Been using the vcore pro 100 from last gen and I loved the feel of it. I sold it to upgrade after hearing all the positive feedback about the new one but I immediately felt arm and elbow pain in the first few hours with the exact same setup. didn’t like the feel on impact as much and the racquet didn’t feel as whippy even when I customized it the same way so I will be staying with the older version. Great video as always
Oh no! Sorry to hear you had to go back haha. Did it feel super different to you or just the sideffects of the stiffer feel got to your arm? Thanks for watching and the kind words.
@@ZeroLoveTennis it didn’t feel the same to me. It honestly felt more like tradition stiff control frame with bad vibration dampening. I think among the vcore pro line the 100 stood out as little different. It was definitely soft but the flex rating wasn’t as low as the other ones and it gave you enough power. They changed the way it feels on impact and also stiffened the racquet overall so now it plays more close to a normal control frame which I guess is what they were aiming for but I don’t believe they have it dialed in with the dampening tech. So now it feels like the racquet went from soft to really stiff. I don’t think they changed the beam much of at all but for some reason mine didn’t feel as fast through the air and my old one did. Even with all the customization I been doing to them. Very weird racquet.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Still feels pretty soft to me but the last one was like hot butter. This one is more like cold butter. Which for me is what I wanted. Still quite a bit softer than my pure aero 98 but with certain strings and tension I'm sure it might be harder to tell. I've only tried one. I feel like the head deforms less or throat stays more in form through contact at full power. The others always felt a little noodly. This, less so.
Might be! Although it's not really my thing. I'm picky in terms of court quality, time of day, etc. I wanna play where and with whom I feel like. Plus, I mess around with racquets often enough to never feel like I'm truly "match ready" But a lot of channels do that. I might as well...but since so many do I wonder why I should? We will see. This channel's journey is a reflection of my journey. As I close in on my racquet journey, I imagine the direction and content of this channel will change as well! I have some VERY strong tennis partners these days and I want to do some content involving that level of play.
"Hmm, my oponent's racquet doesn't have small grommet holes or parallel drilling... he is also not using restring zero... there should be a noticable drop in consistency in the second and third set and I'll be ready to pounce." Fan of the channel, keep doing your thing! ❤
I had the Percept 97 on the top of my list of rackets to try out in the future. Mostly because I have a one handed backhand. But I don't think I want to sacrifice the extra spin I've gotten used to on the forehand side with the Extreme Tour and Pure Aero VS/98. I feel like the extra spin helps me shape shots better and play more aggressive.
Hmm I feel like spin is actually quite decent on the 97. Maybe I should make that more clear in a future video. Big spin difference to the 100 D. Power might be similar to the extreme tour until you start hitting full power. This is definitely the more comfortable option though. Maybe try it?
VCP 97 User here. I am completely the opposite I love the marshmallow feel. Also helps with my wrist pain. Maybe it’s psychological since I feel more confident taking bigger strikes without causing pain. Which probably further improves my timing. However I totally felt the lost power at first. But once I got used to the racket I feel like I learned how to get more power from it. Regardless I will to have to try percept, but I will happily eat up the VCP sales to add more to my collection since I have really settled on it as my racket. Already found one on sale for $100.
I feel you. I actually love the feeling but not how it affects the tennis but mostly only in terms of raw power. It's really cool for touch and angles.
I already ordered the 100Ds. Demoed it for 5 days. Coming from the vcore pro 100 it offers the extra control I was looking for + some additional stability.
@@ZeroLoveTennis I didnt mind it as I am coming from the Vcore pro 100 and most of my missed are deep rather than at the net. The main diferential for me was the added control on flatter shots and inside the court. I am no longer affraid to miss deep when flattening out my ground strokes and change direction down the line. I loved the racquet but its a trade off vs the one 100. For me the trade off was clearly worth it, but it could be diferent for everybody!
I agree on the ball machine comments, the 100D just made me think why would I choose this over the 97D after testing it along with the H Percepts a week ago. I thought the 97D does what the 100D does, but better all around.
V-Core 97D I did a couple of days on the Demo. Accuracy was astounding, power ample, feel was a little soft but nothing you can't get used too. I play doubles and the bigger isometric sweet spot made that 97D feel like a very potent weapon. I was doing damage like never before, awesome down the alley. Spin on the kick was ruthless. I'll wait for your video 🤔
@@ZeroLoveTennis have you used a 16x 20 string pattern yet? I checked one out for the first time in a Wilson Burn. Pleasantly surprised nice combination, more control than 16 x19 for sure 👌
@@ZeroLoveTennis I'm using Alu Power Rough in the Gravity Pro. It's powerful but only within sweetspot. Does Restring Zero or Wasabi provide a larger sweetspot by any chance? Gravity Pro could really use more bite. Stable as a tank but spin isn't that simplified in an 18x 20 pattern. Trying for best of both worlds in the Gravity Pro open to ideas, even hybrid strings. Can't part with Gravity Pro just too good and pain free.
You should get a bit more spin with these strings but there are limitations to that rackets spin potential. But I've seen it first hand. I'll have a review up eventually of it. My IG shows it strung with wasabi in one of my reels. Larger sweetspot... Not sure. But probably not less. Try wasabi X in crosses with either zero or wasabi mains. That's my best idea for that one. It might open things up a bit and give you best case scenario for spin potential!
Great first impressions! Could you compare these percept rackets to the head gravity ones? I think they’re very comparable, as they’re both control & feel rackets
They feel pretty different but maybe the gravity pro represents a better comparison to something like the 100 D. I'd say gravity still feels a bit stiffer and actually Gravity pro has better spin potential than 100 D.
I just checked out the Demo. I haven't hit with it much and certainly haven't played a match with it. From what I can tell, it's slightly more powerful.
Will you try the Percept 100? It’s the most spin oriented Percept. Wonder how it compares with the Pure Aero 98. It’s lighter but it’s control oriented they say. I will try the Percept 100 but I would like to try the Pure Aero 98 after.
I think my preferred VCORE PRO was the 100 but it's a tough call since that whole line was a bit too far in the direction of something I don't want but the 100 was the least so. Yes, I will try to get my hands on one! Thanks for reminding me, forgot there is a 100 and 100 D now haha.
Sir, some reviewers mentioned Percept 97 as overrated stiffness rating that is above 66 RA not the given 60 RA. How do you feel about that? And, is it a good alrounder racquet for people suffering from tennis elbow? Thanks.
Hmm, maybe it feels more like 62-63 than 60 but RA is hard to judge too much. It will get you in the ballpark of an expectation but it is far from the end-all metric for stiffness. It feels right in the middle of the racquet it replaced and something like the Pure Aero 98, in terms of stiffness. Yes, good all arounder with things like power leaning slightly in the direction of control more than some from other lineups. you can get 10% off this racquet at Direct Tennis with my channel name as the code btw if interested.
Thats easily the best multi racquet first impression review. I too think ball machine is the ONLY way to demo multiple frames together. Nice job. My take is the 18x19 100D should have been paired with a 63RA.
Thank you! I didn't look too much at the specs since I wanted a clean slate first impression. Currently still not sure if 63RA is higher or lower than actual haha. Going to guess...a little lower? Some racquets feel stiffer than their rating implies and some much softer.
Great video! Im interested in 100D for now. Can you describe shortly the strong sides of it? And i wonder mb it is somewhat like Gravity?... Im not sure that 100D is "beginner" tier but more like an advanced level racket with a twist...?
Beginner maybe not but it's not like a super hard heavy racquet to use. But it's a flatter playing racquet. You will struggle to get really good spin with it and for me that's a big no. But I can play well with it anyway I just miss shaping the ball so much.
The vcore pro has low launch low spin but it rarely goes out. The best characteristic of the vcore pro line is when you take full power swings it doesn't punish you if you hit off center or too high. Pure aero full power shot hit slightly too high will go flying!
I like the PA98 it's not too far in the Pure Aero direction but you'll want a spin heavy playstyle for such a racket. I feel you on the VCP and Percept but I can also pull a ball down with spin much better with the PA98 so I'm not having issues with balls flying out on me either. I think playstyle is a big factor here
Great review. These two racquets that you have chosen to the review are the most accessible for wast majority of players in terms of weight and playability among the Percept line (the Percept 100 is too of course), but these two will be the hottest choice in the line I think. That is why I wanted to ask You, Percept 97 / Percept 100D - which of these two racquets is more similar to Ezone 98 2022? Which of these two will have similar power, but more control with good net playability and good feel? I assume without testing that the 97 may be too noodly and the 100 may be too wild, so I'm leaning towards 100D. Am I right?
I'm excited to try the 100 soon! I'm next in line to at my shops. To answer your question...eh, it's hard to say but I guess the 97? Maybe you can pretend the 97 is like an EZONE but wayyyy softer. The 100D feels a bit more like it but plays less like it, except for the ways in which is feels more firm. Tough question. Without having tried it, I'd probably still pick the 100. It's like the 97 but slightly more power and more crisp, I assume. Both of which are things I want from the 97. The idea of the 100 headsize make you think it's too wild? I don't. The PA98 is still a more powerful racquet EVEN though it's a 98 and 16x20 (again I assume but this was absolutely true for the VCP)
@@ZeroLoveTennis Very informative answer. Thank You. I can pretend that Percept 97 plays like Ezone 98 2022, but unfortunately it will not pretend for me that I am able to swing it so effectively like I swing with the Ezone, so this idea is out for me🙂 Maybe it is my imagination that I would like the 100D to play like Ezone 98 2022, so I try to convince myself that it is for me, especially looking at raw specification data, which are nearly identical. I did not try the Percept 100, but You are right that my decision to not even consider it as my next racquet was supported by the fact that I tried the "purple" VCP 100 and it was too wild for me, but after reading your answer I realized that the specs of VCP100 and Percept 100 differ a lot in terms of stiffness, so these two must feel not the same at all. After playing with the legendary (for me) Ezone DR 98 for some time in the past, with 62RA, I was chasing for this soft yet stable feeling in couple of my recent racquets... but I forgot that except soft RA, it had decent swingweight (325/326) which current editions of Yonexes (in the same weight class) do not have. This search for the same feeling and the lack of memory made me trying the Vcore 98 2023 which for me was not controlable at all - the harder I hit, the less controlable it was... to bendy and soft with very high launch angle. Only a player with semi-western or western grips and Indiana Jones whip movement could tame it a bit. That is why I considered Percept 97 as my possible next racquet, but this can be a misconception also like with Vcore 98 2023 and I should lean towards stiffer, more responsive Percept 100D or even the Percept 100 as you suggest. I will definitely try them at the nearest opportunity...
You can address the lack of power by stringing looser or using a softer string. Also, these control frames are made for players with really ful swings. I can remember playing awesome with these, but when I am on the stretch myself, the lack of power bites me. That's why I sold my Blade 18/20.
I agree! But it only makes up for it somewhat. I think I've found happiness with a mid to stiff racquet with a higher tension and kind of open pattern. The PA98 is a great example. A higher power frame will always offer higher power. I don't think the difference in tension can always close that gap. And it's not just that but the directional control. That'd be even worse on a flexy racquet if you drop tension.
I agree. More power both ways and even though flat shots don't come as naturally on the PA98, it's not like it's impossible by any means. And some trade-off happens in swingweight. For example, my racquet is harder to swing (it's kind of beefed up) but, it's more versatile on spin and flat. So that's the disclaimer but if you can overcome that then it's nothing but a good thing, really. I don't think you can do too much to get these to be way more spin friendly. But they aren't all about that and that's ok! It's a different racquet.
Yes, that and the plow through. The twistweight increase helps on this most but that also increases swingweight but in this case I want a bit of both so it works out! What sucks is when twistweight is too low and swingweight already too high...then what lol
Hard to say for power actually. Regna has a more interesting flex and might still be more comfortable. More spin as well. Control, hard to compare. But I might prefer the Regna in feel and how the ball comes off. That's a very special racquet!
Just bumped into this channel and was surprised to see your superb technique! It's clear that you're not a random amateur player out there. How long/what kind of playing history do you have if I may ask?
Awesome! Thank you! History... Started pretty young, maybe a year or two at most, quit for like ten years and came back an addict haha. I didn't get to play for fun as a little kid but I did enjoy it. I just didn't understand that. Now, I really just play for fun! I love to play well and am always trying to get better and still enjoy it all. Thanks for showing up and saying hi!
Haha well that's a nice comment! Playing often probably makes the biggest difference in the long run. And the right guidance along the way helps but I think playing often will be more important.
Yesterday I had a chance to hit with Yonex Percept 100D and I must say that it is not my cup of tea. Originally I play with Yonex Ezone 98 2022 and it is much more versatile racquet. With the Percept 100D I gain nothing in comparison to Ezone 98 2022, but lost power, feel, stringbed liveliness and predictability, possibility to shape/arc trajectory. In comparison to Ezone 98 2022, playing with Percept 100D is like slicing bread with a blunt knife: "you know that you will finally slice a bread with this knife, but all joy to eat it leaves you". The Percept 100 may be better than 100D if someone is still interested in this line. Yesterday I hit also with Vcore 95 2023 and in terms of versatility and playability I would rate these racquets in this order: Ezone 98 2022 > Vcore 95 2023 > Percept 100D.
I will say after trying them all the 100D is last choice for me. Haha hopefully you try other options in the lineup! The 100 regular is great. Pretty similar to ezone in many ways but more comfortable and controlled. Spin is similar.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Hopefully the Percept 100 is better than 100D. For me hitting with Percept 100D is like playing tennis with an empty, flattened Coke can. No real feel of the ball, no liveliness, bulky feel, dull and I consider myself as Yonexoholic. Only additional mass would save this stick, but then there are other options in the Percept line.
@zulugula5494 it's a completely different racket haha don't judge any of the Percepts by the 100D. It's the odd one out imo I'll make it clear in my video.
@@TheDelumuniumtechnically not exactly… I think it’s 190.5cm (or 6’3”) but within rounding error anyway! (…or to be super pedantic 190.4947cm as he wrote it (2.7777 rackets), but I assume he meant 2 7/9 😅 anyway sorry to be “that guy”)
I'll mention this in the future video hopefully! But I will say it's comparable. However the 100 D version probably gets notable LESS spin than even the Gravity Pro.
Hmm, that is actually not a bad description. But I'd say it's even further in the direction of the Gravity Pro, as in the Gravity Pro might still be a bit more spin friendly.
Love/agree with your thoughts on testing with a ball machine. Do you have strong feelings/recommendations on a machine? (Looks like you’re using this Slinger? ua-cam.com/video/-Bn4Qs_p3mU/v-deo.html yes?) My experience with ball machines has been mixed but limited - I rented time on a Tennis Tutor a few times, and the balls were all over the place. I was more of a beginner back then so that was especially frustrating, but maybe that wouldn’t bother me now. Your Slinger here looks very consistent though? I’ve also used a Spinshot for several sessions about a year ago (tried out some lessons) which seemed more precise but still had a lot of variance - however the coach was controlling it, so maybe that was on purpose? Anyway I’ve been considering/wanting to get a machine for a while, but hard to know which models are consistent/QC and also which features are worth the $$$ (for development and/or testing)… Any advice would be awesome!
The slinger is pretty consistent but so are the balls I'm using and that might make all the difference. I've tried using recycled balls and they all age differently and pretty poorly making for an inconsistent bounce and feel every few balls. So I'm not into that...
Why don't you review the Yonex Percept 97L (unstrung weight-290 grams)? Most amateur recreational players need a sub 300 grams racket, which is easier to swing and has a lower swing weight with a reasonable amount of stability.
I suppose it's partly due to the idea most people that beginner aren't looking for videos. I also might be out of touch with something that is "good" for a beginner because I am too far from it at this point. I have my thoughts on such things and try to express them with that disclaimer but I think some of my points are solid. I hope to make a video about beginner racquets in the future.
@@ZeroLoveTennis I get that, but the Percept 97L is not really a racket for beginners, it's a racket that is designed for further customisation for intermediate to advanced players. It has a 97 square inch head size and a relatively thin 21 mm beam. I don't think beginner rackets necessarily have these kinds of specs. Wilson and Babolat rackets thicken the beam for adding stability and power to their rackets as they decrease their static weight below 300 grams, you can notice this in their team version of any of their series. However, I feel that this takes away the 'feel' of the racket and hinders its manouverability. Yonex doesn't do that and that's why I prefer their 'Lighter' rackets of the percept series. Also on a side note, can you compare the Vcore 95 with the Percept 97? What's the difference between these two rackets in terms of their power level and manouverability?
97 feels softer and power tapers off kinda late into your full range if you hit really hard but the 95 remains more linear and feels a bit stiffer. I'll look into the L if it seems interesting. Maybe it's kind of like the prestige MP in that way.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Cheers, I guess then I will stick with my 95, I don't like loss of power in my strokes towards the end. I prefer the crisper feel over a softer 'noodly' feel.
@Shankar-Bhaskar same here. Noodly is comfy but a huge loss in spin and power and arguably directional control. You can adjust for some of that but other aspects are just gone for good and that's not a trade I'm making right now lol
Feel....VCP I consider to be a bit too buttery. Feels great like when you jump into a super fluffy memory foam bed but if you're really trying to pounce around then it can get a bit tiring to have so much cushion. This Percept line stiffens things up just a touch and I like that! I think I would prefer all of the Percept equivelants to their VCP seniors, if that makes sense. I can't say for sure until trying them all but I just felt that strongly about the VCP and it's squishy feel, as nice as it was it just swallowed too much power.
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
Been using the vcore pro 100 from last gen and I loved the feel of it. I sold it to upgrade after hearing all the positive feedback about the new one but I immediately felt arm and elbow pain in the first few hours with the exact same setup. didn’t like the feel on impact as much and the racquet didn’t feel as whippy even when I customized it the same way so I will be staying with the older version. Great video as always
Oh no! Sorry to hear you had to go back haha. Did it feel super different to you or just the sideffects of the stiffer feel got to your arm?
Thanks for watching and the kind words.
@@ZeroLoveTennis it didn’t feel the same to me. It honestly felt more like tradition stiff control frame with bad vibration dampening. I think among the vcore pro line the 100 stood out as little different. It was definitely soft but the flex rating wasn’t as low as the other ones and it gave you enough power. They changed the way it feels on impact and also stiffened the racquet overall so now it plays more close to a normal control frame which I guess is what they were aiming for but I don’t believe they have it dialed in with the dampening tech. So now it feels like the racquet went from soft to really stiff. I don’t think they changed the beam much of at all but for some reason mine didn’t feel as fast through the air and my old one did. Even with all the customization I been doing to them. Very weird racquet.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Still feels pretty soft to me but the last one was like hot butter. This one is more like cold butter. Which for me is what I wanted. Still quite a bit softer than my pure aero 98 but with certain strings and tension I'm sure it might be harder to tell. I've only tried one.
I feel like the head deforms less or throat stays more in form through contact at full power. The others always felt a little noodly. This, less so.
I'm hoping the next evolution of this channel is match play
Might be! Although it's not really my thing. I'm picky in terms of court quality, time of day, etc. I wanna play where and with whom I feel like. Plus, I mess around with racquets often enough to never feel like I'm truly "match ready"
But a lot of channels do that. I might as well...but since so many do I wonder why I should?
We will see. This channel's journey is a reflection of my journey. As I close in on my racquet journey, I imagine the direction and content of this channel will change as well!
I have some VERY strong tennis partners these days and I want to do some content involving that level of play.
"Hmm, my oponent's racquet doesn't have small grommet holes or parallel drilling... he is also not using restring zero... there should be a noticable drop in consistency in the second and third set and I'll be ready to pounce."
Fan of the channel, keep doing your thing! ❤
That does sound like a pretty significant handicap 😂
I'd watch!
I had the Percept 97 on the top of my list of rackets to try out in the future. Mostly because I have a one handed backhand. But I don't think I want to sacrifice the extra spin I've gotten used to on the forehand side with the Extreme Tour and Pure Aero VS/98. I feel like the extra spin helps me shape shots better and play more aggressive.
Hmm I feel like spin is actually quite decent on the 97. Maybe I should make that more clear in a future video. Big spin difference to the 100 D. Power might be similar to the extreme tour until you start hitting full power.
This is definitely the more comfortable option though. Maybe try it?
VCP 97 User here. I am completely the opposite I love the marshmallow feel. Also helps with my wrist pain. Maybe it’s psychological since I feel more confident taking bigger strikes without causing pain. Which probably further improves my timing.
However I totally felt the lost power at first. But once I got used to the racket I feel like I learned how to get more power from it. Regardless I will to have to try percept, but I will happily eat up the VCP sales to add more to my collection since I have really settled on it as my racket. Already found one on sale for $100.
I feel you. I actually love the feeling but not how it affects the tennis but mostly only in terms of raw power. It's really cool for touch and angles.
I already ordered the 100Ds. Demoed it for 5 days. Coming from the vcore pro 100 it offers the extra control I was looking for + some additional stability.
When you demo did you change the strings or nah
@@Olie12352 I did. It was strung with RPM rough 1.25 at 45lbs
@@brunoalves3736how do you get demo rackets strung how u want them
Nice! You like the lower launch angle? I might prefer the 100 Percept to the 100 D or VCORE Pro 100 but I'll have to actually try to be sure haha
@@ZeroLoveTennis I didnt mind it as I am coming from the Vcore pro 100 and most of my missed are deep rather than at the net. The main diferential for me was the added control on flatter shots and inside the court. I am no longer affraid to miss deep when flattening out my ground strokes and change direction down the line. I loved the racquet but its a trade off vs the one 100. For me the trade off was clearly worth it, but it could be diferent for everybody!
I agree on the ball machine comments, the 100D just made me think why would I choose this over the 97D after testing it along with the H Percepts a week ago. I thought the 97D does what the 100D does, but better all around.
I will check out the 97D. I imagine it's going to feel softer. I wonder how launch angle will compare.
V-Core 97D I did a couple of days on the Demo. Accuracy was astounding, power ample, feel was a little soft but nothing you can't get used too. I play doubles and the bigger isometric sweet spot made that 97D feel like a very potent weapon. I was doing damage like never before, awesome down the alley. Spin on the kick was ruthless. I'll wait for your video 🤔
Nice! I might grab the 97H and the 18x20 and do a review of the whole lineup instead of just the two I got or 1 at a time.
@@ZeroLoveTennis have you used a 16x 20 string pattern yet? I checked one out for the first time in a Wilson Burn. Pleasantly surprised nice combination, more control than 16 x19 for sure 👌
@@ZeroLoveTennis I'm using Alu Power Rough in the Gravity Pro. It's powerful but only within sweetspot. Does Restring Zero or Wasabi provide a larger sweetspot by any chance? Gravity Pro could really use more bite. Stable as a tank but spin isn't that simplified in an 18x 20 pattern. Trying for best of both worlds in the Gravity Pro open to ideas, even hybrid strings. Can't part with Gravity Pro just too good and pain free.
Oh yeah I've been on that PA98 a lot recently. Kind of my go to and maybe my next racquet of choice.
You should get a bit more spin with these strings but there are limitations to that rackets spin potential. But I've seen it first hand. I'll have a review up eventually of it. My IG shows it strung with wasabi in one of my reels.
Larger sweetspot... Not sure. But probably not less.
Try wasabi X in crosses with either zero or wasabi mains. That's my best idea for that one. It might open things up a bit and give you best case scenario for spin potential!
Great first impressions! Could you compare these percept rackets to the head gravity ones? I think they’re very comparable, as they’re both control & feel rackets
They feel pretty different but maybe the gravity pro represents a better comparison to something like the 100 D.
I'd say gravity still feels a bit stiffer and actually Gravity pro has better spin potential than 100 D.
I just checked out the Demo. I haven't hit with it much and certainly haven't played a match with it. From what I can tell, it's slightly more powerful.
Nice! It seems that way. At least in the way that it's less likely to keep swallowing power the harder you hit, which I prefer.
Will you try the Percept 100? It’s the most spin oriented Percept. Wonder how it compares with the Pure Aero 98. It’s lighter but it’s control oriented they say.
I will try the Percept 100 but I would like to try the Pure Aero 98 after.
I think my preferred VCORE PRO was the 100 but it's a tough call since that whole line was a bit too far in the direction of something I don't want but the 100 was the least so. Yes, I will try to get my hands on one! Thanks for reminding me, forgot there is a 100 and 100 D now haha.
Sir, some reviewers mentioned Percept 97 as overrated stiffness rating that is above 66 RA not the given 60 RA. How do you feel about that? And, is it a good alrounder racquet for people suffering from tennis elbow? Thanks.
Hmm, maybe it feels more like 62-63 than 60 but RA is hard to judge too much. It will get you in the ballpark of an expectation but it is far from the end-all metric for stiffness. It feels right in the middle of the racquet it replaced and something like the Pure Aero 98, in terms of stiffness.
Yes, good all arounder with things like power leaning slightly in the direction of control more than some from other lineups.
you can get 10% off this racquet at Direct Tennis with my channel name as the code btw if interested.
Just reviewing 97 and 100D, right? I was curious about how the 97 compares to the 97D too.
Hoping to do a full lineup review where I gloss over them all in one video.
Thats easily the best multi racquet first impression review. I too think ball machine is the ONLY way to demo multiple frames together. Nice job. My take is the 18x19 100D should have been paired with a 63RA.
Thank you! I didn't look too much at the specs since I wanted a clean slate first impression. Currently still not sure if 63RA is higher or lower than actual haha. Going to guess...a little lower? Some racquets feel stiffer than their rating implies and some much softer.
Great video! Im interested in 100D for now. Can you describe shortly the strong sides of it? And i wonder mb it is somewhat like Gravity?...
Im not sure that 100D is "beginner" tier but more like an advanced level racket with a twist...?
Beginner maybe not but it's not like a super hard heavy racquet to use. But it's a flatter playing racquet. You will struggle to get really good spin with it and for me that's a big no. But I can play well with it anyway I just miss shaping the ball so much.
Thanks for sharing! Waiting for your opinion on 97D
Coming soon! Might be an all in 1 video instead of a video for each racquet.
The vcore pro has low launch low spin but it rarely goes out. The best characteristic of the vcore pro line is when you take full power swings it doesn't punish you if you hit off center or too high. Pure aero full power shot hit slightly too high will go flying!
I like the PA98 it's not too far in the Pure Aero direction but you'll want a spin heavy playstyle for such a racket. I feel you on the VCP and Percept but I can also pull a ball down with spin much better with the PA98 so I'm not having issues with balls flying out on me either. I think playstyle is a big factor here
Great review.
These two racquets that you have chosen to the review are the most accessible for wast majority of players in terms of weight and playability among the Percept line (the Percept 100 is too of course), but these two will be the hottest choice in the line I think.
That is why I wanted to ask You, Percept 97 / Percept 100D - which of these two racquets is more similar to Ezone 98 2022? Which of these two will have similar power, but more control with good net playability and good feel?
I assume without testing that the 97 may be too noodly and the 100 may be too wild, so I'm leaning towards 100D. Am I right?
I'm excited to try the 100 soon! I'm next in line to at my shops.
To answer your question...eh, it's hard to say but I guess the 97? Maybe you can pretend the 97 is like an EZONE but wayyyy softer. The 100D feels a bit more like it but plays less like it, except for the ways in which is feels more firm.
Tough question.
Without having tried it, I'd probably still pick the 100. It's like the 97 but slightly more power and more crisp, I assume. Both of which are things I want from the 97. The idea of the 100 headsize make you think it's too wild? I don't. The PA98 is still a more powerful racquet EVEN though it's a 98 and 16x20 (again I assume but this was absolutely true for the VCP)
@@ZeroLoveTennis
Very informative answer. Thank You.
I can pretend that Percept 97 plays like Ezone 98 2022, but unfortunately it will not pretend for me that I am able to swing it so effectively like I swing with the Ezone, so this idea is out for me🙂
Maybe it is my imagination that I would like the 100D to play like Ezone 98 2022, so I try to convince myself that it is for me, especially looking at raw specification data, which are nearly identical.
I did not try the Percept 100, but You are right that my decision to not even consider it as my next racquet was supported by the fact that I tried the "purple" VCP 100 and it was too wild for me, but after reading your answer I realized that the specs of VCP100 and Percept 100 differ a lot in terms of stiffness, so these two must feel not the same at all.
After playing with the legendary (for me) Ezone DR 98 for some time in the past, with 62RA, I was chasing for this soft yet stable feeling in couple of my recent racquets... but I forgot that except soft RA, it had decent swingweight (325/326) which current editions of Yonexes (in the same weight class) do not have. This search for the same feeling and the lack of memory made me trying the Vcore 98 2023 which for me was not controlable at all - the harder I hit, the less controlable it was... to bendy and soft with very high launch angle. Only a player with semi-western or western grips and Indiana Jones whip movement could tame it a bit. That is why I considered Percept 97 as my possible next racquet, but this can be a misconception also like with Vcore 98 2023 and I should lean towards stiffer, more responsive Percept 100D or even the Percept 100 as you suggest. I will definitely try them at the nearest opportunity...
I will as well and will report in the video my findings
You can address the lack of power by stringing looser or using a softer string.
Also, these control frames are made for players with really ful swings.
I can remember playing awesome with these, but when I am on the stretch myself, the lack of power bites me.
That's why I sold my Blade 18/20.
I agree! But it only makes up for it somewhat. I think I've found happiness with a mid to stiff racquet with a higher tension and kind of open pattern. The PA98 is a great example.
A higher power frame will always offer higher power. I don't think the difference in tension can always close that gap. And it's not just that but the directional control. That'd be even worse on a flexy racquet if you drop tension.
It seems like the gauge in the strings is different, which makes the grommet holes look different in size.
It's not. They're both 16L Hyper G. And you can see the grommets are actually bigger in size both inner and outer diameter when seeing side by side.
Well...its pretty clear from watching u hit, that the Pure Aero looked way better on both flat and top-spin
I agree. More power both ways and even though flat shots don't come as naturally on the PA98, it's not like it's impossible by any means.
And some trade-off happens in swingweight. For example, my racquet is harder to swing (it's kind of beefed up) but, it's more versatile on spin and flat.
So that's the disclaimer but if you can overcome that then it's nothing but a good thing, really.
I don't think you can do too much to get these to be way more spin friendly.
But they aren't all about that and that's ok! It's a different racquet.
@@ZeroLoveTennis true...if it's that big of a difference on your shots a higher swing weight is worth it
Yes, that and the plow through. The twistweight increase helps on this most but that also increases swingweight but in this case I want a bit of both so it works out!
What sucks is when twistweight is too low and swingweight already too high...then what lol
@@ZeroLoveTennis then U go deeper into the rabbit (racket) hole and explore...some make it out, some don't 😄😉
Haha yeah that's how it goes 😅
No more Angell for that reason.
Interesting! How the Percept 97 compares with the Blade 98 V8 16x19 in terms of power and spin?
I think it feels a bit softer. A lot of other things pretty similar. Two very alike racquets otherwise!
if you get a chance, could you compare the 97 to the most recent vcore95?
I will talk about it. These other Yonex racquets I remember like an ex girlfriend. It's been a while but I haven't forgotten what they are like ;)
nice! looking forward to it @@ZeroLoveTennis
How’s 100D comparing with Regna 98 in terms of power, control, spin and comfort? Thanks
Hard to say for power actually. Regna has a more interesting flex and might still be more comfortable. More spin as well. Control, hard to compare. But I might prefer the Regna in feel and how the ball comes off. That's a very special racquet!
Just bumped into this channel and was surprised to see your superb technique! It's clear that you're not a random amateur player out there. How long/what kind of playing history do you have if I may ask?
Awesome! Thank you! History... Started pretty young, maybe a year or two at most, quit for like ten years and came back an addict haha.
I didn't get to play for fun as a little kid but I did enjoy it. I just didn't understand that. Now, I really just play for fun! I love to play well and am always trying to get better and still enjoy it all.
Thanks for showing up and saying hi!
@@ZeroLoveTennis Thanks! It is so encouraging and gives hope that maybe I also could play like you one day 🤣
Haha well that's a nice comment! Playing often probably makes the biggest difference in the long run. And the right guidance along the way helps but I think playing often will be more important.
What’s with the gloves
Don't want fingerprints on my car screen 😅
ezone 98 or percept 100D? thanks
I guess 100D
@@ZeroLoveTennis thanks
Yesterday I had a chance to hit with Yonex Percept 100D and I must say that it is not my cup of tea.
Originally I play with Yonex Ezone 98 2022 and it is much more versatile racquet. With the Percept 100D I gain nothing in comparison to Ezone 98 2022, but lost power, feel, stringbed liveliness and predictability, possibility to shape/arc trajectory. In comparison to Ezone 98 2022, playing with Percept 100D is like slicing bread with a blunt knife: "you know that you will finally slice a bread with this knife, but all joy to eat it leaves you".
The Percept 100 may be better than 100D if someone is still interested in this line.
Yesterday I hit also with Vcore 95 2023 and in terms of versatility and playability I would rate these racquets in this order:
Ezone 98 2022 > Vcore 95 2023 > Percept 100D.
I will say after trying them all the 100D is last choice for me.
Haha hopefully you try other options in the lineup! The 100 regular is great. Pretty similar to ezone in many ways but more comfortable and controlled. Spin is similar.
@@ZeroLoveTennis Hopefully the Percept 100 is better than 100D.
For me hitting with Percept 100D is like playing tennis with an empty, flattened Coke can. No real feel of the ball, no liveliness, bulky feel, dull and I consider myself as Yonexoholic. Only additional mass would save this stick, but then there are other options in the Percept line.
@zulugula5494 it's a completely different racket haha don't judge any of the Percepts by the 100D. It's the odd one out imo I'll make it clear in my video.
How tall are you Time?
I'm 2.7777 tennis rackets tall.
Americans would use anything besides the metric system... 😥 interesting, 190cm exactly like me😅
Oh wow! That's cool. A good height!
@@TheDelumuniumtechnically not exactly… I think it’s 190.5cm (or 6’3”) but within rounding error anyway!
(…or to be super pedantic 190.4947cm as he wrote it (2.7777 rackets), but I assume he meant 2 7/9 😅 anyway sorry to be “that guy”)
I just meant 2.7 with infinite 7's because that's what the calculator showed me I was. 6ft 3 divided by standard length tennis racquet.
Compared with gravity pro?
I'll mention this in the future video hopefully! But I will say it's comparable. However the 100 D version probably gets notable LESS spin than even the Gravity Pro.
Does the Percept 100D really feel between speed pro and gravity pro like the forums say?
Hmm, that is actually not a bad description. But I'd say it's even further in the direction of the Gravity Pro, as in the Gravity Pro might still be a bit more spin friendly.
@@ZeroLoveTennissweet, can wait for your full review.
Love/agree with your thoughts on testing with a ball machine. Do you have strong feelings/recommendations on a machine? (Looks like you’re using this Slinger? ua-cam.com/video/-Bn4Qs_p3mU/v-deo.html yes?)
My experience with ball machines has been mixed but limited - I rented time on a Tennis Tutor a few times, and the balls were all over the place. I was more of a beginner back then so that was especially frustrating, but maybe that wouldn’t bother me now. Your Slinger here looks very consistent though? I’ve also used a Spinshot for several sessions about a year ago (tried out some lessons) which seemed more precise but still had a lot of variance - however the coach was controlling it, so maybe that was on purpose? Anyway I’ve been considering/wanting to get a machine for a while, but hard to know which models are consistent/QC and also which features are worth the $$$ (for development and/or testing)… Any advice would be awesome!
The slinger is pretty consistent but so are the balls I'm using and that might make all the difference. I've tried using recycled balls and they all age differently and pretty poorly making for an inconsistent bounce and feel every few balls. So I'm not into that...
Why don't you review the Yonex Percept 97L (unstrung weight-290 grams)? Most amateur recreational players need a sub 300 grams racket, which is easier to swing and has a lower swing weight with a reasonable amount of stability.
I suppose it's partly due to the idea most people that beginner aren't looking for videos. I also might be out of touch with something that is "good" for a beginner because I am too far from it at this point.
I have my thoughts on such things and try to express them with that disclaimer but I think some of my points are solid. I hope to make a video about beginner racquets in the future.
@@ZeroLoveTennis I get that, but the Percept 97L is not really a racket for beginners, it's a racket that is designed for further customisation for intermediate to advanced players.
It has a 97 square inch head size and a relatively thin 21 mm beam. I don't think beginner rackets necessarily have these kinds of specs.
Wilson and Babolat rackets thicken the beam for adding stability and power to their rackets as they decrease their static weight below 300 grams, you can notice this in their team version of any of their series. However, I feel that this takes away the 'feel' of the racket and hinders its manouverability. Yonex doesn't do that and that's why I prefer their 'Lighter' rackets of the percept series.
Also on a side note, can you compare the Vcore 95 with the Percept 97? What's the difference between these two rackets in terms of their power level and manouverability?
97 feels softer and power tapers off kinda late into your full range if you hit really hard but the 95 remains more linear and feels a bit stiffer.
I'll look into the L if it seems interesting. Maybe it's kind of like the prestige MP in that way.
@@ZeroLoveTennis
Cheers, I guess then I will stick with my 95, I don't like loss of power in my strokes towards the end. I prefer the crisper feel over a softer 'noodly' feel.
@Shankar-Bhaskar same here. Noodly is comfy but a huge loss in spin and power and arguably directional control. You can adjust for some of that but other aspects are just gone for good and that's not a trade I'm making right now lol
Can you elaborate with terms of feel
It’s like 75% VCP + 25% ezone 98 if you have tried both
@@akbarberlian I’ve had a hit with VCP soo does it have more feel than that?
Feel....VCP I consider to be a bit too buttery. Feels great like when you jump into a super fluffy memory foam bed but if you're really trying to pounce around then it can get a bit tiring to have so much cushion.
This Percept line stiffens things up just a touch and I like that! I think I would prefer all of the Percept equivelants to their VCP seniors, if that makes sense. I can't say for sure until trying them all but I just felt that strongly about the VCP and it's squishy feel, as nice as it was it just swallowed too much power.
Rebranding at its worst. They gave the Vcore line a new lame name and an ugly paint job. It’s essentially the same racket.
My favorite color was the last gen. This one is... Fine
Don't quite get the name. Although why did VCORE PRO make any more sense?
The vcore pro name had to go. Too confusing considering they already have a line called vcore.
Agreed.