The Yonex Vcore Pro 97D, after 12 months, switching

[professorMoriarty]

strung weight, 345g, swing weight 327, leather grip, 5pt HL, 2 gram led tape at 10 and 2. VS touch Natural gut on the mains 55lbs, Poly rev tour on the crosses 50lbs.


I absolutely love this frame as a single backhander, this was one of the best rackets to swing through the ball for a backhand winner, to battle 2 handers and to defensively or offensively use the slice. I love it on serves and I finally climbed my +3.0-5.0 tennis league ( 200 players) from bottom to top in 3 years after switching to the this 97D in the last 12 months from the projectone7 Pure Strike 16x19. Now, of course I have improved a lot as well, but I also improved my scores dramatically when I made the frame switch and my errors immediately dropped. I was swinging too big for a power frame.

However, now that I'm in the top box, I'm not winning as much anymore, I know that's to be expected and I'm probably the weakest of the top players of the league sharing my bracket. However it's been 12 weeks now that I can't break through and I'm losing the same way each time. It's the putt-away shot on the forehand side. I have a tremendous difficulty generating pace with the forehand.

My opponents are playing really solid 5.0 tennis, big serves, good returns and their footwork and positioning is basically perfect, so they're getting a racket on basically every forehand I'm hitting unless it's touching a line or if I catch em wrong footed. However, on the flip side, I'm seeing them hurl these massive, laser beam like forehands down the line or cross court that a professional sprinter couldn't track down.

I tried the Gravity Pro

I'm trying the Gravity pro right now, it feels very similar to the 97D except it has a 100sq frame and the beam is super thin I think 20mm, dense 18x20 patter. It has a slightly higher swing weight, 335g. The racket plays really close to the 97D, except maybe 5-10% more pace comes out of my forehand and I'm still not over hitting.

I won my last 3 matches since the switch which is encouraging, but not for the reasons I wanted, the pace on the forehand is still an issue, maybe slightly less, but I still feel like I have to have impeccable timing, footwork, and swing to get even half the pace I got with my old PureStrike.

What have people in my similar situation done? Did you change your forehand? I have a SW grip, thinking of changing to a more Eastern grip for more flat pace rich game, or maybe change my loop or strings? Any other rackets anyone suggest? I tried the Yonex 98 Ezone and tour version, the pro Staff 97 and RF, the blade, the radical, the vcore 95... none of them gave me confidence on the backhand side. I did love the RF, but it was too hefty and I often faded in the second set too quickly. I need real stability and medium/low power (but not too low).

Any tips or combination of things any of you got that unlocked that slight extra power on your forehand side that made a difference in your game?

 

[Trip]

Nice write up @professorMoriarty. I have a 97D in the quiver, I'm also a fellow OHBH'er (fairly flat) with an eastern/south-western FH, and I, too, found the 97D to not be quite what I wanted (so far, anyways), mostly due to being a bit too much static weight, less so lacking in power. However, a power "ceiling" is a bit endemic of the entire 2021 VCP silo -- I think this is due to such a soft neck and such long dwell time. This has been observed more so with the VCP 97 310, but it's still present to some degree with the D, albeit the mass and layup density of the D helps to mask it more.

Re- the Gravity Pro, I would also see it producing a bit more power, mainly from more stock plow-through and additional string bed trampoline, but it won't offer much in the way of the type of ball-flattening, bludgeoning power you'll get from a stiffer flex and/or thicker, more trussed beam -- aka the kind of power you were used to from the likes of a Pure Strike.

As for moving back in that direction, is something preventing you from just returning back to a Strike? Lack of comfort, too muted (low feel), or otherwise? If it's comfort, you might consider the Strike Tour, which is just as powerful, but much lower Hz vibration and much nicer on the arm, provided the static weight isn't much of an issue (as it does weigh the same as the 97D). If it's feel and/or weight, or you just don't like the Strike silo for whatever reason, what about a Dunlop FX 500 Tour, which offers all the benefits of something like an EZone 98, but is more maneuverable and punches well above its relatively low swing weight, needing much less hoop lead than one might think. Also, at 15.1 twist weight, it's supremely stable in stock form and doesn't need all the weighting up at 9 and 3 that so many 95's and 98's tend to require (VC95, CX200, Extreme Tour, etc.). On the same note, for however Dunlop have balanced out the weight distribution, it doesn't feel that cumbersome on the one-hander, either. Just a brilliant frame. At $99 right now, not such a gamble to take a flyer on one and give it a long trial, then either double or triple down for pretty minimal cost if you like it, or just flip it for minimal loss if it doesn't work out.

Anyways, I hope some of that helped!

 

[AmericanTwist]

OP you can try stringing 3 lbs lower for more power. You should be able to hit flatter shots with a SW forehand. Are you getting beat on winners? Huge difference in specs from the ProjectOne. Use the slice liberally. OP how are your returns using all 3 frames?

I also hit a one hander with the 97D, but I haven't optimized specs yet. I'm at 364g static (leather plus tape under handle) and use full bed syngut at 40lbs (winter tension). My main stick is the 310 VCP blue but I'm giving the ezone and the ultra pro and 97D work-outs.... I can see carrying most of these in my bag at once depending on who I play. I'm at 5.0 level on some days and some days not.

 

[Steve Huff]

If you're looking for a little extra power while retaining a good amount of control, I would take a look at a Pro Kennex 5 series. A lot of people shy away from it because of a lack of pro endorsements, but it really is a great all-around racket. Plus, it will be easier on your arm than about any other racket you've mentioned.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Thank you for the excellent read! I think @Trip had some great suggestions. You might like the Tengo 960. It has some Babolat qualities in 98si. You can definitely nuke the ball if you need to.

 

[GermanBeast]

I wouldn‘t change the racket. I mean, you like nearly everything of the 97D and you had really good results with it. If you are getting higher in the league, of course your opponents will have better footwork, better work in defensive and also they can anticipate your shots better. If you think, your forehand is too weak and you are generating not enough pace, I think, the problem is not your forehand. Your opponents are just better. At higher levels its more difficult to hit winners. It‘s all about your game strategy, confidence and constancy.

I would try the following things:
-you could string lower
-try another string
But more important is to work on your game and footwork. Maybe try to change a bit one your forehand technique.
Try to finish points with volleys. The 97D is great for volleys.

 

[leojramirez]

Tennis is a mental game. Difficult to regain confidence on your frame once you start to doubt it. When you have doubts other aspects fall apart and it's easy to take the route of blaming the racket for our failings, drop of form, etc.
In terms of the forehand put away, normally when you have the opportunity for that shot you are inside the court close to the service line. With low balls you have to either get down real low and use wrist to generate head speed. If you do that properly it's very tough for your opponent to hit that back. Having said that, using wrist and generating head speed with such a heavy frame is very tough. With higher balls its easier of course.
Rackets are very personal just like technique and theres no wrong as long as you can play how you want and stay healthy. However, as I was advised by my stringer who is the brother of a top 5 atp doubles player who now sits in the Nadal corner when I was using the first RF97, "amateurs can't maximise their games with heavy frames, even my brother can't."
My advise to you is trying out frames with lower static weight that allows you to generate more head speed while giving you enough plow-through to not get pushed around.

 

[Srik]

//
trying out frames with lower static weight that allows you to generate more head speed while giving you enough plow-through to not get pushed around.
//

can you please let me know which one(or two) are the best ones that describe this ? I was looking for similar characteristics with minimal static, max plow-through

 

[Gee]

My advise to you is trying out frames with lower static weight that allows you to generate more head speed while giving you enough plow-through to not get pushed around.

Swingweight (and HL balance) is more important than static weight into this respect. I played my best matches with a heavy static weight C10 Pro (370grams total) but with a manageable swingweight and pretty HL balance. So I also think you should play with a racquet with such a high swingweight as you can handle well during a long match.

 

[PRS]

The better you get, the more difficult it will be to quickly advance over your new peers. I concur with what GermanBeast said above, I don't think you need a new racquet. You could consider trying to follow up that forehand with a volley to finish up the points. You could also add a little weight at 12 o'clock to get a little extra power, just know it'll effect all your other shots as well.

 

[leojramirez]

Swingweight (and HL balance) is more important than static weight into this respect. I played my best matches with a heavy static weight C10 Pro (370grams total) but with a manageable swingweight and pretty HL balance. So I also think you should play with a racquet with such a high swingweight as you can handle well during a long match.

370g is bonkers even If you have old school technique. However what works for you does not work well for others and definitely struggling to see how 370g helps the regular player.

//
trying out frames with lower static weight that allows you to generate more head speed while giving you enough plow-through to not get pushed around.
//

can you please let me know which one(or two) are the best ones that describe this ? I was looking for similar characteristics with minimal static, max plow-through

It's all trial to be honest, I can't advise you much, just don't go to the extreme opposite of the spectrum like a pure aero, you'll find it hard to control. If you want to go there though you have play with some frames that are middle of the road between your vcp and the aero. Pick some you think you might like according to the specs and demo. Something that is around your desired swingweight but might have a slightly thicker beam, or not so dense string patter in the middle. Subtle changes.
I give you my example.
I've been using the vcore98 2021 since it come out, never loved it but I was playing well with it. I was getting pushed around with the vcore95 2018 so I needed something with more power and it was an easy transition as they do play somewhat similar.
With the vcore 98 I really have to play with spin to make this frame work. Some balls sail long which eventually drives me nuts and I also struggle to flatten out the one handed backhand down the line, which for my game is essential. So with the backhand I end up hitting topspin cross. I use a soft polyester string as even solinco tour bite soft 1.20 gives me discomfort on the hand with that frame. The positives is that its easy to play with, defending is easier, hitting deep is also easier and its easier to get more speed on the serve.
I switched to the vcp310 2021 a couple of weeks ago and while the negatives from the vcore98 are gone the positives are negated too, mainly the serve, although I hit more consistent and better topspin seconds with it. I also needed the comfort. But this frame forces me to work with placement, which is often better at a higher level, however we all crave that put away power. So, there is a fine balance. Not overly happy with it either and want to try other strings to get a bit more spin.
I've beaten very good players with both frames but playing slightly differently with each frame, the n1 guy in the club team and a friend who used to play futures. I cannot beat them if I'm in poor form though. Thats why I said tennis is mental, sometimes you have to step back a bit and give it a real thought to how you can beat players that you struggle with. Your game is probably there if you made it to that division, so you just have to find the way mentally to beat them.

 

[Hansen]

can you please let me know which one(or two) are the best ones that describe this ?

let me chime in. typically that is the blade. since you use gut / poly i would try the blade v8 18 : 20.
another option could be the head speed pro.

 

[Gee]

370g is bonkers even If you have old school technique. However what works for you does not work well for others and definitely struggling to see how 370g helps the regular player.

370g static weight is indeed too much to me nowadays though I think the Völkl C10 Pro is still a great racquet. I just had an overspecced model. That is why I switched to racquets of ca. 345g (strung incl. overgrip + dampener) and with a bigger head size as well over the last years.
I only meant to say that the swingweight and balance are more important factors than the overall static weight.
Maybe I should go even lower in weight but I just like the solid stable feel and power that you get from heavier frames.
For instance I once tried to play with my Diadem Elevate in stock conditon. It felt a lot lighter but also much less stable and lack of plow through.

 

[jalapeno74]

I use the D as my main stick for a couple of months now and can relate to your post.

The stick is really great, especially for OHBHs and a versatile game.
Comfort is great as well, there are very few things one could complain about.

To me, the launch angle is demanding at times and - depending on you opponent - it can be tough to hit winners.
This happens to me from time to time against opponents who use slower balls, not the ones who fire rockets at you.

I think it's rather easy to use the incoming pace and redirect it with this one, you dont even have to go from Defense to Offense. Its more about the ability to redirect instantly.
But once you have somebody that use placement and slower pace I wish for more oomph as well. Lost games that I shouldn't have lossed but on the other hand was able to win tight games against very good players.

My alternative racket for these games right now is the Pure Strike Tour. It has a little bit more putaway power. The launch angle is noticeably higher which takes some time to get used to but once you dial in, you can crush those slow balls.
Also a very good racket and highly recommended

 

[10nisne1]

OP you can try stringing 3 lbs lower for more power. You should be able to hit flatter shots with a SW forehand. Are you getting beat on winners? Huge difference in specs from the ProjectOne. Use the slice liberally. OP how are your returns using all 3 frames?

I also hit a one hander with the 97D, but I haven't optimized specs yet. I'm at 364g static (leather plus tape under handle) and use full bed syngut at 40lbs (winter tension). My main stick is the 310 VCP blue but I'm giving the ezone and the ultra pro and 97D work-outs.... I can see carrying most of these in my bag at once depending on who I play. I'm at 5.0 level on some days and some days not.

+1 on the recommendation. Suggest gradual changes but might even suggest lowering the tension even little further for 18x20 string patterns.

 

[basil J]

I'd hire a teaching pro that you can trust and have him evaluate your game and mechanics. I played at a decent 4.0 level for years, but as I age the game is getting tougher and my opponents are getting younger. I tried more powerful frames but always came back to my usual stick. I hired a teaching pro to help me with footwork patterns and shortening points after I got my hip replaced. Once I got my mobility back, I got myself in great shape and went to work. I discovered with less than great footwork, comes less than great mechanics or should I say bad habits. I thought my strokes were fine until I started working with this coach and he has changed my perspective altogether. With improved footwork came better spacing, better anticipation, better mechanics, more options and yes more power and spin. I went from a semi western back to my eastern and am hitting the ball much better than I have in years. At 5.0 level I would think sound fundamentals would be even more important.

 

[agradina]

So what racquet u choose?

 

[Ryebread]

Yes! Where did the OP go?

He could try the new Percept 97d. I have one I can loan you to test that is 317 static. Ends up 341 with poly and OG. 7 pt HL. No leather grip.