2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread

[Kurt0707]

Is the new 97D significantly higher power and stability than previous HD, with its slightly thicker and stiffer beam or it makes a little difference. I really wanted to like the HD but it was not as stable as I expected and adding weight didnt really work for me, so I stick with my weighted-up vcore 95 2018 and heavier duel g, but new 97D seems interesting to potentially replace my duel G with a lower weight..

 

[Sahbatage]

Say what? I haven't played the new 97 but the current VCore 95 is definitely more spin-friendly than the previous 97HD.

Odd. I tested many strings setups in both the 21 95 and the older vcphd and the consistent diff was the amount of spin generation. Something about that 18x20 frame just makes spin generation easier... for me anyway

 

[CosmosMpower]

Odd. I tested many strings setups in both the 21 95 and the older vcphd and the consistent diff was the amount of spin generation. Something about that 18x20 frame just makes spin generation easier... for me anyway

The 21 VC95 makes WAY more spin than the VCP HD. The only thing I can think of is with 18x20 you have more control and a flatter launch angle so you might feel more confident to swing harder and hence generate more spin.

 

[ryushen21]

Odd. I tested many strings setups in both the 21 95 and the older vcphd and the consistent diff was the amount of spin generation. Something about that 18x20 frame just makes spin generation easier... for me anyway

It could be your strokes or perhaps the tension that you string at. But I know the VC95 produces some killer spin that the 97HD would have a hard time keeping up with. I hit a fairly spinny SW Forehand and string my frames at 47/45.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

It could be your strokes or perhaps the tension that you string at. But I know the VC95 produces some killer spin that the 97HD would have a hard time keeping up with. I hit a fairly spinny SW Forehand and string my frames at 47/45.

Old HD and new Vcore 95 2021 and 2020 (played with all 3) can get the same spin, when I am going for spin I am just thinking "damn ball you are going to spin" and all three can do it, I thought they were all very similar. Lay one over the other and you will see how tiny tiny tiny the string pattern difference is in the sweet spot.

 

[ryushen21]

Old HD and new Vcore 95 2021 and 2020 (played with all 3) can get the same spin, when I am going for spin I am just thinking "damn ball you are going to spin" and all three can do it, I thought they were all very similar. Lay one over the other and you will see how tiny tiny tiny the string pattern difference is in the sweet spot.

Interesting. @Power Player any feedback you have? You've been doing the spin-oriented game longer than I have..

 

[Power Player]

Interesting. @Power Player any feedback you have? You've been doing the spin-oriented game longer than I have..

Well its not just the pattern. Thats the thing some people say but they forget a huge (more important)part is the racquet head speed. I can get more tip speed with the Vc95 than with the Yonex HD97 and as a result the frame generates a ton of spin for being a 16x20 95.

The VC95 is just faster through the air than most player frames which is why I think people get so much spin with it. My new VC97 is not as fast - its a little clunky on serve and groundies, so I still generate more spin with the Vc95 according to my teammates.

 

[Artanis]

Forgive my ignorance, but usually less dense string patterns generate more spin, so due to this fact VCP 97 has a slight edge over VC 95 (given they have same weight and balance)...

 

[Power Player]

Forgive my ignorance, but usually less dense string patterns generate more spin, so due to this fact VCP 97 has a slight edge over VC 95 (given they have same weight and balance)...

The Vc95s have lower Sws (faster swing) and more stiffness (free power), so again its not just the string pattern.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Doubtful. These days the 18x20s are made to appease the old farts who won't let them go. I do wish there were more 16x20 offerings.

Not sure I buy this argument considering that many of the world's best players use 18x20s, 18x19s... not exactly old farts. I think good players can play with any pattern, but depending on their playing style and swing mechanics, they might have better results with a particular pattern... and that's why they use it.

I'm sure you can play with any string pattern, but you have your preferences.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

The 97HD is pretty open for an 18x20 pattern. I've been stringing mine with 1.25 gut mains and 1.20 poly crosses and never struggled to generate spin with it. I think if you use thinner gauge strings to compensate, the difference is negligible.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Well its not just the pattern. Thats the thing some people say but they forget a huge (more important)part is the racquet head speed. I can get more tip speed with the Vc95 than with the Yonex HD97 and as a result the frame generates a ton of spin for being a 16x20 95.

The VC95 is just faster through the air than most player frames which is why I think people get so much spin with it. My new VC97 is not as fast - its a little clunky on serve and groundies, so I still generate more spin with the Vc95 according to my teammates.

I agree with what you said... but there are also different types of spin. Some string patterns may be more conducive to spin that makes the ball jump up off the court, and others to spin that makes the ball go through the court.

Good players can produce both with each string pattern (as I'm sure you and many others here already know), but it's inherently easier with certain string patterns. It also comes down to individual swing mechanics and playing styles... therefore, we will all have slightly different preferences due to these factors. Then, there is also your preferences combined with those of your opponent, and how they interact. There is also the court surface you mainly play on (or are playing on at a certain point in time when using a particular racquet).

Sometimes, I will play people that can't handle balls that are bouncing high on them, but seem to be able to handle pace. With these players it would be better to use a racquet that produces spin that makes balls jump high up off the court more easily (even though the pace through the court may be slightly slower). On the other hand, I've had players that seem to enjoy balls that bounce higher but don't penetrate the court as much (seems to give them more time to set up, or they are very fit and seem to run things down and just get balls back all the time). With those players using a racquet that seems to produce more penetrating shots seems to work better as it gives them less time to get behind the ball (and the ball stays lower therefore not as much time to get set).

There are many factors and not just one right answer... I think we can all agree on that.

 

[Power Player]

I agree with what you said... but there are also different types of spin. Some string patterns may be more conducive to spin that makes the ball jump up off the court, and others to spin that makes the ball go through the court.

Good players can produce both with each string pattern (as I'm sure you and many others here already know), but it's inherently easier with certain string patterns. It also comes down to individual swing mechanics and playing styles... therefore, we will all have slightly different preferences due to these factors. Then, there is also your preferences combined with those of your opponent, and how they interact. There is also the court surface you mainly play on (or are playing on at a certain point in time when using a particular racquet).

Sometimes, I will play people that can't handle balls that are bouncing high on them, but seem to be able to handle pace. With these players it would be better to use a racquet that produces spin that makes balls jump high up off the court more easily (even though the pace through the court may be slightly slower). On the other hand, I've had players that seem to enjoy balls that bounce higher but don't penetrate the court as much (seems to give them more time to set up, or they are very fit and seem to run things down and just get balls back all the time). With those players using a racquet that seems to produce more penetrating shots seems to work better as it gives them less time to get behind the ball (and the ball stays lower therefore not as much time to get set).

There are many factors and not just one right answer... I think we can all agree on that.

Sure but I'm just talking about the 2 frames that were being discussed.

I personally would not change frames just trouble certain players, but that's just me. I play my game with what I got in my hand.

 

[ryushen21]

Not sure I buy this argument considering that many of the world's best players use 18x20s, 18x19s... not exactly old farts. I think good players can play with any pattern, but depending on their playing style and swing mechanics, they might have better results with a particular pattern... and that's why they use it.

I'm sure you can play with any string pattern, but you have your preferences.

I was referring to the retail market. I know the pros can handle anything put in their hands. But there has been a marked decline in 18x20 frames in the market. I think a fair bit of that is associated with nostalgia and the myth of the 18x20 control frame.

I love my UT and my 6.1 95 18x20 but for competition I've definitely moved to a more open and forgiving pattern.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Sure but I'm just talking about the 2 frames that were being discussed.

I personally would not change frames just trouble certain players, but that's just me. I play my game with what I got in my hand.

I understand and agree. That's why I said that good players can achieve all kinds of spin and use all kinds of racquets. Technique plays a very big part. My coach can make me feel pain in many kinds of ways. But, certain string patterns are more conducive to certain types of spin than others and therefore the execution of certain shots will require more or less work and technical proficiency with a particular string pattern (I can knife a slice much easier and more effectively with an 18x20 than an open 16x19... while I can produce a high bouncing spin ball easier with the open 16x19 than the 18x20).

I have both the 97HD and the VC95 (2018). I like them both. Both are great, both are around the same static weight, and both are modified. So, I can pull them both out depending on what I know about my opponent, and what seems to be working.

I don't have a problem producing all sorts of spin with either... but on the whole, I would say that I produce more penetrating shots with the 97HD, and more bounce off-the-court with the VC95 (2018). Both racquets will produce a certain weight-of-shot, but they will be of different kinds and will require a different response from my opponent.

So, what I was trying to say is when we say one has more spin than the other, it depends on the type of spin we are referring to. With one you might produce a spin that will bounce up high and tire out your opponent as they have to constantly hit high balls with weight on them... and with the other, they will be dealing with very weighty hard shots with lots of through-the-court spin that will tire them out because they have to deal with hard shots that are moving faster and require them to be in place faster. Both are heavy, both are punishing, but in different ways.

That's all.

 

[am1899]

I posted a long review here - http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/diary-of-a-racketaholic.347887/post-15676007

But I will say for me the VCP97 is definitely not muted at all. The feel is soft with a crisp sweetspot (I used tour bite). The VC95 to me is more of a muted frame. I really like both frames, but currently prefer the playability of the VC95. For feel, the VCP is one of the best feeling frames I have hit with since the Blade Pro and Wilson Ultra Tour.

Wow, that’s high praise.

 

[Power Player]

Wow, that’s high praise.

Yeah I love the feel a lot. Its awesome.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Well its not just the pattern. Thats the thing some people say but they forget a huge (more important)part is the racquet head speed. I can get more tip speed with the Vc95 than with the Yonex HD97 and as a result the frame generates a ton of spin for being a 16x20 95.

The VC95 is just faster through the air than most player frames which is why I think people get so much spin with it. My new VC97 is not as fast - its a little clunky on serve and groundies, so I still generate more spin with the Vc95 according to my teammates.

I understand and do respect your opinion based on your many contributions here. But, do you really get a "wow there is so much more spin" result with the 95? I can create the same amount of spin with the 95 as the HD, the weight difference is pretty small. I do notice the maneuverability difference, but my racket head speed difference is similar. Is your stroke technique extreme grip and nadal like, maybe with that kind of demand on the arm the heft of the HD comes into play?

Not sure I buy this argument considering that many of the world's best players use 18x20s, 18x19s... not exactly old farts. I think good players can play with any pattern, but depending on their playing style and swing mechanics, they might have better results with a particular pattern... and that's why they use it.

I'm sure you can play with any string pattern, but you have your preferences.

I'm not a pro, far from it, but same result for me, I'm not getting enough spin help from an open pattern to make it the first thing I look at, but I do think the HD and D patterns are better for tiny 1/2 inch "edge" in control as in pinpoint lobs, drop shots, slices. If I can tame the beast of the D and it is like the HD, I can get a forehand topspin that my opponents comment on, it really jumps with the extra weight behind it, as opposed to the more open 95, although not that much more open, which would seem counter-intuitive. Anyway something about the HD was a best of both worlds in pattern, I'll see if the D is the same.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I was referring to the retail market. I know the pros can handle anything put in their hands. But there has been a marked decline in 18x20 frames in the market. I think a fair bit of that is associated with nostalgia and the myth of the 18x20 control frame.

I love my UT and my 6.1 95 18x20 but for competition I've definitely moved to a more open and forgiving pattern.

Fair enough.

It's just that, as I've said in some of my other posts, the result may depend on several factors (including your opponent and their style and/or mechanics).

For example, I have found that sometimes I am more effective with my UP 16x19 and other times with my UT/UP 18x20. They are both at around 353g static weight, both have the same modifications, balances, and SW (at least close enough that I can't tell a big difference - but I haven't measured them). So, the racquets are the same, my swing mechanics are the same, my swing speed will be the same (of course there are variances based on the day I'm playing, energy levels, etc), but depending on my opponent and their preferences (balls bouncing higher or lower, movement, etc) my effectiveness will vary.

Some opponents will deal with high bounces better than others... and some will deal with pace and court penetration better. Both balls might be heavy but in different ways.

No right or wrong, and no one way is best. People use what they see is most effective for them... it may not be age dependent, but style, technique, and effectiveness based.

 

[ryushen21]

I understand and do respect your opinion based on your many contributions here. But, do you really get a "wow there is so much more spin" result with the 95? I can create the same amount of spin with the 95 as the HD, the weight difference is pretty small. I do notice the maneuverability difference, but my racket head speed difference is similar. Is your stroke technique extreme grip and nadal like, maybe with that kind of demand on the arm the heft of the HD comes into play?

I won't speak for @Power Player as he can do that himself, but I was definitely impressed with the spin production on the 95. In my first outing with it, I hit it directly against my 6.1 95 18x20 and UT. Visually, there was a much more pronounced drop on shots with the VC95 and my partner reported that it was the heaviest ball of the three frames I hit with that day.

I like the 97HD a lot, but when I was hitting with it, I wasn't using as much spin as I do presently. It hits a great ball and can produce good spin for what it is but I wouldn't hesitate to say that the VC95 outperforms it in the spin department.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Dang, the SW in the 97 H is massive. Is that stock, or did you add weight to it? Same question for the 2021 310 version, which you’ve listed at 329-stock or with mods?

-ive been playing with the new 2021 y.v.proH last 3 weeks, i like it!!
-ive been hesitant to post my reviews of the 330 since i don't have a good comparison to base it to
-it is heavy!!, but SOLID!!, no question and/or butts about it
-i only have a w.psRF v12 to compare it to, the new y.v.PRO-H is a tad bit heavier (12.8oz vs 12.9oz as i have them; 10-11ptsHL),
-the biggest difference between the w.psRF.v12 and the y.v.p-H is the softer/flex/lowRA feel at impact

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I understand and do respect your opinion based on your many contributions here. But, do you really get a "wow there is so much more spin" result with the 95? I can create the same amount of spin with the 95 as the HD, the weight difference is pretty small. I do notice the maneuverability difference, but my racket head speed difference is similar. Is your stroke technique extreme grip and nadal like, maybe with that kind of demand on the arm the heft of the HD comes into play?

I'm not a pro, far from it, but same result for me, I'm not getting enough spin help from an open pattern to make it the first thing I look at, but I do think the HD and D patterns are better for tiny 1/2 inch "edge" in control as in pinpoint lobs, drop shots, slices. If I can tame the beast of the D and it is like the HD, I can get a forehand topspin that my opponents comment on, it really jumps with the extra weight behind it, as opposed to the more open 95, although not that much more open, which would seem counter-intuitive. Anyway something about the HD was a best of both worlds in pattern, I'll see if the D is the same.

I agree. I've written heaps already in the other posts, so I don't want to repeat myself and bore everyone. I too will check out the 97D (and the 97H) and see whether they provide anything more significant than the 97HD (which I find to be excellent). I found the G360+ PMP to be a bit more direct, which was nice... but then the 97HD had other things it did better. I'm hoping the 97D is a combination of these two racquets. We'll see.

Previously, I've found the 330g version to be great... so as long as it's not too clunky (all will depend on the material distribution - I don't like excessive weight in the throat area), it may provide things I'm after without need for any mods.

The only way to know is to try them both... but I can wait until all the hype and frenzy dies down... then demo and go from there.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

-ive been playing with the new 2021 y.v.proH last 3 weeks, i like it!!
-ive been hesitant to post my reviews of the 330 since i don't have a good comparison to base it to
-it is heavy!!, but SOLID!!, no question and/or butts about it
-i only have a w.psRF v12 to compare it to, the new y.v.PRO-H is a tad bit heavier (12.8oz vs 12.9oz as i have them; 10-11ptsHL),
-the biggest difference between the w.psRF.v12 and the y.v.p-H is the softer/flex/lowRA feel at impact

Thanks for that feedback. That would be ticking some of the boxes I'm looking to be ticked.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@Classic-TXP-IG MID
-i was not a fan of the 2019 y.vp.HD, too low powered, too thin a frame for a 18/20 pattern IMO
-we ,(TW community) asked yonex to make a change, and i think/hope they listened to us
-i will play test the new y.v.p.D hopefuly soon!?!, 320g swing weight, thicker frame, all that points to a good combination IMO/IME
-the 310g racquet is also one i wanna try out, i have more experince with the 310s (several years now)
-IMO, this is a good release from YONEX

 

[Power Player]

I understand and do respect your opinion based on your many contributions here. But, do you really get a "wow there is so much more spin" result with the 95? I can create the same amount of spin with the 95 as the HD, the weight difference is pretty small. I do notice the maneuverability difference, but my racket head speed difference is similar. Is your stroke technique extreme grip and nadal like, maybe with that kind of demand on the arm the heft of the HD comes into play?

I use a strong semi western grip and I do hit with heavy spin while keeping a pretty linear ball shape (unless I want to grind a little and then I hit deep and high bouncing balls) . The HD97 I had weighed like 345 or more and my Vc95 is 332 with some lead and a SW of 317. So yeah it's a pretty nice difference in terms of tip speed. Especially over the course of 2 hours of hitting.

It's not really the demand on the arm, its more the energy output of more aggressive spin hitting which is why people are typically not using 340+ gram frames nearly as much as in the past.

But also it was more like "I can't believe there is no drop off in spin" coming from my 16x20 100sqi PKs. The amount of spin I can put on the ball with the Vc95 is a very pleasant surprise. I suspected it would be tougher to generate spin with than it actually is.

 

[SumYungGai]

Can't wait to try out the 97D. I hope it's similar to the 360+ Pres MP, but a little more buttery.

 

[JEDI MASTER]

just received VCP97, VCP97D, and VCP97H to demo.. all strung with Yonex PTP 16G. yellow... can't wait to hit..

 

[Roquestil]

just received VCP97, VCP97D, and VCP97H to demo.. all strung with Yonex PTP 16G. yellow... can't wait to hit..

What racquet do you currently use?

 

[Benske]

Just received a VCP97D. Strung with my go to ALU 115 it’s coming in at 337g. 31.5cm bal, 317 SW! This thing rips… more pop, more forgiving; more stable, more special. first racket I’m truely tempted to replace my heavily customized UT’s which have been irreplaceable but craving more forgiveness and easier use with more spin w/o giving up feel. Tried 16x19 UT, toyed with VC 95, too muted, not enough feel, tried old HD - didn’t love it, TF40, v7, etc.. Will continue to play and toy with customizations and side by side my UTs and get some more feedback. Will definitely hit the bee blade as well before making any decision.

 

[Power Player]

Just received a VCP97D. Strung with my go to ALU 115 it’s coming in at 337g. 31.5cm bal, 317 SW! This thing rips… more pop, more forgiving; more stable, more special. first racket I’m truely tempted to replace my heavily customized UT’s which have been irreplaceable but craving more forgiveness and easier use with more spin w/o giving up feel. Tried 16x19 UT, toyed with VC 95, too muted, not enough feel, tried old HD - didn’t love it, TF40, v7, etc.. Will continue to play and toy with customizations and side by side my UTs and get some more feedback. Will definitely hit the bee blade as well before making any decision.

Yes the feel on the vcp is amazing.

The vc95 is muted unless you use crisp strings and no dampener helps a lot. Mine feels fantastic now that i dialed it in.

That said the vcp to me is a legit contender to the UT in terms of feel and easier playability.

 

[SumYungGai]

Just received a VCP97D. Strung with my go to ALU 115 it’s coming in at 337g. 31.5cm bal, 317 SW! This thing rips… more pop, more forgiving; more stable, more special. first racket I’m truely tempted to replace my heavily customized UT’s which have been irreplaceable but craving more forgiveness and easier use with more spin w/o giving up feel. Tried 16x19 UT, toyed with VC 95, too muted, not enough feel, tried old HD - didn’t love it, TF40, v7, etc.. Will continue to play and toy with customizations and side by side my UTs and get some more feedback. Will definitely hit the bee blade as well before making any decision.

I really loved hitting with the TF40 315. Could definitely see myself playing with it.

Great that the 97D feels more stable. That was my main issue with the last one.

 

[Benske]

Yes the feel on the vcp is amazing.

The vc95 is muted unless you use crisp strings and no dampener helps a lot. Mine feels fantastic now that i dialed it in.

That said the vcp to me is a legit contender to the UT in terms of feel and easier playability.

Long time tour bite user also… agree that helps. Still not there comp to UT for me. Glad you love it. It is a great racket.

 

[Benske]

I really loved hitting with the TF40 315. Could definitely see myself playing with it.

Great that the 97D feels more stable. That was my main issue with the last one.

The TF was so close for me, but never quite achieved the absolute command of the ball and rock solidness/stability of my UT.

 

[ryushen21]

just received VCP97, VCP97D, and VCP97H to demo.. all strung with Yonex PTP 16G. yellow... can't wait to hit..

Do you have the option to restring? If you do, I'd highly recommend it.

 

[Nate7-5]

Do you have the option to restring? If you do, I'd highly recommend it.

 

[ryushen21]

Nothing funny there as it was a serious question. Some demos allow for restringing. And there are a lot of options better than YPTP.

 

[puppybutts]

How is

how is a 61RA make this racquet similar to the pure strike?

they are both control oriented racquet lines, and they both contain the respective brand's 18x20 racquet. plus, while the vcp and ps maybe aren't directly comparable to each other, lots of people compare the vcp to the blade, and the blade to the ps, so naturally comparisons between vcp and ps occur too.

 

[Nate7-5]

Nothing funny there as it was a serious question. Some demos allow for restringing. And there are a lot of options better than YPTP.

PTP 1.30 doesnt sound that enjoyable - not surprised when demo racquets come with the thickest possible string and the highest tension.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

Just received a VCP97D. Strung with my go to ALU 115 it’s coming in at 337g. 31.5cm bal, 317 SW! This thing rips… more pop, more forgiving; more stable, more special. first racket I’m truely tempted to replace my heavily customized UT’s which have been irreplaceable but craving more forgiveness and easier use with more spin w/o giving up feel. Tried 16x19 UT, toyed with VC 95, too muted, not enough feel, tried old HD - didn’t love it, TF40, v7, etc.. Will continue to play and toy with customizations and side by side my UTs and get some more feedback. Will definitely hit the bee blade as well before making any decision.

That SW is really low but it makes sense considering the string gauge you're using. Are you using a string dampener?

 

[ryushen21]

PTP 1.30 doesnt sound that enjoyable - not surprised when demo racquets come with the thickest possible string and the highest tension.

I've not yet enjoyed hitting with PTP in any frame, gauge, or tension.

When I demoed the VCore, it had PTP and I didn't like it. Now the the VCore is my main stick because a different string made it a whole different experience.

 

[Benske]

That SW is really low but it makes sense considering the string gauge you're using. Are you using a string dampener?

No dampener. Was surprised by the low SW…. Pleasantly. Room to work with customization but going to play it stock for a few more sessions. It wasn’t screaming for customization stock for me.

 

[Papa Mango]

That SW is really low but it makes sense considering the string gauge you're using. Are you using a string dampener?

No dampener. Was surprised by the low SW…. Pleasantly. Room to work with customization but going to play it stock for a few more sessions. It wasn’t screaming for customization stock for me.

I just got a new VCP97 310. Unstrung specs: 309gms, 12pts HL, 278 SW!!
This looks like it's barely going to hit 310.
Surprised I am, not sure about pleasant part.

 

[!<-_->!]

I just got a new VCP97 310. Unstrung specs: 309gms, 12pts HL, 278 SW!!
This looks like it's barely going to hit 310.
Surprised I am, not sure about pleasant part.

oh man. that's so far off. are you able to return it?

also, it really seems Yonex is no longer doing a good job w/ their QC given all the new stories of varied specs. wonder if it has anything to do w/ the supply chain issues or not.

 

[JEDI MASTER]

What racquet do you currently use?

my go to is the 2004 APD but weighted down to RAFA specs... or RF97

 

[JEDI MASTER]

Do you have the option to restring? If you do, I'd highly recommend it.

i wish i could.. i'd like to try it with Solinco Confidential 16L

 

[Papa Mango]

oh man. that's so far off. are you able to return it?

also, it really seems Yonex is no longer doing a good job w/ their QC given all the new stories of varied specs. wonder if it has anything to do w/ the supply chain issues or not.

Well weight and balance are spot on (or should be).
I was going to string it so already ripped the plastic off the handle....
Going to string it tomorrow and see how it goes.

 

[Addxyz]

I just got a new VCP97 310. Unstrung specs: 309gms, 12pts HL, 278 SW!!
This looks like it's barely going to hit 310.
Surprised I am, not sure about pleasant part.

Wow... you guys are getting really low swingweight ones. Considering everyone thought the TW swingweight specs were too high.

 

[pjv]

Referring to my earlier post in this thread, I only got to hit with the 2021 97 for about 20 minutes yesterday before we got rained off the court. I’ll probably have more to say after my re-scheduled hit for this afternoon or maybe after the weekend by which time I should have been able to put many more hours on the demos, but my highly abbreviated first impression was that I feel like the 2021 VCP 97 is a pretty big improvement for me over my memory of the 2018 VCP 310 that I demoed in 2018.

The two things I didn’t like about the 2018 310 were that it felt a bit too dead (under-powered due to low inertia / lack of “plow-through”, I guess) to me and it also felt unstable in the sense that if I missed the sweetspot it twisted hard and sent the ball flying somewhere.

After my brief hit yesterday I can say that the 2021 VCP 97 didn’t seem to have those downsides to me. In terms of the plow-through, I could definitely feel the difference between it and my 330’s; it still doesn’t have the heft and stability of my current frames. But it didn’t feel “anemic” like I remember the 2018 310 feeling. It felt good and nothing seemed to be lacking in any substantial way compared to my current 330’s; though in all likelihood if I were to buy the 97, I’d probably add some lead to the hoop to get a little more plow-through.

On the other hand, I also didn’t notice any giant feeling of increased nimbleness, quickness, maneuverability... which is what I am hoping to get from it. I may just need a longer hit (which I intend to get multiple times this week) to feel the difference, or it might also be that my stroke mechanics don’t reveal the difference in a way that matters to me. Just standing and swinging the frame back and forth I can clearly feel the difference between the 97 and the 330, but while I was hitting, it didn’t translate into a very noticeable (to me) difference. In other words, the new VCP 97 kind of felt about as good to me as my 330’s (which I love) but on that brief hit, I wasn’t noticing enough of an improvement in my ability to whip the racquet around faster that it felt like a worthwhile upgrade. If I had to make a choice now, I would be as happy to play with the VCP 97 as I am to play with my current frames, but I wouldn’t buy 97’s to replace my 330’s.

I didn’t have time to hit with the 97H at all yesterday. Looking forward to hitting with that one too, though just swinging it around, my guess is that it is going to feel good but also like too much work; similar to my impression of the RF97 when I demoed that frame at the same time as my original demos of the 2018 VCPs.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

Wow... you guys are getting really low swingweight ones. Considering everyone thought the TW swingweight specs were too high.

I could be wrong but I think TW uses 16g full poly for their playtests. That would make the swingweight higher than people who use thin gauges. Not sure if fully explains the difference though.

 

[Bronc10is]

What are people stringing the VCP 97 310 with?