Yonex

VCORE Pro 97 review

A control players' frame with real spin on tap. Feel first, shape second.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 97 98: 98
Weight 305g 98: 305g
Pattern 16×19 98: 16×19
Stiffness 63 RA 98: 63 RA
Swingwt 320 98: 321
Balance HL 98: HL
Full specsVCORE Pro 97 · VCORE 98 · Percept 97
VCORE Pro 97VCORE 98Percept 97
Head size97 sq in98 sq in97 sq in
Weight (unstrung)305 g305 g305 g
Weight (strung)330 g323 g330 g
Swingweight320321316
Stiffness63 RA63 RA60 RA
String pattern16×1916×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. A full, fast swing gets pinpoint placement with spin on tap.

    Performance

    VCORE Pro 97 VCORE 98

    Playtest

    Feel plus spin.
    Full notes

    A flat, penetrating, controllable ball with a plush pocket, yet you can brush up for genuine topspin. Low-powered: a full swing earns placement and shape.

    + Pros

    • Control-frame feel with spin
    • Flat, precise ball, plush pocket
    • Arm-friendly for a tour frame
    • Excellent touch at net

    − Cons

    • Low free power
    • 97 sq in is less forgiving
    • Demanding for short swings
    • Less raw spin than the VCORE 98

    String for

    50–53 lbs 22.5–24 kg Soft poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Yonex Poly Tour Pro

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Solinco Hyper-G Spin poly Gets the most out of the 16×19.
      48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Luxilon ALU Power Control poly Muted, precise and surgical.
      49–53 lbs 22–24 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Wilson Natural Gut Gut mains · ALU Power crosses The setup that fully unlocks it.
      52 / 48 lbs 23.5 / 21.8 kg · 1.30mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised

    No player in our database uses this frame.

    Verdict: 8.6

    Yonex's tour control-spin frame: the feel and precision of a players' frame with more spin access than most. Maximum spin: VCORE 98. Purer feel: Percept 97.

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    FAQ

    Is the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 good for beginners?

    No. It is a low-powered 97 for 4.5+ players who generate their own pace.

    Yonex VCORE Pro vs VCORE: which should I buy?

    The Pro for control with spin and feel. The VCORE for maximum, effortless topspin.

    Is the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 arm-friendly?

    Yes, notably for a tour frame. Use a soft poly or gut hybrid at a sensible tension.

    What string and tension is best for the Yonex VCORE Pro 97?

    A control co-poly in the low 50s lbs. Shaped poly for spin; a gut hybrid for feel.

    Is the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 a control or spin racquet?

    A control players' frame with strong spin access.

    Who is the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 best for?

    Advanced players who want control-frame feel with the ability to generate spin.