jdeloach
Hall of Fame
* This is just my initial thoughts, and you may not agree with them, If you dont....please play and write your own. I love seeing different style player's views on different sticks.
Yonex VCore Pro 97HDDesign 8.5/10
Let me start by saying, I love the color! When you add a leather grip the tan and green just oozes with class. That being said, I would prefer just a solid green without all the futuristic artwork blended in the background. But I am a simple man, and that is probably not the popular opinion. The racquet does look older than a lot of the flashy colors being carried to the courts nowadays, but again...that is ok with me. The quality of the paint is amazing!! Of course that should come as no surprise to anyone when you talk about Yonex racquets.
Overall – Yonex has very high quality racquets, and this is no exception
Groundstrokes 8/10
The 97HD has a great plush feel, which does my 45yr old arm good. The accuracy from both the backhand and forehand side is deadly. That being said, the forehand is where I seemed to struggle just a tad. I believe with the combination of flex, tight string pattern, and just me being out of shape, I struggled to get the ball as deep as some other 18x20 racquets. Now the backhand side was a different tale all together. I LOVE this stick on my backhands. Did not matter if I was slicing or letting her rip....LOVED the feel and precision. I believe all of these latest Vcore Pro racquets were designed with Wawrinka in mind. (even though he doesn't actually play a VCore Pro)
Overall – Really solid overall from both sides. Shines like a diamond on backhand control and feel.
Volleys 9.5/10
Definitely my favorite area with the 97HD. Of course, this is usually my favorite with any 18x20 frame. The feel, stability, and accuracy was amazing. I could literally feel the ball sit on the strings and have lunch before launching exactly where I wanted it to land. It felt solid against heavy balls and made me want to get to the net as soon as possible.
Overall – Incredible in this area. Again....most 18x20's for me are great at the net as long as they are stable and not stiff as boards.
Serves 9/10
This also was a very nice area with this racquet. Usually I am not very good serving with 18x20 racquets. Especially my second serve. The 97HD actually surprised me. Not only did it create accurate flat first serves, but I was able to get pretty good kick on my seconds. The pace on my first was a little lower than racquets like the new PT2.0, but I believe with a couple grams at 12:00...that could change.
Overall – Control was great. Feeling was great. Spin was enough. Pace a little lacking.
Final Thoughts
Another amazing racquet of quality, control, and feel from Yonex. I actually got rid of mine and decided a couple days ago to get another. I want to keep 2 around for sure. If you like plush 18x20 racquets that look classy....definitely give this one a try.
Overall Score – 9.06/10
Yonex VCore Pro 97HD
Let me start by saying, I love the color! When you add a leather grip the tan and green just oozes with class. That being said, I would prefer just a solid green without all the futuristic artwork blended in the background. But I am a simple man, and that is probably not the popular opinion. The racquet does look older than a lot of the flashy colors being carried to the courts nowadays, but again...that is ok with me. The quality of the paint is amazing!! Of course that should come as no surprise to anyone when you talk about Yonex racquets.
Overall – Yonex has very high quality racquets, and this is no exception
Groundstrokes 8/10
The 97HD has a great plush feel, which does my 45yr old arm good. The accuracy from both the backhand and forehand side is deadly. That being said, the forehand is where I seemed to struggle just a tad. I believe with the combination of flex, tight string pattern, and just me being out of shape, I struggled to get the ball as deep as some other 18x20 racquets. Now the backhand side was a different tale all together. I LOVE this stick on my backhands. Did not matter if I was slicing or letting her rip....LOVED the feel and precision. I believe all of these latest Vcore Pro racquets were designed with Wawrinka in mind. (even though he doesn't actually play a VCore Pro)
Overall – Really solid overall from both sides. Shines like a diamond on backhand control and feel.
Volleys 9.5/10
Definitely my favorite area with the 97HD. Of course, this is usually my favorite with any 18x20 frame. The feel, stability, and accuracy was amazing. I could literally feel the ball sit on the strings and have lunch before launching exactly where I wanted it to land. It felt solid against heavy balls and made me want to get to the net as soon as possible.
Overall – Incredible in this area. Again....most 18x20's for me are great at the net as long as they are stable and not stiff as boards.
Serves 9/10
This also was a very nice area with this racquet. Usually I am not very good serving with 18x20 racquets. Especially my second serve. The 97HD actually surprised me. Not only did it create accurate flat first serves, but I was able to get pretty good kick on my seconds. The pace on my first was a little lower than racquets like the new PT2.0, but I believe with a couple grams at 12:00...that could change.
Overall – Control was great. Feeling was great. Spin was enough. Pace a little lacking.
Final Thoughts
Another amazing racquet of quality, control, and feel from Yonex. I actually got rid of mine and decided a couple days ago to get another. I want to keep 2 around for sure. If you like plush 18x20 racquets that look classy....definitely give this one a try.
Overall Score – 9.06/10
