Syfo-Dias
Professional
TW racquet comparison tool shows them at the same power level. But with the EZ being stiffer, it's probably a little more powerful in reality.
2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter ryushen21
- Start date
TW racquet comparison tool shows them at the same power level. But with the EZ being stiffer, it's probably a little more powerful in reality.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Purchased 97 and 97D and have been hitting and playing with both for the past 2 weeks, my initial impressions:
- 97D is SOLID and it feels amazing. I did own the HD’s for 6 months and I prefer this new version. Very similar but the main difference is that this version feels a bit more direct feedback, if it had a bit of PT2.0 dna.
- 97 310 feels stable but not equally solid, as expected. Maneuverability is great, like my current Vcore 95. Added 2 grams @ 12.
Normally I would pick the 97D if I hadn’t owned the VC95 the past 6 months, since I WAS a 320 gram lover. Now I’m more into 310 grams and a lighter package and my game has increased a lot.
I already sold the 97D even though I might switch back to it in the future if I’m missing the plow/solid feeling since I tend to return to old habits.
For now it’s gonna be between the VC95 and the 97 310 (as I expected but needed to try them). I have never used 16x19 but honestly I don’t feel much difference, sue me.
I think and hope the 97 310 will be the racquet for me, it has the maneuverability of the VC95 and the feel of my Go-to racquets (prestige, old radicals, HD) in a modern package. Sweetspot is massive and the Paintjob is my favorite ever (really). Also it has good platform specs and doesn’t need lead for stability IMO which is when I start to dislike racquets
Im still considering the VC95, even though I much prefer soft frames, there is no denying my game has improved and become much more versatile during match play with my current frame.
Specs: 97D (319 grams, strung SW 328), 97 310 (311grams, 320 SW + 2 grams @ 12 (326 SW after lead).
I’ll decide by the end of October, update soon for anyone between the fence.
- 97D is SOLID and it feels amazing. I did own the HD’s for 6 months and I prefer this new version. Very similar but the main difference is that this version feels a bit more direct feedback, if it had a bit of PT2.0 dna.
- 97 310 feels stable but not equally solid, as expected. Maneuverability is great, like my current Vcore 95. Added 2 grams @ 12.
Normally I would pick the 97D if I hadn’t owned the VC95 the past 6 months, since I WAS a 320 gram lover. Now I’m more into 310 grams and a lighter package and my game has increased a lot.
I already sold the 97D even though I might switch back to it in the future if I’m missing the plow/solid feeling since I tend to return to old habits.
For now it’s gonna be between the VC95 and the 97 310 (as I expected but needed to try them). I have never used 16x19 but honestly I don’t feel much difference, sue me.
I think and hope the 97 310 will be the racquet for me, it has the maneuverability of the VC95 and the feel of my Go-to racquets (prestige, old radicals, HD) in a modern package. Sweetspot is massive and the Paintjob is my favorite ever (really). Also it has good platform specs and doesn’t need lead for stability IMO which is when I start to dislike racquets
Im still considering the VC95, even though I much prefer soft frames, there is no denying my game has improved and become much more versatile during match play with my current frame.
Specs: 97D (319 grams, strung SW 328), 97 310 (311grams, 320 SW + 2 grams @ 12 (326 SW after lead).
I’ll decide by the end of October, update soon for anyone between the fence.
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Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
I didn't like the 97D in stock form but I'll add some weight at 12 and give it another try soon.
I tested both the D and the H , and to me its a wild difference in preference for the D over the H . Almost felt like too much free power on the H and i couldn't stress the frame enough, to get the best(think control) out of it, although i am very used to high weight and high SW. The D is a great efficiency frame for my game, i easily play the highest percentages with it.
yonex user here , VC952018 leathered and leaded up.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I "might" enjoy the H, but it's going to be heavier than the 330 it replaced and that was borderline too heavy for me, so no point in trying it for myself. I am curious what the goal was with the H, the D is the most changed of the 3 because the stiffness really changed.
I can't "use" more weight in this frame for anything that would make me a better tennis player, but the extra weight of the D compared to the Vcore 95, although it seems slight, works really well against 4.5 plus baseline cannon groundstrokes to redirect that power. I also get more spin out of the D, I am sure it is my personal strokes, but I've seen my lefty groundstrokes, both topspin/sidespin and slice leap off my opponents stringbed at the net and cause errors. Something about that weight is forcing it's will on the ball and giving results.
This is exactly how i feel also.I get more spin out of the D ,just because you can really trust it to take huge cuts and acceleration at the ball ,and the frame delivers that in rotations of the ball and trajectory.That feeling that is hard to miss a ball when doing the right things.
i liked it stock but already applied my setup on it and delivers even better.Great frame.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Well... then just modify the VCP 97 (310g) to those specs, and you're there.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
97D vs 97HD:
Had my 1st hit with my 97D today.
Here are my findings for those with 97HDs and considering the 97D.
I strung the new 97D with Hyper G regular 18g mains and Hyper G Soft 18g crosses to try and keep the swingweight down. Without an overgrip and dampener, the swingweight was only 321.
I will start off saying that both frames are excellent and stable but feel noticeably different.
Hard to describe in a few words but will try my best.
You definitely notice the flex of the HD more when you switch back and forth between the two. Seems like the HD pockets the ball more on the stringbed.
The 97D is more muted but has a solid, stable feel due to its higher stiffness rating but it is still very comfortable. (Similar feel to Prince Textreme Tour racquets)
The D has more power and plow though on ground strokes.
Serving with the D was my favorite part of my initial hit. Accurate and slightly more pace.
I have been playing with the HD for the last year or so but I anticipate keeping both the HD and D in my bag as they are both great and heck, I still have room in my bag!
So I highly recommend trying out the D first before committing to any switch especially if you are addicted to the HD's buttery flex.
Had my 1st hit with my 97D today.
Here are my findings for those with 97HDs and considering the 97D.
I strung the new 97D with Hyper G regular 18g mains and Hyper G Soft 18g crosses to try and keep the swingweight down. Without an overgrip and dampener, the swingweight was only 321.
I will start off saying that both frames are excellent and stable but feel noticeably different.
Hard to describe in a few words but will try my best.
You definitely notice the flex of the HD more when you switch back and forth between the two. Seems like the HD pockets the ball more on the stringbed.
The 97D is more muted but has a solid, stable feel due to its higher stiffness rating but it is still very comfortable. (Similar feel to Prince Textreme Tour racquets)
The D has more power and plow though on ground strokes.
Serving with the D was my favorite part of my initial hit. Accurate and slightly more pace.
I have been playing with the HD for the last year or so but I anticipate keeping both the HD and D in my bag as they are both great and heck, I still have room in my bag!
So I highly recommend trying out the D first before committing to any switch especially if you are addicted to the HD's buttery flex.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Thanks for that review.
I'm very happy that you like the VCP 97 (310) and the VC95, I don't have a problem with you not liking the VCP97D... but I'm a bit confused by what you wrote and your reasoning.
You first state that the VCP97D is solid and feels amazing (which I would assume is a good thing), then you say the VCP97 (310) is not as solid but is stable and maneuverable. You then say that the VCP97 is a good platform racquet that doesn't need lead for stability and that when you need to add lead to racquets you start to dislike them. OK, fair enough...
YET, you go on to pick a racquet that you DO add weight to (something you stated the racquet doesn't need, and something that you stated starts to make you dislike a racquet), and that you find to be less solid than its stablemate (the VCP97D).
Again, I don't care which version you pick... as long as you're happy with it (which you seem to be). I just didn't understand how you made that choice based on the reasoning you laid out. That's all.
Keep us all posted with how things are going and whether you end up staying with the VC95 or change to the VCP97 permanently.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
did you measure your sws on a machine? 1 gram at 12 on this frame gives it 5.5 sw points.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The VCP97H and the VCP97 (310) went from a RA of 65 down to 61 and 60 (respectively), while the D went from a RA of 59 up to 61... so I don't see how the D is the most changed of the 3 when it comes to stiffness.
Again, I don't have a problem with you finding the 97H to be too heavy for you, and the 97D to be more in your ally. I'm glad to hear you're getting such great results when it comes to spin with the 97D. I always found that to be something great with the HD, and I'm hoping the 97D has improved in this department.
I'm not criticizing, I'm just trying to sift through people's arguments for my own understanding and future choice. I am not stuck on any particular version of the VCP97 and will try them all and then pick the one that works best for me.
When I used the TW Racket Customizer it had said .10 oz for 10 additional SW points. 10 oz = 3 grams ish? Hopefully their system is correct?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
yeah but the iso head shape can affect it in this case i think. Its almost always 3-3.5 on other frames. I have a swingweight machine.
I didn’t even think about that. That’s good to know. I’m actually about to throw on some tungsten onto 12 as of right now and probably going to throw on 3 grams. Unstrung SW was 289 and string with 17Gauge only brought it to 214. Do you think that if I put in 16g or 16l it would bring it up another 5 points?
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Basically, in a nutshell although I liked the 97D better during practice/training I just played better and had more versatility with the 97 310. I don’t like having several racquets, I just want the one and that’s it. In all honesty I could go with one or the other, probably why I had a hard time explaining my reasoning lol.
I’m terms of stability with the 97 310, I did add 2 grams but at 12, not at 3/9. Just for more plow. Not messing the stability there.
I find the VCP 97 a good middle ground between the VC95 and the VCP97D. Now that I’m liking a lighter package, this time I’ll go with what I get better results instead of what feels better in practice (the 97D’s oomph is addictive)
Anyways, I’ll update soon if I switched to to vcp97 or kept the VC95.
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Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Yea I did. I might have added less than 2 grams my scale isn’t precise. It might be a bit less.
Yes, perhaps…
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
No worries, I like discussing this and didn't take it wrong, now that you point out the numbers, the actual numbers don't really back up my statement. But, the HD feels so much different than the 330, the VCP95, and the D, I just assumed that the changes to the 310 and the H, although numerically similar, there's no way it changed those sticks into the category of the HD which in the Yonex lineup was and now forever will be a one of a kind plush flex master.
I could play with the 330, certainly in doubles, but I'm a foolish adult who still plays UTR and USTA events, the UTR can be against teenagers or college players and sometimes, believe it or not, there are 2-3 singles matches in 100 degree weather in one day. That 330 ( I used it) would start to get annoying on first serves after hour 3 or 4 of singles and my serve is a huge weapon that saves my energy by getting free points, I need it. Now, if that was the case and the H is even heavier, yikes! I am sure I could kick ass with the H if I only ever played 1-2 hour doubles matches max per day and probably really enjoy the uber serves I could slam down with it, but have to compromise.
I'm not sure the D has improved spin, in fact I am pretty sure it isn't improved over the HD, it is very very similar, but for my skills, it is better than the Vcore 95.
All your questions are good, so don't worry about asking more.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
I also found the HD to be a "one of a kind flex master" as you say. You really notice it when going back and forth between it and the 97D ( as detailed in my comparison back in post #1059 of this thread).
The 97HD is a unique stick that will be highly sought after and talked about for years on TTW I believe.
Played four competitive matches with the new VCP 97 and this frame is certainly here to stay.
To me coming after TE, seems a nice improvement over the Ezone and previous VCP line on the confort level.
Balance is ideal for my game style. Perfect on groundstrokes, top-spin and slices, good on defence, maybe just a bit underpowered on serves.
Still need to tweak the string setup, but playing with MSV Focus Hex @50/48 lbs felt ok. I would like to also try the YPT rev or spin. Any recommendations between the two?
Thanks!
To me coming after TE, seems a nice improvement over the Ezone and previous VCP line on the confort level.
Balance is ideal for my game style. Perfect on groundstrokes, top-spin and slices, good on defence, maybe just a bit underpowered on serves.
Still need to tweak the string setup, but playing with MSV Focus Hex @50/48 lbs felt ok. I would like to also try the YPT rev or spin. Any recommendations between the two?
Thanks!
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I can understand that the 330g (and VCP97H) would get pretty heavy after a while. I'll have to try all of them in due course and see how I feel about each, and which would be the best choice.
As I enjoyed the 97HD so much, I used the lower prices to get another one. That way I am covered in case I don't like the current iterations more than the 97HD.
I agree, it is a very special frame. That's why I got a backup. Covers my bases, if I end up not liking the new version more.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Just had my 2nd hit with the 97D. Virtually zero vibration. My sensitive elbow doesn't believe I just hit for 2.5 hours!
Definitely more power/plow than the 97HD but less spin. Had to adjust my grip and swing path slightly to generate more topspin.
Definitely more power/plow than the 97HD but less spin. Had to adjust my grip and swing path slightly to generate more topspin.
Tranqville
Professional
Just had my 2nd hit with the 97D. Virtually zero vibration. My sensitive elbow doesn't believe I just hit for 2.5 hours!
Definitely more power/plow than the 97HD but less spin. Had to adjust my grip and swing path slightly to generate more topspin.
Which one do you prefer, generally, D or HD?
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Do I have to answer?
Very difficult to answer after only 2 hits with the 97D but I will be definitely keeping both in my bag as they are both fabulous. The 97D is like the shiny new car in the driveway that you keep wanting to drive.
I think I will start a new thread tomorrow regarding the 97HD vs 97D where members that have tried both can also share their thoughts and opinions.
In a nutshell, here are some of the "slight" advantages/differences I found between them:
97D:
More solid and stable
More power and plow through
More comfortable/less vibration
97HD:
Easier spin generation
More control
More flex
More touch/feel
If I had to play a match tomorrow, I would likely pick up the 97HD. If I am just having a fun hit, I'd pick up the 97D ... but my answer could change next week!
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!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
Finally picked up a 310. Weighed in at 308g unstrung. No clue what the balance or swingweight is, but a bit disappointed about the 2g difference as all my previous Yonex's have only been 1g off at most. Hopefully if I end up getting more down the road, they'll match up in spec.
Strung it with Hyper-G 18g at 49lbs and it came in around 323g.
Hit with it briefly against the wall. Feel is definitely nowhere close to what the Duel G 310 offers. Granted mine have a leather grip so maybe that'll make some difference, but wanted to try the new VCP stock first. Overall, it hit fine. Wasn't wowed by it, but not disappointed either. Did notice the launch angle seemed lower than the PS 97 v11 I've been toying around with lately.
Will give this a longer demo and mod it a bit in the future. So far, not sure how I feel about the frame. Might just end up getting more later since I can't get Duel G's readily anymore.
Side note: In comparison to the 2021 VC95 that I've had very brief stints with, I would say the VCP feels nicer to me. VC95 was definitely more point and shoot and the sweet spot felt much smaller compared to the VCP.
Strung it with Hyper-G 18g at 49lbs and it came in around 323g.
Hit with it briefly against the wall. Feel is definitely nowhere close to what the Duel G 310 offers. Granted mine have a leather grip so maybe that'll make some difference, but wanted to try the new VCP stock first. Overall, it hit fine. Wasn't wowed by it, but not disappointed either. Did notice the launch angle seemed lower than the PS 97 v11 I've been toying around with lately.
Will give this a longer demo and mod it a bit in the future. So far, not sure how I feel about the frame. Might just end up getting more later since I can't get Duel G's readily anymore.
Side note: In comparison to the 2021 VC95 that I've had very brief stints with, I would say the VCP feels nicer to me. VC95 was definitely more point and shoot and the sweet spot felt much smaller compared to the VCP.
Sparkytrypod
New User
Hi all,
looking for people's thoughts. I have bought a vcore pro H, I am wondering what people are stringing it with and what tension?
Currently I am using a DuelG 330grm with yonex PTP at 56lbs, however I am looking to soften this a bit and move to a hybrid set up.
looking for people's thoughts. I have bought a vcore pro H, I am wondering what people are stringing it with and what tension?
Currently I am using a DuelG 330grm with yonex PTP at 56lbs, however I am looking to soften this a bit and move to a hybrid set up.
Syfo-Dias
Professional
My current setup on the 97H is Luxilon Gut mains & Poly Tour Strike crosses @ 58/55. I find it to be a very comfortable but also pretty powerful setup. I'm still adjusting to the extra power and higher launch angle compared to the HD.
Tranqville
Professional
I got a message from my local Yonex shop that VCORE PROs are finally available. Pulled the trigger on 310, without demoing. Came in 332g strung w/overgrip, strung with YPT Rev @1.25. I was lucky to be able to choose among 10 sticks, got the one that swung heaviest (unstrung). They had 3 more that felt very close. I'm quite sensitive to the SW, so to be honest, some of the sticks appeared to have SW that is too low. I strung my new 310 with Rev to kind of get a baseline feel (no pun intended) for the racquet. My VCORE 95 with the same setup is 338g. I still want to take the D for demo. I feel so happy, X-mas came early for me!
!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
At 328g strung w/ overgrip. Wonder if that weight difference is coming from the strings since I'm using a 1.20 string. Mostly just wondering what your unstrung weight was.
Tranqville
Professional
I guess it's mostly the strings. BTW, I only had a chance to hit volleys today with the PT Rev (50/48.5) and did not enjoy it, felt a bit plasticky and tinny. Please suggest an arm-friendly string setup that will do this gorgeous frame justice!
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
It all depends on what hybrid setup you're looking to achieve.
You could try the gut/poly or Syn Gut/poly, or Poly/Syn Gut or Poly/ Multi.
The first instance... choose your Gut/MSV Co-Focus (52M/48C), Gut of Choice/Volkl Cyclone (52/48), Gut of Choice/Head Lynx Tour (52/48), Gut of Choice/Tier 1 Black Knight (52/48). Lots more choices, but there are a few suggestions.
Second combo... Gosen AK Control 17/MSV Co-Focus (48/48), Head Syn Gut PPS/MSV Co-Focus, or... Choose one of the Sn Guts and use Head Lynx Tour, T1 Black Knight, Grapplesnake Tour Sniper, Grapplesnake Alpha, Volkl Cyclone, Tourna Bigg Hitter Black Zone.
Third Combo... The reverse of the second combo
Fourth Combo... Polys suggested/Weiss Cannon Explosiv, or Multis from other manufacturers.
Hope that helps
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
Modded mine to match my old Duel G's - Leather grip + 2" of 1/4" wide lead at 2&10, so 4 strips in total. Overall weight came in at 338g. My Duel G's are around 344g.
Definitely felt much better after modding - likely due to the familiarity in weight.
I think the Duel G's feel better, but older rackets tend to have better feel than new ones in general.
Need to hit against real people as opposed to the wall, but think this could be the replacement to the Duel G. Mostly cause it's close enough and readily available whereas I can't even get grommets for the Duel G.
Definitely felt much better after modding - likely due to the familiarity in weight.
I think the Duel G's feel better, but older rackets tend to have better feel than new ones in general.
Need to hit against real people as opposed to the wall, but think this could be the replacement to the Duel G. Mostly cause it's close enough and readily available whereas I can't even get grommets for the Duel G.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I'm still messing around with lead on my 97 310. I've played with it twice now. The first time I added a 5 gram overgrip and 2 grams each at 2 and 10. It helped a bit with plow and stability but still felt light and underpowered compared to my modified Pro Staff 97's "2014 version". So then the second time I hit with it I added 2 grams each to 3, 9 and 12. It helped... but still felt a bit underpowered compared to what I have been playing with for the past 6+ years now. I do like the softer feel of the VC 97 310. And I believe it offers more control than the Pro Staff 97. But I'm missing some pop on serve and groundstrokes which is disappointing to me as I really wanted this frame to replace my older Pro Staffs. I'm looking for a frame that does everything that the Pro Staff can do but easier on the arm. I'm not going to give up on this one just yet though. I realize that this VC is much more flexible and that is why I'm not getting the pop I'm used to. It's absorbing energy from the ball. Not coming off of the string bed as quickly. So I'll have to just get used to that if I want to keep using it. Next time out I think I'll try adding 1 gram each to 3 and 9, and 4 grams to 12 and see what that setup feels like.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
I don’t think you will get much more pop with lead placement, I think 4 grams at 12 is a bit too much IMO. Perhaps try a different string. What is your current string setup?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
That will add a bit to the SW number. See how you go and how you feel about it.
What you could also try (before you put 4g at 12 o'clock) is to add a small amount (say 0.5g) at 2,4,8, and 10 o'clock (in addition to 3,9, and 12). This worked very well for me with my 97HD and helped in several categories (including the addition of pop). Whichever option you take, make sure you counter-weight the racquet by adding weight to the handle. This will ensure the racquet stays HL and maneuverable.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Luxilon Alu Power, full bed at 46 pounds.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Try a hybrid with syn gut or gut in the Mains and poly in the crosses (or the reverse with poly mains/syn gut or gut in the crosses). Both will increase the pop.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
The VCP is not a frame that offers pop. It just won't, because like you said it's 60 RA and is not going to give you that. I still am able to use mine mixed in with the Radical MP, that does provide some serious pop to it.
It is an adjustment for sure. The ball is not as direct off the strings as a Pro staff, Vcore 95, Radical ..etc. But I will say that the more hours I log with the VCP, the easier it has become to dial it in anyway.
It really helps to know what the specs are on your frame before adding lead, especially SW. It seems to me that if you can get the SW to the 326-330 range, the frame comes through a lot easier. Also I have said this a few times, but since I can measure SW, the VCP adds 5.5 SW points per gram if you put it right at 12. The more isometric yonex head shapes all seem to do this, so keep that in mind. I put just 1 gram at 12 on mine and got the SW to go from 321 to 327ish. I first tried lead at 3 and 9, but I found that just a gram at 12 made a much better difference for me.
For a the first few weeks I really didn't use the VCP97 nearly as much as my VC95s because I was playing ranked matches and wanted to play my best. But I'd slip it in during practice sets and it kept growing on me and is now one of my favorite Yonex frames. That said, it will never provide the pop that some of us prefer when competing, but due to the soft feel and ability to really hit out with control, I continue to carry mine in the bag.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I've considered it. But I've never been a fan of hybriding because the strings don't snap back like a full bed of poly. The syn gut, multi or gut always need adjusted and I hate that.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Everything here was well said.
I sometimes put poly on the mains and get good snap back, also they tend not to bite into each other as much since the syn gut doesn't really "chew" into the poly. Just something to try.
I got my H and D demos and practiced today for 2h (1,5h with H and 0,5 with D). Brand new raqcuets with plastic still on and new strings (Yonex polytour rev, orange, tension felt like 25kg).
First impressions:
H felt heavy, really heavy, swing accelerates slow, a bit like a big axe, with lots of stability and power. It reminds me so much of my prostaff RF97 A, but feels a bit heavier and moves slower, I assume because of higher SW. Because I love the prostaff (my first racquet) I enjoyed and appreciated the familiar feeling of stability and power. My favourite shots with this racquet was serve returns, volleys, slices and put-away FH/BH winners. When returning, especially with off center shots, I felt no vibration or twisting of the frame and I could easily (relatively ) hit return winners with control and confidence. Perhaps I should always use this racquet when returning . Slicing with this axe felt great and easy to generate lots of underpin. Touch shots and volleys were amazing (the feeling that is). With high balls or medium high balls with some distance in front of me I could easily generate spin and crush shorter balls confidently. When on the run with lower, especially lower shorter balls, however, I had more difficulties hitting heavy balls back, and in these instances the racquet felt to heavy and slow and it was therefore hard to make my FH shots spin. Playing with this racquet you need excellent foot work, and be able to take the ball early. But when dealing with easy balls or when with enough distance in front of you to the ball, I loved the H. When serving it was challenging generating enough racquet head speed, both on first, but especially on the 2nd serve. I first loved the overall feeling of the racquet but in the end it felt to slow. Chosing between the H and the RF 97 A I would choose the RF 97 9 out of 10 times.
D compared to my HD is not a fair comparison to make, because I've added some led to my HD (2g total. 0,5g at 2,4,8 and 10) and changed to a leather grip for more stability, and besides I have different strings (Hybrid Grapplesnake CEs neon dust 24kg/liqiud neon dust 26kg) with more power and (perhaps) a bit more bite. Anyways compared to my HD with this string setup I wouldn't choose the D. Compared to the H I noticed big difference in stability when retuning serves, and the frame was twisting and vibrating more with off center shots. I couldn't hit with as much power as confidently when returning or with easier higher balls. Just like with the HD the D is more manoeuvrable and it's easier to accelerate the swing. I didn't find the D to have more power or stability than my customised HD, quite the contrary. So from my point of view I see no reason to upgrade from HD to D.
But, these are just first impressions. Perhaps I get more used to both racquets soon. I will need to play with the D more also.
I saw someone mentioning that the string patterns of H and D were similar? That's not the case. Here you see the H laid over the D.
First impressions:
H felt heavy, really heavy, swing accelerates slow, a bit like a big axe, with lots of stability and power. It reminds me so much of my prostaff RF97 A, but feels a bit heavier and moves slower, I assume because of higher SW. Because I love the prostaff (my first racquet) I enjoyed and appreciated the familiar feeling of stability and power. My favourite shots with this racquet was serve returns, volleys, slices and put-away FH/BH winners. When returning, especially with off center shots, I felt no vibration or twisting of the frame and I could easily (relatively
) hit return winners with control and confidence. Perhaps I should always use this racquet when returning . Slicing with this axe felt great and easy to generate lots of underpin. Touch shots and volleys were amazing (the feeling that is). With high balls or medium high balls with some distance in front of me I could easily generate spin and crush shorter balls confidently. When on the run with lower, especially lower shorter balls, however, I had more difficulties hitting heavy balls back, and in these instances the racquet felt to heavy and slow and it was therefore hard to make my FH shots spin. Playing with this racquet you need excellent foot work, and be able to take the ball early. But when dealing with easy balls or when with enough distance in front of you to the ball, I loved the H. When serving it was challenging generating enough racquet head speed, both on first, but especially on the 2nd serve. I first loved the overall feeling of the racquet but in the end it felt to slow. Chosing between the H and the RF 97 A I would choose the RF 97 9 out of 10 times.D compared to my HD is not a fair comparison to make, because I've added some led to my HD (2g total. 0,5g at 2,4,8 and 10) and changed to a leather grip for more stability, and besides I have different strings (Hybrid Grapplesnake CEs neon dust 24kg/liqiud neon dust 26kg) with more power and (perhaps) a bit more bite. Anyways compared to my HD with this string setup I wouldn't choose the D. Compared to the H I noticed big difference in stability when retuning serves, and the frame was twisting and vibrating more with off center shots. I couldn't hit with as much power as confidently when returning or with easier higher balls. Just like with the HD the D is more manoeuvrable and it's easier to accelerate the swing. I didn't find the D to have more power or stability than my customised HD, quite the contrary. So from my point of view I see no reason to upgrade from HD to D.
But, these are just first impressions. Perhaps I get more used to both racquets soon. I will need to play with the D more also.
I saw someone mentioning that the string patterns of H and D were similar? That's not the case. Here you see the H laid over the D.
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Tranqville
Professional
I can only compare my new VCP with VCORE 95: the handle looks identical to me.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Yes... Andy Murray does this.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I understand where you're coming from... but I don't think you are completely right. Based on the feedback from my hitting partners, I hit some of my hardest shots with racquets that have low RAs (PT630 and Angell TC95 63RA 18x20).
Would I also hit a heavy, fast, ball with a Pure Drive Tour/ Pure Aero Tour?... Yes, but that is because my technique would remain solid, however, my style would have to change (to accommodate the higher power of the frame and the increased spin needed to keep the ball in), my targets would become larger as the frame is less accurate/precise (and I want to maintain my consistency), and the way I would win points would be very different.
What would not be different, is that both the Pure Drive Tour/PAT and the TC95 63 RA 18x20/PT630, would produce heavy balls. They would just be two different kinds of heavy balls, and they would get delivered in two very different ways. The one from the PDT/PAT would bounce more off the court and be heavy due to the spin it would contain (but the ball would bounce a little shorter and more within the court - away from the lines), and the ones from the TC95/PT630 would be more penetrating through-the-court, zipping through (because the ball comes off the court lower, skids through faster, and stays lower), much closer to the lines, and using more court real estate to move you around (due to the greater accuracy/pinpoint precision).
It must be said, if the PDT/PAT had a static weight of 350-360g and a SW of 340(+), it would probably be more powerful and probably produce a greater weight-of-shot... but it would also be too difficult to handle and contain (for most people).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, and Wawrinka all hit the ball hard, they all have shots with lots of weight-of-shot, but how those shots are delivered and their game styles are different. Some use stiff racquets and others use low RA racquets, but they all deliver (just in different ways).
Sorry for the longer post.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
If you pick the right strings... there is plenty of snap-back and the strings stay in place. Look up TW University data. Some syn guts have similar spin potentials and string-to-string coefficients as polys. You just have to pick the right combinations of strings and gauges.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I've noticed some reviews desiring more stability for off-center shots. This is a slippery slope isn't it, to choose a heavy racket or add lead to make it more stable for off-center shots? Personally, I rarely hit anything off-center, maybe 3-4 times a set or so, even the "lighter" Vcore 95 is stable enough. Is the resulting "vibration" that large of a concern?
