Have you hit with the 2019 HD at all? How does the 97H compare to the HD?
In anticipation of the release I’m revisiting the current lineup and the 97H is up first. I’m actually new to the 97H and it hits a super solid ball and doesn’t swing like its weight
It’s just headlight enough to get around the ball but also solid enough that it doesn’t get pushed around and you can really effortlessly slice or block balls back.
I’m not an open string pattern guy but this frame (like the VC95) for me works great on my 2H backhands. My backhand is super flat so a slightly whippier, more open string pattern allows me to come up on with the left hand a little better so I can get better shape. My 18x20s with lead at 3and9 keep the backhand trajectory super low so I’m prone to hitting long
I did drills with my student to help her hit lower balls so I stayed at net and did cross court volleys while she hit ground strokes. So so solid on volleys and I’m not a very good volleyer.
Tbh I’m not sure what I hope to see in the new version. I’m hoping it is less muted so that it has a bit more of a raw feel like an Ultra Pro but that’s more of a Yonex in its entirety for me. Maybe the Servo Filter will do this
2023 Yonex VCore Pro Racquets / 2024 Percept Racquets
- Thread starter Trip
- Start date
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
briefly and my cousins had leather on it
97H plays with a higher launch angle and the extra weight makes you swing through a lot more. its almost like my arm has extra momentum to actually hit through the ball
im about to hit with the 97D and compare with the 97D im sure itll give some better insight
djNEiGht
Legend
Hurry up!!!!
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
It’s coming just finished hitting with itHurry up!!!!
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
97D vs 97HHurry up!!!!
Both hits were with students and my other student played a little better when I was using the 97H. Today used the 97D with Purple Poly Tour Rev 17g @ 40lbs
The stringbed off the 97D was so much firmer in comparison to the 97H the firm Rev just seems to be such a dud in 18x20s. This is the 4th racket I have disliked PT Rev in. I have liked PT Rev in the VC95 and 97H and VCP310 but not in the WO 18x20, CX200T 18M, Ultra Pro, and now 97D
Anyway, the 97D seems to be just as easy swinging as the 97H except there's a bit less power and stability. the dead spots outside of the sweetspot feel more exaggerated and more prone to twisting since theres such a lack of power when youre not hitting it clean. the extra mass of the 97H also seems to do some heavy lifting in the stability dept. it almost makes your arm want to follow through with a full complete motion.
the 97D just didnt have that ease of shape on the ball. launch angle is much lower and since its also lower powered some balls just didnt feel great coming off the stringbed. this is what I am used to but the issue with the 97D is if i add a leather grip to the 97D and add lead at 3 and 9 im looking at a crazy heavy racket. my Ultra Pro and WO start at 305 so I can get it to 12oz static and its perfect
overall I like the 97D and need another hit but being reintroduced to both, at first glance the 97H seems to be easier to use. not sure if that is better or worse since actual hitting for me might require that predictability of the 97D vs the power of the 97H. when Im coaching i like the free power so i can just block balls back and swing slower
Doubles specialist
Rookie
both of those rackets are beasts and are not to be used for the faint of heart. You should be at least a 4.5 to even think of using either one of them. The launch angle of the D is def lower than the H and the H is a little more stable just because of the sheer weight but the D is a little more head light but the D is also more flexible though not as flexible as the HD I like the HD more than the D i thought it had a way better feel and more flex and it cut through the air more w the its' thinner beam. They never should have thickened the beam they claim it gave it more stability but it really ddin't need it. I was hoping they would go back to the 20mm beam. That H is just too heavy for most to use and get that racket head around with its sheer weight and SW didnt care for the feel of it either. The D and HD have much better feel for the ball; the HD has some of the best feel on a racket that I have ever used and I have used a lot! But you need to be a serious player to get the benefits of the HD and D; you have to have some serious racket head to appreciate the feel and flex of that frame as well you need some serious racket head speed to generate spin with that 18x20 but you will be rewarded with serious dwell time and feel and spin with those extra strings but the 18 x20 tend to play a little boardy which is why most 18x20's are very flexible the lone exception is the Pure strike 18x20. What happens is you have all these players who simply dont have the skills to weild these player rackets and appreciate the flex of a racket like the HD; most of the TW play testers simply dont swing hard enough to really appreciate the feel and flex of a racket with an RA south of 60. Just my .02
Pulled the trigger on a discounted VCP97H. Really not liking the name or the PJ of this new silo. Not sure it was a good decision, but I’ll now have a range of swing weights to work with in my bag, VCP97(lead @10&2, counter-balanced in the handle, 319sw) -> Blade v7 18x20(stock 329sw) -> VC95 2021(Leather grip, Sampras Power strips@10&2, 332sw -> VCP97H TBC
In anticipation of the release I’m revisiting the current lineup and the 97H is up first. I’m actually new to the 97H and it hits a super solid ball and doesn’t swing like its weight
It’s just headlight enough to get around the ball but also solid enough that it doesn’t get pushed around and you can really effortlessly slice or block balls back.
I’m not an open string pattern guy but this frame (like the VC95) for me works great on my 2H backhands. My backhand is super flat so a slightly whippier, more open string pattern allows me to come up on with the left hand a little better so I can get better shape. My 18x20s with lead at 3and9 keep the backhand trajectory super low so I’m prone to hitting long
I did drills with my student to help her hit lower balls so I stayed at net and did cross court volleys while she hit ground strokes. So so solid on volleys and I’m not a very good volleyer.
Tbh I’m not sure what I hope to see in the new version. I’m hoping it is less muted so that it has a bit more of a raw feel like an Ultra Pro but that’s more of a Yonex in its entirety for me. Maybe the Servo Filter will do this
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Just had a short hit with Percept demo/prototypes for the 97D/H, and 100/D, and they sure have better feel than the wretched VDM models. The muteness is gone and you can feel contact with the ball, and adjust with each hit to groove. Only the 97H is closest in my preferred specs, and it does have decent plow with better feel than the VDM versions of the Ezone/Vcore Tours. I did like the 97H the most because I could control hitting below knee level on the rise ground strokes from the baseline with just enough top spin and direction to clear the net with good pace and margin. I would've probably liked it a lot more when I was playing in college, with the nice feel and control, when I had the footspeed and power to use it. Nice to take big cuts at the ball, but out of my wheelhouse nowadays.
The 97D's 18x20, is just too tight a pattern for me to hit above ankle shots, especially off the backhand, with the same pace and spin. So I'd have to slice and cracked the paint a few times.
I was surprised that I liked the 18x19 100D. Once I adjusted to the denser string patten, it's surprisingly precise, something I'd have appreciated when I was transitioning to larger than 90" frames. It has enough power for 70% of the tennis I play, but against younger UTR11+ types, I'd have to grind and not have that extra power to hurt them back.
The 97D's 18x20, is just too tight a pattern for me to hit above ankle shots, especially off the backhand, with the same pace and spin. So I'd have to slice and cracked the paint a few times.
I was surprised that I liked the 18x19 100D. Once I adjusted to the denser string patten, it's surprisingly precise, something I'd have appreciated when I was transitioning to larger than 90" frames. It has enough power for 70% of the tennis I play, but against younger UTR11+ types, I'd have to grind and not have that extra power to hurt them back.
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SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
If we're talking about 100% optimal performance I don't even think 4.5s are perfectly aligned with these frames but most 4.0-4.5s are just out there for fun. these are pretty usable for those having fun there's a good chunk of free power from the mass and slightly wider beams. and it is a pretty good feeling racket all things considered (97H more so). I just think like @Sardines mentioned its pretty muted and I wish it had a more raw feeling.
I'm not a 4.5 tho so I might not really understand what a 4.5 can handle or not. wish I was a 4.5 tho my self-rating appeals keep getting denied lol. so i just sit there and watch the 4.5s play their league matches
Without giving away the farm completely, as a TennisNerd patron, I'll relay that Jonas's main early impression of the Percept 97 and 100 is that they definitely feel more solid in the hoop than the '21 VCPs, with more natural power on offer, so that's at least a step in the right direction. He's hoping to get the other Percepts (100D included) by next week, then have a public review uploaded not too long after, so we'll see soon enough. I realize his opinion is to be taken in context, but still a data point worth sharing.
The HD/D definitely get more rewarding the better your strokes become.
I can confirm this, 100%. With HD/D, and 18x20's in general, you need to keep racket head speed up, way up, in order to generate the requisite lift and spin. If your strokes get too slow, you shorten your follow-through, lose spacing, or do anything else at sub-optimal levels, your game will absolutely suffer more than it will with a 16x19. In other words, the ceiling is higher but the floor is lower.
In my personal experience with the 97D, it's a very similar situation as with the VCore 95 -- you need to pretty much be full gas at all times, non-optional (the difference versus the VC95 though is that the D has a way more consistent string bed and much higher overall stability, so at least all that effort is going into producing a more predictable outcome, on average). That said, the moment where things start going south is usually in set number 2 or 3 where I tire, even just a bit, then get lazy on a stroke or two, and inevitably I'll either dump a ball into the net because I didn't go out of my way to aggressively brush up/around for enough lift, or send a ball long because I left the face too open and didn't come over the top enough -- and I know in both instances, it's usually due to fatigue, not just a random blip in technique. All-in-all, though, I love the 97D, but it definitely requires full commitment to the cause at all times.
One final point: I'm not normally one to gate-keep racquets based on level, but in this case, as with the HD, I would agree with others in saying that unless you're a 4.5 at minimum, but more than likely a 5.0, and at least not that far off from your physical prime, you're probably better off with either a lighter or less-dense frame (or both). I know that may seem dismissive, but for those who haven't played the D/HD for at least 50 hours, do so, and I think you'll come to a similar conclusion.
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FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
This was super accurate, the HD was / is special for sure. The D was a little confusing to me, still good, but the benefit of the change wasn't necessary and the magic was kind of lost. I'm not so sure about the TW playtesters though unless you meant forum testers and not the Michelles etc.
yeah
Vicious49
Legend
I've owned the 97D about a year ago and got rid of it for this reason. I would start out well but after the 1st set would start making mistakes and I couldn't keep my RHS up on serves for an entire match.
For my level - I was recently rated by a respected coach when I had my first few lessons with him. He said he would put me at a 4.2 or 4.3. There are some strokes holding me back from being a 4.5 but I'm better 4.0 according to him.
Being the 'holic that I am I recently picked up a pair of 97D from TWE while they were on sale. The difference now is that I only use the Regna 98 in singles. For fear of a partner clashing frames with me again and chipping a $400 frame, I refuse to use them in doubles. I feel I should be able to use the 97D effectively for 3 sets of doubles as it's not grinding baseline rallies and I'm serving every 4th game instead of every other game.
delosalpes
Rookie
I hear what everyone is saying about how demanding the 97D is, but I can't seem to find any other racket that performs as well for me in match play. I don't live in the US but let's say I'm a 4.0 for argument's sake. I'm an all-court player with a OHBH who likes to finish points early, preferably at the net when the opportunity is there. I'm nearly 50 and have a "husky" frame, so I don't like to drag out points. Over the past 3 years or so, I've gone through the entire yonex line and had a 6-month stint with the gravity tour. Most recently, I had a short love affair with the new VCore 100; lots of fun but decided it's not for me and sold it. So I picked up the Ezone 98 (after also having tried the Ezone 100) and, while it does everything well, particularly serves, I don't seem to get the same court penetration or have the confidence to swing out as I do with the 97D. When I'm in the zone and have the 97D in my hand, I feel like a god on the court. But, with that said, what many of you say is true, if I'm not well positioned or don't swing confidently, there's a good chance I'll dump it into the net. I don't know, maybe the 100D is the answer.
@Vicious49 - I hear you, and yes, the 97D makes for a fantastic doubles frame -- like, potentially all-time great, provided you keep it head-light enough (I prefer >=10pts HL strung), which is easy-enough to do with 17L or 18 gauge strings and an over grip.
@delosalpes - I myself have had very nice such stints with the 97D lately, so much so that it's made me put aside my Prestige MP-L's for a few days at a time, but I eventually come back to the MP-L's and immediately feel the difference in ease-of-play from the firmer flex, springier string bed, higher launch angle and lighter static weight. Still, the 97D offers such a level of precision and ability to take massive cuts with confidence, to a degree that I've yet to experience with any other frame.
I'd be very curious to see if the Percept 100D could be the middle-ground answer for many of us. For us one-handers in particular, I'm curious to see if maneuverability is high enough, including ease of pronating the wrist and shoulder socket on topspin one-handers, and if the sweet spot is still well-defined enough to offer at least a good portion of the precise directional control you get with the 97D. We shall see!
@delosalpes - I myself have had very nice such stints with the 97D lately, so much so that it's made me put aside my Prestige MP-L's for a few days at a time, but I eventually come back to the MP-L's and immediately feel the difference in ease-of-play from the firmer flex, springier string bed, higher launch angle and lighter static weight. Still, the 97D offers such a level of precision and ability to take massive cuts with confidence, to a degree that I've yet to experience with any other frame.
I'd be very curious to see if the Percept 100D could be the middle-ground answer for many of us. For us one-handers in particular, I'm curious to see if maneuverability is high enough, including ease of pronating the wrist and shoulder socket on topspin one-handers, and if the sweet spot is still well-defined enough to offer at least a good portion of the precise directional control you get with the 97D. We shall see!
Vicious49
Legend
I'd suggest trying the Volkl C10 Pro. That's another one that has the plow through of the 97D (maybe even more so since it's 10g heavier) but with a more open 16/19 pattern. It's also pretty HL so should be easy to maneuver. Or as easy as a 330g unstrung frame can be.
@Trip Have you tried the C10 Pro? If you like the 97D that one is definitely worth a demo. But that also tires you out so it's another primarily doubles frame for me.
SupremeCourt
Rookie
Have you had the chance to hit the c10 pro with the RF97A. I want to keep the RF97A around just for a keepsake—I don’t get too tired using it but I just know it’s not giving me favors when I’m late/ on the run. Maybe the c10 pro will scratch my heavy stable racket itch? I’ve really liked the 97D and am also in the same boat where I got rid of it and now want to find another one haha.
Vicious49
Legend
I played with the RF97 for a few years. This was when I was closer to 3.0-3.5 and was using the mass of the frame to block or push balls back more than hitting the ball. I did try it again recently and it still wasn't for me. It's just too heavy for me to get any RHS. The C10 Pro feels easier to swing. The RF97 felt like a log in comparison. The C10 Pro is also very plush/comfy on impact whereas the RF97 is more stiff/direct. I can go either way so that's not a big consideration for me but I know it is for some. The C10 Pro definitely filled my heavy frame quota. I've been using it primarily for doubles lately.
djNEiGht
Legend
@SupahMan5000
cheers
I didn't really care for PTRev in the few racquets I tried it in. And some of it was the racquet itself that I didn't agree with.
I have found the strings I like in the 97D to mostly be shaped/rough 125 strings. Currently using HyperG. I'd like to try gut/poly in this racquet. I know I didn't like the 97HD (granted it was a short playtest). I am now intrigued even more to try the current/outgoing 97H.
cheers
I didn't really care for PTRev in the few racquets I tried it in. And some of it was the racquet itself that I didn't agree with.
I have found the strings I like in the 97D to mostly be shaped/rough 125 strings. Currently using HyperG. I'd like to try gut/poly in this racquet. I know I didn't like the 97HD (granted it was a short playtest). I am now intrigued even more to try the current/outgoing 97H.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
How much handle weight are you adding to the D to get to 10HL? Static weight?
I replaced the Yonex stock grip with a Gamma High-Tech synthetic, to build up the grip more in as little extra static weight as possible (probably 2-4g more than stock), then added a Volkl V-Dry over grip. That's it. No hoop lead necessary, and I'm at 347-348g w/ small rubber band dampener, 31.0cm strung balance and ~325 strung swing weight with Tourna Silver 7 Tour 1.25 mains / MSV Co-Focus Aqua 1.23 crosses. I've been thinking of experimenting with a hybrid setup to get more pop out of the string bed, although I worry about being able to corral the extra springiness when I need to... I guess we'll see at some point.
TL;DR - At 40 years old now and in better shape than I've been since I was in my early 30's, it took me almost 2 years and probably 600-700+ hours of play to "condition" myself into being able to play the 97D effectively for at least a 1-2 sets, and that's with what I think is probably a slightly under-spec frame. I'm not sure how long I can hold this level of physicality, but it's been a fun ride at least!
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That is the money spec, right there.
If I ever ordered more 97D's, it would be via matching service only, gunning for slightly under-spec to match what I've got now -- mid 290's swing weight and >11-point unstrung balance, at the beefiest. Otherwise, no deal.
delosalpes
Rookie
My 97d came in at 317.5 static weight unstrung. With tour bite 1.15, hydrosorb pro grip (no overgrip) and Sampras o ring dampener it’s at 337 static weight, 31.6cm balance point, and 323 swingweight. Very manageable.
Can you give a summary in English? Would buy you a coffee or beer for it!
tele
Professional
watched quickly and got the following-both liked the 100d a lot. power not overwhelming from any, but also none were super underpowered. they said the 97 and 97d felt more classic and had a more noticeable flex, but the 100 and 100d offered a strong feeling of "hold” (pocketing?) on the stringbed. The description of 97d made it sound like not a whole lot has changed based on my experience w 97hd amd what ppl on this forum have said about 97d. They said there were more differences between head sizes than within in terms of feel. strung with poly tour pro at 50 lbs.
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tele
Professional
haha, no worries！
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
excuse the inconsistency in play I ate a huge pulled pork sandwich and ice cream beforehand lol
so I'm loving the 97H and 97D but:
the 97H is so sick on backhands, serves, and returns. there is so much mass providing extra stability in blocking back returns. the open pattern and extra mass gives you some great action on the kick serves. and the open pattern lets me get extra shape on the backhand left arm swinging through. forehands I get more shape in rally balls but on the run when I sometimes flatten it out it can be slightly launchy. sometimes I also get caught late on inside out forehands but same with 97D. Comfort is also still better with the 97H
the 97D is like a dialed down version of the 97H. but its a lot more "reliable" i get a lower launch angle but I feel like I can swing through and know exactly what I'm getting. I am prone to those dead balls when I dont set up properly and give them a sitter. serves were great, groundstrokes great. slices have the edge here over the 97H though. returns def a bit lacking as well in comparison to the 97H. the 97H had effortless returns.
tbh i could play with either. I wish i had the 97D on forehands and 97H on backhands lol
so I'm loving the 97H and 97D but:
the 97H is so sick on backhands, serves, and returns. there is so much mass providing extra stability in blocking back returns. the open pattern and extra mass gives you some great action on the kick serves. and the open pattern lets me get extra shape on the backhand left arm swinging through. forehands I get more shape in rally balls but on the run when I sometimes flatten it out it can be slightly launchy. sometimes I also get caught late on inside out forehands but same with 97D. Comfort is also still better with the 97H
the 97D is like a dialed down version of the 97H. but its a lot more "reliable" i get a lower launch angle but I feel like I can swing through and know exactly what I'm getting. I am prone to those dead balls when I dont set up properly and give them a sitter. serves were great, groundstrokes great. slices have the edge here over the 97H though. returns def a bit lacking as well in comparison to the 97H. the 97H had effortless returns.
tbh i could play with either. I wish i had the 97D on forehands and 97H on backhands lol
Doubles specialist
Rookie
the C10 pro is a real gem but also a beast to wield. You need to have some serious skills to play with that racket and smooth and efficient strokes or like others are mentioning you will fatigue. Forget the static weight its the SW you really need to look at. Most of the hardcore player sticks are usually over 12oz but very headlight to offset the sheer weight of the frame but SW are still usually north of 330
Doubles specialist
Rookie
I am in FL and our 4.5s are full of ex college players like myself. At sectionals there is some serious tennis; a lot of us are borderline 4.5-5.0s which is exactly what you need if you want to win at sectionals little alone nationals. No offense I have seen some 4.5s in videos and they would get waxed here in FL; the play testers for TW for example their ratings are inflated but just my opinion. There is a big discrepancy at 4.5 probably the biggest of all levels IMO I get crap all the time but there are some decent teams that will get waxed by 2 elite 4.5's. The feel and flex on the HD and the D are def effected by the VDM; personally I love it especially on the HD like I said one of the best rackets I have ever played with. The combo of the 18x20 control and the super low flex of 59 and the VDM just make for a sublime feel. You are rewarded with faster swing speeds for sure you can get some serious spin with that extra dwell time you get on that soft RA. Just wish they would have brought back the thinner beam for at least the new D maybe next time; it really does make a difference and IMO "ruined" the D feeling compared to the HD.
Doubles specialist
Rookie
you really need to stick with the 18x20s you wont get the same feeling or launch angle with a 16x19. You could try the Dunlop 200 18x20 it also has a soft plush feel but you might need to add a little weight as it comes in around 11.7 strung but w their quality control the SW can vary quite a bit. You could also try the new wilson Ultra Tour Lab 18x20 that is a sweet stick too. The head prestige is also very nice very plush but I dont like their handles I am too used to the Dunlops and Yonex more rounded. I have the original Srixon Rev 2.0 95 18x20 and the newest 200 18x20 and the HD all specd exactly the same in my bag; actually they are all specd exactly like the HD. The HD isnt quite as HL as the dunlops so they had to put some lead in the head to counter balance it. But I love the feel of the sonic core on the original Srixon Revo 2.0 it is the closest I have seen to the HD just the feel of the ball at impact is second to none.
puppybutts
Hall of Fame
i have the same thoughts about the new PJ as I did with the current ezone...part of me thinks it's elegant, other part of me feels it looks like generic gift wrap. esp. with the colors, reminds me of christmas. could be worse though, I'll choose to embrace it, it does look quite sharp from certain angles.
I am a fan of changing the name - designating it as the "pro" version of the vcore line was always a little odd. but percept is just too uncommon of a word. I think their interpretation of the word is a little off too; I feel they meant it as a verb (perceive) without realizing it's a noun.
I am a fan of changing the name - designating it as the "pro" version of the vcore line was always a little odd. but percept is just too uncommon of a word. I think their interpretation of the word is a little off too; I feel they meant it as a verb (perceive) without realizing it's a noun.
Doubles specialist
Rookie
Unless you are an elite 4.5 or 5.0 you shouldn't even think about using the H it is just too heavy you wont have the strokes to use it a strung weight of over 12 oz and a sw of 330. The HD is a better racket than the D IMO. They ruined the D when they increased the flex and the beam width by 1 mm it make not seem like a lot but it had an incredible impact on how the racket feels and performs they also changed the throat design. You also need to be a very strong 4.5 at minimum to use the D or HD with their high 11.7 strung weights and 325 plus SW. There are way too many average players out there using Poly and players rackets that just dont have the skills to wield these sticks or swing hard enough and hit the ball with enough spin to use the low flex and the poly strings; just my .o2.
tele
Professional
have you played with a recent prestige？ if anything, the tk82s pallets feel more rounded/square than dunlop handles.
ttlapointe
Rookie
ForehandDrive
New User
They can play a lot better than they can speak about a racquet lol
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
So the percept is replacing Vcore ? i sure hope they make this in extended version with Low swing weight ...............
replacing VCore Pro (its the same mold so... not a shock)So the percept is replacing Vcore ? i sure hope they make this in extended version with Low swing weight ...............
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
no. Percept is "replacing" Vcore Pro the purple and green. it's more so a rebrandSo the percept is replacing Vcore ? i sure hope they make this in extended version with Low swing weight ...............
Red Vcore maintains
FrankyRelax
Professional
I had no real interest but now I'm intrigued as I hear that they feel a little stiffer
