Yonex VCore Pro 97 HD review...

[Fairhit]

Ok, understood, but most items are costing more these days, anyways. I don't think we will have the sales data available to us, we probably will never know, on a nationwide or worldwide basis.

Everything is going up in price, the cost of transport is mainly to blame, the plastics industry is suffering this since last year, the price of raw materials has increased almost 100% in the last 15 months and it affects everything else.

 

[Saitamaxpunch1]

Mine (which is 320g unstrung without my added lead) came in exactly the same with over-grip. I added 2g to the head, so that plus dampener it was 349g.

A few years late to the party, but just played with my HD for the first time today and loved it (was on Yonex Ezone 100 before). Overall just feel more connected and the headweight felt just right. The only thing I want more of is spin (or to be more precise a bit more spin feel as I think the spin was delivered, but couldn't feel it at al)l. The racquet I got came with YPTP at 55lbs - which actually played great, but when brushing up on top spin I want to feel a bit more 'bite'. If anyone found a good option here (whilst not taking away too much comfort), would love to hear it.

 

[cortado]

A few years late to the party, but just played with my HD for the first time today and loved it (was on Yonex Ezone 100 before). Overall just feel more connected and the headweight felt just right. The only thing I want more of is spin (or to be more precise a bit more spin feel as I think the sprint was executed but couldn't feel it at all. The racquet I got came with YPTP at 55lbs - which actually played great, but when brushing up on top spin I want to feel a bit more 'bite'. If anyone found a good option here (whilst not taking away too much comfort), would love to hear it.

I think my initial judgement of the racquet was affected by the strings. Mine came with natural gut mains and poly tour pro crosses, I think both at 52lbs. As a result, it had crazy power on certain shots, especially serve. As the crosses died I found it to be easier to control and the string bed to play more consistently.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

A few years late to the party, but just played with my HD for the first time today and loved it (was on Yonex Ezone 100 before). Overall just feel more connected and the headweight felt just right. The only thing I want more of is spin (or to be more precise a bit more spin feel as I think the sprint was executed but couldn't feel it at all. The racquet I got came with YPTP at 55lbs - which actually played great, but when brushing up on top spin I want to feel a bit more 'bite'. If anyone found a good option here (whilst not taking away too much comfort), would love to hear it.

I have found Völkl Cyclone 18L (1.15mm) in the Mains (has one of the higher spin potential scores on the TW String Comparison Tool), combined with a Syn Gut or Multi in the crosses to work very well. I've tried Weiss Cannon Explosiv, and liked it very much, but will be trying Head Syn Gut PPS 1.25mm next (as the cross).

It also depends on how you feel about colour coordination, but I like using Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.18mm) in the Mains of my tight pattern racquets. Here it might make it look like a Christmas inspired stick though, so I haven't tried it.

MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm has played well in other racquets and is very comfortable (but I have found the yellow to play better for me than the black - more lively and powerful, so lighter colours may be better than darker depending on what kind of feel you like).

Hope that helps.

 

[alexsoin]

The racquet I got came with YPTP at 55lbs - which actually played great, but when brushing up on top spin I want to feel a bit more 'bite'. If anyone found a good option here (whilst not taking away too much comfort), would love to hear it.

YPTP is not the most comfortable or spiny string. I would suggest going same gauge or one gauge down with full bed of Völkl Cyclone. Just use 2-3lbs lower i.e. 52-53lbs to minimize the difference of 100sq in 16x19 to 97sq in 18x20. I play with full bed of Cyclone 16 gauge at 55lbs and like it a lot, thicker gauge keeps tension better and still has a plenty of bite and quite comfortable for me.

 

[Saitamaxpunch1]

Thank you @alexsoin and @Classic-TXP-IG MID, I will give cyclone a try (maybe v-fuse which is their hybrid set)

 

[cortado]

I know a lot of people moan that Yonex grips don't have buttcap flare. I tried the trick people do of building some flare with tape/excess over-grip before applying the over-grip, but actually realised I hate it. The normal Yonex buttcape shape feels fine.

 

[Power Player]

The flare has improved lately, imo. I first noticed it in the 2018 Vcore Pro. It's completely fine for me now.

In the past, YYs basically had no flare at all and I had to build up the buttcaps a little. Not anymore.

 

[Fairhit]

I took the VCP 97HD for a little spin, I still have to rest my arm because of TE but since I have been feeling better I had to have a hit as soon as possible.

My first impression is that is a demanding frame, I can't be late and I have to have good footwork, it is more powerful than expected, much more power than my Ultra Tour, the flex is awesome, it feels so comfortable that I'm confident I won't have soreness after a hit, I can see how I'll have to have a couple of session to really groove with the frame but with this short session I'm confident I have found an awesome racquet for my type of play, very precise, good control and with one of the best touch and feel I've ever tried.

 

[cortado]

I took the VCP 97HD for a little spin, I still have to rest my arm because of TE but since I have been feeling better I had to have a hit as soon as possible.

My first impression is that is a demanding frame, I can't be late and I have to have good footwork, it is more powerful than expected, much more power than my Ultra Tour, the flex is awesome, it feels so comfortable that I'm confident I won't have soreness after a hit, I can see how I'll have to have a couple of session to really groove with the frame but with this short session I'm confident I have found an awesome racquet for my type of play, very precise, good control and with one of the best touch and feel I've ever tried.

I feel like my technique has improved yet again just in the last 3 months I've been using the HD.

 

[Fairhit]

I feel like my technique has improved yet again just in the last 3 months I've been using the HD.

It makes you earn your shots, I'm sure after a couple of months I'll be fitter from all the extra footwork...

 

[GummiiBear]

Another session with the coach today. Still a little sloppy (my words) but much better than last week. I’m already thinking about the next string set-up I want to try, and I really think I like the sound of upping gut mains to 55lbs. and having Dunlop Expl. Bite crosses a little lower. As opposed to 53/53. But we’ll see. I await a sale on the HDs!!

I have noticed that with my new setup of Solinco Conf. mains and VS Gut crosses at 51lbs. I get more fuzz caught up in the strings than usual. Not sure if that’s an indication of a good/bad thing technique-wise and/or to do with the swap of the two at 53 as when I first bought it.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[alexsoin]

I await a sale on the HDs!!

I have noticed that with my new setup of Solinco Conf. mains and VS Gut crosses at 51lbs. I get more fuzz caught up in the strings than usual. Not sure if that’s an indication of a good/bad thing technique-wise and/or to do with the swap of the two at 53 as when I first bought it.

Usually sale VCore-s will have grips size 0 and 5, nothing in between unfortunately. I'm a 4 1/2 dude and even getting a regularly priced stick in size 4 is quite challenging.

That's most likely caused by increased movement of natty gut then it's strung in crosses. Again if you go poly mains - gut cross (or reversed), go 3-4 lbs tighter on gut to have less of such movement and less fuzz.

 

[GummiiBear]

I think at least on TW the two sizes that are low on stock are L1 and L5, iirc.

 

[Fairhit]

Today I had hit with the VCP 97HD, first hour ws awesome, second hour not so much as I was tired and my movement was lacking, this frame doesn't let me get away with any shortcut, it demands to be played well.

 

[mctennis]

Today I had hit with the VCP 97HD, first hour ws awesome, second hour not so much as I was tired and my movement was lacking, this frame doesn't let me get away with any shortcut, it demands to be played well.

You cannot get lazy with this racquet. It gives you back what you put in.

 

[cortado]

I've had the HD re-strung with Ashaway Liberty 16 synthetic gut.
That would've been put in about a week ago, and I played it the first time today.
Felt great, really comfortable. Possibly a bit more consistent/predictable than the gut/poly especially when the gut/poly was first in there?
No noticeable lack of spin or power with 16 rather than 17 gauge (I've heard people say 16 can be too much in a 18x20).
It's strung at 55lbs both mains and crosses, and the hoop width does look noticeably slightly narrower/longer now.

 

[GummiiBear]

Had a pretty good session with my hitting partner this past Thursday. I have lingering shoulder, eh soreness is an exaggeration... well my shoulder feels stiff even today. Been applying a hot pack as recommended to me.

Thinking might want to postpone this week’s session with the coach just as a precaution. I got a really good deal on 2 new Prestige MPs (15% off the 189.00 sale price); just too good to pass up. Paid for a matching pair, both are under spec at 315g and 314g. Beats heavier than (since I will swap in a Fairway leather grip), and the balance more importantly looks to be ‘bout the same at least. I’ll get one strung up this week, not sure what setup I want to try to compare against my 97HD.

Given the recent shoulder stiffness after trying poly mains though, thinking it may be wise to go softer at the very least. But that’d make comparing the two a little wonky. Meh, whatever.

Fingers still crossed for a sale on the 97HD. I’m getting rid of my RF, and I anticipate just holding onto one of my new Prestige MPs as a keepsake. I predict I’ll simply further instill a/the commitment to my 97HD. I was told to commit to it for at least 5 months, but I hope to stick with it longer than that, not let the occasional frustration sway me otherwise.

 

[cortado]

Having had my HD re-strung, I've come to realise how much of a racquet's 'comfort' is down to the strings.
My HD came with natural gut 16g mains, yellow poly tour pro 17g crosses. Lasted me about 3 months before a main broke. Was comfortable all the way until breaking.
I've had it re-strung with Ashaway Liberty 16g syn gut. This is far less comfortable. The racquet essentially feels similar in stiffness now to my Pro Staff 90 Asian version.
I definitely think gut/poly hybrid is worth it now. It was so comfortable.

 

[Strayfire]

Fingers still crossed for a sale on the 97HD.

It's pretty cheap on the used market now.

Weird that it's not going on clearance in the states tho.

Having had my HD re-strung, I've come to realise how much of a racquet's 'comfort' is down to the strings.
My HD came with natural gut 16g mains, yellow poly tour pro 17g crosses. Lasted me about 3 months before a main broke. Was comfortable all the way until breaking.
I've had it re-strung with Ashaway Liberty 16g syn gut. This is far less comfortable. The racquet essentially feels similar in stiffness now to my Pro Staff 90 Asian version.
I definitely think gut/poly hybrid is worth it now. It was so comfortable.

Yeah I had to learn that the hard way...

I'm waiting on the weather to warm up a bit more before trying out HDMX with it.

 

[GummiiBear]

Ah... since my racquets are like my babies I feel more comfortable with new ones. Not to knock adoption in general (if one takes this analogy further), but yeah.

 

[GummiiBear]

Had a lesson with my coach this morning, and I felt solid with my 97HD. I realized I’ve likely been hypercritical of my tennis in recent days, hard on myself. Worked on shot selection, and yeah I’ll grade my performance today a B, so not bad.

So I decided that I’d treat my Prestige MP as a guinea pig of sorts - I had it strung up with 17ga VS Gut mains @ 51 and 17ga Dunlop Expl. Bite @ 49. If the gut manages to survive (worried about the poly slicing into it), then I’ll definitively settle on my strings, how I’ll want my Yonex strung up from then on out - 16ga gut mains and Dunlop 17ga crosses. I feel like my VCP 97HD wants 16ga gut whereas the Prestige MP will be better served with 17ga. Intuition tells me so?

I didn’t hit with the Prestige during my lesson. It’s kept it in stock form for now; my local guy didn’t know how to install a leather grip without adhesive - will have to travel a bit to see Harry (TennisSpin dude) as he’s the only one who works at his store who knows how to) or I guess I can use a Wilson one I can’t even remember why I bought or when.

But I digress. Hit a little with my hitting partner with the Prestige MP and to my surprise I was a little disappointed. Haha, my poor Yonex, it’s like “why do you want to reject me, I’ve been good”. Sometimes it just felt... anemic to me, and I’d hoped the 17ga gut would remedy the power (lack of) thing that’s always nagged me. But I tend to worry I’m overly power-hungry. My hitting partner thought maybe it needs a bit of break-in time before I gel with it? Meh, I was so pumped prior to, but am now relieved over having chosen my 97HD. I think I’ll just hold onto the other MP and store it away, unused. And, hey, maybe in the future it’ll be worth more than what I paid for it? Hahaha.

If I see stock numbers going below the “4+” on TW, I will buy at least one more VCP 97HD even if it isn’t on sale. I personally don’t feel the need to try the 97D. Admittedly I was tempted at first but I think I am happy to keep this as my racquet for at least a few years.

 

[GummiiBear]

I know this is a thread for the 97HD but since many of us also like the PMP, I like comparing the two.

Friday I played in a warmer city than I usually play in/at, so after an hour the PMP finally got to that “fits like a glove” sensation I remember. Afterwards I added a different leather grip, so with an overgrip it’s 345g total which is comfy. Balance is as I like, similar to my VCP so I do not feel any need to add any weight. I have an easier time keeping balls in with the PMP but even with the 17ga gut mains, power (or lack thereof) rears its head occasionally. I think the 97HD not lacking in anything spoiled me.

Makes sense that, given that I’ve had the 97HD for a few months now I would feel more comfortable with it. The only hiccup is that it’s more “difficult” to use. But I’ve improved so much with it, y’know?

Today’s lesson coach wanted me to give the PMP a go and my hitting was pretty solid. OH. The one thing about the 97HD - I’ve noticed that I have trouble “feeling the brush” with forehand topspin groundstrokes. I felt most connected with and for the first time I really “got” what that sensation feels like with the RF97 and I presumed the 16x19 was a/the reason why. But today I found I can feel it with the PMP as well. So I guess that is one thing the 97HD is “lacking” for me. It’s harder for me to recognize that sensation, not sure why, but sometimes I just don’t feel it. Maybe it’s not that pronounced? (Is this what people call “muted”?)

Edit: My hitting partner reported no real difference in pace or whatnot with the PMP when I hit ‘em clean. But definitely more forgiving (?) of the two.

 

[Strayfire]

Today’s lesson coach wanted me to give the PMP a go and my hitting was pretty solid. OH. The one thing about the 97HD - I’ve noticed that I have trouble “feeling the brush” with forehand topspin groundstrokes. I felt most connected with and for the first time I really “got” what that sensation feels like with the RF97 and I presumed the 16x19 was a/the reason why. But today I found I can feel it with the PMP as well. So I guess that is one thing the 97HD is “lacking” for me. It’s harder for me to recognize that sensation, not sure why, but sometimes I just don’t feel it. Maybe it’s not that pronounced? (Is this what people call “muted”?)

Edit: My hitting partner reported no real difference in pace or whatnot with the PMP when I hit ‘em clean. But definitely more forgiving (?) of the two.

I would say that's a VDM problem.

VDM becomes less and less of a problem when you get more sensitive to the reduced feedback the HD gives you.

 

[Saitamaxpunch1]

My experience with the HD is best summed up by this Naruto GIF

Played for two weeks on the HD, which gave me great arm strength training,footwork, keeping the eye on the ball. Then switched back to my Pure Strike (PO7)16x19 and played my best tennis ever. For me, it's a training racket, but during matches I switch back to something more powerful and lighter

 

[GummiiBear]

Hit with both my 97HD and Prestige MP today. Conditions were cooler than it has been and a bit breezy. Based off what my hitting partner reported, my shots with the PMP have less "energy" behind them, when he anticipates my shots off my racquet he says the same shots off my Yonex have more spin and pace (which he sets himself up for, to then realize he has to move in a little unexpectedly). Wondered if the temperature affected things because of the natural gut, hence the mention of weather. But regardless, the 97HD continues to provide that certain special, gratifying feeling when the effort I put in really pays off in spades. I love it love it love it, got to stick with it.

I know there's a thread for this year's VCP line, but since it covers all sticks in the line, I'd like to hear from this crowd in particular if/when any of y'all give the new 97D a try. I'm happy with my 9HD so it's more a curiosity thing over anything else.

 

[cortado]

Hit with both my 97HD and Prestige MP today. Conditions were cooler than it has been and a bit breezy. Based off what my hitting partner reported, my shots with the PMP have less "energy" behind them, when he anticipates my shots off my racquet he says the same shots off my Yonex have more spin and pace (which he sets himself up for, to then realize he has to move in a little unexpectedly). Wondered if the temperature affected things because of the natural gut, hence the mention of weather. But regardless, the 97HD continues to provide that certain special, gratifying feeling when the effort I put in really pays off in spades. I love it love it love it, got to stick with it.

I know there's a thread for this year's VCP line, but since it covers all sticks in the line, I'd like to hear from this crowd in particular if/when any of y'all give the new 97D a try. I'm happy with my 9HD so it's more a curiosity thing over anything else.

I'm interested in the D, but concerned if TW's twist-weight numbers are correct. HD is 14, D is supposedly 15. I don't want the D to be any more difficult to manoeuvre than my HD.

 

[mctennis]

Demo, demo, demo.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Demo, demo, demo.

So simple... yet it can't be said enough.

 

[GummiiBear]

I'm interested in the D, but concerned if TW's twist-weight numbers are correct. HD is 14, D is supposedly 15. I don't want the D to be any more difficult to manoeuvre than my HD.

Hmm, I kind of sort of get what twistweight means but uh, in layman’s terms... is it how much is needed to, well rotate the racquet?

Hit with both during my lesson today. Weather a bit chilly today; I seem to like volleys more with the PMP primarily due to better feel. I’m wondering possibly more stable...? I think that indeed the VDM plays a factor. I noticed that today that the PMP felt heavier of the two to swing. Coach thought my 97HD felt lighter than my PMP even though the former is 5g heavier! It really does feel and swing, swish lighter in the air. So my groundstrokes (topspin was singled out as noteworthy today in feedback) seemed to benefit from the VCP.

Today wasn’t really super technique-focused, just minor things with volleys; didn’t do serves because we got sidetracked by today’s focus. Intent, court positioning, ball recognition, shot selection, etc. Things that don’t come intuitively to me and the typical person picks up on more easily. I can understand it conceptually but when I’m stressed or anxious that stuff slips the mind during active play.

He’s encouraging a more spin-oriented game, or well when I was last consistently active, like ~15 years ago my game was real flat. So when I finally “got” what topspin brush “feels” like for the first time with the RF97, it felt cheap/easy with that racquet, haha. Really exaggerated topspin shots are definitely a lot of fun. I was hitting shots that bounced head height (uh, his height) consistently with the VCP today.

And yeah of course if the 97D sounds in any way appealing I’d want to demo it first. I mean, I went through one 60-day and another 90-day prior to my Speed Pro and 97HD purchases, respectively. Didn’t take up all the days but got pretty close both times.

 

[cortado]

Since I had the HD re-strung with Ashaway Liberty 16 synthetic gut 55lbs it's gotten better and better to play with. Initially the stringing had lengthened and narrowed the head, string-bed felt weird and the swing-weight was higher.
Now that the strings have lost tension and settled in, the normal shape of the head has returned and it feels a lot more comfortable at impact.
Minimal string movement. I think synthetic gut works well in this racquet.

 

[wassamara]

Zons hexplosion 43lbs. No pre stretch. Original cushion. Overgrip. Buttcap flare with athletic tape. Lead tape 3/9 from top 5th cross to bottom 5th cross. Yonex vib damp. Smooth. Great plow. Nice on the ohbh.

 

[cortado]

Mine is 4 3/8 grip. Feels slightly larger than my Wilson 4 3/8, and I miss the sharper bevel edges from leather grip.
I think I'm going to replace the base grip with Kimony Techni Leather. Hopefully this will reduce grip size slightly. I'm hoping the weight will be close to the original base grip, if it's less I'll have to stick some blu-tac under the buttcap.

 

[alexsoin]

A bit surprised here how quick and seamless was my transition from cool/dry fast hardcourts of Northern CA to hot/humid slow har-tru clays in Southern FL. Cuddos to my VCP HDs, all I did just reduced the tension of Volkl Cyclone 16 to 52lbs to get slightly bit more power and spin. I was also impressed by Isospeed Cream 1.25 at 55lbs but it doesn't last more than 7-8 hours of hitting. And I play now completely in stock form (bye-bye bumper tape) just YoYo vibros + Tourna overgrips. New VCP D seems a bit underwhelming so I'll play with my HDs for another year or two and then maybe update to newer VCP-s or Blade-s 18x20...

 

[YellowBallFanatic]

I'm interested in the D, but concerned if TW's twist-weight numbers are correct. HD is 14, D is supposedly 15. I don't want the D to be any more difficult to manoeuvre than my HD.

I posted my initial impressions of the 97D in the 2021 VCore Pro official Thread, post number #795 if you are interested, the update so far appears to be a good one for my game.

 

[GummiiBear]

Another session with the coach in uncommon (for here) warm conditions, upwards of 80F. I hit with both, more time with the VCP because it really is my stick and feels as such. I worry the change to poly mains on the 97HD is the cause of my recent bouts of mild soreness in the shoulder (not feeling any today but likely will tomorrow)... which still confused me since I’d spent 3 weeks with a full bed poly demo of the same racquet without issue.

My PMP with 17ga VS Gut mains with 17ga Dunlop Expl. Bite (black, if color matters any as I don’t care for the yellow color) is totally fine at 51/49; the aforementioned fullbed had the same poly. Is it the different in stiffness? I mean I know Solinco Conf. is stiffer, iirc, but I don’t think by much...?

I’m wondering if just changing the poly on the mains to the Expl. Bite will be enough or if an increase from VS Gut 53 (as was last time in mains) to 55 would suffice. Right now I’ve got 51/51 and I know if I swap the two I’m going 55/51 or 51/53, not sure. I really like the 51/49 on the PMP, but I need to dial back the power on my 97HD just a bit.

Also the 17ga Expl. Bite is 1.27, which seems closer to a 16L (?) or something. So I don’t know if going from 1.30 Gut with 1.20 Poly to 1.30 with 1.27 would result in the bed being too chubby on the HD?

Sorry for the long-winded digression. I meant to talk to y’all about play; serves in particular with my 97HD, especially my second serves were fantastic!! It was nice to see that, aha even when it is warmer out, my earlier suspicion regarding the gut mains PMP in playing better wasn’t exactly correct. Nicer than when it’s cooler, but today my 97HD was rocking just all around. A lot of work on inside-out, inside-in forehands but spent more time than usual on serves. Admittedly had gone a couple or so lessons not focusing on it, just served during point construction exercises/I-don’t-know-what-to-call-‘em but yeah.

 

[GummiiBear]

Took my 97HD in to get restrung as a precaution (I think poly mains were causing intermittent shoulder soreness; mild, but I'd rather be overly cautious). Opted for VS Natural Gut 16ga mains @ 55lbs crossed with 17ga Dunlop Expl. Bite @ 52lbs.; my demo 97H and 97D racquets should arrive by Tuesday and I'll likely pick up my 97HD that day.

Had the specs measured on my Prestige MP; 346g static weight, SW of 324, balance of 312. That sounds quite a bit more accurate than when I was given balance numbers of 330 and 331 for my RF97 and 97HD, which I thought must've been off. I think in recent sessions I surmised the PMP starts to feel heavy ~1.5-2 hours in on some days because it requires more effort on my part to produce the same kind of shot I hit with my 97HD, and even RF97. Which had SW readings of 340 and 332, respectively. Or. I don't know.

 

[alexsoin]

Had the specs measured on my Prestige MP; 346g static weight, SW of 324, balance of 312. That sounds quite a bit more accurate than when I was given balance numbers of 330 and 331 for my RF97 and 97HD, which I thought must've been off. I think in recent sessions I surmised the PMP starts to feel heavy ~1.5-2 hours in on some days because it requires more effort on my part to produce the same kind of shot I hit with my 97HD, and even RF97. Which had SW readings of 340 and 332, respectively. Or. I don't know.

There’s more to rackets and the way they could be “easy to swing” vs “sluggish”, I mean apart from weight, SW and balance. There’s weight distribution, beam shape and thickness, head shape etc. I really don’t know how you can switch between Yonex, Head and Wilson frames within one hitting sesh or match. I personally fear the day my HDs will be too beat up and discontinued so I’ll have to switch most likely to just newer gen Vcore Pro. Even changing the string/tension takes time to get used to, changing the frames takes months for me…

 

[GummiiBear]

There’s more to rackets and the way they could be “easy to swing” vs “sluggish”, I mean apart from weight, SW and balance. There’s weight distribution, beam shape and thickness, head shape etc. I really don’t know how you can switch between Yonex, Head and Wilson frames within one hitting sesh or match. I personally fear the day my HDs will be too beat up and discontinued so I’ll have to switch most likely to just newer gen Vcore Pro. Even changing the string/tension takes time to get used to, changing the frames takes months for me…

Nah I haven’t hit with the RF97 in weeks, as I was concerned it was too heavy for me. The poly mains attempt with my 97HD was kind of awkward so I’m hoping the new stringjob will be my happy fit. I stick with one racquet in matches because I feel like switching partway would be an indication of me “blaming” some aspect of my performance on the racquet. Edit: I seem to chide myself mentally for seemingly seeking something different when in reality my 97HD consistently proves itself as the one for me.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Took my 97HD in to get restrung as a precaution (I think poly mains were causing intermittent shoulder soreness; mild, but I'd rather be overly cautious). Opted for VS Natural Gut 16ga mains @ 55lbs crossed with 17ga Dunlop Expl. Bite @ 52lbs.; my demo 97H and 97D racquets should arrive by Tuesday and I'll likely pick up my 97HD that day.

Had the specs measured on my Prestige MP; 346g static weight, SW of 324, balance of 312. That sounds quite a bit more accurate than when I was given balance numbers of 330 and 331 for my RF97 and 97HD, which I thought must've been off. I think in recent sessions I surmised the PMP starts to feel heavy ~1.5-2 hours in on some days because it requires more effort on my part to produce the same kind of shot I hit with my 97HD, and even RF97. Which had SW readings of 340 and 332, respectively. Or. I don't know.

The shoulder soreness could be coming from the higher tension. I have my HDs strung in the mid-low 40s (46M/43C). Maybe try that and see if it helps your shoulder.

Just a thought

 

[GummiiBear]

The shoulder soreness could be coming from the higher tension. I have my HDs strung in the mid-low 40s (46M/43C). Maybe try that and see if it helps your shoulder.

Just a thought

That's a good idea... your post reminded me that I (iirc, that is) only thought the 53lbs. gut/poly had too much power as it neared my need to restring. I think when I get my second 97HD I'll want to try full bed poly or poly/multi at like 49/47 or something. I'm really diggin' my Prestige MP at 51 gut x 49 poly. And I keep remembering the demo 97HD was strung up full bed poly and I hit with that for weeks without issue. I think I was told it was strung at 48lbs.

The thinking behind full bed poly on my second 97HD being that, for example today there were a few tiny puddles on the court so I didn't want to use my MP (picked up my 97HD after the session with my coach this morning) out of concern for the gut. Given that we're heading towards cooler months, I'll probably encounter puddles more often. 2/3 in, towards the end of the 90 minutes it warmed/dried up enough for me to use the MP, which I've been told multiple times my hitting is really solid with. But I digress.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

That's a good idea... your post reminded me that I (iirc, that is) only thought the 53lbs. gut/poly had too much power as it neared my need to restring. I think when I get my second 97HD I'll want to try full bed poly or poly/multi at like 49/47 or something. I'm really diggin' my Prestige MP at 51 gut x 49 poly. And I keep remembering the demo 97HD was strung up full bed poly and I hit with that for weeks without issue. I think I was told it was strung at 48lbs.

The thinking behind full bed poly on my second 97HD being that, for example today there were a few tiny puddles on the court so I didn't want to use my MP (picked up my 97HD after the session with my coach this morning) out of concern for the gut. Given that we're heading towards cooler months, I'll probably encounter puddles more often. 2/3 in, towards the end of the 90 minutes it warmed/dried up enough for me to use the MP, which I've been told multiple times my hitting is really solid with. But I digress.

I used poly/multi at same tension due to difference in string properties, otherwise I have the 3 lbs differential. In the future, I will be replacing the Multi with a Syn Gut (big cost difference in Australia between the two). This would also be a better option in the wetter/ colder months.

Glad you're still enjoying both of those wonderful racquets. I know I am.

 

[mctennis]

That's a good idea... your post reminded me that I (iirc, that is) only thought the 53lbs. gut/poly had too much power as it neared my need to restring. I think when I get my second 97HD I'll want to try full bed poly or poly/multi at like 49/47 or something. I'm really diggin' my Prestige MP at 51 gut x 49 poly. And I keep remembering the demo 97HD was strung up full bed poly and I hit with that for weeks without issue. I think I was told it was strung at 48lbs.

The thinking behind full bed poly on my second 97HD being that, for example today there were a few tiny puddles on the court so I didn't want to use my MP (picked up my 97HD after the session with my coach this morning) out of concern for the gut. Given that we're heading towards cooler months, I'll probably encounter puddles more often. 2/3 in, towards the end of the 90 minutes it warmed/dried up enough for me to use the MP, which I've been told multiple times my hitting is really solid with. But I digress.

Just a suggestion to a string combination - Tecnifibre HDMX mains/ Yonex PolyTour Air crosses. I have them in one of the 97 HD and in one other racquet. Really nice strings and easy on the arm and body. Gut mains play very nice in the mains as well.

 

[swilburn]

Recieved my Vcore Pro 97 D today and it was on spec with 11.3 oz unstrung. Strung it up with Hyper g 18 at 52 in the mains and Velocity 17 at 51 in the crosses. Added an overgrip and some 1/4" lead strip ( 2 x 2" on each side ) at 6 and 9. Weights 12.2 0z and hits very nice, crisp on the string bed but flexing in the throat as designed. It has the best feel of any of my 18x20 frames. Well done Yonex!

 

[GummiiBear]

(Oof, I tend to write overly verbose posts...)

Had my first try with demos of the 97D and 97H, along with the Pure Drive Tour (coach suggested some time ago to give something like it a try, to just feel the difference). I played a set with my usual hitting partner, and I changed racquets every changeover. Started with my Prestige MP for the first game to establish a reference point, then... uh, can't remember which order I tried the three demos, but I was losing 1-4 and it wasn't after I won 7-5 and he mentioned that once I had rotated back to my 97HD and PMP I turned things around - made me think to what @alexsoin mentioned before. I thought it was more that I was taken aback by how assertively he was hitting (we hadn't played sets in a while) and I assumed I just took a bit of time to adjust my game to it. But I digress.

Prior to and after the set I tried out the three sticks and while I was initially worried I'd like the 97D over my 97HD, that was absolutely not the case. It's kind of like... the 97D is an attractive guy/gal you go out on a date with, but then their sibling (the 97HD) that you meet later is way hotter. Not a great analogy since the 97HD has been my stick, but in terms of relative draw to the racquets... OK, maybe more like, the 97HD is your dream partner, then you meet their younger sibling and they're like, meh, no inclination to, say set them up with my best friend for a blind date. The 97D did hit similarly to my 97HD, but there wasn't any Wow factor/feeling/impression to it. Whereas when I'd demoed the 97HD earlier this year it wasn't until my third day with it that it clicked for me, so I guess that's something to bear in mind. I want to say the 97D is the easier racquet to hit with, but it just didn't leave much of an impression.

For me personally the 97H was the more standout of the two VCPs. It played like a less maneuverable but far more comfortable RF97. I really enjoyed how it felt, but I found it almost too unwieldy for me. I wasn't hitting late or anything - how I seemed to naturally adjust was to compact my backswing some, allow momentum of the heft do much of the work upon/after impact, and simply guide the followthrough. As much as I enjoyed hitting with it, unfortunately it just seems too much for me.

Serving felt most comfortable (of the demos) with the Pure Drive Tour, and I was pleasantly surprised by how it felt - I was worried because the demo looked to be strung up with Solinco Tour Bite (some of the text rubbed off, but I'm >90% certain based off color and the shape and letters I could make out). I totally understand the appeal to it but why I wouldn't ever choose it is because I noticed I hit really loopy shots instinctively to keep my groundstrokes in. Maybe it's partially the... "anal-retentive" aspect of my personality, but I really disliked feeling the relative lack of control. Or at least the sensation of that. But there's definitely a comfort and satisfaction to hitting with it.

My new stringjob on my 97HD felt pretty good. I want to say it'll take some breaking in before it feels more warm/fuzzy for me again, but I hit decently with it nonetheless.

I'll hit with the demos again tomorrow, will see if anything new clicks for me or the like. Thus far, the 97HD still reigns supreme for me.

Edit: I think I made the 97D sound worse than it is. It's definitely a solid racquet. I can understand someone liking it over the 97HD, especially considering the comparative ease to hitting with it. There are definitely times when I wonder to myself and aloud (re: my 97HD) - why would I choose to make things 'difficult' for myself?

 

[Nate7-5]

I cant believe you were able to play better with the frame that youve had a year+ more of experience

 

[GummiiBear]

Half a year, but sure. I think it says something when I opted to close the set with the Pure Drive Tour, over the other two demos. I like an instinctual wow-factor when trying racquets, like how my PMP felt “right” within minutes of hitting with it. Both times I demoed racquets (60-90 day demo programs), 8 months apart. Though I only finally bought it a month ago.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I don’t know, I apologize for not connecting with the 97D? For seemingly preferring a racquet very much outside my typical kind over the new VCPs?

 

[Nate7-5]

Im sure it was a thrilling set

 

[GummiiBear]

Had another go with the 97H and 97D (with the Pure Drive Tour). I definitely like how the 97H feels best, but it's just too heavy for me, which I'm fine with since I'm petite. I'm fairly certain someone twice my size who likes the VCPs and the RF97 would enjoy the 97H very much. Aside from being too hefty for me, it ticks the rest of the boxes. That's based on just a couple days with it though, so something to bear in mind.

97H > PDT/97D (The Pure Drive Tour feels very much like the outlier of all racquets I hit with in recent days, or even back when I demoed sticks to find my fit. So I can't really say which of the two is "better".)

I will say I had a more favorable impression of the 97D my second go with it; it's a considerably easier racquet to hit with than the 97HD. However, still no magic. Nothing in particular sticks out aside from ease of use. It's reasonably comfortable, solid. I think I can confidently say that if I was presented with the 97D in lieu of the 97HD earlier this year, I would have ended up just buying the Prestige MP. 97HD > PMP > 97D for me. The feel of how the 97HD swings lighter than it is - that's completely absent in the 97D. The 97D comparatively is a little lacking in spin. Plausibly to a similar degree as the PMP, though that may be a stretch, admittedly. But it's a good racquet. I would not say it necessarily lacks anything; it's got no glaring downsides to it. Edit: When I say it's easier to use than the 97HD I think what I mean is it's the more forgiving of the two.

While it is very different from the kind of racquets I tend to gravitate to, I still was rather impressed with the Pure Drive Tour. Enough such that, while it was just tacked on as an afterthought, I mention it with the other two I took to try out for a week. I felt a little more comfortable with the "lack" of control as I got used to it, and the heavy spin I'd impart did help keep balls in. A lot of shots my hitting partner (and I myself) thought were going to go out would dip in.

I guess my takeaway from that is unchanged. The fact that the Pure Drive Tour (which I have no interest in buying) leaves more of a lasting impression than the 97D, which I'm fine with but prefer the 97H over, likely means the 97HD is better than the 97D. For me at least. YMMV.

Double edit: I forgot to mention, my 97HD today felt real nice today. One minor issue I've been having with it (prior to recent stringjob and such) is when it comes to my forehand volleys. I wonder if the 5g I have spread from 10 to 2 has something to do with it, or the comparative lack of "connection" with the feel of the ball (contrast to the Prestige MP - volleys feel absolutely fantastic with it) has something to do with the VDM? Still adjusting to the strings, but I feel really good about my new setup thus far.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Had another go with the 97H and 97D (with the Pure Drive Tour). I definitely like how the 97H feels best, but it's just too heavy for me, which I'm fine with since I'm petite. I'm fairly certain someone twice my size who likes the VCPs and the RF97 would enjoy the 97H very much. Aside from being too hefty for me, it ticks the rest of the boxes. That's based on just a couple days with it though, so something to bear in mind.

97H > PDT/97D (The Pure Drive Tour feels very much like the outlier of all racquets I hit with in recent days, or even back when I demoed sticks to find my fit. So I can't really say which of the two is "better".)

I will say I had a more favorable impression of the 97D my second go with it; it's a considerably easier racquet to hit with than the 97HD. However, still no magic. Nothing in particular sticks out aside from ease of use. It's reasonably comfortable, solid. I think I can confidently say that if I was presented with the 97D in lieu of the 97HD earlier this year, I would have ended up just buying the Prestige MP. 97HD > PMP > 97D for me. The feel of how the 97HD swings lighter than it is - that's completely absent in the 97D. The 97D comparatively is a little lacking in spin. Plausibly to a similar degree as the PMP, though that may be a stretch, admittedly. But it's a good racquet. I would not say it necessarily lacks anything; it's got no glaring downsides to it. Edit: When I say it's easier to use than the 97HD I think what I mean is it's the more forgiving of the two.

While it is very different from the kind of racquets I tend to gravitate to, I still was rather impressed with the Pure Drive Tour. Enough such that, while it was just tacked on as an afterthought, I mention it with the other two I took to try out for a week. I felt a little more comfortable with the "lack" of control as I got used to it, and the heavy spin I'd impart did help keep balls in. A lot of shots my hitting partner (and I myself) thought were going to go out would dip in.

I guess my takeaway from that is unchanged. The fact that the Pure Drive Tour (which I have no interest in buying) leaves more of a lasting impression than the 97D, which I'm fine with but prefer the 97H over, likely means the 97HD is better than the 97D. For me at least. YMMV.

Double edit: I forgot to mention, my 97HD today felt real nice today. One minor issue I've been having with it (prior to recent stringjob and such) is when it comes to my forehand volleys. I wonder if the 5g I have spread from 10 to 2 has something to do with it, or the comparative lack of "connection" with the feel of the ball (contrast to the Prestige MP - volleys feel absolutely fantastic with it) has something to do with the VDM? Still adjusting to the strings, but I feel really good about my new setup thus far.

Well... at least you know you can save some money by not having to get the 97D or buying another 97HD on sale.