Battle of the 95' - Help me out!

abarth20

abarth20

Rookie
Hey everyone, I'm thinking of getting a 95 inch racquet just for the fun of it.

I'm an intermediate level player with a 1HB. Shapavalov was very influencial with my decision to give it a go:)

Currently Vcore 95 & Angell TC 95 is in my radar. Unfortuneatly, TC95 does not come in 70 RA anymore.. Lately I have gravitated back to stiffer racquets w/ soft poly's.

Which one will be the more forgiving & having the extra pop that I need?. I suspect TC95 having a more open string spacing that will result in a loopier path. I play mostly on clay.

What do you guys suggest?
 
Vcore 95 is known for being forgiving for a 95, but really, you have to move very very good to play with a 95 nowadays specially on clay, i also like smaller headsize racquets but the fun goes away when players with lower level start to beat you, i play my best tennis with prince textreme tour 100 310g, did you see shapovalov against karatsev yerterday? He was unwatchable, he couldnt keep a ball in to save his life
 
abarth20 said:
Hey everyone, I'm thinking of getting a 95 inch racquet just for the fun of it.

I'm an intermediate level player with a 1HB. Shapavalov was very influencial with my decision to give it a go:)

Currently Vcore 95 & Angell TC 95 is in my radar. Unfortuneatly, TC95 does not come in 70 RA anymore.. Lately I have gravitated back to stiffer racquets w/ soft poly's.

Which one will be the more forgiving & having the extra pop that I need?. I suspect TC95 having a more open string spacing that will result in a loopier path. I play mostly on clay.

What do you guys suggest?
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TC97 66RA could be another option. the TC95 and TC97 are very close in head size, they share the same grommets
 
Vcore 95 gets my vote. dont forget tot weigh up 3 and 9. Maybe a bit at 12.
I sold all my prestiges and Sixone95s and never looked back. Cx200 t is going to a new home soon thanks to the vcore.
 
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Ultra Tour v2 gets my vote, I know it’s listed as a 97, but its head size is smaller than a TC95, so it has to count.
 
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Slicehand said:
Vcore 95 is known for being forgiving for a 95, but really, you have to move very very good to play with a 95 nowadays specially on clay, i also like smaller headsize racquets but the fun goes away when players with lower level start to beat you, i play my best tennis with prince textreme tour 100 310g, did you see shapovalov against karatsev yerterday? He was unwatchable, he couldnt keep a ball in to save his life
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But Karatsev probably plays a 95 too? PT57A2, maybe.
 
Wouldn't recommend VCore 95 or Angell TC95 to an intermediate player. VCore 95 may be more forgiving than a typical 95, because typical old-school 95 has a very small sweetspot. Same with Angell. To make things worse, both are low powered and you need to swing fast to get power. Angell feels like it has more power, because it has high swingweight in stock form (around 330). Still, these are not the frames that give you "extra pop", nor forgiveness. VCore 95 with 330+ SW (customized) has small-decent sweetspot and low power.

I'd try something more forgiving and with more pop, like Yonex Ezone 98, Head Extreme Tour, Babolat Pure Aero VS.
 
Yeah Vcore 95 has a 90% chance of being better for most everyone's game than even the 97 and 98 inch sticks that are sold these days, besides being the best 95. I know tons of 4.0 players and up that use it, all kinds of styles, and everyone plays well and most importantly loves playing with it. Yonex made some kind of special sauce with the 2021 Vcore 95, I just started seeing it show up in matches all over the place, once had a match where I was playing with it and both my opponents were too.
 
weelie said:
But Karatsev probably plays a 95 too? PT57A2, maybe.
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Yeah i dont know, i mixed topics, just had yesterdays match on the back of my head, i wasnt meaning that he lost becouse he uses a 95
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
Yeah Vcore 95 has a 90% chance of being better for most everyone's game than even the 97 and 98 inch sticks that are sold these days, besides being the best 95. I know tons of 4.0 players and up that use it, all kinds of styles, and everyone plays well and most importantly loves playing with it. Yonex made some kind of special sauce with the 2021 Vcore 95, I just started seeing it show up in matches all over the place, once had a match where I was playing with it and both my opponents were too.
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That's hilarious and maybe it will have a cult following like the DR 98 soon.
 
tomkowy said:
Wouldn't recommend VCore 95 or Angell TC95 to an intermediate player. VCore 95 may be more forgiving than a typical 95, because typical old-school 95 has a very small sweetspot. Same with Angell. To make things worse, both are low powered and you need to swing fast to get power. Angell feels like it has more power, because it has high swingweight in stock form (around 330). Still, these are not the frames that give you "extra pop", nor forgiveness. VCore 95 with 330+ SW (customized) has small-decent sweetspot and low power.

I'd try something more forgiving and with more pop, like Yonex Ezone 98, Head Extreme Tour, Babolat Pure Aero VS.
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Agree. I have a couple VCORE 95s (red version) and it has been somewhat disappointing on the two handed backhand even with added weight. After playing with the racquet for five months, I understand why it's more rewarding to learn how to control a relatively powerful frame (like the RF97 or Radical MP) than to use a low powered stick with a smallish sweetspot, even on the highest levels of the game.
 
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Novichok said:
Agree. I have a couple VCORE 95s (red version) and it has been really disappointing on the two handed backhand even with lots of added weight. After playing with the racquet for five months, I understand why it's more rewarding to learn how to control a relatively powerful frame even on the ATP tour level (like the RF97) than to use a low powered stick with a smallish sweetspot.
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I am not sure the 95 is great for a two handed backhand, although neutral might be the term, however, with yonex, I'd still suggest the Vcore 98, Ezone 98, or Vcore Pro 310 for 2 handers. One of the magic strokes with the 95 is the one hander. The RF97 is low powered and control oriented, so is the Vcore Pro H, formerly the 330, ATP tour level players are playing with even lower powered rackets than those, with more weight. The sweet spot is very large on the 95, about the same as the 97 or 98 inch rackets Yonex makes and larger than some other brands 97 and 98 models, plus the size difference in the actual frames is so tiny, try laying a Vcore 95 on top of an Ezone 98, there is almost no size difference visible. If you really want a larger sweetspot for some reason, a 100 square inch is going to give it to you, I might suggest the Head 360 Speed Pro.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
I am not sure the 95 is great for a two handed backhand, although neutral might be the term, however, with yonex, I'd still suggest the Vcore 98, Ezone 98, or Vcore Pro 310 for 2 handers. One of the magic strokes with the 95 is the one hander. The RF97 is low powered and control oriented, so is the Vcore Pro H, formerly the 330, ATP tour level players are playing with even lower powered rackets than those, with more weight. The sweet spot is very large on the 95, about the same as the 97 or 98 inch rackets Yonex makes and larger than some other brands 97 and 98 models, plus the size difference in the actual frames is so tiny, try laying a Vcore 95 on top of an Ezone 98, there is almost no size difference visible. If you really want a larger sweetspot for some reason, a 100 square inch is going to give it to you, I might suggest the Head 360 Speed Pro.
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The problem is not in the head size. I feel that the beam is too thin and the launch angle is lower than I prefer. I would try the racquet with a 17 gauge string in future to see if that improves anything. Previously, I used Pro Staff 97 v11 and my two handed backhand was a weapon. Is the current version more powerful than the 2018 one?
 
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Novichok said:
The problem is not in the head size. I feel that the launch angle is too low. I would try the racquet with a 17 gauge string in future to see if that improves anything. Previously, I used Pro Staff 97 v11 and my two handed backhand was a weapon. Is the current version more powerful than the 2018 one?
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Yes, I'd say the 2021 is 5-7% more powerful. Most notably though it is on the serve for me and I've read others having the same reaction. Also, a large majority think the 2021 does not need any weight added for stability as opposed to the 2018 which those same people thought did. They did something that really worked when they made the 2021 version, more stable, more powerful, same swing weight and maneuverability.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
Yes, I'd say the 2021 is 5-7% more powerful. Most notably though it is on the serve for me and I've read others having the same reaction. Also, a large majority think the 2021 does not need any weight added for stability as opposed to the 2018 which those same people thought did. They did something that really worked when they made the 2021 version, more stable, more powerful, same swing weight and maneuverability.
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I agree that the sweetspot is close to what I know from 97-98 sq inch rackets like Prestige MP, Ultra Tour. How do you feel about the power though? It’s still low powered, very close to Prestige MP or Wilson Ultra Tour as I feel it. In your opinion, is this enough power for an intermediate player? Especially in defense or when you play 3-4 metres behind the baseline.

I play 2hbh and had no issues with VCore 95, at least after bumping SW to 330-335. I liked it the most on forehand - it feels easy to swing even with high SW.
 
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Head pro tour 2.0: not a racquet that feels bigger than it is, like yonexes usually do. The PT2.0 has a tiny sweet spot, which feels exactly like a 95. Amazing feeling when you hit cleanly. Laser precision, hits like a truck, fantastic racquet. If you want a 95 that feels like a 95, go with the PT.
 
tomkowy said:
I agree that the sweetspot is close to what I know from 97-98 sq inch rackets like Prestige MP, Ultra Tour. How do you feel about the power though? It’s still low powered, very close to Prestige MP or Wilson Ultra Tour as I feel it. In your opinion, is this enough power for an intermediate player? Especially in defense or when you play 3-4 metres behind the baseline.

I play 2hbh and had no issues with VCore 95, at least after bumping SW to 330-335. I liked it the most on forehand - it feels easy to swing even with high SW.
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Well, I'd say it's enough power, if power is the goal though I wouldn't consider that a strong description of even the 2021 Vcore 95. You could always get more power using strings and low tension if you like power, but maybe the Ezone 98 or Vcore 98 is a better demo if power is a high priority.
 
abarth20 said:
Hey everyone, I'm thinking of getting a 95 inch racquet just for the fun of it.

I'm an intermediate level player with a 1HB. Shapavalov was very influencial with my decision to give it a go:)

Currently Vcore 95 & Angell TC 95 is in my radar. Unfortuneatly, TC95 does not come in 70 RA anymore.. Lately I have gravitated back to stiffer racquets w/ soft poly's.

Which one will be the more forgiving & having the extra pop that I need?. I suspect TC95 having a more open string spacing that will result in a loopier path. I play mostly on clay.

What do you guys suggest?
Click to expand...
You may have to try and find an Angell on the auction site. You could try and find an SV95, since it’s a little stiffer. You’ll want to string your 95 a little looser than larger headed racquets. I would suggest around 46-48 lbs. Try it at 46 and see if you want to go tighter or looser.

If you’re looking for other 95s there are many options - Head Prestige Pro (new one is called Tour), Wilson Pro Labs Six One 95, Yonex 95, Dunlop CX200 Tour (either 16x19 or 18x20).
 
abarth20 said:
Hey everyone, I'm thinking of getting a 95 inch racquet just for the fun of it.

I'm an intermediate level player with a 1HB. Shapavalov was very influencial with my decision to give it a go:)

Currently Vcore 95 & Angell TC 95 is in my radar. Unfortuneatly, TC95 does not come in 70 RA anymore.. Lately I have gravitated back to stiffer racquets w/ soft poly's.

Which one will be the more forgiving & having the extra pop that I need?. I suspect TC95 having a more open string spacing that will result in a loopier path. I play mostly on clay.

What do you guys suggest?
Click to expand...

The TC95 16x19 will have more pop thant the VCore 95 by virtue of a much more open string pattern and a higher swing weight (if you order a 310g / 315mm configuration). This is not a low powered frame by any stretch of the imagination. If a frame provides you with decent power, I'm not sure why you'd want a higher RA, as the only thing you'll gain is a higher risk of injury.
 
The VCore 95 is probably your best bet. Spin plus control thanks to the 16x20 pattern and you get modern power with a generous helping of forgiveness.
 
abarth20 said:
I'm an intermediate level player with a 1HB. Shapavalov was very influencial with my decision to give it a go:)
Click to expand...

You play a lot on clay? Forget the 95s. Look at a 98 or 100. You want a stiffer racquet? Babolat Pure Strike or 2013 APDs - if you can get your hands on them. The old APDs were very deceptive because they had a 100 hoop but the 16x19 string pattern was quite tight in comparison to many other 16x19 100s.

Being consistent with a 95 requires a lot of concentration. The larger hoops are a lot more forgiving and can help your game when you start to get a little fatigued. 95s really require you to pick small targets with your shots. With 100s you can go for bigger targerts and the higher twistweight of those sticks is usually a lot more forgiving when you don't consistently middle the ball. It is also usually a lot easier to generate higher levels of spin with a bigger hoop if you can keep the RHS up.

Imho, the APD is the greatest clay court stick every produced (I'm talking about the APD NOT the more recent Pure Aeros ... although the most recent PA is getting back there.)
 
My recommendation is to not put artificial restrictions on your racquet search like looking only for a 95 sq inch racquet. If 95 works, 97-98 should be fine too and that will vastly expand the choice of racquets available to you. Also, what the pros play with should have nothing to do with what will work best for your game.
 
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As much as I love VCORE 95 (I own it), and knowing how good it's for my 1HBH, I have to agree that it's not a great choice for an intermediate player on clay, at all. In the Yonex family, VCORE PRO 100 will work. VCORE 98 is not stable enough for 1HBH. Definitely consider Gravity Pro and Blade.
 
I must admit that Tecnifibre Tf40 (305g) is fantastic frame. Stable, precise, powerful, with great ball pocketing. You should also consider that one. Much better from Blade v7, new Radicals/PrestigeS.
 
jason n said:
I play mine without CAP grommets and it plays great. Still has good plow through. If you like the PT 2.0 and if it’s a little to heavy then non CAP is the way to go.
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Really need to try that. I was afraid that I won’t be able to put CAP grommet again on them. I really don’t like the new Radicals and Prestiges so I thought that Pro Tour 2.0 with nonCAP grommet would be great to try. Unfortunately I don’t have spare nonCAP grommets. TWE doesn’t offer ANY nonCAP 95” 18x20 grommets :cry:
 
Just got a Dunlop cx200 16x19. if you don't need much help generating pace but are looking for a racket that just 'does it all,' man this is a really sweet stick.
 
Vcore 95 , or wilson pro labs 18 x 20 prostaff although the closed pattern may be too much if you're not used to it

K factor 6 - 1 95 16x18 is excellent if you can find a used one, or the actual wawrinka racket the vcore 95D (16x20)
 
Go for the VCore 95. When you move down in head size, you also want to move down in RA because the smaller head size is less forgiving of mishits.

Recently, I purchased on a lark a Head MicroGel midplus (98) after playing with 100 and 107 sq. inch head sizes. I really LOVE the 98 but find myself slicing my backhand with it rather than hitting topspin. I am so glad that I bought it but had to adjust my game.

Whatever you decide, have lots of fun with your new toy!
 
Vcore 95 Is a sweet frame with or without lead tape

I think it did better at 52 pounds or below but if you go the vcore 95 route let me know what you think and what you end up stringing it with I'm curious!
 
BumElbow said:
Recently, I purchased on a lark a Head MicroGel midplus (98) after playing with 100 and 107 sq. inch head sizes. I really LOVE the 98 but find myself slicing my backhand with it rather than hitting topspin. I am so glad that I bought it but had to adjust my game.
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Microgel Radical MP is actually 95”.
 
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