Torps
Semi-Pro
counted 18x19 as well.. Walmart Agassi now real Agassi rocking the 100D lol
2023 Yonex VCore Pro Racquets / 2024 Percept Racquets
- Thread starter Trip
- Start date
I didn’t think much about it at the time, but I liked the 97D by far the best of all rackets I was demoing earlier this year. It also happens to have a recoil weight closest to my recommendation.
For me it seems to make sense.
Her feet never stop moving, even when the ball is going to Agassi.
I was thinking her footwork is better than his
Best footwork out of any player. I showed my son her footwork video on YouTube when he was young.I was thinking her footwork is better than his
Pooschnikens
Rookie
To my knowledge no. Prince, Donnay, Head, now Yonex? Correct me if I missed any other brands. Assuming he’s not signed on with anyone, he’s free to hit with whatever he likes. That’s a solid endorsement seeing an icon of the game hit with the brand of the moment.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Dude just loves him some 18x19
HolyMountain
Rookie
I LOVED the previous several versions of the Vcore pro...but just could not get on with this one. Felt dead to me, tried several versions as well.
SupremeCourt
Rookie
Has anyone tested the 100d and vc 98 tour back to back ?—mostly wondering about maneuverability between the two.
Last edited:
My favorite VCore Pro was the 97... super maoeuvrability, good spin, with a controllable launch angle, decently powerfull and loved the control. I serve bombs with it (my strong shot)
I have a Percept 97 on order, should come soon. Will keep it stock. I tried the 100 and found it really too powerful especially given my technique and my lack of spin. I always feel I have to hold back when I play, especially with my forehand.
Can't wait for my 97, will string it with Wasabi.
Don't understant the lack of interest for it in this thread... I don't really know the level of each one here, but I have really some doubts about everybody being able to play with the 97D haha
I have a Percept 97 on order, should come soon. Will keep it stock. I tried the 100 and found it really too powerful especially given my technique and my lack of spin. I always feel I have to hold back when I play, especially with my forehand.
Can't wait for my 97, will string it with Wasabi.
Don't understant the lack of interest for it in this thread... I don't really know the level of each one here, but I have really some doubts about everybody being able to play with the 97D haha
David Le
Hall of Fame
2018 Vcore 98 Galaxy Black
Pooschnikens
Rookie
In stock form, the Vcore tour definitely feels a lot more substantive both in terms of static and swing weight. Add to that the difference in terms of balance point and you really notice the difference right away.
Post customization I had the 100D within 6 grams of the modified tour (leather grip swap only). It still doesn’t quite have that innate heft in hand, though closer.
MSUspartans777
New User
The Percept 97 is my current favorite stick. In stock form it feels really stable compared to the last couple of generations. Access to spin is really easy and it feels like you can point/shoot anywhere on the court. Despite this, I still think a little customization is great for this racquet. Leather and a couple grams at 10/2 made the plow-through even better. Really rewards you when you hit out.
I love the 97D stock a lot as well. However, with the way I customize the Percept the differences in static/swing weight aren't too much different so it appeals. to me.
Hope that helps.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
Giron talking a bit about his switch to the 97D. PT Rev in the mains and PTP in the crosses.
I dont get it...
Just got my Percept 97. Perfectly on specs
310gr, 31cm balance. SW untrung with my Briffidi: 290
Can't get better than this...
Strung it with wasabi and put an overgrip and dampener.... SW is now.... 328!!!
How can this be?! 30 SW point is the max I ever got when strung... usually closer to 25-28 points. tried other référence frames... they are ok....
I really don't get it... is wasabi that heavy? Balance is right at 32cm strung so...
Mystery
Just got my Percept 97. Perfectly on specs
310gr, 31cm balance. SW untrung with my Briffidi: 290
Can't get better than this...
Strung it with wasabi and put an overgrip and dampener.... SW is now.... 328!!!
How can this be?! 30 SW point is the max I ever got when strung... usually closer to 25-28 points. tried other référence frames... they are ok....
I really don't get it... is wasabi that heavy? Balance is right at 32cm strung so...
Mystery
daman sidhu
Rookie
Yes, Toroline strings are really heavy. I noticed that too when I strung them as there was a much bigger increase in swing weight compared to my other racket which was strung with PTR. I had to move and reduce the weighted strips on my racket to match the one strung with PTR.
TwinCinema
Semi-Pro
And don't forget that a dampener adds about another 3 pts of SW. Crazy but true!
delosalpes
Rookie
Are you using the yonex dampener? If you like a dampener, try a rubber band or the Tourna Sampra O ring. the sampras dampener is under 2 grams the yonex is 4g. Also, maybe try Wasabi/Enso pro next time around maybe. That's what I have in one of my 97s, but I have weight at 10&2. I'll re-measure my swingweight and let you know what that looks like.
wassamara
Rookie
I have been playing with 97HD and P97D. The feel on the P97D is a lot better, but it seemed it was lacking the punch from the 97HD.
I have tried MSV strings, Hyper G, Yonex PTP, all in the 1.10-1.18 gauge around 41-44lbs.
Then I strung with GrappleSnake Game Changer (Gray) and it was great. Loads of spin. Balls bouncing very high. Second kick serve was a bit of a sitter due to the amount of spin on the ball but I will adapt the swing motion in order to make it more effective.
I will try this string on the 97HD to compare. But the P97D shined a lot more with this string. It is just a pain to string it.
I also strung on the VCORE 98 2023 and it was not that great. Too much spin. Some balls were landing too short, others flying a bit long. So I dont think that this string compliments the VCORE 98.
I have tried MSV strings, Hyper G, Yonex PTP, all in the 1.10-1.18 gauge around 41-44lbs.
Then I strung with GrappleSnake Game Changer (Gray) and it was great. Loads of spin. Balls bouncing very high. Second kick serve was a bit of a sitter due to the amount of spin on the ball but I will adapt the swing motion in order to make it more effective.
I will try this string on the 97HD to compare. But the P97D shined a lot more with this string. It is just a pain to string it.
I also strung on the VCORE 98 2023 and it was not that great. Too much spin. Some balls were landing too short, others flying a bit long. So I dont think that this string compliments the VCORE 98.
I demoed both the 100 and 100D and for me they felt very different. My current (soon to be “last") frame is the 2021 vcore pro 97, and coming from that baseline, for me the 100 was nearly un-playable. It felt big and awkward and similar to when I demoed the ezone 100, I felt like I had no idea where the ball was going when I hit it. Just no sense at all of the feeling of control and precision I’m used to from the VCP 97.
The 100D (stock), on the other hand, feels very much like a 97 (control and feel-wise) but with a little more pop and more forgiveness. It’s exactly what I was looking for when I decided to demo some new frames. I bought a pair and my VCP 97’s are going into the closet.
delosalpes
Rookie
I've settled on 4g total at 10+2 each and some tungsten in the butt(cap). How much weight did you add and what strings are you using? Maybe a thicker guage will increase swingweight and add some additional substance to the racquet face. I'm enjoying Lux NG 1.25 crossed with grapplesnake tour m8 in one of my 97s.
Has anyone felt some arm pain with the Percept 100 and 100D with a full poly setup?!
I really like that frame but it feels much more stiff than a control raquet should...
Looked at TWU and was not surprised to see the vibration at 148... definitely in the "pain zone"...
Currently comtemplating to switch back to Gravity MP or Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x20.
Always the same... a tradoff between stability and comfort..
I really like that frame but it feels much more stiff than a control raquet should...
Looked at TWU and was not surprised to see the vibration at 148... definitely in the "pain zone"...
Currently comtemplating to switch back to Gravity MP or Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x20.
Always the same... a tradoff between stability and comfort..
Thanks for the response. I tried 3g at 12 on one frame and 3g total at 10+2 and also 1g at 12 on another frame. I have been using Babolat VS gut mains 1.30 with YPTP 1.25 and VS 1.30 with MSV Swift 1.30.
daman sidhu
Rookie
I definitely feel some stiffness in the 97D though it's less stiff than the 100's. I am stringing poly's low to compensate. What's the tension you are using?
delosalpes
Rookie
Maybe try the 97H and/or the VCore Tour. Probably not the answer youre looking for but not sure there's more you can do really other than add more weight...but my guess is there's a ceiling which may not be as high as you'd like it to be. I mean...it's a control racquet.
22kg (48 lbs) wasabi carbon x caviar
daman sidhu
Rookie
I've strung my Toroline at the same tension as well and so far it seems to be ok. I have had tennis elbow in the past so I am sensitive to this stuff as well.
Maybe try 44lbs and give it another go?
Torps
Semi-Pro
Not really.. I had to move to a gut/poly setup last spring/summer to stave off some arm issues and keep playing. After swapping to the 100D, I’ve gone back to a full bed of poly. Albeit at a lower tension due to the dense pattern/low power.. Went from 47/45 to around the 42/40 lbs. I’d agree though that the feel of the 100D is probably my least favourite thing about this frame. It’s not raw in a good way like the Regna. TBH if you can handle the weight of the P97D it plays just about as forgiving as the 100D. I personally can’t play my best after an hour or so with it.
wonder why is there a spacing between the lead tape at 12
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
Leaves space for the mount on a stringing machine.
Finally broke down and purchased a 100D. First hit went well, won our doubles match 6-4, 4-6, 10-8. I think I added a little bit too much weight at the head. It felt good but I usually like very head light racquets, so I'm going to take some of it off. I don't know the specs right now, I'm just customizing based on feel and will measure specs once I dial it in.
Hit some great shots though. Lots of touch/drop volleys, some dippers to the net players' feet, good slices, some strong drives, flat, kick, and slice serves. Currently have Prince Diablo at 50/46 and loving it.
Hit some great shots though. Lots of touch/drop volleys, some dippers to the net players' feet, good slices, some strong drives, flat, kick, and slice serves. Currently have Prince Diablo at 50/46 and loving it.
Hey guys, I've been hitting with the 100D for the last ..month? playing 3/4 hours a week and winning a couple of -really easy matches- in the club league. 6/0 6/0, 6/4 6/1, 6/0 6/1...not my type of players, but since I'm new, I started from the ground.
Now when practicing with other players that hit a little bit harder, I've been noticing the 100D is lacking of plow...it's hard to describe, it is like an anemic racket. I've never added weight to a racket before, but maybe it's time time to give it a try since I like the frame. My 2 HBH is great when I hit the ball right on time, but I've been struggling with my drive, I guess I need to move more my legs and hit the ball trying to go forward.
Now regarding the weight, what should I try? 1gr at 3/9/12? that means adding 3gr to the racket, right?
Now when practicing with other players that hit a little bit harder, I've been noticing the 100D is lacking of plow...it's hard to describe, it is like an anemic racket. I've never added weight to a racket before, but maybe it's time time to give it a try since I like the frame. My 2 HBH is great when I hit the ball right on time, but I've been struggling with my drive, I guess I need to move more my legs and hit the ball trying to go forward.
Now regarding the weight, what should I try? 1gr at 3/9/12? that means adding 3gr to the racket, right?
djNEiGht
Legend
I'm not saying that adding weight won't help but for me when I start to hit with heavier hitters than I'm used to, I find myself hitting late. Maybe the shot is getting to you faster than you are used to so you aren't hitting in your optimal strike zone.
with adding the weight you mentioned, keep in mind that you are also tipping the balance. Consider adding weight on the handle as well to counter if you don't want to alter the balance. Experiment with your placement. but prob just add some at 12 to start. Cut some 1g strips and put in your bag and add to 3/9 if you feel that 12 isn't enough.
with adding the weight you mentioned, keep in mind that you are also tipping the balance. Consider adding weight on the handle as well to counter if you don't want to alter the balance. Experiment with your placement. but prob just add some at 12 to start. Cut some 1g strips and put in your bag and add to 3/9 if you feel that 12 isn't enough.
Honza
Semi-Pro
yeah, 3 and 9 is a very good place for plow and stability. the further north you put the lead, the more power you generate (if you can handle additional weight).
i would start with like 2g and 2g at 3 and 9 and alternate from there.
I have three VCore Pro 97Ds and one HD.
I've only strung two of the 97Ds but with a Kimony 3g weight at 12 they both weigh 347g with strings and over-grip.
I really like them. Tons of control and very comfortable.
I have a Graphene Touch and 360+ Mid which have slightly more free power from the extra stiffness, but the sweet spots are much smaller.
I've only strung two of the 97Ds but with a Kimony 3g weight at 12 they both weigh 347g with strings and over-grip.
I really like them. Tons of control and very comfortable.
I have a Graphene Touch and 360+ Mid which have slightly more free power from the extra stiffness, but the sweet spots are much smaller.
How does the Percept 97 compare with the 100D? in terms of power, control, comfort, access to spin, or any other observations? What have people found that they liked more in one over the other?
I understand that the 100D definitely has a lower launch angle than the 97, but how much 'access to spin' would one lose from the 97 to the 100D? -- after all, the 100D is still a larger head size, which means the string density could be 'close' to the 97's string density.
I understand that the 100D definitely has a lower launch angle than the 97, but how much 'access to spin' would one lose from the 97 to the 100D? -- after all, the 100D is still a larger head size, which means the string density could be 'close' to the 97's string density.
Brian11785
Hall of Fame
I ended up buying the 100D. Went to a drill with it and then hit with a friend. First league match will be Tuesday.
Thoughts:
I put some lead at 3 and 9 and added an overgrip. About 330g with dampener. About 15-20 grams lighter than what I'm used to (Duel G 310 with leather grip and 3 and 9 lead). I definitely feel the lower power from the lack of weight, but that is offset by the increased stiffness. When I take a full cut of the ball, good things happen. But if not.....can't rely on the mass power with this one like with the Duel G. Volleys (not my strong suit) were quite nice, maybe my favorite stroke relative to my old racquet, again increased maneuverability and stiffness probably help there. Serves were similar to groundstrokes....nice when it was nice. But any non-fluidity was punished.....with a weak shot and a little bit of a harshness feeling.
I got it strung with Velocity MLT (pink.....looks great...think I'm in the minority of people that really like the paintjob) at 55. Feels pretty stiff in this stick, even for a multi. Just bought a second one and had it strung with Poly Tour Pro @ 42. Hopefully my fragile joints can handle that. Gonna experiment with strings and tensions. But I imagine I'll stay pretty low. Might go 50 with a multi or syn gut next time. I've demoed the 97H and played with just about every stick in the Vcore Pro generations that replaced the Duel G, and I've never felt one this stiff. I actually enjoy it, but hope my wrist and elbow hold up.
Thoughts:
I put some lead at 3 and 9 and added an overgrip. About 330g with dampener. About 15-20 grams lighter than what I'm used to (Duel G 310 with leather grip and 3 and 9 lead). I definitely feel the lower power from the lack of weight, but that is offset by the increased stiffness. When I take a full cut of the ball, good things happen. But if not.....can't rely on the mass power with this one like with the Duel G. Volleys (not my strong suit) were quite nice, maybe my favorite stroke relative to my old racquet, again increased maneuverability and stiffness probably help there. Serves were similar to groundstrokes....nice when it was nice. But any non-fluidity was punished.....with a weak shot and a little bit of a harshness feeling.
I got it strung with Velocity MLT (pink.....looks great...think I'm in the minority of people that really like the paintjob) at 55. Feels pretty stiff in this stick, even for a multi. Just bought a second one and had it strung with Poly Tour Pro @ 42. Hopefully my fragile joints can handle that. Gonna experiment with strings and tensions. But I imagine I'll stay pretty low. Might go 50 with a multi or syn gut next time. I've demoed the 97H and played with just about every stick in the Vcore Pro generations that replaced the Duel G, and I've never felt one this stiff. I actually enjoy it, but hope my wrist and elbow hold up.
So for me, the 97 and the 100D are very close in terms of launch angle and access to spin. I’ve been playing with the 2021 vcore pro 97 since they came out and still love that frame. Lately went demoing in search of a little more pop and a little more forgiveness. I tried a bunch of different frames and liked some of them ok. In particular the 2024 pure strike 100 16x20 was very nice and I could have played with it. But none of the ones I tried (including the percept 100 which did not work for me at all) really gave me what I was looking for until I hit with the 100D.
The main differences between the 97 and the 100D in play (FOR ME) are that the 100D (stock with overgrip and sampras style dampener) gives me noticeably more power and more of a feeling of forgiveness while at the same time feeling like it comes around a little quicker than the 97. Last week an opponent hit a very good ball, hard, deep and low to my backhand corner. I didn’t think I was even going to get the racquet on it but I went all out and hit a full-stretch, one-hand slice reply that I think was probably the best defensive shot I’ve ever hit in my life. I’m not a big “vamos! / come on!” kind of guy when I play, but I found myself doing a fist pump when I won that point. I don’t know for sure that I couldn’t have hit that same ball with the VCP 97, but I definitely came away from it feeling like part of making that shot was the forgiving nature of the 100D.
The tradeoff is that I feel a tad less precision and control with the 100D than with the 97. When I hit a ball right (sadly not as often as I wish…) with the 97, I feel like I know where it’s going to the literal inch. With the 100D that landing zone seems fuzzier in my mind and after a couple weeks of getting used to the 100D, I’m still hitting a few balls long that I’m pretty sure would not have gone long with the 97.
For me, as I get older and fatigue sooner and produce less racquet head speed, the tradeoff is very worthwhile and the 100D is giving me exactly what I went looking for when I started my recent demo journey. It’s like a souped up version of the VCP / Percept 97 and that’s exactly what I was hoping for.
JustNeedsMoreTime
New User
Hey guys, Ive been messing about with racquets and am looking for a bit of advice. For reference I am 25, solidly intermediate, single backhand, and pretty strong physically. When I picked up tennis again 4 years ago I took a bit of time to decide I would start taking it seriously and looked into racquets and ended up with the RF97A as I felt it would help my game and I could handle the weight. When the Pure Aero Rafa Origin was released I picked it up just to see how it played which has led me to my current predicament.
Recently I considered making the switch to the PARO since I found it was really helping those flicked wristy shots that I end up scrambling for on defence, as well as being so much easier to hit higher over the net with in the hopes of reducing my unforced errors which I would frequently get from the flatter trajectory I found myself hitting with the RF97A. Another thing with the PARO was that I found my touch and feel on dropshots was vastly improved and I really enjoyed making them part of my game. Serves with the two was much the same. After trying this switch for a couple of months, I have found I really miss the directional control and precision of the PS97 as I cant finish points as easily off my forehand without it, but I cant bring myself to give up the spin and the drop shot ability of the PARO. Another factor is that when hitting with someone who hits harder shots, I find on fast courts I don't have the time to swing as quickly as I would like.
Ideally I would be able to have the combination of the control of a Pro staff, with a bit more spin and maybe a bit lighter which has led me, after looking at a few reviews, to the percept line which I feel could be what I am after.
Has anyone got any experience comparing any of the percept line to Pro staffs with this in mind? I feel like the 97D would probably be around right considering the weight and swing weight, but would the denser string bed reduce the spin I could get from it relative to the RF97A?
Any recommendations welcome, and thank you!
Recently I considered making the switch to the PARO since I found it was really helping those flicked wristy shots that I end up scrambling for on defence, as well as being so much easier to hit higher over the net with in the hopes of reducing my unforced errors which I would frequently get from the flatter trajectory I found myself hitting with the RF97A. Another thing with the PARO was that I found my touch and feel on dropshots was vastly improved and I really enjoyed making them part of my game. Serves with the two was much the same. After trying this switch for a couple of months, I have found I really miss the directional control and precision of the PS97 as I cant finish points as easily off my forehand without it, but I cant bring myself to give up the spin and the drop shot ability of the PARO. Another factor is that when hitting with someone who hits harder shots, I find on fast courts I don't have the time to swing as quickly as I would like.
Ideally I would be able to have the combination of the control of a Pro staff, with a bit more spin and maybe a bit lighter which has led me, after looking at a few reviews, to the percept line which I feel could be what I am after.
Has anyone got any experience comparing any of the percept line to Pro staffs with this in mind? I feel like the 97D would probably be around right considering the weight and swing weight, but would the denser string bed reduce the spin I could get from it relative to the RF97A?
Any recommendations welcome, and thank you!
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
I'd demo the 97H, the 97 310g, and the 100. These will all be softer than the PARO and the RF. You may want to look at the VCore line if spin is what you are after. The RF has high spin potential with its open string bed -- that you are not getting a higher trajectory with it suggests you're not getting the requisite RHS, so you may want to go lighter in weight, but try a bunch of things out and see what you like.
@JustNeedsMoreTime - Not to discourage you from posting here, but your question probably deserves a thread of its own, as the answer may very likely lie outside the scope of what a Percept can offer, and may also involve a look at whether such a high spec is the optimal choice for you and your game. Regardless, let's carry out the thought experiment here, and find out if a Percept, or anything else, would work for you.
First off, what would a PARO and RF97A hybrid racquet look like? I think: a conventionally-shaped 98-99" player/tweener hybrid (or "pleener"), with an upper-60's RA flex or higher, crisp/connected feel, balanced-density 16-mains string pattern, at least a partially "aero" beam shape, a mid-beam thickness of at least 22mm, and a strung spec of >=335 grams static weight and >=350 swing weight. I'll save you the search: no current retail frame will offer all of that, at least not in stock form. The closest on weighting/balance alone would be a Yonex EZone Tour, VCore Tour or a Tecnifibre TFight ISO 305. Then you'd need to add 8-15g of lead under the head guard, depending on the model in question. Of those three, I'd say the EZone Tour would potentially be the best match, despite being isometric (but behaving decently close to an oval-shaped head) and possibly too muted in feel. The ISO 305, while nice, may produce too flat of a ball for your taste (too similar to the RF97), and the VCT, while providing the most effortless curvature/spin/margin of the three, may be a bit too soft in flex and/or inconsistent in the string bed.
As for the Percepts, all models will be at least partially more muted in feel (as all current Yonex's are, more or less), and while the hybrid box beam and isometric head will offer a bit easier spin and curvature than the RF, they're not going to offer that much more. As for the 97D, it's going to play the flattest and lowest power-per-unit-spec of all models, so IMHO it's definitely not the route to go for your needs. The regular 97 and 97H, while offering a bit easier spin access and a bit higher launch angle, are still going to be very much closer to the RF than the PARO. This leaves the Percept 100 and 100D. At 66RA, they'll flex a bit more like what you're used to, but the 100D, while more precise than the 100, is probably not going to give you the kind of curvature/margin you want, and the 100 probably won't be precise enough. So, at least for what it is you say you want, I think the Percepts are likely a pass. You're welcome to demo them, but I think that's what you'll find.
Other than something whose stock weightings are as close as possible, the next best option would be a lighter "platform" frame, whose mold, layup, flex and string pattern you'd ideally make as close as possible to how I described them above, then apply heavy customization to bring up to spec, ala pro stock frames. If full customization isn't available to you, that's totally understandable, but you'll be stuck picking from among the heavier frames like I mentioned above. If it is something you're willing to explore, then I think the following are worth a look: Babolat Pure Aero 98, Bab Pure Drive 98, Dunlop SX 300 Tour, Yonex EZone 98/98L/Game.
Hope some of that helps! Any questions, feel free.
First off, what would a PARO and RF97A hybrid racquet look like? I think: a conventionally-shaped 98-99" player/tweener hybrid (or "pleener"), with an upper-60's RA flex or higher, crisp/connected feel, balanced-density 16-mains string pattern, at least a partially "aero" beam shape, a mid-beam thickness of at least 22mm, and a strung spec of >=335 grams static weight and >=350 swing weight. I'll save you the search: no current retail frame will offer all of that, at least not in stock form. The closest on weighting/balance alone would be a Yonex EZone Tour, VCore Tour or a Tecnifibre TFight ISO 305. Then you'd need to add 8-15g of lead under the head guard, depending on the model in question. Of those three, I'd say the EZone Tour would potentially be the best match, despite being isometric (but behaving decently close to an oval-shaped head) and possibly too muted in feel. The ISO 305, while nice, may produce too flat of a ball for your taste (too similar to the RF97), and the VCT, while providing the most effortless curvature/spin/margin of the three, may be a bit too soft in flex and/or inconsistent in the string bed.
As for the Percepts, all models will be at least partially more muted in feel (as all current Yonex's are, more or less), and while the hybrid box beam and isometric head will offer a bit easier spin and curvature than the RF, they're not going to offer that much more. As for the 97D, it's going to play the flattest and lowest power-per-unit-spec of all models, so IMHO it's definitely not the route to go for your needs. The regular 97 and 97H, while offering a bit easier spin access and a bit higher launch angle, are still going to be very much closer to the RF than the PARO. This leaves the Percept 100 and 100D. At 66RA, they'll flex a bit more like what you're used to, but the 100D, while more precise than the 100, is probably not going to give you the kind of curvature/margin you want, and the 100 probably won't be precise enough. So, at least for what it is you say you want, I think the Percepts are likely a pass. You're welcome to demo them, but I think that's what you'll find.
Other than something whose stock weightings are as close as possible, the next best option would be a lighter "platform" frame, whose mold, layup, flex and string pattern you'd ideally make as close as possible to how I described them above, then apply heavy customization to bring up to spec, ala pro stock frames. If full customization isn't available to you, that's totally understandable, but you'll be stuck picking from among the heavier frames like I mentioned above. If it is something you're willing to explore, then I think the following are worth a look: Babolat Pure Aero 98, Bab Pure Drive 98, Dunlop SX 300 Tour, Yonex EZone 98/98L/Game.
Hope some of that helps! Any questions, feel free.
Last edited:
JustNeedsMoreTime
New User
Thank you so much for the response, theres a lot of useful stuff there. I have an ezone tour sitting around that I havent used seriously, I will string that up again and give it a serious go to see how that works out.
I purposefully wasnt looking for a racquet that would be a hybrid of the specs of the two since what Im after is a compromise of the playing qualities which might be achieved through a different set up. I don't lack topspin with the RF97 on the forehand side, although I cant quite get the ball to "dip" into the court at the back on super heavy forehands the way I can with the PARO, but I do have issues on the backhand side. My thought process for this was to try something a bit lighter and see if the lower swing weight would let me swing faster on the BH which I am hoping will fix this.
The other issue was the drop shots and lobs which felt better on the PARO but for that I have no idea why. As the two I have tried have the same string pattern and similar stiffness, I am hoping the dropshots and other flicks feeling better are due to the larger head size of the PARO, so I guess I was hoping that the supposed increased sweet spot size of the isometric head shape would fix that for me, while the more dense string pattern would retain the control of the RF97. Power isnt much of an issue for me at all, so not too fussed about the low power of the percepts.
What I'm really after is something that has close to the control of the pro staff, but with slight bit more spin and maybe a bit lighter, and the percepts seemed to be extremely highly regarded for that requirement.
I have a 97D on the way to demo for a week to see if I can get any useful data from that, but the 97H wasnt available and I think it may be too heavy to get a significant improvement in swing speed. If that doesnt do it, I'll play with the Ezone tour, but Im a bit wary of "power" frames as that has never been a weakness of my game. The PA98 also seems like it might be what I'm after if the smaller head size will give me back the control I feel the PARO is lacking, so thats another excellent suggestion.
All this advice is very much appreciated, so thanks again.
