2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter ryushen21
- Start date
Syfo-Dias
Professional
Take those review scores with a big grain of salt. That kind of data is completely subjective.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-all i know
-i did not like the 2019 release
-the beam of the racquet was too thin for it to play correct 4me
-this new 2021 version tech is much/much better
-i am playing with the 97H its a sledge hammer
-the 97 is nice and fast and somewhat stable
--i say this because i have been spoiled by the heavy hitters (97H, RF, 340+g swing weight racquets)
--people who have not gone into the 340g+ swing weight world would find the standard raket (y.vcp97 2021) plenty stable
-the 97D is still a mystery to me, i have yet to try it
-i did not like the 2019 release
-the beam of the racquet was too thin for it to play correct 4me
-this new 2021 version tech is much/much better
-i am playing with the 97H its a sledge hammer
-the 97 is nice and fast and somewhat stable
--i say this because i have been spoiled by the heavy hitters (97H, RF, 340+g swing weight racquets)
--people who have not gone into the 340g+ swing weight world would find the standard raket (y.vcp97 2021) plenty stable
-the 97D is still a mystery to me, i have yet to try it
smalahove
Hall of Fame
To me, the new VCP 97 (310) is unplayable with the string setup I prefer (low tension, soft polys). It's completely dead. Perhaps this works for those of you who usually play with a dampener and now started to play without, and string at higher tensions, but for me this is - by a country mile - the worst VCP. I don't enjoy the Ezone 98 particularly, but would chose the latest one over this. I find it strange that ppl are criticizing the VDM tech in the emerald version, whilst lauding this one for touch and playability 
Syfo-Dias
Professional
To me, the new VCP 97 (310) is unplayable with the string setup I prefer (low tension, soft polys). It's completely dead. Perhaps this works for those of you who usually play with a dampener and now started to play without, and string at higher tensions, but for me this is - by a country mile - the worst VCP. I don't enjoy the Ezone 98 particularly, but would chose the latest one over this. I find it strange that ppl are criticizing the VDM tech in the emerald version, whilst lauding this one for touch and playability
I hate VDM in any Yonex racquet. The main thing I don't like about the new VCP is the lack of feel because of it. But that ship has sailed it would seem.
I don’t like VDM in Ezone too. It is kind of pretending that a racuqet is not stiff while it is stiff in RA. For example in EZone 100 it is kind of good because it is very stiff racquet and it helps a bit but VDM in a racuqet around 65RA and lower gives zero feedback in result. For example as opposite to VDM - in Prince Textreme series the Twaron gives really direct „connected” feel which I like.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Update:
After one month and a half with the Vcore Pro 310 as my main and only racquet, I’m switching back to the Vcore 95.
For reference it’s an amazing racquet and it was a hard decision choosing one or the other.
I have been playing matches with the Vcore 97 310 with pretty good results but this past week I decided to go back and play with the Vcore 95 again and everything about it felt right. I just have more confidence with this racquet, I can sting it up higher, hit heavier without thinking about over hitting.
I will probably return to the Vcore Pro line when they make a 16x20 or 18x20 310 racquet.
After one month and a half with the Vcore Pro 310 as my main and only racquet, I’m switching back to the Vcore 95.
For reference it’s an amazing racquet and it was a hard decision choosing one or the other.
I have been playing matches with the Vcore 97 310 with pretty good results but this past week I decided to go back and play with the Vcore 95 again and everything about it felt right. I just have more confidence with this racquet, I can sting it up higher, hit heavier without thinking about over hitting.
I will probably return to the Vcore Pro line when they make a 16x20 or 18x20 310 racquet.
This is interesting feedback. I just bought both the VCP 97 310 and VC 95 to try. I have only hit them a few times but I’m enjoying both so far. Coming from a blade v7 18x20 they definitely appreciate the maneuverability . Can you share what string setup you settled on for each racquet?
Syfo-Dias
Professional
Totally understandable. My ideal VCP would be 320g with a 16x20 pattern and no VDM. Yonex, you better hop to it! lol
Tranqville
Professional
Please reserve 3 of those for me
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
To me VCP 21 310 is the best feeling yonex since DR line. I also owned duel g…. It had great feel too but way too soft….like playing with prince tour 100 16x18 2014 model. VCP 21 is soft and crisp in the same time…. and most important finally a Yonex stick after DR that provides feedback on ball contact. Also great ball connection from VC95 2018 and 2020 models….. but seriously i can’t play with these racquets at all….. it’s not about the small sweet spot which is very good/decent for a 95 inch. I don’t like it’s balance…. it plays like one solid peace…. I don’t have fluidity on my motion. I am curious to also try the 100inch version of VCP 21 only if it can give more free power….. in terms of sweet spot i ll say it again 97 VCP21 plays like an 100inch stick….. a brand new mold from yonex that has nothing in common with blue/green VCPs which i wasn’t a big fan….blue was better due to better feel but not my cup of tea….. 21 model has more stability out of the box and more free power. I understand that some may prefer the more harsh feel of the blue one…. I prefer the feel of the new one where ball lags more on the strings like on Blades.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Palomas villa d
Interesting thing is that I only played with the Vcore 95 for one month as well before the VCP 97 310.
I was actually playing with a blade 2015 18x20 all 2020 and 2021.After that around 2 months with the Vcore pro HD.
I guess I am used to tighter patterns and smaller frames, it´s just what feels at home for me.
What stood out for me with the Vcore 95 is that I can increase the SW to 330 and for some magical reason it feels more maneuverable than the VCP 97 310 stock.
I agree.
Interesting thing is that I only played with the Vcore 95 for one month as well before the VCP 97 310.
I was actually playing with a blade 2015 18x20 all 2020 and 2021.After that around 2 months with the Vcore pro HD.
I guess I am used to tighter patterns and smaller frames, it´s just what feels at home for me.
What stood out for me with the Vcore 95 is that I can increase the SW to 330 and for some magical reason it feels more maneuverable than the VCP 97 310 stock.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Coming from a blade 2015 (I also tried v7 18x20) I have a feeling you will like the VC95 a bit more, what you will enjoy though from the VCP 310 is the plushness that the blades also have.
For strings thats where the VC95 is a bit more friendly:
- VCP 310: Lynx Tour 1.25 or 1.30 at 54 pounds. (I tried 1.30 to see if I could close the pattern a bit but 1.25 feels better). Tried Polytour Pro and it´s not great, soft.racquet + soft string + VDM not a great combo. Lynx Tour is great here, it gives back a bit of feedback that the VDM tries to die down. I really hope VDM isn´t a thing in the future, at least for low RA racquets.
- VC95: Polytour Pro 1.25 55 pounds or Lynx Tour 1.25 53 pounds.
If you really want a fair comparison (or a close comparison) two quick tips:
1. Use hard strings like Lynx Tour.
2. Add 3 grams at 3/9 to the Vcore95 to match them in stability and then 1 gram at 12 on the VCP to match them in plow. Stock form I would definitely pick the VCP.
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Do you think that’s because the VC95 has a lower twistweight? The hoops have a different shape too. I think the VCP 97 has a flatter top, whereas the VC95 looks more like a 95 sq in Gravity Pro.
tele
Hall of Fame
Dunno about the green 310, and maybe I am missing your point, but in my experience, my green 97hd gives noticeably more feedback than my dr 98. Like both, though.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Maybe, but I have 4 grams at 3/9 for stability so the twistweight is the same (on paper). I think it’s more due to the size of the head and whatever technology the Vcore line uses where it looks more aerodynamic than the Vcore Pro.
Tranqville
Professional
VC95 zips through the air like a katana!
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Sorry i was referring to the mainstream greens…. 310 and 330. Yeah for sure great ball feedback also from HD. More on the prestige side of classic feel…..I still prefer more plush feel. For me 21 VCP has better feedback than HD…..with HD when I was pushing the gun for winners i didn’t have 100% feedback on where the ball was going to land….. missing on depth. Yeah i know feel is sth totally subjective….. but trust me i think i am very sensitive after playing till today with Blade V5 and still not switching away from it
tele
Hall of Fame
Not doubting your experience and thanks for clarification. Based on what you and others have said, I probably would have switched to this rather than the HD had it been around at the time, as I wanted more control than my dr with a similar swingweight and string pattern, and a soft flex. Have since adjusted to HD and currently trying to keep my racquet acquisition syndrome at bay, but I look forward to trying it in the future!Sorry i was referring to the mainstream greens…. 310 and 330. Yeah for sure great ball feedback also from HD. More on the prestige side of classic feel…..I still prefer more plush feel. For me 21 VCP has better feedback than HD…..with HD when I was pushing the gun for winners i didn’t have 100% feedback on where the ball was going to land….. missing on depth. Yeah i know feel is sth totally subjective….. but trust me i think i am very sensitive after playing till today with Blade V5 and still not switching away from it
I have both the 21 VCP97 310 and the 21 VCP100 and, for me, the 100 definitely has more free power; possibly due to the slightly higher SW and slightly thicker beam. Still feels as plush as the 97 but bigger sweetspot and packs a punch. It's pretty much taken over the top spot between the two.
Demo has gone back now, but I’m still on the fence for the VCP 97 2021 310g. Not sure if it’s the low swing weight that’s stopping me pulling the trigger, but I’m sure lead would had made it play better. I am going to try the VCP 97D again, but in a grip size 3 this time. Should have that to try in a couple of weeks.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Does anyone knows the name of the black basic grip on the racquet ? Is the one below ?
www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com
Yonex Synthetic Leather Tour Replacement Grip | Tennis Warehouse Europe
www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
No that's a different one. I believe the stock grip is the Yonex AC128EX. If you would buy one of those (hard to come by), it would have an adhesive backing, whereas the stock grips get glued on in the Yonex factory. Making them feel a tiny bit different.Does anyone knows the name of the black basic grip on the racquet ? Is the one below ?
Yonex Synthetic Leather Tour Replacement Grip | Tennis Warehouse Europe
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
I want to find it it’s available at white….. because white always feels softer.
indy_account
New User
It is available. another big US based online tennis retailer (Tennisexp****) sells yonex replacement grips.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
faded_lines
Rookie
I have both 2021 VC95 and 2021 VCP97 310 and love them both. But currently, I'm playing better with the VCP97, especially on return of serve and blocking fast and flat balls. I added Oehms leather grip, Yonex Super Grap OG, and dampener and the static weight comes in right at 340g. I feel like the VCP97 is easier to pick up and play with and I can be lazy with it. With the VC95, I have to be more focused and have my footwork right. But man, the VC95 feels great with laser precision.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
Yes Yonex puts the white grips on the lighter and cheaper models. The 'players' racquets get the black ones.
Tranqville
Professional
It's like a white belt and black belt
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
You're a black belt I see.It's like a white belt and black belt
KC!
Hall of Fame
I just switched from the BLADE V7 18x20 to the 21 VCP97 310. I was looking for something with more maneuverability , but same great feel. It is amazing how long the ball sits on string bed, you can especially feel it on the backhand. I added 2 grams to 12 and added a Wilson pro over grip. I have it strung with Mayami Tour Hex at 51 lbs. I feel this racquet plays better with crisp string and prefer without a dampener. The Demo I played with had PTP and it is just to soft in this frame.
Had a chance to try out the VCP100 yet?You're a black belt I see.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
Unfortunately not, I've been injured for the past few weeks. Not sure when I can play again but very probably within the next few weeks.
Dang, sorry to hear that. Hope things mend quickly! I've been hitting with the 100 for a couple of weeks now and, somewhat to my surprise, really enjoying it. Has the extra pop that I couldn't quite coax out of the 97 yet its still very much a control-oriented 100 (the 8 mains in the throat help with that). Doesn't seem quite as muted as the 97 either; very stable at the net, nice action on my serves, and comfortable and plush-feeling. Need to dial in the strings still; currently have X-1 Biphase in the mains, Lynx Tour in the crosses at 54/51; works well but would like to try some other combos.
tennisblood
New User
I've been playing with EZ 100 customized (greater SW and HL balance) and poly at 48 for the last year and have developed a painful tennis elbow. Up until that point I had played with Babo for 13 years and didn't have the elbow problems. Switched to Yonex to protect my elbow and now this.... Go figure. Demoing the new 2021 VCP 97D... Hope it's better for the elbow but am concerned with low power and the 18x20 pattern.... I need SW = 330+ and Balance= 6+ HL
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
I'll be fine.
That sounds like great stuff. I might even sell mine on again pretty soon though. I'll be pulling the trigger on two UP16's today so I need to clear some space.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
I didn't play with the 97D but I have an emerald green HD. It has more inherent power than most of my other sticks but it's also harder for me to use the power constantly, since it's a little more difficult to play with (in my case).
Just make sure 330+ SW isn't too much for you. Too high of a swingweight can cause a player to hit balls late, leading to tennis elbow. If that's not the case, have fun!
Do you know what the cause of your tennis elbow is?
faded_lines
Rookie
I'm playing with and really enjoying the 2021 VCP97 310. I added a leather grip and strung it with NG/Poly. I get plenty of power and all the control from the spin from my stroke. The feeling is plush but connected and I'm playing my best tennis right now. If you're worried about the low power, I recommend you try NG/Poly. I have mine strung at 58/54 lbs. You could also try a Multi/Poly in theory, but I've never tried it.
You at least have to take the VCP100 for a test drive first!I'll be fine.
That sounds like great stuff. I might even sell mine on again pretty soon though. I'll be pulling the trigger on two UP16's today so I need to clear some space.
I have X1 Biphase/Lynx Tour in my 97 and my 100 and plays great (several folks on the strings forum claim that X1 plays a lot like gut). Plenty of power, still very plush, solid.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
Definitely, don't worry haha.You at least have to take the VCP100 for a test drive first!
tennisblood
New User
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
97D has plenty of power, comfort and control.
tele
Hall of Fame
I only have an hd, but i have heard the new 97d is not a radical departure. the hd indeed feels very soft if you hit near the center and i found power is also more than adequate. However, the low flex alone is not a t.e. panacea, as it still punishes poor technique - off center volleys with this racquet will be clearly felt by a tender elbow. as RF_PRO_STAFF mentioned, if your technique is not an issue, it might be a great match for your desired specs.
If arm friendliness is a priority for the near future, you might want to give a prince phantom a demo. I am not a huge fan of 16x18 in a 100in head, but the one I played with(100xr-j) for a little while was about as soft and forgiving as it gets
First time posting, apologies it’s a bit of a long one. Recently bought VCP 97 310 2019 version as on discount and couldn’t get the 2021 version in my grip size initially. I added 3g at 3 and 9 and 2g in cap with overgrip (over original L4 grip). Racquet came 3g over spec so ended up 340g and 32cm balance. I strung it 46/44lbs with yonex PTP (black), following some advice about dropping string tension. initial thoughts are it plays very stiff even at hat tension but gives me a good balance of control, spin and manoeuvrability.
Comparing it to my DR98 (same overgrip and 3g at 3 and 9 string at 50lbs same string) I much prefer the VCP for serves, slice and volleys and feel it is a much more predictable racquet without the springboard effect I feel from the DR98. Howerver, I miss the pop and find myself having to really concentrate on hitting through the ball to get the pace want. I am also a bit worried the stifffeeling VCP97 might lead to recurrence of arm pain I had a few years ago when I used a stiffer racquet.
Long story short I am hoping the VCP 310 2021 combines the features I love of the two but welcome any feedback from those that have played with all 3. Thanks in advance for any responses.
Finally having felt the benefit of the VCP 97 to my serve volley game I am happy to sell DR98 as appreciate plenty of people are looking for them. If you are interest DM me, I am based in UK.
Comparing it to my DR98 (same overgrip and 3g at 3 and 9 string at 50lbs same string) I much prefer the VCP for serves, slice and volleys and feel it is a much more predictable racquet without the springboard effect I feel from the DR98. Howerver, I miss the pop and find myself having to really concentrate on hitting through the ball to get the pace want. I am also a bit worried the stifffeeling VCP97 might lead to recurrence of arm pain I had a few years ago when I used a stiffer racquet.
Long story short I am hoping the VCP 310 2021 combines the features I love of the two but welcome any feedback from those that have played with all 3. Thanks in advance for any responses.
Finally having felt the benefit of the VCP 97 to my serve volley game I am happy to sell DR98 as appreciate plenty of people are looking for them. If you are interest DM me, I am based in UK.
