2021 VCORE 97 VS 95

[time410s]

Want to hear some comparisons between the new 310 vcore 97 and 95. I have the 97 310 and love it.

I hit hard and heavy with a lot of spin but appreciate touch and this racket blends all of that together so nicely in a way I didn't really think was possible. It almost feels like it would be mushy on contact but clearly the ball comes off with good pace if you can swing it.

I think it's a very special racket. Playing with it at 27.5" but I always have extended or extended versions of a racket.

 

[Roquestil]

I have them both but ultimately decided to keep the VC95.

Advantages vs the vc97:
- Maneuverability
- String pattern felt more predictable, it’s what I’m used to.
- Although in theory I preffer low RA for that addictive plush feeling, the 64 RA felt better for match play. Nice direct feedback from the strings. I reminds me a bit of the blade 2015 which I have as my favourite racquet ever.
- Better overall for most shots, does everything well.

Honestly It ultimately came down to results, right from the start I knew 16x19 would need a learning curve vs the denser pattern of the VC95 (the string spacing of the 16x20 felt closer to a 18x20) and the VC95 felt at home right away so my comparison is kind of biased towards dense patterns.

What I liked about the vcpro97:
- stable stock
- plush
- Paintjob

 

[time410s]

I have them both but ultimately decided to keep the VC95.

Advantages vs the vc97:
- Maneuverability
- String pattern felt more predictable, it’s what I’m used to.
- Although in theory I preffer low RA for that addictive plush feeling, the 64 RA felt better for match play. Nice direct feedback from the strings. I reminds me a bit of the blade 2015 which I have as my favourite racquet ever.
- Better overall for most shots, does everything well.

Honestly It ultimately came down to results, right from the start I knew 16x19 would need a learning curve vs the denser pattern of the VC95 (the string spacing of the 16x20 felt closer to a 18x20) and the VC95 felt at home right away so my comparison is kind of biased towards dense patterns.

What I liked about the vcpro97:
- stable stock
- plush
- Paintjob

Do you think the vc95 has less spin? I love how the pro feels on contact. It's pretty special. Surprised by it's power for how plush it is but it still feels and plays like a control racket but I get great spin with it.

I guess I just have to try the 95. Would you say these rackets are similar? In what ways? Or are they super opposite.

 

[Power Player]

Do you think the vc95 has less spin? I love how the pro feels on contact. It's pretty special. Surprised by it's power for how plush it is but it still feels and plays like a control racket but I get great spin with it.

I guess I just have to try the 95. Would you say these rackets are similar? In what ways? Or are they super opposite.

95 doesn't have that sweet feel on contact. It is less clunky through the air. Lower trajectory, exceptional control.
You basically will give up feel and some comfort for better playability.

I also prefer the 95 even though I like the feel of the 97 a lot more.

 

[Roquestil]

Do you think the vc95 has less spin? I love how the pro feels on contact. It's pretty special. Surprised by it's power for how plush it is but it still feels and plays like a control racket but I get great spin with it.

I guess I just have to try the 95. Would you say these rackets are similar? In what ways? Or are they super opposite.

They are actually much more alike than they are different. I had a pretty hard time making my decision after 2 months with both.
VC95 does have less spin but my strokes are not spin dominant, I don’t have much input here.

 

[Roquestil]

95 doesn't have that sweet feel on contact. It is less clunky through the air. Lower trajectory, exceptional control.
You basically will give up feel and some comfort for better playability.

I also prefer the 95 even though I like the feel of the 97 a lot more.

Pretty much agree on everything here. If I did a one week comparison I probably would have chosen the Vcorepro97, but after 2 months and 2 tournaments + friendly matchplay Vcore95 felt like an extension of my arm (with some lead at the hoop), I really wanted to end with the vcorepro97 and probably would have been a great choice either way since they are similar but Vcore95 was the right choice.

 

[time410s]

95 doesn't have that sweet feel on contact. It is less clunky through the air. Lower trajectory, exceptional control.
You basically will give up feel and some comfort for better playability.

I also prefer the 95 even though I like the feel of the 97 a lot more.

I see. Think it's a swing weight thing? Why is it clunkier? Just a few points higher though. Balance and such are identical.

 

[time410s]

Pretty much agree on everything here. If I did a one week comparison I probably would have chosen the Vcorepro97, but after 2 months and 2 tournaments + friendly matchplay Vcore95 felt like an extension of my arm (with some lead at the hoop), I really wanted to end with the vcorepro97 and probably would have been a great choice either way since they are similar but Vcore95 was the right choice.

I see. You get more precision or something out of it. Power on par/pretty even?

I am a spin heavy hitter. I shape my shots a lot and I think my "control" has a lot to do with spin in my case. I like taking low or high balls and ripping them accordingly with spin as opposed to more of that contact point and when you take the ball kind of control. I have both but I lean on the spin more.

 

[Roquestil]

I see. You get more precision or something out of it. Power on par/pretty even?

I am a spin heavy hitter. I shape my shots a lot and I think my "control" has a lot to do with spin in my case. I like taking low or high balls and ripping them accordingly with spin as opposed to more of that contact point and when you take the ball kind of control. I have both but I lean on the spin more.

I see, you play more with spin and in contrast I play more through the court (flatter). In theory vcorepro97 sounds better in this case but that’s just on paper. Vcore95 has good spin as well and it can do a lot well. In terms of yours question to @Power Player it’s not really that the vcorepro97 is clunky, it’s just that the 95 head and aerodynamic tech makes it really fast, extremely fast stock. They are both fast in general compared to other racquets but the Vcore95 as other frames with smaller head sizes move faster through the air.

 

[time410s]

I see, you play more with spin and in contrast I play more through the court (flatter). In theory vcorepro97 sounds better in this case but that’s just on paper. Vcore95 has good spin as well and it can do a lot well. In terms of yours question to @Power Player it’s not really that the vcorepro97 is clunky, it’s just that the 95 head and aerodynamic tech makes it really fast, extremely fast stock. They are both fast in general compared to other racquets but the Vcore95 as other frames with smaller head sizes move faster through the air.

I should still probably try it. Gonna miss the paintjob of the pro though if I switch.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I should still probably try it. Gonna miss the paintjob of the pro though if I switch.

The only way to know is to demo it and find out. Everyones thoughts are great, but it's your own that will matter most to you. Be brave... demo. Plus it's fun to try new racquets.

 

[time410s]

The only way to know is to demo it and find out. Everyones thoughts are great, but it's your own that will matter most to you. Be brave... demo. Plus it's fun to try new racquets.

I usually just buy since they always string some boring poly at mid tension.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Vc95 is an overall better stick for my game. More options for a lower/flat launch angle when wanted and lots of spin when needed. More accuracy and more maneuverable.

VCP 97 310is a bit more stable, a bit more free power and feels a little more plush. It’s not as maneuverable and to me not as pinpoint accurate. I wish they also gave it a 16x20 pattern.

 

[Curtennis]

Just the other day I played the Vcore 95 and the Vcore Pro D model both with Solinco 1.15 back to back in the same session.
The Vcore 95 still had the lower launch angle and probably about the same amount of power.
I would imagine that means the 310 has a much higher launch angle and marginally more power than the 95.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Just have to say, it's disappointing not to see a VCP with a 16/20 option. Seems like a pattern Y excels at. (Mains very middle centered)

 

[Curtennis]

Just have to say, it's disappointing not to see a VCP with a 16/20 option. Seems like a pattern Y excels at. (Mains very middle centered)

I’d recommend just trying the 18x20 model. It was not that flat of a launch angle at all and with 1.15 strings, plenty of spin. My problem with it is the 320 unstrung weight. That’s a few more grams than I need. I prefer a whippier play style and that’s where the Vcore 95 shines.

 

[time410s]

Vc95 is an overall better stick for my game. More options for a lower/flat launch angle when wanted and lots of spin when needed. More accuracy and more maneuverable.

VCP 97 310is a bit more stable, a bit more free power and feels a little more plush. It’s not as maneuverable and to me not as pinpoint accurate. I wish they also gave it a 16x20 pattern.

I wouldn't mind the 18x20 but I'd much prefer it to be a little lighter than they offer it especially since I extend my rackets.

I'm noticing a little more power in it than I want sometimes but I'll play with higher tension. It's silly to think one more cross string could matter that much but that plus a smaller head probably adds up to a meaningful difference. I'll try it out for a while. Maybe I'll prefer it. It's probably the best racket to compare it to, right? One leans a little more this way than the other and etc? That's the idea I'm getting.

 

[time410s]

I’d recommend just trying the 18x20 model. It was not that flat of a launch angle at all and with 1.15 strings, plenty of spin. My problem with it is the 320 unstrung weight. That’s a few more grams than I need. I prefer a whippier play style and that’s where the Vcore 95 shines.

My issues exactly.

I'm actually just starting to think they should all be selling them in lower weights because even or especially the high level players prefer to have room to change balance and weight as they like. 320 unstrung is already a hefty start.

I can handle that but it gets harder when I extend the length half an inch.

 

[eStarfish]

I'm also trying to decide between the new VCP 97 and the VC95. I bought both and strung them identically with Tourna Silver 7 Tour 17 ga main with OGSM 17 cross @ 46/49 I'm a big fan of the S7T, either full bed or with a SG cross, in my V7 Blade 18x20...the crispness of this string works well with the dampened feeling of the Blade. This combo seems to work well in the VCP97 too but I'm not sure if this string setup brings out the best in the VC95. I'm wondering If I should be comparing these two with the same string setup to get a fair comparison or if I should be adjusting the string setupin the VC95--either drop the tension or switch to a softer poly--because it's a tighter string pattern?

 

[time410s]

I'm also trying to decide between the new VCP 97 and the VC95. I bought both and strung them identically with Tourna Silver 7 Tour 17 ga main with OGSM 17 cross @ 46/49 I'm a big fan of the S7T, either full bed or with a SG cross, in my V7 Blade 18x20...the crispness of this string works well with the dampened feeling of the Blade. This combo seems to work well in the VCP97 too but I'm not sure if this string setup brings out the best in the VC95. I'm wondering If I should be comparing these two with the same string setup to get a fair comparison or if I should be adjusting the string setupin the VC95--either drop the tension or switch to a softer poly--because it's a tighter string pattern?

I feel ya. That's always stressful to get into, comparing different rackets. To use the same strings or different strings? I think the reality is that the demo process can take a lot of trial and error.

I've figured out a few things. The VCP feels very soft almost no matter what. It is deceptively powerful with a surprisingly high launch angle. I'm going to start stringing it higher due to this. It feels so much softer than it plays, know what I mean?

I am very intrigued by the 16x20 but still yet to demo it. I'll probably buy it but I have an angell custom on the way.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

My vc 95 consistently measures about 1 kilo tighter on actual tension compared to an identical string job on the ez 98. Thinking the vcp 97 would be similar in a bit less actual tension, but have not ever strung one.

 

[time410s]

My vc 95 consistently measures about 1 kilo tighter on actual tension compared to an identical string job on the ez 98. Thinking the vcp 97 would be similar in a bit less actual tension, but have not ever strung one.

Probably. I'm going to start stringing in the 56 range. I think I prefer the denser string pattern. The 18x20 is too heavy though. We'll see.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Probably. I'm going to start stringing in the 56 range. I think
I prefer the denser string pattern. The 18x20 is too heavy though. We'll see.

Fwiw, if you hold up the vc 95 to the vcp 97 d, the mains are actually tighter on the vc.

And yes, the new vcp line does feel heavier to swing. Think it helps the 310 but maybe hurts the 320/330.

 

[time410s]

Fwiw, if you hold up the vc 95 to the vcp 97 d, the mains are actually tighter on the vc.

And yes, the new vcp line does feel heavier to swing. Think it helps the 310 but maybe hurts the 320/330.

Interesting. That might be ok though if the crosses are more dense.

I'll probably get one before the year ends. Got my angell to get to know and it should be here this week.

 

[eStarfish]

I feel ya. That's always stressful to get into, comparing different rackets. To use the same strings or different strings? I think the reality is that the demo process can take a lot of trial and error.

Thinking about this a bit more, it does seem to make more sense to trial and error the optimal string setup for each racquet then decide which to keep rather than limiting to equivalent strings. I'll probably to trop the tension a bit on the VC95 next iteration...also try a softer poly like HGS.

Initial thoughts consistent with what others have said. They play more similar than I would have thought. VCP more comfort, especially on off center shots. Directional control with the VC95 is near telepathic.

 

[time410s]

Thinking about this a bit more, it does seem to make more sense to trial and error the optimal string setup for each racquet then decide which to keep rather than limiting to equivalent strings. I'll probably to trop the tension a bit on the VC95 next iteration...also try a softer poly like HGS.

Initial thoughts consistent with what others have said. They play more similar than I would have thought. VCP more comfort, especially on off center shots. Directional control with the VC95 is near telepathic.

That directional control sounds cool. I sometimes feel that the VCP flex might not translate so we'll to redirecting the ball but I need to play with higher tensions to see.

I sometimes get the advice to do same strings same tension for a real comparison but I think that's some of the worst advice ever. Because those same people will often say that different rackets respond to strings differently.

Whatever, some people just don't connect their own dots. I had a very well respected racket manufacturer tell me this advise and it made me feel as though I just shouldn't take their advice anymore about anything haha.

At the end of the day, you gotta listen to yourself and understand that even the experts disagree strongly on this or that method so just try yourself and be your own guide/expert.

 

[Tranqville]

I own both racquets, wrote a post comparing the two, copying it here for your convenience. Quick summary after a month playing regularly with 310. Current string Luxilon Element @50/48

310 advantages vs 95 (for me)
better feel
more comfort
better stability
better volleys
more forgiving and consistent, bigger sweetspot
better trajectory control

95 advantages
more maneuverable
better slice backhand
better attacking flat shots aka laser
better directional control


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.

 

[time410s]

I own both racquets, wrote a post comparing the two, copying it here for your convenience. Quick summary after a month playing regularly with 310. Current string Luxilon Element @50/48

310 advantages vs 95 (for me)
better feel
more comfort
better stability
better volleys
more forgiving and consistent, bigger sweetspot
better trajectory control

95 advantages
more maneuverable
better slice backhand
better attacking flat shots aka laser
better directional control


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.

Good post. I do own and have been hitting with the 310 for nearly 2 months now and I agree with everything you say but I don't have the context of it vs a 95. You are comparing it to the newest 95, right? Wasn't a fan of the last generation of them.

 

[Tranqville]

Good post. I do own and have been hitting with the 310 for nearly 2 months now and I agree with everything you say but I don't have the context of it vs a 95. You are comparing it to the newest 95, right? Wasn't a fan of the last generation of them.

Yes, I'm comparing with the 95 (2021)

 

[time410s]

Yes, I'm comparing with the 95 (2021)

Was it kinda close here and there or really night and day with certain qualities?

It's so trippy how much power the 310 has sometimes compared to how soft and comfortable it is. I think my body or tennis almost isn't accepting that. My experience so far is that it isn't a terribly string sensitive racket but I've determined I definitely want to string a fair bit higher.

 

[johnmccabe]

I'm keeping both for a while

 

[Tranqville]

Was it kinda close here and there or really night and day with certain qualities?

It's close overall. When I hit my very best shots, top 5%, 95 feels more direct, crisp, accurate. With regular rally shots, 310 triumphs. So for a more skilled player, 95 could be better. This is particularly the case on my 1HBH. 310 is a "high percentage play".

 

[johnmccabe]

It's close overall. When I hit my very best shots, top 5%, 95 feels more direct, crisp, accurate. With regular rally shots, 310 triumphs. So for a more skilled player, 95 could be better. This is particularly the case on my 1HBH. 310 is a "high percentage play".

I bought the 95 for my 1HB. Love it and then decided to switch to 2HB. Bought the emerald 97 on sale and love it too.
Right now, I'm stringing full bed poly in 97 for matches and hybrid in 95 for more casual hitting. My skill level is not quite ready for 95 and I still have bit of elbow problem lingering. hence this set up. I could see myself settling on 95 down the road.

 

[Curtennis]

I bought the 95 for my 1HB. Love it and then decided to switch to 2HB. Bought the emerald 97 on sale and love it too.
Right now, I'm stringing full bed poly in 97 for matches and hybrid in 95 for more casual hitting. My skill level is not quite ready for 95 and I still have bit of elbow problem lingering. hence this set up. I could see myself settling on 95 down the road.

If you’re referring to the 310 emerald green, I’m blown away. I feel that is one of the most challenging racquets to play. It requires a lot more effort than my VC95. That last gen 310 was probably the lowest powered racquet I’ve ever used. Every shot required so much effort just to make sure it wouldn’t be poachable at the net. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

Speaking of elbows, I’ve been using some 1.15 hyper g in the Vcore 95, if I had a legit elbow problem (rather than precautionary) I’d probably try the soft version. I think the VC95 pattern is still fairly closed and don’t think this thin gauge is overkill. I don’t hit all that hard all the time so breakage isn’t too quick for me either.
You might find your 2hbh more compliant with this ultra responsive string.

 

[johnmccabe]

Speaking of elbows, I’ve been using some 1.15 hyper g in the Vcore 95, if I had a legit elbow problem (rather than precautionary) I’d probably try the soft version. I think the VC95 pattern is still fairly closed and don’t think this thin gauge is overkill. I don’t hit all that hard all the time so breakage isn’t too quick for me either.
You might find your 2hbh more compliant with this ultra responsive string.

I have 1.15 volkl cyclone main and 1.15 sgut cross in my 95, strung at really low tension like 38 x 42. Elbow likes it.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

1.15 hyper g in the Vcore 95

Because Hyper-G is square the 1.15mm is probably closer to a 1.25mm round string anyway. I have tried both round and shaped strings (like Völkl Cyclone, Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.15mm and 1.18mm respectively), and MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm - round) in the VC95... and they play very well. No issues with breakage, longevity, or any other measure for that matter.

 

[Curtennis]

Because Hyper-G is square the 1.15mm is probably closer to a 1.25mm round string anyway. I have tried both round and shaped strings (like Völkl Cyclone, Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.15mm and 1.18mm respectively), and MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm - round) in the VC95... and they play very well. No issues with breakage, longevity, or any other measure for that matter.

Regarding the sizing, I’ve never heard of that before. Interesting.

I might just have to try the cyclone to save a few bucks over the hyper-g.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Regarding the sizing, I’ve never heard of that before. Interesting.

I might just have to try the cyclone to save a few bucks over the hyper-g.

It's because the strings are square, therefore their width/ height is 1.15mm (for example)... but the diagonal length is greater and they take up more 3-D space. They also weigh more than a round string of the same gauge.

 

[Addxyz]

It's because the strings are square, therefore their width/ height is 1.15mm (for example)... but the diagonal length is greater and they take up more 3-D space. They also weigh more than a round string of the same gauge.

Would the width / thickness be measurable using calipers?

I'm not so sure about the weight thing. I've weighed Confidential 1.15 (without bag or tie) and it was 17g. Something like PTP1.20 is 19g and Max Power Rough1.20 is 20g. Small sample size, but the 1.15 is still significantly lighter.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Would the width / thickness be measurable using calipers?

I'm not so sure about the weight thing. I've weighed Confidential 1.15 (without bag or tie) and it was 17g. Something like PTP1.20 is 19g and Max Power Rough1.20 is 20g. Small sample size, but the 1.15 is still significantly lighter.

Probably could use callipers to measure the thickness of each side and then from one corner to the other (diagonally). I think the weight probably varies with each manufacturer and their formula for the string. I know Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable 1.23mm felt very heavy and felt like it added lots of weight to the head of my Yonex RDiS 100 MP (never put it on a scale though - might do next time).

I know others have also mentioned that Head Lynx Tour weighs more than equivalent strings of same/similar shape from other manufacturers. I don't have that string, so I can't check. It would be interesting to weigh Hyper-G, V-Square, Ultra Cable, Tecnifibre 4S, Grapplesnake Gamechanger, and any other square string of same gauge thickness (in mm to make it comparable), and see how they compare to one another and then round strings of the same thickness.

Project for another day.