It's now on the Yonex Website! VCORE Pro EMERALD

[JOSHL]

So far the Blade takes the cake. But I do want to spend more time with the HD. I’m pretty much done with the GPro, I don’t like the larger head and it’s too sluggish at times, like when on defense, at the net..you need to be prepared every shot with it and when you are it hits a mean ball.

 

[ryanholi0]

Yep I have them both. As well as the V7 Blade 18x20 and Ultra Tour.

How do you like the Ultra Tour compared to all the frames you have?

 

[dgoran]

How do you like the Ultra Tour compared to all the frames you have?

I have gravity pro, ultra tour and new blade and so far I like blade the best. Has more of that pro stock comfort

I think Wilson gave us stiffer variant of h19 with the ultra tour so kind of gave us “fake” pro stock

I mean I get why they did that it would be too demanding for weekend warriors like us and 99.9 percent of players that don’t even know what lead tape is. So they kind of made it into stiffer variant

I suspect similar will happen to Yonex HD but they had to slap another 15grams to make it retail

 

[Addxyz]

Power player pretty much nailed this review. The HD is such a great feeling buttery smooth stick when you hit it clean but outside of the small sweet spot not so much. It’s just a more demanding frame than the Blade V7. Also agree with the comparison to the 93p.

The HD reminds me of the 93P, traditional flex. The Blade V7 has a flex to me that's different and weird, but not uncomfortable. I've never hit with a Yonex before so I had a hard time finding the sweet spot at the start. It's currently at 349g (6g in handle, 1.5g 10/2 + OG) with 10 pt HL. I guess nothing is ever going to compare to the whippiness of a 93P. Will have to play with both the HD and the V7 a little more, but the V7 is way easier to use.

 

[Dansan]

Finally got out and did some varied hitting today with the HD including singles and doubles matches. It's my first outing. This may help those on the fence...

For reference, I have a PT 280, K7 Lime, blade 18x20 CV, and an RF97A. The V7 blade is sitting in my office waiting to be strung up.

The setup: bit of lead around 3/9/12 brought the SW a bit higher, and balance is only slightly HL now. Wilson OG, yonex damper, hybrid gosen og syn gut mains at 56lbs with red code wax at 53.5 lbs crosses. If I had this to do over again, I would have dropped the tension on the entire setup by 1-2 lbs. Was a bit tight and low powered/boardy at first. If stringing with full poly, I would probably do something around the 46-49 lbs range.

Regarding power....I leaded mine up. It has pop when you hit the sweet spot. A lot. And it has plow especially leaded. I use a semi western grip and do not hit flat - I was still able to get plenty of shape and spin on my ball. I was able to blast forehands with this frame, with an incredible degree of accuracy. It's very high on control. Somewhat typical launch angle for an 18x20. Super rewarding to take a full cut at the ball. A lot of times I'll take a full cut with some of my other frames and it sails long by a few inches. This thing was like a small sports car that rewards you only when you just blast it to all hell. But yeah, I'm fairly certain the V7 will have easier access to power without having to swing so hard.

Backhands....because my tension was too high for this frame, I had trouble initially finding the sweet spot on a double handed backhand. I struggled to hit with power there - not because the frame lacked pop, but because I was not quick enough and couldn't find the sweet spot. The ball died if hit outside.
After doubles, I hit with a buddy - and it really hits a nice powerful one handed backhand. If you have good technique and a confident natural one handed backhand - this will work well.

Control as I said is very high. It's on par with my PT280 as far as control. Because I could wail on the ball, I was hitting with more pace than I usually do as well on those shots.

I got a little rushed without any warmup by some pushy doubles players. It took me some time to find my serve, but once I did - I hit several aces with it. I'm going to need a little work with it on serve to get consistent. This is where I struggled most. But again, I think with more time - it could be very rewarding.

Feel.....the feel is something special on this one. Just sublime when you pure it. Kind of like playing golf with mizuno blades. The old blade countervail felt like wearing two condoms. Can't feel anything. The RF is like wearing one condom. The K7 lime, the PT280, and the HD feel everything. It's buttery. It's really a close contender to how good it feels to hit with a PT280, maybe even slightly better. It really kept me wanting to play more and more with it.

To me, it's not a racquet that is going to help you win matches if your technique is off. As someone said before, you need to bring A game to make this one work for you in a match. But hitting with it, there's not a whole lot that feels better to me. It's the type of racquet that I'm glad I bought even though I am struggling to play flawless and easy tennis. It's the type of racquet that makes you forget about all the others in your bag for a while.

I'm going to continue playing with it to try and improve on my backhand prep and serve. This will be great for someone who has a solid and confident game. The V7 I have not even hit with yet, but I can guarantee that it will be a more forgiving experience. The V7 from what I've heard will help you win more matches and do your game more favors. I have not even strung the V7 up yet, but even if I do I have a feeling I'm still going to want to play with the HD .

 

[anfield]

I was hitting down on south beach and korolev strolled in with his family and killed the backboard lol

Everything is a go at the Flamingo

 

[dgoran]

I compared blade to HD demo today at the wall and decided to stick with the blade.
HD has a small sweet spot, Imho that thing should have been 16x19...it provides zero benefits over 93p.
I did not have 93p with me only blade 18x20 gravity pro and new strikes tour and regular 305 16x19 but I feel that even 93p had bigger access to spin and bigger sweet spot.

I decided to demo strike 16x19 305 one more time because tour was really impressive it’s like mini rf97 and this time I like it. I think new strikes are string sensitive. Because first time I didn’t t like it and now I did with poly hybrid.
I’m reluctant to buy tour version though because that’s gonna be just as heavy as my 93P...Decisions decisions

 

[JOSHL]

How do you like the Ultra Tour compared to all the frames you have?

My ultra tour is very under spec. I have 5g of lead on the hoop and two over grips and it weighs 11.6oz. Haven’t tried to add more lead yet but it feels unstable still. It is in the for sale forum as well. Lol. Compared to all the other ones it’s probably just above the Gravity Pro. I need to take the GPro out again because I haven’t played it since I got the blade or the hd.

 

[Chidoc]

Anyone tried guy/poly on this? What tension and how did u find it?

17G Alu power and 17 gut in mains at 45lbs.

It was buttery plush. The racket moves through the air impressively fast so power is there if you provide the racket speed. I felt I could drive the ball to all the spots on the court I wanted to. It felt amazing at net with great feel. It took me a few days to dial in my serve. The serve isn’t as hard as it used to be but I’m able to hit my targets and my kick serve is finally working. Driving offensive slice shots were easily accessible. Still haven’t completely dialed in my 1HBH but it’s close I think I need a bit more time. I haven’t played with a more comfortable racket since the old prestige tour 600.

 

[dgoran]

17G Alu power and 17 gut in mains at 45lbs.

It was buttery plush. The racket moves through the air impressively fast so power is there if you provide the racket speed. I felt I could drive the ball to all the spots on the court I wanted to. It felt amazing at net with great feel. It took me a few days to dial in my serve. The serve isn’t as hard as it used to be but I’m able to hit my targets and my kick serve is finally working. Driving offensive slice shots were easily accessible. Still haven’t completely dialed in my 1HBH but it’s close I think I need a bit more time. I haven’t played with a more comfortable racket since the old prestige tour 600.

Interesting...I had problems with one hand backhand too with this racquet...

 

[matchpoint9]

Finally got out and did some varied hitting today with the HD including singles and doubles matches. It's my first outing. This may help those on the fence...

For reference, I have a PT 280, K7 Lime, blade 18x20 CV, and an RF97A. The V7 blade is sitting in my office waiting to be strung up.

The setup: bit of lead around 3/9/12 brought the SW a bit higher, and balance is only slightly HL now. Wilson OG, yonex damper, hybrid gosen og syn gut mains at 56lbs with red code wax at 53.5 lbs crosses. If I had this to do over again, I would have dropped the tension on the entire setup by 1-2 lbs. Was a bit tight and low powered/boardy at first. If stringing with full poly, I would probably do something around the 46-49 lbs range.

Regarding power....I leaded mine up. It has pop when you hit the sweet spot. A lot. And it has plow especially leaded. I use a semi western grip and do not hit flat - I was still able to get plenty of shape and spin on my ball. I was able to blast forehands with this frame, with an incredible degree of accuracy. It's very high on control. Somewhat typical launch angle for an 18x20. Super rewarding to take a full cut at the ball. A lot of times I'll take a full cut with some of my other frames and it sails long by a few inches. This thing was like a small sports car that rewards you only when you just blast it to all hell. But yeah, I'm fairly certain the V7 will have easier access to power without having to swing so hard.

Backhands....because my tension was too high for this frame, I had trouble initially finding the sweet spot on a double handed backhand. I struggled to hit with power there - not because the frame lacked pop, but because I was not quick enough and couldn't find the sweet spot. The ball died if hit outside.
After doubles, I hit with a buddy - and it really hits a nice powerful one handed backhand. If you have good technique and a confident natural one handed backhand - this will work well.

Control as I said is very high. It's on par with my PT280 as far as control. Because I could wail on the ball, I was hitting with more pace than I usually do as well on those shots.

I got a little rushed without any warmup by some pushy doubles players. It took me some time to find my serve, but once I did - I hit several aces with it. I'm going to need a little work with it on serve to get consistent. This is where I struggled most. But again, I think with more time - it could be very rewarding.

Feel.....the feel is something special on this one. Just sublime when you pure it. Kind of like playing golf with mizuno blades. The old blade countervail felt like wearing two condoms. Can't feel anything. The RF is like wearing one condom. The K7 lime, the PT280, and the HD feel everything. It's buttery. It's really a close contender to how good it feels to hit with a PT280, maybe even slightly better. It really kept me wanting to play more and more with it.

To me, it's not a racquet that is going to help you win matches if your technique is off. As someone said before, you need to bring A game to make this one work for you in a match. But hitting with it, there's not a whole lot that feels better to me. It's the type of racquet that I'm glad I bought even though I am struggling to play flawless and easy tennis. It's the type of racquet that makes you forget about all the others in your bag for a while.

I'm going to continue playing with it to try and improve on my backhand prep and serve. This will be great for someone who has a solid and confident game. The V7 I have not even hit with yet, but I can guarantee that it will be a more forgiving experience. The V7 from what I've heard will help you win more matches and do your game more favors. I have not even strung the V7 up yet, but even if I do I have a feeling I'm still going to want to play with the HD .

Glad someone here is comparing to K7 Lime; I use a slightly leaded Lime and loving it. I ordered a demo, which is arriving today, just for the heck of it since I don't really expect to switch.....but who knows.
I know the demo will probably be strung in the 50s, which is too damn high for my liking.

 

[Dansan]

Glad someone here is comparing to K7 Lime; I use a slightly leaded Lime and loving it. I ordered a demo, which is arriving today, just for the heck of it since I don't really expect to switch.....but who knows.
I know the demo will probably be strung in the 50s, which is too damn high for my liking.

Yeah, the lime and the hd are really similar in many ways (I also leaded up my lime). Depending on what they strung the demo with, it may be hard to tell what's what. They both feel better than most frames I've played with, the lime has the edge at being maybe a touch more forgiving. I can't get rid of either one because of how good they both are, at this point I haven't decided which one I'm going to game

 

[Power Player]

Yeah, the lime and the hd are really similar in many ways (I also leaded up my lime). Depending on what they strung the demo with, it may be hard to tell what's what. They both feel better than most frames I've played with, the lime has the edge at being maybe a touch more forgiving. I can't get rid of either one because of how good they both are, at this point I haven't decided which one I'm going to game

Honestly, in that case id keep and use both.

 

[anfield]

Yeah, the lime and the hd are really similar in many ways

I don't think they are that much alike.

I found the Lime to swing faster, it is overall more nimble, with very stable hoop and packs a punch for its weight. My only issue with the Lime is I felt a bit disconnected and there is a strange non-linear power band, hitting a shot at 80 percent could be perfect or hit the fence. Its feel is quite distinct from the HD because it's using kevlar, and the feedback is different. I would not say muted, because that's not doing it service, is more modern feeling, but in the best way, it feels a bit like NASA tech.

The HD feels more hefty, flexy, with old-school graphite feedback and a linear power band.

If Angell made a K7 Blue in a 16x20 I would be in heaven. The Lime's stringbed is denser than the HD as well.

 

[Power Player]

Finally got out and did some varied hitting today with the HD including singles and doubles matches. It's my first outing. This may help those on the fence...

For reference, I have a PT 280, K7 Lime, blade 18x20 CV, and an RF97A. The V7 blade is sitting in my office waiting to be strung up.

The setup: bit of lead around 3/9/12 brought the SW a bit higher, and balance is only slightly HL now. Wilson OG, yonex damper, hybrid gosen og syn gut mains at 56lbs with red code wax at 53.5 lbs crosses. If I had this to do over again, I would have dropped the tension on the entire setup by 1-2 lbs. Was a bit tight and low powered/boardy at first. If stringing with full poly, I would probably do something around the 46-49 lbs range.

Regarding power....I leaded mine up. It has pop when you hit the sweet spot. A lot. And it has plow especially leaded. I use a semi western grip and do not hit flat - I was still able to get plenty of shape and spin on my ball. I was able to blast forehands with this frame, with an incredible degree of accuracy. It's very high on control. Somewhat typical launch angle for an 18x20. Super rewarding to take a full cut at the ball. A lot of times I'll take a full cut with some of my other frames and it sails long by a few inches. This thing was like a small sports car that rewards you only when you just blast it to all hell. But yeah, I'm fairly certain the V7 will have easier access to power without having to swing so hard.

Backhands....because my tension was too high for this frame, I had trouble initially finding the sweet spot on a double handed backhand. I struggled to hit with power there - not because the frame lacked pop, but because I was not quick enough and couldn't find the sweet spot. The ball died if hit outside.
After doubles, I hit with a buddy - and it really hits a nice powerful one handed backhand. If you have good technique and a confident natural one handed backhand - this will work well.

Control as I said is very high. It's on par with my PT280 as far as control. Because I could wail on the ball, I was hitting with more pace than I usually do as well on those shots.

I got a little rushed without any warmup by some pushy doubles players. It took me some time to find my serve, but once I did - I hit several aces with it. I'm going to need a little work with it on serve to get consistent. This is where I struggled most. But again, I think with more time - it could be very rewarding.

Feel.....the feel is something special on this one. Just sublime when you pure it. Kind of like playing golf with mizuno blades. The old blade countervail felt like wearing two condoms. Can't feel anything. The RF is like wearing one condom. The K7 lime, the PT280, and the HD feel everything. It's buttery. It's really a close contender to how good it feels to hit with a PT280, maybe even slightly better. It really kept me wanting to play more and more with it.

To me, it's not a racquet that is going to help you win matches if your technique is off. As someone said before, you need to bring A game to make this one work for you in a match. But hitting with it, there's not a whole lot that feels better to me. It's the type of racquet that I'm glad I bought even though I am struggling to play flawless and easy tennis. It's the type of racquet that makes you forget about all the others in your bag for a while.

I'm going to continue playing with it to try and improve on my backhand prep and serve. This will be great for someone who has a solid and confident game. The V7 I have not even hit with yet, but I can guarantee that it will be a more forgiving experience. The V7 from what I've heard will help you win more matches and do your game more favors. I have not even strung the V7 up yet, but even if I do I have a feeling I'm still going to want to play with the HD .

Real nice review, but one main thing that sticks out - if you modded it so the balance is only slightly HL, then that is a lot of lead. This is a 7 pt HL frame. Of course it will have more power and plow now. I am surprised you did not try it stock before just adding lead to it, but whatever works for you.

In my mind, getting a 12 ounce frame that still needs lead to get plow is a bummer and is probably not a realistic option for most people.

I am quote sure it feels amazing with lead, even though it's probably more of a log now. Adding weight in general usually makes a frame feel better, IMO. And the HD already feels great in stock form.

 

[Dansan]

I don't think they are that much alike.

I found the Lime to swing faster, it is overall more nimble, with very stable hoop and packs a punch for its weight. My only issue with the Lime is I felt a bit disconnected and there is a strange non-linear power band, hitting a shot at 80 percent could be perfect or hit the fence. It's feel is quite distinct from the HD because it's using kevlar, and the feedback is different. I would not say muted, because that's not doing it service, is more modern feeling, but in the best way, it feels a bit like NASA tech.

The HD feels more hefty, flexy, with old-school graphite feedback and a linear power band.

If Angell made a K7 Blue in a 16x20 I would be in heaven. The Lime's stringbed is denser than the HD as well.

I just meant that they are both flexy control oriented player's racquets with an 18x20 string pattern, head light balance, and similar size. I think they are relatively similar to compare based on their broad specs. The blade v7 and the lime could be compared because they are similar string patterns and the same size, but their balance is different stock. Blade is more head heavy.

To me they represent a low RA 18x20 control segment, also subjectively they have some similar characteristics about them.

 

[Dansan]

Real nice review, but one main thing that sticks out - if you modded it so the balance is only slightly HL, then that is a lot of lead. This is a 7 pt HL frame. Of course it will have more power and plow now. I am surprised you did not try it stock before just adding lead to it, but whatever works for you.

In my mind, getting a 12 ounce frame that still needs lead to get plow is a bummer and is probably not a realistic option for most people.

I am quote sure it feels amazing with lead, even though it's probably more of a log now. Adding weight in general usually makes a frame feel better, IMO. And the HD already feels great in stock form.

I historically like high sw and more head heavy balance. That's how I setup my Lime with lead, just too HL for my preference. But I'll try the HD without any lead tonight to see how it plays stock.

 

[achapa8807]

Mine is coming in on Wednesday from my shop. Getting it strung with RPM Blast Rough. I've always wanted to test this string out and since I'll have that string in a VCP 330, I'm going with it at the same tension to give a direct comparison. I'm damn excited.

 

[caprivi]

Here's another input point. 321g unstrung--350g final weight w/ string+accessories. About the same specs as my 93p.

Strung with same strings (17g poly) and tension (42/40) as my 93p. Seems to be slightly more evenly balanced (i.e. more head light) than my synthetic-gripped 93p. However, less whippy than the 93.

The only shot I thought the 93p was better at was the forehand (both topspin and squash). Otherwise, I preferred the HD on the backhand side (one handed, two handed & especially the hard slice); volleys were easier (especially reaction & touch); and serves were easier to control.

The HD was softer and more comfortable than my 93. I have golfer's elbow that would sometimes get aggravated if I smack a ball near the top of the 93. The HD hoop felt more flexy and less polarized than the 93, so that probably contributed to the increased comfort, though at the sacrifice of less control on my forehand drives. I swing at pretty much the same pace on all my groundstrokes so I'm not that sensitive to power or sweet spot once I've calibrated to the racquet.

So, I'm gonna switch to the HD and not trial the Blade since I think the HD shines in the comfort and control departments. I think my forehand side will eventually come around.

 

[Kozzy]

Played another couple sets with the HD tonight. A few new realizations - all good:
- one is that I love the Yonex grip shape. It just works for me somehow a bit better than Wilson.
- the second thing is how great it feels to let this racquet do the work. I have it weighted up to about 356g, 32cm balance (leather grip and 8g of lead), so it's quite hefty, but I don't really notice it feeling heavy or slow at all. I'm only a middling 4.0, so none of my shots are all that powerful, but it felt nice and easy to crack the ball with good pace, depth, and control (for me).
- third, serving is great - I'm getting more kick than with the ultra tour (at about the same basic specs) and overall I think it has more pop (not that the ultra tour is a high powered racquet).
- fourth, some have mentioned having a hard time on the one handed back hand, but I haven't noticed that. It's my weakest shot, but when I get warmed up I can start hitting over it pretty well, and there were no issues there for me

I guess that's it. I definitely have some acclimation to do, because the feel is quite different from the ultra tour, and the response as well in some instances. But, overall, I can't see why I'd go back now (time to sell some racquets and get me another HD).

 

[MajesticMoose]

Yeah I'm not sure to whose who are struggling to hit their one hander. Obviously this is a high quality and playable frame. If you're having trouble with a stroke, it's not the frame, it's your mechanics. That's all I gotta say about that.

 

[RogerShrederer]

Played another couple sets with the HD tonight. A few new realizations - all good:
- one is that I love the Yonex grip shape. It just works for me somehow a bit better than Wilson.
- the second thing is how great it feels to let this racquet do the work. I have it weighted up to about 356g, 32cm balance (leather grip and 8g of lead), so it's quite hefty, but I don't really notice it feeling heavy or slow at all. I'm only a middling 4.0, so none of my shots are all that powerful, but it felt nice and easy to crack the ball with good pace, depth, and control (for me).
- third, serving is great - I'm getting more kick than with the ultra tour (at about the same basic specs) and overall I think it has more pop (not that the ultra tour is a high powered racquet).
- fourth, some have mentioned having a hard time on the one handed back hand, but I haven't noticed that. It's my weakest shot, but when I get warmed up I can start hitting over it pretty well, and there were no issues there for me

I guess that's it. I definitely have some acclimation to do, because the feel is quite different from the ultra tour, and the response as well in some instances. But, overall, I can't see why I'd go back now (time to sell some racquets and get me another HD).

Can you share how you’ve weighted you Ultra Tour? I have both these racquets and can’t seem to hit with the Ultra any more.

 

[Dansan]

Played another couple sets with the HD tonight. A few new realizations - all good:
- one is that I love the Yonex grip shape. It just works for me somehow a bit better than Wilson.
- the second thing is how great it feels to let this racquet do the work. I have it weighted up to about 356g, 32cm balance (leather grip and 8g of lead), so it's quite hefty, but I don't really notice it feeling heavy or slow at all. I'm only a middling 4.0, so none of my shots are all that powerful, but it felt nice and easy to crack the ball with good pace, depth, and control (for me).
- third, serving is great - I'm getting more kick than with the ultra tour (at about the same basic specs) and overall I think it has more pop (not that the ultra tour is a high powered racquet).
- fourth, some have mentioned having a hard time on the one handed back hand, but I haven't noticed that. It's my weakest shot, but when I get warmed up I can start hitting over it pretty well, and there were no issues there for me

I guess that's it. I definitely have some acclimation to do, because the feel is quite different from the ultra tour, and the response as well in some instances. But, overall, I can't see why I'd go back now (time to sell some racquets and get me another HD).

I share the same feelings as you. Mine is a bit hefty as well, hits a nice one handed backhand. I played a singles set last night against a 4.0. that plays with a 18x20 blade CV. Volleys were great, couple overhead smashes, served well, I found myself coming to the net with confidence for some serve n volley. Hit's a really nice one handed backhand.

I usually have a close match with this guy, but mostly edge him out over the last couple months of play. The HD was like a scalpel, I beat him 6-2 in the first set before we called it quits. I am that much closer to sticking with the HD, I'm going to experiment with a few other string setups. Mid to high 40s tension full poly is next

 

[Kozzy]

Can you share how you’ve weighted you Ultra Tour? I have both these racquets and can’t seem to hit with the Ultra any more.

Sure thing - I have it weighted up almost exactly the same (mid 350G, 32cm balance). I got there by adding a leather grip and some lead and then adding a bit more here and there till it felt right. So, when I got the HD, I did the same basic thing - though I'm sure the swing weight is different.

 

[Power Player]

More impressions from today:

Demoing the Blade v the Vcore HD is really fun. What great frames. I still think it's going to come down to your style of play and angle of attack on the ball.

My swing is the more modern drop the frame and pull it up and across the ball stroke. That's a simplification, but the point is that I generate a lot of spin and brush a little more than a flat hitter. This type of shot really sings with the Blade. The ball kicks hard off the court and there is a lot of weight behind it. The difference is obvious when I go back and forth between the two frames. I simply swing harder with the Yonex to get something similar. In all fairness, it is very tough to beat a lighter frame with a 10+ point higher SW, and less flex in this situation. The light static weight lets me generate more racquet speed and the higher SW really lays into the ball with less effort.

That said the HD is a great control frame. You can swing freely and the shots stay in the lines. I love it on the backhand side a lot more than the Vcore 330 and 310. This one really lets me lean into the shot more and keep it deep. I hit a 2hander with pretty good spin, its not a flat 2 hander. Its also not my weapon, thats my FH. So I just need to be able to keep it deep with some spin and also hit with slice to mix things up . Frame is great there. On the FH side, I can move the ball around easily with it, but it doesn't enhance my FH as much as the Blade.

On serve, I really enjoy both racquets. The Blade comes through with more pace for me, but these are great frames to serve with. I did not have any huge problem there,

I am going to have another session with both in the next few days to see if anything new shakes out. These are really excellent frames. It sucks I have to choose one, but the reality is that going between the two is a bit tricky due to the power and balance difference.

 

[matchpoint9]

More impressions from today:

Demoing the Blade v the Vcore HD is really fun. What great frames. I still think it's going to come down to your style of play and angle of attack on the ball.

My swing is the more modern drop the frame and pull it up and across the ball stroke. That's a simplification, but the point is that I generate a lot of spin and brush a little more than a flat hitter. This type of shot really sings with the Blade. The ball kicks hard off the court and there is a lot of weight behind it. The difference is obvious when I go back and forth between the two frames. I simply swing harder with the Yonex to get something similar. In all fairness, it is very tough to beat a lighter frame with a 10+ point higher SW, and less flex in this situation. The light static weight lets me generate more racquet speed and the higher SW really lays into the ball with less effort.

That said the HD is a great control frame. You can swing freely and the shots stay in the lines. I love it on the backhand side a lot more than the Vcore 330 and 310. This one really lets me lean into the shot more and keep it deep. I hit a 2hander with pretty good spin, its not a flat 2 hander. Its also not my weapon, thats my FH. So I just need to be able to keep it deep with some spin and also hit with slice to mix things up . Frame is great there. On the FH side, I can move the ball around easily with it, but it doesn't enhance my FH as much as the Blade.

On serve, I really enjoy both racquets. The Blade comes through with more pace for me, but these are great frames to serve with. I did not have any huge problem there,

I am going to have another session with both in the next few days to see if anything new shakes out. These are really excellent frames. It sucks I have to choose one, but the reality is that going between the two is a bit tricky due to the power and balance difference.

How are they at the net and can you comment on maneuverability? Asking because I play exclusively doubles.

 

[Power Player]

How are they at the net and can you comment on maneuverability? Asking because I play exclusively doubles.

Both fantastic there. HD will be a little easy to move due to the balance, so I'd give it the edge.

 

[PMF]

I just had my 2nd hitting session with the HD, G Pro, and Blade 18/20. Still undecided, but I'm really starting to appreciate the HD. It feels like it was designed for a flat hitter like me. Everyone I played with mentioned how accurate and powerful my shots were, especially at net. I wish I had more time to play with these racquets, but I will try and write a more detailed refiew this weekend. All three are great!

 

[Shangri La]

I'm glad they didnt make a 16x19 version of the HD. Because if they did, from what I read I wouldn't be able to resist getting a couple. Too many racquets in the closet already.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I'm glad they didnt make a 16x19 version of the HD. Because if they did, from what I read I wouldn't be able to resist getting a couple. Too many racquets in the closet already.

If it was the HD... technically it couldn't be 16x19... as HD stands for High Density (of string bed)... meaning 18x20. Just sayin'...

But, if you mean that if they made a VCORE PRO 97 with an RA of 59 and a 16x19 string pattern, so would be hooked... then I completely understand... they would just have to call it something else... VCP 97 LD...?

 

[musicsoul]

If it was the HD... technically it couldn't be 16x19... as HD stands for High Density (of string bed)... meaning 18x20. Just sayin'...

But, if you mean that if they made a VCORE PRO 97 with an RA of 59 and a 16x19 string pattern, so would be hooked... then I completely understand... they would just have to call it something else... VCP 97 LD...?

Well my guess it would be 'Vcore Pro 97 (320). Inline with the 310 en 330

 

[hurworld]

If it was the HD... technically it couldn't be 16x19... as HD stands for High Density (of string bed)... meaning 18x20. Just sayin'...

But, if you mean that if they made a VCORE PRO 97 with an RA of 59 and a 16x19 string pattern, so would be hooked... then I completely understand... they would just have to call it something else... VCP 97 LD...?

I am not a stringer, but can an 18x20 racquet be strung as 16x19? Skip the outer 2 mains and string 1 cross less.

 

[Dansan]

I am not a stringer, but can an 18x20 racquet be strung as 16x19? Skip the outer 2 mains and string 1 cross less.

If you did that, the core of the racquets string density would be the same. A true 16x19 would have larger "squares" given the same frame vs 18x20. The larger squares, or more open string pattern produces more spin

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I am not a stringer, but can an 18x20 racquet be strung as 16x19? Skip the outer 2 mains and string 1 cross less.

What @Dansan said...

 

[smalahove]

Well my guess it would be 'Vcore Pro 97 (320). Inline with the 310 en 330

Yonex doesn't use the the actual weight in their naming nomenclature, but lettering:

290g version = VCore Pro 97 LG
310g version = VCore Pro 97 G* (or HG**)
330g version = VCore Pro 97 HG

The 320g HD version = = VCore Pro 97 HD G

So it seems each letter corresponds to a model-specific weight rather than a fixed one across all models. So G can range from 290 to 320g, f.inst.

It also seems Yonex can't decide wether the HD model is a G* or HG** ;-)
* http://www.yonex.com/sports/tennis/news/tennis/new-vcore-pro-crush-with-control/
** http://www.yonex.com/sports/tennis/products/tennis/racquets/vcore-pro-series/vcore-pro-97hd/

My guess would be that IF they were to make a 16x19 version of the HD as-is (RA 59), AND they wanted to integrate it in to the regular, 16x19 VCP line, they'd have to come up with a new lettering, such as MG (low/reg/*mid*/high). But that would def be the odd one out, and I don't think a company that takes engineering and taxonomy seriously would do that. They'd make the whole regular line more flexible, more likely.

 

[Kozzy]

For what it's worth, the 18X20 pattern on the HD is a bit more open than some other 18X20s I've played with. For instance, the ultra tour is a bit tighter. So, while it is 18X20, it's not a ridiculously dense 18X20. I think that's why I'm feeling like I get more kick and spin with the HD than the UT. The one downside for me on that is the the strings get out of line a bit more (full bed of multi), but not as much as they do in a 16x19.

 

[jbdbackfan]

Can anyone here comment or compare serving with the HD to that of the Gravity Pro? For years I've used a weighted up Prince Graphite 100 (about 12.2oz and 328-330 SW) and never had issues serving. Tried the Gravity Pro and it just feels so cumbersome on serving, and even hard to control on groundstrokes.

Used the Blade 18x20 (the BLX version) for years and loved it too. Might have to consider the Blade again as well.

 

[anfield]

For what it's worth, the 18X20 pattern on the HD is a bit more open than some other 18X20s

For sure, the Vcore Pro 16x19 on left, HD middle and new Pure Strike 18x20 in the photo. The HD gets a lot of spin for an 18x20 not just because of the less dense pattern -- with the mains they basically just add two extra strings in the gap of the 16x19 -- the HD's more flexy nature helps shapes the ball as well.

https://imgur.com/a/OF07SPW

 

[achapa8807]

For sure, the Vcore Pro 16x19 on left, HD middle and new Pure Strike 18x20 in the photo. The HD gets a lot of spin for an 18x20 not just because of the less dense pattern -- with the mains they basically just add two extra strings in the gap of the 16x19 -- the HD's more flexy nature helps shapes the ball as well.

https://imgur.com/a/OF07SPW

I'm going to take what you say with a little uncertainty since you're a Liverpool supporter. I guess I'll believe you, though.
Getting mine today and I hope the rain passes so I can hit a few balls tonight after my team's match.

 

[Power Player]

For what it's worth, the 18X20 pattern on the HD is a bit more open than some other 18X20s I've played with. For instance, the ultra tour is a bit tighter. So, while it is 18X20, it's not a ridiculously dense 18X20. I think that's why I'm feeling like I get more kick and spin with the HD than the UT. The one downside for me on that is the the strings get out of line a bit more (full bed of multi), but not as much as they do in a 16x19.

Yes, the Blade has a tighter pattern than the HD. I think I get more spin with it by a bit. The main reason is I get more racquet head speed with the blade,. Simple physics but adding static weight to a frame will slow down your tip speed. Not sure what your UT is weighted but that may have something to do with it too.

I also think the Vcores perform better with the tighter pattern. The ball doesn't sail on my as much as it could with the prior 310s. The HD, IMO is the best Vcore I have used besides the Tour G 330, which was amazing.

If they made this frame with the same specs as the Blade v7, I'd be set, but Yonex only pumps up the SWs on the versions they make for pros. It makes sense in a way, but it's also nice to see Wilson and Babolat getting it - a lot of players benefit from higher SWs and lower static weights in todays game.

Can anyone here comment or compare serving with the HD to that of the Gravity Pro? For years I've used a weighted up Prince Graphite 100 (about 12.2oz and 328-330 SW) and never had issues serving. Tried the Gravity Pro and it just feels so cumbersome on serving, and even hard to control on groundstrokes.

Used the Blade 18x20 (the BLX version) for years and loved it too. Might have to consider the Blade again as well.

I have not used the gravity pro but the HD is not cumbersome on serve. It's not as good as a Phantom 93 or newer Prestige in terms of serve either though. Manly because it does not have the same pop off the stringbed and the racquet face is bigger. My favorite serve with the HD is the serve I use the most - top/slice. The HD has a wide face due to the isometric shape, so it's very easy to come over the ball and pull it into the court with a snp and get a little sideways kick off the bounce.

 

[Kozzy]

Yes, the Blade has a tighter pattern than the HD. I think I get more spin with it by a bit. The main reason is I get more racquet head speed with the blade,. Simple physics but adding static weight to a frame will slow down your tip speed. Not sure what your UT is weighted but that may have something to do with it too.

I'm sure you are right about that - the UT is in the ballpark (same basic weight/balance, same strings), but I have not measured the SW on either one yet.

 

[parasailing]

For sure, the Vcore Pro 16x19 on left, HD middle and new Pure Strike 18x20 in the photo. The HD gets a lot of spin for an 18x20 not just because of the less dense pattern -- with the mains they basically just add two extra strings in the gap of the 16x19 -- the HD's more flexy nature helps shapes the ball as well.

https://imgur.com/a/OF07SPW

How are you liking the new Pure Strike v3 18x20?

 

[hurworld]

If you did that, the core of the racquets string density would be the same. A true 16x19 would have larger "squares" given the same frame vs 18x20. The larger squares, or more open string pattern produces more spin

Good point. I guess reducing the main strings only serves to reduce static weight and swing weight. However, would skipping cross strings improve spin potential due to less cross strings to impede main strings snapback?

 

[dgoran]

I’m in lol I got it for free...sort of...I was able to exchange unopened racquet sitting in my closet for months for HD. Consider myself lucky.
If I hate it I figure someone here will get a nice break from $300 price lol

 

[swfh]

I’m in lol I got it for free...sort of...I was able to exchange unopened racquet sitting in my closet for months for HD. Consider myself lucky.
If I hate it I figure someone here will get a nice break from $300 price lol

I’m hoping you don’t like it lol what’s the grip size

 

[matchpoint9]

I got to play with the HD, Blade, and GravityPro (GP) last night. Too bad they're all strung with different strings -- syn gut on the HD, RPM Blast on the Blade, and some poly/multi hybrid on GP.

For background: I play with Angell K7 Lime slightly modified to approx. 343g, 325 sw. I played with all 3 frames last night during my USTA 8.5 combo team practice so I played against a 4.5/4.0 player. In stock form, I just don't gel with the GP. That's the easiest one to rule out. It just feels sluggish. As for the HD, as many people have said already, it's a soft, low-powered frame. It means that this frame needs a proper technique and a full swing..... on every shot. 20mm beam gives a lot of feel but also very little power. Imho, even though anyone can play with this frame, not everyone will be able to get the most out of it. It's a great doubles stick though; just amazing at the net and maneuverable. I'm adding some tape tonight (at 12) to beef up the SW and see how it plays, particularly on serve. But I've pretty much decided I'm not switching to it.

Agree with @Power Player , the Blade is the better frame off the shelf. It's a bit more "practical" frame so to speak, it's very usable for recreational players. Good power, easy to swing, great feel, good sweet spot, hits a heavier ball, etc. I'm going to add some weight at the handle since I'm used to 7-8 pts HL.

The HD reminds me of why I sold my RF97A. The RF was an awesome stick...... at least in the 1st set. But the sweet spot felt like getting smaller and smaller as the match went on. Playing a long, deuce game in the 3rd set? I felt every ounce of the weight. It was obviously user error, I didn't move my feet as the match went on. Lesson learned -- I've taken a realistic approach in evaluating a new racquet and accept the fact that I'm not good enough to wield some racquets. Oh well.

 

[dgoran]

I’m hoping you don’t like it lol what’s the grip size

3/8

 

[dgoran]

I got to play with the HD, Blade, and GravityPro (GP) last night. Too bad they're all strung with different strings -- syn gut on the HD, RPM Blast on the Blade, and some poly/multi hybrid on GP.

For background: I play with Angell K7 Lime slightly modified to approx. 343g, 325 sw. I played with all 3 frames last night during my USTA 8.5 combo team practice so I played against a 4.5/4.0 player. In stock form, I just don't gel with the GP. That's the easiest one to rule out. It just feels sluggish. As for the HD, as many people have said already, it's a soft, low-powered frame. It means that this frame needs a proper technique and a full swing..... on every shot. 20mm beam gives a lot of feel but also very little power. Imho, even though anyone can play with this frame, not everyone will be able to get the most out of it. It's a great doubles stick though; just amazing at the net and maneuverable. I'm adding some tape tonight (at 12) to beef up the SW and see how it plays, particularly on serve. But I've pretty much decided I'm not switching to it.

Agree with @Power Player , the Blade is the better frame off the shelf. It's a bit more "practical" frame so to speak, it's very usable for recreational players. Good power, easy to swing, great feel, good sweet spot, hits a heavier ball, etc. I'm going to add some weight at the handle since I'm used to 7-8 pts HL.

The HD reminds me of why I sold my RF97. The RF was an awesome stick...... at least in the 1st set. But the sweet spot felt like getting smaller and smaller as the match went on. Playing a long, deuce game in the 3rd set? I felt every ounce of the weight. It was obviously user error, I didn't move my feet as the match went on. Lesson learned -- I've taken a realistic approach in evaluating a new racquet and accept the fact that I'm not good enough to wield some racquets. Oh well.

I assume I will have similar experience. It’s kind of why I started looking at the blade type stick. It’s best of the modern racquets that does not leave You exhausted.

 

[AA7]

I got to play with the HD, Blade, and GravityPro (GP) last night. Too bad they're all strung with different strings -- syn gut on the HD, RPM Blast on the Blade, and some poly/multi hybrid on GP.

For background: I play with Angell K7 Lime slightly modified to approx. 343g, 325 sw. I played with all 3 frames last night during my USTA 8.5 combo team practice so I played against a 4.5/4.0 player. In stock form, I just don't gel with the GP. That's the easiest one to rule out. It just feels sluggish. As for the HD, as many people have said already, it's a soft, low-powered frame. It means that this frame needs a proper technique and a full swing..... on every shot. 20mm beam gives a lot of feel but also very little power. Imho, even though anyone can play with this frame, not everyone will be able to get the most out of it. It's a great doubles stick though; just amazing at the net and maneuverable. I'm adding some tape tonight (at 12) to beef up the SW and see how it plays, particularly on serve. But I've pretty much decided I'm not switching to it.

Agree with @Power Player , the Blade is the better frame off the shelf. It's a bit more "practical" frame so to speak, it's very usable for recreational players. Good power, easy to swing, great feel, good sweet spot, hits a heavier ball, etc. I'm going to add some weight at the handle since I'm used to 7-8 pts HL.

The HD reminds me of why I sold my RF97. The RF was an awesome stick...... at least in the 1st set. But the sweet spot felt like getting smaller and smaller as the match went on. Playing a long, deuce game in the 3rd set? I felt every ounce of the weight. It was obviously user error, I didn't move my feet as the match went on. Lesson learned -- I've taken a realistic approach in evaluating a new racquet and accept the fact that I'm not good enough to wield some racquets. Oh well.

which Blade you are playing with? 18x20 or 16x19?

 

[matchpoint9]

which Blade you are playing with? 18x20 or 16x19?

18x20


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk