Yonex Rackets Explained || Which One Is For You? 

I know what you mean!

Same here from pure drive to e zone it like why babolat is so popular

​@@LL-kz1qewhich one is better, puredrive or ezone?

Ive got an ezone 98 and i am very satisfied as a casual player. I tried one time a pure drive and i hurt my arm in only 4 hits.

Which version of vcore 98, the 2023 ?

Thank you! I'll be doing an update soon since the lineup has been updated.

Thank you.

Nice! Good to have you aboard. I'm glad you vibe with the way I think about control. Control can come from so many things. I actually really like the EZ98. I think the EZ100 is less than friendly and more powerful. A bit more stable, though. For me, it doesn't work well. VCORE Pro 100 is my favorite of the VCORE PRO series. I just confirmed this recently. The others are a little too noodly when you hit really hard. That one has a slightly thicker beam so I find it doesn't deform quite as easily but I generally prefer slightly smaller head sizes but it really depends on the racket, doesn't it? If it's been that long you might just have to demo a few rackets and understand what it is about them that you like or don't like. Happy to help you understand this you better if you want to comment in a future video about it! Or message on IG.

Thank you sir! I will do an update soon since the Percepts are out.

Interesting! And thank you, I'm honored. You mean the SW 102 blade? That is a wild racquet. I did a review on it's confusing dilemmas so maybe that will be helpful in making a decision. I really like my PA98 and have yet to find something to beat it. Recently, I tease the Gravity MP since it is similar but different in a few ways that give me the things I might wish the PA98 was a little better in for certain shots. I will test the new dunlop stuff and Pure Strikes as soon as I can since the idea of those racquets are exciting to me.

I'd take the 23 version over the 21. I have reviewed it actually!

Kind of you to say, thanks! The line has since been updated and I plan on a new video that dives a little deeper into these rackets because I've made new observations.

It's really solid. You hitting with the last gen?

@@time410s Hi, the 2020 version

Cool! I also went to prostaff for 2 years from an aeropro drive. Prostaff is a really interesting racket. It might be worth checking out the EZONE of today if you are ever looking for something different than the prostaff.

@time410s from what you say, I would have thought the Prostaff is most like the Vcore 95?

Hmm idk. They don't feel all that similar in my memory. And I had the RF which is much better heavier and it felt more powerful.

Hmm I can see that! They are all kind of on the control side. The drill pattern on Yonex is notably more dense than the rest (generally) Congrats on the racket. You know I know how a long journey to finding one feels haha.

Nice! Does one seem to offer you more or at least more easily?

@@time410s 2019 has more power and is more crisp. But, I tend to play with the 2021 due to it's comfortability. I hit almost everyday and I'm 47 years old.

These racquets needs full swings with good hip rotation/form/footwork. It will punish you if you don't. Chipping, half strokes or players with typically smaller builds should not use this racquet w poly. It will lead to shorter balls that can be easily be put away by the opponent. A smaller build guy with excellent form can still use it as a weapon though. That's my coach but he's easily a 5.5 player. He uses a hybrid setup with impeccable modern form. It suits heavy baseliners with full swings or a strong all court player with developed strokes. It's definitely a player's stick and I wouldn't recommend it for beginner. Higher tensions at like 58 will drastically reduce the sweet spot and ball pocketing. 50 to 53 is perfect in my opinion. The ezone 100 is a good choice for a beginner or the clash 100. Blades are easy to hit that gives free power with good control and spin. My daughter uses the same one as you. Effortless all around stick to hit with. I actually enjoy the blade a lot. The clash 100 is by far the number 1 stick used in the 3.0 to 3.5 teams. I see a lot of juniors using the pure aero and blades. The pure strike is very commonly used at my club for the 4.0 to 4.5 level players. The 97 pros are rarely used at my club and tennis teams. My coach and I are the only ones that uses this stick in my area. Los Angeles. Scv. Nothing comes free with the 97 pro, but the reward when you hit it well is very rewarding. Deep and controlled shots and it makes you work on the form. It's the reason why I use it. To get rewarded or be punished. It forces you to hit better and it won't forgive you when your not trying hard. Definitely recommend for players that play or want to end up on a higher level.

@@time410s power? 2019 hits harder.

vcore pro 97h are better than ezone in every aspect in practice but in matches for 90% players easy power of ezone just bring free points and less fatigue,the same story in atp, why pros who can generate their own power still prefer pure drive,pure aero,ezone so much ... because modern game is based on power and long ralies , finess shots are very rare so of u get more free power u will be fresh than ur oponent .

Let me know! I love a little handle weight to that racquet so I'd put a leather base grip on first thing if it was me.

This was a while ago but now I'm on the Pure Aero 98! Had a lot of what I liked on the EZONE but more control and stability and amazing spin. Better feel. You might like the Percept 100 more. Just did a video on it. However you might prefer the PA98. Depends what you want but that balance of controlled power and great spin makes me very happy. Didn't find that with Yonex although the Regna was a very cool racket haha. I'd still pick pa98 though

Interesting. Thank you for sharing your story. The EZONE 100 is very powerful but so is the pure drive. I would say the pure drive is more spin friendly. The pure drive 98 might be more comfortable with still good access to power and spin. EZONE 98 is also very powerful. I would say that the Yonex options are a bit more comfortable than the pure drives but if you don't have arm issues, the comfort differences are small enough that they might not make a difference anyway. I think the EZONE 100 is more stable and maybe more powerful. Less spin-friendly but it's still pretty good all around. Let me know if you have more questions

Hmm do you think it's as standout as the 95? I think I heard that it plays softer but it is rated stiffer somehow. This might have been something said by the my tennis hq channel a ways back

Good question. It's a few times I've tried the vcore pro. I'm actually going to do another video on all of these since I have more wisdom now and the lineups have been updated. I don't think the power from strings would help for my taste on the vcp rackets. The racket just keeps flexing after you hit hard enough and doesn't translate to power into the ball. It just keeps swallowing more power the harder you hit. It's frustrating like punching under water after you start punching really hard. It's just how the racket flexes but also how much. Thank you! I hope to see you in the updated video to this one. I have new things to say on them.

@@time410s excellent, look forward to it!!

I love the EZONE 98. If you can handle it, the tour might be worth trying. You may prefer the 100 but to me it's more stable but less spin friendly. Sorry to hear the power lacks! I wonder why. Anyway, strings. Best string is Zero by ReString. I actually have a discount code. It's truly an amazing string. Hopefully you're around the US or Canada otherwise it's trickier to get. See my recent videos for a code but I'll add it to this video as well. Lmk if you order!

I wonder. I suppose if you're coming from a pure drive, yes! But the blade 98 from this generation is probably softer feeling.

Oh wow, that's a very unusual racket to hear about. I actually point beginners in the direction of the Yonex Ace Series. Either the VCORE or EZONE because it's more similar to an intermediate racket but specd somewhere in between. The 105 types are designed to give you power and be light but are balanced in what I consider a strange way, so that when you eventually graduate to a more standard racket, it isn't as dramatic of a change. I might make a video sometime about what kind of racket a beginner should use.

Thank you!

I definitely appreciate it. Can be a bit too long on the extended lengths but standard is just right.

Hello! I honestly can't give suggestions for Multi strings. I've a poly guy since I break strings but also seek that control and dampened power from them. I do think a lot of people looking at Multi are coming from poly and arm issues. I think it's worth trying thinner gauge poly at lower tension, 17g or less. I string mine at 48lbs, the ezone 98. Very happy at that tension with 17g ReString Zero. It is a pretty powerful racket that can get out of hand if you don't dial things like that in right. Let me know if you have more questions. Going from Multi to Poly will probably make a difference for you in power. Even if you do it in just the mains and keep crosses multi for comfort.

Honestly the plus versions might give you more spin. Not only because of the length and leverage and headspeed but the lower twist weight which I heavily associate with higher spin.

@@time410s i believe this is true.

My blade 104 gets very heavy spin. It's actually kind of stupid haha. No, I love it. I just didn't expect it to be such a spin monster. The control too... It's kind of an unbelievable racket. I wish more people could talk about it with me.

​@@time410s u play with 290 grams or something? I play with 300g prestige of head, but I think I got lack of power. Any tips. Was thinking head radical 315g or a Yonex 310/315g... Any tips?

Racket can have everything you do with power but it depends. I definitely need some weight to get power or else you can't really plow through the ball. It's very possible you'd get a bit more power with the yonex as long as it's not the vcore pro.

The Regna 98 😅 I know what you mean. I've struggled to mesh well with a yonex. You might feel a lot of what you like in the EZONE 98 with the PA98 but it's slightly more controlled and notably more stable. I'm going to try the gravity mp soon. That could be promising. Many close specs but a touch more control, at least on paper but I'm sure it has that. The ezone can be a bit much.

@@time410s Thank you for the advice! I'm also still not so sure between a 98 or a 100. I like the forgiveness of a 100, but of course the control of a 98. Will also look at the PA or the Gravity mp! What I'm looking at now is the Prince ATS Tour 100P. This racket is between a control racket like the Wilson Blade v8 and the Ezone. Sounds perfect for me. Can't find a test racket of this version though.. What do you think?

Between those two I'd go 98 because the 100 is so powerful but it is more stable. You could add a little weight to 3 and 9 on the 98. The yonex all have a pretty massive sweetspot so in that sense, I feel like the 98 is already plenty forgiving. I'd only pick the 100 if you want even more stability and power. But if you can try both I suppose you should. And honestly if you want extra reach the blade 104 is interesting. It's a pretty tight 16x19 but still pretty controlled and comfortable. Larger head brings stability and power but the frame specs bring in some control and comfort. A bit of evening out happening there which might be worth a try. As I speak about it, it makes me think about trying that one again. It was a great time. I'd probably choose it over the EZ98, personally and the 100 for sure.

what is the unstrung weight of your ezone tour ? I’m Considering that racquet.

@@kimmorrison9169 came in at exactly 315 g.

What the hell is a Angell K7 Lime?

Very cool! I think it's cool you kept it around and switched back when you felt more ready or curious to try again. I think it's always a good racket to make you a better player.

I think it's both. I wonder if it's less true for the HD. I think my comparison of the 95 and 97 was pretty dead on. Both low powered but more accessible with the vcore pro initially but the top end, if you can push it that far, will be more limited.

Is it the most current generation? Your VCP. The new one and last are pretty different. Hmm the EZONE 98 would be a little lighter feeling than the pure aero 98. Less stable but also lighter. Possibly a little less control and more power, actually. I'm not sure. It's nearly the opposite racket of the VCP as far as rackets within the Yonex family go. Is that what you want?

@@time410s thanks for the reply. So you would recommend to get another vcp 2021? I am looking for the same swingweight and balance but also want to get a different feel from the rackets. ( is that a thing or am i just stupid🤣)

It's a wildly different racket. But you might like it. I guess you should try just to be sure. It'll help you know what kind of racket you like but it's much more pa98 like than the vcp.

They swing and hit differently. For the EZONE the 100 is much more stable and actually feels like it generally wants to hit a flat ball. I'd take the 98 over it but with lead at 3 and 9. The 100 is definitely more powerful as well which is annoying when it's also harder to get good spin. I don't recall my time with the older tour. Tecnifibre... Haven't had a lot of time with one. I've tried and then found something I didn't like before giving it more time. I might try again if they pass my toothpick test 😉

@@time410s oh what didn’t ya like about them? The quality control is great but I feel the engineering may not be the best. Do you have any opinions on the vcore 100 vs 98?

Well at the time when I really cared about parallel drilling, these frames don't do that at all. So that turned me off. Now I'm not as bothered by it but I do care about smaller grommet holes or some way of compensating for what would otherwise cause crooked crosses. I also didn't think some of the graphics are on the throat looks very good and they sort of stick out of the frame a little bit. Also they do this asymmetric shape at the bottom of the throat which probably doesn't matter but arguably creates an asymmetrical flex. Silly aesthetic details. But I might try one again more seriously someday if the grommets are small enough that there won't be any crooked crosses anywhere. That's a big factor for me and I think that's an unlikely preference to change.

As for the VCOR 100 and 98, I never did a solid side by side but I could someday.

Woah, maybe it got to be a bit much to handle and make or keep up with every new gen. But I guess certain sizes aren't as relevant anymore

You're right about the tour. I feel like the regna should be in it's own category with it's own video as it's a hard racket to get and extremely limited edition. Know anything about future models of regna? I'm curious. I think the new ezone is better then the last version.

@@time410s The Regna, I understand, will be discontinued. The reason is that the "regular" edition EZones are now almost as good, but significantly cheaper. In terms of volumes sold, I suspect it is uneconomic for Yonex to continue with the Regna. And I totally agree, the latest Ezone is better. I believe part of the criticism of the previous one is that it was a step away from the DR that so many people loved. The new one seems to have recaptured the market in the way the DR did. I must admit, I find it strange that a manufacturer can go from having a well liked product, to bringing out a relative dud, and then back to another well liked product.

Ezone is fun and not too far in that direction for me but maybe could be for some. I love the V-Core but that power compromise was just a tad too much for me. Just the full power I couldn't access and I missed it. Welcome back to tennis! The V-Core is a solid choice and feels like butter. I miss it a little sometimes.

I feel like speed pro is notably stiffer and has more power if you work for it. I've really felt nothing like the vcore pro before. Have you tried both? I'm not surprised about the swingweight which is arguably more important. But I heard and seen that is also more close on average. Is that not the case?

You’re correct about swing weight. I have two 2021 VC Pro 97s and the static weight is only one gram off, but the swing weight is very different.

How far off? Wouldn't it be funny if we learned it was better off to have the QC of Wilson or something? Anyway I'm guessing it's still within what's typical for the other brands which is a bummer but maybe on average it's better. Hopefully not worse.

@@time410s It's pretty common that it says SW should be somewhere around 318-324 and comes in at 308. That is like 3g @ 12. Makes a pretty big difference if you ask me.

Maybe more weight would manage the power better for me on the vcore but maybe that's not the move when you're looking to extend it also haha.

@@Batwam0 exactly! I have a buddy that I play against that uses it and he loves it, but he has these really weird strokes. To each his own I guess, but not my cup of tea.

Either of you guys try the new one?

@@time410s I have not. And you? Is this gonna be breaking news?

I don't think the VCORE's are actually all that spinny. People think I'm crazy sometimes to say the EZONE 98 out-spins any VCORE but I think it does. I mean, why would I get more witht the EZONE 98 than the VCORE otherwise? Pure Aero and Pure Drive also more spinny. Speed MP, good question. I honestly might say those are a little closer to the EZONE in how it plays but it's tough to say.

​@@time410smaybe that's because of thinner middle section of ez that it spins more in golf the flexible shafts spin way more

Soon. Pure Aero 98 likely first and ezone next.

I personally think the new one is a really solid update over the previous. I think it has more stability and better feel. It's really the feel that does it for me the most. If you can try both, do. I'm sure some people prefer the last generation but it also seems to be the common opinion that the new one is a solid upgrade over the last. Let me know what you decide!

@@time410s thanks man! I was going to buy the new one after hearing your words and many others reviews! But another racket I was looking at was the Head Book MP!! And someone is selling it to me for $180!! I’m wondering what’s your opinions on the Boom Mp if you’ve ever tried it?

Thank you! I truly think so and I still stand by this idea. My TARGET RACQUET video touches on that subject a bit and I plan to make a video about that subject soon because I think it's important.

Thank you! Good question. In a way, yes, that's a bit oversimplified. I manage to keep a really hard and deep ball in the court by applying quite a lot of spin. I never found the EZONE 100 to be very good at that. Funny enough, the 98 was better but it's not that stable. The VCORE Pro 100 is quite soft in comparison but it's the only VCORE PRO I would choose because it's the least mushy. The new Percept line is even slightly less mushy. You might really find the Pure Aero 98 worth trying. A bit more control, way more spin...similar in how it feels. That has been my racquet of choice and I think I'll make the switch. Former EZONE 98 and 98 Tour user.

@@time410s Thanx for your reply. I am adding more and more spin to my forehand (backhand not so much). I might try out the Pure Aero, but must say that I am pretty loyal when it comes to brands. I kinda fell in love with Yonex ;). Did find an older version ot the vcore pro 100 for sale. The one with green and gold. Is that the version you mean? If so, I will pick it up asap (as the price was very right) and will feedback shortly.

That one's even softer! The new percept line replaces the vcore pro. I just did a first impressions video on it. I was the same way. But the Babolat is very cleverly designed. I also specifically mean the pure aero 98 just to be clear. But Yonex has the edge on what many call quality control.

@@time410sI tested the Vcore pro 100 from 2019 (with green/gold) and i did kinda work for me. I could swing quite freely without fear of being long. Then I found a Vcore pro 100 2022 (with the purple) for an absolute bargain, so I couldnt resist. I got that one, and I must say it feels great. Maybe a tad more power than the previous version, but still I could swing free, and it generates a solid amount of spin. Maybe this oversimplifying does work out just fine. ;).

I know what you mean! It's hard to hit way out on those. You might prefer the most recent vcp to the current percept 100 but you'll have to see for yourself.

I can't say the EZONE is a soft racquet but I did point out that it might have more of an impression of being stiff than it deserves due to people not knowing/respecting how tension sensitive it is. Annoyingly, it is also a very powerful racquet so you might want to string higher to offset that but then it feels way too stiff very quickly. It's a difficult racquet to get along with for me. As a beginner, you could try a lot of things. I would personally suggest the Percept 100 or 97 over the EZONEs. They are a bit more middle ground and versatile and still have good enough power but certainly not too much.

@@time410s ah yes i’ve heard good things about the Percept 100 and how it’s such a versatile racket for many players. I’ll def add it to my demo list. Gravity and Speed MP are also high on the list. Thanks!

Nice, lmk when you get a taste. I wonder if I will dabble with the Gravity's again. I wanted to like them. Especially the MP or Pro. Tour is intriguing but gotta pull strings to get that one!

Well I've hit with both and this is my feeling on it. Stiffness is not as simple as the RA rating so to actually think the whole racket stiffness is represented by a single number that completely ignores hoop flex is actually buying into the marketing.

@@time410s Perception effects playability as much as anything. Keep on going with what feels best for your game! TWU Power Index has 12 out of 13 hitting spots more power on the Vcore 98 and 10 out of 13 for the Vcore 100. So there's definitely a couple spots you may get more power out of the Ezone depending on where you personally hit the ball.

I have both vcore 98 and a few Ezone(98 & 100), my feeling is vcore is stiffer than Ezone.

Interesting you say that. I wouldn't consider those rackets to be too far apart in terms of flex but I also wouldn't consider either to be on the flexy side either. Hopefully you got a racket setup with strings you know at a good tension. Sometimes demo rackets have strings that are months old and way too loose, really messing up the feel of the racket. How did you test this? I will respond with suggestions after hearing back since this is important to know.

@@time410s Im brazillian (I guess you notice reading my english lmao). Here in Brazil, It's not common stores have demo program, so you need to borrow from someone, or go to used racquet maket, in groups on Facebook. Then, I got a good price Aero VS. I played today and I like it. It's a powerful racquet, so I have to learn how to control this beast. First impressions, I enjoy this babolat racquet feel, stiff, but easy power.

@@marceloikezaki interesting. VS might be a good racket for you then. It should be more comfortable than the pure aero. I'm surprised to hear the Yonex felt too soft. I didn't think it's that big of a difference but if that's too soft and this one is a little too stiff, it's hard to suggest a racket that is in between the two off the top of my head.

@@time410s I've been testing for some hours and I think Aero Vs is too powerful for me. In Yonex lineup, looking for a little more power than Vcore Pro 100, should I try Ezone or regular Vcore? 100 or 98?

Ezone probably definitely too much power if the pure aero vs is. I'd go V-Core. 98 or 100 but you felt it was too soft? I'm surprised to hear that. Maybe the ezone is still worth trying out. The tour version if you can swing it. What strings do you use? Head speed pro might be worth trying. Not soft. Good control and power. It's going to offer a little different mix of things compared to everything we have talked about so far.

Currently using The EZONE 98 2022

Good question. Sounds like me but everyone that I would describe in this way might want the other racket. I choose the EZONE 98 because it rewards power and spin very well. It's a little bit harder to control the softer touch shots but I'm happy to work on my sensitivity to that in order to not lose power on the top end. I find enough control from the EZ98. VCP series offers control effortlessly, especially at net. I can drop volley anything with that racket and depth control is crazy good! However, at the baseline, it's a bit more work to get the power you need sometimes and at the very top end of my power where I really wanted to kill the ball, I felt a piece of that was just gone forever. You might be more of a vcore 95 or 98 guy but it depends on how much spin you want to get. I still believe the EZ98 gets more spin but some disagree, however, I think they are just using the marketing instead of comparing for themselves if they say that. The VCORE is much more like the VCORE pro than the EZONE and with that logic, it them makes sense that the EZONE would be more spin friendly/power friendly. The more important power is for your game, the less I might suggest the VCP. I can generate plenty myself but I hate having a racket that takes some off the top I can never get back. That's a complicated answer but it's hard to say. If you have a clear answer as to how important spin and power are for you, you might get closer to an answer before trying all yourself.

@@time410s thank you for the detailed response bro. I appreciate it. I do like to hit powerful shots and I can generate my own power with full/fast swings. I realized Tommy Paul uses the VCORE 98 and Ben Shelton uses the EZONE (98 I think?). Ben relies on power shots but is a great all around player so it is interesting to me that he wouldn't pick a control/spin racket instead of the EZONE (which is the best Yonex racket for power). My game is more similar to TP (Tommy Paul), and if he can use the VCORE 98 and still crush winners, I might be able to do the same. As far as I know, there isn't even lead tape visible on his "supposedly" stock VCORE 98. I am definitely not as good as a pro but I can hit powerful shots. I'll let you know once I test them out. I'm excited to try something other than a blade lol.

And Tommy came from the Blade, right? Not sure what model, still hard to be sure it's what they are really playing with and Shelton's could also be the tour model painted like a standard. Could be anything lol...and Shapo tried it out for a bit but I guess went back. I often think of Kyrgios or Dustin Brown. Those guys have great hands but don't use the type of rackets you might associate with that style. Also great power. I think a player with really good spin and power can learn to hit those touchy angle shots and still feel the benefit of all that spin and power. That is where I try to be. I try to rely on myself for the control and the power but if a racket gives me both, that's what I want. If I need to be a little more conscious for controlling the shorter and touchy shots, as long as I can build that connection with my racket, I'm happy. I don't want to sacrifice too much off the top. One quick way to say it, the EZONE 98 might be the best power/spin still controlled racket. Dense pattern, 98 head size. Decent low mid 60's flex. It sounds and plays that way IMO.

@@time410s Yeah ive heard other people say the ezone gets just as much spin as the vcore

I personaly feel like the EZ98 gets more and the 100 gets about the same.

Oh I have no idea. I've definitely never seen or played with that racket haha. Sorry. This is only for the current stuff. I couldn't say for that.

@@time410s No problem. I am looking for a new racquet for me - RDiS 100 (93 sq. in., 343 gr., 8pts head light, RA 68, 16 mains / 20 crosses - probably aroudn 2009 frame) is perfect - I like the weight of it. Unfortunately the grommets are broken and the new ones (I could hardly find online) are indeed old..so they break quite easily. I am still searching considering Yonex or another japanese brand Toalson.

Woah no idea haha. I haven't thought about them before, junior rackets.

Thank you!

Sure, I totally would. It's very different from pure drive but somewhat like a pure strike. I would say it goes a little further in the direction that the pure strike does from the pure drive.

@@time410s My impressions are that the Pure Drive gives me great depth control thanks to the huge spin, while the Pure Strike gives lateral precision . But now i'm going to the net more often so i'm looking for something with nice touch and feel. Was looking at the Dunlop CX200 but now there is this Yonex too.

I know what you mean! I get a lot of my depth control and shape from ability to spin but you need some feel too. Rare a racket does both super well but I think the EZONE 98 does for me, personally. Also the shift but I'm still getting to know it.

@@time410s THanks. Does this Vcore Pro 97 do both well too?

I think the VCP actually generates spin very decently. Not quite as much as the others we discussed here but still really good. However, I switched away because I felt that on very heavy and penetrating shots, I just didn't have that killpower. I sacrificed a decent bit of top end power for a racket that felt really plush and easy depth control for shorter shots and angles. Being a net was fun because it was easy to hit a great drop volley at whatever angle. That type of play style is definitely harder with the ezone 98 but that's because you have to be more conscious of the power in touchy situations. However, it's nice the power is there but you have to work for the control a little more whereas that seems to be there more effortlessly on the VCP but that top end power is gone forever and for me, it was too big a cost.

Yeah messing with it now actually!

@@time410s how did you like it comparing to the ezone 98? Any new video coming? :D

I'll probably talk about it soon. The tour model has been a reference point for waiting up my standard e zone. It's helpful to have as a comparison. It will also help me determine if it's better to just get the tour model or not. Really depends on how I want it weighted up.

@@time410s I use the old VCORE Duel G 97 310g with some lead tape at 3 and 9 to enhance the sweet spot. I was thinking about trying the ezone family this time, and the Tour weight with no lead tape should be about the same I have today (a couple of grams more maybe).

Yeah it's probably worth the try if you're curious. It's a pretty powerful racket and sometimes I think it's a bit much. I'm still figuring it out.

Currently the blade 104, extended to 28" It's pretty unusual and unlike anything I've hit with. I'm still messing with a couple options though.

Haha that's actually hard to say. I think anything could be fine but if it's stiff and a thick gauge you might feel really disconnected and or feel nothing but the harshness if you're sensitive. The high power made it too much to string at lower and comfortable tensions.

have you tried YTex yet?

Yeah quite a few. I think quadrotwist is their best string by far but someone will feel differently depending on preferences. Overall pretty solid string company.

I did! Strung it too high the first time. I'd go with a mid 40's tension and see how it feels from there. Probably best to keep it 17 gauge and under, also.

@@time410s Yeah I’m thinking 17g at 45 but wondering if it will be too muted/dead for this racquet I love black knight but have never used it in this small of head size.

@@time410s Thanks for all the info and insights!

Not sure. What string wouldn't if that one does? Let me know what you end up trying. My favorite string is pretty different these days and I plan on announcing it soon.

So true!

Hello! Haha did you mean terrific? I would actually suggest the 100. I find the others in that lineup to be too soft feeling. I actually lose control because the rackets flex so much! But the 100 brings a lot of the great comfort and control elements from that lineup without being too mushy feeling. It's great. If I had to pick the VCP I'd definitely get that one.

@@time410s Sorry for my English. In Argentina terrible is synonymous excellent. Thank you for your quick response and your time. I'll keep that in mind.

Haha really! That's good to know I'm case I'm ever there. All good thanks for your comment!

No idea. Hard to get, tw exclusive right?

@@time410s Yeah, really hard to get if you're in the US. TW sold them for a short time frame but once they sold out they never came back....and its been over a year.

Haha yeah I can't really comment on that one. Definitely not in the main family of Yonex rackets. Seems really cool though.

I figured it's in it's own category. You can't buy it retail now and there's no current generation.

What is this dwell time people talk about? It's a commonly felt sensation and people notice when they get more or less of it. Time on the strings is another concept that is felt and appreciated. Agassi really talked about that as well. Brush over it is a technique and swingpath so yeah you totally can, doesn't matter how much time you have. It's the same reason you can slice a ball or hit flat or topspin. Swingpath angle. If you start commenting with any sense at all, let me know.

​@@time410s You seem to be confused. You are the one talking non-sense. 5ms is how long the ball is in contact with the strings. That's not my opinion. The latency for human touch is ~50ms. Again. Not my opinion and you are free to fact check it. You are the one making silly claims. The top spin is entirely generated by the vertical swing path and the fact that the face of the racquet is on an angle at contact (try hitting much top spin with an eastern grip and a flat racquet face). What you are describing with the racquet "overhanging" the ball is a miss-hit. That's it. It's someone hitting the ball below the center of the sweetspot. It's not rocket science it's just grade 12 physics (which I am assuming you didn't take). But again, don't take my word for it - here's Nadal hitting clean forehands in ultra slow motion absolutely not brushing over the ball in any way😉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Q7Ta9DbHKjk.html Anyway, you can clearly see how much of his weight he transfers through the ball rather than brushing it. He throws his racquet into the ball more than he brushes it. You can also clearly see how short a time even in slow motion his ball is in contact with the strings. But what you can't see is any sort of brushing technique or his racquet "overhanging" the ball in anyway. I am sorry if you don't find these facts sensible enough (a problem I hear is common in America). 🤷

@@telquel7843 I'm so glad you linked that video because it's a perfect example of exactly what I'm talking about and exactly what you are missing. You need to watch that at .25 speed and watch about 2 forehands after the one that link brought me right to. Notice the racket flop/curl over the ball right on and through contact, making it so the strings actually continue to trace over the ball as the racket swing path goes through it.

Here you go ru-vid.comdp6AHgqT9ME?feature=share

Lol is this all true? What drove you to get the VCP 100 from the Pure Drive? That's a pretty dramatic change of rackets. Kind of on opposite sides of the spectrum/style. It's interesting how much the range in preference for power from a racket can vary so much, even at the highest levels where everyone can hit a pretty heavy ball at least.

@@time410s Yes its true. My Pure Drives from 2012 have been snapping as I use RPM Blast at 64 tension. Strings ripped through the gromets and cut the frames from the inside. I thought VCORE was spin but didnt know the Pro was control... idiot mistake by me. But its ok I only paid $100 for it new from some guy that bought it and used it once lol. I had no racket for a match last week so I took a Ezone 100 demo to play.. 6/0 6/1 Win - might need to start saving to get me one of those haha

@@time410s forgot to mention, I have tried all the pure drives from 2012 until now, hate them ALL ( 2018 blue one is playable ) ... if only Babolat could just remake the 2012 GT like they keep making Rafa's 2008 Aero that would be nice.

@@X3B1 That's a cool story. Maybe you will like the EZONE. I must wonder, how much of the feel came from the age of that racket. A lot of pros switch out sticks after a few months of intense play because the carbon fibers and layup just break down too much and they feel a power or touch difference. Some never change until they really have to but many do. I'd imagine 10 years of playing and that tension plus rackets snapping might play a role in how the racket felt before it broke but I just wanted to share that thought, perhaps you've already considered that.

@@time410s Yes the feel has changed quite a bit. Not as stiff as when I got them. I have acumulated about 12 over the years, currently have 6 playable ones. After a wrist fracture I started using my Grip 1 ones only for 3 years straight. Went back to a Grip 2 and found the ones with the least use were more true in feel to when I first got mine. String and tension have always been the same so it is easy to tell for me. Now I sit on Facebook Marketplace and eBay looking for good condtion second hand ones for cheap. My racket set up is like a dog eating the same meal all its life thinking its the best shit ever.

What's your theory? I think it's in part due to curiosity and an awareness of tighter quality control and tolerance. Some good new sponsors that represent the brand well. Things like that. But it's also a good racket...

But the vcp 97 and 100 really aren't that heavy. And the balance makes it pretty easy to swing. Beginners also swing so slow they don't really feel the weight as much. I think it would work.

The 97H is so chunky and heavy compared to even 315g "player's racquets" which already scare off beginners. If they swing slow with a heavy racquet they won't get their racquet in a good position in time and will end up framing everything and if they swing to generate the swingspeed they'll do their forearm, elbow and shoulder if they're a beginner. I agree most beginner racquets are super light and powerful, but they can at least swing slow with such racquets and still get in a good position and get some decent power even with slow swings as they learn. If they aren't being coached or helped by someone they probably won't know to slow down their swing though and will probably hit in most cases with a friend who's similarly inexperienced and they'll probably both be hitting the back fence

Fair points. But as far as the 97H goes, I'm not talking about that racket, right? The 97H is the heavy version. I only mean the standard 97 or the 100. Those are really not so far off from usability compared to a beginner racket imho.

@@time410s oooo haven't used the lighter versions, would be interested to see how thick they are + how they play compared to the H version

Way easier to swing for sure. Big diff. Absolutely wouldn't suggest the H versions or the D for a beginner player.

Interesting I've never seen a video graphically comparing sweetspot.

I'll prove it soon

@@time410s oh, it can be done when not being challenged, or as a compensation to save a shot, but I look forward to you showing a good topspin drive by the big 3 where the blade isn't stable thru contact, then the ISR follows shortly after..... it is delayed because a ISR causing the roll is natural and needs to be resisted to a large extent. Great Vid though and I did smash the like!

@@chtomlin Nadal has a highly "unstable" racket and if you watch a slowmo of his forehands, you'll notice the racket basically flop over the ball. And he's a prime example of topspin, of course. That mechanic is definitely a part of the bigger picture of why he has so much spin.

that what?