Alpha Yonex Vcore Duel G 97

[NickShot]

It has not been released in the US, so there is not much info on this online. Almost same mold as regular Duel G 97 but it has a 22mm beam according to Yonex' website. TWE list beam as 20,5mm, they probably just copied it from the regular Duel G specs.
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.c...Alpha_290g_Racket/descpageRCYONEXH-DG97A.html

So has anyone on TT tried this? I would appreciate some feedback on power level and maneuverability and overall playability.
I tried the previous Tour G (310) and found it very low powered but other than that very good solid racket.
How does this Alpha version with thicker beam compare? Thanks!

 

[Pleb123]

Also curious about this racquet.

 

[RoarTT]

Also curious about this racquet.

Me too...

 

[Swan Song]

Duel G Alpha is made in China.

 

[Pleb123]

Duel G Alpha is made in China.

Understood. Still curious.

 

[Tartar]

Hi to all,

I recently bought this racquet (the 290g version) . I'm a level 4 player as from what my trainer says, this being my 3rd year played. Since i believe it's not the best opinion it's still better than nothing. The racket in standard strung @ 24 kg Kirschbaum Pro Line X 17 felt hollow and had lots of vibration in hand when hitting the balls on the first session (original yonex synthetic grip). This feel changed after a few mods tried. I play now with the following specs:

Balance: 33.00 cm (strung)

Weight: 314 g (strung)

Swing weight: 321

I replaced the original grip (11g) with a single overgrip (6g) and added weight inside the handle ( rubber bands ) which reduced vibration to nothing and used a rubber band tied on strings instead of vibration dumper ( 4g vs ~g) . I was able to make a difference just from doing this simple change. The racket feels solid after modification, easy to turn at the net and the vibration is gone but feels like little under powered when trying to hit a deep heavy topsin ball . I wasn't able to swing it as fast, maybe because of it's moderate swing speed and technique but i'm still adjusting to it. For play-ability i definitely enjoy this one more compared to the ProStaff 97 LS (290g-my previous racket) but I'd prefer a lower swingweight .

Hope it helps a little.

 

[NickShot]

Hi Tartar, welcome to the forums. Thanks for your review, it is nice to get some impressions of the frame.

 

[MikeMechanic]

I ordered one this week, will tell you how it plays asap. Got the 290 gram version.

 

[Tartar]

1 hour session with pack of new balls atp head 40 mins feed + 20 mins passes felt really underpowered and took a loot of effort on full body swings to produce depht. Trying now with different strings on main+crosses hybrid 23kg + 24 kg before trying to increase power elsewhere.

 

[NickShot]

1 hour session with pack of new balls atp head 40 mins feed + 20 mins passes felt really underpowered and took a loot of effort on full body swings to produce depht. Trying now with different strings on main+crosses hybrid 23kg + 24 kg before trying to increase power elsewhere.

Try a natural gut mains/poly crosses hybrid maybe?

 

[NickShot]

I ordered one this week, will tell you how it plays asap. Got the 290 gram version.

Great, look forward to it!

 

[Bogdan_TT]

I bought the 270g racquet for my 11yo kid. 2 of them. The idea was that they're pro stock like. Very lite now, constant beam, good head size and with lots of room for future customization, for when he'll grow up more.

I've been hitting with one of them a few rallies with a pro, just out of curiosity. So far this is what I have:

- there's a difference of ~6g between the two (so much for Yonex QC) in stock form
- I don't know the RA, but even in stock form, hitting a normal rally with a normal shot, taken early and through the ball, the frame doesn't seem harsh
- good spin
- no vibrations (I play with no anti-vibrator)
- very controllable power, I could take full cuts with confidence

Overall, it seemed like a pleasant frame. Of course, this is just a first impression, 15min of hitting overall, but I'm satisfied for my kid.

He likes it more than the Babolat he had before. Nuff said

 

[sma1001]

I play with no anti-vibrator

Ok...

 

[Bogdan_TT]

Ok...

Wow, after all I wrote, that's what you picked on... You're a poet.
In my native language it's called "antivibrator". So, yeah, I think it's dampener in English.
Go nuts

 

[sma1001]

Wow, after all I wrote, that's what you picked on... You're a poet.
In my native language it's called "antivibrator". So, yeah, I think it's dampener in English.
Go nuts

Apologies, there is a connotation to this that raised a smile in the schoolboy in me. Immature! And no offence intended.

 

[Bogdan_TT]

Apologies, there is a connotation to this that raised a smile in the schoolboy in me. Immature! And no offence intended.

No worries
My apologies as well. I'm tired now and quick to taking offence.
Thanks God that Monfils is entertaining me right now. Quite unusual play against An angry Nole

 

[Tartar]

@Bogdan_TT would you be kind to share string type and tension used?

TY

 

[Bogdan_TT]

@Bogdan_TT would you be kind to share string type and tension used?

TY

Yonex Poly Tour Spin 24/23 kg

 

[Automatix]

- there's a difference of ~6g between the two (so much for Yonex QC) in stock form

Aren't Alphas made in China? Not that it should be treated as an excuse but if it's a lower end Yonex offering than you should expect a little less.

Although I've found that Yonex racquets are more probable to be on spec, that is not always the case.

 

[MikeMechanic]

Well, the 290 gram version arrived yesterday. I m not really sensitive to marketing but I couldn't deny a big smile when I pulled the stick out of the box and was watching into Wawrinka's eyes on the poster in the string-bed (which most new sticks have) just one day after I saw him winning the US Open 2016 live! Fantastic!

I used to be held back from Yonex sticks because of the isometric head-size, however their recent models are not extremely iso shaped so this was not an objection anymore. In fact, I even really liked the head-shape, I might even like it more then other more oval shaped heads by other brands. Even at 12 o clock it is a little bit curved, however just a fraction of what other brands have.

From an esthetical point of view I must say I've seen better paint jobs, however it is not ugly at all. However, from an engineering point of view, it looks and feels solid, which is what counts first.

It says it is designed in Japan and made in China. Not a big problem to me although the experience would have even been better if it was produced in Japan as well. I really appreciate and value the Japanese view on quality and perfection.

As it arrived yesterday I could not play with it yet. However I must admit I am not sure about the grip-size of this one. I ordered an L3 but there is some doubt about switching to L4. So I can not promise a play review, however when I do you will be the first to hear.

 

[Tartar]

"The VCORE Duel G 97 Alpha (290g) provides strong beginners and intermediate level players with controllable power, great feel and easy access to spin."

In the TW description you'll find all there is to know about the racket. You just have to take it word by word literally.

Pros: Good playability. Super controllable power (too controllable ). Stable at the net. Good accuracy. Good for stroke progression.

Cons: Hard to create pressure. Hard to power serve.

 

[sczcepanik]

Hi, I bought this racket for my wife in July.
This report is based on this three months experience, and since I'm her hitting & teaching partner, what I can feel from her strokes is:

What happened to my wife's game:
- She improved consistence, as her last racket was head-heavy.
- Serves had a good improve in accuracy and depth, but no change to pace.
- I can say it helped her improve from 3.0 to 3.5.
- Racket was "too stiff" with YPTP 16L at 52lbs.
- Sweet spot for comfort was YPTP 17 48lbs.
- The racket doesn't feel like 97 (seems ampler than my DR98)
- Doesn't require too much to build a decent all around game.
- As it's 97 and still has a decent weight, she needs to focus more on hitting right, and this grants her an overall better spin and pace on groundies. (It's related to confidence, that the racket will drive the ball).

Why I helped her choose the Duel G 97 Alpha 290g:
- I play with a DR 98 (+weight), so she can't handle my racket well, the VCORE Duel G 97 Alpha 290g was a better option in terms of comfort, weight, flex, compared to the Ezone DR 100 which only weights 10g more.
- All other "lite" yonex racquets are too light (260-280g)
- When I played with her racket, the only main difference I noticed was - lack of weight (compared to my main), and that I needed a bigger swing for the similar effects.
- It seemed the best option, considering the options we had and decided to remain under 300g. (And not going DR/AI 100).
- Of course I can't serve anything closer to what I do normally as it's 30g lighter than what I play.

Most important is:
- It's a great weight, great value for her expectations.
- For her, it will last forever, as she continues to develop her game.
(Or until they release another option around 290/295g in Pink color).

Hope it helps.

 

[NickShot]

As it arrived yesterday I could not play with it yet. However I must admit I am not sure about the grip-size of this one. I ordered an L3 but there is some doubt about switching to L4. So I can not promise a play review, however when I do you will be the first to hear.

Did you get a chance to play with it?

 

[NickShot]

Hi, I bought this racket for my wife in July.
This report is based on this three months experience, and since I'm her hitting & teaching partner, what I can feel from her strokes is:

What happened to my wife's game:
- She improved consistence, as her last racket was head-heavy.
- Serves had a good improve in accuracy and depth, but no change to pace.
- I can say it helped her improve from 3.0 to 3.5.
- Racket was "too stiff" with YPTP 16L at 52lbs.
- Sweet spot for comfort was YPTP 17 48lbs.
- The racket doesn't feel like 97 (seems ampler than my DR98)
- Doesn't require too much to build a decent all around game.
- As it's 97 and still has a decent weight, she needs to focus more on hitting right, and this grants her an overall better spin and pace on groundies. (It's related to confidence, that the racket will drive the ball).

Why I helped her choose the Duel G 97 Alpha 290g:
- I play with a DR 98 (+weight), so she can't handle my racket well, the VCORE Duel G 97 Alpha 290g was a better option in terms of comfort, weight, flex, compared to the Ezone DR 100 which only weights 10g more.
- All other "lite" yonex racquets are too light (260-280g)
- When I played with her racket, the only main difference I noticed was - lack of weight (compared to my main), and that I needed a bigger swing for the similar effects.
- It seemed the best option, considering the options we had and decided to remain under 300g. (And not going DR/AI 100).
- Of course I can't serve anything closer to what I do normally as it's 30g lighter than what I play.

Most important is:
- It's a great weight, great value for her expectations.
- For her, it will last forever, as she continues to develop her game.
(Or until they release another option around 290/295g in Pink color).

Hope it helps.

Thanks a lot for your report, very nice to get some feedback on how it plays.

 

[NickShot]

"The VCORE Duel G 97 Alpha (290g) provides strong beginners and intermediate level players with controllable power, great feel and easy access to spin."

In the TW description you'll find all there is to know about the racket. You just have to take it word by word literally.

Pros: Good playability. Super controllable power (too controllable ). Stable at the net. Good accuracy. Good for stroke progression.

Cons: Hard to create pressure. Hard to power serve.

Hi Tartar, did you try other strings to get some more power?

 

[NickShot]

No 2018 update for the 97 Alpha. There will be a 100 Alpha with 22 mm beam instead. Probably only available in Europe though.

Maybe Yonex decided to scrap the 97 Alpha, because of the low power issue.

Some tt members strung the regular Duel G 97 in a 16x19 pattern and reported an increase in power.
Did anyone try and skip the top cross and play the 97 Alpha with a 16x19 pattern?

 

[RoarTT]

No 2018 update for the 97 Alpha. There will be a 100 Alpha with 22 mm beam instead. Probably only available in Europe though.

Maybe Yonex decided to scrap the 97 Alpha, because of the low power issue.

Some tt members strung the regular Duel G 97 in a 16x19 pattern and reported an increase in power.
Did anyone try and skip the top cross and play the 97 Alpha with a 16x19 pattern?

Well, on the Yonex site they said there will be an LG 290gram version. So maybe it’s just released under the regular name and not the Alpha?

http://yonex.com/sports/tennis/products/tennis/racquets/vcore-series/vcore-pro-97/

 

[NickShot]

Well, on the Yonex site they said there will be an LG 290gram version. So maybe it’s just released under the regular name and not the Alpha?

http://yonex.com/sports/tennis/products/tennis/racquets/vcore-series/vcore-pro-97/

It is listed together with the heavier versions, so it looks to also have a beam of 20 mm. Alpha series has a 22 mm beam, and would likely be shown seperately like the Alpha 100.
But sometimes websites are not correct, it may be that the LG 290 is actually a new Alpha.