2023 Yonex VCore Pro Racquets / 2024 Percept Racquets

[Trip]

In anticipation of Yonex's upcoming tentative August 2023 refresh to the VCore Pro silo, I figured I'd make the thread now so we can discuss pre-release info, anticipated specs and what we'd like to see.

I'll start off, as this post was spurred on by a recent revisit of the '21 VCP 97 310, which is overall an excellent racquet, especially with a bit of weight added.

For 2023, I'd like to see the following overall adjustments:
- Power: overall, remove the power plateau of the lighter 97's
- Beam: 97's: possible bump to 22mm (like the 6.1 95); 100: leave at 23mm
- Feel: more direct/raw, with a minimizing of VDM, more of a return to the 2017 blue/red
- Flex: removal of the excessive throat flex and pocketing; increase RA stiffness just a bit, back up to 2017 levels (63-64RA max)

Specific Model Changes:
- 97 290/310: Solidify the upper hoop
- 97D: drop 5 grams to make it a 315, make it less cumbersome to wield (more like the HD again)
- 97H: minimal changes
- 100: possible string pattern change to 16x20?

What does everyone else think? Discuss!

 

[naturalexponent]

Great public service here, as with the VCore 2023 thread!

The VCore Pro 97H was one of my favorite frames of the last year. TBH, I don't want this line to be any good, as I don't want any more temptation. I just want to buckle down with my VCores.

That said, having tried and enjoyed the H and D, my thoughts here are:
- 97D: I thought this was close to being a switch minus the feel. It felt "grainy" to me in a way that the H did not. If they can smooth out that feel, it would be near-perfect. Could probably use tiny bit of a power boost, as I recall I really needed to focus on hitting through contact for the ball to do anything meaningful. Like you said, I think reducing the flex about could address this.
- 97H: Also near-perfect, but in a different way. Really ideal groundstroke and net-play racquet, wonderful feel, plenty of power, but could use a bit more maneuverability, especially at a base 330g unstrung static weight. Maybe a smidge more headlight? I wouldn't even touch the flex on this one. So basically only a balance/SW change.

 

[ryushen21]

I'd love to see the VCP line get back to a mid-60s RA as long as they retain some of that hoop flex.

I know it wouldn't be a popular change but I'd like to see the regular 97 come down to 305g. Make it a little easier for more people to swing but still leave room for customization for others.

I would not change the PJ as the 21VCP has a God-tier PJ.

 

[Trip]

@naturalexponent - Thanks! Good input on the D and H as well. And I understand your ironic point on not wanting the line to get any better, but of course I would presume you actually would, as would all of us.

@ryushen21 - I agree on the flex. And I actually think moving the 97 310 to a 97 305 wouldn't be a bad idea, provided they perhaps thicken the mold and/or distribute the layup smartly enough to solve the upper hoop flutter.

As for the paint job, I wouldn't mind seeing them go a little more Regna, black/gold/siver type of maneuver, ie. a bit more regal/timeless. But yes, the 2021 paint job is still outstanding.

 

[ryushen21]

@Trip - my primary complaint with the VCP line has been that they don't feel easy to use. I love the feel and you can absolutely crush a ball with them. But it also feels like work when you're playing with it. A little stiffness wouldn't be bad. As for that upper hoop issue, I used appx 1.5g of lead at 10/2 when I last swung the VCPs and that seemed to help.

Regna crossed with the old Emerald PJ could be epic.

 

[curtstead]

I loved my demo of the 97H when playing well, but it might be the most demanding racquet on market with that ultra high SW. If they could find a way to lower the SW to just a bit more of a reasonable place, and get it to still play like this past gen, I'd be very interested.

Agree with everything you said about the 97 (310) and the 97D @Trip, good post.

Hope they don't change the PJ a ton, the 2021 is easily in my top 3 favorite paint jobs I've seen since I even started playing tennis in early 2019.

 

[Trip]

@ryushen21 - 100% agree on how much work it feels you have to do with the 97 310, and really the whole line. You don't notice it as much when playing someone perhaps slightly below your level, but when squaring off with someone challenging, it can just feel like a long day at the office. As @TennisManiac said about several of the frames he's demo'd lately, there are so many that just feel overengineered in the power-robbing, excessive flexing/muting/damping areas, that it actually ends up making tennis harder, as you lose that upper-end power envelope and kill-shot capability, and I think that very much applies in certain ways to the '21 VCPs... the excessive neck bending, borderline-too-low flex, etc. If they can shore that up and maybe give the 97 mold a bump to 21.5 or 22mm beam thickness, I think we'll be back on track with the silo.

As for the paint job... yeah, Regna crossed with 2019 emerald elements could be all-time god-tier.

@curtstead - Glad you liked the thoughts, and indeed the H is a beast. Curious if an even more head-light balance would a slight SW reduction would make it more accessible as well. And yes, again, paint job of the current one is certainly one of the best ever (of all current PJ's, the '21 VCPs, Auxetic Gravity's, the Six.One v13's (glossy black) and Pure Strike VS are some of my favorites).

 

[A_Instead]

The std 97 just needs a little more pop offering..

 

[SupahMan5000]

The std 97 just needs a little more pop offering..

I wonder if making it with a 325+ SW would go over well with ppl

 

[Trip]

A swing weight around 325 would polarize it a bit more, which may not go over well for those who like the racquet's naturally medium-low polarization as-is, and/or prefer being able to customize to get the swing weight up by varying the added weight in a fashion that is then left up to them (people such as myself).

Not a bad idea, per say, although I think a better approach would be to thicken the beam, to, say, 22mm or so, stiffen the neck a tad and bump overall RA stiffness to 64/65-ish, which altogether would provide more natural pop and stability, ala a Wilson Six.One 95 (but with the much-more-sensible VCP 97 head shape), without having to mess so much with the weight distribution, which I think is fine, apart from thickening and/or beefing up the 10-to-2 o'clock area, to minimize the tip flutter in stock form.

Do all of that, and IMHO the 97 310 goes straight to the front of the line of "S tier" frames, as @dr. godmode (Beckett) would say.

 

[Wheelz]

I know it wouldn't be a popular change but I'd like to see the regular 97 come down to 305g. Make it a little easier for more people to swing but still leave room for customization for others.

That’s the thing with yonex lately. They lowered their SW so much but seems to be keeping the static up. It’s harder to customize. I could do 305 if they keep the low SW. Or bring SW up if they want 310.

 

[ey039524]

The high static weight of the 97H was one reason we opted for the 97 310 for my son. When we demoed them, the H played much better as is, but I was concerned that getting 2 matched w the headlight balance he likes wouldn't be possible w/o the weight going over 360 g. It was easy to get the static weight up to 350 g and make the balance perfect w a leather grip, putty, and some lead tape at 10 and 2.

I don't want to see the VCP line getting stiffer or more powerful. The vcore and ezone lines exist already. Keep the VCP line for touch/feel.

 

[Kemitak]

Yeah everybody should make everything like a babolat, because that’s worked so well for the past fifteen years.

 

[ZeroandOne]

Higher stiffness yes please. I loved my playtime with the H, but hated that "noodle-like" flex.

 

[bobeeto]

I hope they keep the pattern of reusing the design, but changing the colors. Hoping for even more purple this go around.

As for the rackets, I think they’ll employ a slightly thicker beam design, similar to each update recently - improving stability, but continuing to lean into the flex feeling for a solid experience.

 

[TennisManiac]

100% agree on how much work it feels you have to do with the 97 310, and really the whole line. You don't notice it as much when playing someone perhaps slightly below your level, but when squaring off with someone challenging, it can just feel like a long day at the office. As @TennisManiac said about several of the frames he's demo'd lately, there are so many that just feel overengineered in the power-robbing, excessive flexing/muting/damping areas, that it actually ends up making tennis harder, as you lose that upper-end power envelope and kill-shot capability, and I think that very much applies in certain ways to the '21 VCPs... the excessive neck bending, borderline-too-low flex, etc. If they can shore that up and maybe give the 97 mold a bump to 21.5 or 22mm beam thickness, I think we'll be back on track with the silo.

I agree with all of this. I just wish that the new VCP were coming out right now. I don't have time to wait until the end of the year to try it out. I have to make a switch now. Which is why I'm moving on the V14. Oh well... Yonex probably won't be making it any stiffer anyhow. My guess is that they'll keep it a lifeless noodle with a new paintjob. Such a shame. The VCP could be such a sweet frame.

 

[TennisManiac]

​

I'll start off, as this post was spurred on by a recent revisit of the '21 VCP 97 310, which is overall an excellent racquet, especially with a bit of weight added.

For 2023, I'd like to see the following overall adjustments:
- Power: overall, remove the power plateau of the lighter 97's
- Beam: 97's: bump to 21.5 or 22mm; 100: leave at 23mm
- Feel: more direct/raw, with a minimizing of VDM, more of a return to the 2017 blue/red
- Flex: removal of the excessive throat flex and pocketing; increase RA stiffness just a bit, back up to 2017 levels (63-64RA max)

What does everyone else think? Discuss!

I couldn't agree more. It's like you read my mind.

 

[Trip]

Yeah everybody should make everything like a babolat, because that’s worked so well for the past fifteen years.

How does one equate a slight increase in stiffness and decrease in pocketing with making the racquet like a Babolat? I certainly didn't say, "make it a super-stiff, wide-beamed, crispy tin can", did I?

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

 

[Hansen]

leave the 97 pro as it is, it is one of the few options for players that like a flexy and muted players frame. in making it stiffer, with a thicker beam and more raw feeling, it just gets like every other 16x19 frame.

 

[Trip]

leave the 97 pro as it is, it is one of the few options for players that like a flexy and muted players frame. in making it stiffer, with a thicker beam and more raw feeling, it just gets like every other 16x19 frame.

Very fair points.

 

[lacoster]

I wish there was a plus version. There aren't really any 27.5 inch mainstream thin-beamed control racquets that are extended length, except the Whiteout.

 

[SupahMan5000]

wouldn't say the WO is mainstream, still get people mistakenly thinking I am using Tecnifibre. But yes understand the sentiment it kinda stinks

Wanted to extend my UPs just dont like the thought of messing with something in that capacity cuz it wasn't designed around it

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

​

- 97D: drop 5 grams to make it a 315, make it less cumbersome to wield (more like the HD again)


What does everyone else think? Discuss!

Yes

 

[Chopin]

The dark green 2019 330 is my racquet of choice. For my game, it's a better frame than newest, more flexible version. I didn't like the increased swing weight (I used to play with the RD-7 though, so I'm sure I could adjust) and I also disliked the increased flex.

 

[fundrazer]

I could get behind a slightly lighter 97D. Really liked the HD but did end up switching away from it eventually.

 

[!<-_->!]

I'd lile to see it go back to 20mm

 

[jbdbackfan]

Love to see the 100 back to a slightly thinner beam and sw closer to 322-325

 

[Nate7-5]

Specific Model Changes:
- 97 290/310: Solidify the upper hoop
- 97D: drop 5 grams to make it a 315, make it less cumbersome to wield (more like the HD again)
- 97H: minimal changes
- 100: possible string pattern change to 16x20

What does everyone else think? Discuss!

The 97D is not cumbersome if you have one that is lower swingweight (mine is 323sw right now with a full bed of 1.20 PolyTour Rev).

I only purchased 97HD/97D because they were not 16x19. They were a great introduction to 18x20 and I still serve best with the 97HD.

A 16x20 or 95 sq'in would pique my interest. Or another 18x20 or 18x19 that is better than the 97HD. Otherwise, I'm happy with my recently acquired Duel G 310s that are almost brand new.

 

[CroPlayer]

The only thing I would change is to have a slightly higher swingweight at the start, if there are no models with a swingweight below 310 (strung). As for other specifications, I wouldn't change anything. This line is significantly different from all other yonex lines. If you want more spin and higher RA, there are longer lines. This line is for players who have no problem with creating power. If they increase the RA and make the frame thicker, there will no longer be a difference between the lines. I believe that those who want a little more power and a little more RA will find what they need in the Ezone and Vcore lines.

 

[Chopin]

I'd lile to see it go back to 20mm

Yes. It's too bad there's no 20mm Yonex being produced now.

 

[berkyboy]

Yes. It's too bad there's no 20mm Yonex being produced now.

20mm is dead...Only gravity is 20mm...bigger for more power is BS ....THEY made thin powerful stiff frames in past...but now they use cheap materials and make big hollow frames

 

[Trip]

As for other specifications, I wouldn't change anything. This line is significantly different from all other yonex lines. If you want more spin and higher RA, there are longer lines. This line is for players who have no problem with creating power. If they increase the RA and make the frame thicker, there will no longer be a difference between the lines. I believe that those who want a little more power and a little more RA will find what they need in the Ezone and Vcore lines.

Completely get the sentiment here; very fair points.

 

[Trip]

Just noticed a post from this morning by @uk_skippy from a recent VCP 97 thread (link) insides Pros' Racquets and Gear sub-forum referencing the upcoming 2023's:

New VCore Pro 97

Was curious if anyone knew when Tiafoe’s stick would get a new paintjob? Seems like he’s been using this one for about 2 years. Cheers

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Apparently a mint colourway; specs should be the same as previous version although there is now an 18x20 option in the 100

So, similar to how they kept the molds and general characteristics the same between 2017 and 2019 versions, seems like a replay for 2021 and 2023, albeit a 100" 18x20 (Gravity competitor, anyone?).

So I scratch any mold change ideas, most likely. Maybe some layup/flex tweaks still? Probably not, but who knows...

 

[uk_skippy]

-------------------------

 

[JustTennis76]

I have tried all previous Vcore Pros. I liked the Original Duel G better. It has enough stiffness, head light, 10.9 oz static weight unstrung, 20.5 mm beam. Just raw feel without too much dampening, easy to use, enough power, almost like Yonex was trying out the new line and ended up making a perfect one(at least to my liking) accidentally.

 

[Trip]

Apparently the New VCore Pro will be a bit stiffer; but more flexy in the throat; so maybe opposite of what Head did with Auxetic.

Provided that equates to a higher power floor and less of a ceiling, I'm in for that.

I expect the beams to remain the same as current VCore Pro; however the new 100 18x20 could be a good platform rqt as it comes in at 290g

No problem there, either, and interesting re- the 18x20 if that's true. Hopefully they make the drill pattern open and consistent, ala the Prince Tour 100P.

Thanks for all the details.

I have tried all previous Vcore Pros. I liked the Original Duel G better. It has enough stiffness, head light, 10.9 oz static weight unstrung, 20.5 mm beam. Just raw feel without too much dampening, easy to use, enough power, almost like Yonex was trying out the new line and ended up making a perfect one(at least to my liking) accidentally.

You and many others feel that way, I'm sure. Also a lot of love for that 97" 16x20 pattern, too.

 

[leng jai]

Another 18x20 option would be interesting. I can't see them beating the colour scheme of the 2021 version though. I wonder if they will release another variant of the PolyTour Rev to go with it again.

 

[uk_skippy]

Another 18x20 option would be interesting. I can't see them beating the colour scheme of the 2021 version though. I wonder if they will release another variant of the PolyTour Rev to go with it again.

-----------------------

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Green & purple would look nice in the current iteration.

 

[!<-_->!]

Green & purple would look nice in the current iteration.

The Barney colorway, lol. Granted currently using the lavendar rev and yellow ptp as a hybrid. Can't say it looks that great.

 

[Trip]

Well if @uk_skippy's info source is correct, and I don't see why it wouldn't be, an "all mint" colorway is probably going to be close to the shade of green you see on the current '21 VCP, except the entire racquet will be that shade. Can't say that makes me super excited, but hopefully Yonex will put a tasteful spin of some sort on it.

 

[uk_skippy]

Well if @uk_skippy's info source is correct, and I don't see why it wouldn't be, an "all mint" colorway is probably going to be close to the shade of green you see on the current '21 VCP, except the entire racquet will be that shade. Can't say that makes me super excited, but hopefully Yonex will put a tasteful spin of some sort on it.

-----------------------

 

[Casper777]

I really hope they don't change things too much...

The VCP line is difficult to play? too flexy? well there are plenty of other models that could fit your need... however there are not anymore many control, high level frames like the VCP...

The line is pretty complete as it is.

A new paintjob for a nice change would be enough for me

 

[Curtennis]

I just wish the VCP 310 had a useable swing weight. With a normal 1.25 thickness poly they average around 315 swing weight. Adding just a few grams of weight helps, but then you’re at a 315 gram racquet. Now if you want to counter balance it to keep the same balance point as stock youre at 320 grams unstrung.

 

[ForehandDrive]

@uk_skippy what will the new name be?

 

[SupahMan5000]

@uk_skippy what will the new name be?

Vcore USTA League

 

[Trip]

Vcore USTA League

ROFL

 

[TennisManiac]

Adding just a few grams of weight helps, but then you’re at a 315 gram racquet. Now if you want to counter balance it to keep the same balance point as stock youre at 320 grams unstrung.

What's wrong with that?

 

[leng jai]

Has Yonex stopped sending the 2021 models out? Most shops here are already selling out and have very low stock of most models.

 

[bobeeto]

Has Yonex stopped sending the 2021 models out? Most shops here are already selling out and have very low stock of most models.

It’s cause yonex is that kind of brand