Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310g 2021

[Billy T James]

Sorry for not posting this in the official Yonex pro thread but there is just to much for me to wade through and people tend to be talking about the D and H and I want more information about the 310. I am a new to this forum.
What does it play like
How arm friendly is it really, I know its supposed to be.
Is the serve really weak like people say, upon saying that I do understand technic is the main factor in a serve however frames do make a difference.
I used natural gut or multifilament's strung at 52.
I am a baseline player using top spin. I class myself as high intermediate
I brought a Vcore 98 but its not as arm friendly as I was hoping, I do like it (not love it) only used it 3 times. I cant find a reasonably priced second hand Vcore pro 97 310g (Australia ) so wanted to find out a little more about it before I decide to buy a new one. Not to much of a fan of play testing a racket because not that easy where I am and also I think it takes a few hrs to really get to know a racket. Also play testing can be deceiving if you are used to another racket. Maybe people of a higher standard than me can play test a racket for 30min-1hr and get to know the racket but not me.
I am also curious about the Wilson clash as its supposed to be very arm friendly.

 

[Artanis]

VCP 310 is absolutely arm friendly, and has a muted feel.
Much dampened compared to VC100 that I've tried, and even compared to Ezone DR98 I had before.
It is more control oriented, and may lack some free power, but you can help it by using full bed of synthetic gut.
Be aware that is more flexible and head-light than VC, which makes it more manouverable specially if you have 1H BH, but also less powerful.

 

[Trip]

Strengths:
- More twist weight / stability than the 2019 model
- Very arm-friendly (flexy, slightly muted, only 129hz to the handle)
- Easy to play with in general, although control-biased

Weakneses:
- Somewhat light swing weight that may play a bit meager for your style without customization (1g lead at each of 10 & 2 usually fixes that)
- Has a power ceiling past a certain level; that may or may not effect you

Here are some of the better video reviews on it:

TennisNerd review (starting where he talks about the 97 in particular):

Time410s initial review and follow-up, good points in both:

 

[Billy T James]

VCP 310 is absolutely arm friendly, and has a muted feel.
Much dampened compared to VC100 that I've tried, and even compared to Ezone DR98 I had before.
It is more control oriented, and may lack some free power, but you can help it by using full bed of synthetic gut.
Be aware that is more flexible and head-light than VC, which makes it more manouverable specially if you have 1H BH, but also less powerful.

 

[Billy T James]

Thanks Artanis, The Ezone DR has been my main racket however its been knocked about to much. That is why I brought the VC98. However as I said it doesn't seem very arm friendly. Do you think the VCP is less powerful than the DR? I feel I probably get enough power using the gut string however gut doesn't seem that good for top spin. Excuse me but I don't what 1H BH means?

 

[Tranqville]

How arm friendly is it really, I know its supposed to be.
One of the most arm-friendly racquets on the market. Low RA, low frequency, healthy weight distribution.

Is the serve really weak like people say, upon saying that I do understand technic is the main factor in a serve however frames do make a difference.
Serve is not "really weak", it's medium for control frame of this weight. Definitely not a powerhouse like Pure Strike.

I used natural gut or multifilament's strung at 52.
I have sensitive wrist and I played with firm poly in my VCP. You can use anything. For your topspin game, natural gut mains poly cross would work great.

I am a baseline player using top spin. I class myself as high intermediate
VCP 97 310 was intended for high intermediate and advanced players.

I brought a Vcore 98 but its not as arm friendly as I was hoping, I do like it (not love it) only used it 3 times. I cant find a reasonably priced second hand Vcore pro 97 310g (Australia ) so wanted to find out a little more about it before I decide to buy a new one. Not to much of a fan of play testing a racket because not that easy where I am and also I think it takes a few hrs to really get to know a racket. Also play testing can be deceiving if you are used to another racket. Maybe people of a higher standard than me can play test a racket for 30min-1hr and get to know the racket but not me.

You already have some experience with Yonex so you know what to expect from the isometric head shape. Some people don't like it.

I am also curious about the Wilson clash as its supposed to be very arm friendly.
VCP is better.

 

[Billy T James]

Strengths:
- More twist weight / stability than the 2019 model
- Very arm-friendly (flexy, slightly muted, only 129hz to the handle)
- Easy to play with in general, although control-biased

Weakneses:
- Somewhat light swing weight that may play a bit meager for your style without customization (1g lead at each of 10 & 2 usually fixes that)
- Has a power ceiling past a certain level; that may or may not effect you

Here are some of the better video reviews on it:

TennisNerd review (starting where he talks about the 97 in particular):

Time410s initial review and follow-up, good points in both:

Thanks again Trip,
Yep we talked about lead tape the other night, That is why I think I think a 310 probably suits me because their is room to customize. Those videos didn't work however I have googled a few before and know I have seen the tennisnerd one before.

 

[Billy T James]

How arm friendly is it really, I know its supposed to be.
One of the most arm-friendly racquets on the market. Low flex, low frequency, healthy weight distribution.

Is the serve really weak like people say, upon saying that I do understand technic is the main factor in a serve however frames do make a difference.
Serve is not "really weak", it's medium for control frame of this weight. Definitely not a powerhouse like Pure Strike.

I used natural gut or multifilament's strung at 52.
I have sensitive wrist and I played with firm poly in my VCP. You can use anything. For your topspin game, natural gut mains poly cross would work great.

I am a baseline player using top spin. I class myself as high intermediate
VCP 97 310 was intended for high intermediate and advanced players.

I brought a Vcore 98 but its not as arm friendly as I was hoping, I do like it (not love it) only used it 3 times. I cant find a reasonably priced second hand Vcore pro 97 310g (Australia ) so wanted to find out a little more about it before I decide to buy a new one. Not to much of a fan of play testing a racket because not that easy where I am and also I think it takes a few hrs to really get to know a racket. Also play testing can be deceiving if you are used to another racket. Maybe people of a higher standard than me can play test a racket for 30min-1hr and get to know the racket but not me.

You already have some experience with Yonex so you know what to expect from the isometric head shape. Some people don't like it.

I am also curious about the Wilson clash as its supposed to be very arm friendly.
VCP is better.

Thanks for the reply, Yes I am used to the head shape, I would love to cross gut with a poly again however i tried this in my Ezone DR98 and my elbow flared up again. That is why I use full Gut (Klip) most times but sometimes a full multi. Perhaps the DR is stiffer than the VCP? Do rackets lose there flex over time and become more stiff?

 

[Trip]

@Billy T James - Interesting that the videos don't work for you -- they work just fine for me. Here are the links in /CODE form, so you can copy/paste:

TennisNerd review (starting where he talks about the 97 in particular):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX1s5HOlvAA&t=717s


Time410s reviews:

Initial Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEPKEssk4f4

Why He Sold It:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6WUFWUfXBA

Follow-Up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6WUFWUfXBA

 

[Billy T James]

Thanks Artanis, The Ezone DR has been my main racket however its been knocked about to much. That is why I brought the VC98. However as I said it doesn't seem very arm friendly. Do you think the VCP is less powerful than the DR? I feel I probably get enough power using the gut string however gut doesn't seem that good for top spin. Excuse me but I don't what 1H BH means?

Oh silly me 1H BH is one handed back hand, yes I do have use that, but want to develop a two handed B H but keep chickening out during a match .

 

[Artanis]

I suggest to go ahead with VCP 310 then, it's a very nice racquet.
You can try Gosen AK Pro, synthetic gut string with some spin potential.

 

[Billy T James]

@Billy T James - Interesting that the videos don't work for you -- they work just fine for me. Here are the links in /CODE form, so you can copy/paste:

TennisNerd review (starting where he talks about the 97 in particular):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX1s5HOlvAA&t=717s


Time410s reviews:

Initial Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEPKEssk4f4

Why He Sold It:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6WUFWUfXBA

Follow-Up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6WUFWUfXBA

Those vedios original vedios work fine on my phone I was using my laptop where they didn't work. I was just wondering tennis nerd says to put the tape at 12 o'clock, is it going to make much or any difference to 11 and 2. Am I being to picky?

 

[Strayfire]

I brought a Vcore 98 but its not as arm friendly as I was hoping, I do like it (not love it) only used it 3 times. I cant find a reasonably priced second hand Vcore pro 97 310g (Australia ) so wanted to find out a little more about it before I decide to buy a new one.

Costs $25 to get up to 3 racquets from TennisOnly. Play for one week then return via Auspost.

If you can, wait until EOFY sales.

I actually had a friend switch from Clash to VCP 310.

 

[Billy T James]

Costs $25 to get up to 3 racquets from TennisOnly. Play for one week then return via Auspost.

If you can, wait until EOFY sales.

I actually had a friend switch from Clash to VCP 310.

wow that's cheap and good to know, I get my Klip from those guys. However I can't wait that long I think I will bite the bullet and buy tomorrow or Tuesday. Cheers

 

[Tranqville]

Thanks for the reply, Yes I am used to the head shape, I would love to cross gut with a poly again however i tried this in my Ezone DR98 and my elbow flared up again. That is why I use full Gut (Klip) most times but sometimes a full multi. Perhaps the DR is stiffer than the VCP? Do rackets lose there flex over time and become more stiff?

DR is not very stiff accruding to TWU, 63 RA vs 60 for VCP. Vibration frequency is more important for arm safety. For DR and for EZONE is is 142HZ, for VCP 129HZ, one of the lowest numbers across all racquets. 142HZ would be ok for most people, but if your elbow can't take it, VCP is a very safe alternative.

Do not forget about the mass. The heavier the racquet, the more harmful vibrations it can absorb. Heavy racquets encourage more arm-friendly swing paths where hitting surface is straight and most of the energy is transferred into the ball.

As an alternative to VCP, please also consider the latest Technifibre TF40 305 16x19. It's foam filled and comfortable, a bit more powerful than VCP. A perfect modern racquet. QA is not stellar so get matching service.

 

[Trip]

[...]tennis nerd says to put the tape at 12 o'clock, is it going to make much or any difference to 11 and 2. Am I being to picky?

Good question, and you're not being too picky at all. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to the amount and placement of lead. If placing at 12 only, it will just add swing weight and polarity. The same amount split between 10 & 2 will add 80+% of the swing weight, a bit of twist weight for added stability, and not quite as much polarity, at the slight expense of reducing how easy it is to twist the racquet face when gripped in your hand. Both placements will work well enough; it comes down to fine-tuning to your taste.

 

[Billy T James]

DR is not very stiff accruding to TWU, 63 RA vs 60 for VCP. Vibration frequency is more important for arm safety. For DR and for EZONE is is 142HZ, for VCP 129HZ, one of the lowest numbers across all racquets. 142HZ would be ok for most people, but if your elbow can't take it, VCP is a very safe alternative.

Do not forget about the mass. The heavier the racquet, the more harmful vibrations it can absorb. Heavy racquets encourage more arm-friendly swing paths where hitting surface is straight and most of the energy is transferred into the ball.

As an alternative to VCP, please also consider the latest Technifibre TF40 305 16x19. It's foam filled and comfortable, a bit more powerful than VCP. A perfect modern racquet. QA is not stellar so get matching service.

Thanks tranqvilla , I did look at the Tech before, I think the colours are better than the VCP however the Tech I feel wouldn't be as Arm friendly with a RA of 64.

 

[Billy T James]

Good question, and you're not being too picky at all. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to the amount and placement of lead. If placing at 12 only, it will just add swing weight and polarity. The same amount split between 10 & 2 will add 80+% of the swing weight, a bit of twist weight for added stability, and not quite as much polarity, at the slight expense of reducing how easy it is to twist the racquet face when gripped in your hand. Both placements will work well enough; it comes down to fine-tuning to your taste.

Thanks Trip, I will keep in stock form in the beginning and then experiment if need to, at least with the 310 I have room to do that, Cheers

 

[Tranqville]

Thanks tranqvilla , I did look at the Tech before, I think the colours are better than the VCP however the Tech I feel wouldn't be as Arm friendly with a RA of 64.

TF40s are foam-filled and reported to be super comfortable. RA is only part of the story.

 

[Trip]

Have to echo @Tranqville here. RA stiffness is only part of the comfort puzzle. Vibration Hz at the handle is a big indicator as well, and I'm not sure if the 2022 TF40 numbers are out yet, but I wouldn't imagine them to be that high. The frame may still very much be worth a try.

 

[Tranqville]

" I am a baseline player using top spin. I class myself as high intermediate "

Many racquets fit the bill: Extreme Tour, Radical MP, Dunlop SX 300, Tfight 300 RS. None will provide the level of comfort you get from VCP 97. Actually, I belive VCP 97 was designed with modern topspin baseliner in mind. However, as high intermediate, you may want more free power. The list of racquets that provide both comfort and power is small: TF 40, Pure Strike VS.

Extreme Tour is indeed unnderrated:

 

[Strayfire]

Thanks tranqvilla , I did look at the Tech before, I think the colours are better than the VCP however the Tech I feel wouldn't be as Arm friendly with a RA of 64.

Even the Tecnifibre T-Rebound 298 Iga with an RA rating of 71 is pretty easy on the arm because of the foam.

 

[Strayfire]

wow that's cheap and good to know, I get my Klip from those guys. However I can't wait that long I think I will bite the bullet and buy tomorrow or Tuesday. Cheers

If you're in Sydney you're welcome to try anything I've got.

Vcore Pro 97 HD
TF Iga 298
Angell TC 97 16x19 (happy to swap Angell for Vcore 98)

I can also (probably) hook you up with a Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310 ex-demo for ~$150

 

[Billy T James]

If you're in Sydney you're welcome to try anything I've got.

Vcore Pro 97 HD
TF Iga 298
Angell TC 97 16x19 (happy to swap Angell for Vcore 98)

I can also (probably) hook you up with a Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310 ex-demo for ~$150

Hey mate I am in Brisbane, Still not sure if I am going to sell the Vcore 98 2021 or not, I liked playing with it . I was just getting into the swing of things with it when I noticed my elbow and waist getting sore. I destroyed my elbow in 2018 with a pure drive and had to take 6mths off tennis so now I am extra careful. Hence me looking at the VCP97. I am not interested in the Angell. I do have a 2020 Ezone tour 98 that has only been used a few times that I would do a deal with for a VCP 97 2021 (As per Gumtree). I would pay any cash difference. I would pay 150 for a second hand VCP97 2021in good condition but not sure if I would pay that for a demo one as demo ones get smacked around to much. Also with you being in Sydney its to hard to view. Thanks anyhow.

 

[Strayfire]

Hey mate I am in Brisbane, Still not sure if I am going to sell the Vcore 98 2021 or not, I liked playing with it . I was just getting into the swing of things with it when I noticed my elbow and waist getting sore. I destroyed my elbow in 2018 with a pure drive and had to take 6mths off tennis so now I am extra careful. Hence me looking at the VCP97. I am not interested in the Angell. I do have a 2020 Ezone tour 98 that has only been used a few times that I would do a deal with for a VCP 97 2021 (As per Gumtree). I would pay any cash difference. I would pay 150 for a second hand VCP97 2021in good condition but not sure if I would pay that for a demo one as demo ones get smacked around to much. Also with you being in Sydney its to hard to view. Thanks anyhow.

I was only going to make the offer for Sydney. But both the outgoing and 2021 Yonex VCP are arm friendly.

 

[Billy T James]

Just brought a new VCP 310g have a game at 8pm tonight but can't get it strung until tomorrow. I have no patience want to try it now . Going to string it with a full bed on Klip 17 natural gut at 52 lbs. Thanks for the advice everyone the tech TF40 was to big a risk for me as I saw mixed reviews on how arm friendly it was

 

[Strayfire]

Just brought a new VCP 310g have a game at 8pm tonight but can't get it strung until tomorrow. I have no patience want to try it now . Going to string it with a full bed on Klip 17 natural gut at 52 lbs. Thanks for the advice everyone the tech TF40 was to big a risk for me as I saw mixed reviews on how arm friendly it was

Good luck. Tennis elbow is super rough.

 

[Chairman3]

@Billy T James definitely report back as I am interested in this racquet too.
Played well with the 97D but thinking of starting lighter then adding weight if needed.
Interested in your impressions on control and feel. Being an 18x20 guy, 16x19 always worried me a bit.

 

[Strayfire]

@Billy T James definitely report back as I am interested in this racquet too.
Played well with the 97D but thinking of starting lighter then adding weight if needed.
Interested in your impressions on control and feel. Being an 18x20 guy, 16x19 always worried me a bit.

Vcore Pro 97 310 is still very tight. Doesn't differ much with the 97HD launch angle.

 

[Billy T James]

@Billy T James definitely report back as I am interested in this racquet too.
Played well with the 97D but thinking of starting lighter then adding weight if needed.
Interested in your impressions on control and feel. Being an 18x20 guy, 16x19 always worried me a bit.

I have only used it once for 2hrs. I had fun from the base line with it, However I missed a couple of base line volleys as the racket seemed to twist to easily. It also didn't bail me out of those desperate hard to reach shots that my Dr98 seemed to do more often . It seemed light to me even with a over grip it only weighed 327g yet my Dr98 with no lead tape weighs around 345g. I am going to lead tape it next time I play maybe at 12, 3 and 9 . or perhaps 2 and 11. I cant say I am disappointed in the racket as its to early for me to say. It is without a doubt better suited for my play than the 2021 VCORE 98. I regret buying that racket and will sell it.

 

[Bal]

I think I’ve found my setup with the VCP97 310 2021 on a grip 3. Total of 6g lead in the head(3g both at 3 and 9), 8g of lead at the bottom of the handle, with Wilson Pro Overgrip, strung with Solinco Confidential 1.25(mains) and Yonex PTP 1.25 yellow(crosses) both at 50lbs. Total static weight is 349g and a swing weight around 320(need my stringer to measure this to confirm). I get great plow on serves and groundies. A tad sluggish on volleys, but all round a great setup, so much so, I will be off-loading my VCP97D in the next few weeks to pickup a second VCP97 310 from TW Europe.

 

[ttlapointe]

Currently playing with a Vcore 95 2023 with 3g of weight added between 11&1 and 3g in the buttcap. I have the opportunity to try the VCP97 2021 soon and wonder if I should place the weight similarly or should consider a different placement for this frame. Thanks!

 

[Bal]

Currently playing with a Vcore 95 2023 with 3g of weight added between 11&1 and 3g in the buttcap. I have the opportunity to try the VCP97 2021 soon and wonder if I should place the weight similarly or should consider a different placement for this frame. Thanks!

I would go with the same setup as you have in the V Core 95 2023. The VCP97 310g has a low swing weight(not sure if you've measured), so 11 & 1 will increase the swing weight quite nicely. I play with weight at 3 & 9 totalling 4g and 4g under the overgrip, which plays quite nice too. I've recently picked up a used V Core 95 2021 and have added lead at 10 and 2 counter weight in the handle. That plays really great and has a lot more pop than than my weighted VCP97 310g on serves. My next stop with the V Core 95 is a leather grip and a re-string.

 

[Bal]

I would go with the same setup as you have in the V Core 95 2023. The VCP97 310g has a low swing weight(not sure if you've measured), so 11 & 1 will increase the swing weight quite nicely. I play with weight at 3 & 9 totalling 4g and 4g under the overgrip, which plays quite nice too. I've recently picked up a used V Core 95 2021 and have added lead at 10 and 2 counter weight in the handle. That plays really great and has a lot more pop than than my weighted VCP97 310g on serves. My next stop with the V Core 95 is a leather grip and a re-string.

Recently tried weight at 10 and 2 totalling 4 grams in the VCP97 310g 2021, counter-balanced in the handle, and that plays really nice. Going to get a swing weight reading tomorrow whilst my VC95 2021 is being re-strung.

 

[ttlapointe]

Recently tried weight at 10 and 2 totalling 4 grams in the VCP97 310g 2021, counter-balanced in the handle, and that play last really nice. Going to get a swing weight reading tomorrow whilst my VC95 2021 is being re-strung.

Interesting. Tried it with similar customization to my VC95 2023 (3g at 12 and 3g in the buttcap). It felt significantly softer and lighter/faster through the air. It may need more weight to get to a similar level of power/plowthrough than the VC95. It also feels like the base grip is slightly smaller on the VCP 97.

I'm quite puzzled about the optimal lead tape placement though. Just restrung it with a more familiar string and tension to help with playtesting.

By the way, in terms of stiffness, it feels like the VC95 2023 sits in between the VCP97 2021 and the VC95 2023. I played quite a while with the VC95 2021, but now find it too stiff after getting used to the flex of the 2023 version.

 

[Bal]

Interesting. Tried it with similar customization to my VC95 2023 (3g at 12 and 3g in the buttcap). It felt significantly softer and lighter/faster through the air. It may need more weight to get to a similar level of power/plowthrough than the VC95. It also feels like the base grip is slightly smaller on the VCP 97.

I'm quite puzzled about the optimal lead tape placement though. Just restrung it with a more familiar string and tension to help with playtesting.

By the way, in terms of stiffness, it feels like the VC95 2023 sits in between the VCP97 2021 and the VC95 2023. I played quite a while with the VC95 2021, but now find it too stiff after getting used to the flex of the 2023 version.

That’s what I’ve heard about the differences between the VC95 2021 and 2023 versions. The stiffness has gone from 64 to 62. Strings play a big part in getting the right setup. I’ve recently posted in the VC95 2021 thread that PTP yellow 1.20mm feels too soft, for me that is, whereas it might work for others. I prefer a stiffer feeling racket and having not tried the VC95 2023, something tells me I’m not going to enjoy it as much as the VC95 2021.

My view is that lead placement depends on the racket and what you want to achieve. If you want to increase swing weight, 12, 11 & 1 or 10 & 2 work well. If you want to expand the sweet spot, then place it at 3 & 9. Where it starts to get subjective, is the shape of the racket head e.g. both VC95s have their sweet spots higher in the string-bed, whereas the VCP97 is lower. It’s just a matter of tinkering and seeing what works best for your game.

The V Cores will always play more powerful than the V Core Pros and I’m sure Yonex will keep it that way when the new VCP line drops in August.

Not sure about the base grip on the VCP97 when compared with the VC95 as I swapped my base grip on the VC95 to a leather grip pretty much soon after I acquired it! Yonex grips usually run larger than other manufacturers.

 

[ey039524]

Recently tried weight at 10 and 2 totalling 4 grams in the VCP97 310g 2021, counter-balanced in the handle, and that plays really nice. Going to get a swing weight reading tomorrow whilst my VC95 2021 is being re-strung.

We weighted my son's w the same: 4g at 10 and 2, then leather grip and putty to put them around 350 g. Feels much more solid, like a head light 97h.