Yonex Vcore Pro 97HD vs Yonex Vcore Pro 97D

I have played with both the 97D and 97HD and I am ...

  • Staying with the 97HD

    Votes: 50 50.0%
  • Switching to the 97D

    Votes: 32 32.0%
  • Undecided for now

    Votes: 13 13.0%
  • Keeping both in my bag

    Votes: 7 7.0%

  • Total voters
    100

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Creating a separate thread for discussing/comparing these 2 specific racquets to A) provide information to current 97HD users that are considering switching to (or adding) the new 97D and B) to get feedback/opinions from others that have tried both.

There has been some discussion already in the "2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread" but that thread covers the entire new 2021 series.

Both models are fabulous and their differences are very slight (+/- 5%) but could sway you towards one versus the other.
In my case, I'm going to keep both in my bag ... at least until the next great racquet for me is released :)

I noticed the following when constantly switching between the two during hitting sessions.
These slight differences are likely due to the new tech, new throat design and additional 1mm thickness in the 97D.

97D:
More solid and stable
More power and plow through
More comfortable/more muted/less vibration
More power/accuracy on serves

97HD:
Easier spin generation
More control
More flex
More ball pocketing
More touch/feel/feedback

Interested in what others have to say.
 
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Fairhit

Hall of Fame
I just bought the HD, I'm happy with it, I have no grounds to make a comparison with the D but I have to say that the HD just speaks to me, flexible with great touch and enough power, the best of all is the control, all in a easy on the arm package, I'm not seeing myself even trying new frames for a loooong long long time, like 2 months at least...
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I just bought the HD, I'm happy with it, I have no grounds to make a comparison with the D but I have to say that the HD just speaks to me, flexible with great touch and enough power, the best of all is the control, all in a easy on the arm package, I'm not seeing myself even trying new frames for a loooong long long time, like 2 months at least...

:D:laughing::-D(y)

Glad you like the 97HD. It is a fantastic racquet... and I completely agree with you.
 

mvg93456

Rookie
one thing to add is that the HD is much more maneuverable than the D, both due to weight and beam width

also one thing i'd disagree with OP is that the D has more feel than the HD, the HD felt more boardy to me (i.e. like 2x4) despite it having more flex
 

GummiiBear

Semi-Pro
I love my 97HD. The 97D, while easier to hit with, just didn't wow me. There's just something real special about the 97HD. Unlike any other. No need nor desire to own both.

I have mine strung up with VS Natural Gut 16ga Mains @55lbs. with Dunlop Expl. Bite 17ga Crosses @52lbs. :D Yummy.
 

cortado

Professional
one thing to add is that the HD is much more maneuverable than the D, both due to weight and beam width

also one thing i'd disagree with OP is that the D has more feel than the HD, the HD felt more boardy to me (i.e. like 2x4) despite it having more flex
That worries me a bit. HD is one of the least manoeuvrable racquets I've tried so far (but I managed to adapt to this and it did come with benefits in terms of stability and directional control).
 

GummiiBear

Semi-Pro
That worries me a bit. HD is one of the least manoeuvrable racquets I've tried so far (but I managed to adapt to this and it did come with benefits in terms of stability and directional control).

Ah yeah... while for me the HD swings really light for its weight, the 97D felt a bit sluggish. Is that similar to [lacking in] maneuverability?
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Ah yeah... while for me the HD swings really light for its weight, the 97D felt a bit sluggish. Is that similar to [lacking in] maneuverability?
Swingweight and balance affect maneuverability. The swingweight of the 97D is a bit higher than the 97HD according to the specs. I therefore had my dealer hand pick the lowest swingweight from his stock for me and I strung it with 18 gauge strings to keep the swingweight low. My 97D strung without a dampener was 321
 

Nate7-5

Hall of Fame
one thing to add is that the HD is much more maneuverable than the D, both due to weight and beam width

also one thing i'd disagree with OP is that the D has more feel than the HD, the HD felt more boardy to me (i.e. like 2x4) despite it having more flex

More maneuverable? They're both 320g and 20->21mm beam thickness is negligible.

The swingweights can vary greatly - my 97D is 318sw with thin poly and it's whippy like my VCore95. If you get one in the upper spec range and string it with heavy poly, its going to feel close to the 97H. Use a matching service if you really want to dial in your preference.
 

GummiiBear

Semi-Pro
Yeah, it was. I was hella surprised myself. I think someone suggested it had something to do with the 5g lead I have spread from 10 to 2 which I added after swapping to a leather grip skewed the balance way more than I anticipated it would.

Edit: I don't use a dampener nor head tape. I do use an overgrip.
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Yeah, it was. I was hella surprised myself. I think someone suggested it had something to do with the 5g lead I have spread from 10 to 2 which I added after swapping to a leather grip skewed the balance way more than I anticipated it would.

Edit: I don't use a dampener nor head tape. I do use an overgrip.
Ah, that would definitely add some swingweight then. As long as it works for you, don't change it (y)
 

mvg93456

Rookie
More maneuverable? They're both 320g and 20->21mm beam thickness is negligible.

The swingweights can vary greatly - my 97D is 318sw with thin poly and it's whippy like my VCore95. If you get one in the upper spec range and string it with heavy poly, its going to feel close to the 97H. Use a matching service if you really want to dial in your preference.

The hd was noticeably more maneuverable than the D, I think most people would agree with me. Not really sure why mentioning how your D was underspec (will not be most people's experience) and the fact you can pay for racket matching has anything to with this
 
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Nate7-5

Hall of Fame
The hd was noticeably more maneuverable than the D, I think most people would agree with me. Not really sure why mentioning how your D was underspec (will not be most people's experience) and the fact you can pay for racket manufacturing has anything to with this

The racquets have the same static weight, the same balance point and are essentially the same design. The only variable that makes one more or less maneuverable is the swingweight.
 

mvg93456

Rookie
The racquets have the same static weight, the same balance point and are essentially the same design. The only variable that makes one more or less maneuverable is the swingweight.


beam width matters too, if a racket has the same weight, sw, and balance, the one with the thinner beam will be more manuerable
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Eastern/Semi-Western (Somewhere Between) Forehand | “1 & 1/2” Handed Backhand
Just noticed the above in your signature. What does that mean? You use both a single and double backhand? If yes, you and I are in the same small, exclusive club :D
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Ah. I let go of my right hand (I'm a lefty) upon contact, followthrough with just my left hand.
Ah, interesting. I switched to double-handed due to a bad bout of tennis elbow. After my TE healed, I now play 75% 2H / 25% 1H. Drives my opponents crazy cuz of the unpredictability :sneaky:
 

puppybutts

Hall of Fame
97D:
More solid and stable
More power and plow through
More comfortable/less vibration
More power/accuracy on serves

97HD:
Easier spin generation
More control
More flex
More touch/feel/feedback

Interested in what others have to say.
I think the biggest differences are the 97HD has that magical, buttery feel, while the 97D feels slightly more dead, but in return is more stable with more plow through. The D is still a good feeling racquet, just not quite as unique as the HD. The D definitely has a tad more power, but it doesn't feel significant. It's not that the racquet feels designed to be more powerful, but it feels they were more decisive about how much the racquet should weigh, and as a result, the mass swings through the ball with more authority than the HD. Similarly, I think spin levels are rather similar, the D might just feel like slightly less because it it's slightly heavier and more plow through oriented, which will affect some people's swing.

The only thing I really disagree on is comfort...again I found the D to be a little more dead feeling. Still in the more comfortable segment of racquets out there, just not quite as pleasing as the HD. It felt more similar to the 330 of the previous generation, comfortably solid, but not buttery.

I do have to say (subjectively) I'm really not a fan of the paintjob. Some racquets look way better in person than they do in photos....this was not one of those racquets for me. It's just too messy for my taste and the feel of the paint is a little plasticky (not that the racquet doesn't feel high quality overall)
 
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10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
I think the biggest differences are the 97HD has that magical, buttery feel, while the 97D feels slightly more dead, but in return is more stable with more plow through. The D is still a good feeling racquet, just not quite as unique as the HD. The D definitely has a tad more power, but it doesn't feel significant. It's not that the racquet feels designed to be more powerful and but it feels they were more decisive about how much the racquet should weigh, and as a result, the mass swings through the ball with more authority than the HD. Similarly, I think spin levels are rather similar, the D might just feel like slightly less because it it's slightly heavier and more plow through oriented, which will affect some people's swing.

The only thing I really disagree on is comfort...again I found the D to be a little more dead feeling. Still in the more comfortable segment of racquets out there, just not quite as pleasing as the HD. It felt more similar to the 330 of the previous generation, comfortably solid, but not buttery.

I do have to say (subjectively) I'm really not a fan of the paintjob. Some racquets look way better in person than they do in photos....this was not one of those racquets for me. It's just too messy for my taste and the feel of the paint is a little plasticky (not that the racquet doesn't feel high quality overall)
Thanks for your feedback puppybutts. Agree with most of your points. As I tried to state in the original post, most of the differences I found were very slight or minimal.
The more dead feeling or muted feeling of the D is because they really reduced the vibrations in the D but upped the stiffness slightly.
And yes, the 97HD has that magical, buttery flex that is hard to match. (y)
 

GummiiBear

Semi-Pro
Ah, interesting. I switched to double-handed due to a bad bout of tennis elbow. After my TE healed, I now play 75% 2H / 25% 1H. Drives my opponents crazy cuz of the unpredictability :sneaky:

8-B My high school team coach absolutely hated my backhand. It really got to me, so I still do sometimes do a standard two-hander because of him. At the time it didn’t register how no other of the coaches I’d had over the years ever complained about it but I allowed one harsh dissenting voice really get to me, my confidence. My current coach really likes my backhand, and it is definitely my more reliably consistent groundstroke. My forehand has more power and versatility but yeah.
 
More maneuverable? They're both 320g and 20->21mm beam thickness is negligible.

The swingweights can vary greatly - my 97D is 318sw with thin poly and it's whippy like my VCore95. If you get one in the upper spec range and string it with heavy poly, its going to feel close to the 97H. Use a matching service if you really want to dial in your preference.
First, I agree that they are similarly maneuverable, that's the main ingredient I like them over the 330 and what I assume I wouldn't like about the H. But, 318, I'm curious about numbers. So, I've been told here that unstrung to strung SW is plus 33. The group of 8 rackets I had to choose from in my two purchases of the D were mainly SW 292 and 297, with one outlier at 300, unstrung. Do you know what your SW was unstrung?
 

Nate7-5

Hall of Fame
First, I agree that they are similarly maneuverable, that's the main ingredient I like them over the 330 and what I assume I wouldn't like about the H. But, 318, I'm curious about numbers. So, I've been told here that unstrung to strung SW is plus 33. The group of 8 rackets I had to choose from in my two purchases of the D were mainly SW 292 and 297, with one outlier at 300, unstrung. Do you know what your SW was unstrung?

291 and the weight of the string matters. I started out with Confidential 1.15. If I switched it to something like ALU Power 1.30, the sw would be at least 325.
 

MattHickford

New User
Creating a separate thread for discussing/comparing these 2 specific racquets to A) provide information to current 97HD users that are considering switching to (or adding) the new 97D and B) to get feedback/opinions from others that have tried both.

There has been some discussion already in the "2021 Yonex VCore Pro Official Thread" but that thread covers the entire new 2021 series.

Both models are fabulous and their differences are very slight but could sway you towards one versus the other.
In my case, I'm going to keep both in my bag ... at least until the next great racquet for me is released :)

I noticed the following when constantly switching between the two during hitting sessions.
These slight differences are likely due to the new tech, new throat design and additional 1mm thickness in the 97D.

97D:
More solid and stable
More power and plow through
More comfortable/less vibration
More power/accuracy on serves

97HD:
Easier spin generation
More control
More flex
More touch/feel/feedback

Interested in what others have to say.
FBL3R7UXoAEK4mk

Having played extensively with both, I'm definitely switching to the D. I found the slightly higher RA and increased beam width made it a much more modern and enjoyable racket to play with. I loved the flex and better manoeuvrability in the HD at the time, but will now gladly trade those things for more pop, power and stability. I strung it initially with PTP at 54lbs but will likely drop that to 51lbs or 52lbs for a little more depth to the stringbed. Genuinely, a wand of a racket.
 
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10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Had a few more outings with the 97D (& 97HD) and I'm really enjoying the added power and accuracy on serves with the 97D.
Curious if other 97D owners have also found improved serves with this stick...
 

Phat Dave

New User
Demoed the new D last month, and just bought second HD yesterday. The ball pocketing/precision combo is why the HD is an all-timer to me. When I tried Volkl natural gut at 48 pounds in the mains... I had a religious experience, after demoing 30+ sticks I was finally satisfied. The only way to unleash this racquet is to string low. Hitting the sweet spot of an HD on groundstrokes why I love the game.
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Demoed the new D last month, and just bought second HD yesterday. The ball pocketing/precision combo is why the HD is an all-timer to me. When I tried Volkl natural gut at 48 pounds in the mains... I had a religious experience, after demoing 30+ sticks I was finally satisfied. The only way to unleash this racquet is to string low. Hitting the sweet spot of an HD on groundstrokes why I love the game.
Happy for you that you found your Holy Grail after your 30+ racquet pilgrimage :)
What string & tension do you use for your crosses?
 

Fairhit

Hall of Fame
Demoed the new D last month, and just bought second HD yesterday. The ball pocketing/precision combo is why the HD is an all-timer to me. When I tried Volkl natural gut at 48 pounds in the mains... I had a religious experience, after demoing 30+ sticks I was finally satisfied. The only way to unleash this racquet is to string low. Hitting the sweet spot of an HD on groundstrokes why I love the game.
I am currently trying 52lbs, I was playing with 48 but it was for me a little hard to find my touch, dropshots were landing far and sometimes before the net, too many too high, I have always managed to calibrate those no matter the frame but at this low of a tension it has become a little too unpredictable to me.
 

djNEiGht

Legend
I hit with the HD on a demo and didn't get along with it. Of course...the string set up could have played into it. At that time I was using my Redondo 98 so the weight/pattern/flex wasn't new to me. I got a pair of the 97D through a trade and am really enjoying it.
 

cortado

Professional
Just bought 5 360+ Mids but I would like to try the D.
Not a massive fan of HD or D paint jobs, maybe D is slightly better.
 

clzeng

New User
So I've been using the HD for the past year, decided to buy the D for the extra "pop" and was a little disappointed. Was kind of hoping for a bit of the plushness that the HD offered with some of the power of the VCore 95. The feel was a lot more similar to the VCore 95 than it was to the HD (which I know this forum may like) but that was my biggest disappointment.

The trade off for power was there, but it was not worth it for me. I felt that the power was a little easier to obtain, especially if your timing isn't all there. However with the elongated throat piece, I found that the slightly shortened strings played a bit of a role in the reduced ball pocketing and actually tightened up the string bed a little too much for my taste (especially with the 18 x 20 pattern).

I know there has been some discussion about the maneuverability of the frame, and how it can't be that different from the HD, but I found it to be less maneuverable despite having a swing weight matched by TW to close to the SW of the HD. The frame is minimally thicker, so I don't think it was aerodynamics, but I a think it is a result of the elongated throat piece and having the entire hoop a bit more distal to the handle. I am also pretty sure that this is what is primarily contributing to the higher swing weights for this generation of VCore Pros.

Some of the pros of the racquet are that the flat shots are really great, a lot of power and control, pretty easy to find a good angle if the ball was high enough. I found good serve placement, and had some really great slices and net shots. I had a lot of confidence on "touch" shots and was able to pull off some really great drop shots with it.

My recommendation would probably be to string this at a lower tension than the HD, again because of the shorter main strings and the slightly stiffer frame, you will likely find more comfort with a lower tension.

Overall, as a fan of the HD I was not a fan of the D. It was too different of a racquet for me and it honestly just cemented my love for the HD. I will likely be selling some racquets over the next few days (including the D) so I can buy some HDs while I can.
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
Just bought 5 360+ Mids but I would like to try the D.
Not a massive fan of HD or D paint jobs, maybe D is slightly better.
Since you like the 360+ Mids you would probably prefer the D over the HD because the stiffness and flex of the D is closer to your 360+ Mids than the HD.
Would like to hear your comparison if you ever do try out the D or HD. Have always wanted to try the Prestige sticks but not many players use them in my area and from what I've read on these forums is that the QC isn't as good as Yonex's.
 
So I've been using the HD for the past year, decided to buy the D for the extra "pop" and was a little disappointed. Was kind of hoping for a bit of the plushness that the HD offered with some of the power of the VCore 95. The feel was a lot more similar to the VCore 95 than it was to the HD (which I know this forum may like) but that was my biggest disappointment.

The trade off for power was there, but it was not worth it for me. I felt that the power was a little easier to obtain, especially if your timing isn't all there. However with the elongated throat piece, I found that the slightly shortened strings played a bit of a role in the reduced ball pocketing and actually tightened up the string bed a little too much for my taste (especially with the 18 x 20 pattern).

I know there has been some discussion about the maneuverability of the frame, and how it can't be that different from the HD, but I found it to be less maneuverable despite having a swing weight matched by TW to close to the SW of the HD. The frame is minimally thicker, so I don't think it was aerodynamics, but I a think it is a result of the elongated throat piece and having the entire hoop a bit more distal to the handle. I am also pretty sure that this is what is primarily contributing to the higher swing weights for this generation of VCore Pros.

Some of the pros of the racquet are that the flat shots are really great, a lot of power and control, pretty easy to find a good angle if the ball was high enough. I found good serve placement, and had some really great slices and net shots. I had a lot of confidence on "touch" shots and was able to pull off some really great drop shots with it.

My recommendation would probably be to string this at a lower tension than the HD, again because of the shorter main strings and the slightly stiffer frame, you will likely find more comfort with a lower tension.

Overall, as a fan of the HD I was not a fan of the D. It was too different of a racquet for me and it honestly just cemented my love for the HD. I will likely be selling some racquets over the next few days (including the D) so I can buy some HDs while I can.
I completely agree with your opinion, the HD will definitely be talked about for a long time. I find them all pretty close, 95, HD, D, and you did a good job of describing why I like the D, it's kind of a mix of 95 and HD in a way. I'm going to be using the D for awhile. Can you articulate what shots or situations you liked the HD or is it more of an overall feel? You mentioned the pocketing, and I know what you mean, but what shots does that help you make? I liked that aspect of the HD too, I even would use full gut sometimes to just make it the most HD racket of any racket available to purchase, super pocketing. But, I also wasn't sure what tennis shots that was translating into, just kind of a nice feel really.
 
Hello my good tennis folk! 4.5-5.0 OHB player here.

so I’m an RF97 user at heart. That is my favourite stick—for 30min.

Frustrating because conflating the first half hour of play vs an entire session has been costly for me at tournaments and the lighter PS97 just feels like a different racket all together. So I made the tough decision and maybe the worst decision to go down the rabbit hole of racket switching/testing for a couple of months each time with different strings/tensions/grips/mods.

I tried the Pure Strike 16x19, too much spin and power, launch angle is too pronounced for me, so I landed on the 18x20 which was amazing for everything but for the most important part of my game. Serves. I like this stick so much that is my plan B racket in case I can’t find something “better” for my game.

Switched to the VCORE 95, underpowered but with mods, loved the serves and the feeling behind the baseline, but wasn’t my favourite at net or the slice, yet my tournament results suggest it was a vast improvement than playing with the RF97.

I went on vacation without my tennis gear thinking I needed a break except I was staying at a resort which had beautiful maintained courts in the mountains. So I drove to the local tennis shop and gambled on the 97D.

I’d previously tried the HD, but it felt as sluggish as the RF97 without the legendary feel and precision. I described my ideal racket and the guy said I was describing the 97D that was slightly lighter 320g. they didn’t have a demo in, so ai gambled and he gave me a stick with a swing weight of 322? (292 unstrung) and a static weight of 321g.

I’ve had the racket for a month now, strung it at 55, 50 and 48, I tried Gut/poly, full-bed poly, decided I wanted more spin so ended with RPM blast 18g at 48lbs. Maybe a bit too spin friendly now but I’m still working on finding the best set up at least I have a feel for the racket with different gauges and tensions!

The one handed backhand is where this shined brightest for me. I felt I could confidently swing and generate good depth, spin and pace (regardless my setup). 10/10

Backhand slice was a little less effortless and controlled as I would like, I felt I was creating different launch angles each swing, with the RF I feel each swing is going to produce a beautiful and identical knifing low slice, with this, Ifelt like I really had to time the ball perfectly and hit it below the shoulder level, something I didn’t have to worry about as much with the ProStaff, but the OHB was so good that this was probably better for my game since I was on the offensive more and at the same time, the slice was better than the Vcore 95, but not as good as the strike 18x20.
7/10

Forehand slice, I never really use this shot, but felt the same 7/10

Volleys. Felt great, good pocketing, nice depth, good control 8.5/10

Feel was good, a little dampened but I hit few drop shots without any issues, again, like the slice, cutting the ball after coming from the RF97 is going to make any racket feel slightly duller but it did it’s job each time 8/10


Forehand, maybe it was the swing weight (320-322) I think) but this felt whippy, I generated a ton of spin. Felt like the Vcore 95 with great directional control and more forgiveness, very nice behind the baseline BUT with the same lack of power of its smaller brethren which made it tough to put away winners. Need to add some led. I’m thinking a swing weight of 327ish would be ideal for me. So will try adding 1g at 12 and will report back. No grade for now.



Serves. Perfectly arm friendly and precise with A LOT of pace. My arm always tingles or has a day of tenderness after 2-3 sets with the RF97 or the PureStrike. Loved serve and volleying. I found myself serve and swing volleying winners a lot with this stick too. I had a lot of confidence for my service games. I was able to produce a lot of kick and the slice of my second serve, in fact I won more second serves than with my flat firsts oddly enough 9/10.

In conclusion, I really like this stick. I’ve only played it in stock form for now, but I’m confident with my strokes so I’m ordering a second stick, hopefully matched to these specs. I definitely felt this had more manoeuvrability than the HD or the RF97, obviously, the swing weight being as low as it was helped. Looking forward to playing this in my league. Still not sure if it’s better than the Pure Strike 18x20, but I’m winning more service games, but losing more return rallies! All in all 8/10 or 8.5/10 for me!

best,

Professor Moriarty!
 
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cortado

Professional
Since you like the 360+ Mids you would probably prefer the D over the HD because the stiffness and flex of the D is closer to your 360+ Mids than the HD.
Would like to hear your comparison if you ever do try out the D or HD. Have always wanted to try the Prestige sticks but not many players use them in my area and from what I've read on these forums is that the QC isn't as good as Yonex's.
I keep trying to post the spreadsheet of the 10 matches racquets I chose from, but I can’t work out how to. QC isn’t that bad honestly. Most are very close to the intended swing-weight eg 298, 299 or 300. The lightest racquet with most headlight balance has the lowest swim swing-weight which makes sense. Without matching, you could make a good guess as to your swing-weight just using static weight and balance.
 

clzeng

New User
I completely agree with your opinion, the HD will definitely be talked about for a long time. I find them all pretty close, 95, HD, D, and you did a good job of describing why I like the D, it's kind of a mix of 95 and HD in a way. I'm going to be using the D for awhile. Can you articulate what shots or situations you liked the HD or is it more of an overall feel? You mentioned the pocketing, and I know what you mean, but what shots does that help you make? I liked that aspect of the HD too, I even would use full gut sometimes to just make it the most HD racket of any racket available to purchase, super pocketing. But, I also wasn't sure what tennis shots that was translating into, just kind of a nice feel really.

For me personally, I found that the HD's pocketing helps with my ground strokes in almost every way. The way I would describe it is when a racquet is stiffer I get a very solid feel, I know what direction the ball is going, and generally how fast. I would describe it as a very two dimensional feel. When the racquet pockets well, I get an almost three dimensional feel of the ball, I can feel the spin, the direction and the power, it is a little harder to decipher this feel while on the run, but I have these moments of clarity with the HD where I can almost feel the arch and pathway of my ball as I am pocketing it and it is another level of feel. The only other racquet that came close to this was the pro tour 2.0, but that was just a bit too much racquet for me. While I wouldn't say the pocketing is really additive to my game for all shots, specifically ones where you kind of want to point and shoot like volleys, some deep slices, and some serves, I find that it really improves my connection to my ground strokes and also greatly enhances my enjoyment of the game. I do tend to add some lead tape to the 9 and 3 of my HD to improve the stability and confidence of my OHB. For me the power differential just wasn't enough to justify the stiffness, I found that the HD's flexibility didn't make it spongy at all, rather made it feel like a whip. I think that more time the the HD will further improve my ability to connect with the ball, there is just so much feedback from the pocketing that I am still learning new feelings when I play with it.
 
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