Yonex

Percept 97 review

Yonex's control frame. It places the ball rather than launching it.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 97 97D: 97
Weight 305g 97D: 320g
Pattern 16×19 97D: 16×19
Stiffness 60 RA 97D: 62 RA
Swingwt 316 97D: 340
Balance HL 97D: HL
Full specsPercept 97 · Percept 97D
Percept 97Percept 97D
Head size97 sq in97 sq in
Weight (unstrung)305 g320 g
Weight (strung)330 g345 g
Swingweight316340
Stiffness60 RA62 RA
String pattern16×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Supply the engine and get precision, touch and comfort back.

    Performance

    Percept 97 Percept 97D

    Playtest

    Pocketed and pinpoint.
    Full notes

    The flexible beam lets the ball sit on the strings and the isometric head keeps off-centre hits honest. No free pace: a full swing earns precise depth and the confidence to aim at lines.

    + Pros

    • Excellent control, pinpoint response
    • Plush, arm-friendly feel
    • Forgiving isometric head for a 97
    • Superb at net

    − Cons

    • Less free power than the EZONE
    • Less easy spin than the VCORE
    • Needs sound technique
    • Goes vague when poly dies

    String for

    49–53 lbs 22.3–24 kg Co-poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Yonex Poly Tour Strike

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Yonex Poly Tour Strike Spin poly · Yonex pairing Adds bite to a control-first frame.
      49–53 lbs 22.3–24 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Yonex Poly Tour Rev Control poly A sharper, more defined response.
      49–53 lbs 22.3–24 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Babolat VS Touch Natural gut The smoothest, most comfortable setup.
      52–56 lbs 23.5–25.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Frances TiafoeAggressive Baseline
      ATP #8 · Yonex PolyTour Pro 115 · 20 kg
    • Tomas Martin EtcheverryAggressive Baseline
      ATP #30 · 19.1 kgHeavy clay-court topspin, shaped with directional intent.

    Verdict: 8.5

    Yonex's control frame done right: a plush, flexible, feel-first players' racquet that places the ball precisely and stays comfortable on the arm. Easy power: EZONE 98. Easy topspin: VCORE 98.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Yonex Percept good for beginners?

    Not really. It is a feel-first control frame for 4.5+ players; start with an easier frame such as the EZONE.

    Yonex Percept vs EZONE vs VCORE: which should I buy?

    Percept for control and feel, EZONE for easy power, VCORE for easy topspin.

    Is the Yonex Percept arm-friendly?

    Yes, unusually so: a flexible beam plus VDM damping. Softer strings at moderate tension make it gentler still.

    What string and tension is best for the Yonex Percept?

    Poly Tour Strike at 49–53 lbs. Firmer for control; natural gut for maximum comfort and feel.

    Is the Percept a control or power racquet?

    Control: Yonex's dedicated control line.

    Yonex Percept 97 vs 100: which should I buy?

    The 97 for the tightest control if you centre the ball consistently. The 100 for the same feel with more forgiveness.