SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
That low huh? I've never gone below 48 lbs on any of my 18x20 frames throughout the years. I can't imagine controlling my shots at 40 lbs personally. How do you compensate for the low tension?
It's now on the Yonex Website! VCORE Pro EMERALD
- Thread starter ryanholi0
- Start date
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I strung my prestige mp at 45/43. My Ultra Tour at 47/45 with a full bed of poly. No issues with control.
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
Hmm, interesting. Maybe something to consider. It could be possibly be beneficial if I don't lose much control to try this out myself. I'm so stuck in my ways lol
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
If I was using syn gut, multi or gut, I’d need to up the tension by 3-5 pounds
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
Yeah, I've been using full poly since forever. I was just surprised. I'll give it a try and see how it feels. I'm interested in this now.
parasailing
Legend
Over time, I have strung my racquets lower and lower in tension and it hasn't affected my shots. Perhaps I started imparting more spin on the ball to maintain control.
The Vcore 97 Pro HD looks to have tighter string pattern than the Blade and I would go lower than 44lbs on the Blade but it seems like the HD Pro can go lower without any issues.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I also found more spin/higher launch angle with the V7 Blade 18x20.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
you can scratch that itch by simply doing the $20 demo from tenniswarehouse
4rakets $20, for a week, good/smart way to try many racquets without comiiting to any!!
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
It's only 3 racquets now, and $25.
Current racquet is VCP 330. Skill level 4.0
I have played with the new HD for 3 days and love it! demo strung at 55 using Live Wire 16 (not what i use but that is how it came)
I will only compare it to how it plays vs. my current racquet.
Serves- I don't get the big boom like with the 330 but I didn't notice much difference. Slightly better control. At times while serving the 330 will feel heavy. After 300+ serves with the HD, it never felt heavy in my hand.
Volleys- the HD out performs the 330 at the net, hands down.
Groundstrokes- better control with the HD and similar power. Seems to be a smaller sweet spot but I will have to play more to determine if true or not.
Overall I wasn't looking to switch but i have already ordered the new HD.
I have played with the new HD for 3 days and love it! demo strung at 55 using Live Wire 16 (not what i use but that is how it came)
I will only compare it to how it plays vs. my current racquet.
Serves- I don't get the big boom like with the 330 but I didn't notice much difference. Slightly better control. At times while serving the 330 will feel heavy. After 300+ serves with the HD, it never felt heavy in my hand.
Volleys- the HD out performs the 330 at the net, hands down.
Groundstrokes- better control with the HD and similar power. Seems to be a smaller sweet spot but I will have to play more to determine if true or not.
Overall I wasn't looking to switch but i have already ordered the new HD.
From your review and experience, looks like the HD is a better racquet. Can't wait to try one.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Indeed! Me, too!
So I just tried the hd and wow. Currently playing with the vcp 310 (prev gen) and cant believe how much more stable the hd version is. Particularly noticed how much better my slices and volleys are with the hd. Didnt notice much drop in topspin. Also noticed more forgiveness in upper part of hoop. Are people also noticing how much better the hd version is compared to the 310?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I added 10 grams to my vcp 310 and it was the best version of the vcore that ive tried. Doesnt surprise me much that the new hd will be the winner of the new bunch.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I like the HD, probably gonna use it/buy one. I also like the 330, but maybe slightly less than the HD.
Tried them both today and visually it is so hard to tell the difference in string pattern. Any science oriented racket needs have numerical proof the 330 string pattern impacts play significantly compared to the HD? The difference seems minute.
Kind if like if you place a VCore 95 over VCore 97, the size seems almost identical.
Tried them both today and visually it is so hard to tell the difference in string pattern. Any science oriented racket needs have numerical proof the 330 string pattern impacts play significantly compared to the HD? The difference seems minute.
Kind if like if you place a VCore 95 over VCore 97, the size seems almost identical.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I don't think you can demo the HD from either one of the 3 on-line stores...
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
Not yet I guess. The option just isn't there. I want to demo it so bad lol
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Gotta find a pga superstore
1HBHfanatic
Legend
their is a "demo", button when I click on it!!,,, shhhh don't tell anyone else, haaa
good luck
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Click on the button...”their” then tell us what happened
1HBHfanatic
Legend
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Hadn’t thought of this. There’s one in Roswell GA I’ll be visiting tomorrow just to hit against the wall with the HD. For science
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I string the blade at 48 since it drops to 41 before the strings die or break. I think i strung the vc310 around the same.
What swings easier to you of the two frames? I think that will be a determining factor once the pressure is on in a match.
parasailing
Legend
Another two hours on the court today hitting and hit a few serves as well.
After getting a good deal of hitting for the past 3 days, I have a better feel for both the Blade v7 and the Vcore Pro HD.
The Blade v7 is easier to swing and has a higher ball trajectory and much easier to generate topspin.
The Vcore 97 Pro HD excels at hitting flatter shots, has a lower trajectory, and better for defensive shots. Topspin requires a bit more effort.
Sweetspot is pretty good on both racquets and plow is solid on both but slight edge goes to the Yonex due to ability to absorb and redirect incoming power and pace.
The biggest plus for the Yonex is control. The blade has pretty good control but the Yonex takes it to the next level. Balls can be directed anywhere on the court with more accuracy than the Blade v7.
Serving with both racquets feel solid but I prefer the Yonex as it is easier to generate more racquet speed which produce balls that kick higher.
Right now I can't really decide which racquet I prefer. Usually I will know after hitting a couple hours whether a racquet is worth extended demo and these two racuqets definitely require further sessions on the tennis court.
After getting a good deal of hitting for the past 3 days, I have a better feel for both the Blade v7 and the Vcore Pro HD.
The Blade v7 is easier to swing and has a higher ball trajectory and much easier to generate topspin.
The Vcore 97 Pro HD excels at hitting flatter shots, has a lower trajectory, and better for defensive shots. Topspin requires a bit more effort.
Sweetspot is pretty good on both racquets and plow is solid on both but slight edge goes to the Yonex due to ability to absorb and redirect incoming power and pace.
The biggest plus for the Yonex is control. The blade has pretty good control but the Yonex takes it to the next level. Balls can be directed anywhere on the court with more accuracy than the Blade v7.
Serving with both racquets feel solid but I prefer the Yonex as it is easier to generate more racquet speed which produce balls that kick higher.
Right now I can't really decide which racquet I prefer. Usually I will know after hitting a couple hours whether a racquet is worth extended demo and these two racuqets definitely require further sessions on the tennis court.
parasailing
Legend
The Blade still swings more effortless but the Yonex has better control allowing you to better place your shots.
I think another few weeks will be needed since both racquet have their strengths and weakness so maybe playing matches will determine which one I prefer.
MajesticMoose
Hall of Fame
Yeah it sounds like match play is the only way to decide the outcome it seems.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
How about the sound comparison?
I don’t like the ping sound some rackets may create
parasailing
Legend
Neither one of these have that sound if you hit the sweet spot. Maybe if you hit the edge of the frame there is a slight ping.
The Blade v7 has a more pop sound without having to swing as hard. The Vcore Pro HD requires more effort but you do get a nice sound if you can get enough racquet head speed.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Matches is the only way to really find a frame in my experience. Hitting around is nice but its under the pressure of points where you find what you can win with.
Still this is interesting since you tailweight your blade. So you are playing the frames with a similar weight and balance. What are the differences you find between playing the blade at 4pts hl versus 6pts with the extra weight? Do you lose the advantage of the lighter frame? Interested there since you have the yonex and blade at such similar weights that i could see how it will take a few weeks to pick a winner.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Any of you all buy frames from TW and then return them if you didn't like them for credit? I am not sure how that works, but if the details work for me I may take an HD for a 2 week ride and see how it compares to the Blade in a week or so. Maybe I can send it back for another Blade . Regardless, I need another similar frame because it's super hot down here and my grips get soaked fast. In the meantime, I will probably use my PT280 or lead up an xi8 98 again. Currently using my Extreme MP and that's a little tricky to switch back and forth from. Wide open pattern thick beam back to closed is tricky.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
I was actually wondering the same thing. If there are 2 racquets with identical swingweight, racquet 1 with higher static weight and more HL vs racquet 2 with lower static weight and less HL, how would they each perform? After adding a bunch of weight to get the Blade to 9pt HL, it almost feels like a RF97. Luckily the 320HD is a little bit more naturally HL so I might just add a leather grip with no added weight in handle.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
I think it's like 75% credit? (can't remember where I saw that).
yeah... i called them once.. that's the best you get... but for exchange it may be better.. jsut call them up @Power Player
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah my hesitation is that I like the specs of the Blade stock. It really seems to fit with my game very well, and the classic head feel is right up my alley. The prior Vcore was a little more of a tricky fit and my backhand was never great with it. That said, if I can sell some other frames I wouldn't mind having this one for a few weeks to test out if I can groove with it. I love the feel of the Vcore series, it's one of my favorites of any frame. I still think the Tour G 330 was the best feeling version, but it was such a log.
achapa8807
Semi-Pro
Placed my order through my shop. Should be able to get hitting next week. I'm thinking of putting Poly Tour Drive at 50lbs and maybe adding leather.
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parasailing
Legend
I prefer more HL balanced frames usually around 6 pts since I like it be more whippy and over time, I have found that most racquets I enjoy using usually fall into SW of 330-340, static weight of 340 grams, and about 6 pts HL balanced.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the new frames which offer solid feel with good comfort and decent amount of power. In past demos, frames would not have all these traits. Now it's just a matter of determining which one suits me in match play but at least from hitting sessions, I can definitely use the Blade v7 or the Vcore Pro HD.
Dansan
Semi-Pro
I think I'm probably not the only one torn between buying a v7 blade 18x20 or the HD. I have a feeling the HD will lack some pop and depth into the back court on baseline groundies, albeit with excellent control and feel. Anyone care to comment on how heavy a ball you can hit with this ?
It definitely doesn't lack pop. I would say i hit the same heavy deep ball i do with my VCP 330g.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Ill post details if I get one. Since I already have the Blade and love it, I can tell you its made for hitting heavy balls, especially if you like to hit with a lot of spin.
On paper, I think the HD will punch harder than the specs say, but I don't think it will have the same level of plow as the Blade.
I don't think the HD lacks pop at all. In fact, it's the opposite for me. The blade 18x20 has a denser pattern and lacks pop. The HD has more mass and can hit a heavier ball.
yeah blade was made for absolutely demolishing the ball... if one didn't know what plow meant in tennis terminology, hit with the blade to understand what "plow" is...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yet the Blade has more SW, which is normally what generates a heavier ball. So I am not sure I am buying this. Maybe I will see for myself.
MajesticMoose
Hall of Fame
It's really a combination of pure static weight and swingweight. I would bet my money that the 97HD would have more plow than a stock Blade.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Well. I know Troy from TW would disagree. He stated the Blade had more.
I also dont know if it is the combination of static and SW. I think it may be racquet head speed plus swingweight that is the best combo.
ok. that's it. i had enough... pulled the damn trigger...
thetennisbros.com
Yonex VCore Pro 97HD 18 x 20 Racket Review - The Tennis Bros
Read Our Brutally Honest Yonex VCore Pro 97HD 18 x 20 Racket Review. Read Leading Tennis Equipment Reviews at TheTennisBros.com. Click Here!
thetennisbros.com
Power Player
Bionic Poster
ok. that's it. i had enough... pulled the damn trigger...
Yonex VCore Pro 97HD 18 x 20 Racket Review - The Tennis Bros
Read Our Brutally Honest Yonex VCore Pro 97HD 18 x 20 Racket Review. Read Leading Tennis Equipment Reviews at TheTennisBros.com. Click Here!
You have tried them all after this, I think your head will be spinning..lol.
I found one that I can get by this weekend I think. So I too will be able to compare it to the Blade. Sounds like an awesome frame, just have to see if it's for me. I am willing to give the Vcore another chance, especially with this P/J that I personally love. Plus they finally put a little SW back into their frames which is nice.
nohandedbackhand
Semi-Pro
Nice, life is short. Every time I feel bad about how much money I’ve spent on trying out different racquets and strings I remind myself that tennis is a pretty cheap hobby overall (assuming you have public courts or at least aren’t forced to join a country club to play). A couple racquets, bag, strings may run you $600 but then you’re set for at least a couple years (probably much longer) if you don’t abuse them and replace the headguards as needed. My friends easily drop that every ski season just on lift tickets, then factor in the travel, lodging, equipment...Golf is probably up there too with annual playing fees? Good mountain bikes are in the thousands... I’ll stick to tennis
