Question regarding injecting silicone in Yonex handles

[tennis_balla]

I'm thinking of going back to Yonex on a sponsor deal. The two rackets I have in mind are the VCore 95 and the VCore Tour 97. Not sure if I should go for the Tour 97 in 330 or 310gram version. The VCore 95's are too light stock but perfect to customize. I've always liked the feel of silicone in the handle and a 310gram racket would be perfect for customizing to exact specs.

I have 2 questions:

1. Are the VCore Tour 97 310 and 330 versions identical, minus the weight?

2. I've removed the trap door on the new Yonex buttcaps and there's what looks like foam inside the handle. Does anyone have experience removing the foam, at least partially, and injecting silicone? How difficult, did you remove the buttcap etc? Any other experiences let me know please.

 

[CiscoPC600]

I know I've seen a YouTube video were the individual carefully picks out all the foam. I'll post when I find it. I've never delved into why one wants silicone in the handle though. What exactly do you like about it?

 

[tennis_balla]

I know I've seen a YouTube video were the individual carefully picks out all the foam. I'll post when I find it. I've never delved into why one wants silicone in the handle though. What exactly do you like about it?

310gr is way too light. Silicone adds weight and changes the feel of the racket.

 

[GBplayer]

It isn't foam in the handle, just a thin skin.

 

[Anton]

Yonex DR98 rackets I dealt with seem to have some sort of clear membrane covered by dried foam under the buttcap, but the chambers themselves seem to be empty.

 

[tennis_balla]

Yonex DR98 rackets I dealt with seem to have some sort of clear membrane covered by dried foam under the buttcap, but the chambers themselves seem to be empty.

Ah so the top of the hairpin is closed off so to speak but the hairpin itself is hollow? Good to know. For some reason I thought they had foam inside.

 

[NeedforPRESTIGE]

Ah so the top of the hairpin is closed off so to speak but the hairpin itself is hollow? Good to know. For some reason I thought they had foam inside.

Yes the hairpin is hollow. Go ahead.

 

[Irvin]

I would never inject silicone into the handle of a tennis racket. The silicone is very sticky and needs air to cure properly. Once it does cure it is almost impossible to get off. If you’re going to match rackets you need to be exact of the amount of mass you place in the racket and where you place it. Good luck getting the exact amount of silicone you want in the racket.

Instead of injecting I would place cured silicone inside the handle which would probably require removing the grip and butt cap if you do it right. There are many ways to cure silicone.

EDIT: http://siliconesolutions.com/ss-606...0x847-0ihCrYbThfGD9DFtgtQ8gaSJHoaAnN-EALw_wcB

 

[Irvin]

Another option of weighting the racket would be to use a gum eraser (https://www.cheapjoes.com/general-s...jgL76UJK335dhY_7aKdTXO3eSsOyxVrUaAv-mEALw_wcB) just trim off the size you need and smash it in the hairpin.

 

[tennis_balla]

I’ve done silicone injection into rackets a number of times. It’s not difficult to do at all and cures in about 24hrs. My 25th Ann. Prestige MP have 10gr of silicone in the handle.

 

[StringSnapper]

I’ve done silicone injection into rackets a number of times. It’s not difficult to do at all and cures in about 24hrs. My 25th Ann. Prestige MP have 10gr of silicone in the handle.

Out of curiosity, what do your modified racquets look like in terms of weight, swingweight, and balance?

Did you settle on the vcore 95?

 

[gazz1]

I use Bluetack...provides weight, similar feel to silicone and easy to remove or make small adjustments.

 

[AMGF]

I just add a leather grip. Instant 10grams and I prefer the feel of it too. If that is not enough, I just wrap lead tape over the pallet (a la Djokovic). You can add precise amount of weight and it’s easy to remove (or add more).

 

[topspn]

I tired silicone in the handle once in a Duel G 330 and didn’t care for the feel at all.

 

[tennis_balla]

Out of curiosity, what do your modified racquets look like in terms of weight, swingweight, and balance?

Did you settle on the vcore 95?

360grams and 32cm balance point. I didn't get any new rackets, sticking to the Prestige MP 25th.

 

[StringSnapper]

360grams and 32cm balance point. I didn't get any new rackets, sticking to the Prestige MP 25th.

Maybe when we find a decent racquet, we shouldnt ever change unless forced to (a frame breaks or something and theres none of that model anywhere)