Overview
Introducing the VCORE PRO 97D! Like the previous version (VCORE PRO 97HD), this racquet’s 18x20 string pattern and 97 square inch head give it the control and feel that advanced player’s crave. For 2021, Yonex tweaks the shaft geometry to help the racquet bend more effectively during impact. They’ve also added a slightly thicker beam for extra pop while keeping the buttery feedback that defined the previous model. Under the hood, Yonex adds 2G-NAMD (Flex Force) to the graphite layup. This is designed to help the frame snapback more effectively during impact. Other material updates include Flex Fuse which utilizes a soft polymer in the layup for added comfort. Yonex's signature technology remains the ISOMETRIC head shape, which creates a larger sweetspot and more forgiving feel. As with the previous generation, this update includes VDM (Vibration Dampening Mesh), a handle technology used to reduce harsh impact vibrations. On the courts, this stick feels surgical from the baseline, and the touch at net is outstanding. There’s also enough mass to comfortably redirect higher levels of pace, making this ideal against big hitters. Ultimately, the 97D is an obvious option for the experienced player who wants a stable racquet with impressive levels of control and feel.
Specifications
| Head Size: 97 in² / 625.81 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 12oz / 340g | ||||
| Balance: 12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 330 | ||||
| Stiffness: 61 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 21mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: NAMD-2G/H.M.Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Green/Black/Purple | ||||
| Grip Type: Yonex Synthetic | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 45-60 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Yonex VCore ProGreat!! At this price, you can't go wrong. Great to volley with, the stability and weight is great. Happy with my purchase!
Yonex VCORE PRO 97DOverall I am really happy with this racquet — a very ‘point-and-shoot’ racquet that gives me a huge amount of control and precision with the 18x20 string pattern which is new for me. The frame does have a good bit of flex and therefore gives you very little free power but is stable and quite easy on the arm. Great feel and ball pocketing. The weight at 339g strung and 329 swing weight suits my game quite well. Heavy enough to be stable and have some plow through but still very maneuverable at net and elsewhere. Would like a bit stiffer hoop so trying out the new Percept now that offers that with almost identical weights. If you’re looking for an arm friendly and controllable rocket that suits an all-around game, then I would highly recommend this before they’re all gone. Looks amazing aesthetically as well! Strung w PolyTour Rev 16L at 53 lbs.
Paul- 5.0
Yonex Vcore pro 97D 320I bought 2 of them and their specs are the same amazingly. It’s still on the heavy side with enough plow through, and light enough for me to create spin in my top spin forehand and my kick serve. The ball fly on me sometimes in my flat strokes and drop volleys. I get it strung at 46lbs hybrid with Yonex Poly Tour Fire main/Babolat RPM Soft cross. I’ll try 50ish lbs to see how sensitive it is. So far, it does feel good in stock form. This racket is good for intermediate/advanced levels with all court style. Highly recommended
Great for serving, groundstrokes, and comfortGreat racquet for serving, groundstrokes, and comfort at the net. A slow racquet for sure but if that fits your play you'll love this racket.
Great players racquet !The more I hit with this racquet, the more I love it. Initially got this after watching my friend who playtestes it. It took me a few weeks getting used to the swing weight coming from the lighter VCore Pro 310. The extra weight helps me to hit solid forehands, swing volleys and also serves. After a few months of using it I am not turning back and this is going to be my racquet of choice for 2023.
Great racket, QC a bit questionableOK, so I posted earlier about coming full circle with this racket and trying different string setups. I've come to the conclusion that thinner shaped polys(1.20mm) work well for me. I'm currently trying Solinco Hyper-G soft at the moment at 46lbs and enjoying it so far. I recently found a pro stringer who was able to test the unstrung swing weight between my two rackets and I have a variation of 4.5 grams, with the lighter of the two at 290g. I can feel this in the head of the racket and am now forced to use lighter strings to compensate for this additional swing weight. On TW talk tennis forums for this racket, it's apparently a common issue to have this much variance. This has knocked my confidence in Yonex, as I expected better QC from them. Static weight is spot on between them though. Best to use TW's matching service!
Great once dialed inComing from a 16x19 Vcore 98, it did take a bit of time to get used to the launch angle and how stiff the string bed felt. After dropping the tension a few pounds and once dialed in though, I could really feel the stability and control which led to more confidence ripping big shots from the baseline. The same applied to the serve where the enhanced control led to more confidence, and some great bombs. Overall, don't knock this one if you don't like it after a quick test. It has the potential to pay great dividends if you take the time to learn it's nuances.
Still experimenting with strings...Having come full circle, I'm still experimenting with string setups in this racquet. I recommend not to string higher than 50lbs. Don't let the stated flex number fool you, this racquet's hoop is quite stiff. I recently strung Hyper-G Soft 1.15mm at 55lbs, but this began to hurt my arm and had none of the 'pocketing' feel that Yonex Poly Tour Pro strung in the mid-40s offers. I have also tried a hybrid setup of Velocity MLT in the crosses and Poly Tour Spin, which was a comfortable setup, but not much spin gained from that setup. Going to try a full bed of PTP 1.25 in yellow and graphite, strung 50lbs and see where that takes me.
Better than Blade V8Bigger sweet spot than 18x20 v8 Blade. Very good plow through. Loved the one handed backhand maneuverability. Decent amount of spin. Very good control. Good stability. Recommend these for at least 4.5 players who know what to expect from 18x20 frames. Used to string this with Yonex Polytour Pro but decided that a shaped poly would be better for spin, so I changed to Hyper-G Soft at 46 lbs and fell in love with this setup. I can't play with other frames after experiencing what I did with this one.
Precision and PopAfter playing with the Ultra 97 v2 (18x20), Blade 98 (18x20) v5/6/7 and most recently the Pro Staff 95 6.1 (18/20), this frame has the pop I've been missing on my serve, while still giving the control to shape any shot I'm looking for. I normally weight up the frames to 350g/12 pts HL, but after playing with this one at stock, I might delay playing around with the weight. Definitely feels great while playing and I really like how much feel I have at the net.
*5.5 Level player coaching high performance and college athletes.
Ex Touring ProI would have given this frame a much higher rating if I would not have played with the VCORE Pro 97 HD for the last three years. The HD does most everything better. Better access to spin and better control. The dwell time on the HD is something special. The new frame is just too sluggish, and the faster you swing it, the less control you seem to get. Maybe the stability is a bit better, and the power is a bit up at moderate swings. Also, the finish on the new frame is far from my favorite. After one month, chips everywhere. My HD's are three years old, and look like new. The D looks like it went through it after one month.
Good FrameComing from the VCORE Pro 97HD model, the 97D model is an easier to use racquet in my opinion. The 97D model has more pop and feels like a bigger sweet spot and in defensive positions I feel like its easier to use. In terms of spin, control and the serve I feel like there is really no difference. I play with Kirschbaum Max Power at 59lbs in mains and Kirschbaum Touch Multifibre at 62lbs in crosses. I'm a 5.0 all court player who likes to serve and volley.
Love the racket ...butI love the racquet's performance, but the paint chips off like nothing I have ever experienced in any other racquet! Pricing on this racquet is a rip-off just for the fact it's paint flaws are awful. Yes, I said it again! You look at it and the paint chips off!
Trying again after having sold it previously.I now have this racquet on order and awaiting delivery. I recently switched back to my PS97 v13, having sold the first VCP97D I owned as I felt I did not get on with it. But to be honest, I don't think I gave the VCP97D enough time to adjust to. I tried a host of different strings, but couldn't find the right combination. So, here I go again. I will try shaped polys at a low tension, starting with Solinco Hyper-G at 50lbs and go from there.
SolidFirst Yonex racquet I've ever played with, having switched from a Wilson Blade 98. This frame is definitely more solid, forgiving, and has more plow through. Albeit a heavier frame that requires more energy to move through the air versus the Blade, I have really come to enjoy the stability this stick offers. The spin potential is there too.
Different from its predecessorThis is not HD (Previous generation of this racquet). First, it feels stiffer than the stiffness rating indicated. Second, it is cumbersome to swing, nothing to do the agility of HD. Related to that, topspin is harder to access. On the plus side, blocking serves and volleying exceeds what HD has to offer. For flat serves, I'd prefer D, but for the kick ones HD has the edge. The feel of HD is nowhere to be found in this new version. For 1H backhand, once again HD is my favorite. If you are not hampered with good memories of HD, give it a try.
H.A.A.M!In a word, WOW! For reference, most recent sticks, in order: Youtek Prestige Pro, V.1 PS RF, ‘19 VCP 330g as well as ‘21 VCP 97H. Def prefer a more traditional player's style frame. E-SW FH, E 1HBH. As much as I've enjoyed the 330g VCP's, both tend to feel a tad sluggish, particularly on serves. With leather grip replacements, that did help gain some quickness back, albeit incremental. Tack on an overgrip + dampener, that brought them into the 350g+ range. Great if you're playing consistently. If not, prepare.. So, after having watched TW's reviews on the D, I was intrigued. Strung 1 up w PTP 16L @ 48lbs and was pleasantly greeted with as solid a feel as the 97H. bonus round: the10g reduction did not take away from its rock solid stability & feel with a more discernible feeling of improved quickness. What also struck me was the 18x20 pattern & it's relative ease to access spin! I was expecting to dump several balls into the net given the reduced launch. So glad I was wrong! Did it lower the launch, yes but nowhere near as steep of a drop. I felt I could come over the ball as well as drive through it with better accuracy and consistency. This 97D brings a certain level of predictability meaning you get what you give it. With the 97H, if there was any deceleration at impact, you'd def get at times that unwanted pop which usually results in long, flattened shots. With the D you definitely are almost summoned by it to swing faster, come through the shot more. A much more linear response but with the much needed benefits of the ‘21 updates. Compared to its ‘19 97 HD forebear, the improved stability and much needed pop really shines through yet tries to bridge the gap between them. In this case, I think the updates were that significant that the two are more strikingly different overall when comparing to the 310 & 330 counterparts. TW staff were pretty spot on with their assessments so kudos.
So, for those looking for that Ginsu knife cutting, accurate, & buttery smooth feel of old school sticks married with contemporary tech/materials, this 97D should be on your short list, heck jump straight to finalist! I'm certainly hooked.
Feels like a sledgehammer!I've been on quite racket journey, and had discounted VCP 97D twice after demoing it. Problem was, everything else I tried just didn't feel right so I came full circle back to it. I have tried a few strings already in this frame, PTP 125, strung at 55 lbs, felt horrible for the first few hours but started to feel great when the strings actually went dead at 45 lbs, much to the detriment of my arm, TF Bi-phase X1 full bed at 57 lbs just launches everything beyond the baseline, so better as a hybrid setup, Poly Tour Air 125 at 55 lbs, great for spin, but again horrible until the tension drops to about 48 lbs. Currently trying Gosen Tour 3 18L at 52 lbs, tension has dropped to about 48 lbs, and it should start to feel better with decent ball pocketing. This racquet is quite heavy and would suite 4.0 and above players. I'm probably a 3.0 and do struggle with this racquet on my serve to generate racquet head speed, so having to adapt. I did almost sell it on because of the HH feeling and general heavy swing and static weight of the racket but will stick it out this year and to see if I can make it work for me, otherwise I might try others in the Yonex range i.e. the VCores.
EricComparing the VCORE Pro D with the HD. The D is more stable and powerful. Great for flat drives and pounding the ball. The HD has more control and more topspin capability. Great for precision tennis. Two completely different racquets, but both great.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I have been looking for an upgrade for my Blade BLX 93. Played with the Babolat Pure Strike Tour 18x20 (black and orange) for a while. The 97D plays very similar to both racquets, maybe a best of both worlds with the feel of the Blade and the forgiveness of the Pure Strike.
From: Jonni, Canada, 2/24/22
Comments: I just made the move from the Blade v7 18x20, and I'm loving my decision. I bought a pair, one is strung with Solinco Confidential 1.20 at 48 pounds, and one with Mayami Tour Hex 1.23 at 50 pounds. This racquet feels amazing with a crisp thinner gauge poly. It does everything well, massive serves, buttery slices and amazing control.
From: KC, Kansas City, 12/23/21
Comments: Have been playing mainly with VCore 95 2018 version with some lead on hoop and have been looking for a similar playing, but more forgiving and stable option. The Duel G 330 was my second option and it was getting too heavy to swing for longer periods. Also, I loved the DR98, but it's hard to find replacements. I couldn't gel with the Blade 18x20 v7. Also, I had tried the previous version 97HD, but this new 97D is exactly what I was looking for. Power has to come from the player even stringing low tension, but all the rest is there: stability, comfort, plow, control and feel (not too muted). It's not a tight 18x20, and very similar to Vcore 95 16x20 mostly, so spin potential is there. Great for serves, volleys and slices. It's an attacking frame, but also very good for defense — unlike the previous version for me. I think it could even use a few grams on the hoop. Really happy to have found this for my game, and may even switch to this fully and buy a few more.
From: Anonymous, 12/4/21
Comments: I got a pair of these last month and I have liked them so much that I got 2 more. In the last 7 Years I have played with Yonex racquets. Loved my VCORE Tour and Duel G. After that I shifted to probably one of the best racquets I have played with- The EZONE DR. I was struggling to find a replacement for them. And finally I found this. I have a history of playing with an 18/20 pattern, so the shift wasn't a problem. I love the low launch angle and plow through on this. For reference I played with Prestige Flexpoint MP and Speed Youtek MP during my junior circuit days. I'm sticking to these racquets for the foreseeable future. I recommend this to someone who knows what to expect from a 18/20, has good technique and relies more on driving through the ball instead of adding a lot of spin (Does provide decent spin too). This has to be my choice from Yonex after the DRs.
From: AB, 10/31/21
Comments: 5 stars for the racquet. 0 stars for the tennis trade in program.
From: Anonymous, 10/17/21
Comments: I've been using the HD version since it came out and when the update arrived I had to try it. The HD model from my experience using a hybrid with Gamma Live Wire Professional at 59lbs in mains and Tourna Black Zone at 57lbs in crosses is the best. Using this combo gives me some free power and feel. Using a full bed poly doesn't really work from my experience with the HD frame. I just took out the 97D demo to see how it compares and it didn't disappoint. The string in the frame was a Yonex Polytour at 53lbs, which I thought would've been an adjustment, but the transition was instant. I felt that the 97D had easier access to power, stability and spin especially. I feel at times with the HD I could get picked on a bit at times, but with 97D even in defensive positions I could hold my own a bit better. From the baseline the 97D felt more maneuverable and more solid when taking hard deep shots, easier access to spin and control was not lost- nearly identical to the HD in terms of control. When it came to approaching the net and volley's the 97D feels more stable and solid at the net and half and low volleys feel easier with the update compared to its predecessor. I feel more connected to ball, especially with touch shots. Now the serve definitely offers an increase in free power without sacrificing any control. Besides that nothing really changed with the serve. With the 97D I feel like I have options when it comes to string. I can go to my usual hybrid or I can try a lot more options, which is great if you're looking to try new setups. Its definitely worth the try. I will definitely be moving from the HD to the 97D in the near future. I'm an Aggressive All Court Player with an emphasis of serve and volley at a 5.0 level.
From: Sean, 9/27/21
Comments: TLDR: It's a more stable HD, but there's no flex. It's like an Ultra Tour/Head Pro Tour. String the frame at the same tension because the frame still provides plenty of control and not much more power. I thought this would be a more powerful frame, but I was mistaken. I usually string my 97HD at 48lbs, but with the 97D I had Champs Choice at 52lbs. I thought with the slightly thicker beam and increase of stiffness and swing weight I would need to up the tension. I was wrong and as a result, I could not get a forehand even if my life was at stake.Don't get me wrong, the frame is solid, but it doesn't have that flex that I like with the HD. You'd think it would still have that flex with the lengthened throat, but it doesn't. After putting on 4 strips of lead tape (1/4 width 2-inch length) at 2 and 10 o'clock, it was night and day. From being unable to hit over the net to swinging away with plenty of spin, pace, and control.Before the lead tape serves and volleys were pinpoint for me in precision, feel, and stability. Groundstrokes were lackluster, but if I strung it at either 48lbs or 50lbs, it would be different.Would I say this is an upgrade of the former 97HD? In my opinion, not at all. The 97HD reminds me a bit of the iPrestige, but the 97D reminds me of an Ultra Tour, or the original Head Pro Tour. If you like the flex of the frame, stick with the HD. This is optional for the HD, but I add a bit of lead from either 9-11 o'clock and 1-3 o'clock to reduce twisting from off-center shots.I play at a 4.5 level with an all-around game. Groundstrokes are flatter than a heavy topspin. I usually serve a heavy slice or kick serve, which this frame is great at.If you like what you've read then maybe the 97D is for you, but for me, I'm sticking with the 97HD.
From: Anonymous, NorCal, 9/8/21