anticipated more of a dead stiff feeling, but no, I got a lot of power with this setup, next time I will upp the tension to 23 kg or more. The string are cube shaped and quite sharp, stringing was easy however. They don't snap back, so you have to adjust the strings after every shot, in fact you can see exactly where you hit the ball by looking at the strings, but even so generating a lot of spin. Such a joy to play with, perfect for this racquet IMO. I got really exited and encouraged to go for 100 % more often than usual.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Glad you're enjoying your 97HD.
I very much like the WC UC string, but tend to use it in open 16x19 or 16x18 racquets due to its thickness (the 1.23mm square string is equivalent to a 1.35mm round string). You didn't find it too thick for the 18x20 pattern? Due to the thickness, it also adds quite a bit of weight to the stringbed, and it's something that I always need to factor in.
The string does produce some wicked spin... and I could hit the most ridiculous cross-court short angles when pulled out wide (they would land halfway between the net and the service line). It was a joy to play with.
I didn't mind the extra weight, in fact perhaps it added something to my game... not sure. Easy to string as said and easy to generate lots of spin even with 18*20 pattern. Better than the demo racquet (D) with Yonex polytour rev 1.25 IMO.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Thanks for your reply. I have several reels of UC... so I might try it in one of my 97HDs (the one that hasn't been modified with weight yet). As you said, the extra weight of the string might equate to the weight I added to the head of my first 97HD.
I only added 2g to the head, and I forgot to weigh the strings, but the total weight of strung racquet is 352 like before with Grapplesnake Hybrid CES neon dust/liquid neon dust and before with Solinco Hyper G 1.15 mm. My scale isn't high end though and can't be trusted with high precision.. The Hyper G setup was significantly more low powered compered to latter strings.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
How did you like the UC compared to the Grapplesnake Hybrid CES Neon Dust/ Liquid Dust?
I was going to try the Grapplesnake Hybrid... but while stringing the crosses the Liquid Dust snapped on me (so I used a Lux Savage as a cross with the CES Neon Dust in the Mains). It literally ripped several of my tennis balls apart. I saw a puff of smoke explode from the ball when I struck it (probably some of those microcell balls contained with the ball, as I was using the pressureless Tretorn Micro X balls). When I checked the ball, it had a gash in it and the ball was dead.
Haha, I played with the Tretorn series + (because of the Swedish brand ), they last longer than for instance Wilson US open but feels a bit heavier perhaps. How you can play with pressureless balls I cannot understand
. I liked the Grapplesnake Hybrid, more difficult to string, but I liked the power and bite. I need to play with ultra cable more for a fair comparison. They are similar. I received my first reel of UC yesterday.
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Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
My club loves this ball too! 1st outing it’s not quite as good as slazengers top balls, but second outing it’s way better as it doesn’t go flat anywhere near as fast. And unlike the Wilson trinity, it’s does feel heavy and hard. It’s the perfect ball for rec players in my opinion. Perfect middle ground.Haha, I played with the Tretorn series + (because of the Swedish brand ), they last longer than for instance Wilson US open but feels a bit heavier perhaps. How you can play with pressureless balls I cannot understand
This Vcore pro talk is getting feverish, it’s going to end up costing me money.... Is it worth spending money on the 2021 Vcore pro if you already have the 2018 blue version in the arsenal?? The comments on the muted feel have stopped me pulling the trigger so far, that and funds being very low.....
Also, anybody hit with a Regna and the new Vcore pro? Which one came up trumps? I ask as the video review on the Regna from Harry and co is a little over the top, I fear some may sell their first born to fund a Regna purchase and then have regrets. It’s a great stick, but it’s not making all others obsolete as that video would have you believe,
My favourite ball is US open, but they last for 2-3 hours only...My club loves this ball too! 1st outing it’s not quite as good as slazengers top balls, but second outing it’s way better as it doesn’t go flat anywhere near as fast. And unlike the Wilson trinity, it’s does feel heavy and hard. It’s the perfect ball for rec players in my opinion. Perfect middle ground.
This Vcore pro talk is getting feverish, it’s going to end up costing me money.... Is it worth spending money on the 2021 Vcore pro if you already have the 2018 blue version in the arsenal?? The comments on the muted feel have stopped me pulling the trigger so far, that and funds being very low.....
Also, anybody hit with a Regna and the new Vcore pro? Which one came up trumps? I ask as the video review on the Regna from Harry and co is a little over the top, I fear some may sell their first born to fund a Regna purchase and then have regrets. It’s a great stick, but it’s not making all others obsolete as that video would have you believe,
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
228-230?
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Add 100 to that lol. Oops228-230?
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
lol! That's what I was thinking.
I just slapped on 4 grams each to 2 and 10. It feels pretty hefty now. I'll be hitting with it this weekend for a couple of hours to see what this does. Do you have any idea how much the swingweight may have went up? I'm not sure if you've said somewhere in this thread that you have the ability to measure swingweight or not. I know someone did.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Yup I do, someone mentioned 1 gram increases SW by 5.5 points on this racquet but it isn’t exactly the case for me, but close. Already measured with SwingTool and of course a calibrated machine. Surprised how accurate Swingtool, it’s was off by 1 point in all my measurements.lol! That's what I was thinking.
I just slapped on 4 grams each to 2 and 10. It feels pretty hefty now. I'll be hitting with it this weekend for a couple of hours to see what this does. Do you have any idea how much the swingweight may have went up? I'm not sure if you've said somewhere in this thread that you have the ability to measure swingweight or not. I know someone did.
Anyways, with the calibrated machine at my local shop, Stock SW of mine after a second measurement is 319 SW. With 2 grams at 12 it’s now 328 So it does add more SW compared to other racquets per gram but 4.5 points.
Wait, So you added 4 grams at 10 and another at 2? Or 4 grams In total? I hope it’s the later.
Ballparking it a bit if it’s 4 grams in total at 2-10 it’s probably adding 3-4SWper gram and if it started stock at 318 then your SW must be around 332 SW BUT you also increased Twistweight and that theoretically makes it more cumbersome.
If you added 8 grams that’s a lot
Power Player
Bionic Poster
lol! That's what I was thinking.
I just slapped on 4 grams each to 2 and 10. It feels pretty hefty now. I'll be hitting with it this weekend for a couple of hours to see what this does. Do you have any idea how much the swingweight may have went up? I'm not sure if you've said somewhere in this thread that you have the ability to measure swingweight or not. I know someone did.
Thats a metric ton of lead if you added 8..haha. I am guessing thats at least 25 Sw points, maybe 35 with the YY head shape factoring in.
Most pros add 2 grams at a time when they tune racquets and don't have a target SW to hit. I know that seems like nothing, but it has been a good guideline for me as well.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Yep... 4 grams at 2 and 4 grams at 10. A total of 8 grams.
And thanks for the feedback too btw.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I'm trying to get this thing to produce the same type of ball that my modified Pro Staff 97's do. All of my Pro Staff's are set up the same way having a static weight of 340 grams with a 6 gram overgrip, rubber band dampener and 4 grams of lead at 12 and 1 gram each at 3 and 9. Balance is 6 pts HL. Swingweight is around 345.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Got it. Yeah I struggled getting my specs right until I got a SW machine and balance board. Not saying you need to buy all that, but maybe you know a shop nearby that can help you nail the specs down.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
Yep... 4 grams at 2 and 4 grams at 10. A total of 8 grams.
And thanks for the feedback too btw.
-agree here with @Power Player
-that's a bit to-much lead IMO/IME
-but, you @TennisManiac are testing,,, so more power to you!!
-i did try some lead also on the vp.97(310 at 3/9 about 3" of 1/4" lead
-it gave me too much power
-about half as much would have been better for me
-i really do think that "some" lead is always beneficial on ALL yonex sticks (because of the isometric head shape!), specially out on the "WINGS" of the racquets
-i think that the y.v.p.97 (2021) need/s/ed the least of "previous versions",
-but it's all personal taste/preference
-good luck with your testing
-plz report back with your thoughts on the racquet
LeftySlice860
New User
I created an account just to talk about the VCP 97 2021 310. Granted, I'm an intermediate player without an extensive racket history, but this is my favorite racket of all time. I have two VCP 97s.
This is strictly reiterating what everyone has said, but this racket has everything I value in a racket.
1. It's VERY headlight and maneuverable. My current setup has it at 8.75 inches HL. Even if you don't want this as your main stick, this IMO a great doubles racket for those without strong wrists. I used to wield a Youtek IG Prestige MP, and have never been able to pull of a backhand overhead. I've done that 3x in the last two weeks. It's like I'm wielding a wand out there and I just need to flick it at the net.
2. Fantastic flex rating and comfort. I love tennis so much I just want to be able to play for a long time. For that reason, I've shied away from polys but with this racket being so flexible, I've now ventured soft polys at < 50 lbs tension with good experiences so far.
3. It's got just enough spin, power, and control with no real weaknesses from what I can see. I play against a few big hitters and I honestly doesn't get pushed around if you're swinging fast enough. It's also much more forgiving than the Youtek IG Prestige MP I had, which had me hitting so much into the net.
The main drawback is really the muted feel, but that doesn't really bother me. The paint job is meh but oh well. I guess if it had the Blade v8's paint job, it could be a perfect racket lol.
It's not a beginner tennis racket, but I would honestly introduce this racket to any beginner that is interested in tennis enough to stick to it and move into the intermediate level soon enough.
This is strictly reiterating what everyone has said, but this racket has everything I value in a racket.
1. It's VERY headlight and maneuverable. My current setup has it at 8.75 inches HL. Even if you don't want this as your main stick, this IMO a great doubles racket for those without strong wrists. I used to wield a Youtek IG Prestige MP, and have never been able to pull of a backhand overhead. I've done that 3x in the last two weeks. It's like I'm wielding a wand out there and I just need to flick it at the net.
2. Fantastic flex rating and comfort. I love tennis so much I just want to be able to play for a long time. For that reason, I've shied away from polys but with this racket being so flexible, I've now ventured soft polys at < 50 lbs tension with good experiences so far.
3. It's got just enough spin, power, and control with no real weaknesses from what I can see. I play against a few big hitters and I honestly doesn't get pushed around if you're swinging fast enough. It's also much more forgiving than the Youtek IG Prestige MP I had, which had me hitting so much into the net.
The main drawback is really the muted feel, but that doesn't really bother me. The paint job is meh but oh well. I guess if it had the Blade v8's paint job, it could be a perfect racket lol.
It's not a beginner tennis racket, but I would honestly introduce this racket to any beginner that is interested in tennis enough to stick to it and move into the intermediate level soon enough.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Just received two more Vcore 97’s, now I have 3. I bought them with the Yonex rep here in Mexico, prices of Yonex here are surprisingly low. (I paid around $200 dls tax included for mine). All end with batch MX at the end (Mexico)
Specs:
2: W: 310 g, SW: 321
3: W: 310.5 SW: 320
My first Vcore:
1: W: 311 g SW: 319
Rep is very nerdy about specs and told me these are second round of batches and they all come with a stricter tolerance than the first batches. I didn’t ask but I read between the lines that they must have had some inconsistent QC for the first batches, as we have seen.
Not sure if that is globally but thought it was something worth to share.
Specs:
2: W: 310 g, SW: 321
3: W: 310.5 SW: 320
My first Vcore:
1: W: 311 g SW: 319
Rep is very nerdy about specs and told me these are second round of batches and they all come with a stricter tolerance than the first batches. I didn’t ask but I read between the lines that they must have had some inconsistent QC for the first batches, as we have seen.
Not sure if that is globally but thought it was something worth to share.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Are yours the 97 or 97D model?
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
97 310
5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy
Rookie
Just hit with my Vcore 97 (310’s) for the first time.
However, before I launch into my review I’ll give my background. I was a ranked junior in the northern USTA section throughout the junior ranks in the 80’s and played on a top 25 D-II school late 80s/early 90’s. At my best I was considered a 5.0/5.5 under the old NTRP rating system. I detoured into golf for about 20 years after college as tennis had been year round since 12 and under. I finally got back into tennis a few years ago and had a lot to get caught up on gear-wise (especially poly strings). The past year I’ve been using the 97 HDs (which I absolutely love). When I have time and am moving well the HDs are amazing. However, I’m a counter-puncher and playing D with the HDs is not their strong suit (for me). I bought two of the new 97 (310s) from TW and got very fortunate in that I didn’t use their matching service, but measured on a Babolat RDC and both matched (332 with grip and dampener static weight and 320 swing weight). Both are strung with full beds of 17 gauge poly tour rev (purple colorway). Moving into my review/impression I’m going to compare them to the 97 HDs as that is what I had been using (and yes, I know this isn’t an “apple to apple” type of situation, but maybe will be helpful for those who find the HD a bit to demanding.
However, before I launch into my review I’ll give my background. I was a ranked junior in the northern USTA section throughout the junior ranks in the 80’s and played on a top 25 D-II school late 80s/early 90’s. At my best I was considered a 5.0/5.5 under the old NTRP rating system. I detoured into golf for about 20 years after college as tennis had been year round since 12 and under. I finally got back into tennis a few years ago and had a lot to get caught up on gear-wise (especially poly strings). The past year I’ve been using the 97 HDs (which I absolutely love). When I have time and am moving well the HDs are amazing. However, I’m a counter-puncher and playing D with the HDs is not their strong suit (for me). I bought two of the new 97 (310s) from TW and got very fortunate in that I didn’t use their matching service, but measured on a Babolat RDC and both matched (332 with grip and dampener static weight and 320 swing weight). Both are strung with full beds of 17 gauge poly tour rev (purple colorway). Moving into my review/impression I’m going to compare them to the 97 HDs as that is what I had been using (and yes, I know this isn’t an “apple to apple” type of situation, but maybe will be helpful for those who find the HD a bit to demanding.
- Power
- If you nail both in the heart of the sweet-spot, then I'd say the HD hits a heavier ball. Outside of a dead-center in the sweet-spot shot I'd say the 97 (310) offers more power.
- Stability
- This was my main concern prior to purchasing the 310s (I.e. that I’d find them unstable)…I’m very happy to report that stability is not an issue. I think moving from a 20mm to a 21mm helps (as well as having, I believe, a slightly different layup and stiffness rating). If you prefer to generate your own power, then I don’t believe you need to add weight. If you are more of a finesse player (one handed backhand, like shoveling the ball a bit), then you may want to add a few grams at 10 and 2.
- Forgiveness
- I actually find the new 310 as more slightly more forgiving than the HD
- Maneuverability
- The 310 is much more maneuverable. That said, these are clearly different frames.
- Volleys
- I found volleying WAY easier with the 310. I think the 16x19 is just more forgiving than an 18x20 at the net (I’d say the same thing for slice backhands).
- Groundstrokes
- If I’m having a good day it’s hard to beat the HDs, but the 310s are much more user friendly. I think the slightly higher launch angle makes them much less demanding.
- Spin
- I’ve been a died-in-the-wool 18x20 guy, but I do find it considerably easier to mix it up with 16x19 (I.e. heavy spin, light spin, flat etc.)
- Serving
- I can bigger first serves with the HDs, but I can hit heavier kick serves with the 310s.
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Thanks for a great review. Enjoy your new VCP 97 (310).
