Often, stable racquets are heavier, have smaller heads, and have more flexible frames. Wilson claims up to a 27% increase in the sweet spot by taking this approach, which is a welcome addition to the frame, considering its smaller head size. Your post is quite recognizable (maybe this is a incorrect translation of a Dutch sentence). Another thing to keep in mind is that this racquet is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to stiffness. Heres a look at the Babolat Pure Aeros top three attributes based on how the racquet scored in my evaluation. The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 is yet another fantastic control-oriented tennis racquet, which is unique in that it offers a high level of control without giving up too much power or weighing too much. Next on the list is the Babolat Pure Aero, made popular by clay court king Rafael Nadal. One unique aspect of the Phantom 100X 305 is that it maintains stability without a dramatic increase to its stiffness rating through the use of Textreme, Princes ultra-thin carbon thats baked directly into the frame. At 11.2-ounces strung, it swings fast for generating higher levels of racquet head speed. The biggest difference is that Vcore is much more spin oriented. If youre in the market for a new racquet, I always recommend you first take some time to consider what you like and dislike about your current racquet, as it will likely be your main point of comparison. With a control-oriented players racquet like the Head Gravity Pro 2021, its no surprise that youre giving up power and maneuverability. Ultimately, it forced me to be a bit more conservative, hit with lots of topspin, and aim for larger targets to keep the ball in play. With the VCORE 98, Yonex continues to show that thoughtful design leads to high-quality racquets. The Clash features a forgiving 100 in head size, an open 1619 string pattern, and a 24.5 mm flat beam for moderate power and plenty of access to topspin. If I were to miss, it was typically long, but luckily the topspin I could generate helped me strike a balance where this wasnt a significant issue as I played more with the racquet. With all that power, the good news is that the Babolat Pure Drive also provides excellent access to topspin to help control your shots and keep the ball in the court. FSI Power The truth is, there is a crossover, and many racquets work well for both levels of play. Off the baseline, the Wilson Burn 100 v4 excelled. However, this is where one of the tweaks to this model comes into play, as Prince has doubled down on the Textreme formula, introducing Textreme X that incorporates Twaron woven into the frame for extra vibration dampening and comfort. While it certainly gets the job done, it might not be the first pick for players who like to move forward and close out points quickly. Agreed with SinneGoat. Like many other Head tennis racquets, the Instinct MP integrates Graphene 360 technology, which helps reduce weight within the racquets shaft while boosting its power and stability through the materials used in the racquets head at 3, 6, and 12 oclock. FortyFive is a specialized graphite layup that enables above-average horizontal and vertical flex. Other Items to Consider. The combination of power and topspin made groundstrokes my favorite stroke with the Ultra 100 v4. The net result is an approachable tennis racquet that should appeal to a broad range of players looking for an easy-to-manage frame that provides excellent power and topspin. A players style (or the style theyd like to develop) can influence the type of racquet a player purchases. The Yonex Vcore Pro 97 and Wilson Blade 98 tennis rackets are two control oriented rackets that work great for players who hit a one handed backhand. Learn more. Post navigation. $129.00 $229.00 * 4.5. Heres why I dig with the Head Extreme MP. Maneuverability Volleys The 300 RS also features ArmorCap+, Tecnifibres second-generation bumper system, a unique grommet system that absorbs shock and helps increase power, and their EZ Lock knot tie-off feature for easier string installation and protecting the racquets grommets. You are using an out of date browser. Ive written a lot about tennis racquets to help players better understand the nuances of racquet specifications and performance, and the positive feedback about those resources humbles me. True to its style, the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 v13 Autograph is a timeless players racquet that delivers for players who can handle it. One item Id like to address is the stability of the racquet. However, Yonex also refines its drilling of the holes for the outer main strings with its Linear Tech to widen the sweet spot and enhance string movement. My top pick is the younger sibling to this racquet, the Babolat Boost Drive. Here are the top three reasons I enjoy playing with the Pro Staff 97. Help me decide: Ezone 98, vcore 98 or vcore pro 97. Whether I was serving, hitting groundstrokes, approaching the net, or hitting volleys, the racquet felt incredibly stable and lent itself to consistent shot-making with a high level of accuracy. Power Overall, if youre looking for a spin-friendly tennis racquet that doesnt skimp on power while being user-friendly, then the Head Extreme MP 2022 is worth checking out. Both racquets can work well for intermediate and advanced players. Compared with the previous model, I would say Yonex has improved this weakness, and it wasnt much of a thought in my playtest. Spin Stable tennis racquets remain steady when striking a ball and help instill a positive sense of consistency and accuracy. Here are a few examples of specs: Id encourage you to avoid getting too hung up on specs because what matters most is the feel, but they can serve as a valuable point of context to narrow your options. With a strung weight of only 11.4 ounces, less weight in the racquet head at 6 points head light, and a lower 320 swingweight, its a user-friendly tennis racquet that most players should find easy to maneuver. At 11.3 strung and boasting a speedy sub 320-RDC swingweight, this racquet is ideal for intermediate and advanced players, especially if they crave maneuverability. However, despite its extra weight, it remains reasonably easy to maneuver relative to other racquets in its class. Along with its great control, I also love the racquets connected feel, excellent feedback, and response. Simultaneously, the 98 in head and a slightly thinner beam gave me the control I desired to direct the ball and hit my spots. New to the 3rd generation of this racquet is a thin rubber material applied to the frame at three and nine oclock to give the racquet a softer, more dampened feel. However, Babolat also modified the formula by opting for tighter string spacing to improve control while maintaining the freedom of movement within the grommets for optimal spin. I continue to love serving with the Babolat Pure Drive its one of the best in this arena. Head also integrates Graphene 360+ for stability, power, and feel. Over the years, precision and control have remained a defining characteristic of the Pro Staff family of racquets, and the Pro Staff 97 v13 is no exception. Topspin The VCore Pro is a more forgiving and softer frame than the Prestige. The result helps enhance the racquets power, control, and feel. Its well-suited for all-court play and performs well across the board, making it an incredibly versatile racquet that instills confidence. The following are the six attributes I used to evaluate each tennis racquets performance, which I have used for this list, along with descriptions, so you know what I mean by them. Here are a few reasons I dig this particular racquet. C2 Pure Feel Its low weight and 4 point head light construction made it quick to bring the racquet back and take a strong cut at softer serves while staying reasonably solid through contact to handle bigger serves. The Yonex VCORE 95 and 98 2021 comes with strategically carved out sections called Aero Fins for improved maneuverability. The beam is 21.5 mm all the way around. As you read through these, keep in mind that your string selection will influence some of these attributes. When applicable, I list the various models for each racquet, so Id encourage you to explore those if the racquet on this list doesnt seem to align perfectly with your specific needs. In my attempt to objectively select the top 25 tennis racquets on the market, Ive evaluated each racquet across a consistent set of six attributes and strokes, which are helpful for comparison. Another area in which the RF97 stood out to me was hitting with slice. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Of course, this is the formula many intermediates to advanced players seek. The last comment and 11 other comment(s) need to be approved. Obviously the most notable aspect of the Yonex VCORE 98 (2021) is the shape of the frame. This update features a slightly lower RA rating of 65 and a more open 16x19 string pattern (compared to the VCORE SV 98's 67 RA and 16x20 pattern). The Burn 100 v4 racquet also takes advantage of Wilsons parallel drilling, in which all grommet holes are drilled parallel to the frame to increase the size of the sweet spot while delivering a more forgiving feel. My top three reasons for loving the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 include control, groundstrokes, and touch/feel. Hopefully, you now have a good sense of how Ive evaluated my selection of the top 25 tennis racquets. Helpful Tip Based on how the Yonex EZONE 98 scored in my evaluation, heres a recap of its top attributes. Length: 27.5". It's much easier to create action on the ball even if you don't have full strokes. Groundstrokes The Pro Staff 97 V13 and the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph are not as easy to match though, because the RF97A is foam-filled and doesn't contain the 45 braid of the PS 97. With a 100 in head and tighter 1618 string pattern, youd expect topspin to be a highlight, and its solid. On contact, the racquet felt more stable than its predecessor and helped me generate plenty of power and topspin for a heavy ball that stayed deep in the court. However, at its core, the Wilson Blade remains a control-oriented players racquet that weighs it at a reasonable 11.4 ounces the same weight as the prior generation. However, the slightly lower power delivered by the Pure Strike is offset by the precision, control, and touch that it offers to ensure it performs consistently, no matter where youre playing on the court. Groundstrokes At the net, the racquet performs exceptionally well. The racquets elliptical geometric design reduces flex and increases the frames overall rigidity, further aiding in power. Introducing the Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v6! Similarly, I found the Warrior Textreme to work well hitting returns, where the 6 point head light balance allowed me to quickly and easily maneuver the racquet. Everything about this racquet caters to precision, and it shows everywhere on the court. Galaxy version sports the black paint job that is only supposed to be cosmetic but I think the rubbery matte finish makes it play softer, more powerful, more flex, more comfort. The Head Radical MP 2021 is a solid option for intermediate to advanced players. The racquet incorporates their Aero Trench grommet system for the main strings at the top of the racquets head, hiding the grommets and decreasing air resistance, resulting in even faster swings to generate more topspin. My favorite shots to hit with this frame were on groundstrokes and serves where you could turn up the pace. The larger head size helps provide a more prominent sweet spot and increases power, while the open string pattern allows players to remain in control with plenty of topspin. This weight and balance blend nicely for a tennis racquet that allows you to accelerate quickly through contact and take significant cuts at the ball from the baseline while maintaining control through topspin. Topspin Start by jotting down whats working and whats not working with your current racquet so you can use that information to help scout your next frame. The Blade 18x20 is control oriented but definitely has enough spin. The racquet uses a braided graphite construction, thin beam, and head light balance, then tops it off with Wilsons classic torsion control or Perimeter Weighting System that places extra weight on the sides of the racquet head at 3 and 9 oclock. Recognizing this, if youre a parent looking for a kids racquet (typically geared toward children ages ten and under), then Id encourage you to jump over to my guide for kids tennis racquets as a starting point. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for visiting my site. Racquet. As a result, its a strong performer from the baseline. I found fantastic performance with the Babolat Pure Aero at the baseline through the combination of power and topspin. However, this model enhances things further with their Anti-Torque System, which combines Texteme with the aramid Twaron to deliver added power without sacrificing stability. Discussion Boards Although I didnt have any major issue with this frame, some players will find this racquets power a bit overbearing, and if you like to flatten out the ball, it wont be the racquet for you. At the racquets core, youll find a trifecta of Volkls V-Feel Technologies. Overall, this racquet is an excellent option, especially for intermediate players who have struggled with arm discomfort. If the Babolat Pure Aero looks like the racquet for you, then be sure to check out the other variations on this tennis racquet. At the same time, StableSmart takes the form of a unique geometry applied to the frames throat, ensuring stability on contact and helping the racquet retain power. Specifications: Product Name: Yonex VCore 98 (2021) Manufacturer #: VC0698; Headsize: 98 sq. Babolats FSI technology combines its time-tested woofer system that increases power and the sweet spots size by allowing the strings to work together, while a tighter string pattern within the sweet spot aids in control. Here are the top three attributes that I enjoyed while hitting with the Prince Textreme Tour 100P. With this update for 2021, Yonex has revised the racquets throat geometry with the addition of 2G-NAMD graphite to improve flex and, subsequently, ball-pocketing and the potential for topspin. At 11.2 ounces and featuring a 4 point head light balance, the Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP moves with ease. At 11.1 ounces and with a 4 pt HL balance, the TF-X1 300 is an easy-to-man maneuver frame for quick reactions up at the net and generating maximum racquet head speed for topspin. Often what you spend to demo is applied to your purchase if you end up buying with them, so its a win-win situation. The net result is a racquet that can deliver substantial topspin and considerable pace. To help you navigate this resource, Ive included links for all the racquets that Ill discuss. All in all, the Head Speed MP 2022 is a fast-swinging and easy-to-maneuver frame that allows for aggressive play with plenty of topspin from the back of the court. For the pure strike I used the Head lynx with a tension of 24/23 kg because the racquet is quiet stiff. To help make it easy, I have a handy article that will walk you through exactly how to choose the perfect grip size. Join the conversation with other members of the community. Compared with the original Wilson Burn, the swingweight is relatively balanced, coming in at 3 point head light strung vs. the original at 5 points head light. With its 11.5-ounce weight, mid-range stiffness rating of 66, and head light balance that keeps the weight in the handle, the Textreme Tour 100P did a great job at absorbing the shock and vibrations that come with each shot and provided great comfort. As with most control-oriented racquets, the VCORE Pro consists of features that first and foremost support accuracy and precision. All of the Prestige Pros attributes combine for a racquet that delivers excellent feel from all areas of the court, especially at the net. I played with each racquet and then rated its performance on a scale of 1-10 for each attribute and stroke. Additional tech includes FlexTouch Resin found in the shaft for comfort and Power Boost Groove, enhancing string movement for added power and a bit of extra cushion. I created a custom vibration dampener thats compatible with all racquets and string patterns. With a strong rating on groundstrokes, it should come as no surprise that this highly maneuverable racquet delivered fantastic performance when hitting returns where you need to react quickly and pull back your racquet fast. Returns I wont go into great detail here on each of these, but you can check out my article on the different types of tennis shots to learn more. As I mentioned, it felt more stable than the prior model and had a reliable and noticeably improved feel that helped me direct the ball while having enough pop to put away shots. On serve, the power is perfect. For added strength, Babolat also made use of its carbon-fiber GT technology in the head. Last but not least, this racquet features Graphene to reduce weight in the racquets midsection while reinforcing the head of the racquet at 3, 9, and 12 oclock on the racquets head to aid stability and power. The Tecnifibre TFight 300 RS had plenty of pop from the baseline, which I was able to control with quick racquet head speed and topspin. Groundstrokes FortyFive enhances the frames vertical and horizontal flex to complement the modern swing path without giving up stability. Groundstrokes Maneuverability You must log in or register to reply here. Which is much more head-heavy than the regular 98 Mysonking 2 yr. ago I play with Blade v7 18x20 and tried eZone 98 ( older version) . Released in 2021, the TF-X1 is part of one of two competition-level tennis racquet lines that Tecnifibre offers, which delivers exceptional power and features designed to help minimize shock and vibration. Length: 27" Beam Width: 22.5mm / 23mm / 21mm The combined result is added confidence and precision regardless of the shot youre hitting. It swings easily to help deliver added topspin and helps maintain precision while also offering excellent response and added pace when youre in a position to attack. I use a Pure Strike Tour and the feel is good with poly strings strung at low tensions around 20-21 kg. With too thick beams I mean racquets with a beam at the head > 23mm, ideally would be <= 22mm. All in all, the Gravity Pro is a fantastic racquet that will please a specific crowd of players with the strength and confidence to wield it. 2 Reviews. Helpful Tip The Wilson Burn 100 v4 is a revised version of the original Wilson Burn, geared toward a wide range of intermediate to advanced tennis players. Other noteworthy features include Wilsons Parallel Drilling technology, which opens up the sweet spot and provides a more forgiving stringbed. THE NEW 2021 YONEX VCORE 98 - YouTube Trying out the new 2021 Yonex VCORE 98. Every year, Ill update and refresh this content to consider the latest and greatest tennis racquets top racquet brands are releasing. In other words, most players would pick up this racquet and enjoy the frames performance, as it scores well across the board. Here are the three reasons I love the latest addition to Wilsons line of performance tennis racquets. Comfort-oriented racquets tend to be a bit heavier, more flexible, and focus additional weight toward the handle to help absorb shock. Yonex took a demanding frame, the . As mentioned, Wilson did away with Countervail, which improved comfort and reduced vibration and fatigue, but it reduced feedback and changed the feel, so Im happy to see this update occur. Here are the three key reasons I enjoyed the Phantom 100X 305. The Wilson Blades slightly smaller 98 square inch head size, tighter 1820 string pattern, stable 11.4-ounce weight, and low 60 stiffness rating combine to deliver solid control from all areas of the court. 8400 , Wilson BLADE98s v7.0 G2 YONEX 98,WilsonBLADE15~61DUNLOP CX Ultimately, specs dont tell the whole story, which is one of the reasons Im adamant about encouraging players to demo racquets before buying, to gain first-hand insight and feel. One thing to keep in mind is that Pure Drive is one of the stiffer frames on the market, so players with tennis elbow should carefully consider that before purchasing this racquet. Spin Racquets that provide enhanced touch tend to be heavier, with smaller head sizes, and use more flexible frames. But this is another story for another day, let's compare the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph vs Yonex VCORE Pro 97 H. Specs. I preferred the Vcore over the Ezone. If youve enjoyed this article, I encourage you to bookmark it and share it with your friends, family, and teammates who might find it useful. Yonex VCORE Pro 97 HD and of course the ultra-flexy Angell K7 Lime. BATTLE OF THE TITANS: Yonex Ezone 98 2022 vs Vcore 98 vs Vcore Pro 97 - Racquet Review & Comparison AC Tennis 5.37K subscribers 45K views 10 months ago #racketreview #wilson. For the second year in a row, Tecnifibres TFight series makes an appearance on my list of the best tennis racquets. I felt the Phantom 100X 305 improves quite a bit from its predecessor at the net. Since the Blade 98 V8 1820 weighs "only" 305 grams unstrung (light for this category of racquets), it's lighter to swing and a bit faster through the air than most control racquets. Power However, some racquets make generating pace significantly easier. . I loved the topspin I could produce with this racquet. Wilson also has revised the racquets beam, reducing it by .5 mm in the shaft for added flex and comfort while increasing it slightly throughout the head to maintain power and stability. I tried one Yonex string in each racquet. Power Although it might not be the first attribute that comes to mind, the Head Instinct MP 2022 is an arm-friendly tennis racquet featuring a low-end stiffness or RA rating of 64. While the increased power potential may be desirable for some players, it may leave other players longing for control. Get the Yonex VCORE 98 (305) Racket for the Best Price from RacquetGuys! Finally, Wilson strays from their standard color scheme used across many of their racquet lines and uses a chameleon style paint job thats dynamic and shifts colors depending on the light. The racquet also comes built for speed. Control While the Extreme MP isnt the most powerful racquet on the market, it holds its own and rivals some of the best in this category. Heres a list: Long-awaited Pro Staff fans welcomed the introduction of the Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 in 2020, which eliminated the use of Countervail and turned out to be well worth the wait. Yonex VCORE 98. If youre interested in the Yonex EZONE 98 but are not quite sure if its an ideal fit, check out a few of the various EZONE models available. The following are the top three reasons I loved hitting with this tennis racquet. However, it did receive an updated cosmetic. Although it may be a great fit, youll do much better if you take a step back, learn about the racquet they endorse and compare it to available options before purchasing. One significant change to the frame vs. the prior model is its thicker, more powerful beam, increasing the stiffness rating from 54 to 58. On the court, that power is apparent, and its by far the racquets most distinct feature, which was unmistakable from my first stroke especially when paired with the frames sizeable sweet spot. The Wilson Blade 1820 also delivers comfort with its unique balance of material construction, weight, and flex rating. Returns True to its name, the Babolat Pure Aero also features Babolats Aeromodular 3 frame design, which varies the frames shape and form factor at key parts of the racquet for an aerodynamic profile that allows the racquet to swing quickly through the air. Simultaneously, everything felt under control, supported by a slightly more flexible frame than some of the other racquets in the Babolat family. For example, if you like the topspin for your current racquet but youre looking for a bit of extra control and improved feel, you can use those data points to help guide your decision-making. Youll also find a Sweet Spot Channel on the racquets head at three and nine oclock, which increases the length of the cross strings in the mid-section to enhance string movement for added power. Have a question about the tennis racquets on this list, or want to recommend another frame for the community to check out? Serves As a racquet with a mid-range weight that will appeal to many players, I felt that the most significant tradeoff was the overall feel and stability. In this article, I will look at the racket specs of the Vcore Pro 97 and the Blade 98 to see how these two tennis rackets compare to each another. Ive done my best to keep my selection of tennis racquets as objective as possible, which should help point you in the right direction and narrow down a few options for further research and consideration. The Wilson Burn 100 v4 higher power level may leave some players wanting to tone things down a bit, but that is offset to a degree by its excellent topspin so your style of play is a factor here. The Head Speed MP has a 100 in head and 1619 string pattern consistent with past models. Overall, the Babolat Pure Strike left me feeling pleased across the board. I recommend demoing a minimum of two racquets before deciding on a racquet to buy, so you have multiple points of reference. Kudos! Whether it was a forehand, backhand, or approach shot, it felt controlled, and the racquets weight and stability offered a level of plow-through that allowed me to take the air out of the ball and neutralize the point even off of an aggressive topspin shot. First and foremost, I love the Pure Drives ability to help generate power without breaking a sweat. Ezone had a higher launch angle with easy power. In the past, this was used only on the racquets throat and handle. Add Similar Racquets to Compare With a 4 point HL balance, the racquet swings relatively quickly and easily, further influencing a players ability to generate spin. I am not sure if it helps when I string at low tension, but I could try of course. I was even more delighted when I approached the net, as the racquets flexible frame helped maintain control and direct the ball where I needed. Although the Head Radical MP 2021 isnt a lightweight racquet, at 11.5 ounces and featuring a 6pt HL balance, it feels light in hand, and I found it to lack stability. Touch & Feel No matter where you are on the court, the Head Radical MP 2021 moves easily to ensure your racquet is in position. However, theres no substitute for developing your own opinion by hitting with a racquet of interest and experiencing it first hand. Tecnifibre TFight 300 RS. Players frequently ask me about the difference between intermediate and advanced racquets. The frames power derives from a combination of its stiffness rated at 66 and beam, which help return substantial energy to the ball. This combination gave me confidence when hitting and helped me dictate points and keep my opponents on their heels. I created this guide for a broad range of player ages and levels. The racquet also uses Wilsons Crush Zone grommet system, which compresses and rebounds when striking the ball for extra power and dwell time for control. The new Blade 98 18x20 v7 gives me a bit easier access to power, and feels slightly more forgiving when it comes to the sweet-spot, and hitting shots from a defensive position. This year, Im swapping out the Volkl V-Feel 8 with the V-Feel 8 Pro, a fun tennis racquet that offers a surprising blend of power, spin, maneuverability, and comfort. Not only is the racquet easy to maneuver, but it packs a punch up at the net, which helped me to put away my shots as I moved forward. While the Warrior Textreme certainly isnt overbearing when it comes to power, it may leave some players longing for a bit more control. The frame is on the stiffer end of the spectrum with an RA or stiffness rating of 71 and a thicker 24 mm beam. The Phantom 100X 305 is one of the most comfortable racquets that weve played with, making it an excellent option for players in need of an arm-friendly companion. Its okay you dont have a racquet for comparison. With improved maneuverability over the original Wilson Burn, I found that this upgraded version performed well on returns and had respectable stability. Do we like it?Thank you to Coach Andrew and Coach Chris for trying this racket out with me.You can fol. . Stability is a mainstay of the Prestige line, and the Prestige Tour delivers as expected. However, its power is underwhelming, so thats worth keeping in mind, as the racquet will appeal more strongly to experienced players. Not only did it feel solid at impact, but it gripped the ball and gave me the confidence to swing big with a high margin for error, knowing the ball would drop back into the court. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. If youre just getting started with tennis and you like what you see, but the price feels a little steep, be sure to check out my list of the best racquets for beginners. Its 100 in head combined with the open 1618 string pattern allowed for plenty of grip, with the topspin coming very naturally, especially when paired with a polyester string. Volleys As expected, it swings fast with its 4 points head light balance, which helped generate topspin, and it packed plenty of power to match while also offering up plenty of comfort. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.