2023 Yonex VCore Pro Racquets / 2024 Percept Racquets

daman sidhu

Rookie
Curious.
VcP 97HD vs. vcP 97d vs. percept 97D?
I tried the HD and 97D for a weeks demo each and almost switched from the tfight xtc at the time. Then sold the xtcs and upgraded to the iso 305.

Now I’m looking at this again. Need to demo the percept 97D as it’s a bit stiffer but still soft and has a thin beam. The retailers that still have this new (vcP 97D) have minimal inventory but not in my grip size.
I switched over from the TF40 to 97D and feel the racket fits my game perfectly. The yonex provides more pop and put away power for me compared to the TF40 and that was the main reason for the switch. I can generate plenty of top spin as well as flatten out the ball when I need to.
 

ChrisJR3264

Hall of Fame
I switched over from the TF40 to 97D and feel the racket fits my game perfectly. The yonex provides more pop and put away power for me compared to the TF40 and that was the main reason for the switch. I can generate plenty of top spin as well as flatten out the ball when I need to.
VcP or percept?
 

ddonk

New User
I have a question. Every time someone talks about the Percept 97D it’s mentioned how hard it is to play with, particularly how it doesn’t offer much spin or power. On the other hand the Ezone 98 is said to be quite a bit easier to play with.

But, when I play it feels the other way around. I play easier with the 97D than the Ezone 98.

I’ve played at least 50 hours with both. It’s the only two rackets I’ve tried extensively in forever, so don’t have much other references. Didn’t play tennis 2005-2023.

Is it because of the weight that I have this opposite feeling? Should I try to make an Ezone 98 with the 97D weight and see what happens?
 

J-Wildcard

Semi-Pro
I have been after a vcore pro 97D for a long while, ended up getting many other rackets. I used the prestige ig mp 18x20 for many years years and then switched more to the the prestige 360+mp. When reading this forum and reviews many people were saying the 97D was a great frame but played very similarly to the prestige with the layup, weight and thinner beam. I have then recently got hold of some Vcore pro 100 frames (2019 version emerald) they are probably a touch lighter than i like and the balance is also 320. I prefer 310/315.
I have only had a brief hit with it so far but felt my arm was a bit heavy after hitting. I find for my personal technique when the weight is on the head it changes the feel of the swing. I am wondering about adding some weight to counter balance this frame back towards the handle? Has anyone done similar with these frames. The racket felt very controlled and precise when hitting so there is definitely q good platform to work with for me. I am a little unsure of the feel and shock in the frame, i understand they adder VDM in 2019, is this still what was used in the 2021 version? I am interested in playing with the slightly thicker beam also after using very thin beamed frames as a change up.
 

delosalpes

Rookie
I have a question. Every time someone talks about the Percept 97D it’s mentioned how hard it is to play with, particularly how it doesn’t offer much spin or power. On the other hand the Ezone 98 is said to be quite a bit easier to play with.

But, when I play it feels the other way around. I play easier with the 97D than the Ezone 98.

I’ve played at least 50 hours with both. It’s the only two rackets I’ve tried extensively in forever, so don’t have much other references. Didn’t play tennis 2005-2023.

Is it because of the weight that I have this opposite feeling? Should I try to make an Ezone 98 with the 97D weight and see what happens?
I kind of feel the same way and might also spec up my Ezone to my VCP 97D specs. I get a lot of topspin with my VCP 97D; although I do use a small gauged, shaped poly. It's not a high launch, looping top spin; it's a penetrating top spin shot. And as someone who likes to play an attacking game, it's perfect. In most defensive situations it also works very well if you have a good backhand slice and can loop a moonball as needed to buy yourself time to get back into position, without any issue. For me, the Ezone is fun and whippy, a bit better on defense and more effective and versatile on serves. It's also quite convenient if you have a OHBH and often find yourself out of position, as you can just maneuver the racquet face to wherever you need it to be very quickly. But the 97D wins hands down on baseline neutral balls, attacking/approach shots, volleys, returns and overall feel. I have not tried the Percept 97D yet, but don't really see how it could be a notable improvement on the VCP version.
 

gfwp

Rookie
Percept 97 tested today. Very very good one. A bit like a PS97, but with more "modern" feeling and forgiveness. Quite similar to the PS X, actually. Don't be fooled by RA data. They are more similar than what is visible on the specs.
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
Dang. That’s quite hefty to add weight to the hoop to a frame that’s already quite heavy.
Yes.. I would agree, but I've experimented quite a bit with the weight placements, and no weights.. but keep coming back to this. The plough through I get with this swingweight is fantastic and am pretty used to this weight by now.
 

ChrisJR3264

Hall of Fame
Yes.. I would agree, but I've experimented quite a bit with the weight placements, and no weights.. but keep coming back to this. The plough through I get with this swingweight is fantastic and am pretty used to this weight by now.
Yeah I weight my Tfight 305 to 345 pending the season (sucks to swing this in Florida summers lol).
 
I recently played the first time with my new Yonex Percept 100D. It is strung with Solinco Tour bite (1.20 mm), tension 50/46 lbs (23/21kg).
I thought, I had to go quite low to get enough power and spin, but I was surprised how powerful and spinny it felt with this set up. I lost a bit of confidence, because some balls sailed long, especially returns and slice felt a bit weird and I don't know why. Normally my backhand slice is a weapon.
Sometimes it felt like there is too much of a trampoline effect (springy). Maybe, I have to string it higher or switch to Solinco Confidential?

Also, I am interested in customization. How do you customize the 100D?
 

ddonk

New User
What’s the way to increase the grip size slightly with adding as little weight as possible?

I currently have two over grips and a Head hydrosorb pro on my size 2 97D and it’s around 350-355 strung. Is there a way to save some grams while having around the same grip size? I’d say it goes from a 2 to a 2.5 this way.
 

EggSalad

Hall of Fame
What’s the way to increase the grip size slightly with adding as little weight as possible?

I currently have two over grips and a Head hydrosorb pro on my size 2 97D and it’s around 350-355 strung. Is there a way to save some grams while having around the same grip size? I’d say it goes from a 2 to a 2.5 this way.
I think your best option is going to be replacing the head with another grip that is a little thicker. The catch is that those thicker grips will probably add a little weight.

Gamma Hi Tech is a grip that comes to mind. It’s going to be a little thicker than the head. But it will also weight a few grams more.

The head is probably around 16g
The gamma is going to be around 19-20g.

The gamma should allow you to only need one OG (unless that is your preference for feel)
 

ChrisJR3264

Hall of Fame
I think your best option is going to be replacing the head with another grip that is a little thicker. The catch is that those thicker grips will probably add a little weight.

Gamma Hi Tech is a grip that comes to mind. It’s going to be a little thicker than the head. But it will also weight a few grams more.

The head is probably around 16g
The gamma is going to be around 19-20g.

The gamma should allow you to only need one OG (unless that is your preference for feel)
I am going to say - buying the right grip size is important unless you are 100% are going to add weight. That is all.
My measurements are more of L5 plus Wilson pro OG and always played with an L4 with OG.
Went down to an L2 for one racket and enjoyed it but settled at L3. The summer Florida months - let’s just say I struggle even serving to hold the grip with out it slipping.
 

tele

Hall of Fame
I think your best option is going to be replacing the head with another grip that is a little thicker. The catch is that those thicker grips will probably add a little weight.

Gamma Hi Tech is a grip that comes to mind. It’s going to be a little thicker than the head. But it will also weight a few grams more.

The head is probably around 16g
The gamma is going to be around 19-20g.

The gamma should allow you to only need one OG (unless that is your preference for feel)
gamma high tech on my 97 hd size 2 felt like pretty much a full size increase, though the shape was slightly different than that on my normal 97 hd size 3. fwiw, I liked the 2 with gamma better.
 

ChrisJR3264

Hall of Fame
gamma high tech on my 97 hd size 2 felt like pretty much a full size increase, though the shape was slightly different than that on my normal 97 hd size 3. fwiw, I liked the 2 with gamma better.
I’ve used the gamma high tech. It will increase but I do not like their contour grip shape. It’s not smooth at all when needing to switch grips.
 

tele

Hall of Fame
I’ve used the gamma high tech. It will increase but I do not like their contour grip shape. It’s not smooth at all when needing to switch grips.
are you saying the high tech has contours? the ones i have used have been smooth. feels like a thicker babolat skin feel
 

J-Wildcard

Semi-Pro
I am going to say - buying the right grip size is important unless you are 100% are going to add weight. That is all.
My measurements are more of L5 plus Wilson pro OG and always played with an L4 with OG.
Went down to an L2 for one racket and enjoyed it but settled at L3. The summer Florida months - let’s just say I struggle even serving to hold the grip with out it slipping.
Also as i have realised, using two well ised frames i have recently purchased, due to usage the original grip under the overgrip had compressed so much. Both the size L3 grips feel like a L2 almost now. I guess you can buy a thicker grip which will add a little weight bit will boost the grip size up and can make a big difference. I recently put a new one on a grip L3 and it feels massive now with the overgrip added.
 

ChrisJR3264

Hall of Fame
Also as i have realised, using two well ised frames i have recently purchased, due to usage the original grip under the overgrip had compressed so much. Both the size L3 grips feel like a L2 almost now. I guess you can buy a thicker grip which will add a little weight bit will boost the grip size up and can make a big difference. I recently put a new one on a grip L3 and it feels massive now with the overgrip added.
Yes - those synthetic grips compress over time.
If you can handle weight and are comfortable with the feel - I suggest leather.
 

ddonk

New User
I have a question. Every time someone talks about the Percept 97D it’s mentioned how hard it is to play with, particularly how it doesn’t offer much spin or power. On the other hand the Ezone 98 is said to be quite a bit easier to play with.

But, when I play it feels the other way around. I play easier with the 97D than the Ezone 98.

I’ve played at least 50 hours with both. It’s the only two rackets I’ve tried extensively in forever, so don’t have much other references. Didn’t play tennis 2005-2023.

Is it because of the weight that I have this opposite feeling? Should I try to make an Ezone 98 with the 97D weight and see what happens?

Ive tried this now, and still didn’t think the Ezones where that much easier to play with compared to the 97D. I have two ezones and both around 345g strung with swing weights at 324 and 328 measured with an app.

My 97Ds are both a bit underspecced (relative to the TW stats) and have 325 and 329 SW according to the same app.
 

kmadhu00

New User
I have
Just revisited my VCP 97D after about a year cycling through Percept 97, 97H, VCT, EZ 98, Ezone 100...WOW. I think I need to rekindle that love affair. Anyone sitting on a VCP 97D collecting dust? I think I want another one.
I have a VCP 97D, Grip size #3 with an extra replacement grommet. Message me?
 

Rultrath

New User
While on the Vcore Pro vs Percept 97D topic, I used to be a VCP user and have been using the 93P 18x20 for the last year. Looking to move back to the 97D (for more stability and plow, couldn’t get the 93P there without weighting it up a bit too much) and I could get a VCP for $240 or a Percept for $310 CAD.

Reading through the thread seems like the general consensus is the percept is a minor update with a bit more pop, but it seems like almost everyone does prefer the Percept. Any counter opinions or stronger preferences between the two? I saw a few mentions that the most significant area of improvement for the percept is volleys… temping. :)
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
While on the Vcore Pro vs Percept 97D topic, I used to be a VCP user and have been using the 93P 18x20 for the last year. Looking to move back to the 97D (for more stability and plow, couldn’t get the 93P there without weighting it up a bit too much) and I could get a VCP for $240 or a Percept for $310 CAD.

Reading through the thread seems like the general consensus is the percept is a minor update with a bit more pop, but it seems like almost everyone does prefer the Percept. Any counter opinions or stronger preferences between the two? I saw a few mentions that the most significant area of improvement for the percept is volleys… temping. :)
I think there is a significant difference in both of them tbh. I had tried VCP prior and never gelled with it. It felt too soft and clunky(imo). The 97D feels like a bigger version of VC95 to me instead. Precise, great plough through, a little stiffer frame and whippy enough.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
I think there is a significant difference in both of them tbh. I had tried VCP prior and never gelled with it. It felt too soft and clunky(imo). The 97D feels like a bigger version of VC95 to me instead. Precise, great plough through, a little stiffer frame and whippy enough.
For me, the 97d is head and shoulders above any Vcore including the 95, with regard to control & string bed consistency. And also plow.
 

leng jai

Rookie
I think there is a significant difference in both of them tbh. I had tried VCP prior and never gelled with it. It felt too soft and clunky(imo). The 97D feels like a bigger version of VC95 to me instead. Precise, great plough through, a little stiffer frame and whippy enough.

I want to try one but it would have to be significantly better to make up for the massive downgrade in paint job.

I have 2 97D's, both have about 4G at 12. No dampener and one OG.
347-348G strung with SW at 338.

Damn, I can't imagine adding more weight to the hoop. It's so head heavy even at stock it already feels like a sledgehammer.
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
I want to try one but it would have to be significantly better to make up for the massive downgrade in paint job.



Damn, I can't imagine adding more weight to the hoop. It's so head heavy even at stock it already feels like a sledgehammer.
The rackets I got were a bit underspec, so the added weight isn't that much extra.
 

herbyderby

New User
Based on previous releases, any idea on if/when we should expect a new paint job for the Percept?

(I have preferred the alternate colors for both EZone and VCore, which has me waiting to pull the trigger on a 100D)
 

Trip

Hall of Fame
Based on previous releases, any idea on if/when we should expect a new paint job for the Percept?

(I have preferred the alternate colors for both EZone and VCore, which has me waiting to pull the trigger on a 100D)
To the best of my knowledge, Yonex has never released an alternate colorway for this silo previously (VCP '21, '19, '17; Duel G, VCT's, etc.), so I don't think you'll see anything until they refresh the whole racquet (~Aug 2025?).
 

PRS

Professional
I was thinking the same thing, I wouldn't hold your breath on an alternate color, but you never know.
 

soulfree914

Rookie
This may have already been discussed somewhere, but what strings work well in the Percept 97?

I am using a PS97 v13 and tend to go with an elastic poly (e.g. Ice Code, Wasabi) strung at 48 lbs or lower or a gut-poly hybrid to get enough pop and feel. I don’t like it with stiffer polys as it feels too boardy to me. Would something like this work well on the Percept97? Is it less string-sensitive than the PS97 since it has a bigger sweetspot and a lower flex?

Also, is QC good? Would the average SW really be around 315 strung? I’m looking for 315-320 range so that I can put some lead in the upper hoop to make it 322-325.
 

ajchop

New User
how do you guys customize your percepts 97? :)
Added 5g at 3 and 9 and just an overgrip for now. Remains quite manoeuvrable but gains a lot of stability to the sides of the sweetspot. I think that I will add only a tad more to 3 and 9 or test 10 and 2 with a bit in the grip for balance and recoil, but it does seem like a racquet that wants lead to really shine.
 

lordkarim

Rookie
I would like to ask to share your thoughts with me.

Im playing with a percept 97, 21/20kg strung with tourna silver 7 tour. I cant find a connection to the ball. Would going lower like 19/18kgs solve this issue? I demoed this racquet with yptp but have a half reel of s7t, I dont want to give up on it. Does s7t work on such a low tension? Thanks!
 
Hi everyone,

Interested to get Percept 97 310g users’ opinions and advice as I am ready to place an order on one of these frames.

I got my local racquet shop to measure specs of a batch of unstrung 97’s as I didn’t want to risk getting one too under or over spec.

As I understand that most agree the 97 stock SW can be a bit low and a bit unstable on off Center hits depending on how low the SW actually measures, and I prefer not to add lead if I don’t need to to add for added stability/power. Just looking to get a frame that won’t flutter too much on impact.

I am a rec player, probably 3.5 or so - provide my own power and topspin with a preference for a low-powered frame to help keep balls in the court. I appreciate a solid, stable feeling frame but also prefer a whippy headlight balance so I would essentially prefer to play stock with enough stability for the frame to not twist on impact from heavier hits from my hitting partner.

I received the following SW’s from the measured batch and hoping to get your thoughts on which should provide enough stability once strung to not have to add lead, or at least minimize need for it:

SW 1: 283 (61 RA)
SW 2: 285 (63 RA)
SW 3: 286 (63 RA)
SW 4: 289 (62 RA)

All come in at a similar unstrung static weight between 311-312g with plastic on the handle.

I understand the feeling of stability is pretty subjective, but based on above, would any play fine in stock form without much need to add lead? I would also prefer not to add lead as it would add static weight and affect balance.

I would also likely play with 1.25 or 1.30 gauge strings to maintain lower power while still retaining whippiness.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated, thank you guys!
 
Last edited:

ajchop

New User
Hi everyone,

Interested to get Percept 97 310g users’ opinions and advice as I am ready to place an order on one of these frames.

I got my local racquet shop to measure specs of a batch of unstrung 97’s as I didn’t want to risk getting one too under or over spec.

As I understand that most agree the 97 stock SW can be a bit low and a bit unstable on off Center hits depending on how low the SW actually measures, and I prefer not to add lead if I don’t need to to add for added stability/power. Just looking to get a frame that won’t flutter too much on impact.

I am a rec player, probably 3.5 or so - provide my own power and topspin with a preference for a low-powered frame to help keep balls in the court. I appreciate a solid, stable feeling frame but also prefer a whippy headlight balance so I would essentially prefer to play stock with enough stability for the frame to not twist on impact from heavier hits from my hitting partner.

I received the following SW’s from the measured batch and hoping to get your thoughts on which should provide enough stability once strung to not have to add lead, or at least minimize need for it:

SW 1: 283 (61 RA)
SW 2: 285 (63 RA)
SW 3: 286 (63 RA)
SW 4: 289 (62 RA)

All come in at a similar unstrung static weight between 311-312g with plastic on the handle.

I understand the feeling of stability is pretty subjective, but based on above, would any play fine in stock form without much need to add lead? I would also prefer not to add lead as it would add static weight and affect balance.

I would also likely play with 1.25 or 1.30 gauge strings to maintain lower power while still retaining whippiness.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated, thank you guys!
I got two P97s and after trying (only a bit) to play them stock, I just added 5g at 3&9 and it really improved, became much more stable while remaining whippy. My raquets were a bit under spec tho (308 and 309) tho, but I still suggest you try to add at least the tiniest bit to the head, it really opens up the frame and it might stay maneouvrable enough for you.
 
I got two P97s and after trying (only a bit) to play them stock, I just added 5g at 3&9 and it really improved, became much more stable while remaining whippy. My raquets were a bit under spec tho (308 and 309) tho, but I still suggest you try to add at least the tiniest bit to the head, it really opens up the frame and it might stay maneouvrable enough for you.
Thank you for sharing I appreciate it.

So were 308 and 309 the strung swingweights or the unstrung static weights of your two frames?

What are your final swingweights with the lead tape added?

Thanks again for your reply
 

ajchop

New User
Thank you for sharing I appreciate it.

So were 308 and 309 the strung swingweights or the unstrung static weights of your two frames?

What are your final swingweights with the lead tape added?

Thanks again for your reply
308 and 309 were my stock unstrung static weights. After strings (hawk touch 1.25), an overgrip, dampener and 4g of lead tape, it ended up at 336g and 337g, sw (calculated using swingtool) ended up at 329 and 330. I estimate the actual sw to be a little bit lower, but that's where I ended up. Just keep in mind where you'll end up once you add everything you need to the racquet.
 

ajchop

New User
308 and 309 were my stock unstrung static weights. After strings (hawk touch 1.25), an overgrip, dampener and 4g of lead tape, it ended up at 336g and 337g, sw (calculated using swingtool) ended up at 329 and 330. I estimate the actual sw to be a little bit lower, but that's where I ended up. Just keep in mind where you'll end up once you add everything you need to the racquet.
Now that I see the specs written down together, I realise I just got to a 97D with a 16x19 pattern, which I actually dig! But I would love to get access to a proper measuring machine to be sure.
 
308 and 309 were my stock unstrung static weights. After strings (hawk touch 1.25), an overgrip, dampener and 4g of lead tape, it ended up at 336g and 337g, sw (calculated using swingtool) ended up at 329 and 330. I estimate the actual sw to be a little bit lower, but that's where I ended up. Just keep in mind where you'll end up once you add everything you need to the racquet.
Okay gotcha, sounds good and I’ll definitely keep that in mind.

Do you happen to recall what your unstrung swing weights were of your frames? Or the strung SW before adding lead? Thanks
 
Top