FIRETennis
Professional
green but i actually sold it and switched to the blade 98 v7. I prefer an even softer frame.
Yonex Vcore Pro 97
- Thread starter stealthfighter69
- Start date
green but i actually sold it and switched to the blade 98 v7. I prefer an even softer frame.
Artreddy
Rookie
What made you switch to Blade (assuming 16x19)
FIRETennis
Professional
I demo-ed a bunch of racquets and tried them side by side. I prefer the beefier swing weight of the Blade (16x19 yup) as well as the softer flex. I find that the top of the string bed is quite stiff with the VCore 97. I also play mostly on clay where the bounces are unpredictable so I found off center hits less jarring with the Blade. The Vcore does hit a higher and spinnier ball than the Blade.
Matto
New User
I did this with one of my racquet's. I always like a extended length on a 2 handed backhand and on serves. I wanted to bump up the swing without adding more weight. I read somewhere that said adding.25" adds 10pt to the swingweight.
Overall, I did get the desired results.
I did this to all my vcp97 310s and absolutely love it with 3/4g lead tape at 10/2 and wilson shock shield grip. Also flared up my buttcaps with gorilla tape for better feel.
Rorano_Fedalovic
Semi-Pro
how much does the synthetic grip on a vcore pro97 330 weigh?
I love it. I extended them .25” and it works amazing. I know it’s only .25 inches but it feels so good on my two handed backhand. I also flared the butcap with tape and put a kimony leather on to keep static weight low. It’s working great
Artreddy
Rookie
You mean to say gorilla tape in the trapdoor so you can balance the racket out? Could you explain?
1HBHfanatic
Legend
.2 - .03 oz
@VaMoose98 @blai212 how did you guys extend your VCP97 310?
Matto
New User
I don't know if this is the best way to do it. This was just a quick way to test it to see if I like it. I ended up keeping this way.
I took off the buttcap. Measured a thick piece of styrofoam the can fit exactly into the buttcap. Leave enough space for the buttcap to hold onto the handle. I used a strong glue to glue the buttcap on (with the styrofoam inside). Overall it adds .25" to the racquet.
With this said, their more professional and cleaner ways to do it. I just wanted to test it out on a well used racquet of mine. You can also find buttcap replacements that add .5".
I would make the exact same comparison between the Blade v7 (18x20) and the VCP 97HD, both in regard to swing weight/plow and the off-center hits.
I did basically the same thing, except I used balsa wood and a strong epoxy to glue it in. But cap still had plenty of grab and it’s rock solid.
AndyBarronMuzza
Rookie
Has anyone tried silicone in the handle? If so, how much did you add? I use a 310 (2018).
I added 0.5" first, then decreased to 0.25". Neither worked as well as the VCore 98+ in my opinion.
4-string
Professional
Well into the indoor season I am playing exclusively with my VCP330, and really enjoying it. I am happy with it just as it is, bone stock, and that doesn’t happen too often.
Great balance between power and control, and swings fast and light for its weight in my opinion.
A big thumbs up from me.
Great balance between power and control, and swings fast and light for its weight in my opinion.
A big thumbs up from me.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
Just sold my VC98+ and I'm about done with testing a bunch of frames (Prince Beasner, ProKennex ki Q+ 5x, RF97, Blade, Pure Strike, ProStaff 6.1, it's now down to the EZone98+ and the VCPro 330g that I just got today. I already strung it and will hit with it tomorrow. I can't wait! Either way I'm staying with Yonex. I almost switched to the RF97 but under pressure, the RF97 just wasn't a natural fit for me.
By the way, it came in at 330.17g. You gotta love Yonex QC!!
By the way, it came in at 330.17g. You gotta love Yonex QC!!
AMGF
Hall of Fame
Hit with it today. Good frame for sure, but not good enough to take the top spot over the Ezone98+.
My serves were down 4mph average vs the Ez98+. Power overall is down. But control or comfort wasn’t much better. So in the end not really any pluses but a couple minuses where it’s important for me (power and serves) so my quest for a new frame is finally over.
I really wanted to like this frame. I’m kinda tired of extended frames with their limited choice. But in the end I must come to the obvious conclusion, xl frames work great for me.
I can always dream, but a 310-320g Vcore Pro extended to 27.5 (or at least 27.25) would be great.
My serves were down 4mph average vs the Ez98+. Power overall is down. But control or comfort wasn’t much better. So in the end not really any pluses but a couple minuses where it’s important for me (power and serves) so my quest for a new frame is finally over.
I really wanted to like this frame. I’m kinda tired of extended frames with their limited choice. But in the end I must come to the obvious conclusion, xl frames work great for me.
I can always dream, but a 310-320g Vcore Pro extended to 27.5 (or at least 27.25) would be great.
Do you have the 2018 or 2019 version? I am planing to do the same thing (extending) using the XTP buttcap method.
[/QUOTE]
what method are you using?
how did you extend? Yes, the .25" to 10 pts swingweight is what most say and what TW specs on extended versions of same racquet also give.
Was on the 2018 version. I tried the XTP and didn't like it (grip never felt good), so I got Plexiglas from the hardware store and cut out spacers to go under the Yonex butt cap. That worked better for me.
I used gorilla mounting tape (cut width in half) and did double layer at the very end of the handle to flare up buttcap
Removed buttcap, used craft wooden sticks as spacers and glued buttcap back on with superglue
HyperG soft 18
XTP does have an odd shape. I tried it on an old Pro Staff 95.
would your method work even for 0.5”? Why plexiglas and not wood for example?
what method are you using?
[/QUOTE]
I used balsa wood in the Butt cap and epoxy. I noticed though that the .25 inches helped my two handed backhand, but slowed my swing on the serve and forehand. Ultimately the trade off wasn’t worth it so I returned to normal length (I used epoxy so I had to take a box cutter and literally cut through the Buttcap plastic then sanded off the excess epoxy before putting on new Wilson Butt caps). Ultimately I’m not sure this racket is set up to be extended. It seemed ungainly and slower than many 27.5” rackets. But maybe I’m just a standard person idk
firepanda
Professional
I'm going the exact opposite way haha. Love my VCore Pro 97, but in the end want a bit more power and reach.
You mentioned your demoed the ProKennex. How does it compare to the VC98+ and VCPro 97?
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I finally settled for the Ezone98+. The ProKennex is a great frame. It is similar to the VC98+ in some ways, great power, good at serve, spin etc, I really liked it. The thing that made me discard it is it feels stiff. It is not uncomfortable in any way though. The kinetic thing really works, but you notice it is stiff. I prefer frames that flex a little more. The other thing is the 100sq.in head. It felt weird for me as I never played with a head this size. I also tried a Pure Aero+ and same thing, nothing wrong but it feels large. I could get use to it though, it's just a matter of personal preference as I've been playing tennis for 30+ years and never played with a frame larger than 98sq.in.
The VCPro97 has great control compared to the PK. But it is not as powerful and for some reason, it felt stiffer than its RA rating suggests, I don't why. It doesn't feel as stiff as the PK, but not that far, it wasn't the softer (lighter) version of the RF97 I hoped it would be. I could play with the VCPro97 but I preferred the comfort and power of the EZ98+ over the control of the VCP97. It doesn't have the same speed at serve also compared to the other frames I tested.
I think the PK is great if you want a powerful frame that is not too heavy. It is similar in some ways to the PA+ but is more comfortable. It also has a thinner beam which I like. Nothing wrong really with that frame, just that the EZ98+ was better for me.
If you have a specific thing in mind you want to ask let me know.
4-string
Professional
Ordered another one, found another blue one (prev release), and will stick to that pair until spring at least.
Bought a VCP330 to try as a slightly softer Six One replacement after thinking I was gonna switch to RF97s after coming back from a long break. Once I got used to the slightly less whippy balance of the Yonex I'm a huge fan of the slightly thinner beam and softer racket which still gives me great feel. Think I'm gonna order a couple more and save the old n-six and k-six ones from some wear!
Your method will only work for adding .25". More than that and the butt cap will not stay on, as far as I can tell, bc it won't have anything to hold on to. I am currently testing all 3 weights/versiosn of the VCP 97 extended to 27.5," all extended via XTP butt cap replacement. It does increase the grip size, so you have to use a racquet a size smaller for this method.
[I just edited below after taking more precise measurements.]
Here are my measured static weights (strung) and approximate swing weights on all three. The XTP buttcap weighs 17.4g, while the original Yonex cap is 10.1g, a 7.3g difference.
Extended VCP 97 310
Static weight [TW leather grip, thin (Wilson senstion) overgrip, rubberband (1.3g) vibration dampener, and XTP butt cap] : 344.2g
Swing weight : 337
Bal: ~32.0cm 7pt. HL (same as before extending, meaning the heavier buttcap and leathergrip together moved the balance point about the .5" (1.27cm) that the longer length would have moved it up.
Extended VCP 97 HD
Stat. weight [stock synthetic grip, Wilson Pro overgrip, rubberband (1.3g) vibration dampener, and XTP] : 348g
Swing weight : 346
Bal: ~ 32.5cm
Extended VCP 97 330
Stat. weight [stock synthetic grip, Wison Pro overgrip, rubberband (1.3g) vibration dampener, and XTP] : 362g
Swing weight : 352!
Bal: ~32.5cm
Now, I am only actively testing the HD and the HG (330) because there I have apples to apples, same grip, same (bad) strings. The 310 I will only consider if the 330 feels too heavy but otherwise perfect.
So far, after just a couple of singles hitting and serving sessions:
27.5" 330 is an absolute serving hammer. It's point and shoot. Leave the arm loose and let the SW and the mass do the work. On groundstrokes, the stability and plow through are a dream. But I do not know how heavy it might start to feel after a long day or in a match situation. It is definitely worth a test, bc it is otherwise such a solid racquet.
The 27.5" HD feels REALLY comfortable. But it plays somewhat weird. It sometimes feels unstable, sometimes seems to send the ball at an unexpected launch angle. I never felt confident hitting out. Let's see what happens after some more testing. P.S. The HD extended has about the same sing weight as the VCORE 98+, and it feels that way too, although it is obviously heavier in static weight).
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If you just want more power and reach, you could try extending your VCP. Which weight do you have? Extending by .5" adds about 20 points to swing weight, which adds a LOT of power and plow through.
What strings are you using in it?
jalapeno74
Rookie
No, never thought of it that way. Hit my hardest and best serves with it
Been using it with Multi in the mains and SynGut in the crosses
Strayfire
Rookie
NRMM
Semi-Pro
also quite interested on how extending the VCP97 HD and 310 to 27.5 inches would improve (or not) control, stability and power ? Any thoughts guys?
I extended mine first 1/2", then 1/4". Neither felt good. V Core 98+ was better than VCP97 extended in my opinion.
NRMM
Semi-Pro
Would you mind elaborating a little bit more? What was the results of the 0.5 extension? And why the VCORE 98+ was to you a better option to you?
NRMM
Semi-Pro
i see - so if you were to do the same extension on the vcore pro 100 that wouldn’t be the same as it’s not as soft ?
Probably, but maybe try the 98+. It's already engineered longer and a great racquet.
VCP97 HD does not do well extended because it’s already too flexible. 310 DOES extend well IMO. In fact I had one professionally extended to 28 by remolding the grip; so the weight stayed the same despite being extended. It played well but was TOO powerful for me bc of my longer strokes. I actually have w it listed in the trade / sell section of tennis talk.
What I have settled on playing with is a VC 95 extended (28); which may be like a 98+ with more control / feel.
See my reply to your other post. VCP 97G does extend well, even to 28. Incredible amount of power and spin.
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
You mention extra lenght for some Vcores, but that is a mistake. Only the Yonex models that are the "+" version are extra lenght. The others are standard lenght! For specs find out the racquetfinder.com site.Been reading through the thread.
RF97A user here, likes it for pretty much every shot but on serve and feels a bit light on ohbh.
I've been scouting around the 2nd hand market, and for an identical price I can get the vcore pro 97 or the duel g (both in 330 obviously).
From what I understand it seems that the VCP has more spin/higher launch angles, quicker to move whereas the duel g seems to offer a better feel, and probably a heavier follow-through with the increased length.
Are there any elements I'm missing out on?
Quite frankly, I can't make up my mind between the two
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
I have a Duel G 310 that is also a tiny bit longer than my other racquets.
Best replacement for RF97A is the new Radical Pro. Having said that, Duel G and VCP both 330g:
Duel G is more old school, dense string pattern, a bit like playing with a 18x20, much lower trajectory than RF97A. Lighter in the head, still heavy in the throat/shoulders like RF97A. Similar difficulty to RF97A because of that weight in the throat, Duel G is 10g lighter than RF97A but requires faster swings non stop. Good feel, somewhat like old Prestiges but different. Many add some lead to the head to get some more weight of shot.
VCP is easier to handle, plays better than Duel G on slower swings, and gives a comparable trajectory to RF97A, so kick serves etc. Stable, doesn't like string tensions above 24kg, similar to some other newer Yonex racquets. Probably because of stiffer hoop, I don't really know. Dark blue and green VCP are the same frame, but the current green one has just some added vibration dampening mesh in the handle. Doesn't really need extra lead in the head.
I would still recommend new Radical Pro..
Duel G is more old school, dense string pattern, a bit like playing with a 18x20, much lower trajectory than RF97A. Lighter in the head, still heavy in the throat/shoulders like RF97A. Similar difficulty to RF97A because of that weight in the throat, Duel G is 10g lighter than RF97A but requires faster swings non stop. Good feel, somewhat like old Prestiges but different. Many add some lead to the head to get some more weight of shot.
VCP is easier to handle, plays better than Duel G on slower swings, and gives a comparable trajectory to RF97A, so kick serves etc. Stable, doesn't like string tensions above 24kg, similar to some other newer Yonex racquets. Probably because of stiffer hoop, I don't really know. Dark blue and green VCP are the same frame, but the current green one has just some added vibration dampening mesh in the handle. Doesn't really need extra lead in the head.
I would still recommend new Radical Pro..
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
A butcap that is protruding a few mm, i dont consider that as extra lenght. furthermore if you dont take care while stringing, your racquet could warp a little so become a few mm shorter or longer.
You really wont notice while playing!
If the 97 310 feels too light why not try the 97HD?Been reading through the thread.
RF97A user here, likes it for pretty much every shot but on serve and feels a bit light on ohbh.
I've been scouting around the 2nd hand market, and for an identical price I can get the vcore pro 97 or the duel g (both in 330 obviously).
From what I understand it seems that the VCP has more spin/higher launch angles, quicker to move whereas the duel g seems to offer a better feel, and probably a heavier follow-through with the increased length.
Are there any elements I'm missing out on?
Quite frankly, I can't make up my mind between the two
