Yonex Vcore Tour 97 "Light" (the 310 grams version) discussion thread

rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
Hi,

I know there is some talk about this frame in the "Yonex Vcore Tour 89 and 97 specs" thread (here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=413743), but that thread has grown so much I thought it might be a good idea to create a separate thread dedicated to the lighter version of the Vcore Tour 97 frame. This frame is currently not available in the US, but can be bought from Tennis Warehouse Europe.

I know there are a couple of users such as syke, westside and zumzool who own(ed) this stick.

Care to share your experiences with stick? What are the pros and cons? Please also provide background information, such as playing level, playing style, related racket experience, etc.
 
@Zumzool, thanks for clarifying.

The guys at Stringers World (dot com) claim that it's very spin-friendly and better for moving the opponent around the court rather than blasting winners past your opponent.

So it's more of an all-court frame than a pure baseliner's frame?
 
I think the SW comments are probably consistent with what I'm finding.

I too have problems blasting winners with the yonex, but it's great if you want to create short wicked angles to get your opponent moving off the court. The strength for me is at the net and on bh slices.

To give some perspective, I'm mainly playing with a Dunlop 4D 200 Tour. The 200 Tour is a punishing baseliners stick. The yonex is more for a finesse game imo. I'm still playing around with string setups and weight and would like to play with the yonex. I just haven't gotten there yet.
 
very interested in this frame once it comes out. The specs look great...similar to my Dunlop Maxx 200g, but a little lighter.
 
rlau said:
So it's finally coming to the States too?
Click to expand...

Tw playtester told me it is a great frame with some similarity to the RDIS series. The 330 version was to heavy for me but has beautiful cosmetics. Just preordered two 310s one with pro line 2 the other with pro line 2 mains and pacific gut crosses both at mid tension. Initially TW is not bringing many so be aware of that limited amount in stock. But I think its a racket that has great specs and could be a best seller
 
Boricua said:
Tw playtester told me it is a great frame with some similarity to the RDIS series. The 330 version was to heavy for me but has beautiful cosmetics. Just preordered two 310s one with pro line 2 the other with pro line 2 mains and pacific gut crosses both at mid tension. Initially TW is not bringing many so be aware of that limited amount in stock. But I think its a racket that has great specs and could be a best seller
Click to expand...

I have been burned before by "great specs" not playing out so great on the court. The Prestige S comes to mind. So I refuse to buy a racquet without testing first. My main fear is the the stiffness rating of 67 is a bit on the high side. It may "play like" a 65 or a 69?
 
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JackB1 said:
I have been burned before by "great specs" not playing out so great on the court. The Prestige S comes to mind. So I refuse to buy a racquet without testing first. My main fear is the the stiffness rating of 67 is a bit on the high side. It may "play like" a 65 or a 69?
Click to expand...

I cant test. The best I can do is buy and return and get 75 percent of original price from TW. Its a shame as I would like to demo. Anyway, I will venture with this 97 as I have tried many of the recent Yonex rackets and have an idea what to expect. I was tempted by the Head Extreme Pro and the Dunlop Biomimetic 500 Tour but that is an unknown territory for me. I demoed an Extreme Microgel about 5 years ago and played briefly with a Dunlop 100, thus little experience with those brands. So I went with the Vcore 97 and its advanced technology and quality, we will see. :)
 
I just recently purchased some off the boards here without demo and really enjoy the frames. The 310 grams allowed me to apply my personal touches and end up with a frame at 348-349g weight strung. I also played in stock form and found it to be surprisingly stable. It is the best stick I have hit in a long time.
 
NeverGassed1212 said:
I just recently purchased some off the boards here without demo and really enjoy the frames. The 310 grams allowed me to apply my personal touches and end up with a frame at 348-349g weight strung. I also played in stock form and found it to be surprisingly stable. It is the best stick I have hit in a long time.
Click to expand...

how is possible that you bought this off people here on the forum since its not even for sale yet?
 
JackB1 said:
how is possible that you bought this off people here on the forum since its not even for sale yet?
Click to expand...

I believe it has been for sale in Europe for a few months now. Not saying that is how he got a hold of his, but just that they are out there.
 
McLovin said:
I believe it has been for sale in Europe for a few months now. Not saying that is how he got a hold of his, but just that they are out there.
Click to expand...

I didn't know that :-)

Can anyone that has the 310g version comment on the frames stiffness?
 
JackB1 said:
I didn't know that :-)

Can anyone that has the 310g version comment on the frames stiffness?
Click to expand...

It is definitely stiffer than the PSL that I had been using but not uncomfortable. I have all mine strung up with full poly set ups in the low 50's with the vibration stopper dampeners and can't complain. I think the microcore filling really helps counteract the frame stiffness. I can't think of any other racquet I have used that feels quite like this frame. I agree that you really have to flatten out your shot if you want to blast someone off the court but I am now hitting more consistently deep in the court off both wings when backhand was really suffering for through my last couple of frames.
 
NeverGassed1212 said:
It is definitely stiffer than the PSL that I had been using but not uncomfortable. I have all mine strung up with full poly set ups in the low 50's with the vibration stopper dampeners and can't complain. I think the microcore filling really helps counteract the frame stiffness. I can't think of any other racquet I have used that feels quite like this frame. I agree that you really have to flatten out your shot if you want to blast someone off the court but I am now hitting more consistently deep in the court off both wings when backhand was really suffering for through my last couple of frames.
Click to expand...

"I can't think of any other racquet I have used that feels quite like this frame."
Could you please elaborate a bit?

Have you thought using a hybrid with Pacific Classic gut in the crosses?
 
Boricua said:
"I can't think of any other racquet I have used that feels quite like this frame."
Could you please elaborate a bit?

Have you thought using a hybrid with Pacific Classic gut in the crosses?
Click to expand...

It is a little difficult for me to "feel", but I guess I can try to elaborate a bit. I tend to want to use the term "plush" to describe it because I have often heard it used but never had a frame that seemed to fit the bill. The frame feels solid on contact I would say on the muted side with the dampener. Yet I still feel connected to the shot and feel like I am placing the ball as well as I ever have. The sweet spot does feel pretty generous and is probably why my backhand feels so much better. I will say that my forehand has taken some adjustment, but that is mainly on low balls because I am not getting behind the ball enough (I tend to hit my forehand with more spin than my backhand).

I am still surprised by the power and depth I can generate with a relaxed swing, but control does not take a huge hit for the added pop I get compared to my PSL. I am actually swinging a little tentatively at times because I was so used to the low powered response of the PSL.

I did receive one with a multi in the mains but I preferred one strung up with Luxilon 4G as the string bed felt more consistent so I went with lower gauge poly's and am pleased with that. I have yet to string one up with a multi or gut in the crosses.
 
NeverGassed1212 said:
It is a little difficult for me to "feel", but I guess I can try to elaborate a bit. I tend to want to use the term "plush" to describe it because I have often heard it used but never had a frame that seemed to fit the bill. The frame feels solid on contact I would say on the muted side with the dampener. Yet I still feel connected to the shot and feel like I am placing the ball as well as I ever have. The sweet spot does feel pretty generous and is probably why my backhand feels so much better. I will say that my forehand has taken some adjustment, but that is mainly on low balls because I am not getting behind the ball enough (I tend to hit my forehand with more spin than my backhand).

I am still surprised by the power and depth I can generate with a relaxed swing, but control does not take a huge hit for the added pop I get compared to my PSL. I am actually swinging a little tentatively at times because I was so used to the low powered response of the PSL.

I did receive one with a multi in the mains but I preferred one strung up with Luxilon 4G as the string bed felt more consistent so I went with lower gauge poly's and am pleased with that. I have yet to string one up with a multi or gut in the crosses.
Click to expand...

Try Kirshbaum Pro Line 17 at 54 and Pacific Classic Gut or Babolat Tonic crosses at 57 at least once. I will use this setup next week when I get my rackets, one strung with poly/gut, the other with full Pro Line. I will post my impressions.

I remember when I had a VCORE 100 S poly/gut felt very good but it was Revenge and VS. I also used poly/gut with a RDIS 100 MP and it felt good but so did the full poly (Weiss Cannon B5E) (felt good to but not that soft). The good thing about Yonex is that one can use a stiff poly or a soft string and get away with it. With rackets like a Pure Drive or Aeropro stiff polys are not recommended.
 
This seems very similar to the new Xi98 in specs. Anyone thinks there will be a big difference between the two rackets.

If anything the Xi98 should have more power, which I think will be good for most players.
 
I used this frame for awhile, and really enjoyed my time with it. I switched because of the stiffness and pop. I started to have arm issues into my matches because of the stiffness on the serve, and I could never really find a happy medium with control vs power. It is a really fun, whippy stick though!
 
Pure Babs said:
I used this frame for awhile, and really enjoyed my time with it. I switched because of the stiffness and pop. I started to have arm issues into my matches because of the stiffness on the serve, and I could never really find a happy medium with control vs power. It is a really fun, whippy stick though!
Click to expand...

If you don't mind some questions, you found it too powerfull? What string did you use?
 
interesting frame, who have had the experience of playing both, heavy and light version, compare sweetspot and stability?
 
getsby said:
interesting frame, who have had the experience of playing both, heavy and light version, compare sweetspot and stability?
Click to expand...

I have only used the 330 version, too heavy for me. Getting the 310 this week.. Jose, a TW playtester. told me the 310 is as stable as the 330. The sweetsopot should be the same as they both are 98 with 16 x 20 string pattern and with isometric shape which makes the sweetpost huge.
 
getsby said:
interesting frame, who have had the experience of playing both, heavy and light version, compare sweetspot and stability?
Click to expand...

I have both demos on order and *should* arrive early next week (assuming my other demos are also available). Hopefully I will have a review up by late next week that can compare them side-by-side.

Boricua, if I like the 'light' version, one thing I'm thinking is to replace the regular grip w/ a leather grip, and maybe add some lead in the throat to bring it up to 320 unstrung (my ideal weight). Are you planning any customization? Or are you going stock?
 
McLovin said:
I have both demos on order and *should* arrive early next week (assuming my other demos are also available). Hopefully I will have a review up by late next week that can compare them side-by-side.

Boricua, if I like the 'light' version, one thing I'm thinking is to replace the regular grip w/ a leather grip, and maybe add some lead in the throat to bring it up to 320 unstrung (my ideal weight). Are you planning any customization? Or are you going stock?
Click to expand...

Considering the 330 is too heavy and considering that the 310 is similar to a RDIS 100 MP that I used in the past, the 310's specs are in my whhelhouse. So, I will play it stock. Also, for some strange reason I don't like to have lead in my racket. I prefer Yonex original grip with Yonex Supergrap overgrip black or white.:-?
 
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Yeah, I'm not normally one to customize as I prefer to find the stick that is just right for me 'stock'. But if I really like the VCORE Tour 97, and the 330 is too heavy for me, I may have to investigate some customization.

I haven't played w/ a leather grip in over 20 years, but I'm more interested in the added weight than anything as I use overgrips as well (usually Wilson, but am trying Supergrap this week). 310g just sounds too light for me, but maybe it will be OK.
 
McLovin said:
Yeah, I'm not normally one to customize as I prefer to find the stick that is just right for me 'stock'. But if I really like the VCORE Tour 97, and the 330 is too heavy for me, I may have to investigate some customization.

I haven't played w/ a leather grip in over 20 years, but I'm more interested in the added weight than anything as I use overgrips as well (usually Wilson, but am trying Supergrap this week). 310g just sounds too light for me, but maybe it will be OK.
Click to expand...

Supergrap is more than great. I used a Babolat overgrip last week and compared with the Yonex, the Bab feels cheap and dry.
310 may seem light but Yonex has great stability and solidness that makes the 310 weight seem like it has more mass to it. That was my experience with prior Yonex raquets.
 
NeverGassed1212 said:
I just recently purchased some off the boards here without demo and really enjoy the frames. The 310 grams allowed me to apply my personal touches and end up with a frame at 348-349g weight strung. I also played in stock form and found it to be surprisingly stable. It is the best stick I have hit in a long time.
Click to expand...

You liked the racket better in stock form or with the added weight?
 
Boricua said:
You liked the racket better in stock form or with the added weight?
Click to expand...

I am liking it best with my personal touches which now equals a leather grip with 2 overgrips and a yonex dampener. I had a little lead at 10 and 2 to try and keep the original balance but removed it and liked the more headlight balance. It now feels perfect in the palm of my hand and feels more whippy with the balance and low swingweight.

I also tried a hybrid with my "cheap" string (gosen polylon and og sheep micro 17g) and found it to play quite nicely. I still like the response of the full poly set up the best but the hybrid was more comfortable overall.
 
NeverGassed1212 said:
I am liking it best with my personal touches which now equals a leather grip with 2 overgrips and a yonex dampener. I had a little lead at 10 and 2 to try and keep the original balance but removed it and liked the more headlight balance. It now feels perfect in the palm of my hand and feels more whippy with the balance and low swingweight.

I also tried a hybrid with my "cheap" string (gosen polylon and og sheep micro 17g) and found it to play quite nicely. I still like the response of the full poly set up the best but the hybrid was more comfortable overall.
Click to expand...

Did you demo the 330 version? If you did, how did it compare to the 310?
I just bought a 330 but will be reading about the 310 from people who buy it.
 
Boricua said:
Did you demo the 330 version? If you did, how did it compare to the 310?
I just bought a 330 but will be reading about the 310 from people who buy it.
Click to expand...

I didn't demo the 330 because I want more of a platform frame and the 330g didn't seem like a good starting point for me. I kind of took a leap of faith and bought the 310g because the deal seemed to good to pass up and the specs were close to what I was looking for and it all worked out pretty well.
 
NeverGassed1212 said:
I am liking it best with my personal touches which now equals a leather grip with 2 overgrips and a yonex dampener. I had a little lead at 10 and 2 to try and keep the original balance but removed it and liked the more headlight balance. It now feels perfect in the palm of my hand and feels more whippy with the balance and low swingweight.
Click to expand...

Any idea what the current weight/balance are? I'm demoing the 310 & 330 in a few weeks, and am thinking a leather grip & some lead in the throat will bring it up to ~ 320 unstrung. Just wondering how much lead will be needed in addition to the leather grip.
 
McLovin said:
Any idea what the current weight/balance are? I'm demoing the 310 & 330 in a few weeks, and am thinking a leather grip & some lead in the throat will bring it up to ~ 320 unstrung. Just wondering how much lead will be needed in addition to the leather grip.
Click to expand...

Just measured the frame with unstrung and with the leather and two overgrips it is weighing in at 332g and about 14 pts headlight by my estimation.
 
Anyone playing this racquet yet and can give some feedback on stiffness and difference between the two versions. My primary concern is the stiffness, but I have heard that the Yonex racquets play softer than indicated. Is this true?
 
JackB1 said:
TW has posted the video review on u tube. They really like it!
Click to expand...

So you'll like it too.
images
 
BTW I hit with it this morning, with Poly Tour SPIN at 50/47.

Conditions were a little heavy, cold. it doesn't have as much power as Ezone Xi and VCore Xi 98, not even close. It feels more comfortable than VCore Xi 98 and about the same as my ezone xi, but maybe because the ezone is bigger with much bigger sweet spot, but the racquet feels awesome, super stable as expected, good to hit topspin shots and flat balls, great mix, i knew this would be a great racquet, but Ill be hitting with it more, but like it so far, maybe with lower tension and a little hotter temps it can play better.
 
tistrapukcipeht said:
BTW I hit with it this morning, with Poly Tour SPIN at 50/47.

Conditions were a little heavy, cold. it doesn't have as much power as Ezone Xi and VCore Xi 98, not even close. It feels more comfortable than VCore Xi 98 and about the same as my ezone xi, but maybe because the ezone is bigger with much bigger sweet spot, but the racquet feels awesome, super stable as expected, good to hit topspin shots and flat balls, great mix, i knew this would be a great racquet, but Ill be hitting with it more, but like it so far, maybe with lower tension and a little hotter temps it can play better.
Click to expand...

Any additional comments? Specifically on the comfort? 67 flex seems a bit rough for me.
 
All I can say is I hate the Yonex grip...
The original replacement grip is 1.2mm thick.
That means if you are thinking of replacing it with different one, you better find one at 1.2mm or less. Otherwise, go smaller one grip size.
There is absolutely no butt to speak off, so be prepared to build it up.
I used the Tourna Power Cap, and it's perfect.
41rU2JeCRSL._SX300_.jpg


Removing the original grip is a pain the arse... Make sure you have lots of Goo gone within reach.

Currently, I am alternating between the VC97 310 & my modified Pacific XForce... With the Pacific getting more playing time...
 
Ess said:
Any additional comments? Specifically on the comfort? 67 flex seems a bit rough for me.
Click to expand...

Not rough at all, though this is personal and related to string and tension, but I demoed some other racquets from other companies and the Yonex flex rating despite of being high feels a lot lower, I can't fathom that, I played with the STEAM 99S and could not use it for 5 mins.

Check some more thoughts on 97T thread
 
syke said:
It's not rough... it just feels firm...
It ain't all that bad... Considering my Pacific is at RA 58
Click to expand...

Exactly, firm, not a lame frame at all, it just plays nice firm with control yet comfortable with no vibrations and very, very solid, which is Yonex trademark.
 
syke said:
Currently, I am alternating between the VC97 310 & my modified Pacific XForce... With the Pacific getting more playing time...
Click to expand...

syke said:
It's not rough... it just feels firm...
It ain't all that bad... Considering my Pacific is at RA 58
Click to expand...

Yeah, I found the same thing. Firm, but not harsh.

After my demo, I ordered one to play with for about a month. I sent the demos back Thursday and have since played w/ my X Force Pros the last two days. I'm wondering why I ever thought of switching.

But, I've gone this far, so I'll string up the 310g w/ gut/poly, give it a good go for a month, then decide if I want to buy more, or go back to the X Force Pro.

syke, do you have the X Force, or the X Force Lite? I realize they are two different moulds, but if its the Lite, what is your static weight & balance unstrung?
 
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