Struggling with Vcore Pro 97 310

[cluckcluck]

Coming from a Vcore Duel G 97 310, I thought it would be a natural progression. These 2 racquets feel nothing alike!
The only difference between the 2 are swingweight (Pro is 2 points heavier) and beam width. I wonder if I might have gotten a bad batch because they feel like different racquets.
I can barely keep a ball in play with the Pro 97. Its very very unfortunate, I was super looking forward to exclusively playing with it.

Have any of you had similar issues?

 

[loosegroove]

Coming from a Vcore Duel G 97 310, I thought it would be a natural progression. These 2 racquets feel nothing alike!
The only difference between the 2 are swingweight (Pro is 2 points heavier) and beam width. I wonder if I might have gotten a bad batch because they feel like different racquets.
I can barely keep a ball in play with the Pro 97. Its very very unfortunate, I was super looking forward to exclusively playing with it.

Have any of you had similar issues?

I thought they were pretty different as well. More power and spin with the new Vcore Pro, but it feels much stiffer with less control for me. As someone who generally gravitates towards flexier rackets with a nice pocketing feel, the Vcore wasn't as much my cup of tea. Though I could definitely see why many players would prefer it to the Duel G. And it is a great serving racket as far as I'm concerned. More like the love child of a Duel G and an SV 98.

 

[cluckcluck]

I thought they were pretty different as well. More power and spin with the new Vcore Pro, but it feels much stiffer with less control for me. As someone who generally gravitates towards flexier rackets with a nice pocketing feel, the Vcore wasn't as much my cup of tea. Though I could definitely see why many players would prefer it to the Duel G. And it is a great serving racket as far as I'm concerned. More like the love child of a Duel G and an SV 98.

I absolutely love the Duel G 97. Didn't think I would like the vcore series. Just baffled about the Pro. It does feel much stiffer and control is nowhere to be found.
At first, I thought it was user error (it tends to happen), but I went out and hit with the Pro and was all over the place. Then switched to the duel g and was hitting very very nice. Went back to the Pro, again was all over the place with no connection. Sadly disappointed. Will have to put it up on the classified

 

[RobS]

Your post is pretty timely. I hit with the Pro 310 for 2 days this week and really struggled with it. The Duel G had great feel and control, just not quite enough power for my style. I was hoping that the Pro would bump the power up enough for me to consider it. I did get a subtle increase in power but I just could not find the range that I found immediately when I first picked Duel G. It's most definitely not a too much power issue as it's still a relatively low powered racquet. I simply could not get a feel for where the ball was going, depth control in particular. I can't quite put my finger on it but the subtle changes to the racquet made a big difference in how it performed in my hands. I've hit with more racquets than I can count and I can usually find my groove pretty quick but this one was a real struggle.

 

[roundiesee]

I found that the vcore line is quite string sensitive, and the pro 97 is no exception. Take some time to experiment with strings and tension. The one I demoed was OK with yonex spin G strings.

 

[heninfan99]

Coming from a Vcore Duel G 97 310, I thought it would be a natural progression. These 2 racquets feel nothing alike!
The only difference between the 2 are swingweight (Pro is 2 points heavier) and beam width. I wonder if I might have gotten a bad batch because they feel like different racquets.
I can barely keep a ball in play with the Pro 97. Its very very unfortunate, I was super looking forward to exclusively playing with it.

Have any of you had similar issues?

String pattern too

 

[phanker]

Sufficient dwell time, or pocketing, is what gives you control. The stiffer VPRo needs a softer stringbed to give you the same dwell time you're used with the softer Duel G.
A softer stringbed in the VPro would give you more power too though thus sacrificing control. It probably needs a lower power string, at lower tension, to achieve what you're used to with the Duel G.

 

[Yoneyama]

The Duel G 97 310g and Vcore Pro 97 310g both have stiffness ratings of 64.

I have both and to me they feel the same level of flexibility.

I think perhaps the issues you are having may be due to the new 16x19 pattern, or on a stretch maybe you don't like the new namd material (if it is actually legitimately implemented into the frame like they say it is).

What strings and tension are you using?

 

[A_Instead]

Looking like another step backwards possibly...just like the DR to the Ezone..?
I hope that doesn't happen with the upcoming SV line...
But to Yonex credit...at least when the update their line it's actually an update...unlike some others..

 

[SpinToWin]

Maybe a change of string or tension? The more open string pattern might be throwing you off.

 

[ollinger]

Coming from a Vcore Duel G 97 310, I thought it would be a natural progression. These 2 racquets feel nothing alike!

I absolutely love the Duel G 97.

Is the lesson here that if you "absolutely love" a racquet, there's not likely a good reason to change?

 

[fundrazer]

Looking like another step backwards possibly...just like the DR to the Ezone..?
I hope that doesn't happen with the upcoming SV line...
But to Yonex credit...at least when the update their line it's actually an update...unlike some others..

I think the general consensus has been that the update has been a good one, for both the 310 and 330. I've seen more positive comments than negative ones anyway.

I haven't played the Duel G 310, but I really liked the Vcore pro when I gave it a demo.

 

[Frans Bleker]

I also found the Duel G to play better.

 

[haegger]

I have both Duel G and Pro 97 and i prefer the new one a thousand times. But, as always, it's a personal preference.

 

[smalahove]

I have both Duel G and Pro 97 and i prefer the new one a thousand times. But, as always, it's a personal preference.

I've just started playing the VP97 (310) and I used to play the DG97 (both 310 and 330). I prefer the new one, but when stringing the DG97 in a 16x19 pattern, they play and feel very similar to me. A bit firmer feel on the VP97. Always when comparing a smaller number of frames (2x VP97 310 vs 2x DG97 310 and 1x DG97 330), batch variances apply.

If you're comparing the DG97 and VP97 with their intended string pattern, and still feel the VP97 is stiffer, you need to lower the tension. The string pattern on the VP97 should produce a softer stringbed than the DG97 (except when stringing the DG97 in a 16x19 pattern).

 

[A_Instead]

I think the new pro 97 is better...it's more to my preference in a racket..more pop..more spin..etc..
While i do appreciate and value control in any racket..it's almost useless if you get hit off the court...

 

[cluckcluck]

Maybe a change of string or tension? The more open string pattern might be throwing you off.

I’ve typically used 16x19 patterns. Im already stringing pretty low 46lbs with Poly tour Strike.
Just feeling off. I’ll give it another go before tossing it up on classifieds.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Im not a fan of the pattern change,, from 16/20 to 16/19..
im a classic flat ball hitter, the 20x allowed me that safety margin to hit out,,
with the 19x I have to spin everything, otherwise it sails, or I dont feel comfortable with the depth control..

1 thing I did to tame down the power of the y.v.pro was make it more head light!,, 10pts,, no extra lead ontop, just on handle,,,
Somehow that helped abit,,

 

[Yoneyama]

Coming from a Vcore Duel G 97 310, I thought it would be a natural progression. These 2 racquets feel nothing alike!
The only difference between the 2 are swingweight (Pro is 2 points heavier) and beam width. I wonder if I might have gotten a bad batch because they feel like different racquets.
I can barely keep a ball in play with the Pro 97. Its very very unfortunate, I was super looking forward to exclusively playing with it.

Have any of you had similar issues?

Hey guys, I have what might be a handy tip for anyone struggling to transition.

I have both the Duel G and Pro 97 310g.

Whilst I was able to transition fine, I must agree that after a few weeks of use I can noticably tell that there is a control difference between the racquets.

My theory is that the Duel G 97 with its extra main string may cause a higher stringbed stiffness compared to the Pro 97, when using the same strings and tension.

I have Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex 17 in both racquets at 58/56lbs and the Vcore Pro 97 is noticably less stiff. The different feeling caused a slight loss in control for me.

However tonight I decided to throw in some string savers to see if they could up the stringbed stiffness a bit. I don't need them for this Syngut setup, but they do seem to stiffen up the stringbed which was noticable to me when I used Nat Gut/Poly hybrid... so I thought why not give it a go.

The result..... magic! It worked. With 24 string savers inserted in the upper middle area, the racquet now felt identical to the Duel G 97.

4th, 6th, 8th, 10th cross. 6 each cross, every two strings. Every second cross alternates the start.

Heres a pic to show the arrangement. Give it a go, it might be exactly what you need.

Also, I noticed no difference in spin potential with them installed.

 

[ROCKinCourier]

Is the lesson here that if you "absolutely love" a racquet, there's not likely a good reason to change?

+1

 

[achapa8807]

I absolutely love the Duel G 97. Didn't think I would like the vcore series. Just baffled about the Pro. It does feel much stiffer and control is nowhere to be found.
At first, I thought it was user error (it tends to happen), but I went out and hit with the Pro and was all over the place. Then switched to the duel g and was hitting very very nice. Went back to the Pro, again was all over the place with no connection. Sadly disappointed. Will have to put it up on the classified

I almost feel like this happened with the EZONE and DR. They are almost the exact same but with subtle layup differences that made a BIG change in feel. I have both EZONE 98 and 98+ and feel that the plus has more of that "DR feel" due to the extra length creating a more flexible sensation and added comfort. While I have found more comfort in the 98+, I didn't have the plow through of my modified 98s. Torn here.

Just this past weekend I was able to demo the Pro 97 but in the 330 weight. I compared it to my EZONEs and it was NO CONTEST. The feel is there, control, power level, everything. I knew I should have just waited on this one before getting the EZONE racquets. I've always gravitated toward the player frames from Yonex.

 

[smalahove]

My theory is that the Duel G 97 with its extra main string may cause a higher stringbed stiffness compared to the Pro 97, when using the same strings and tension.

This has been my experience. The difference is very noticeable when skipping the top main of the DG97, resulting in a 16x19 pattern.

 

[MRfStop]

Is the only difference between 310 and 330 the weight? Either the Duel series or the Pro. If I was to play with the Pro I would lean more towards the 330.

 

[leojramirez]

Picking up this thread again.
The frame plays very well and I don't mind the sacrifice in control over a bit more power but I am getting some upper hand pain below the index finger when late, on miss hits or when I want to put a lot of pace on the ball and I've never had this before. I use my usual combination of gut/hybrid at around 52/50 so I doubt its the strings. I was thinking of trying other base grips but has anybody else had this problem, even with other frames?
Thanks

 

[FV_Br]

I just got a pair of Duel G 310 strung with wilson sensation at 48 lbs, more control, more comfort and same power as the pro with hybrids. My main concern is comfort, this is why I stick to the old and cheaper model.

 

[Frans Bleker]

The Vcore Pro is a real step backwards as a modern player racket imo. The thinner beam makes it less stable, decreases the sweetspot and comfort and is less powerful.

 

[West Coast Ace]

This has been my experience. The difference is very noticeable when skipping the top main of the DG97, resulting in a 16x19 pattern.

+1. The pocketing is incredible.

I owe whoever posted that in the Chung thread (at least that’s where I heard about it) the beverage of their choice. My stringer said it makes his job easier too.

 

[ProRadTour]

The Vcore Pro is a real step backwards as a modern player racket imo. The thinner beam makes it less stable, decreases the sweetspot and comfort and is less powerful.

What tension are you string it at? Before you right off the new VCore Pro's you really have to try them at lower tensions around 40-45.

When you say modern players frame what are you comparing it to?

 

[Frans Bleker]

What tension are you string it at? Before you right off the new VCore Pro's you really have to try them at lower tensions around 40-45.

When you say modern players frame what are you comparing it to?

I am comparing it to the previous version ofcourse. But other modern frames are also atleast 21.. pure strike, blade, aero VS, tecnifibre t fight and on and on.

 

[Smarticus523]

I almost feel like this happened with the EZONE and DR. They are almost the exact same but with subtle layup differences that made a BIG change in feel. I have both EZONE 98 and 98+ and feel that the plus has more of that "DR feel" due to the extra length creating a more flexible sensation and added comfort. While I have found more comfort in the 98+, I didn't have the plow through of my modified 98s. Torn here.

Just this past weekend I was able to demo the Pro 97 but in the 330 weight. I compared it to my EZONEs and it was NO CONTEST. The feel is there, control, power level, everything. I knew I should have just waited on this one before getting the EZONE racquets. I've always gravitated toward the player frames from Yonex.

This is literally what I am going through right now. Do you still like the VCORE over the ezone? I weighted up my Ezone 98s and love em but the vcore felt really nice.

Also what strings have you been using?

 

[achapa8807]

This is literally what I am going through right now. Do you still like the VCORE over the ezone? I weighted up my Ezone 98s and love em but the vcore felt really nice.

Also what strings have you been using?

Right now I'm using a stock VCORE 98 but I do miss the VCP feel and plow through. I left the EZONE racquets shortly after demoing the VCP330. I'm about to switch to the new VCORE Pro HD.

I typically use Poly Tour Pro but since Poly Tour Strike came out, I've been using that. I just picked up Poly Tour Drive and Fire to try. I have fire in my VCORE 98 but I'm not liking it at my usual tension of 54lbs.

 

[Smarticus523]

You might want to try a poly like Luxilon Savage White at low tension...48/50. It was incredible on my Ezone. I'm wondering if that will have a similar soft deep pocket effect on the vcore 330.