FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
A full bed of natural gut at below 50 pounds cures the issues you are having with it, but sounds like you have a better option for you already.
Yonex VCore Pro 97 HD review...
- Thread starter FuzzyYellowBalls
- Start date
ChanterRacquet
Professional
The number of these frames that come up for sale on the trading post is noticeable.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
If someone isn't strong and probably a high 4.0 or 4.5 they are going to not enjoy playing with it much, also if they are a fake Nadal, I say that for 4.0 level and below that overhit often in hopes of transforming into a modern day forehand close to Nadal while playing once a week. It's a sniper rifle, not a shotgun. A concept, I can place a volley, serve, slice, lob within a 2 inch square target if given the opportunity to get setup, this kind of stick lets me do it, harder to do it with an Ezone, Vcore 98 (the 95 works), Aero Pro, Pure Drive.
I think that it needs lead, despite already weighing 320g. I know some internet reviews have mentioned it feeling 'head-heavy' but I don't find that at all. The weight seems to be in throat/top half of handle. Top of the hoop felt anaemic to me and needed lead. After that it was perfect.
It's weird how TalkTennis users are always raving about soft flex, pro stock, PT57A etc etc. Yonex goes and effectively makes their dream racquet and nobody likes it.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I like it... and I like soft flex, PT57A, etc, etc racquets. @FuzzyYellowBalls likes it. Many people like it.
But... I agree with you that it needed weight added. I added weight to the head and handle. It is also muted, and that might not suit some people. The PT2.0 and G360+ Prestige MP, for example, have a more direct and less muted response... which might suit some people more.
I gelled with some other racquets more from the get-go... but I felt there was potential with this frame if I could get the right combination. Very few racquets have rewarded me as much for my perseverance and effort as this racquet has. The problem is that many people these days don't want to persevere... they just want it all served up on a platter. In that case, this is probably not the racquet for them because if it isn't exactly tailor-made for their game, they won't like it.
There are very few absolutes in life. It's not black or white... it's mostly gray. Therefore, it won't suit everyone... but it will suit some.
Considering how many more Pros are playing with Yonex racquets, and many with a version of the VCP (or a predecessor of the line), I think they're doing a very good job.
Strayfire
Rookie
Try the previous version of the 330 - no VDM/muted feeling.
Same could be said about the PT 2.0 or Ezone Tour. Fix game, not frame. The majority ditching this I suspect, thought it would magically boost their performance.
Power wise, it feels a little anemic to me. I'm gathering the courage to go even lower in tension to compensate for the lack of power because it's evident I can't effectively handle more SW.
I blame VDM. It mutes the feel most "classical" players want.
Growing up with a PS90 made me into the tennis player I am now. The easy path just does not feel rewarding at all. There's something sweet about knowing that you hit a sweet shot.
In the same way I play my video games on "hard" or "extreme". I want to know I earnt my victory, if that makes sense.
Other people might be more results focused. I'm more effort -> reward focused. That's why I play with a wooden Dunlop Maxply sometimes.
My stringer told me of a player at his club, effectively unbeatable because he was ultra consistent, didn't take big risks. This player won tournament after tournament, but said to my stringer "I wish I had your game because it's so much more fun". This star player after an reasonably successful circuit career just retired completely from tennis citing "boredom" after a couple of years.
At the end of the day, to me it's not the shots you screw up, it's the epic rallies you win that make it sweet.
I want to take crazy risks, serve and volley, hit those crazy precision passing shots that barely clip the line and do all the fun things that this frame lets me do. Of course I'm not making those shots as consistently as if I played the statistically most logical shot, but it's fun. I remember the crazy epic passing shot that went in and not the other 3 that didn't. I'd probably win more grinding on the baseline with an Ezone 98 or similar but it's just really not that fun at all to me.
Lately I've been standing really close to the serve box (a lazy man's SABR) and hitting strong service returns on rise just for fun. It's amazingly effective but I wouldn't be able to pull it off with something less solid than the VCP HD.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
It might need lead to make it something you like, but that would destroy the essence of this stick, you want the Ezone Tour. So many people love this stick, look at how long this thread is, and the best thing is it is solid and stable despite being head light. It's a classic style serve and volley kind of thing, plus it excels for 1 handed backhands and lead would ruin the explosiveness of a one hander for most non-professionals. (since it is already pretty heavy in stock form) If you like it leaded up, you probably would like a blade or wilson ultra tour better with lead, or the ezone tour.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
How strong are you guys?! You lead this up. Man, I sometimes don't even use the HD when I am playing singles for more than 2 hours in any temp above 95 degrees F, how do you have the endurance to grind for say 4 hours of singles in the summer with it leaded up? What is your secret
?
jalapeno74
Rookie
Totally agree. The VCP97HD is a very versatile frame.
Serve & Volley, defensive placement shots that go EXACTLY where you want them to be. attacking winners - all possible with this this one.
But it is not an easy frame and it is not made for those endless topspin rallies from the baseline where you only place the ball in the area not on a spot.
I don't feel the need to add weight to it. Have no problem using in a 5 set match though, doesn't feel too heavy (or too light). Just right
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
How strong are you guys?! You lead this up. Man, I sometimes don't even use the HD when I am playing singles for more than 2 hours in any temp above 95 degrees F, how do you have the endurance to grind for say 4 hours of singles in the summer with it leaded up? What is your secret
I grew up playing with heavier racquets, so when I play with lighter racquets they feel like toys. I also play with people that hit quite a heavy ball so I need the stability.
There are very few racquets that feel ok to me at a lighter weight. One was the LM Radical MP (never tried the Tour), and the other was the Blade/ Blade Pro (but since I like a more HL balance I still had to add weight in the handle).
Honestly, I think that we just get used to things we use. If you took the time and played with a heavier racquet, started with an hour (or whatever you can handle), then slowly worked your way up... eventually you would get used to it, so would your muscles and joints, and then it wouldn't be an issue. I think these days we are so spoilt for choice that we just don't have to. There is a racquet for every level, every preference, and every style. So, we don't need to persevere, and can just choose something different.
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I've only added 1g at 11 and 1g at 1. That alone was just the right amount to make it feel like the tip of the racquet actually had some weight in it.
Racquet now weighs 349g fully strung with over-grip and dampener. Doesn't feel heavy at all.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Makes sense, guess a little weight isn't that much and the body would adjust to additional grams, thanks for the responses.
basil J
Hall of Fame
I hit with a frame yesterday That I have never considered and clicked with it immediately. Volkl C10 pro. It had the same feel and weight as my Melbournes but with more power and spin. Grip is more square than the new volkls so I hope to adjust to it. It was strung with 16G gut at 56# and it played very well. I'm going to give this one a look and the vcore 330.
Just played again, still with 1g at 11 1g at 1, 349g strung with grip etc. Doesn't feel heavy at all. Feels like I could easily add another gram at 11 and 1.
The fact that it doesn't feel heavy makes me think it would be worth trying Head Pro Tour 2.0, and paying for matching to get the exact specs.
The fact that it doesn't feel heavy makes me think it would be worth trying Head Pro Tour 2.0, and paying for matching to get the exact specs.
GummiiBear
Semi-Pro
Edit: Wouldn’t it be funny if a reason why there’s an uptick in people selling their VCP 97HDs is because they see this thread and read so many of us lauding this stick so much they think they want to get it?
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GummiiBear
Semi-Pro
Thanks. It was funny, in pre-match warmup with my teammates I hit with the Yonex and just wasn’t feeling it, so went into my match warmup and first few games with the RF97 which felt good (“right”) in my hand before even hitting but the serves were all kerflooey so I switched back and yeah there is just no denying the connectedness I’ve developed with the 97HD - and I think my instincts re: weight placement are/were good to run with.
Just played my 90 again this morning. Hot, humid conditions. No issues with lack of power. It seems to be easier to judge how much depth I'm going to get with the 90. I can hit gently and just go over the net if my opponent is far behind the baseline, or I can really throw my body in to it and get the ball just on the baseline.
I've added 1g lead at 3 and 1g at 9 (right on the PWS bumps). It's now 348g strung with dampener and over-grip, balance 32.4cm.
I've added 1g lead at 3 and 1g at 9 (right on the PWS bumps). It's now 348g strung with dampener and over-grip, balance 32.4cm.
Strayfire
Rookie
Played dubs for 4hrs today in the glorious Winter sun. Vastly reduced arm pain with the new setup of full NRG2 @ 22kgs. Softer on mishits, a little extra pop that I need to play my game while still having enough feel that I can adjust my shots.
Didn't have the awful break in period that Multifeel has. Probably going to switch to using NRG2 exclusively in the distant future.
Not a problem to play Multifeel outside of Winter, really but I might start hybriding NRG2 mains/Multifeel crosses to help rid myself of the reel and bit of Multifeel I have leftover
Still avoiding nighttime tennis for the meantime. My nighttime group evaporated since lockdowns began (tennis is still COVID safe though). ^^;
Other than that I realise I've been arming the ball a bit more than I should which is causing the issue. Of course it's a technique problem but on the gear side I've been regripping more often and sticking to the Toalson white grips (which seem tackier than the dyed variants). Probably use the remaining green Toalson stock in Summer when it doesn't matter as much.
Didn't have the awful break in period that Multifeel has. Probably going to switch to using NRG2 exclusively in the distant future.
Not a problem to play Multifeel outside of Winter, really but I might start hybriding NRG2 mains/Multifeel crosses to help rid myself of the reel and bit of Multifeel I have leftover
Still avoiding nighttime tennis for the meantime. My nighttime group evaporated since lockdowns began (tennis is still COVID safe though). ^^;
Other than that I realise I've been arming the ball a bit more than I should which is causing the issue. Of course it's a technique problem but on the gear side I've been regripping more often and sticking to the Toalson white grips (which seem tackier than the dyed variants). Probably use the remaining green Toalson stock in Summer when it doesn't matter as much.
Strayfire
Rookie
Higher string tension gives you more control, lower tension gives you more power.
You decide how you want to adjust it. Keep in mind a fresh bed of strings will be tighter than whatever you have now.
I was thinking what is recommended moving from an indoor game to outdoor super hot environment for this frame
Strayfire
Rookie
Going up, probably. But see how you go so you know what lever to adjust.
How old are your strings?
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I recently moved from Northern California (Bay Area) to Hollywood in South Florida. Couldn’t be more dramatic in terms of playing conditions. Bay Area basically has no summers (60-65F with lower humidity) and SoFlo is crazy hot and humid all the time. I didn’t feel the need to go lower than my usual 54-55lbs tensions with Völkl Cyclone 16 and I haven’t removed my bumper tape from top of the racket. All three of my VCP HD still feel awesome and I’m hitting great ball. I’m not even thinking about replacing ‘em anytime soon. I’m working on conditioning myself (running and workouts) coz I can’t handle more than 2 sets of singles in Florida’s weather just yet!
Played with the HD again today after a few weeks using the 90 most times.
Played great today, serve was much better. Now that I've adapted to the HD, the fact that it is a bit less manoeuvrable than the 90 seems to help on serve. I don't rush my motion as much, because I physically can't.
Forehand was great, really easy depth with control. I can see in my opponents body language that the forehand with the HD is harder to deal with than the forehand with the 90. HD forehand comes in to their feet more than the 90.
Returned two deep shots from the baseline with what ended up being aggressive backhand lobs.
Only shot I struggled with today was backhand slice, which seems easier with the 90.
Played great today, serve was much better. Now that I've adapted to the HD, the fact that it is a bit less manoeuvrable than the 90 seems to help on serve. I don't rush my motion as much, because I physically can't.
Forehand was great, really easy depth with control. I can see in my opponents body language that the forehand with the HD is harder to deal with than the forehand with the 90. HD forehand comes in to their feet more than the 90.
Returned two deep shots from the baseline with what ended up being aggressive backhand lobs.
Only shot I struggled with today was backhand slice, which seems easier with the 90.
You’re playing in the worst times right now, so find solace in knowing it will get better. South Florida tennis from Oct—Mar is world class IMO
Any string/set up suggestions for the HD in order to come close to VCore Pro 97 310? I have found significant variations between these two rackets in terms of power and spin (due to the big difference in stiffness and string pattern). I would like to use HD in doubles, but I need to maximize its power and spin.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
You didn't mention what you currently use in VCP 97 310 and if you like the setup. Say if you use smooth poly 16 gauge at 50lbs, trying shaped 17 gauge poly at 46-47lbs in VCP HD would be a good start. That will help you to even both frames in terms of power, spin and consistency, I hope!
Ι currently use Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25 in VCP 97 310, stringing full bed at 50lbs. Regarding HD, I have used Solinco Hyper G 1.25, full bed at 48lbs.
And I really like this set up.
moon shot
Hall of Fame
i would initially keep your preferred string and drop tension to 44 or 42, perhaps consider a thinner gauge.
I play multifeel in both but the same principle applies. I string the 310 lower by 10lbs, the power level is similar though the HD remains a bit more linear.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Yes, like folks already mentioned try going 1.20 Poly Tour Spin and string somewhere around 45lbs. I mean it's in case you are not a chronic string breaker. Some spinnier/more shaped 1.25 string might do as well if you break 1.20 too quickly.
I previous used (long demo) the HD but now settled on the 310g, leaded up @ 3,4 and 8,9 now at 352g strung, with overgrip, dampener and head tape.
The SW came out around 353g using the TW measuring technique, it definitely feels stable with good plough. No issues with manoeuvrability, its still head light and feels very similar to the stock 320g in the hand.
How's the flex?
What I've noticed with the HD is that, when hitting against players who don't hit very hard, it feels fantastic. Really comfortable, loads of control but also good power.
However, when I hit against somebody who hits the ball really really hard and heavy, then I really notice the flex of the HD. It almost feels like the throat or head is really flexing at impact and robbing me of power.
My 310g as speced out has much less noticible flex vs the HD, with good power transfer against heavy balls. The extra weight/lead for me is a must.
Strung with: M - Head Sonic Pro Edge 1.25 @ 46lb, X - Wilson Sensation (muliti) 1.30 @ 50lb for summer play here which is between 22 to 26 celcius. I tried with the strings switched around so the M goes on the X and vice versa, gave more power but lacked bite (spin) on the ball, so went back to my default set up.
Strung with: M - Head Sonic Pro Edge 1.25 @ 46lb, X - Wilson Sensation (muliti) 1.30 @ 50lb for summer play here which is between 22 to 26 celcius. I tried with the strings switched around so the M goes on the X and vice versa, gave more power but lacked bite (spin) on the ball, so went back to my default set up.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I have no such issues... but my 97HD is modified with weight in the head and handle.
I have put 1g at 10 and 1g at 2 on mine. I think mine must be slightly over-spec on static weight too, as with the lead and over-grip it comes to 349g strung.
For comparison, my Asian PS90 which is pretty stiff only feels more comfortable the harder/heavier my opponents shots. As if the force of the shot produces more flex from the racquet.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I have weight at 12 o'clock (1g of TW Tungsten Tape - from memory), 0.5g at 2,4,8, and 10 o'clock, between 5 and 6g at 7" above the butt cap (a small coin on each of the flatter bevels (so 2 coins in total) - more weight for a cheaper price), 3-4g of Tungsten Putty inside the butt cap, and 2 overgrips (first with no overlap, and the second as standard).
I think that if you added a bit of weight to your racquets' handle... it would increase the stability against hard hitters (since you already have weight in the head). Try it... can't hurt.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
HD doesn't need weight, come on guys, it's Japanese brilliance. Use the Vcore Pro 330 if you really need it. Heavy hitters at 5.0 and college use stock Ezone 98, think that is more stable than the HD, not "really".
Nate7-5
Hall of Fame
The HD is the first racquet I purchased where I thought to myself "this is perfect the way it is." Thats what I look for in racquets now because I find that adding weight is a rabbithole where I'm constantly itching to change it. Dont need more plow/stability/twistweight from the HD.
smalahove
Hall of Fame
Andy, is that you?
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I haven't been called Andy since late 2012, Thailand
4-string
Professional
Love you long time.
51504Tennis
New User
I played with an R-22 during my college years. How close is this racquet to that?
Played the HD last night, 3 hours of doubles. Was playing great. Great on serves, volleys, groundstrokes, managed to get my backhand slice dialled in.
I have gut mains and poly crosses, I think this combo lacks a bit of 'bite' on the ball forehand and backhand.
I usually play full synthetic gut so I will try this in it soon for comparison.
I have gut mains and poly crosses, I think this combo lacks a bit of 'bite' on the ball forehand and backhand.
I usually play full synthetic gut so I will try this in it soon for comparison.
WilsnGrpheneStrkeTour
New User
I haven't been hitting as much the past few months, the last time I hit w/ the 97HD it just didn't work out too well for me, and I went back to my Bab PAVS 2020. Going to try the 97HD tomorrow, see how it feels again. Either I'm not hitting as well because I'm not used to the new string setup (gut/poly), or the weight of the HD is just too much for my game, guess we'll see
wassamara
Rookie
Have 2 97hd L2. Leather (17g), dampener, athletic tape to flare buttcap (4g), toalson overgrip (6g)
Tried:
Mains gosen ak pro 17g 57lbs no prestretch
Crosses solinco hyper 17g 55lbs no prestretch
mains hyper g 16g 45lbs no pre stretch
Crosses hyper g 16g 45lbs no prestretch
mains hyper g 16g 55lbs no prestretch
Crosses hyper g 16g 53lbs no prestretch
balls were going out quite often and was not very confident with the ohbh. But after i strung hyper g 58/54 nonprestretch, everything fell right in place especially on the backhand. I can accelerate with confidence and balls are going in with safe margin and loads of spin. Most likely, I will lower the tension after a couple of sessions. But the high tension helped me find my groove with the racquet.
The faster you swing, the smoother the racquet becomes! A keeper. Will see how it goes as I use on a daily basis (hope the weight wont become a fatigue factor)
Tried:
Mains gosen ak pro 17g 57lbs no prestretch
Crosses solinco hyper 17g 55lbs no prestretch
mains hyper g 16g 45lbs no pre stretch
Crosses hyper g 16g 45lbs no prestretch
mains hyper g 16g 55lbs no prestretch
Crosses hyper g 16g 53lbs no prestretch
balls were going out quite often and was not very confident with the ohbh. But after i strung hyper g 58/54 nonprestretch, everything fell right in place especially on the backhand. I can accelerate with confidence and balls are going in with safe margin and loads of spin. Most likely, I will lower the tension after a couple of sessions. But the high tension helped me find my groove with the racquet.
The faster you swing, the smoother the racquet becomes! A keeper. Will see how it goes as I use on a daily basis (hope the weight wont become a fatigue factor)
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I found the HD took a little bit of getting used to on the forehand. I was finding best results when swinging in a way that felt 'flat' but the resulting balls had spin. Also hitting 'flat' I was assuming that the ball would fly long, but it didn't.I haven't been hitting as much the past few months, the last time I hit w/ the 97HD it just didn't work out too well for me, and I went back to my Bab PAVS 2020. Going to try the 97HD tomorrow, see how it feels again. Either I'm not hitting as well because I'm not used to the new string setup (gut/poly), or the weight of the HD is just too much for my game, guess we'll see
