2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter ryushen21
- Start date
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Interesting. With the drop in RA to 63, I thought it might be a contender and competitor to the G360+ SP.
Glad you're enjoying it.
PrinceYonex
Semi-Pro
Great review. In general I don’t know how to overcome this dilemma- I find it much easy to hit consistent flat first serves with a dense 18/20 with heftier swingweight (in my case, it was a PT2.0), but it’s so much easier to hit loopy and jumping spin serves with a vcp 310 (I’m using the older model). I’d love to figure out how to get the best of both worlds in one frame.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Demo the VC95 ('21), if you haven't done so, or buy the 2018 version if you can find it cheaper. The 16x20 pattern is kind of the middle ground between the two racquets you mentioned (providing that the older VCP you refer to has a 16x19 instead of a 16x20 pattern). My VC95 (2018) has been modified to 348g, 315mm balance, and around 340 SW (strings and gauge dependent). I can hit very good flat first serves, and yet, I can hit a second serve with a greater loop, margin for error, and bounce off the court.
You could also try an 18x20 100 sq. in. racquet (such as the 360+ SP or GP), which might have a wider spacing of an 18x20 pattern.
Just thoughts... hopefully helpful.
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
How does it play compared to the 2019 VCP 100?
5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy
Rookie
Yeah, I revised that item as you’re right in that it didn’t make sense.I enjoyed your review. But you're right.... this didn't make any sense.
ichaseballs
Professional
coming from the latest vcore98, the 310 vcp is less power.
my groundies suffer a bit w the vcp. but on a big shot the extra control is nice. overall the vcp has a lower launch angle, and i am hitting more balls into the net than before. at the same time hitting less balls out deep as well.
volleys the vcp is clearly better. even with the low flex, the touch is there. albeit not quite head prestige level, but pretty good.
serves/overheads i think is pretty close. i think the vcore98 gets the slight edge if anything.
returning is close as well. vcp is more control, but vcore has a bit more pop making it imo easier.
i find myself still torn between the two. i play a lot of doubles these days and volleying is very important, so probably will keep at the vcp a bit longer.
my vcp was on spec @ 310, and i added 0.5g to 3 + 9 each.
my groundies suffer a bit w the vcp. but on a big shot the extra control is nice. overall the vcp has a lower launch angle, and i am hitting more balls into the net than before. at the same time hitting less balls out deep as well.
volleys the vcp is clearly better. even with the low flex, the touch is there. albeit not quite head prestige level, but pretty good.
serves/overheads i think is pretty close. i think the vcore98 gets the slight edge if anything.
returning is close as well. vcp is more control, but vcore has a bit more pop making it imo easier.
i find myself still torn between the two. i play a lot of doubles these days and volleying is very important, so probably will keep at the vcp a bit longer.
my vcp was on spec @ 310, and i added 0.5g to 3 + 9 each.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I was out again this morning for about 2 hours with the VCP 97 310. As a lot of you know I've been trying to get this thing set up to hit a ball just like my modified "2014" Pro Staff 97's. So far I've tried the following lead placements.
2 grams each to 2 and 10. - Better than stock but still not even close.
2 grams each to 2, 10 and 12. - A little better, but still not driving the ball through the court as fast as my PS's.
4 grams each to 2 and 10. - Felt clumsy. A a bit too hefty imo. Drove the ball well. But I could feel the frame flexing and absorbing energy.
4 grams to 12 - Not too bad. Felt light and whippy. But not quite the plow and drive I'm looking for.
1 gram each to 3 and 9, and 4 grams to 12. - Felt the best yet. Not as clumsy as 8 grams to 2 and 10. Not as light and whippy as 4 grams to 12. It sat right in the middle.
I think the last setup is as good as it's going to get for me. It's not quite what I was looking for... but close. What I really like about this frame is the comfort and control. The VCORE Pro 97 is superior to my Pro Staffs in these two departments. But the Pro Staff is just so solid and drives the ball through the court much faster. And when playing League and Tournaments at the upper levels it makes a huge difference. It's literally the difference between winning and losing. I think I'll end up keeping the VCORE Pro 97 310 around though for the occasional times when my elbow or shoulder hurts a bit. It's not too often that this happens. But it does seem to happen a time or two every season. And no... it's not because of bad form or technique. It's because of over usage and the fact that I'm now in my 40's.
2 grams each to 2 and 10. - Better than stock but still not even close.
2 grams each to 2, 10 and 12. - A little better, but still not driving the ball through the court as fast as my PS's.
4 grams each to 2 and 10. - Felt clumsy. A a bit too hefty imo. Drove the ball well. But I could feel the frame flexing and absorbing energy.
4 grams to 12 - Not too bad. Felt light and whippy. But not quite the plow and drive I'm looking for.
1 gram each to 3 and 9, and 4 grams to 12. - Felt the best yet. Not as clumsy as 8 grams to 2 and 10. Not as light and whippy as 4 grams to 12. It sat right in the middle.
I think the last setup is as good as it's going to get for me. It's not quite what I was looking for... but close. What I really like about this frame is the comfort and control. The VCORE Pro 97 is superior to my Pro Staffs in these two departments. But the Pro Staff is just so solid and drives the ball through the court much faster. And when playing League and Tournaments at the upper levels it makes a huge difference. It's literally the difference between winning and losing. I think I'll end up keeping the VCORE Pro 97 310 around though for the occasional times when my elbow or shoulder hurts a bit. It's not too often that this happens. But it does seem to happen a time or two every season. And no... it's not because of bad form or technique. It's because of over usage and the fact that I'm now in my 40's.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
How do you cope with a racquet like VC98 2021 that literally provides zero feedback/feel/ball connection. I enjoyed it only on serves.
ichaseballs
Professional
oof... do you like the vcp? sounds like vdm is not your thing...
i played with a clash98 for a bit, and that had less directional control but great spin
have bigger targets and margins?
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
I like all yonex racquets before VDM. Clash has pretty decent feedback and feel. But it sufferers with pure Aeros inconsistency from the back of the court when you don’t do proper contact ball can fly….. also it sucks on put away volleys…. you must cut all through the ball otherwise zero pop/power.At least with clash you know where the ball is gonna land
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Plus the RA has dropped from 65 to 63... which may help things (at least for me).
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
That VCP 100 has always been such a unicorn frame, I wonder who buys it!
It must be some formerly good octogenerians who still use full natural gut and just stand in no-mans land and deflect every shot.
It must be some formerly good octogenerians who still use full natural gut and just stand in no-mans land and deflect every shot.
Can you please let me know the string and tension you used ? I’m having arm issues, so I’m curious to see what to use on VCP 100 2021, I’m yet to receive one now from TW, currently using microgel radical MP with full bed multi and it feels great
The new or the 'old' VCP 100? How does it compare to the Ezone 100?
I'm playing with the green VCP 100 atm and play better tennis with it than with my Ezone 98AI because of the control. Did you play long with the green one? And with which string set up? (I'm using HyperG 1,25 @21/20kg and like it) I'm considering buying a new VCP100 and want to understand the differences a bit better compared to the green one.
A_Instead
Legend
Perhaps junk was a little harsh...it Just wasn't a Yonex frame that stood out..but the updated model is really good..the little tweaks helped..
I use Hyper G at 46lbs . I string most of my rackets with Hyper G at 46..
At times I also use Pros Pro Red Devil at 46.
The Ezone 100 is also good..its strength is for those who camp out at the baseline..it's a little chunky to me but uses that girth for power and spin..
The VCP better suits an all court type of game..it's control is very good.. pace and spin comes from it's ability for easy fast racket head speed.
The std Vcore are also very nice..both the 100 and 98.. They both just shred the ball with power and spin..
A few reviews have mentioned that the VCP 100 is similar to the Pro Staff 100...I agree with those comments..
I hope to get a VCP 97 310 next..
Yonex has good rackets for every type and level of player with their line up.. Head also has really good coverage.
I use Hyper G at 46lbs . I string most of my rackets with Hyper G at 46..
At times I also use Pros Pro Red Devil at 46.
The Ezone 100 is also good..its strength is for those who camp out at the baseline..it's a little chunky to me but uses that girth for power and spin..
The VCP better suits an all court type of game..it's control is very good.. pace and spin comes from it's ability for easy fast racket head speed.
The std Vcore are also very nice..both the 100 and 98.. They both just shred the ball with power and spin..
A few reviews have mentioned that the VCP 100 is similar to the Pro Staff 100...I agree with those comments..
I hope to get a VCP 97 310 next..
Yonex has good rackets for every type and level of player with their line up.. Head also has really good coverage.
My HD came from the guy I bought it from with natural gut mains and Yonex poly tour pro crosses both supposedly 52lbs. Was too powerful initially but settled in to be amazing. Extremely comfortable, easy power, spin. Lasted 3 months of 10 hours per week until it broke. Might go higher on gut tension next time.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Current setup using in matches is full natural gut at about 50 lbs. My other setup is that I am still "breaking in" is Solinco Hyper G 17 mains at 48 and Klip Natural Gut 17 at 49. Went through a little process during the matching service to reach the second setup with consultation from the tw team.
I think the D is similar to the HD where I would suggest experimenting with 2-4 pounds lower in tension than you might put into other Yonex rackets or non 18x20 sticks from other manufacturers.
djNEiGht
Legend
I got a pair of 97D freshly strung in a trade plus cash. one was hit for about an hour and the other un hit. It was strung with a familiar string to me, Oehms BPR. Played very well and specs were pretty close (strung). I got to measure one out when I was restringing and it came in at 320g 310mm 294SW. The balance/static weight came in pretty spot on. I think it could use a little more weight but will see. gonna give it another couple outings before I do the leather and possibly lead.
The 97D seems to hit like a tight 16/19. trajectory is fairly low but I am able to still hit shots that clear the net fairly high. Flat serves I'm gelling with as well as fast kickers and slices. The slow high arching kicker still working on it. Volleys are really nice!
Currently using it with Tourna BHSR 17 at 45
The 97D seems to hit like a tight 16/19. trajectory is fairly low but I am able to still hit shots that clear the net fairly high. Flat serves I'm gelling with as well as fast kickers and slices. The slow high arching kicker still working on it. Volleys are really nice!
Currently using it with Tourna BHSR 17 at 45
zus_greg
New User
Yes! Hope you do. Our mold will stay the same
The green VCP 100 is very allround, no characteristic really stands out. But I keep coming back to this racket (played mainly with Liquid Metal Radical MP in the past and more recently with the Ezone 98AI).
What would you say is the biggest improvement of the new 100 vs the green version? (after the little tweaks)
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Way too hard to tell why you can't serve with the frame without seeing you do it. Could be a million reasons why. I find serving to be quite nice with the VCP97.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I've been playing with the 97 too lately. I love the comfort and control. But power isn't its strong point. You definitely need to add lead to the tip to get the swingweight up. I personally have settled on 4 grams at 12 and 1 gram each at 3 and 9. And it's still not quite as powerful as a Pro Staff. That said... this frame just simply can't produce the pop that other frames can because its flex absorbs energy. It's a trade off.
Syfo-Dias
Professional
What was the SW on yours before adding lead? Seems like swingweights are all over the place on this line. The VCP97 I demoed had a strung SW of only 308 which is crazy low.
5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy
Rookie
The two I got were exactly 318, but are now at 320.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Mine was around 320 which is still way to low for me. I like a swingweight of 335 to 340.
johnmccabe
Hall of Fame
I switched from blade 18x20 to vcore 95 and now trying VPC 97. always find you one step ahead of me. When I string 95 and 97 the same way, I feel noticeably better control with 95. Maybe I'm still not used to 97. Do you feel 97 needs to be strung at a little higher tension?
Syfo-Dias
Professional
Yeah that’s super low for the 97D. I just demoed one from a local shop and the strung SW on that one was 335. I have to admit Yonex QC has disappointed on this release. Really hope they get it sorted out. I know SW is hard to get exact, but there should be an industry standard tolerance of +/- 5 pts IMO.
Maybe this has been asked, but has anyone played with both the VCP 97 and the VCP 100 (newer versions) and have any comparisons to offer? In particular, is the 100 as muted as the 97? Does it have a bit more inherent power than the 97? Or are they fairly similar with the 100 maybe being a little more forgiving with the bigger head? Thanks.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
I've now given the 97 D three changes and somehow I just can't do anything with it, especially on backhand, I just can't seem to find the sweet spot and get any pace on the ball. It just wobbles with zero stability. I've never had this kinda problems with any other racquet. I'll try pumping up the sw a bit and try another string - now using Confidental 18 that really isn't for me. Lynx Tour next. I come from e.g. Vcore 95 and other heavier 95:ers., which I like a lot. If I don't find a way to gel with the frame, I'll sell it. So far the worst purchase in years.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
I demo'd a 97 310 tonight strung with purple poly tour rev and was pretty impressed. Very balanced racquet, did everything pretty good and a definite improvement over the forest green and navy blue versions. My favorite aspects were how stable it was on return of serve, just get the racquet behind the ball and let it do the work. Control on serves and ground strokes was also very accurate, point and shoot.
Power was adequate. It didn't produce a heavy ball like the Blade V8 but I could tell it certainly gave me a bit more output than I put in. Biggest downside was that I found it a bit erratic on 100% full groundstrokes, it tended to fly a bit on me where the Vcore 95 really shines in that area when you step on the gas. If you keep the VCP 97 at 70-80% effort it was very accurate, had enough pace and was just a solid frame.
Feel wise I like the thicker beam and softer flex. I'd say it's a tiny bit more comfortable than the 21 VC95 but not a huge difference. Maneuverability wise I'd say it was 90% as good as the very fast swinging VC95. Definitely easier to swing through the air than the G360+ Prestige MP, and Extreme tour as well as miles better compared to the Blade V8 18x20 (these are my recent acquisitions).
Power was adequate. It didn't produce a heavy ball like the Blade V8 but I could tell it certainly gave me a bit more output than I put in. Biggest downside was that I found it a bit erratic on 100% full groundstrokes, it tended to fly a bit on me where the Vcore 95 really shines in that area when you step on the gas. If you keep the VCP 97 at 70-80% effort it was very accurate, had enough pace and was just a solid frame.
Feel wise I like the thicker beam and softer flex. I'd say it's a tiny bit more comfortable than the 21 VC95 but not a huge difference. Maneuverability wise I'd say it was 90% as good as the very fast swinging VC95. Definitely easier to swing through the air than the G360+ Prestige MP, and Extreme tour as well as miles better compared to the Blade V8 18x20 (these are my recent acquisitions).
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Yup definitely, I’m stringing 3 pounds higher (55 vs 52) with the 97 but I knew I had to string higher before comparing it because of the open pattern. 16x20 on the 95 is actually more dense than blade 18x20 for example.
Once you string higher control will be similar. To put it in context from 1-10 I would say the Vcore95 has a control rating of 9 and the VCP97 an 8.5. The reason I like the VCP97 a bit more is because I’m enjoying the 16x19 pattern (first time playing extensively with this pattern and enjoying it) and also because I feel a bit more connected with my best shot which is 2HBH.
Also, I was using PTP 1.25 on the Vcore95 but I wouldn’t use that on the VCP97.
If I compared them with this setup I would return the VCP97 right away.
With Head Lynx Tour it was a fair comparison since both racquets are great with stiff strings. VCP97 is much more string sensitive, VC95 isn’t which is a big advantage when demoing.
I had a very very hard time deciding, I know I probably would play better in match play with the Vcore95 since It really does everything right, but for now I’m switching to the VCP97
I received my 97D yesterday and rushed it down to the stringer. Unstrung weight is 324g with the plastic still on the handle(size 4). Going with syn gut at 55lbs to start with as I’ve spent a fortune on strings in the last couple of months on my RF97A and PS97 v13(Champs choice) on both and a hybrid setup on my Blade 98 v7, only to cut them out from both the Prostaff’s after 6 weeks as the gut has made them both unplayable due to tension loss.
Also not sure if anyone thinks the same, but the grip size on this VCP seems on the big side.
Will hit with the racket on Sunday evening, so will report back.
Tranqville
Professional
Karue is wielding a D in the latest vid on serve returnWhenever i see a yonex racquet and Lynx Tour in the same sentence my mind always goes to myTennisHQ channel
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
That's just manufacturer variance probably
tlsmikey
Rookie
Just finished my 310 demo as well. It came strung with Yonex purple Poly Tour Rev (which I think is an absolutely terrible string). I played with the blue/orange one for years and it was fantastic. The blue/orange version lacked a bit of power and felt unstable unless I put lead at 10 and 2.
The latest version is incredibly more stable than previous versions. The racquet feels really good on groundstrokes and hits with a very solid feel. The feel itself is softer and reminds me of the Blade V7, kind of numb but definitely dampened. The only downside for me is the power of this racquet has increased a bit too much for me. It definitely has more pop than previous generations, but for some reason it doesn't seem as controllable. As an example, I've stuck with my Vcore98 strung at 52lbs which seems to have more consistency and control over this latest 310.
Do I like this stick? Yes, it's very good. Would I switch? No....I think it needs a tiny bit less power for my taste.
The latest version is incredibly more stable than previous versions. The racquet feels really good on groundstrokes and hits with a very solid feel. The feel itself is softer and reminds me of the Blade V7, kind of numb but definitely dampened. The only downside for me is the power of this racquet has increased a bit too much for me. It definitely has more pop than previous generations, but for some reason it doesn't seem as controllable. As an example, I've stuck with my Vcore98 strung at 52lbs which seems to have more consistency and control over this latest 310.
Do I like this stick? Yes, it's very good. Would I switch? No....I think it needs a tiny bit less power for my taste.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Everyone I know thinks the 97 310 is very low powered compared to their typical rackets. Such as the Pro Staff 97, Radical Pro, Radical MP, Speed Pro, Prestige MP and Ezone 98. Evidently you must hit as flat as a pancake.
Ah well, wish I’d known that before!
Thanks for that! I will see how it goes with the slightly bigger grip size as I used to play with the V Core Duel G 330 on a grip 4 a couple of years ago. Too late to swap for a smaller grip size since it’s been strung
Got the new vcp100s! Paint work is matte but feels ‘soft’ and a little sticky
Anyone else finding that the more boxy beam compared to the ezone100 makes it feel rather clunky? Feels almost as if I’m wielding a pure drive.
I have the blacked out Speed MP and Iga which are both 23mm straight beams but the VCP100 looks/feels clunkier for sure.
Anyone else finding that the more boxy beam compared to the ezone100 makes it feel rather clunky? Feels almost as if I’m wielding a pure drive.
I have the blacked out Speed MP and Iga which are both 23mm straight beams but the VCP100 looks/feels clunkier for sure.
