Thanks! I think it's good to keep things moving a bit and I'll try to make a point to continue refreshing the setting in my videos moving forward. Thanks!
Hmmmm in my head, the Gravity Pro went a step back with Auxetic. I think I still prefer the OG version. Percept might win here for me. Hard to say, though...
Loved the way the old Vcore Pro 97 looked but was just entirely too mushy feeling to me. Considering demoing the new Percept to feel that +3-5 stiffness you’re referring to.
Thank you! I'll be sure to try and capture this in future angles when it's important. Sounds like having a few helps most as opposed to one angle of any kind.
Thanks! I think it's a great racquet for hitting right through a ball with good placement and pace. Teases me a little to watch this footage as my lefty struggles a bit but I'm still determined to close that gap!
Have you compared other strings' swingweights in the same racquet like you have for this one (hyper g vs wasabi x). This, I think, would be a very interesting and helpful topic as using a lighter string can be the only way to reduce SW apart from using a smaller gauge.
I haven't really. Just using this before and after. Idk, it's not quite that simple. Having the weight distributed across the stringbed and actual strings being lighter vs the racket being lighter in the head are probably totally different. Subtle but meaningful variables. Kind of why I like the bad QC from other brands because maybe you want a lighter SW but the racket isn't made to be that way. However, it's possible to find with other brands. Reducing with string only does so much and you might not like the string necessary to reduce SW so I don't really advocate for doing that. Luckily wasabi x is an amazing string.
Very interesting comment about the 100D having a lower launch angle even though it is a larger hoop with an 18x19. You may be aware that Karue of MyTennisHQ switched to that racket. I bet it is for that reason.
Haha yeah he loves the lower launch angle. It actually felt kind of like a VC95. More so than anything else in the Percept lineup. I will try that one again sometime with a string I really like and know. I forgot to do a Percept 100D review haha.
So, I hear differing views on head size and string tension - playing with an Evo Drive which is unstrung weight 270 and a 16x17 pattern...When I demoed it the RPM Soft was like spaghetti after every strike, I needed knitting needles to put the strings back into straight lines, but the thing played great so, when I strung my own at 44 (low for me) it was nowhere so, went to 52/50 and that's even worse. Meaning, no real control, spin is spotty and the serve on the demo was nuts and now it's meh! So, the question is with a stiff, 70ish, light racquet that has a 104 head size do you go in the 30's or in the 56 and higher range on tension (with Toroline by the way)? Any experience or thoughts as to a general rule of thumb for head size and tension direction?
Hard to say with a racket like that. That's a very unusual string pattern and I've never seen it in person or heard anyone talk about it. Headsize and tension is not enough variables alone since string pattern is still a big factor. If you tried ReString Zero or Toroline Wasabi/Wasabi X, I think you'd have way less of that spaghetti effect. These should actually snap back into position.
Hey, hey, yes, I had a full bed of Wasabi at 44 and now have the Wasabi and the round string combo at 52/50. Weirdly the 52/50 felt too tight....ugg. The spaghetti issue was on the demo racket and it played well like that, that is why I strung it low at 44 to begin with, so as to replicate the action, but it ended up spongey. Yes, I got the Toroline through your link. Be nice if they opened a distributor in Canada.@@time410s
Finally, it's out! Awesome content once again! Really looking forward to this racquet. Can't wait for your next video which compares the Percept family altogether. Currently trying the Auxetic Speed Pro right now and everything's great except something's off with my 1h backhand. The latest EZONE 98 tour, which was the previous one I've been using felt better in that regard but vice-versa on the forehand. My racquet journey's really a mess right now. Maybe this Percept 97D can offer a good compromise between the 2 (or 100D or anything really)? Can't wait for the next video before making a decision. Cheers!
Interesting. This racket is slightly more whippy than the gravity pro. Did you have a racket you've stuck with before that felt great to you? Maybe you like the way the EZONE swings and the whip it can generate. But on forehand side you are punished by the difference in stability. For how beefy that racket is, it's not that stable.
Have you tried the Dunlop CX 400 Tour? Seems like a great combo for power and control compared to the entire CX 200 series… 16x19, 23 mm, 100 sq in AND in a control-oriented frame like the CX family
I haven't but mostly because I'm a little crazy. There's 1 grommet hole like 3 from bottom on crosses that angles the string in a crooked way across the racket and I can't stand it knowing that is there. But I bet I like it a bit more than the CX 200. But I doubt I'd like it as much as my PA98, silly details aside.
@@time410s Last question… i use the PA98 as well, but looking to have it painted as a different racket/brand. Know anyone in CA/the US who does that? Similar to like an unstrung customs type business
I do! But they are in Florida. CTR the website is kind of dated looking but the guy is legit. Custom Tennis Rackets. Should come up if you Google. I'll be sending a PA98 to them soon!
Definitely, if you want the differences. It's not like newer is better but this is a slightly different racket and if you want these changes, then it's worth it. Unfortunately, going back to the generation before means it's even more soft...which is the opposite direction I would want. In my case, it would absolutely be worth it. Want a little more spin/power and still tons of the control/comfort of the VCP? Then this is worth a try.
@@time410s Thanks sir Actually I have bought the new percept 97H the heavier one as I thought I should try new racket as there is no big difference between VCore 97d and percept 97d But after playing with new percept 97h I loved it power and spin amazing I can hit the ball anywhere feel it is not 330 g That’s why I feel Percept 97d with 10 gram off just 320 g only could be even better anyway I have to wait next generation to pick up newest one
I'm still loving my cx200 tour 18x20. Next to my gravity pro and tf40 315 18x20. Somehow i have so much basic power in my arms and body that when it is warm outside on gravel with new balls, i need to use the racket with the lowest power possible
Nice. I like diverting some pretty power to spin. That Dunlop doesn't really allow that but it's great on touch shots and hitting big/deep when you want. It plays very differently and ultimately isn't my style.
I'm using the same racket as you.. bab pure aero 98... Question for you... Have you modified the racket in any way such as silicone in the handle and/or lead tape at certain positions?.. What would be your thought on silicone in the handle or would it make it too heavy? I've even thought about spraying expandable foam in there. Your take? One other thing... What is your thought on using wasabi x hybrid completely... Or restring zero in the mains with wasabi x in the cross?
Why do people do the handle filling? For weight? To change feel? I just put on a heavier grip. I don't want to put anything permanent in my handle as it'll be a total pain to remove. Otherwise my current pa98 isn't modified. Just customized with heavier grips and such. No lead.
The racquet(97D) is really not that heavy. You are very used to using light weight racquets. Now, I will say that, for 3.5 players and under, it might be challenging if they aren't used to heavier frames, but for more advanced players that play often, it's not heavy at all. In regard to flex ratings, I have the Head Auxetic Prestige Tour. The RA is "65", but when I asked the pro shop to test it, it came in at 61 RA with strings. The accuracy of those ratings is marginal at best.
It's swingweight is a good 10-15 units above the regular 97 depending on strings. That's pretty significant. My racket isn't that light. It's about 345-350 grams. Swingweight 320-325. But that's with my modifications.
@@time410s Did you add more weight in the handle of your other racquet? I thought you were using stock SW in your other racquet. My racquets are typically 347 grams static with a SW of 338.
@@time410s I have the Vcore Pro 97 and I weight it up to 346 with a SW of 330. I guess when you say the 97D is heavy, I just don’t get it. Some people think 310 is heavy.
Yes mostly in the handle. The VS had a bunch in the head, though and was around 333. We will see where I settle on specs once I really narrow details down but we are so close!
Well I mean it's more so heavy compared to others in the lineup. And if it's not heavy relative to the rest of the market in stock form, what is? If I had to make a binary between heavy and light across the market, this would fall into the heavy. If I had 5 categories, maybe this would be 2nd category from most heavy/highest SW. Within reason. Obviously stupid rackets exist but we aren't counting those (gamma bubba)
Like this format of videos, keep the hard work man 👍
Thanks! I think it's good to keep things moving a bit and I'll try to make a point to continue refreshing the setting in my videos moving forward. Thanks!
I'd love to see how the Yonex 97D stacks up against the Gravity Pro
Hmmmm in my head, the Gravity Pro went a step back with Auxetic. I think I still prefer the OG version. Percept might win here for me.
Hard to say, though...
Loved the way the old Vcore Pro 97 looked but was just entirely too mushy feeling to me. Considering demoing the new Percept to feel that +3-5 stiffness you’re referring to.
Haha I feel the exact same about everything you said. Yeah, that +3 is just right, in my opinion! Send to be about that across the lineup.
Love the format / camera angle, easier to see how racquet behaves. For 97D, would be interesting to see it with a bit more powerful string setup...
Thank you! I'll be sure to try and capture this in future angles when it's important. Sounds like having a few helps most as opposed to one angle of any kind.
I would say the Wasabi X is not exactly low powered but it is a poly and that's always my material of choice.
Your backhand looked really good with the 97D when you were playing against that guy.
Thanks! I think it's a great racquet for hitting right through a ball with good placement and pace. Teases me a little to watch this footage as my lefty struggles a bit but I'm still determined to close that gap!
Have you compared other strings' swingweights in the same racquet like you have for this one (hyper g vs wasabi x). This, I think, would be a very interesting and helpful topic as using a lighter string can be the only way to reduce SW apart from using a smaller gauge.
I haven't really. Just using this before and after. Idk, it's not quite that simple. Having the weight distributed across the stringbed and actual strings being lighter vs the racket being lighter in the head are probably totally different. Subtle but meaningful variables.
Kind of why I like the bad QC from other brands because maybe you want a lighter SW but the racket isn't made to be that way. However, it's possible to find with other brands. Reducing with string only does so much and you might not like the string necessary to reduce SW so I don't really advocate for doing that. Luckily wasabi x is an amazing string.
It would be interesting a comparison with gravity pro. Great video
Thanks!
Very interesting comment about the 100D having a lower launch angle even though it is a larger hoop with an 18x19. You may be aware that Karue of MyTennisHQ switched to that racket. I bet it is for that reason.
Haha yeah he loves the lower launch angle. It actually felt kind of like a VC95. More so than anything else in the Percept lineup. I will try that one again sometime with a string I really like and know. I forgot to do a Percept 100D review haha.
So, I hear differing views on head size and string tension - playing with an Evo Drive which is unstrung weight 270 and a 16x17 pattern...When I demoed it the RPM Soft was like spaghetti after every strike, I needed knitting needles to put the strings back into straight lines, but the thing played great so, when I strung my own at 44 (low for me) it was nowhere so, went to 52/50 and that's even worse. Meaning, no real control, spin is spotty and the serve on the demo was nuts and now it's meh! So, the question is with a stiff, 70ish, light racquet that has a 104 head size do you go in the 30's or in the 56 and higher range on tension (with Toroline by the way)? Any experience or thoughts as to a general rule of thumb for head size and tension direction?
Hard to say with a racket like that. That's a very unusual string pattern and I've never seen it in person or heard anyone talk about it.
Headsize and tension is not enough variables alone since string pattern is still a big factor.
If you tried ReString Zero or Toroline Wasabi/Wasabi X, I think you'd have way less of that spaghetti effect. These should actually snap back into position.
Hey, hey, yes, I had a full bed of Wasabi at 44 and now have the Wasabi and the round string combo at 52/50. Weirdly the 52/50 felt too tight....ugg. The spaghetti issue was on the demo racket and it played well like that, that is why I strung it low at 44 to begin with, so as to replicate the action, but it ended up spongey. Yes, I got the Toroline through your link. Be nice if they opened a distributor in Canada.@@time410s
Finally, it's out! Awesome content once again! Really looking forward to this racquet. Can't wait for your next video which compares the Percept family altogether. Currently trying the Auxetic Speed Pro right now and everything's great except something's off with my 1h backhand. The latest EZONE 98 tour, which was the previous one I've been using felt better in that regard but vice-versa on the forehand. My racquet journey's really a mess right now. Maybe this Percept 97D can offer a good compromise between the 2 (or 100D or anything really)? Can't wait for the next video before making a decision. Cheers!
Interesting. This racket is slightly more whippy than the gravity pro. Did you have a racket you've stuck with before that felt great to you?
Maybe you like the way the EZONE swings and the whip it can generate. But on forehand side you are punished by the difference in stability.
For how beefy that racket is, it's not that stable.
10:59 the most relatable volley
Ah and the racquet drop after. You know how I was feeling 😁
Have you tried the Dunlop CX 400 Tour? Seems like a great combo for power and control compared to the entire CX 200 series…
16x19, 23 mm, 100 sq in AND in a control-oriented frame like the CX family
I haven't but mostly because I'm a little crazy. There's 1 grommet hole like 3 from bottom on crosses that angles the string in a crooked way across the racket and I can't stand it knowing that is there.
But I bet I like it a bit more than the CX 200. But I doubt I'd like it as much as my PA98, silly details aside.
We appreciate the transparency on your “craziness”, and it’s why we love the channel 😂
@@time410s Last question… i use the PA98 as well, but looking to have it painted as a different racket/brand. Know anyone in CA/the US who does that? Similar to like an unstrung customs type business
I do! But they are in Florida. CTR the website is kind of dated looking but the guy is legit. Custom Tennis Rackets. Should come up if you Google. I'll be sending a PA98 to them soon!
thank you so much man!
How would you compare Percept 97D with Yonex 95 2023?
Very close but lower launch angle on the Percept and a bit more stiffness of the frame.
If you have the old version Of 97d
Is it worth to update to 97d percept ?
Definitely, if you want the differences. It's not like newer is better but this is a slightly different racket and if you want these changes, then it's worth it. Unfortunately, going back to the generation before means it's even more soft...which is the opposite direction I would want.
In my case, it would absolutely be worth it. Want a little more spin/power and still tons of the control/comfort of the VCP? Then this is worth a try.
@@time410s Thanks sir
Actually I have bought the new percept 97H the heavier one as I thought I should try new racket as there is no big difference between VCore 97d and percept 97d
But after playing with new percept 97h I loved it power and spin amazing I can hit the ball anywhere feel it is not 330 g
That’s why I feel Percept 97d with 10 gram off just 320 g only could be even better anyway I have to wait next generation to pick up newest one
I'm still loving my cx200 tour 18x20. Next to my gravity pro and tf40 315 18x20. Somehow i have so much basic power in my arms and body that when it is warm outside on gravel with new balls, i need to use the racket with the lowest power possible
Nice. I like diverting some pretty power to spin. That Dunlop doesn't really allow that but it's great on touch shots and hitting big/deep when you want. It plays very differently and ultimately isn't my style.
@@time410s yeah i see that
But I wanted it to be haha
how would you compare cx200 tour 18x20 vs tf40 315 18x20? Slices with tf40 18x20 are deadly good
Haven't tried the latter one yet. It's always checked out somehow.
Whats about pure strike vs??
I might give it a whirl. More excited about the new Pure strike line though.
Please do a video for begginers players! We are weating for so long!
What kind of video? The racket suggestion?
@@time410s yes! You promiseeeed hahahah
It'll come. Probably one of my next 3 videos.
I'm using the same racket as you.. bab pure aero 98... Question for you... Have you modified the racket in any way such as silicone in the handle and/or lead tape at certain positions?.. What would be your thought on silicone in the handle or would it make it too heavy? I've even thought about spraying expandable foam in there. Your take? One other thing... What is your thought on using wasabi x hybrid completely... Or restring zero in the mains with wasabi x in the cross?
Why do people do the handle filling? For weight? To change feel? I just put on a heavier grip. I don't want to put anything permanent in my handle as it'll be a total pain to remove.
Otherwise my current pa98 isn't modified. Just customized with heavier grips and such. No lead.
Wasabi X hybrid completely? You mean a full bed of wasabi x?
97D vs the Prestige Pro
Prestige surely less spin friendly and maybe less power. Smaller sweetspot. Maybe a little better feel tho yonex is kinda muted
The racquet(97D) is really not that heavy. You are very used to using light weight racquets. Now, I will say that, for 3.5 players and under, it might be challenging if they aren't used to heavier frames, but for more advanced players that play often, it's not heavy at all.
In regard to flex ratings, I have the Head Auxetic Prestige Tour. The RA is "65", but when I asked the pro shop to test it, it came in at 61 RA with strings. The accuracy of those ratings is marginal at best.
It's swingweight is a good 10-15 units above the regular 97 depending on strings. That's pretty significant.
My racket isn't that light. It's about 345-350 grams. Swingweight 320-325. But that's with my modifications.
@@time410s Did you add more weight in the handle of your other racquet? I thought you were using stock SW in your other racquet. My racquets are typically 347 grams static with a SW of 338.
@@time410s I have the Vcore Pro 97 and I weight it up to 346 with a SW of 330. I guess when you say the 97D is heavy, I just don’t get it. Some people think 310 is heavy.
Yes mostly in the handle. The VS had a bunch in the head, though and was around 333. We will see where I settle on specs once I really narrow details down but we are so close!
Well I mean it's more so heavy compared to others in the lineup. And if it's not heavy relative to the rest of the market in stock form, what is? If I had to make a binary between heavy and light across the market, this would fall into the heavy. If I had 5 categories, maybe this would be 2nd category from most heavy/highest SW. Within reason. Obviously stupid rackets exist but we aren't counting those (gamma bubba)