GummiiBear
Semi-Pro
My own experience resonates with 10-15%.
Yonex Vcore Pro 97HD vs Yonex Vcore Pro 97D
- Thread starter 10S-Junkie
- Start date
My own experience resonates with 10-15%.
@robyrolfo - If it isn't beat up too badly, I would absolutely snag that local 97HD demo for $100! Solid deal.
@robyrolfo I am similarly tempted as my shop has their last green 310g demo for sale too.
I know people say the Yonex 16x19 has as much control as the 18x20, but mentally I can't accept that
I know people say the Yonex 16x19 has as much control as the 18x20, but mentally I can't accept that
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Same here, for me it´s a 15% even 20%. And more spin. Just a better racquet for me and it´s noticable. Not night and day at all, but noticable difference.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
If it was an HD, I would have taken it on the spot. But it's a 97 310, 16x19 (see below).
@robyrolfo I am similarly tempted as my shop has their last green 310g demo for sale too.
I know people say the Yonex 16x19 has as much control as the 18x20, but mentally I can't accept that
I actually demoed the 16x19 when I demoed the HD, and although I do prefer the 18x20, I actually rather enjoyed the Green 2019 16x19 (even if I didn't care much for the 2021 97 310). My wife would probably get annoyed if I got another racquet, but I'm pretty sure I could pull off convincing her that the 18x20 is the same racquet (just never let her see both at the same time, right?)
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Wanted to come back and say I decided to throw in a full bed of multi in my HD (Head Velocity 17g black), just to see how it would feel, and I've been loving it! My net play has never been this good (not that it's great, just good for my standards), and I'm also really enjoying full strokes from the baseline on both wings, with my OHBH dialed in pretty nicely. So the HD is definitely my go-to right now, and even if the D still has nicer paint work, the HD looks pretty awesome with black strings and a black overgrip.
Fairhit
Hall of Fame
For me it was a little hard to dial in the 1hbh but today it is a weapon with my HD, I'm currently working on hitting it instead of recurring so much to slice it from that wing, I'm getting to those shots with time so I have to hit it topspin and that do more damage than a defensive slice.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Another update on my personal journey: First and foremost, the 97HD has solidified its spot as my #1 racquet. After the surprisingly good experience with a full bed of Head Velocity 17g multi, I'm now using a full bed of Technifibre Triax 16g (technically a multi, but what they call a multi/poly hybrid), and I'm loving it. Feel is fantastic, and performance is absolutely great for me. Groundstrokes are giving me a nice smidge of power, but not too much, so I can take big/full swings and produce some good pace and depth, always with great control. And then volleys at the next are just superb. The combination of stability and feel/touch has boosted my confidence, so I've been having fun going for those touch and/or angled volleys (that don't work all the time, but are supremely satisfying when they do).
Beyond that, even though I'm very happy with the 97HD, I'm still experimenting with other stuff (because, at the very least, it makes things interesting). I decided to buy that demo 2019 97 310 that my local shop was selling, and I strung it up myself (recently got a drop weight stringer) with some Technifibre HDMX. Overall the 310 is also a pretty good racquet, and I especially like that extra little big of maneuverability around the net, but I have to be more careful to keep the added power in check. That may be a result of me stringing it a little too low in tension (50 lbs, because I've never used HDMX before), and also the need for some additional topspin on my forehand stroke. I don't have the heart to cut out the HDMX quite so soon, but I'm curious to try it with a higher tension.
I also strung up an older Babolat Pure Strike VS I had lying around (I needed something to experiment with for my first ever string job). It's 295g unstrung, so it feels like a toy after the Vcore Pros, and it is a 16 x 20 pattern, so an interesting little racquet.
Beyond that, even though I'm very happy with the 97HD, I'm still experimenting with other stuff (because, at the very least, it makes things interesting). I decided to buy that demo 2019 97 310 that my local shop was selling, and I strung it up myself (recently got a drop weight stringer) with some Technifibre HDMX. Overall the 310 is also a pretty good racquet, and I especially like that extra little big of maneuverability around the net, but I have to be more careful to keep the added power in check. That may be a result of me stringing it a little too low in tension (50 lbs, because I've never used HDMX before), and also the need for some additional topspin on my forehand stroke. I don't have the heart to cut out the HDMX quite so soon, but I'm curious to try it with a higher tension.
I also strung up an older Babolat Pure Strike VS I had lying around (I needed something to experiment with for my first ever string job). It's 295g unstrung, so it feels like a toy after the Vcore Pros, and it is a 16 x 20 pattern, so an interesting little racquet.
Parabellum
Professional
Alright y’all, I need you you all, the VCore Pro Guild of Champions to give me some advice! I’m on the hunt to find my attacking frame! My game: mid-high 4.0 playerborderline 4.5, I have an extreme eastern forehand/borderline SW, one handed backhand, can hit with heavy topspin if needed but can flatten out, decent serve mechanics, excellent slices on both wings, and great touch at the net.
Here’s the situation! I am changing my play style from a defensive baseliner basher (ala Djokovic) to an aggressive baseliner/attacker (ala Federer)… so I have left my VCore 95’s (modded with leather grip and lead tape at 12 o’clock for a total static weight of 349g and balance of 9pts HL) in search of a just as heavy racquet with a less HL balance and more SW so I can have that plough through to finish off points quick.
Of the VCP’s I’m looking at the D and H, would even consider the older models (330 and HD). Which one would suit best for the type of performance I’m looking for?
My main concern is that the low stiffness of these racquets will draw the power I want away.
With that being said I currently have the following sticks in my bag: Pure Strike Tour Gen 3, Head Gravity Pro, and Head Auxetic Prestige Tour. As you can see all heavy-ish frames, high SW (330+), high stiffness except for the Gravity Pro, and mid head light balance. I loved the RF97, perfect attacking frame but static weight was a tad bit too heavy. I am very athletic and lift regularly but it was a doozy to lug around.
I prefer weight after OG to be around 350g, but most importantly SW around 335-340ish.
Sorry for the long post!
Here’s the situation! I am changing my play style from a defensive baseliner basher (ala Djokovic) to an aggressive baseliner/attacker (ala Federer)… so I have left my VCore 95’s (modded with leather grip and lead tape at 12 o’clock for a total static weight of 349g and balance of 9pts HL) in search of a just as heavy racquet with a less HL balance and more SW so I can have that plough through to finish off points quick.
Of the VCP’s I’m looking at the D and H, would even consider the older models (330 and HD). Which one would suit best for the type of performance I’m looking for?
My main concern is that the low stiffness of these racquets will draw the power I want away.
With that being said I currently have the following sticks in my bag: Pure Strike Tour Gen 3, Head Gravity Pro, and Head Auxetic Prestige Tour. As you can see all heavy-ish frames, high SW (330+), high stiffness except for the Gravity Pro, and mid head light balance. I loved the RF97, perfect attacking frame but static weight was a tad bit too heavy. I am very athletic and lift regularly but it was a doozy to lug around.
I prefer weight after OG to be around 350g, but most importantly SW around 335-340ish.
Sorry for the long post!
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
More head-heavy attacking frame, probably should try a Blade as well.
Parabellum
Professional
Hmm I wrote it off because the strung weight and swing weight concern me, they’re lower than I’d prefer and seems like it’d need to be leaded up pretty good to be an attacking frame. 330+ SW and 330g+ strung is what I’m looking for. That along with the very low stiffness makes me think it is really low powered. I believe I’ve also read around the forums that it’s quite a low powered frame. Its specs are like the VCore 95 but it’s even lighter.
Hard to point you in an unexplored direction here, because you already have a bunch of benchmark heavier attacking frames in your bag… And sounds like you’ve already made the vcore 95 into a 97(H)D.
Here are some subjective comparisons:
1) aggressive spin-based game
gravity pro > 97hd > 97d
2) aggressive flat strokes
97d > 97hd > gravity pro
3) slices
97d > gravity pro > 97hd
4) touch / net play
probably 97hd marginally
The 97hd will be low sw for your stated preferences and maybe low power. Gravity Pro specs vary too much, but the avg plays very close to a 97d in terms of power potental. I doubt you’ll feel much difference b/w an on spec 97d and your 95.
I guess I’m saying you’ve covered that part of the field, and I see small odds the 97(h)d will end your search. I’d try the last gen 330 or a lower sw 97h, and maybe that will help you calibrate your view on the sticks you already have.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Expert level yonex analysis
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Considering that he seems to like some heft, I think the 97D would be the best compromise. I don't think it's a "free power" frame, but when you swing through with good momentum, it sends out a very heavy, hard ball.
Parabellum
Professional
Wow
thank you very much for the excellent comparison and detailed analysis, I knew I came to the right place. People like you are why forums are so great, no other place to receive knowledge like this.That being said, I'll skip on the HD and find a 330 to try and possibly even find a 97D, maybe the larger head size and thinner beam will be more to my liking, although the thinner beam typically means less power. I know you said the 97D and avg spec Gravity are close in terms of power potential but I would love to see how they compare in hand, with the slight differences in beam, SW, and weight. Funny though because on your rankings the 97HD looks to be a nice middle ground in spin and flat strokes. The racquetholic in me wants to get all 3 (330, D, and HD) which actually might happen if the prices are right
Awesome, I'll definitely give the 97D a try then. I definitely have full strokes and swing THROUGH the ball, not being a "free power" frame is a slight concern but you said "very heavy, hard ball." and I'm sold.
And yes, I NEED some heft. For instance I tried a Speed Pro 2022, Prince ATS 98, and Vcore 95 stock and I was actually swinging TOO FAST and mis hitting/timing balls because I'm so used to swinging a heftier heavier club "fast" lol. I especially had trouble on taking returns early with the lighter frames because my timing was way off because they swung too fast.
I know y'all don't talk about it here but how about the 97H? It's seems to sit between an RF97 and all the other frames I listed with the static weight (349g) and SW (337). May just try it out because it's endorsed by Stan, although I know Stans true racquet is the older 2011(?) one and is way heavier and higher SW.
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Nate7-5
Hall of Fame
The sensation of deforming the ball from the Yonex 330g racquets is satisfying, but you have to be in great shape to wield that battle axe for multiple hours. I dont use one anymore, but they really train you to react quickly with a full take-back. Just from swinging the 97H briefly, I thought it more polarized than previous iterations and therefore easier to swing.
Parabellum
Professional
Thank you sir! From the many reviews I watched it looks like the 330 is the one I need to try, the decrease in stiffness on the 97H seems to have decreased the power as well. Sad because the new PJ's are absolutely gorgeous.
@janelgreo my vote is for the 97D, I demoed it and was skeptical but am about to demo it again.
I really liked it and have been thinking about it ever since, a very playable frame.
My concern is adding a leather grip would put it above 350g, I'm personally trying to get in the 335-340g range but I played well with it stock.
Great control, not as much feedback as my Ultra Pro, but good power.
I like closed patterns and that you can string poly low in them for free power, but still have the control of a closed pattern.
I play an all-court/attacking game as well.
Gravity Pro isn't maneuverable enough for me.
I really liked it and have been thinking about it ever since, a very playable frame.
My concern is adding a leather grip would put it above 350g, I'm personally trying to get in the 335-340g range but I played well with it stock.
Great control, not as much feedback as my Ultra Pro, but good power.
I like closed patterns and that you can string poly low in them for free power, but still have the control of a closed pattern.
I play an all-court/attacking game as well.
Gravity Pro isn't maneuverable enough for me.
The 97D will definitely help you finish off points early, that's for sure. It's basically a more cushioned and controlled Pure Strike Tour Gen3, with a slightly bigger and higher sweetspot. It also plays heavier than its low-to-mid 320's swing weight would suggest -- this from first hand experience of owning one. The flex of the neck and coupled with the rigidity and stability of the hoop are something special; if they greet your play style, it could be quite the honeymoon, and then some.
Parabellum
Professional
Thanks guys, I'll definitely give the 97D a shot, I think I'd rather try that out instead of the H or 330. I can add a little lead at least to increase SW if needed, as with the H or 330 it'd be too much.
TW has the average SW at 330 for the 97D, which is pretty solid.
I have read here and in the other vcore pro thread that some have come in under that, not sure what people have gotten recently.
Definitely easier to add weight, I like the response of 18x20's more than the tiny bit of extra spin or power from a 16x19.
Learned this recently from playing with 16x19s
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Yes, it seems like the initial production runs TW USA received seemed to have higher swingweights closer to 330SW but later runs like the two 97D's I bought in Canada around 5 months later had lower SW around 322-325.
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That's encouraging @10S-Junkie as it would provide more flexibility.
I wonder if they play as stable in stock form versus the "higher-spec" early ones?
I wonder if they play as stable in stock form versus the "higher-spec" early ones?
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Very stable. For me, no need for additional weight anywhere
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robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Yes, I demoed the Vcore 95 in the same day/session that I demoed the Vcore Pro 97HD and 97 310 (2019) version, and my first impression of the Vcore 95 was the same. It felt like a plastic toy compared to the others, and my timing was certainly off at first. I eventually adjusted somewhat, but still preferred the others.
Never tried the 97H, though, as the HD was just about as heavy as I wanted to go, and the 97D was too heavy for me, personally, at least for doubles. Hitting against pace (or a ball machine on a high setting) the 97D feels great and very stable, but most of my play is doubles against varied or outright junk balls...
Parabellum
Professional
I am officially a 97D user! It beat out 9 other sticks to now be my main. Weight, balance, SW, paint job, everything is perfect for me and my game.
That being said this is the first racquet I actually truly enjoyed playing with and made the game fun again! It truly is amazing on all wings and to be told that I was hitting "backhands like Stan the Man", it's the highest complement I can get. THE BEST OHBH's I have ever hit in my life, so satisfying I was running around my forehand to hit it.
Now strings! Using Kirschbaum Max Power Rough 17 @ 48. I get amazing depth, spin, power, I literally paint the lines with this BUT! It feels very stiff and boardy, I could go lower on tension but I think initial stringing at 48 is my limit and whatever it settles down to.
So am looking for something similar but better feel. I'm looking at the following right now: BHB7 18, Tour Bite 17, Lynx Tour 17, MSV FHS 17. If you have any other suggestions please let me know! I was also thinking of going for non-black lighter colored/colored strings to make it feel a bit more lively.
That being said this is the first racquet I actually truly enjoyed playing with and made the game fun again! It truly is amazing on all wings and to be told that I was hitting "backhands like Stan the Man", it's the highest complement I can get. THE BEST OHBH's I have ever hit in my life, so satisfying I was running around my forehand to hit it.
Now strings! Using Kirschbaum Max Power Rough 17 @ 48. I get amazing depth, spin, power, I literally paint the lines with this BUT! It feels very stiff and boardy, I could go lower on tension but I think initial stringing at 48 is my limit and whatever it settles down to.
So am looking for something similar but better feel. I'm looking at the following right now: BHB7 18, Tour Bite 17, Lynx Tour 17, MSV FHS 17. If you have any other suggestions please let me know! I was also thinking of going for non-black lighter colored/colored strings to make it feel a bit more lively.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Glad you found your magic stick.
I also have Kirschbaum Max Power Rough in one of my 97D's but it is the 18g/1.20mm version (strung at 51/49lbs). I don't find it too stiff or boardy however it definitely isn't as plush as my other 97D that is strung with Hyper-G 18g / Hyper-G Soft 18g. There's more ball pocketing and dwell time with this Hyper-G combo but a little less power. Obviously a bit more comfortable too.
I string the 2 differently to adjust for opponents, conditions, etc...
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Parabellum
Professional
I typically play with Mayami Tour Hex which is more plush so I’m used to that. I wouldn’t say I think MPR is uncomfortable or gives me problems, I just prefer the slightly plusher feel while still retaining the spin/power properties. I’ll string it with TH next and see how I like it, I do remember that TH was lower powered but we’ll see on the 97D.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Try that or maybe try the 18 gauge MPR
Parabellum
Professional
Yeah I’ll definitely do that, seriously can’t beat the price of Kirschbaum if you have the preferred player discount.
@janelgreo - I would definitely dip down into 18 gauge for firmer polys, to get that bit of extra pocketing; you'll also get added ball bite with most of them vs 17 gauge. I tried TBS in my 97D and definitely like regular TB better for the better tension maintenance. Congrats on settling with this stick; its a comfortable crusher, that's for sure.
Parabellum
Professional
Awesome! Yeah I’ve always did 17 gauge and never dipped down to 18 or 1.20 and below. I’ll get me a set or two of MPR 18, thank you!
ChrisJR3264
Legend
For such a low flex, the HD was tough on the elbow for me.
naturalexponent
Legend
Same. Very odd. I felt a lot of vibrations even with multi, so I wonder if it has to do with that vs the flex.
Fairhit
Hall of Fame
Are you totally sure the from was adequate? Because the Ultra Tour was rough for me even though it si foam filled, I know my forehand had something to do as I was hitting too late and arming the ball.
naturalexponent
Legend
Yeah I felt way more vibrations from the 97hd even when I was just bouncing it on the racquet at home. I don’t hit perfectly but I know when pain is from framing/mis-hitting vs not. I think some vibration frequencies are just not compatible with certain arms. For example plenty of people think the 360+ prestige mid is comfortable but a handful including myself find it jarring.
Parabellum
Professional
BTW if anyone bought a 97D and is looking to let go of it, let me know! Looking to buy 2 as of now.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
What grip size?
Parabellum
Professional
4 3/8
Strayfire
Semi-Pro
HDMX in the VCP HD is probably the best full multi setup I've tried so far.
Good balance of pop from multis and control from the poly-like material.
Going to ask my TF rep for a reel of HDMX 1.30mm.
Parabellum
Professional
Asked for a racquet matching service at another retailer and this is the two they found matched the closest.
The swing weight seems a little low, no? Strings max out at around 30, that would bring it to 325 for racquet 1. Racquet seems under spec'd in that regard.
Static weight is about spot on, especially after removing the cardboard and plastic, same with balance.
| Racquet | Static Weight | Balance | Swing Weight |
| VCP97D (1) | 326 | 12.125 | 295 |
| VCP97D (2) | 325.5 | 12.125 | 294 |
The swing weight seems a little low, no? Strings max out at around 30, that would bring it to 325 for racquet 1. Racquet seems under spec'd in that regard.
Static weight is about spot on, especially after removing the cardboard and plastic, same with balance.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
It seems like the initial production run that TW rec'd had a higher SW that was around 330. The two 97D's I purchased from a different retailer around 5 months later have specs similar to yours.
Parabellum
Professional
Thank you sir! I think I may just go with these. I should learn how to measure the swings weight manually so I can measure my current 97D, since I don’t have a machine.
dropvolley123
New User
Anyone try natural gut in the mains of either the 97HD or 97D? I just love the feeling of NG in the mains!! Had HypreG 17 at 50lbs in the crosses of my Wilson RFA 97 (frame is a bit much for me now!) and Wilson PS 97s (smallish sweet spot).
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Here's one way you can measure SW yourself but luckily for me, my stringer has a Prince SW machine
Tennis Racquet Swingweight Calculator
A tennis racquet customization tool that allows the user to manually measure the swingweight of his own racquet.
twu.tennis-warehouse.com
Parabellum
Professional
Here's one way you can measure SW yourself but luckily for me, my stringer has a Prince SW machine
Tennis Racquet Swingweight Calculator
A tennis racquet customization tool that allows the user to manually measure the swingweight of his own racquet.twu.tennis-warehouse.com
Thank you sir! That must be one expensive machine! Let me just send you my racquets and you can restring it and measure the SW for me
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
It probably was expensive. It's the same model that you see in the Tennis $p1n videos on Youtub3. (It is not a stringing machine. It's a separate machine for measuring swing weight, weight and balance).Thank you sir! That must be one expensive machine! Let me just send you my racquets and you can restring it and measure the SW for me
The stringing shop I go to has had it for quite a few years.
And sure, send me your racquets but if any of them somehow don't make it back to you, blame the courier, not me
Yes, my brief stint with a 97HD, the used one I bought had klip gut mains and Gamma Glide crosses.
It crushed balls and had surprising spin.
No clue the tension but it felt pretty firm.
The racquet didn't feel good otherwise (I think the owner had modded it) so I had to sell it.
