Thoughts on the new Percept 97

Elshami

Elshami

New User
I would assume Percept udpate will be by end of 2025 or Jan 2026.

As a Percept 97 user i would like to see Yonex improve this line and racket which has a lot of good potential to become great and be even more popular than the blade.

Only problem with this stick is lack of plow which will require customizing and adding minimum 4 to 5 grams to increase swing weight from 316 to 320s range

Yonex should get out of 97 Sq inch and enlarge it to 98 in my opinion

below are the specs is would love to see on this racket

98 sq
310 grms
SW 325
6 points balance
stiffness 62

i think they should keep Servofilter, it has seriously improved the Percept compared to old Vcore pros.

what are your thoughts if you are using the Percept 97 or on the whole line in general.
 
Elshami said:
Only problem with this stick is lack of plow which will require customizing and adding minimum 4 to 5 grams to increase swing weight from 316 to 320s range
Click to expand...
I don't see this is as a problem though. So many people complain about stock racquets not meeting their exact individual spec preferences, when everyone's exact preferences vary. Lead tape is the most stupid easy mod to do on a frame, and I'd much rather have an underspec platform racquet out of the box so that (considering QC variations as well) multiple racquets can be set up exactly how I want.

Once they start bumping up the SW to suit a few people who can't be bothered to do the most basic racquet modding, then they are cutting off a ton of sales from those who don't want that spec. The standard 97 plays really well with a little lead added to get it about halfway to the SW of the 97H.

And a bigger head changes the feel. Yonex already makes 98s. There has to be some fundamental differences to each line of models otherwise too many blend together and there's no point.
 
Last edited:
Romix said:
I wish they would have a 16x20 pattern into this line like they do with the vcore line. I think it'd work well giving it a combo of spin with control. And please bring back gloss I'm sick of matte finish. I agree with added plow through.
Click to expand...

Percept 97 is low powered but has good spin with 16x19 to compensate for that low power and low sw

I think 16x20 will be a little too under powered specialty when the flex is low and frame is thin.

Might be a good option on a 98sq head
 
Elshami said:
Percept 97 is low powered but has good spin with 16x19 to compensate for that low power and low sw

I think 16x20 will be a little too under powered specialty when the flex is low and frame is thin.

Might be a good option on a 98sq head
Click to expand...
I think if they add the extra plow through it'd work well. They experimented with the 100 as an 18x19 pattern this time around and i think it was well received for the most part why not add another pattern to this line.

But it must be glossy that is something that is a must for me.
 
Last edited:
Elshami said:
I think 16x20 will be a little too under powered specialty when the flex is low and frame is thin.
Click to expand...

Strike VS is a 16x20 with low flex and a thin beam, 97” head. I wouldn’t call that one underpowered but I do have 4g at 12 to juice it up.
 
Certainly for the Percept H, Yonex needs to offer a couple of Grip 5’s in their range for the tall people with large hands. I would use a Percept H but I won’t because I can get a grip 5 from a Prince, Volkl, Pacific Angell and Pro Kennex and that to me is peace of mind.
 
Romix said:
I wish they would have a 16x20 pattern into this line like they do with the vcore line. I think it'd work well giving it a combo of spin with control. And please bring back gloss I'm sick of matte finish. I agree with added plow through.
Click to expand...
I think if we took the culmination of most peoples thoughts on this thread we'd have one heck of a frame and a winner at that! In my opinion sub 97s are a dying breed on tour and becoming obsolete barring a few but most players coming on tour now are playing 98 plus.

So I'd say...
  • move the frame from a 97 to a 98
  • give it a 16x20 string pattern (my bias and personal favorite) and open the string bed a little bit as opposed to the very tight 16x19 it currently has
  • 325-330 sw
  • 6ptsHL
  • 64 stiffness sounds fair to me
  • 320-330 strung (depending on the swing weight)
  • Basically kind of turning it into a Yonex version of an old Babolat Pure Storm with a more modern beam and feel more suited to the modern game
Just my two cents.
 
SirCraigoryy said:
I think if we took the culmination of most peoples thoughts on this thread we'd have one heck of a frame and a winner at that! In my opinion sub 97s are a dying breed on tour and becoming obsolete barring a few but most players coming on tour now are playing 98 plus.

So I'd say...
  • move the frame from a 97 to a 98
  • give it a 16x20 string pattern (my bias and personal favorite) and open the string bed a little bit as opposed to the very tight 16x19 it currently has
  • 325-330 sw
  • 6ptsHL
  • 64 stiffness sounds fair to me
  • 320-330 strung (depending on the swing weight)
  • Basically kind of turning it into a Yonex version of an old Babolat Pure Storm with a more modern beam and feel more suited to the modern game
Just my two cents.
Click to expand...
I would make it 8 pts headlight minimum and glossy finish beside that i agree with everything else
 
I personally would love to see the flex going higher around the 64 and 65 mark like listed above. Swing weight to go around the 320 mark so because 310 grams and 315 sw sounds to low. Also I would love them to own up to the breaking issue (if they haven’t already) and fix it. This is like one thing that is stopping me from fully committing to this racket. I don’t want to waste my hard earned money. And maybe the cracking was a user error but there was too much breaking/cracks to be an error of the user. I think if yonex updates like what has been said many of the old Blade enjoyers would also love this racket.
Edit: I am not fully sure if yonex has said anything about the cracking and if so please inform me.
 
I like it as!
(I’m a high 4.5 50 year old with a one handed backhand)
I think it is a great platform racket. It’s definitely a bit anemic in stock form but allows you to mod it up to your desired specs. It doesn’t need much. I added 4 grams ( split evenly at 10 & 11 on both side and 12). The extra weight toward the head of the hoop helps bring up the swing weight and gives the plow through the stock racket is lacking. I tried all the weight at 12 and it I didn’t like the feel so I spread it out and it worked like a charm.
Before the precept I played the VCP 97. That one needed a lot more weight to be playable. On the VCP I added 10 grams mostly at 3 & 9 with just a small amount of weight at 12 and a bit of weight in the handle. I felt thr VCP needed more stability thus the 3 & 9. The VCP is more buttery.
Although similar, they play differently. The Precept is more stable and feels more poppy (less buttery). It’s an easier racket to play with in my opinion.
I consider the Precept a modern players racket. You definitely need to be able to produce your own power but it does give you more free power than the VCP (but nothing like the popular modern rackets) I love the accuracy and the feel when it’s weighted up! Also great racket for one handed backhands.

I guess overall it’s just a more playable VCP. It’s more stable, a bit stiffer feeling, more poppy and a bit more whippy. It needs to be customized or it is anemic, but I like platform rackets where I can customize it to my preferences (Before VCP played Dunlop CX200 95 another great platform racket)
If you don’t like customization this isn’t the racket for you.

I would say the Precept 97 is probably best suited for 4.5 players and higher.

I string mine up with confidential (1.25) mains and Poly tour Rev (1.25) crosses both at 48 pounds.
 
Diego C said:
I like it as!
(I’m a high 4.5 50 year old with a one handed backhand)
I think it is a great platform racket. It’s definitely a bit anemic in stock form but allows you to mod it up to your desired specs. It doesn’t need much. I added 4 grams ( split evenly at 10 & 11 on both side and 12). The extra weight toward the head of the hoop helps bring up the swing weight and gives the plow through the stock racket is lacking. I tried all the weight at 12 and it I didn’t like the feel so I spread it out and it worked like a charm.
Before the precept I played the VCP 97. That one needed a lot more weight to be playable. On the VCP I added 10 grams mostly at 3 & 9 with just a small amount of weight at 12 and a bit of weight in the handle. I felt thr VCP needed more stability thus the 3 & 9. The VCP is more buttery.
Although similar, they play differently. The Precept is more stable and feels more poppy (less buttery). It’s an easier racket to play with in my opinion.
I consider the Precept a modern players racket. You definitely need to be able to produce your own power but it does give you more free power than the VCP (but nothing like the popular modern rackets) I love the accuracy and the feel when it’s weighted up! Also great racket for one handed backhands.

I guess overall it’s just a more playable VCP. It’s more stable, a bit stiffer feeling, more poppy and a bit more whippy. It needs to be customized or it is anemic, but I like platform rackets where I can customize it to my preferences (Before VCP played Dunlop CX200 95 another great platform racket)
If you don’t like customization this isn’t the racket for you.

I would say the Precept 97 is probably best suited for 4.5 players and higher.

I string mine up with confidential (1.25) mains and Poly tour Rev (1.25) crosses both at 48 pounds.
Click to expand...
Your review is spot on.
The rackets comes to live with little weight at the head to increase swing weight.
I added total 4 grams between 3,9 and 12 evenly ... It is still fast with good stability and power level. It is still an advanced player racket.

Waiting for that new color way to grab some more!
 
I really really like the perception 97 as is right now too, paint job included. If it had just a tiny tiny tiny tiny bit more free power before mods that'd be the only thing I'd want I think, but it's a minor want at that. Unfortunately, didn't feel good about committing to the frame ever since my friend and I both got cracks on ours. Ended up getting the blade pro 98
 
Hello Percept users. I just had a question about a comparison between two rackets. How would individuals compare the blade 98 16x19 to the Percepts. Thanks in advance.
 
Agree with the comments here. The 97 is great but just gets pushed around against hard hitters in my experience - state / regional level.
Lead can fix this but for those of us who’s technique does not gel well with lead at 3,9 it is tough to make it solid enough.

Also the cracking issue is incredible. I had arm pain that stopped me playing for 5 months from this. All 4 of my rackets were cracked - no warranty replacement as too old (just over a year). I bought a new 97, cracked after 1 month. I now just bought a Percept 100 and this also feels cracked with the stringbed vibration being horrible. Two other percept players at my club (100d) checked their rackets - all cracked.

Does anyone have Yonex contacts to know what is happening? Any info from @tenniswarehouse ?
I don’t want to switch from Yonex but I cannot wait +1 year for the next Percept (assuming 3 year cycle and Percept released in 08/2023
 
Last edited:
Diego C said:
I like it as!
(I’m a high 4.5 50 year old with a one handed backhand)
I think it is a great platform racket. It’s definitely a bit anemic in stock form but allows you to mod it up to your desired specs. It doesn’t need much. I added 4 grams ( split evenly at 10 & 11 on both side and 12). The extra weight toward the head of the hoop helps bring up the swing weight and gives the plow through the stock racket is lacking. I tried all the weight at 12 and it I didn’t like the feel so I spread it out and it worked like a charm.
Before the precept I played the VCP 97. That one needed a lot more weight to be playable. On the VCP I added 10 grams mostly at 3 & 9 with just a small amount of weight at 12 and a bit of weight in the handle. I felt thr VCP needed more stability thus the 3 & 9. The VCP is more buttery.
Although similar, they play differently. The Precept is more stable and feels more poppy (less buttery). It’s an easier racket to play with in my opinion.
I consider the Precept a modern players racket. You definitely need to be able to produce your own power but it does give you more free power than the VCP (but nothing like the popular modern rackets) I love the accuracy and the feel when it’s weighted up! Also great racket for one handed backhands.

I guess overall it’s just a more playable VCP. It’s more stable, a bit stiffer feeling, more poppy and a bit more whippy. It needs to be customized or it is anemic, but I like platform rackets where I can customize it to my preferences (Before VCP played Dunlop CX200 95 another great platform racket)
If you don’t like customization this isn’t the racket for you.

I would say the Precept 97 is probably best suited for 4.5 players and higher.

I string mine up with confidential (1.25) mains and Poly tour Rev (1.25) crosses both at 48 pounds.
Click to expand...
Exactly how much lead did you put at 12 and between 10 and 11?
 
phil7777777 said:
Also the cracking issue is incredible. I had arm pain that stopped me playing for 5 months from this. All 4 of my rackets were cracked - no warranty replacement as too old (just over a year). I bought a new 97, cracked after 1 month. I now just bought a Percept 100 and this also feels cracked with the stringbed vibration being horrible. Two other percept players at my club (100d) checked their rackets - all cracked.

Does anyone have Yonex contacts to know what is happening? Any info from @tenniswarehouse ?
I don’t want to switch from Yonex but I cannot wait +1 year for the next Percept (assuming 3 year cycle and Percept released in 08/2023
Click to expand...
The correct username ping for this would be @TW Staff – if you bought the frames through TW, perhaps they can follow up with you privately to see if something can be done.

The elephant in the room is that Yonex needs to fix the cracking issue, full-stop. Namely, remove Servo Filter (none of us want it anyways), return to something much closer to the original 2017 layup and 63-64RA flex, and all will be good.

As for what to do with each model:
97L - Bring it to the USA
97 310 - Either lower the static weight to 305 to widen the customization window, or if it remains at 310, increase stock unstrung SW to 293.
97D - Lower the static weight to 315.
97H - Lower the static weight to 320.
100 & 100D - Leave as-is.
104 - Bring it to the USA.
 
PigPen said:
@Trip Have you ever customized the P97 to be just under 12oz? If so, where did you put the lead?
Click to expand...
Yeah, but using the preceding 2021 VCP 97 310, I had it in the mid-330's grams static weight strung (so ~11.8 oz), usually with the stock base grip or a Wilson Feather Thin (for 3-4g weight savings), then one over grip (5-6g) and 3g lead at 10 & 2 total, and a full bed of 1.25 poly (usually 17-18g). That put strung spec in the vicinity of mid-330's grams / upper 31.x - 32-ish cm balance / upper-320's SW. Played pretty well, just a bit zapping of your energy and had a bit of well-known power plateau (which the Percept apparently addressed, but haven't hit it yet to confirm yes or no for myself).
 
Trip said:
Rumor has it that it's navy blue with orange-ish accents, kind of like the 2017 original blue/red VCP. Sounds way more appealing than this washed out green and redish pink, that's for sure.
Click to expand...
Do you think the prototype that Tenn Com has is the new Percept?

I also heard it was going to be purple not navy? What’s the go there?
 
Guttersnipe said:
Do you think the prototype that Tenn Com has is the new Percept?
Click to expand...
Not entirely sure. Might be something from Tru Pro maybe? There were working on frames up until a year or two ago, but pulled the plug at the time. Maybe they're reengaging.

Guttersnipe said:
I also heard it was going to be purple not navy? What’s the go there?
Click to expand...
Equally believable. Either way, could look pretty cool if they do it right and chose a proper accent color.
 
PigPen said:
Exactly how much lead did you put at 12 and between 10 and 11?
Click to expand...

PigPen said:
Exactly how much lead did you put at 12 and between 10 and 11?
Click to expand...
I added 2 inch strips (of course on both sides) so 4 inches total at 12 and 10 & 11 1 & 2 so that’s a total of 12 inches in all. Which is only 3 grams since 4 inches of tape equals a gram. With a Yonex over grip the swing weight was 315. (Still a bit low for my tastes - I like around 325) After playing some bigger hitters and not being able to get the most out of my serve at that weight, I found it still needs a bit more weight, so I’m messing around with the tape a bit more. I’ll let ya know where I settle.
 
Trip said:
The correct username ping for this would be @TW Staff – if you bought the frames through TW, perhaps they can follow up with you privately to see if something can be done.

The elephant in the room is that Yonex needs to fix the cracking issue, full-stop. Namely, remove Servo Filter (none of us want it anyways), return to something much closer to the original 2017 layup and 63-64RA flex, and all will be good.

As for what to do with each model:
97L - Bring it to the USA
97 310 - Either lower the static weight to 305 to widen the customization window, or if it remains at 310, increase stock unstrung SW to 293.
97D - Lower the static weight to 315.
97H - Lower the static weight to 320.
100 & 100D - Leave as-is.
104 - Bring it to the USA.
Click to expand...
Thanks for correcting the tag. I spoke to them about the rackets and they are helping out - great service as always

Agree with everything you say. The revised racket specs look spot on to me.

I hope someone from Yonex is reading
 
Elshami said:
I would assume Percept udpate will be by end of 2025 or Jan 2026.

As a Percept 97 user i would like to see Yonex improve this line and racket which has a lot of good potential to become great and be even more popular than the blade.

Only problem with this stick is lack of plow which will require customizing and adding minimum 4 to 5 grams to increase swing weight from 316 to 320s range

Yonex should get out of 97 Sq inch and enlarge it to 98 in my opinion

below are the specs is would love to see on this racket

98 sq
310 grms
SW 325
6 points balance
stiffness 62

i think they should keep Servofilter, it has seriously improved the Percept compared to old Vcore pros.

what are your thoughts if you are using the Percept 97 or on the whole line in general.
Click to expand...
 
Elshami said:
Yonex should get out of 97 Sq inch and enlarge it to 98 in my opinion
Click to expand...
Seriously?
No one can feel 1 sqin difference. I have a 100 that feels and plays bigger than another 102 of mine. Also have a 98 that actually is barely 95 and plays smaller then another 93.
People obsess to much abut minute differences instead of adjusting what they've got and playing the game.
 
nader.raissi said:
The New Percept is coming out right before the US Open. Only a Cosmetic change. It’s called the Percept midnight blue. It’s purple color with accent of pink.
Click to expand...
Saw the pictures, not promising ... I was hoping for black cosmetic!
So the next Percept update will be in early 2026?
 
Yes true, I remember for Ezone, the Aqua night color was released in Jan 2024, then Ezone 2025 was exactly a year later in Jan 2025
 
Demoed all the new Percept Midnight Blues yesterday. The colour looks great, makes the racket seem smaller and stealthy, and with Poly Tour Drive Soft in yellow, very cool.

Rackets felt like the normal specs, and were labeled such, and the 97 seemed fine to me, not lacking plough. Power was low for sure, but the solidity and precision was good. Nice stick, similar to a PS97.
 
I wws playing the 97d for a couple weeks and it destroyed my arm/wrist. This racket feels so good during playtime but over a period of weeks it has weird frequencies and vibrations which are a no go. Tecnifibre 305 iso was much better. I have to sell the racket.
 
born_hard said:
97d for a couple weeks and it destroyed my arm/wrist
Click to expand...
Strings and tensions tried? As a somewhat-close comparison, the VCP 97D has been one of the most comfortable racquets I've ever played. I know they firmed up the hoop and got rid of VDM for the Percept, but still. Something doesn't sound right there...
 
Last edited:
Trip said:
Strings and tensions tried? As a somewhat-close comparison, the VCP 97D has been one of the most comfortable racquets I've ever played. I know they firmed up the hoop and got rid of VDM for the Percept, but still. Something does sound right there...
Click to expand...
I’m still questioning this whole servo filter tech.
I’ve seen plenty of photos/posts on the web of customer complaints about cracks in the throat on these.

Can’t I know enough about the elbow issues or reel.

I know the 100D has interested me in the past. I’m kinda goo goo for the midnight paint job lol. But not at the price and risk of it cracking.
I value longevity of a frame too.
 
Hi, I play with the 100d, I love it. I adapted the grip because it is so different from Head and Babolat. We could start with that, having a shell system like Head should be applied to all brands. I don't choose Wilson because of that. For the Percept, I would go for a Percept 98, balanced in a 31.5 grip with a thin beam to keep an excellent swing. Adding lead will then be easy to slow down the head slightly. The 18*19 string pattern is just perfect on the 100d for consistency and predictability. Spin is achieved through technique and it works very well because the frame allows for good engagement. The ISO shape enlarges the zone, so a 98 plays like a 100 speed. In terms of color, I find the green very fun and expands the choice of string colors: blue, white, yellow, pink, neon green, everything works well. My reference string on this frame is the Hawk Touch because it is excellent everywhere. I like the 100D more than the PA98 which is similar but the 100D is more predictable and less over the top sometimes
 
I like it as it is. I tried adding a leather grip + a little weight at 10 & 2.
Didn't feel as good as stock. Even though it is half an ounce heavier than my pure aero Rafa, the Percept's SW is 10pts lighter.
Took out the Rafa just for fun and it feels so sluggish. And I don't get the same spin or pop on my serves and shots even though it's a more powerful racquet.

Only thing in my head is the cracking possibility. I'd think that would happen by now after hitting my hardest serves or FHs but some ppl say it's occurring randomly after 1-2 years.
Best racquet for my 1h BH. I wonder if I should focus on SW like the Percept at 315 or if it's the thin beam?
 
The old VCPs in the thinner beam were less prone to cracking. WTF did YY do it the Percept with that servo filter? And they didn’t remove it on the purple midnight either did they?
 
born_hard said:
I wws playing the 97d for a couple weeks and it destroyed my arm/wrist. This racket feels so good during playtime but over a period of weeks it has weird frequencies and vibrations which are a no go. Tecnifibre 305 iso was much better. I have to sell the racket.
Click to expand...
I was testing 97D vs prestige pro 2023, 97D felt a bit slower for some reason. Especially on defense i was having troubles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Yonex Percept 97 vs Vcore 98
Replies
10
Views
11K
GabeFSU
G
Z
Yonex Ezone 98 2022 switch to Yonex Percept 100D > 100 > 97
Replies
26
Views
16K
Airmate
A
P
Yonex Percept 97 Lead Placement
Replies
11
Views
3K
Elshami
Elshami
dropshotlikeitshot
Yonex Vcore Pro 97 2019 vs Percept 97H
Replies
0
Views
489
dropshotlikeitshot
dropshotlikeitshot
D
Yonex percept 97
Replies
18
Views
5K
pico
pico
Back
Top