Why did you switch to Yonex?

[brownbearfalling]

Trying to gather insight on why people are switching to Yonex. Maybe it's just a coincidence but lots of players that I know suddenly switched to Yonex.

The only recent difference I can see is that the frames are now more round compared to the older frames which are more rectangular.
Other than that everything else has been consistent:
- always had decent endorsements ( Hewitt, nalbandian, ivanovic, Hingis, Seles, kournikova),
- QC has always been regarded as one of the best
- product line has been relatively the same
- super grap is still widely popular

 

[ProRadTour]

Awesome quality frames, excellent QC and each line has something for everyone.

My first Yonex frame was the DR 98, then EZone 98 and now the VCore Pro. Have also tried the new VCore 100 and 98 and find them to be much nicer all around frames than the alternative lines from their competitors. For example, IMO I find the VCore 100 to be significantly better playing frame than the Pure Drive/Pure Aero, when I say that I mean overall feel and arm friendliness, while the VCore 100 still give you similar levels power and spin.

Same with the VCore Pro 97, yes the RF97 does certain things better, however in an overall package I find the VCore Pro 97 to be a more well rounded frame with better comfort. The Prestige line has been a mess for a while, so when it comes to the players frame segment the VCore Pro 97 I think is the best offering of the main stream companies.

I was very much a loyal Head player, but Yonex is my preferred manufacturer now.

Overall they just make great well rounded frames, excellent quality/QC and it's a product you can rely on, built well, performs well. I also think their frames are just built to a higher standard than everyone else.

All subjective, but they are the reasons I have switched over to Yonex.

 

[taylor15]

I recently switched to the VCore SV 95. I liked the way it hit and found it a solid replacement for my Dunlop Bio 200 lite. The two frames are 1g apart and same balance which is pretty solid qc.

 

[AMGF]

I played with Prestige Graphene for a while, but I couldn't get over the sound. Many hated the feel but I thought it wasn't that bad. Anyway I looked at Wilson but they were generally too stiff so I tried Angell. Great frames in general but broke a frame while serving so I gave Yonex a try. I wanted a high quality, not too stiff and 27,5" frame, Yonex was pretty much alone (and still is) in that niche.

Played with the DR98+, fell in love. Awesome feel, power and spin, it was the frame I thought I'd play with for many years. Then came the new VCore 98+ that I decided to demo. That frame to me feels like a DR98+ turned to 11 with more of everything that make the DR good. Even more power, more spin and to me, it felt even more comfortable than the DR98+.

Yonex has a very strong line up at the moment with something for pretty much everyone.

 

[Notirouswithag]

I've been a Wilson user for the last 7-8 years and partially because my club is Wilson sponsored, my stick of choice was the 2015 Blade 98, but after I broke my last 2 and have had a hard time finding brand new ones to buy I ended up trying out my Director's Ezone 98+ which wasnt bad. He was Wilson too and had just switched to Yonex...I went backwards and found 2 DR98's which I loved but were a tad too heavy for my bad shoulder. Ended up selling the DR's. By this point I liked Yonex enough and ended up trying out the Vcore 98, Ezone 98, Vcore Pro 97 and finally settled on the Ezone 98.

Havent looked back since switching, and we just signed a contract with Yonex too for our club, but my teaching/feeding stick is the Vcore 98

 

[McLovin]

For me its more of a 'switch back' than a 'switch'. One of my first racquets was a Yonex (R-22), and I've used a number of their models over the last 38 years, to include:

• R-23
• R-50
• RQ-420
• Cyborg 2200
• RD Power 10 Long
• RD Ti 50 (only one I hated)
• VCORE Tour 97 310 (the 1st iteration)
• Ai 98

I'm now with the VCORE 98 +. Why? Because it had almost everything I wanted: extended, 98 sq in, thinner beam (22-21mm), lighter (305g), which allows me to customize, good power from the baseline, stable, and a feel that I'm accustomed to.

Initially I was disappointed that they dropped the VCORE 98 from 16x20 (SV) to 16x19, but after playing with it for over 6 months now, I'm convinced it was the right decision by them.

Now, if they'd only release the Galaxy Black in a '+'...

 

[CosmosMpower]

Best QC so when I get 2 frames they aren't 10 grams apart like Wilson. Good mix of thin flexy beam and decent power. Switched from Angell who has garbage support and cheap build quality (pallets that crumble if you try and replace them and grommets made of butter).

 

[brownbearfalling]

Looks like the DR98 has converted many to yonex. I have been told by many that it has the pop of a Babolat but with more control and feel.

also sounds like the lack of good offering from other manufactures is causing people to look at other brands. I’m convinced that the prestige line is losing patrons because they went away with the loud red color. Kidding aside I played the graphene XT prestige mp and thought it was a great frame.

 

[hurworld]

You don't switch to Yonex.

Yonex switches you.

 

[hurworld]

VCP97 310 (the red/blue version) is my battle axe now. Good feel, good control, enough power for my level of play.

 

[zipplock]

Switched to VCP 97 310 because shot results were better.

 

[guardian2002]

Trying to gather insight on why people are switching to Yonex. Maybe it's just a coincidence but lots of players that I know suddenly switched to Yonex.

The only recent difference I can see is that the frames are now more round compared to the older frames which are more rectangular.
Other than that everything else has been consistent:
- always had decent endorsements ( Hewitt, nalbandian, ivanovic, Hingis, Seles, kournikova),
- QC has always been regarded as one of the best
- product line has been relatively the same
- super grap is still widely popular

Because I was tired of having to sort through many frames to get matching ones for RF97 (switched to VCP330 early this year). The two frames are not identical but in my mind can be used almost interchangeably given their weight. The QC on my 4 VCP330s are amazing, all within 1 gram and similar balances. I have complete confidence in the frames. Have also grown to appreciate how much more forgiving the square head is. Sweet spot is larger than any racquet of similar size. If not for its stiffness and PWS, RF97 wouldn't come close to VCP330 for stability. Oh yeah, Supergraps are amazing as well as is the Polytour Strike in the VCP330. My only gripe is I haven't found a Yonex racquet bag I like the look off to house my sticks - all look cheap and garish compared to my Wilson bag.

 

[Rabbit]

@brownbearfalling I am a long time Volkl user who switched, Volkl V Sense 10 Tour -> Yonex VCore 98 Galaxy. I switched after a one match demo and haven't looked back. You posted earlier, half joking I suspect, that folks had told you the Yonex was a Babolat that had more feel and control...there is a missing element, comfort. The VCore 98 is a fantastic frame. It gives me the same control as the VS10T I played with, but has more power. I also find that I serve much better with the Yonex and that I keep it more out in front of me (for some inane reason) at net than I ever did any other frame. I don't know if it's the grip shape or what.

Off the ground, the frame is much more powerful than the VS10T, and has as much or maybe a little more spin. My groundies on both sides have more shape and pace. I am also rewarded with great depth. The frame has heft, but plays lighter than the scales indicate.

Let me parrot what others have already said: fantastic quality control (each of my three are within 1-2 grams of each other), cosmetics on the Galaxy are tried and true all-black (for you Kiwis out there) and the frame is just plain superior to others I have played. The shop I bought them from tried to carry Yonex several years ago. The owner who is a friend of mine said he could sell their bags but not their frames. He tried them again at my behest and low and behold he is selling Yonex 2nd only to Babolat. Folks have discovered the Yonex brand and love it apparently. The ISOMETRIC head really must make a difference.

FYI - I'm stringing my Yonnies exactly like my Volkls, Gosen OGSM 1.15 mains at 54 and Luxilon TiMo 1.10 crosses at 50. My crosses will have to change when I exhaust my supply of TiMo since Luxilon has dropped it. I have a reel of Ace I'll probably go to.

@McLovin - my first Yonex was the R-7. I also played the R-10, R-23, RQ-260 (that one I loved), and RD Tour 90 (a beast....a BEAST I tell you!!!! but also the single best cosmetic of any frame I've owned).

Yonex and Volkl have been two of my favorite brands over the years.

 

[Rabbit]

My only gripe is I haven't found a Yonex racquet bag I like the look off to house my sticks - all look cheap and garish compared to my Wilson bag.

I own this bag:

Yonex Pro Series Black 9-Pack Bag

www.tennis-warehouse.com

It's as good as any I've owned. The black/grey cosmetic isn't garish and the build of the bag far from cheap. Just my endorsement.

 

[Shaolin]

I switched to Yonex when they re-released the RD-7.

If only this actually happened

 

[McLovin]

@McLovin - my first Yonex was the R-7. I also played the R-10, R-23, RQ-260 (that one I loved), and RD Tour 90 (a beast....a BEAST I tell you!!!! but also the single best cosmetic of any frame I've owned).

I remember the Super RD Tour. It was around the same time as the RD Power 10 Long (talk about a beast...354g strung in an extended frame!). In fact, I believe I demoed them at the same time. But being 5' 9", I was intrigued by the extra 1/2" of the Power 10 Long.

Like you, I've mainly flipped between Yonex and a ski manufacturer in Fischer (then eventually Pacific), and I agree on the 'comfort' comment.

 

[Rabbit]

@McLovin - I am 5' 7" and have tried extended length, but at net they can be even more cumbersome for those of us of average height.

 

[kblades]

Because Head doesn’t have anything in their lineup that interests me, Babolat destroyed my elbow, and Wilson’s QC is so horrible that every frame plays differently. I switched to the vcp 310 blue/red several months ago and haven’t looked back. QC is spot on, perfect balance of control/power, and hasn’t bothered my elbow. Playing the best tennis I’ve played with it, and put an end to being a holic (for now anyway) [emoji57]

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I recently switched to the VCore SV 95. I liked the way it hit and found it a solid replacement for my Dunlop Bio 200 lite. The two frames are 1g apart and same balance which is pretty solid qc.

any arm discomfort?? since the switch
I feel this frame is a bit brassy, some lead modification helps this racquet imo

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I switched from w.blades 18/20 to the y.vc.tour.g 16/20
spin, control, comfort all in one package
the thin frame style was also an easy transition, from a wil.blade
I don't like the fact that yonex is dropping the 16/20 patterns lately,, so Wilson racquets are winking at me hard lately,, time will tell.

 

[mark b.]

I came across mine during a massive "demo - playtest" that took a year (and several dollars) to complete. As a HEAD Prestige aficionado, I never thought my tastes would suggest a 69RA stiffness but the quake shut gel or whatever it is, makes this frame a great choice for a doubles stick. Good power. Decent control (not a scalpel) if I hit to big targets.
Good grip shape. Easy to string.

 

[Sardines]

Yonex does have excellent QC. However, they do mess with models a little too much for my liking. I switched from the RF97 to the SV98+. The subsequent VC98+ is a little too different from the SV98+ for a simple transition. It's not a bad racquet, it's just too different from the previous versions. Much more than cosmetic, the playability is very different. It's really the only brand that does such a drastic change, even on a successful model. So the QC is great, but the consistency of any model or line from generation to generation isn't nuanced enough for me.

 

[taylor15]

any arm discomfort?? since the switch
I feel this frame is a bit brassy, some lead modification helps this racquet imo

So far so good! While I'm not susceptible to arm pain usually the flex is higher than the dunlops were so I am looking out. The bit of additional power is helping my game and I love the 16x20 pattern. I have TW leather on them and they're about 348g strung each. No lead so far, probably won't go that route as I think there is much more than the racquet hurting my game currently.

 

[sargeinaz]

Yonex does have excellent QC. However, they do mess with models a little too much for my liking. I switched from the RF97 to the SV98+. The subsequent VC98+ is a little too different from the SV98+ for a simple transition. It's not a bad racquet, it's just too different from the previous versions. Much more than cosmetic, the playability is very different. It's really the only brand that does such a drastic change, even on a successful model. So the QC is great, but the consistency of any model or line from generation to generation isn't nuanced enough for me.

I like that when it works in my favor, I don’t when it doesn’t lol. For example, once the 95D was dropped, we never got anything close to as good since.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

So far so good! While I'm not susceptible to arm pain usually the flex is higher than the dunlops were so I am looking out. The bit of additional power is helping my game and I love the 16x20 pattern. I have TW leather on them and they're about 348g strung each. No lead so far, probably won't go that route as I think there is much more than the racquet hurting my game currently.

the leather grip is provably making it a bit more heaD LIGHT, and dampening more of the shock,, that's a good addition IMO/IME

 

[taylor15]

the leather grip is provably making it a bit more heaD LIGHT, and dampening more of the shock,, that's a good addition IMO/IME

It seems to be, and to be fair I never played it with the stock grip. I have to feel bevels

 

[kailash]

Played with DR98 and DR100 couple of years back; after some detour with Angell, TC100 and the 1st gen Babolat Pure Strike, recently switched to VCore Pro 310. Feel is not as good as the Angell, but VCP has better control, and more balanced. I am playing more consistently with it.

Maybe the isometric shape is playing a role. Just the right amount of control and enough power!
And as others mentioned, Yonex has better QC; and I can just confidently buy another one when/if needed without worrying about the differences between those.

 

[brownbearfalling]

@brownbearfalling I am a long time Volkl user who switched, Volkl V Sense 10 Tour -> Yonex VCore 98 Galaxy. I switched after a one match demo and haven't looked back. You posted earlier, half joking I suspect, that folks had told you the Yonex was a Babolat that had more feel and control...there is a missing element, comfort. The VCore 98 is a fantastic frame. It gives me the same control as the VS10T I played with, but has more power. I also find that I serve much better with the Yonex and that I keep it more out in front of me (for some inane reason) at net than I ever did any other frame. I don't know if it's the grip shape or what.

Off the ground, the frame is much more powerful than the VS10T, and has as much or maybe a little more spin. My groundies on both sides have more shape and pace. I am also rewarded with great depth. The frame has heft, but plays lighter than the scales indicate.

Let me parrot what others have already said: fantastic quality control (each of my three are within 1-2 grams of each other), cosmetics on the Galaxy are tried and true all-black (for you Kiwis out there) and the frame is just plain superior to others I have played. The shop I bought them from tried to carry Yonex several years ago. The owner who is a friend of mine said he could sell their bags but not their frames. He tried them again at my behest and low and behold he is selling Yonex 2nd only to Babolat. Folks have discovered the Yonex brand and love it apparently. The ISOMETRIC head really must make a difference.

FYI - I'm stringing my Yonnies exactly like my Volkls, Gosen OGSM 1.15 mains at 54 and Luxilon TiMo 1.10 crosses at 50. My crosses will have to change when I exhaust my supply of TiMo since Luxilon has dropped it. I have a reel of Ace I'll probably go to.

@McLovin - my first Yonex was the R-7. I also played the R-10, R-23, RQ-260 (that one I loved), and RD Tour 90 (a beast....a BEAST I tell you!!!! but also the single best cosmetic of any frame I've owned).

Yonex and Volkl have been two of my favorite brands over the years.

Thank you for the in-depth insight. I haven’t met anyone who switch from a flexible “comfort” frame to yonex yet.

So it seems yonex really checks off ALL box’s. The upper 60’s stiffness suites players who like stiff frames and they are comfortable which suites players who need/ want it.

 

[donquijote]

RD-7 was a cannon on serves. Still miss it.
AI98 was so easy to play with.
DR98 had unbelievable control and touch.
I still use my Vcore 100 (2011?) as it has good spin and power, also easy on everything. I prefer it to Ezone line.
My main racquet still stays as Wilson 6.1 though as it creates heavier ball and more solid overall.

 

[Harrybollz]

Yonex rackets have always been great.
The earlier models like ti 70 and rd 7, mp1 have been great, 95D was ok because is stiffer than the usual yonex out there. Then came the 89 which was heavenly. It was my last Yonex. The Sv95 or 95 or Pro 97, doesn't come close to the feel. Might come back to yonex again if they were to make something similar to the feel and power of 89. Feel is more important. Right now, most of their frames are light and feeling hollow.

 

[taylor15]

I’m waiting for someone to admit it’s because if Stan the man

 

[Harrybollz]

I’m waiting for someone to admit it’s because if Stan the man

No way! Is because of Anna Kournikova.

 

[ron schaap]

Yonex rackets have always been great.
The earlier models like ti 70 and rd 7, mp1 have been great, 95D was ok because is stiffer than the usual yonex out there. Then came the 89 which was heavenly. It was my last Yonex. The Sv95 or 95 or Pro 97, doesn't come close to the feel. Might come back to yonex again if they were to make something similar to the feel and power of 89. Feel is more important. Right now, most of their frames are light and feeling hollow.

The 330 gr models certainly arent light and ofcourse frames feel hollow because they are, like 99.99% of all frames sold in the shops.

 

[getagrip]

OP - whats your conclusion finally?

I am thinking of VCP 310 myself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[taylor15]

Something funny must be going on here. I made a deal on a brand new blacked out SV 95 demo from an auction site. It’s the same weight and balance of the second frame I have. That shouldn’t happen.

All seriousness though, I’m impressed

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I’m waiting for someone to admit it’s because if Stan the man

seeing "stan the man", did not hurt my decision, but it was not my main reason!!
but honestly, It was monica.seles who opened my eyes to the yonex brand
I was reading her book at the time, in which she said "yonex", was one of the only sponsorship companies that did not drop her right away, at the time when the stabbing accident happened!!
I then saw several more pros using the racquets
I then read they had the y.v.tour.g with a thin beam, 16/20 pattern!!,, and that's when I demoed!!, the rest is history for me..

 

[Chadalina]

No way! Is because of Anna Kournikova.

I had some rd-70 pro longs. Hingis was using them, 16mm beam, very flexible and long.

Turns out the long hurt my shoulder, but was one of the best baseline rackets i ever used.

I always liked yonex, wilson rackets are all different

 

[PMF]

I believe Yonex has the best engineering, and clearly the best manufacturing. A real tennis company, and the benchmark as far as I'm concerned.

 

[brownbearfalling]

OP - whats your conclusion finally?

I am thinking of VCP 310 myself.

Getagrip go for the VCP. Great thin beam and super maneuverable 97 sq in frame.

My conclusion is that it is a coincidence that I am seeing more people around me switch to yonex. Yonex is just doing the same thing they have always been doing. There’s a small contributing factor of the other major brands pushing patrons away for various reasons mentioned. I’m still not that interested in yonex. I’ve owned a few yonex frames over the years and none have really wowed me. They are still pretty far down my list of preferred racquet manufacturers.

 

[megamind]

cuz I had to ask...

if Yonex is so good, why don't more pros use them?

 

[Rabbit]

@megamind good Lord how many pros do you want? Look at TW’s Yonex page. They have a ton of pros.

 

[taylor15]

cuz I had to ask...

if Yonex is so good, why don't more pros use them?

They have a ton of pros, and put a lot into young players as well. If you think of pros as top pros only, lets remember in the last ten years of slams the 5 winning players used:
2-head
1-yonex
1-wilson
1-babolat

 

[Alexh22]

They have a ton of pros, and put a lot into young players as well. If you think of pros as top pros only, lets remember in the last ten years of slams the 5 winning players used:
2-head
1-yonex
1-wilson
1-babolat

Crazy I have all the rest but the PT113b that head will never release. Yonex has firmer feel and strange isometric hoop that takes some adjustment and Yonex is more expensive . To me They work just as well as my other racquets.

 

[hoodmaxi]

They have a ton of pros, and put a lot into young players as well. If you think of pros as top pros only, lets remember in the last ten years of slams the 5 winning players used:
2-head
1-yonex
1-wilson
1-babolat

When you think about WTF, Yonex has recently the most winning athletes...

 

[Syfo-Dias]

Crazy I have all the rest but the PT113b that head will never release. Yonex has firmer feel and strange isometric hoop that takes some adjustment and Yonex is more expensive . To me They work just as well as my other racquets.

The pricing of Yonex racquets seems about on par with other manufacturers. Plus Yonex still makes their high end stuff in Japan and their QC is excellent.

 

[Possum]

Naomi Osaka...that's why I went to Yonex.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Naomi Osaka...that's why I went to Yonex.

ohh yeah!?!,, well then, this is for you:

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[Notorious_Junkballer]

I'm tempted by the racket head shape.

 

[taylor15]

I'm tempted by the racket head shape.

I never tried Yonex when I was younger due to the head shape. Stupid, I know. After I left my dunlops and had a short time with the 93p (the hype is real, great frame) I demoed a lot and found I really like the isometric shape. The vCore series is less extreme than some older frames but I've not had more confidence in a long time. Probably not all in the head shape, but I do like it

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

I never tried Yonex when I was younger due to the head shape. Stupid, I know. After I left my dunlops and had a short time with the 93p (the hype is real, great frame) I demoed a lot and found I really like the isometric shape. The vCore series is less extreme than some older frames but I've not had more confidence in a long time. Probably not all in the head shape, but I do like it

I've never tried one either, yet, but I'm tempted. I too have a bunch of Dunlops in my bag...