Yonex VCore Pro 97 HD review...

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Hi,

Anyone switch to the VCP 97HD from a DR 98? I currently use the Dr 98 (since it was release and I have 4 in rotation). Then curiosity took over and demoed the HD for a week, more or less. So guess what, now I'm torn.

I'm still satisfied with the DR's but the HD is such a compelling racquet to play with. I feel that the swing weight for both is similar (low to mid 320's). But the HD has a better feel for the ball, but the DR is no slouch in the feel department as well either. DR more put away power. Control goes to the HD. Spin is a toss up. A bit more penetrating ball from the HD. A bit more creative shot making from the DR. I feel that flat serves have a nicer feedback from the HD, but kick serves favor the DR.
I just want some nice opinions coming from my fellow TTWr's.

Been playing for 30+ years, off and on. Never been rated (probably at strong 3.5?) I just love to play if I get the chance (lotsa kids to take care of). I use spin from both sides, 2HBH, serve ok but inconsistent. Thanks in advance!!!

What I would say to you... is why not enjoy both!

I have my DR98... and I love it. It has its strengths and weaknesses (more strengths, less weaknesses), but as you have said so well yourself, both racquets occupy different lanes. The 97HD is more precise, lower powered (in comparison), due to the thinner beam profile... maybe has a larger spin window and more capability in the flair/variety of shot category (although both are very capable), and maybe more finesse or need for greater skill level (I say this as it is a bit more lower powered and therefore may require more input and point construction, whereas the DR98 can be more relied upon to bludgeon the opponent into submission... perhaps).

They are both fabulous racquets, but I may use them against different opponents, due to their different natures. I would certainly feel I was losing out if I got rid of either of them. They can both paint a brilliant picture, but do so with different strokes and techniques. The paintings may appear different, how you constructed them may be different, but the overall result in both cases is a masterpiece.

Hope that helps you.

 

[john cheng]

What I would say to you... is why not enjoy both!

I have my DR98... and I love it. It has its strengths and weaknesses (more strengths, less weaknesses), but as you have said so well yourself, both racquets occupy different lanes. The 97HD is more precise, lower powered (in comparison), due to the thinner beam profile... maybe has a larger spin window and more capability in the flair/variety of shot category (although both are very capable), and maybe more finesse or need for greater skill level (I say this as it is a bit more lower powered and therefore may require more input and point construction, whereas the DR98 can be more relied upon to bludgeon the opponent into submission... perhaps).

They are both fabulous racquets, but I may use them against different opponents, due to their different natures. I would certainly feel I was losing out if I got rid of either of them. They can both paint a brilliant picture, but do so with different strokes and techniques. The paintings may appear different, how you constructed them may be different, but the overall result in both cases is a masterpiece.

Hope that helps you.

Very well said I always thought that I have to stick with what works and improve everything else from there. But you have a really good point! I may just try that. Use a racquet that suits different levels of opponents/doubles/singles since I feel that I can switch back and forth between the DR and HD without changing my mechanics a whole lot. It's like whatever adjustment I need to, can be done during warm-up or a session with a ball machine.

Thank you for your input, most appreciated!!!

BTW, string suggestions for the HD? I have a hybrid set up for the DR's. A pair with Babolat blast rough(17)/NXT(16) at 54# and Yonex PTP17/850 16 at 52#. Looking for best spin and comfort combo

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Very well said I always thought that I have to stick with what works and improve everything else from there. But you have a really good point! I may just try that. Use a racquet that suits different levels of opponents/doubles/singles since I feel that I can switch back and forth between the DR and HD without changing my mechanics a whole lot. It's like whatever adjustment I need to, can be done during warm-up or a session with a ball machine.

Thank you for your input, most appreciated!!!

BTW, string suggestions for the HD? I have a hybrid set up for the DR's. A pair with Babolat blast rough(17)/NXT(16) at 54# and Yonex PTP17/850 16 at 52#. Looking for best spin and comfort combo

With the HD, due to the tighter string pattern, I tend to use thinner gauge strings (18 gauge). Hybrid set-ups also work well.

The string choices also may come down to colour (which is a personal thing - eg. you might think red strings will look wrong on the HD or too close to Christmas colours, etc).

The following strings may be good:

Völkl Cyclone 18L (1.15mm)
Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.18mm)
MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm
Grapplesnake Game Changer (1.20mm)
Tourna Black Zone 1.20mm
Tier 1 Tour Status 1.20mm
Tier 1 Black Knight 1.18mm
Solinco Hyper-G 1.15mm (although this will be thicker than the gauge indicates... and heavier)
Solinco Tour Bite (1.20mm or thinner)

If you like 17 gauge strings:

Some of the above in a thicker gauge
RS Lyon 1.25mm
Head Lynx
Head Lynx Tour
Grapplesnake Tour Sniper
Grapplesnake Alpha
MSV Focus Hex 1.23mm
MSV Focus Hex +38 1.25mm
Luxilon 4G
Luxilon Element (maybe more as a cross, but you could use it for both)
Gut string of choice

As Crosses:

Tier 1 Ghostwire
Head Syn Gut PPS
Another Syn Gut of choice
Gut of choice
Some Multi of choice
Weiss Cannon Silverstring
Weiss Cannon Scorpion
Weiss Cannon Explosiv
Grapplesnake Irrukanji
Grapplesnake Liquid/ Liquid Neon Dust
Grapplesnake Purple (yet to try this one)

Hopefully, that is enough with all the combinations and permutations possible.

 

[john cheng]

With the HD, due to the tighter string pattern, I tend to use thinner gauge strings (18 gauge). Hybrid set-ups also work well.

The string choices also may come down to colour (which is a personal thing - eg. you might think red strings will look wrong on the HD or too close to Christmas colours, etc).

The following strings may be good:

Völkl Cyclone 18L (1.15mm)
Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.18mm)
MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm
Grapplesnake Game Changer (1.20mm)
Tourna Black Zone 1.20mm
Tier 1 Tour Status 1.20mm
Tier 1 Black Knight 1.18mm
Solinco Hyper-G 1.15mm (although this will be thicker than the gauge indicates... and heavier)
Solinco Tour Bite (1.20mm or thinner)

If you like 17 gauge strings:

Some of the above in a thicker gauge
RS Lyon 1.25mm
Head Lynx
Head Lynx Tour
Grapplesnake Tour Sniper
Grapplesnake Alpha
MSV Focus Hex 1.23mm
MSV Focus Hex +38 1.25mm
Luxilon 4G
Luxilon Element (maybe more as a cross, but you could use it for both)
Gut string of choice

As Crosses:

Tier 1 Ghostwire
Head Syn Gut PPS
Another Syn Gut of choice
Gut of choice
Some Multi of choice
Weiss Cannon Silverstring
Weiss Cannon Scorpion
Weiss Cannon Explosiv
Grapplesnake Irrukanji
Grapplesnake Liquid/ Liquid Neon Dust
Grapplesnake Purple (yet to try this one)

Hopefully, that is enough with all the combinations and permutations possible.

Thank you, will keep this in mind if I end up getting the HD!!!

 

[Fairhit]

Hi,

Anyone switch to the VCP 97HD from a DR 98? I currently use the Dr 98 (since it was release and I have 4 in rotation). Then curiosity took over and demoed the HD for a week, more or less. So guess what, now I'm torn.

I'm still satisfied with the DR's but the HD is such a compelling racquet to play with. I feel that the swing weight for both is similar (low to mid 320's). But the HD has a better feel for the ball, but the DR is no slouch in the feel department as well either. DR more put away power. Control goes to the HD. Spin is a toss up. A bit more penetrating ball from the HD. A bit more creative shot making from the DR. I feel that flat serves have a nicer feedback from the HD, but kick serves favor the DR.
I just want some nice opinions coming from my fellow TTWr's.

Been playing for 30+ years, off and on. Never been rated (probably at strong 3.5?) I just love to play if I get the chance (lotsa kids to take care of). I use spin from both sides, 2HBH, serve ok but inconsistent. Thanks in advance!!!

I switched from the DR to the HD and I'll tell you why.

Both have similar feeling but for me it is all about the control and even though they both have remarkable control, the HD has a clear advantage in tah regard. With the HD I can be as crafty as I please, drop shots, slices, smash drop shots, you name it and the HD can produce it. It si a hard to swing frame if you are not accustomed to its weight, you have to have good footwork on order to hit cleanly the ball, more so if if have a one hander backhand.

The DR gives you more power and has plenty of control but the finesse shots are harder to accomplish, it is an easier frame to wield for sure and it let's you get away with "less than perfect" footwork.

I carry a pair of both in my bag, if I'm messing around I might find the DR more fun to just hit hard and don't worry about it, if I'm working on my game or I'm playing a serious match, I'll grab the HD as it gives more options, it is certainly a more difficult frame and it requires a lot from you but once you have it domesticated, it is an immensely rewarding racquet.

 

[john cheng]

I switched from the DR to the HD and I'll tell you why.

Both have similar feeling but for me it is all about the control and even though they both have remarkable control, the HD has a clear advantage in tah regard. With the HD I can be as crafty as I please, drop shots, slices, smash drop shots, you name it and the HD can produce it. It si a hard to swing frame if you are not accustomed to its weight, you have to have good footwork on order to hit cleanly the ball, more so if if have a one hander backhand.

The DR gives you more power and has plenty of control but the finesse shots are harder to accomplish, it is an easier frame to wield for sure and it let's you get away with "less than perfect" footwork.

I carry a pair of both in my bag, if I'm messing around I might find the DR more fun to just hit hard and don't worry about it, if I'm working on my game or I'm playing a serious match, I'll grab the HD as it gives more options, it is certainly a more difficult frame and it requires a lot from you but once you have it domesticated, it is an immensely rewarding racquet.

Thanks for the input!!!

Totally makes sense to me. I think if I use the HD more, it will allow me to do whatever the DR does well and plus the added control will enhance the playing experience as well! It also helps that the DR can possibly be more gentle on the elbow and shoulder

Even if I don't play nearly enough, I just want the experience of using quality tools during the match. It's always nice to win but enjoying the game is equally important too!

Have you tried full gut on the HD?

 

[Fairhit]

Thanks for the input!!!

Totally makes sense to me. I think if I use the HD more, it will allow me to do whatever the DR does well and plus the added control will enhance the playing experience as well! It also helps that the DR can possibly be more gentle on the elbow and shoulder

Even if I don't play nearly enough, I just want the experience of using quality tools during the match. It's always nice to win but enjoying the game is equally important too!

Have you tried full gut on the HD?

I haven't tried gut because I was testing different strings to fight a tennis elbow case I had, in that search I stumble across Yonex syn gut and it was so awesome I stopped testing.

Speaking of TE, the DR helped me overcome it and the HD has helped me get rid of it, not only it is a soft frame, as I was saying before, it makes you have good footwork and to have a decent technique or it won't produce quality shots, thanks to that I'm no longer late to hit the ball and since my technique has improved, my TE has vanished.

 

[ChimpChimp]

I switched from DR to HD and after a break of three months (lockdown), I picked up DR again. I can't generate power from HD. Balls land on the service line. I can see from my side that balls don't bounce as high as those hit by DR, and my opponents agreed with my observation. I can't pull my opponents to out of the sidelines. On the other hand HD's precision is next level.

My DR is leaded -- 3.3g on 12 o'clock, 2g on 3 and 2g on 9, and with leather grip. I still found it much easier to swing than stock HD. I've asked in this forum for advice on 18x20s that are lighter.

 

[john cheng]

This is what's really holding me back a bit in switching or at least purchasing an HD. I don't play enough to be at least decent to play very well with the HD.

But that HD feel is great though! I've used the Babolat Pure Storm limited for a few years and it is quite reminiscent of that great 18 x 20 feel. But the bab PSL definitely is much lower powered than the HD

 

[Fairhit]

This is what's really holding me back a bit in switching or at least purchasing an HD. I don't play enough to be at least decent to play very well with the HD.

But that HD feel is great though! I've used the Babolat Pure Storm limited for a few years and it is quite reminiscent of that great 18 x 20 feel. But the bab PSL definitely is much lower powered than the HD

I used to play with the Ultra Tour, best racquet ever but it gave an awful case of TE, other than that, excellent touch, the best precision you can get and it gives you what you put in, nothing more, I wouldn't even have thought to switch if not for the TE it gave me.

I have experience with this kind of frames and I had to give the HD a couple of weeks to get the groove, is not an easy frame to wield but it is extremely rewarding.

 

[Nate7-5]

A few months ago I decided to string my HD with Luxilon Alu Power Green 1.25 (saved half a set for it) and Ghostwire 1.17 crosses (46m, 45c). My primary racquet now is the VCore95 and I'll switch to a Diadem EFS Tour sometimes. I didnt like the new strings I put in the 95, so I pulled out the HD and had probably the best warmup I've ever had with it. Its already an incredibly comfortable frame - Alu mains and Ghostwire crosses felt like coated syngut only with far better spin performance. I also settled on a thin Kimony leather grip to downsize the 4 1/2 grip, add no additional weight over the stock grip and provide the best possible bevel feel.

 

[Phat Dave]

A few months ago I decided to string my HD with Luxilon Alu Power Green 1.25 (saved half a set for it) and Ghostwire 1.17 crosses (46m, 45c). My primary racquet now is the VCore95 and I'll switch to a Diadem EFS Tour sometimes. I didnt like the new strings I put in the 95, so I pulled out the HD and had probably the best warmup I've ever had with it. Its already an incredibly comfortable frame - Alu mains and Ghostwire crosses felt like coated syngut only with far better spin performance. I also settled on a thin Kimony leather grip to downsize the 4 1/2 grip, add no additional weight over the stock grip and provide the best possible bevel feel.

I am a diehard HD fanatic but cannot lie the VC95 is just barely behind it, however I do find the VC95 much more sensitive to added weight and strings. Im curious as to what string set-up you found works best for you the 95?

 

[Nate7-5]

I am a diehard HD fanatic but cannot lie the VC95 is just barely behind it, however I do find the VC95 much more sensitive to added weight and strings. Im curious as to what string set-up you found works best for you the 95?

I only like the VC95 completely stock - adding small amounts of weight just made it less maneuverable without enough benefit.

For full poly, really liked Confidential 1.15 but it died pretty fast - would try 1.20 next time. Also found some PolyTour Spin 1.20 to try that doesnt seem to be widely available in the U.S. Would also like to try Lynx Tour/Element as it's fantastic in my Duel G 310.

I used Klip 1.25 uncoated gut x PolyTour Fire/Max Power 1.20 most of the winter indoors and will probably try a 1.30/1.25 setup next time.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I am a diehard HD fanatic but cannot lie the VC95 is just barely behind it, however I do find the VC95 much more sensitive to added weight and strings. Im curious as to what string set-up you found works best for you the 95?

In my VC95 (20180, I have Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.18mm) in the Mains and Klip Tournament XL (1.20mm - Syn Gut) in the crosses. From memory at 46M/46C (same tension due to Syn Gut - normally 3 lbs differential between Mains and Crosses if poly/poly).

It played very very well. Would use it again.

 

[Phat Dave]

In my VC95 (20180, I have Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.18mm) in the Mains and Klip Tournament XL (1.20mm - Syn Gut) in the crosses. From memory at 46M/46C (same tension due to Syn Gut - normally 3 lbs differential between Mains and Crosses if poly/poly).

It played very very well. Would use it again.

Awesome, I appreciate the info on your set-up. I used a thick poly tour strike as a cross in my VC95 21' and was wayy too firm and locked and notched my gut mains, and I got no string movement at all- very boardy and dead feel and lost that Yonex plushness I love, total waste of money and I broke up w my stringer. Now Im trying Head velocity MLT in mains with Dunlop S-Gut in the crosses, both 17 gauge, at 45 pounds. I spent almost 18 months trying every racket and brand under the sun to find what works for me, and am now that I'm entering the world of strings, I am TOTALLY lost to find whats best. Trial and error is the only path within the high order of Raquetholics...

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Awesome, I appreciate the info on your set-up. I used a thick poly tour strike as a cross in my VC95 21' and was wayy too firm and locked and notched my gut mains, and I got no string movement at all- very boardy and dead feel and lost that Yonex plushness I love, total waste of money and I broke up w my stringer. Now Im trying Head velocity MLT in mains with Dunlop S-Gut in the crosses, both 17 gauge, at 45 pounds. I spent almost 18 months trying every racket and brand under the sun to find what works for me, and am now that I'm entering the world of strings, I am TOTALLY lost to find whats best. Trial and error is the only path within the high order of Raquetholics...

Yeah, unfortunately, the only way to find out what you like is to try lots of different strings. The other thing I would highly recommend is to check out TW University and their string section. Look through lots of the available data on the strings they have and have tested. This may help you when considering things as they have done some of the heavy lifting when it comes to string-to-string friction, softness/stiffness of the strings, how they compare to each other, etc. This may allow you to narrow things down a bit. Of course, there is also other people's experiences (but those you can also take with a grain of salt).

Hope that helps.

 

[Fairhit]

I settled on Dynawire from Yonex, is not the most popular but it gives me control and it doesn't hurt muy elbow I've been playing with it for over 8 months now and I'm happy.

 

[PRS]

I finally picked up one of these. I tried it out when it first released and loved it, just couldn't justify buying it at the time. I already replaced the grip with a leather one and I'm going to string it with a gut/poly hybrid, I'm thinking about 44 pounds. I may add a little lead as well, but I'm gonna wait until after I take it on the court a couple times first.

 

[NiktheGr]

Between Solinco Confidential and Revolution which strings do you recommend for the HD? Which one gives more free power and spin? Has anybody tested them in full bed?

P.S: HD is an excellent racket regarding feel, stability, control and ball pocketing, but there is a lack of spin and power due to open pattern and low stifness. Also, it is the best racket for hitting best volleys and serves and therefore I use it mainly in doubles. Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 is my choice for single matches, because it helps me more in defensive situations due to higher stiffness which reflects to more power.

 

[PRS]

Between Solinco Confidential and Revolution which strings do you recommend for the HD? Which one gives more free power and spin? Has anybody tested them in full bed?

P.S: HD is an excellent racket regarding feel, stability, control and ball pocketing, but there is a lack of spin and power due to open pattern and low stifness. Also, it is the best racket for hitting best volleys and serves and therefore I use it mainly in doubles. Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 is my choice for single matches, because it helps me more in defensive situations due to higher stiffness which reflects to more power.

No polyester string gives you "free" spin or power, especially in a racquet like the HD. They being said, revolution is slightly less stiff, so that one will likely give you slightly more power and spin potential, especially if you go with a thinner gauge.

 

[Merkaffe]

Since my last post (I believe) I've changed from HD to Vcore 98. Vcore 98 is the first light racquet (305g) I've been able to play really well with. So much faster though the air and so much more manoeuvrable, still rather stable and with a relatively high SW. I still like the HD, but compared to vcore it's sluggish, I play better with Vcore, with more topspin and net clearance. I use Casper Ruud's hybrid strings, which works really well, Yonex PTP 1.30 / Yonex PTS 1.25, 23.5 kg/23 kg.

 

[Chairman3]

Wanted to give the HD users a heads up, I will be listing one of these in the classifieds in the next day or two.
Literally 8.5-9 out of 10 condition
2019 (green/gold version)
4-3/8 has a tourna leather grip

Not trying to spam the thread just giving you all first dibs and a discount.

Tried my hardest with it but mine felt a little immobile. Never checked for lead under the grip, seemed like too much work

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Between Solinco Confidential and Revolution which strings do you recommend for the HD? Which one gives more free power and spin? Has anybody tested them in full bed?

P.S: HD is an excellent racket regarding feel, stability, control and ball pocketing, but there is a lack of spin and power due to open pattern and low stifness. Also, it is the best racket for hitting best volleys and serves and therefore I use it mainly in doubles. Yonex VCore Pro 97 310 is my choice for single matches, because it helps me more in defensive situations due to higher stiffness which reflects to more power.

I would recommend Revolution, for the reasons @PRS gave, however, the problem you might have is that the 1.25mm version of the string gives the best spin in that string (out of all the available gauges)... and since you are asking to put it into the 97HD (which is an 18x20), I would recommend you go with a thinner gauge string.

For that reason, I would recommend you try something like Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (if you don't mind that it's red in colour), or Völkl Cyclone 18L (1.15mm), as they have a high spin value but are thinner. Other alternatives would be strings like: MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm, Gosen AK Control 1.24mm (but again a little thicker), MSV Focus Hex 17L (1.20mm), Head Lynx 18, MSV Focus Hex Soft 17L (1.20mm), Tourna Black Zone 17, and Völkl Cyclone 19 (1.10mm).

But if you don't care about any of this stuff, just go with the Revolution if you want a softer feeling, and Confidential if you like a firmer feeling (but I would recommend thinner gauges).

Hope that helps.

 

[NiktheGr]

I would recommend Revolution, for the reasons @PRS gave, however, the problem you might have is that the 1.25mm version of the string gives the best spin in that string (out of all the available gauges)... and since you are asking to put it into the 97HD (which is an 18x20), I would recommend you go with a thinner gauge string.

For that reason, I would recommend you try something like Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (if you don't mind that it's red in colour), or Völkl Cyclone 18L (1.15mm), as they have a high spin value but are thinner. Other alternatives would be strings like: MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm, Gosen AK Control 1.24mm (but again a little thicker), MSV Focus Hex 17L (1.20mm), Head Lynx 18, MSV Focus Hex Soft 17L (1.20mm), Tourna Black Zone 17, and Völkl Cyclone 19 (1.10mm).

But if you don't care about any of this stuff, just go with the Revolution if you want a softer feeling, and Confidential if you like a firmer feeling (but I would recommend thinner gauges).

Hope that helps.

Thanks a lot for the info and suggestions. According also to the TW Uni comparison string tool, I decided to try a full bed of Volki Cyclone 18L and Revolution 1.25, as well. At what tension do you suggest I should string each of them?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Thanks a lot for the info and suggestions. According also to the TW Uni comparison string tool, I decided to try a full bed of Volki Cyclone 18L and Revolution 1.25, as well. At what tension do you suggest I should string each of them?

The Cyclone will feel firm straight off the stringer... it needs time to settle, so either string it and leave it to sit for a day or two... or just be prepared that it will need a period of settling so it will get better from the second or third hit. It also gets a bit more powerful once it has settled (in my experience). Tension wise (again I'm not sure what you like), I'd go either 48M/45C or 46M/43C.

Revolution I have not tried in the 97HD, but since it's thicker, I'd try 45-46M/44-43C, or around there.

Hope that's to your liking (tensions can be very personal).

 

[Spoonerie]

I am back to playing with the HD after dabbling with a customized head prestige MPL; The heaviness of the frame is something I personally enjoy (can’t deal with too light frames). Tour Bite at 47-48 works for me. So much nice ball pocketing with enough crispness so I can feel the ball!

 

[ttlapointe]

I've been going through the forum trying to find a detailed comparison between the Vcore Pro 97 HD and the 2021 Vcore 95. It's probably somewhere but can't find it right now. I'm considering these two as a potential Ultra Tour replacement (weighted up to around 340gr strung), mainly looking for a bit more power and maybe something that better fits my ohbh. I found the Vcore pro 97 310 a little bit too stiff. No demos currently available in my city. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[spoonfed]

Deleted

 

[jalapeno74]

I've been going through the forum trying to find a detailed comparison between the Vcore Pro 97 HD and the 2021 Vcore 95. It's probably somewhere but can't find it right now. I'm considering these two as a potential Ultra Tour replacement (weighted up to around 340gr strung), mainly looking for a bit more power and maybe something that better fits my ohbh. I found the Vcore pro 97 310 a little bit too stiff. No demos currently available in my city. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Well, both are very good raquets but they serve different styles of play.
To me, the VCore 95 was a fun racquet with a fantastic OHBH ability, low-medium power, low forgiveness, nice spin. All in all quite versatile but not really outstanding in anything - except the OHBH
Also, not the softest one, but not harsh

The VCP97HD is meatier, nice plowthrough, needs good footwork, nice spin, great for defense-to-offense shots. Also, really pinpoint accurate when you are up to it with your footwork
Soft on the arm

Again, both are great

 

[Trip]

@ttlapointe - I have played both extensively and can help with that comparison.

'21 VCore 95 vs. '19 VCP 97HD:

• OVERALL - Both are player's sticks, with the 95 leaning 10-15% more towards power-spin tweener, but both are still a bring-your-own-everything affair, ideally meant for fit 4.0 NTRP / 7.0 UTR level players (at minimum).
• Control - 97HD=VC95, perhaps HD>=95. Similar, with a slight edge to the HD. The VC95's maneuverability and racquet face micro-adjustability are countered (and eclipsed) by the HD's tighter pattern, more even flex profile and boxier beam.
• Spin - VC95 >= 97HD. The 95 has a more open 16x20 pattern, spin grommets and slight aero optimization for easier windshield-wiper movement, but the HD can still whip up some impressive spin for an 18x20, as it's weight distribution and balance are just head-light enough (you still need to be moderately strong, though).
• Power - VC95 >= 97HD. VC95 is more powerful overall, due to the slightly thicker beam and more open pattern however. That said, power is more uniform over more of the string bed on the HD; with the VC95, you get too far left or right of the sweet spot, and the power level drops off way more aggressively.
• Launch Angle - VC95 > 97HD. 95 is similar to most 98's with spaced-out 8 throat mains or medium-dense 6 throat mains. HD launch angle is similar to a medium-dense 18x20 like a Blade and similar.
• Plow - In stock form, 97HD > VC95. The extra 10g in the HD layup, with most of it in the upper neck and mid-hoop, yields a noticeably meatier, thuddier impact feel, with much less deflection outside the sweet spot as well.
• Stability - HD > VC95. HD with 10g more in the layup puts more meat against the ball. Also the 97HD has a 14.1 stock twist weight, vs 13.7 of the VC95. That said, the more consistent you are at hitting the sweet spot, the less noticeable the difference, and in some cases the VC95 may even feel more solid, because straight up the center 6 mains or so, it feels very solid, almost baseball-bat like.
• Flex - 97HD > VC95. If there's one thing that put the HD on the map, it's the flex, plain and simple. It has this full-length, graduated bowing/bending flex that makes for outstanding, fine-grained pocketing and trajectory control. The VC95 has a comparable profile that I would call "97HD-in-miniature", in that it does a bit of the same, but it's more stiff throughout, so the total flex gamut is lessened by about 50%.
• Feel - 97HD > VC95. HD had better feel. That said, the VC95 I would say feels decent to good it definitely has the best feel of all the '21 VCores.

Hope that helps paint a good picture for you!

 

[Nate7-5]

The HD does have VDM in the handle

 

[ryushen21]

I've been going through the forum trying to find a detailed comparison between the Vcore Pro 97 HD and the 2021 Vcore 95. It's probably somewhere but can't find it right now. I'm considering these two as a potential Ultra Tour replacement (weighted up to around 340gr strung), mainly looking for a bit more power and maybe something that better fits my ohbh. I found the Vcore pro 97 310 a little bit too stiff. No demos currently available in my city. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I've played with both the VC95 and VCP97HD (Emerald). And while they are both excellent racquets, I would give the overall advantage to the VC95. A little more free power while not being too stiff while being incredibly maneuverable and stable. It also offers a lot of control thanks to the 16x20 pattern and it's surprisingly forgiving. Another advantage with the VC95 is that you have more room to adjust weight since it's a lower static weight. In my experience, the VCP line hits nice but are always a little more work than I want to do.

 

[Tmano]

Of the Vcore pro 310 16x19 which one has more power?
What do you guys think about the Vcore pro 100?

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

@ttlapointe - I have played both extensively and can help with that comparison.

'21 VCore 95 vs. '19 VCP 97HD:

• OVERALL- Both are player's sticks, with the 95 leaning 10-15% more towards power-spin tweener, but both are still a bring-your-own-everything affair, ideally meant for fit 4.0 NTRP / 7.0 UTR level players (at minimum).
  • agreed
• Control - 97HD=VC95, perhaps HD>=95. Similar, with a slight edge to the HD. The VC95's maneuverability and racquet face micro-adjustability are countered (and eclipsed) by the HD's tighter pattern, more even flex profile and boxier beam.
  • I think the VC95 has more control when you want to hit a topspin forehand that say goes about head high or above an opponents head at the net in doubles to the point they think it is going out, but you can wrist-manipulate a loopier topspin ball that drops in to their dismay. I've done that with the VC easier than HD. Also a forehand passing shot on the net guy that drops in near the service line but on their side of the court, that kind of magical passing shot is easier with the VC. These comments kind of mix spin and control.
• Spin - VC95 >= 97HD. The 95 has a more open 16x20 pattern, spin grommets and slight aero optimization for easier windshield-wiper movement, but the HD can still whip up some impressive spin for an 18x20, as it's weight distribution and balance are just head-light enough (you still need to be moderately strong, though).
  • The VC 95 does the wrist flick topspin better than the HD, the HD does a better topspin ball that lands near the baseline and penetrates.
• Power - VC95 >= 97HD. Comes down to the slightly thicker beam and more pattern of the 95 vs. the extra plow of the HD (provided you can wield it at the same speed). That said, power is more uniform over more of the string bed on the HD; with the VC95, you get too far left or right of the sweet spot, and the power level drops off way more aggressively.
  • I'd say the HD is more powerful if you string at 48 pounds like has been discussed somewhere in the 30 pages of this thread, but just slightly on non-serves and 10% on serves for sure.
• Launch Angle- VC95 > 97HD. 95 is similar to most 98's with spaced-out 8 through mains or medium-dense 6 throat mains. HD launch angle is similar to a medium-dense 18x20 like a Blade and similar.
  • agreed
• Plow - In stock form, 97HD > VC95. The extra 10g in the HD layup, with most of it in the upper neck and mid-hoop, yields a noticeably meatier, thuddier impact feel, with much less deflection outside the sweet spot as well.
  • agreed and don't modify the VC95 , changes the racket to something else.
• Stability - HD > VC95. HD with 10g more in the layup puts more meat against the ball. Also the 97HD has a 14.1 stock twist weight, vs 13.7 of the VC95. That said, the more consistent you are at hitting the sweet spot, the less noticeable the difference, and in some cases the VC95 may even feel more solid, because straight up the center 6 mains or so, it feels verysolid, almost baseball-bat like.
  • HD might be more, but it's so close it's not impactful.
• Flex - 97HD > VC95. If there's one thing that put the HD on the map, it's the flex, plain and simple. It has this full-length, graduated bowing/bending flex that makes for outstanding, fine-grained pocketing and trajectory control. The VC95 has a comparable profile that I would call "97HD-in-miniature", in that it does a bit of the same, but it's more stiff throughout, so the total flex gamut is lessened by about 50%.
  • agreed
• Feel - 97HD > VC95. Without VDM in the handle, and with a more dense layup, the HD simply has better feel. That said, the VC95 I would say feels decent to good it definitely has the best feel of all the '21 VCores.
  • agreed

Hope that helps paint a good picture for you!

I'll insert my comments if I think they are helpful above. Also played with the HD, the 2019 and 2021 VC95, one handed backhand.
For me the big differences are HD hits a better flat serve, VC95 better spin serves, and the VC95 allows me to hit more "interesting" shots that I am sometimes surprised I can come up with. I've basically moved more toward the modern Yonex and left the Vcore Pro line behind lately as I play more athletic and skilled singles players in singles matches.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I've played with both the VC95 and VCP97HD (Emerald). And while they are both excellent racquets, I would give the overall advantage to the VC95. A little more free power while not being too stiff while being incredibly maneuverable and stable. It also offers a lot of control thanks to the 16x20 pattern and it's surprisingly forgiving. Another advantage with the VC95 is that you have more room to adjust weight since it's a lower static weight. In my experience, the VCP line hits nice but are always a little more work than I want to do.

That's a really good no-nonsense way to put it, less work, better results really.

 

[ryushen21]

I forgot to mention that I would ditch a stringbed dampener on any Yonex frame 2018-Present. They are muted enough without them and if you want a better sense of feel and response from the racquet, you gotta ditch the dampener.

 

[Trip]

@Nate7-5 - Thanks for the correction. I was thinking of another old VCP I've got. Edited.

 

[Nate7-5]

@Nate7-5 - Thanks for the correction. I was thinking of another old VCP I've got. Edited.

Really good summary though - I'd score it pretty much the same.

 

[ttlapointe]

Wow guys! Thanks a lot for the quick and thorough responses. Both really sound like solid offerings. I get that the VCore 95 may need some weight at 3&9, maybe a bit at 12 also to compete with the natural stability of the HD in stock form.

I think I'll buy 1 or 2 used ones of each, take the time to try them out and sell the ones I won't love enough to keep since they seem pretty sought after/easy to sell on the used market. I'll try to come back with comments if it may help some other players make a choice.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Wow guys! Thanks a lot for the quick and thorough responses. Both really sound like solid offerings. I get that the VCore 95 may need some weight at 3&9, maybe a bit at 12 also to compete with the natural stability of the HD in stock form.

If you try the VC95 give it a few months without adding weight. I know plenty of college kids using it that way and they face very heavy balls. I only faced 4.5 and some 5.0 when I used it myself, in stock form.

 

[ttlapointe]

If you try the VC95 give it a few months without adding weight. I know plenty of college kids using it that way and they face very heavy balls. I only faced 4.5 and some 5.0 when I used it myself, in stock form.

Alright. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Phat Dave]

VC95 vs VCPHD is truly the toughest decision I've ever had in tennis equipment. No matter how many times I feel I'm going to fully commit to my 2 HD's that damn VC95 always finds it's way back in my bag, played with both today in fact. For long matches and attacking/knifing/aggressive shots I love the 95, however, behind the the baseline the HD is king because of it's unrivaled precision (IMHO) and booming depth when the kinetic chain is locked-in. I 1000% agree that dampeners are moot in these latest Yonex rackets, I find I love the vibrations in fact, so any potential arm issues are null (I get irritated when people criticize VDM as lacking "feel", but thats tangental). That extra 2 inches in HD does feel like a safety net by comparison though. Both are absolutely stellar and I am intrigued at how the forthcoming VCORE line will be tweaked as the 95 is already well received.

 

[ryushen21]

If you try the VC95 give it a few months without adding weight. I know plenty of college kids using it that way and they face very heavy balls. I only faced 4.5 and some 5.0 when I used it myself, in stock form.

This is excellent advice and I only ended up added maybe 5g to my VC95s when I used them. But it can be played stock for sure.

VC95 vs VCPHD is truly the toughest decision I've ever had in tennis equipment. No matter how many times I feel I'm going to fully commit to my 2 HD's that damn VC95 always finds it's way back in my bag, played with both today in fact. For long matches and attacking/knifing/aggressive shots I love the 95, however, behind the the baseline the HD is king because of it's unrivaled precision (IMHO) and booming depth when the kinetic chain is locked-in. I 1000% agree that dampeners are moot in these latest Yonex rackets, I find I love the vibrations in fact, so any potential arm issues are null (I get irritated when people criticize VDM as lacking "feel", but thats tangental). That extra 2 inches in HD does feel like a safety net by comparison though. Both are absolutely stellar and I am intrigued at how the forthcoming VCORE line will be tweaked as the 95 is already well received.

The VC95 is still pretty precise and controlled. I think the added sense of precision from the VCP is that you get that little bit of extra dwell time (at least on the 2018/19 iteration) that gives that extra confidence. But even with the VC95 I had the confidence to switch between hitting for zones and precise placement pretty easily.

I will say that I am one of the ones who believes the current Yonex racquets are too muted. I like to have a certain amount of feel when I play and the VC95 (and 100 for that matter) lacked that feel that I was looking for. That caused me to go back to Head racquets. I am hoping that the VCore update will put some feel back into the frames because in all other aspects they are outstanding racquets.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

This is excellent advice and I only ended up added maybe 5g to my VC95s when I used them. But it can be played stock for sure.


The VC95 is still pretty precise and controlled. I think the added sense of precision from the VCP is that you get that little bit of extra dwell time (at least on the 2018/19 iteration) that gives that extra confidence. But even with the VC95 I had the confidence to switch between hitting for zones and precise placement pretty easily.

I will say that I am one of the ones who believes the current Yonex racquets are too muted. I like to have a certain amount of feel when I play and the VC95 (and 100 for that matter) lacked that feel that I was looking for. That caused me to go back to Head racquets. I am hoping that the VCore update will put some feel back into the frames because in all other aspects they are outstanding racquets.

I often think I should be more sensitive to "feel", but for some reason I'm not. Makes me wonder what I am missing in my tennis experience. And I tend to think it is something I am missing from my game, not like I am beyond or above feel, more like a deficit in my game. I will never solve this mystery.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

VC95 vs VCPHD is truly the toughest decision I've ever had in tennis equipment. No matter how many times I feel I'm going to fully commit to my 2 HD's that damn VC95 always finds it's way back in my bag, played with both today in fact. For long matches and attacking/knifing/aggressive shots I love the 95, however, behind the the baseline the HD is king because of it's unrivaled precision (IMHO) and booming depth when the kinetic chain is locked-in. I 1000% agree that dampeners are moot in these latest Yonex rackets, I find I love the vibrations in fact, so any potential arm issues are null (I get irritated when people criticize VDM as lacking "feel", but thats tangental). That extra 2 inches in HD does feel like a safety net by comparison though. Both are absolutely stellar and I am intrigued at how the forthcoming VCORE line will be tweaked as the 95 is already well received.

This post made me feel less neurotic and for that I thank you. Went through the same thing, although I preferred the D to the HD, a smidge more free power.

 

[ryushen21]

I often think I should be more sensitive to "feel", but for some reason I'm not. Makes me wonder what I am missing in my tennis experience. And I tend to think it is something I am missing from my game, not like I am beyond or above feel, more like a deficit in my game. I will never solve this mystery.

If I weren't such a feel junkie, I would still be rocking the VC95 or VC100. I absolutely loved both of those frames. But, my own specific neuroses require that I have this crisp and defined feedback from the racquet and those frames just couldn't deliver it. There are times I wish I didn't have to have it because there are so many good racquets that perform beautifully but don't have that feel.

My particular proclivity is to have a softer/flexier frame with a crisp string setup and my GPros fit that bill perfectly. But I'm going to be revisiting the VC100 very soon because I believe I have some unfinished business with that frame.

 

[naturalexponent]

I often think I should be more sensitive to "feel", but for some reason I'm not. Makes me wonder what I am missing in my tennis experience. And I tend to think it is something I am missing from my game, not like I am beyond or above feel, more like a deficit in my game. I will never solve this mystery.

I think one issue is that "feel" is a pretty imprecise term for a very nuanced concept. Few disagree on broad categories like low-flex, plush racquets vs. stiff, crisp racquets, but at the end of the day I see feel as a qualitative term, and when we start talking about muting and dampening, that muddies things a bit. Particularly in the case of the VC95 (and apologies to anyone who has seen me make this comment before), I think it's a brilliant bit of engineering for the VDM to impart an illusion of softness and flex to a medium stiffness racquet, so it doesn't really fit neatly into a silo of plush or crisp. Instead I think we fall back to it being "muted". But a violin or a trumpet that is muted, is only barely quieter than the unmuted version, while it drastically changes the *quality* of the sound, almost like it's a different instrument. I think sometimes when we talk about feel it's actually feedback we're talking about, and I personally can do with less feedback as long as I'm still getting enough information (e.g., I don't need a jarring feeling outside of the sweet spot to know I didn't hit it). Kind of like driving a stiff suspension sports car vs. a high-end driver-oriented car that smooths out the bumps but still gives you the feeling of control.

I'm rambling, but I just wanted to add my two cents. I'm a feel junkie myself, but more of a "I'll know it when I feel it" kind of way. I never expected to like the VC95, especially after reading about the mutedness, but I quite enjoy it, just in a different way from the way I enjoy a PS85. That said, I don't really like VDM in the VCP 97HD or 97D because it doesn't really effect the same sort of wizardry on an already low-stiffness frame.

 

[pico]

Anyone try Hextreme in the HD?

 

[moon shot]

Ben Shelton appears to be playing the HD

 

[NastyWinners]

Making the switch to this stick after being with the DR98s for approx 5.5 years.