Yonex Vcore Pro 97
- Thread starter stealthfighter69
- Start date
I've got about 1.5 inches on either side of the string bed at 10 and 2 going from the 6th cross string up to about the 3rd cross string from the top.
My guess is just a paint job like the new pure strike.. it's only been 1.5 years since they released..
It doesn't? What are the differences?
Local tennis shop by me said more or less the same racquet
Babolix
Rookie
For example
Pure strike 98 2016 (project one seven) is : 305g unstrung
Pure strike 98 2019 (Project two Thiem) is 317g Unstrung
Seen on a french site : https://www.facebook.com/TennisAddict.fr/photos/a.176830655764750/2231838250263970/?type=3
Pure strike 98 2016 (project one seven) is : 305g unstrung
Pure strike 98 2019 (Project two Thiem) is 317g Unstrung
Seen on a french site : https://www.facebook.com/TennisAddict.fr/photos/a.176830655764750/2231838250263970/?type=3
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I think that’s 305 unstrung and 317 strung
Yoneyama
Hall of Fame
Same PJ except the red detail is now green. I imagine the text will also been green and not red now as well.
Going off that pic I linked on the last page, I think I like the navy / green better. It looks really nice. I am wondering whether only the supposed 'HD 18x20' version will have the green option.
DJ-
Hall of Fame
There is a pure strike tour coming out, that will be the heavier one by the sounds of it , I thought it was 320gr unstrung.. the regular PS98 will be 305gr
Babolix
Rookie
The 317g (unstrung) number is official, given by babolat (written "communiqué" de presse" on this documents meaning it's given by the marcketing of Babolat to the press).
The thing is that the project one seven endorsed by thiem in 2016 was the Pure strike 98 (305g) and the one he now endorses is 317g unstrung which yes seems more to be a tour more or less but it's only writen : the new babolat pure strike ! (As this one aims to replace the previous project one seven which was a 16/19 98 305g...) A bit disturbing... But things you have to know is that the new one they release is the one made for Thiem, with all the specs (and paintjob) he wants and really uses (as the Wilson prostaff RF for Roger).
So the previous (project-) one was an endorsement of a racquet made for people whereas this one (the project 2) is the real thiem racquet, according to Babolat and their official com/marketing says.
The thing is that the project one seven endorsed by thiem in 2016 was the Pure strike 98 (305g) and the one he now endorses is 317g unstrung which yes seems more to be a tour more or less but it's only writen : the new babolat pure strike ! (As this one aims to replace the previous project one seven which was a 16/19 98 305g...) A bit disturbing... But things you have to know is that the new one they release is the one made for Thiem, with all the specs (and paintjob) he wants and really uses (as the Wilson prostaff RF for Roger).
So the previous (project-) one was an endorsement of a racquet made for people whereas this one (the project 2) is the real thiem racquet, according to Babolat and their official com/marketing says.
Kurt0707
Rookie
I have recently started playing with VCP 310 coming from a 98inch 18x20 control oriented racket looking for more spin with stability and comfort, especially for my singles game. To be safe it is strung with a 16g multi at 47lbs, so plenty of power and comfort too. Customized with 1.5 grams at 10&2, bringing weight to 335 grams and around 325 SW, slightly lower than my usual spec to keep it more maneuverable. As a I have a pretty flat swing, with a little adjustment, I was able to create deep penetrating as well as dipping top-spin forehands (low over the net as I like it). Great serves, volleys and slices too. Allowed me to play a really strong serve & volley game with comfort, was able to play much better and get more match points than my current racquet, I was really happy in general.
However, what suffered was my OHBH, most of my shots were landing in the net, and this is generally a strength of my game in addition to my attacking backhand slices (especially down the line). One issue can be the lower weight & SW, so I am wondering what customizations have been done by OHBH players. I have also read a review that this racquet is better suited for 2 handed players however Sean at TW plays with OHBH and he has switched to this I believe.
So do I need to change my swing a little, add some more weight to the loop to increase SW to around 330 or try the 330 gr version... look forward to hearing experience of OHBH players.. thank you
However, what suffered was my OHBH, most of my shots were landing in the net, and this is generally a strength of my game in addition to my attacking backhand slices (especially down the line). One issue can be the lower weight & SW, so I am wondering what customizations have been done by OHBH players. I have also read a review that this racquet is better suited for 2 handed players however Sean at TW plays with OHBH and he has switched to this I believe.
So do I need to change my swing a little, add some more weight to the loop to increase SW to around 330 or try the 330 gr version... look forward to hearing experience of OHBH players.. thank you
The racquet does not have particularly high launch angle which i like... easier to lift it then bring it down for me... I play OHBH and didnt particularly have issues.. you may want to keep reminding your self to lower the racquet and drive the racquet swing path slightly more angled maybe...
Babolix
Rookie
Yes the new one (prroject 2.seven called only Pure Strike for the moment) is 317 unstrung and 18/20. Both babolat and Thiem says he uses no other frame than this one, and it's his specs etc...
Edit : Check maybe here : https://www.babolat-purestrike.com/
I stop talking about Pure Strike here (not the topic for, my appologies.)
Havent done any yet... I started using this racquet 3 weeks ago... so far plays great to my liking but may experiment soon.
Perhaps just a tweak in string tension would help? Keeping the mains the same tension and lowering cross strings by 2-3lbs would help increase launch angle.
Btw, I am pretty sure Sean plays two-handed BH.
I've been playing with the PS one7 for about 2.5 years. Mine are modded slightly with some weight in the buttcap to make them about 8 pts HL. I have been really happy playing with this frame and wasn't really feeling like I needed or wanted to switch, but friends were demoing other rackets and one was the VCP 97 310. I hit with it and was really intrigued by how it felt. Over the course of that session where I tried half a dozen different sticks (clash 100 also interesting), I kept finding myself wanting to hit with the VCP over and over. It wasn't quite where I wanted to trade in my Babolats, but it was definitely interesting. What I liked was the comfort and, I guess, "pocketing" that I was feeling as compared with the PS, along with a feeling of maneuverability that I attributed to the thin beam. What I didn't like enough was it feeling a little under-powered and like there was not quite enough stability and plow-through for me.
But a few weeks later, looking for the same feel with more plow-through and stability, I demoed the VCP 97 330. And to cut to the chase, although I still like my PS, I'm switching to the 330 because it just feels so much better to me at impact. It's hard for me to find the right words to describe the difference though it's a huge difference in feeling. Comfort is the first word that comes to mind but that seems very generic. To compare the two, I'd put these adjectives with the PS: stiff, brittle, woody, hard... and I'd put these adjectives with the VCP: smooth, comfortable, luxurious... but, and this is a big deal to me; I would never have considered switching if the VCP felt any less connected to me. I've hit with some other frames where I would also describe them as more comfortable than the PS, but they also felt very disconnected from the ball - like there was a layer of insulation in there. The VCP is both comfortable and still connected. And that combination is what's driving the switch for me.
In terms of free power, I would say that the stock VCP 97 330 feels pretty comparable to my modded (more HL than stock) pure strikes. Probably a bit less power than a stock PS.
I string the PS with Volkl Cyclone @ 52 and the VCP with the same string @ 50.
FWIW, I'm keeping my PS frames.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Awesome comparison - thanks.
The 330 feels amazing, I have one and love it. I would suggest that if you find yourself wanting a lighter version, the 310 with leather and just 3 grams total at 2 and 10 feels really solid and the power definitely bumps up a bit as well. I find myself preferring that, and sometimes I warm up with the 330.
After 5 hours (1 hr drill and about 4 hours match play) playing with the VCP97 (310), the Rexis string broke when I was leading on 3rd set tie-break set, swapped to APD2013 to finish the job.
I don't usually break strings, but this racquet was sold to me with this Rexis 1.25 / YPTP 1.25 stringbed used after unknown hours already.
Bottom line, this racquet is a keeper. This is gonna be my main match-playing stick.
First word that came to my mind when I first hit with the racquet was "solid". The feel on impact is a bit firmer than that of the Phantom 93P, which I think gives even better feedback to me. The impact feels like hitting with a solid baseball bat wrapped with thick layer of cloth, solid on the inside, plush on the outside.
Top spin and slice ground strokes takes little adjustments on both wings. This racquet has the "controlled power" that many people here coined. I hit with good amount of top spin on fh and tend to hit flatter on 2hbh. Having gotten used to hitting more through the ball with the 93P, as opposed to more brushing up strokes, I find the transition to using the VCP97 easy, and the slightly higher launch angle of the VCP97 (compared to the 93P) welcoming.
Touch shots like punch volleys and drop shots took a bit of getting used to due to different head shape and string bed from my 93P (with gut/poly hybrid), but once I got used to the string bed response, the balls largely went where I wanted them to go.
The only knock is on service, which the 93P serves with more power and precision. I guess I miss the mass/SW of my 93P when it comes to service, but with some lead tapes and leather grip (my kimony lather grip arrived a few days ago) that should help quite a bit.
Now just gotta figure out what string to put in next. Either gut/poly or kev/zx.
I don't usually break strings, but this racquet was sold to me with this Rexis 1.25 / YPTP 1.25 stringbed used after unknown hours already.
Bottom line, this racquet is a keeper. This is gonna be my main match-playing stick.
First word that came to my mind when I first hit with the racquet was "solid". The feel on impact is a bit firmer than that of the Phantom 93P, which I think gives even better feedback to me. The impact feels like hitting with a solid baseball bat wrapped with thick layer of cloth, solid on the inside, plush on the outside.
Top spin and slice ground strokes takes little adjustments on both wings. This racquet has the "controlled power" that many people here coined. I hit with good amount of top spin on fh and tend to hit flatter on 2hbh. Having gotten used to hitting more through the ball with the 93P, as opposed to more brushing up strokes, I find the transition to using the VCP97 easy, and the slightly higher launch angle of the VCP97 (compared to the 93P) welcoming.
Touch shots like punch volleys and drop shots took a bit of getting used to due to different head shape and string bed from my 93P (with gut/poly hybrid), but once I got used to the string bed response, the balls largely went where I wanted them to go.
The only knock is on service, which the 93P serves with more power and precision. I guess I miss the mass/SW of my 93P when it comes to service, but with some lead tapes and leather grip (my kimony lather grip arrived a few days ago) that should help quite a bit.
Now just gotta figure out what string to put in next. Either gut/poly or kev/zx.
This is really great feedback, appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I switched to the PS earlier this year and have been playing the best tennis I’ve ever played with them. But I’ve had lingering elbow discomfort that won’t go away. I’m not necessarily blaming the PS as I had started feeling it prior to switching. I think it’s just a result of demoing a lot of different frames over the past year with varying string setups.
I have never hit with a Yonex racquet, but the feedback from the forum is positive enough that I want to give them a go. My local shop just started carrying Yonex in the past year, so I’m not sure if they have the pro 310 or 330. I can only recall seeing the vcores last time I was in there. But I’m going to swing in one night this week to see, if not I’ll have to get them from TW.
I will try both the 310 and 330. I have my PS’s weighted up as well. As a last attempt to make them more comfortable, I just replaced the grip with a shockshield. And even though I play with soft polys at low tension, I have some nat gut on the way to see if a hybrid setup helps. I’ve also added 6g to the hoop, and 3g of blu tack in the buttcap, so currently I’m at 347g static weight and 7-8pts HL. So I think that’d put me right in between the VCORE 97 310 and 330 at stock weight with only a dampener and OG.
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isukatennis
Rookie
Been experimenting with several poly's in this frame (310), but its taking a toll on my arm....I need to take a break...What multi's have some of you liked in the 310? Anything you like more than Multifeel or Velocity?
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
I like X1 Biphase and if it's too powerful and you need more control Babolat Origin.
Hokiein304
New User
I've been using Velocity at 53lbs...very easy on the elbow. But as far as polys go, in my 100, I've strung up some Volkl Cyclone (orange...looks very nice with the VCP color scheme) at 45lbs and it is just about as easy on the elbow as the Velocity in the 98 at 53 lbs, but with much more spin. May try Cyclone in the 98 next time I string it...might go 40-42lbs when I do.
Been using iso-speed control recently. I cross them usually - the durability is great for a soft string, feel on the string is decent. I tried FXP once before - thought it was a lot softer with better feel than my iso-speed control. Thinking of switching over now.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Cyclone orange is great but I find it doesn’t hold tension very well.
Having similar issues... I tried yellow velocity at 54/52.. plays really well for me.. tho you may not love lack of power since it's a control oriented multi... as the frame does not particularly emphasize on power...
Velocity is a good choice. Alternatively Rexis ain't too bad either if you can get it at a good price.
Regarding Velocity having low power, I put a hybrid of Velocity/OGSM in my wife's Blade 98S CV and it works well. The OGSM cross provides decent energy return to balance out Velocity's low power.
Kurt0707
Rookie
Currently have full Technifiber X-one Biphase (strung at 47pounds), and provides plenty of power and comfort, but lacking some control and spin, so probably would be better to hybrid with poly in the crosses. My arm is too sensitive for poly even in the mains right now..
Yoneyama
Hall of Fame
Give Gosen AX Pro CX a go. It's a fancy synthetic gut that plays as good as a multi, soft on arm, has ridiculously good tension maintenance as well. 15 hours played so far and the strings snap back like poly still for me. It doesn't have poly spin but overall it's a very impressive string.
fundrazer
G.O.A.T.
I used to use x-one in most of my sticks. I have two suggestions. Poly tour pro is relatively soft imo, and the spin potential is pretty decent. My other suggestion is a gut/poly hybrid, I used to like the vs/rpm prepackaged hybrid. Was also thinking of trying gut and poly tour fire but haven't given that a go yet.
If you're not a string breaker though the gut/poly will last a long time and should maintain tension reasonably well.
Last night I measured my 310 for funsies - with tourna tac overgrip and Rexis 125 / YTPT 125, no dampener. Came up to 328g, 32cm balance, but with swing weight of 327 kgcm^2 using Swing Tool. I remeasured it twice, using different hang points, results differed by 1-2 SW points at most. 327 is 10 SW points more than the 317 SW points that TW specs indicate, which is quite a bit.
A search on this thread - it appears that I am not alone. There are other people's stock 310 stick have higher SW points too. Interesting that while static weight and balance are almost on point, SW could differ by this much.
A search on this thread - it appears that I am not alone. There are other people's stock 310 stick have higher SW points too. Interesting that while static weight and balance are almost on point, SW could differ by this much.
zettavaska
Rookie
What’s the weight variability on different types of strings?
Not sure, but I checked the TW review video. Chris mentioned they used a prototype, which presumably was the Poly Tour Strike? And they usually use 16g full bed. I do know natural gut is the most dense would add the most weight.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
That's real interesting. May explain why the frame doesn't need much lead. I don't have access to an RDC anymore, which sucks but just going by feel, I would guess that mine swings in the low 320s stock and is probably around 328 or so with the lead in the corners.
ProRadTour
Semi-Pro
I have a sneaky suspicion that it is the same base frame for all models. I pulled off the factory handle on one of my VCore Pro 97 330 and found it had about 44 grams of metal embedded in the handle foam half way up the handle. Also had the unstrung swing-weight measured on one in the past and it was 294. Seems to be pretty close to what the 310 is based on reports here.
The base weight of the hairpin with the handle removed was about 240 grams. If you allocate 23 grams for the base handle mold, 12 grams for but-cap and 15 grams for a grip, this pretty much gets you the base specs of the VCore Pro 97 290 model.
Seems all that varies is the amount of metal they put into the factory foam handle.
I know the swing-weights and twist-weights listed on TW are different, but makes you wonder. You would probably need to test a very large sample to get to accurate averages.
The base weight of the hairpin with the handle removed was about 240 grams. If you allocate 23 grams for the base handle mold, 12 grams for but-cap and 15 grams for a grip, this pretty much gets you the base specs of the VCore Pro 97 290 model.
Seems all that varies is the amount of metal they put into the factory foam handle.
I know the swing-weights and twist-weights listed on TW are different, but makes you wonder. You would probably need to test a very large sample to get to accurate averages.
edelp
Semi-Pro
So buying the 290gr version and customize myself could be a solution right? Same frame...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
We need an RDC. I seriously may have to drive to Drakulie's shop one of these days..lol. I dont know of any near me.
I am going to be so pissed if this racquet gives me arm problems . Took 10 days off... rested my arm.. playing tomorrow.. maybe better test is to hit with my prince tt100(310) and see if I get arm pain to isolate that is not vcore pro97...that way more likely culprit is full bed of poly and 9 hours play time in 4 days that I did 2 weeks ago...
Use the app Swing Tool? I think the accuracy is not too far off from RDC's, if I recall reading around here?
zettavaska
Rookie
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Ive never had success with it. I dont think I have the right setup for it.
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
That is apparently how they calibrate those expensive machines lol the manual human method, there were some good methods / instructions posted, don't quote me though..
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Had a good hour of heavy hitting tonight and I am leaning towards the frame with 2 total grams at 2 and 10. Just start the lead at the second cross and go up. Super easy, keeps the whip of the frame yet adds some punch to the ball. The racquet is coming through very nicely like this - highly recommend.
Nice!
I ordered a Wilson shock grip.. I will replace stock grip and put an overgrip which should get me to about 320 as my racquet is couple of grams over spec... this way I get to make it more comfortable too.. I had a hit today.. elbow seems fine..but some extra comfort and weight...
Has anyone tried the Wilson shock grip?
