Which Yonex racquet for a counter-puncher

[pacman-tennis]

Hello forum,

I plan to move from an old Babolat Pure Aero (300g) to a new Yonex racquet. Hence, I a few questions regarding the Yonex racquet line-up.

Which model do I want to test?
- Ezone 100
- Ezone 98
- VCore 100
- VCore 98
- VCore Pro 100

I'm not sure, which racquet fits my playing style.
Do you have any recommendation or advice for me?
Which Yonex racquet did you choose based on which attributes?

My playing style can be classified as the typical counter-puncher. I like to counter attack from defensive situations, whilst having no major strengths and weaknesses in the shot repertoire. If I needed to pick a favorite shot, I would choose the passing shot. Furthermore, I tend to favor clay courts, since I like to play longer topspin rallies.
On NTRP scale compared to the European ranking system I'd consider myself as 5.0.

Best regards,
pacman

 

[pumpkinpi]

I always thought a Pure Aero was closer to a VCore but I've heard this year's EZones are really good. Why specifically Yonex? Also, maybe you should specify if you're looking for more power, control, spin, or another certain feature.

 

[sundevil1]

Going by what you were using previously, Pure Aero, and assuming that you like it, probably the Ezone 100 or the Vcore 100

 

[pumpkinpi]

Going by what you were using previously, Pure Aero, and assuming that you like it, probably the Ezone 100 or the Vcore 100

Well I would say VCore as Vcore and Aero are supposed to have more spin. But yeah Ezone is a great racquet.

 

[sundevil1]

Well I would say VCore as Vcore and Aero are supposed to have more spin. But yeah Ezone is a great racquet.

Definitely agree in terms of spin, but feel the Ezone would have power closer to the Pure Aero.

 

[sundevil1]

IMO both are great choices

 

[tlsmikey]

Vcore is almost identical in specs to Pure Aero, so yeah if you like that....that's the stick. I find the feel a bit numb on the VCore, but that's just me. The Ezone is great but you can't generate as much spin so it's a bit of a tradeoff.

 

[pacman-tennis]

Thanks for your helpful comments.
So far I have tested the following racquets strung with Head Lynx 1.25 24/23 and an added dampener a few hours during 2 different sessions.
Perhaps, I'll share my first impressions.
But as mentioned, I'm not completely done with the lineup.

- EZone 100
This one had nearly too much power. It was hard for me to control it. Spin could also be better. As a result, some balls went 1/2 meter too far.
I felt the Head Lynx is not that great for getting more spin on the ball. Am I right?
Maybe this could be solved with a spin oriented string and a few grams more weight with a leather grip. Any ideas? I usually play the MSV Focus Hex.

- EZone 98
This one had a bit too less power, IMHO. As a result, my shots went too short.
The control and feel was great. Spin was lower compared to the EZone 100.
Consequently, I was pushed around by more aggressive and hard-hitting players.
I am not sure, whether the 98 compared to the 100 EZone option is better to improve my game long-term. Can the observed attributes be improved by adding weight?
All in all, it is also great racquet with a nice feel as the EZone 98.

- VCore 100
This one was causing issues with my shoulder after playing 15 minutes during 2 different sessions. I don't know why. When hitting the ball the frame feels very harsh.
I wonder how the VCore 98 feels compared to the VCore 100 given that the frame is notably thinner.
Did anyone play-test the VCore 98 vs. the EZone 100?

Do you think a bit lower weighted racquet, maybe also with a 100 inch head-size fits a counter-puncher better than a heavier racquet with a smaller head-size?
I feel like 300-310g without overgrip and dampener is kind of the sweet spot for me.

 

[pacman-tennis]

Also, maybe you should specify if you're looking for more power, control, spin, or another certain feature.

Thanks for asking the right questions.
Generally speaking, I'm looking for a racquet that allows me to play my counter-punching game.
I like to hit with a good amount of top-spin to keep my opponent away from attacking.
I don't have the hardest strokes. Hence, I need a racquet that assists me with a bit of free power. I don't want to be pushed around by opponents unnecessarily.
Furthermore, it should assist me in my defense and passing shots. So it should be at least a little bit forgiving here.

 

[pyrokid]

It doesn't seem like you'd be going wrong with the Ezone 100

 

[beltsman]

Hello forum,

I plan to move from an old Babolat Pure Aero (300g) to a new Yonex racquet. Hence, I a few questions regarding the Yonex racquet line-up.

Which model do I want to test?
- Ezone 100
- Ezone 98
- VCore 100
- VCore 98
- VCore Pro 100

I'm not sure, which racquet fits my playing style.
Do you have any recommendation or advice for me?
Which Yonex racquet did you choose based on which attributes?

My playing style can be classified as the typical counter-puncher. I like to counter attack from defensive situations, whilst having no major strengths and weaknesses in the shot repertoire. If I needed to pick a favorite shot, I would choose the passing shot. Furthermore, I tend to favor clay courts, since I like to play longer topspin rallies.
On NTRP scale compared to the European ranking system I'd consider myself as 5.0.

Best regards,
pacman

Why just Yonex?

 

[Power Player]

Thanks for your helpful comments.
So far I have tested the following racquets strung with Head Lynx 1.25 24/23 and an added dampener a few hours during 2 different sessions.
Perhaps, I'll share my first impressions.
But as mentioned, I'm not completely done with the lineup.

- EZone 100
This one had nearly too much power. It was hard for me to control it. Spin could also be better. As a result, some balls went 1/2 meter too far.
I felt the Head Lynx is not that great for getting more spin on the ball. Am I right?
Maybe this could be solved with a spin oriented string and a few grams more weight with a leather grip. Any ideas? I usually play the MSV Focus Hex.

- EZone 98
This one had a bit too less power, IMHO. As a result, my shots went too short.
The control and feel was great. Spin was lower compared to the EZone 100.
Consequently, I was pushed around by more aggressive and hard-hitting players.
I am not sure, whether the 98 compared to the 100 EZone option is better to improve my game long-term. Can the observed attributes be improved by adding weight?
All in all, it is also great racquet with a nice feel as the EZone 98.

- VCore 100
This one was causing issues with my shoulder after playing 15 minutes during 2 different sessions. I don't know why. When hitting the ball the frame feels very harsh.
I wonder how the VCore 98 feels compared to the VCore 100 given that the frame is notably thinner.
Did anyone play-test the VCore 98 vs. the EZone 100?

Do you think a bit lower weighted racquet, maybe also with a 100 inch head-size fits a counter-puncher better than a heavier racquet with a smaller head-size?
I feel like 300-310g without overgrip and dampener is kind of the sweet spot for me.

ezone 100 plays great with a poly. I think getting spin with it is easy due to how fast it comes through the air. Its not as open as a pure aero though, but to me that is a good thing.

 

[socallefty]

If you have good technique, you can play any style with any racquet and you will pick your racquet based on what type you grew up with. The converse is true also and if you have bad technique, you are not going to find some ‘magical’ racquet that will make you play much better whatever your style.

Experienced players will have an optimal range of swing weight, head size, beam width, stiffness and possibly string pattern (although this is easy to adjust to) that they like and it is entirely based on what kind of racquets they are used to playing with especially when they developed their technique. Other than that, there is NOT one racquet type that is perfect for serving, 1HBH, 2HBH, ATP-FH, WTA-FH, counterpunching, slicing, returning, volleying etc. and I keep seeing this kind of question repeated over and over again. Invest money in coaching lessons or do focused drills with a hitting partner or ball machine if you want to improve.

Pick a style of play or kind of technique for a particular shot and think of all the ATP and WTA pro players who play with that style or technique - then, look at the actual racquet models they play with and customization they do. What you will see is a very wide variation of racquet specs for the same type of player and same type of shot - there is no correlation at all. It is no different for rec players.

If you were coached as a junior in the Eighties, you might have started off with heavy, thin-beam, mid to mid plus racquets and might still like them. If you were a Nineties junior, you might have even grown up with oversize racquets. If you were coached as a junior in the last ten to fifteen years, it is likely that you grew up with stiffer, thicker-beam, lighter racquets and your technique is different in terms of how you generate pace and spin. So, the time in which you learned tennis might have more correlation to what you like than any playing style. If you get over sixty, you might start wanting to change the kind of racquet specs you played with to compensate for reduced mobility, lesser strength/flexibility etc. Otherwise, find out the range of racquet specs you like and stick with it. The answer to better tennis is usually not solved by a different racquet.

Now, strings and tensions on the other hand make an enormous difference in how a racquet performs and I wish that players were more willing to experiment with those. It seems like those who do their own stringing are down the rabbit hole of experimenting a lot and most other players just trust whatever their local pro shop recommends and don’t change unless they have arm soreness. We also have an explosion of players who don’t break strings playing with ‘dead’ poly and trying to find a better racquet to compensate for the lack of elasticity of the ’dead’ poly. The only ones profiting from this are the local orthopedic doctors/surgeons. C’est la vie!

 

[pacman-tennis]

Why just Yonex?

I'm sensitive to weigh and balance differences, when having 3 "same" racquets models.
The build quality from Yonex is outstanding. Hence, I consider switching.

 

[pacman-tennis]

ezone 100 plays great with a poly.

Good to know, thanks.
Do you any suggestion for a great poly that I should try with the EZone 100? Currently, I use the MSV Focus Hex.

 

[pacman-tennis]

Thanks for this outstanding post.

I'm not expecting a tip here that suggests the perfect racquet for the mentioned style. ;-)
I wanted to hear some opinions from fellow forum members and Yonex players. By the way, the suggestions are great. So thanks for that!

Other than that, there is NOT one racquet type that is perfect fo

I can't agree more with what you wrote. Strings make a huge difference. I also noticed this with the test racquets.
A racquet can only assist, as I wrote earlier. Sure enough one has to train smartly to become a better tennis player.
A new racquet won't solve deficits in technique. Anyways, I consider buying a new racquet, because my old sticks are at the end of their life-time.

Now, strings and tensions on the other hand make an enormous difference in how a racquet performs and I wish that players were more willing to experiment with those.

Otherwise, find out the range of racquet specs you like and stick with it. The answer to better tennis is usually not solved by a different racquet.

 

[socallefty]

If you want some subjective Yonex racquet recommendations, I demo’d the VCore Pro 97HD a few months ago and liked it a lot. Since I had switched to the new Babolat Pure Strike Tour last year and play great with it, I did not switch to the VCore 97 but I always recommend it to friends who like Yonex. My coach owns a pro shop and is sponsored by Yonex - he plays with the red VCore 98 (305) and says it is a great racquet.

 

[WNB93]

Good to know, thanks.
Do you any suggestion for a great poly that I should try with the EZone 100? Currently, I use the MSV Focus Hex.

Try Poly Tour Pro and Hyper G (maybe also try soft). Hyper G has less power but more bite/spin.

 

[pacman-tennis]

Try Poly Tour Pro and Hyper G (maybe also try soft). Hyper G has less power but more bite/spin.

Will do, thanks. I read that the Poly Tour Pro has less power and spin but more control compared to the MSV Focus Hex. Is that true in your opinion?

 

[WNB93]

Will do, thanks. I read that the Poly Tour Pro has less power and spin but more control compared to the MSV Focus Hex. Is that true in your opinion?

That is quite possible. I used to play with Focus Hex and it was perfect to me in all aspect except the feel. It felt plasticy. But for the price it's a great string with good durability.
PTP is definitely better in that aspect. For an unshaped string it has a lot of spin.

 

[pacman-tennis]

That is quite possible. I used to play with Focus Hex and it was perfect to me in all aspect except the feel. It felt plasticy. But for the price it's a great string with good durability.
PTP is definitely better in that aspect. For an unshaped string it has a lot of spin.

I'll also noticed the feel aspect of the Focus Hex. I'll try the Soft and Plus editions. Do you have any experience with those 2 editions?

 

[WNB93]

I'll also noticed the feel aspect of the Focus Hex. I'll try the Soft and Plus editions. Do you have any experience with those 2 editions?

I tried the soft version (which is still pretty stiff compared to some other polys) and the feel was even worse imo.
Have not tried the Plus edition.
If you break strings and cannot afford a more expensive string then it's fine. But going to something like Yonex or Solinco is a completely different level.

 

[Power Player]

Good to know, thanks.
Do you any suggestion for a great poly that I should try with the EZone 100? Currently, I use the MSV Focus Hex.

I like silver 7 tour, tour sniper, max power.

so far ive tried the first two and they are both great in it.

 

[pumpkinpi]

If you want some subjective Yonex racquet recommendations, I demo’d the VCore Pro 97HD a few months ago and liked it a lot. Since I had switched to the new Babolat Pure Strike Tour last year and play great with it, I did not switch to the VCore 97 but I always recommend it to friends who like Yonex. My coach owns a pro shop and is sponsored by Yonex - he plays with the red VCore 98 (305) and says it is a great racquet.

Yes I've heard 97HD is awesome. But it's really heavy, right?

 

[pumpkinpi]

Good to know, thanks.
Do you any suggestion for a great poly that I should try with the EZone 100? Currently, I use the MSV Focus Hex.

my favorite string is personally Volkl Cyclone. Currently trying the tour, which is softer but IDK why I like regular better. Low powered tho

 

[socallefty]

Yes I've heard 97HD is awesome. But it's really heavy, right?

The strung swing weight is 326 which is on the lower side of what I like to play with and I found it very maneuverable. I usually play with a SW of roughly 335 and static weight around 12 ozs strung. If you are looking at polys, definitely try HyperG and Cyclone Tour. ALU Power is great too, but it doesn’t last long before going dead.

 

[pumpkinpi]

The strung swing weight is 326 which is on the lower side of what I like to play with and I found it very maneuverable. I usually play with a SW of roughly 335 and static weight around 12 ozs strung. If you are looking at polys, definitely try HyperG and Cyclone Tour. ALU Power is great too, but it doesn’t last long before going dead.

but stung weight 11.9 for 97hd

 

[socallefty]

but stung weight 11.9 for 97hd

Yes, the higher the static weight, the more stable it is. In terms of how much effort it takes to swing it and how maneuverable it feels, it is a combination of the static weight and balance that matters and this is reflected by the swing weight measurement. If you hold a hammer by its head, it is easier to swing as it will be head-light compared to holding it by its handle when it will be head-heavy - same weight, but lower swing weight in the first case.

 

[pacman-tennis]

What did you find out when hitting with the VCore Pro compared to the EZone and VCore lines?
Does the VCore Pro really lack power? Based on my reading notes it seems to be the Pro Staff model from Yonex. Is this true?

 

[bleno567]

All racquets can be made to work for counter-punching. I think there's a knee jerk reaction that counter-punchers should use more of a tweener, which is not the case at all. Think Hewitt or Simon.

- EZone 100
This one had nearly too much power. It was hard for me to control it. Spin could also be better. As a result, some balls went 1/2 meter too far.
I felt the Head Lynx is not that great for getting more spin on the ball. Am I right?
Maybe this could be solved with a spin oriented string and a few grams more weight with a leather grip. Any ideas? I usually play the MSV Focus Hex.

- EZone 98
This one had a bit too less power, IMHO. As a result, my shots went too short.
The control and feel was great. Spin was lower compared to the EZone 100.
Consequently, I was pushed around by more aggressive and hard-hitting players.
I am not sure, whether the 98 compared to the 100 EZone option is better to improve my game long-term. Can the observed attributes be improved by adding weight?
All in all, it is also great racquet with a nice feel as the EZone 98.

The vcore 98 sits in between the two pretty well in my opinion. That might be your sweet spot.

 

[Recoveringhobo]

I generally believe counterpunchers benefit more from extreme control than from added power or spin. Low powered control frames are good for types like Simon or Murray.

I would go with the VCORE 95 as a counterpuncher. It's 16x20 pattern gives good control and above average access to spin.

 

[rader023]

Can we choose Ezone tour?

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Yes I've heard 97HD is awesome. But it's really heavy, right?

It's not that heavy because the balance is head light. I also think the Vcore 98 is underrated. The Ezone tour is head balanced, almost head heavy and you will feel a heft difference with that, but it's great for a counterpuncher. If you do any serve and volley though, I think the HD is better, pure baseline the Tour if you like head heavier and if you are a pure baseliner that likes pop and lighter head light sticks, the Vcore 98 is really overlooked by too many players.

 

[jarko111]

Well, initially, the pros left Babs for Vcores. Think Genie, Garcia, Stevie Johnson and a couple Asian players.
And I do think the newer vcores were really starting to be built for the APD/PA player.

However, the Ezones are where the cool kids are at. I know the throat will be much more similar.

 

[fundrazer]

Yes I've heard 97HD is awesome. But it's really heavy, right?

I wouldn't say it's really heavy. It is a bit higher weight than most sticks nowadays, but it's manageable. Like the other poster said, it's helped by the headlight balance. The one reviewer on Youtube mentioned he felt that it's head heavy, but pretty much every other review I've read has commented about how quickly it comes through contact. That's one of the things I like about it most, it's pretty easy to swing.

I do think that maybe the VCore 8 or EZone series would be more partial to a counter punching style, but 97HD is a good option as well. Very stable and easy to swing helps for redirecting the ball. At times if I'm pushed back by a deep ball, I'm able to take a drop step, plant on my back leg, and then just redirect where I want with a good strike. Good power potential too, but you need to be swinging fast to get the most out of it.

 

[pacman-tennis]

I can confirm this based on my observation. Players switched from those racquets to Yonex due to the improved comfort.
I think the comfort of Yonex is great. However, the newer VCore 100 didn't match those attributes. Let's see what other members of the community think about this model.

And I do think the newer vcores were really starting to be built for the APD/PA player.

 

[pacman-tennis]

I have a faster wrist movement, but no so fast swing. That's my concern about this type of racquet. I'll try to test the VCore Pro 100. Let's see how it fits my game.
Does anyone have specific experience with the newest VCore Pro 100?

Good power potential too, but you need to be swinging fast to get the most out of it.

 

[Lorenn]

I have a faster wrist movement, but no so fast swing. That's my concern about this type of racquet. I'll try to test the VCore Pro 100. Let's see how it fits my game.
Does anyone have specific experience with the newest VCore Pro 100?

The best Yonex racquet for a counter puncher is a Head Radical 360+ or Head Extreme series...Maybe a Speed MP...

 

[pacman-tennis]

The best Yonex racquet for a counter puncher is a Head Radical 360+ or Head Extreme series...Maybe a Speed MP...

Thanks for mentioning them.
Actually, I tried the newest Head Radical and a 2 year old Head Extreme from a colleague.
I didn't like them, but honestly I'm not a big fan of the feeling and comfort I get from Head racquets.