2023 Yonex VCore Pro Racquets / 2024 Percept Racquets

[Doubles specialist]

Trip,

Here are my suggestions to be made for the 2023 Vcore Pro Line Up based on your preferences & I hope Yonex makes these changes for the better:
- Power: increase string spacing on the mains & crosses for all 97s
- Beam: Go back to 20mm for all 97s or smaller frames
- Feel: Keep VDM
- Balance: make it 8 or 9 pts headlight instead of 7pts
- Flex: Go 62 RA max
- Frame Size: Introduce a 95 model & a 90sq inch model for players that like small & slightly heavier frames.

they will never come out with a 90 sq in they would sell so few of them they would lose money on it. Their 95 sq in is in the Vcore line; personally i think they should make the 95 in the Vcore Pro line with an 18x20 now that would be a sweet stick even more maneuverable than the 97 but they dont do that either even though the 95 Vcore is like a fish out of water in that line it really should be in the Vcore Pro line with a thinner beam and an 18x20 the ultimate players racket! We can only wish.

 

[ozbikebuddy]

they will never come out with a 90 sq in they would sell so few of them they would lose money on it. Their 95 sq in is in the Vcore line; personally i think they should make the 95 in the Vcore Pro line with an 18x20 now that would be a sweet stick even more maneuverable than the 97 but they dont do that either even though the 95 Vcore is like a fish out of water in that line it really should be in the Vcore Pro line with a thinner beam and an 18x20 the ultimate players racket! We can only wish.

I agree, I'd love then to do some like the old Ti-80 Mid (88sqin), but maybe a lil more modern say a 93sqin, Now that would be be pretty sweet too IMO (even ins a 16/18 pattern like the last Prestige mid was).

 

[LemonadePizza]

I had a hit with the 100 last week. I don't know much about rackets. I've played with an Ezone 100 for the last few years and prior to that had the same racket for a decade – but I loved playing with the Percept 100. Vs the Ezone of the same weight it felt a more manoeuvrable frame and much more comfortable on impact. I do think the Ezone asks quite a lot from your arm, so I'm interested in making a switch.

Now I'm curious about the 100D. My shot trajectory is already quite high – I play loopier groundstrokes with a lot of top. In theory, what would happen if a player like me played with the denser string bed of the 100D?

 

[Automatix]

I agree, I'd love then to do some like the old Ti-80 Mid (88sqin), but maybe a lil more modern say a 93sqin, Now that would be be pretty sweet too IMO (even ins a 16/18 pattern like the last Prestige mid was).

I'd love to see Yonex reissue the TI-70 line-up.

 

[A_Instead]

What Yonex needs is current ATP Grand Slam Champion..
Its been a long time since Stan the Man held that accolade..

 

[delosalpes]

What Yonex needs is current ATP Grand Slam Champion..
Its been a long time since Stan the Man held that accolade..

Tiafoe's gonna come out with the new Percept paintjob and win the US Open. Perfect timing.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Tiafoe's gonna come out with the new Percept paintjob and win the US Open. Perfect timing.

We can all dream

 

[EggSalad]

What Yonex needs is current ATP Grand Slam Champion..
Its been a long time since Stan the Man held that accolade..

That would be nice but a kind of tall order given the big 3ms dominance and their sponsorships.

I’d love to see Tommy Paul break through a win a major. Doesn’t seem likely at this time but I love watching him play.

On the women’s side, Yonex is pretty much dominating.

 

[DanTheMan1972]

Yonex Percept Tennis Racquets | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[DanTheMan1972]

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Prediction: 100D will be over-hyped.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Prediction: 100D will be over-hyped.

not sure about overhyped...I think it is just an interesting spec that many ppl want to try out

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

not sure about overhyped...I think it is just an interesting spec that many ppl want to try out

I trust you , but the amount of chatter about it doesn't really match the amount of rec play styles that would be well suited to use it.

 

[Trip]

Now I'm curious about the 100D. My shot trajectory is already quite high – I play loopier groundstrokes with a lot of top. In theory, what would happen if a player like me played with the denser string bed of the 100D?

Only one way to find out -- try it! You may end up liking it, but as most denser patterns do require, it's probably going to be most compatible with a more eastern/flatter/drive-y type ground stroke style, versus a more western/swipier/loopier style.

the amount of chatter about [the 100D] doesn't really match the amount of rec play styles that would be well suited to use it.

You may be right FYB. Nonetheless, it's a somewhat-novel drill pattern that at least a certain subset of players have been asking for, so for Yonex to make it a reality shows that they're at least listening to their prospective customer base to some degree, and it may actually end up being a fit for more players than you think.

 

[Paul Y]

Played with the 100D, it is definitely different but I felt like it doesn’t really feel 7HL more like 3. I added weight 6g to the trap door and it felt much better on groundstrokes but had to add 2 grams to the 10/2 as serves felt anemic.

 

[am1899]

I'd love to see Yonex reissue the TI-70 line-up.

I like it!

I’d also be up for a Super RD Tour resurgence!

 

[Vicious49]

Only one way to find out -- try it! You may end up liking it, but as most denser patterns do require, it's probably going to be most compatible with a more eastern/flatter/drive-y type ground stroke style, versus a more western/swipier/loopier style.


You may be right FYB. Nonetheless, it's a somewhat-novel drill pattern that at least a certain subset of players have been asking for, so for Yonex to make it a reality shows that they're at least listening to their prospective customer base to some degree, and it may actually end up being a fit for more players than you think.

That would be me - more eastern/flat hitter.

Why would it not suit most rec players? It's a 100" frame. The Speed Pro is a 100" with an 18/20 pattern. Why would this one be so different?

 

[am1899]

not sure about overhyped...I think it is just an interesting spec that many ppl want to try out

Agreed, interesting spec.

Ironically, I just strung an old racquet at work the other day, a Head Genesis 660. I was surprised by the pattern: 18x19.

 

[tophersuwita]

It will be (as Yonex makes very excellent rackets) good lineup, but my concern with this "control" rackets is: do we majority of rec players can utilize them optimally, particularly against PA98 everywhere after Alcaraz win last Wimbledon? Isn't weighted Radical MP/Pro easier and more forgiving? Yea I know Percept feel will be superior, but in shots trading imo only advanced players thrive with it.

 

[delosalpes]

 

[tophersuwita]

@ttlapointe - THANK YOU for picking up this ATT video -- BY FAR the best video review so far, and the most encouraging yet for the Percept!

Video Take-aways:
- All Percepts have more graphite in the hoop than their '21 VCP counterparts, and feel more stable, crisp, firm and powerful in stock form (QUADRUPLE YES!)
- Because feel is more crisp/direct and the hoops have been firmed up, the Percepts are much more universally string-compatible than the VCPs (which really needed CRISP strings, almost exclusively, to get enough feel)
- P97 - more firm, crisp, stable, powerful than the '21 VCP 97, full-on automatic switch for the VCP 97 play-tester
- P97H - still a lot of plow, slightly faster and more playable spec than the VCP97H, a possible switch for a play-tester currently using an EZone Tour
- P97D - amazing all the way around, very much impressed an ITF Futures level player who normally used a PS97 v13
- P100D - 18x19 offer surprising amount of spin; not as high-powered as maybe hoped, but still very adequate

If this is the direction Yonex are headed with all of their lines, then things are looking good!

I use EZ Tour and really satisfied with its serve/plow/all-court playability. Interesting that someone using this racket likes much heavier 97H better. I like VC95 but its headlight makes plow a bit difficult

 

[Dimcorner]

it's great to live near the TW warehouse!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Only one way to find out -- try it! You may end up liking it, but as most denser patterns do require, it's probably going to be most compatible with a more eastern/flatter/drive-y type ground stroke style, versus a more western/swipier/loopier style.


You may be right FYB. Nonetheless, it's a somewhat-novel drill pattern that at least a certain subset of players have been asking for, so for Yonex to make it a reality shows that they're at least listening to their prospective customer base to some degree, and it may actually end up being a fit for more players than you think.

I would love to get a deep dive into the marketing or business planning meetings for Yonex. I know they can't be accused of american style marketing or hype. But, on the other hand the 100D is an interesting...."this is new" offering and even though I know some people on the forums are excited and want this kind of racket, is that 100 people, is it 10,000 people, did any of these people contact Yonex, is anyone in Tokyo reading these forums and reacting?

I doubt it. I think it would be very presumptuous to assume the 100D came from forum comments. And I doubt people are emailing Yonex about the desire for the 100d. Japan is the mystery too, did their customers there
ask for it?

I would love to know, would be fun to have more behind the scenes videos detailing the planning stages of racket releases.

 

[SupahMan5000]

it's great to live near the TW warehouse!

i wonder what string is on the P97

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

That would be me - more eastern/flat hitter.

Why would it not suit most rec players? It's a 100" frame. The Speed Pro is a 100" with an 18/20 pattern. Why would this one be so different?

It will be (as Yonex makes very excellent rackets) good lineup, but my concern with this "control" rackets is: do we majority of rec players can utilize them optimally, particularly against PA98 everywhere after Alcaraz win last Wimbledon? Isn't weighted Radical MP/Pro easier and more forgiving? Yea I know Percept feel will be superior, but in shots trading imo only advanced players thrive with it.

In a way, what Topher is saying, I'd give a majority of rec players an Ezone 98 as a good racket.

 

[am1899]

i wonder what string is on the P97

Poly tour drive?

 

[EggSalad]

i wonder what string is on the P97

White Poly Tour Rev in the mains?

No idea about what looks to be a grey/silver cross.

 

[delosalpes]

I don't understand the persistence of this dogma that rec players can't benefit from a control-oriented racquets. Wouldn't most rec players benefit from greater precision and control, not to mention confidence when taking a full, proper swing? At least this rec player favors those attributes over easy power and "spin potential". Aren't we always told to focus more on shot placement and consistency over power?

 

[Dimcorner]

i wonder what string is on the P97

"Tennis Only Proto P6"
No clue what that means...

The 100d has PTGP 125. what does the G stand for?

 

[SupahMan5000]

"Tennis Only Proto P6"
No clue what that means...

P6 1.30mm Tennis Only String Silver | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[!<-_->!]

"Tennis Only Proto P6"
No clue what that means...

The 100d has PTGP 125. what does the G stand for?

That's unfortunate. I remember that Proto string being stiff as a board the last time I got a demo from TW. Instantly returned the racket because there was no way I was hitting a demo that felt hard as a rock. It was on a CX200 Tour 18x20 so that frame inherently isn't a stiff one.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I don't understand the persistence of this dogma that rec players can't benefit from a control-oriented racquets. Wouldn't most rec players benefit from greater precision and control, not to mention confidence when taking a full, proper swing? At least this rec player favors those attributes over easy power and "spin potential". Aren't we always told to focus more on shot placement and consistency over power?

Yes, it's just generalizations. Probably a larger group that would benefit from an Ezone 100 though than a Precept 97,, errr Percept, the P, the P is what I will call it. If a rec player can do everything you wrote about or is super serious about it, I think a P would be great. Also, I don't think an Ezone 100 or a P would make a match winning difference in most matches at the rec level, the better player will win.

 

[Vicious49]

I don't understand the persistence of this dogma that rec players can't benefit from a control-oriented racquets. Wouldn't most rec players benefit from greater precision and control, not to mention confidence when taking a full, proper swing? At least this rec player favors those attributes over easy power and "spin potential". Aren't we always told to focus more on shot placement and consistency over power?

I'm the same way. I prefer lower powered control frames over spin and power. But I'm not a 100" fan so the 100 or 100D wouldn't be for me regardless.

 

[SupahMan5000]

I don’t think there’s a one answer fits all

But at the higher level there’s more of a need for power to keep up with the big hitters and higher pace. And more skilled players can usually tame the power a lot better with good technique and feel over their shots

The issue with Control oriented rackets for Rec players isn’t really the lack of power it’s really the tougher weight to manage. It can be a cause of injuries or wear their level of play down over time

 

[TW Staff]

P6 1.30mm Tennis Only String Silver | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

The stiffness is within tolerances of Solinco Hyper-G 16. In addition to lab testing, the TW web edit staff tested it extensively on court. It has better tension maintenance than many of the polys we typically use for demos. Although we don't think it's an extremely stiff poly (230+), we wouldn't recommend it to non-poly players or those who require a soft starter poly. We also have quite a few people who have called to order it.

Jon

 

[GabeFSU]

Tiafoe's gonna come out with the new Percept paintjob and win the US Open. Perfect timing.

Watched Tiafoe play with the Percept colorway in D.C. tourney Friday. Looked nice with matching bag and the colors suited his style.

 

[om panda]

One review from japanese tester.

Anyway, on my way to order Percept 104 from Japan.........

 

[Yamin]

97H seems kinda lost with its new specs....Review didn't seem too enthusiastic and 330 SW for 330 gram doesn't sound great either.

I don't recall any stability issues with the previous D, had an issue with lift but might be the better move..

 

[Blade_X]

Prediction: 100D will be over-hyped.

All yonex racquets are over hyped the last 2 years. It’s the amazing made in Japan factory that do wonders

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

All yonex racquets are over hyped the last 2 years. It’s the amazing made in Japan factory that do wonders

Whoah now, Ezone 98 is ammmmmazing. The future is Yonex. Domo Aregato?

 

[Power Player]

Its a tough call because I personally noticed a difference going from the new Pure Aero Plus to the PK Q+. The power on the PK is pretty high, which is interesting since it is a 21.5mm beam and a 64RA. Plus the pattern is considered to be pretty closed with 8 throat mains and 20 crosses.

The 100D on paper has a thicker beam and higher RA which you would think would give it more power, but the prior PK Q+ XL was compared to the pure drive in terms of power, which is wild. So I am guessing the Percept D could benefit from a boost in SW, and that lower 318 is keeping it lower in power. If I got one, I'd add .25 to it.

From there you would have a nice HL balanced 100 frame with a 23mm beam and a lot of control. I feel like it would be a good frame for intermediate and up players. I think there is something to a tighter pattern and a 100 head size.But I hit with SW grip and a lot of spin, but I still like to drive the ball a good amount. The PK lets me hit high and deep or into tight spots so the versatility is there.

It's a pretty cool offering by YY either way. Not many tighter 100s out there, but the ones that exist are all loved by their users (PK Q+, Solinco Whiteout 18x20 XL, Head Gravity Pro).

 

[wassamara]

 

[wassamara]

The grommets are pretty cool. They are dark green, a bit transparent.

 

[wassamara]

100

97

 

[wassamara]

Wanted to buy the 97D, but only September. I currently play with the 97HD. Have a 97D. But couldn't resist. Purchased the 97. TAKE MY MONEEEY.

 

[WYK]

Prediction: 100D will be over-hyped.

It's basically their version of the Gravity Tour/Speed Pro/Shift/Prestige 18x19 etc etc. Obviously there's a market for it.

 

[johnmccabe]

Our Yonex rep was kind enough to give me a Percept 100D to test drive. Given it’s the newest addition to the VCP family, I was most interested in trying it first even though I’m currently using the ‘21 97H and 97D.
Couple of notes:
The demo was weighed, balanced, and swung weighted both with and without strings. All within spec with minimal variance, but we already knew this.
The demo is a 1/4 grip and I typically use 1/2 to 5/8 so had to double up on overgrip just so it wouldn’t feel like a pencil in my hand.
It was strung with PTP 1.20 @ 53 lbs.
Played with it twice. 1st was a relatively full hitting session, 2nd just on practice wall.

Takeaways:
1. The 18x19 pattern is immediately noticeable. The launch is significantly lower vs 100 16x19. Spin is there for the asking but definitely requires some adjustments. So for those currently using the 100 16x19 but feel the ball can take off or have difficulty flattening it out when needed, this 100D certainly addresses this as the racket definitively plays more linearly with far less “surprises”.
2. Gone is their VDM in the handle. That’s been replaced with their Servo-tech material. Whereas VDM was limited to the handle, Servo-tech is a material that’s placed in between the graphite layup and serves as both a dampening material but also allows for more even flexing and an appreciably improved dwell time. It’s subtle yet definitely impactful in terms of responsiveness and connection to the ball. The 100D feels muted but not in the same manner as the ‘19 or ‘21 VCP’s.
3. The RA for the 100D is listed at 66 which would make it the firmest of the lot. It was noticeable during both sessions but in a good way! The hitting surface felt plenty stable at impact but in no way harsh. I attribute that to the Servo-tech. This slight bump imo helps give it a slight bump in power which helps offset the denser string pattern.
4. At 305g unstrung & a swing weight of approx 318 kg/cm2, the frame is by and large stable on all shots. Where I felt it really shined was at net. The racket felt quite maneuverable and volleys were direct with really good accuracy and just felt great in general. Even lasers tagged at me felt that it more than held its own. Really a pleasant surprise tbh!
Groundies were predictable. FH you could go after the ball and had to really focus on getting under the ball to generate topspin. It compels you to swing fast and through the ball to get the most out of it. This was more evident on the BH. I’m a 1HBH player and felt when coming over the ball, you really have to commit to the shot and pull the trigger. Anything less than and you’re guaranteed a short, lesser than response. Defending or blocking/redirecting was not as forgiving. This is where an additional 5-10g would be most welcomed. Slice was quite good and consistent.
Serves were also consistent and predictable in terms of control and placement. Doesn’t have enough plough to really blast the ball so agsin, requires good technique and commitment to go after it. Same can be said for returns. You get what you give it and the lower swing weight can definitely be felt when you don’t properly connect with the ball.

Summary: for those that like the buttery old school feel of the ‘21 100 but want more directional control, the 100D should be on your very short list. improved ball connection and slight bump in firmness on impact really shines at net. A little lacking in terms of plough when redirecting or blocking shots as well as on returns but can easily be remedied.
All in all, a solid addition to the lineup.

How does the sweet spot size of 100D compare to other 18x20 frames you tried before?

 

[Yamin]

The stiffness is within tolerances of Solinco Hyper-G 16. In addition to lab testing, the TW web edit staff tested it extensively on court. It has better tension maintenance than many of the polys we typically use for demos. Although we don't think it's an extremely stiff poly (230+), we wouldn't recommend it to non-poly players or those who require a soft starter poly. We also have quite a few people who have called to order it.

Jon

Hi Jon, just some feedback for the team. Over the past year I decided not to buy/ reversed my decision on rackets due to this string being used in the demos. Some feedback was shared previously in other threads that it was causing TE, that the tension is too high for hollow rackets under 320 SW/high stiffness rackets, and causes insane buzzing/pinging in some rackets. The string and tension combo is damaging for anyone that hits harder and makes it hard to gauge the properties of the rackets. The high tension maintenance and high stiffness is a good combo for cutting costs but I can't see it helping sales.

 

[Dimcorner]

I will be hitting with it tomorrow night and can't wait!

What I currently play with is the dark blue 97Pro 310+little lead or my 2019 vcore98+litte more lead.
I am also carrying around a new Ezone 98 (my brother's) and a 23 Vcore 100 (for the lazy days).
My brother has 2 '19 Vcore 95's.

 

[naturalexponent]

Review for the 97 is up!