BATTLE OF THE 97s - Pure Strike VS vs. Yonex Vcore Pro 97D vs. Wilson Pro Staff 97 Racquet Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- The Babolat Pure Strike VS is a new edition to the existing range of quality 97 square in racquets, and seeks to re-introduce at least of the Babolat lines back into the softer, more feel focused and control line of racquets. How does it stack up against some of the other most popular racquets in this category?
Use code: ACTENNIS to get 25% OFF your first order (USA / Canada) at Tier One Sports: tieronesports.com/
For worldwide orders, you can get discounted reels at Tier One Sports Global: global.tieronesports.com/
CONSUMER WARNING: Australians should should order only from the official Tier One websites, if you find discounts else where, proceed at your own risk
For my Aussie viewers, to enter the Tier One Firewire Boost giveaway, check out my instagram @actennis_
Wilson Pro Labs Ultra Pro V3 (16x19) - • Wilson Pro Labs: ULTRA...
Timestamps:
Intro: 0:00 - 1:12
Tier One Strings: 1:13 - 2:20
Strike VS Design: 2:21 - 2:39
Specs: 2:40 - 3:04
Strings & Modifications: 3:05 - 3:59
Feel & Stiffness: 4:00 - 5:31
Power: 5:32 - 6:48
Manoeuvrability: 6:49 - 8:05
Control: 8:06 - 9:32
Spin Potential: 9:33 - 10:33
Serves: 10:35 - 12:09
Forgiveness: 12:10 - 13:38
Stability: 13:39 - 14:48
Volleys: 14:49 - 15:41
Final Thoughts: 15:42 - 16:51
Racquet Ratings: 16:52
🎶 Music credits 🎶
1️⃣ Harris Heller - Neon Renegade
2️⃣ Rambutan - I Should Let Go
Help support my channel:
☕: www.buymeacoffee.com/actennis
Follow me on instagram to stay up to date:
📷: / actennis_
E-mail enquiries:
📧: actennischannel@gmail.com
#babolat #babolatfamily #babolattennis #babolatpurestrike #purestrike #purestrikevs #purestrikegen3 #yonex #yonextennis #yonexvcore #yonexvcorepro #stanwawrinka #wawrinka #wilson #wilsontennis #wilsonprostaff #prostaff #prostaff97 #rogerfederer #federer #tennisracquet #tennisracket #racquetreview #racketreview - Спорт
Thanks for the reviews, you are the most thorough on UA-cam, appreciate you.
Thanks alot Craig for the support 🙂
Great review. PSVS has been my racquet of choice for several months. For me, with some lead at 12 to boost its swing weight to around 320 it plays amazingly for both offensive shots and defensive ones. Also would like to emphasize that it is among the best racquets for backhand slices (and I tried a lot of racquets), which is very important for a one hander like myself.
Love it for the one hander, flows so easy even at heavier weights
Always appreciate your thoughts and insights, thank you! 😊
Thank you as always kind sir 😁
Always look forward to your reviews! I think it’d be a great addition to add a part describing if you would switch to these racquets from your current one - why or why not. And as well, add a 4 quadrant chart (power, spin, stability, control) with all the racquets you’ve reviewed. Those two suggestions would greatly improve already amazing formatted videos!
Good idea, i think i could work on something like that - i dont discuss switching because it's a very subjective topic, i also dont like to lightly throw around the word because i think too many people honeymoon new frames and probably just end up going back to their original , so if i ever decide to switch, ill be sure to point it out 😁
I own and keep a number of fun frames, but for tournament matches i still stick to my basics for the time being - i am always semi looking for a new one but very hard to beat my Gravity Pro at the moment
@@ACTennis that’s exactly where I’m at, nothing beats the gravity pro , can’t wait for the new ones , someone leaked a video a couple of weeks ago and the paint job is 🔥
First, I really enjoy your videos. Great format with really in depth thoughts.
I’m intrigued, why did you go with the VCore Pro 97 D not the 310g model. This seems a better comparison to the other two given weight and string pattern.
Thank you for the work you put into these reviews. They make great watching.
Thanks Robert, mostly because i already have it included in another review, id just end up repeating myself for the most part so dont find that ideal
Excellent review. I am currently playing with a PD plus and looking to find a more forgiving frame ( PD is stiff even with multis). Looking at at PSVS and 98 PS. I don't want to lose too much power though but wonder if i can compensate the power loss with a multi like Head MLT or NRG2 or Triax etc in a full bed or hybrid with gut. Thoughts? I am basically an aggressive baseliner relying on a strong forehand. Backhand is ok combination of drive and slice. I am not a spring chicken anymore!
Love your content and really appreciate what you do. Unfortunately none of these racquets are in my consideration list and the pro staff 97 has been covered to death by now. And Tenncom wrote the book on the 97d.
Haha yep, this was more for the Strike VS than anything, but sometimes it's not useful to do a single racquet review and not compare it to things in close category
I feel all pro staff 97's that has been created until so far, made for gut main-poly cross hybrid. This combo bring this racket to another level
Thanks man.
I've played 4 hours now with the Pure Strike VS. First two hours with MSV Focus Hex 1.23 Red and yesterday two hours with Luxilon Vibe 1.25, both around 23kg. First things first, this frame design is excellent for one-handed backhands. I haven't been able to dial-in with the slices yet, but that's on me - with some other rackets slices seem very easy like Pro Kennex Q+ Tour Pro, Angell TC95 V3 16*19 and Diadem Nova FS100. On the forehand side, one has to use very fast rackethead speed to get depth. It's not as underpowered as the Tecnifibre TF40 315 16*19, but it's less powerful than the Diadem Elevate V2 FS98. The Pure Strike VS with its tight 16*20 string pattern is great for flat hitting from the baseline. From the midcourt it's very whippy, but got better topspin from the Focus Hex than the Vibe. On the serves, the 2nd/slice serves are super easy to hit. Flat need very fast rackethead speed, as do the flat forehands. First impressions are very encouraging for me to keep it as my main stick. Some say it needs some added weight at 3 and 9, but that's too personal to judge, especially after only 4 hours.
I like do flat hits on the baseline, and pure Strike vs haver amazing felling on the sweetspot. Pure Strike normal for me as Very dry feeling. How ARE your opinion of blade V8 for a flat hitters and onde handed backhand? Better the vs?
@@diehlleonardo06 I haven't played any Blade. Eventually, I didn't keep the Pure Strike VS. Everytime I played, I had some soreness on my shoulder. I prefer the Diadem Elevate V2 FS98. It has 16*20 pattern too. I even got the new V3 Elevate FS98 305 grams and I enjoy it even better!
How are the volleys? Any good for doubles?
@@user-xu8jl9yc3k I didn't keep it eventually. Gave me some soreness at the back of my shoulder. Too shame because it is certainly the most beautiful racket right now. BUT, it kept giving a hollow feedback. Didn't click with me. I moved to the new Diadem V3 Elevate FS 98 305 grams and this is much better overall in stock form. More muted/softer feel, super stable and great control. Even the V2 Elevate felt better than the Pure Strike VS in stock form. The VS certainly needs some customization.
For me the 97D is pretty much a beautiful classic Prestige MP. At least on paper. My worry is if it has too much weight on the throat, a la IG Prestige MP, or Ezone Tour ‘20. But the 97D’s 326sw makes me think it is polarized enough and maybe its weight dist. is pretty uniform. Making it move great and not sluggish like the IGPMP and the ET’20. Though Idk the sw on my two Pro Staff 97 frames, one does feel more sluggish, with more weight in the throat, and less polarized. Which like others have said, makes a frame a bit slow and doesn’t favor vertical path or whippyness.
You can see my swing changes compared to my other videos just due to the extra static weight, so i have to compensate my forehand for it, that's when i know that i won't keep the frame because it's too heavy in general to play the way i want to play , but overall they are all these frames are good for the right people
@@ACTennis just corrected my previous msg because I think I wasn’t sending the right idea. I meant a great beautiful, and maneuverable Prestige MP. The IG one has such a smooth feel, but does feel a bit sluggish. The 97D seems more maneuverable on paper, haven’t tried it. Do you recall a classic Prestige MP that is whippy and maneuverable?
I’d love to see you review the RF version of the pro staff
I'll see if the new v14 is any good
Hi good review as always. What do you think of Yonex VCore Pro 97 (310g) compared to these? Also the Prince ATS 98?
Vcore Pro 310 is just the same as the 97D but lighter obviously, higher launch angle to make it easier to play for top spin, weighted to similar specs it flexes slightly harder so feels a tiny bit softer but mostly the same otherwise, you can just customize it
Prince has less power than PSVS, less spin, as plush of a feel, but feels a little more chunky in air vs the Strike
Fantastic review as always. Which of the three would you say has the best feel? I currently main the 2019 Prestige Tour at a relatively low tension, and IMO all the head racquets have the best feel upon impact lately. Probably pretty subjective but for whatever reason I play best with that type of feel. I played with the Pure Storme Ltd GT for the longets time, so this Pure Strike VS gives me that nostalgia lol
Think i would agree, head has the best and most balanced feel for all brands, not too muted, comfortable and responsive
I prefer the ball pocketing of the VS with its plushess, though its a little mushy, i like the liveliness, the 97D is also really nice but a firmer and crisper type of comfort at the same tensions, i imagine it would become real nice at lower tensions though, which i didn't get a chance to try
Ah, a fellow Prestige Tour user. Have you tried the newer Auxetic version, now called the MP? They have amazing feel. I too played with the PureStorm and once you play with that one, you tend to compare the feel of every racquet to it. Cheers!
@@chuckfriebe843 I have not! But I definitely plan on picking up the auxetic version once they go on sale! (Once the 2024 model comes out or whatever is next) 😅
Yes! The 97D!
Hey my friend do you have any main takeaways between the VCP 97D and the Blade V8 18x20?
It's all going to come down to weight, which affects how fast it moves, 97D will be slower, softer, but more heft behind the ball, Blade v8 18x20 can do the same if you weight it up, and it will move faster, but i guess most people are not going to weight it up as heavy as the 97D
Amazing review once again, thanks for your great work. I am looking to move on from my Extreme Tour for a frame that offers more control and a lower launch angle. I am considering the Pure Strike VS, the Vcore Pro 97D and the Prestige Pro. I have demo all three multiple times and loved them all. I am an agressive baseliner with a flat forehand and a one-handed backhand. Which one do you think I should go with ? Thank you l
I think Strike VS is highest launch angle out of them all, personally i would play better with the Prestige because of the head shape and grip shape, one handers on it should work well enough on it, the VS has alot more power than extreme tour on big swings and less control, so not sure if you want that long term
Ok thanks for your response. I feel like everybody has a different opinion on the extreme tour haha. For me I feel like the ball tends to sail out sometimes even if I use a dead poly while with the VS I feel like I can swing out and keep the ball in. I love the feel and control of the prestige and I think it fits my game very well but I fear it might be a little bit too demanding. Anyways, thanks for your help !
@@arnaudgigon-rochette9631 Extreme tour IMO doesn't have necessarily a high launch angle, it has alot of spin, whereas there are racquets with a high launch angle that is not supplemented with the ability to spin it back in, so it depends how much spin you hit
Strike VS has ok spin, but not that much in comparison in compared to ET
What would you recommend as a replacement for the pro staff then? I’m looking for low power so I can swing full, spin and non intrusive frame. Love your videos thanks!
I think Vcore 95 or Extreme Tour with some weight would be the most consistent, high spin, fast to swing all court racquets, and more forgiving aswell
@@ACTennis How does the PSVS compare to VC95 and ET as an all court racket after weighting each to ~325-330sw?
@@noahwaldron8027 For this level, i.e. non ITF / Pro, i think PSVS is more of a racquet to have a kill shot, someone who doesn't want to rally for too long, VC95 and ET are more players who have better movement and timing, self generating power that want the consistency to swing as hard as they can and work on point structure IMO
Yonex e zone tour . Seems nice
Bought a pair of prostaff97 v13 moving on from the ultra pro16x19. Looking for a bit more power. Best racquet reviewer on youtube
Basically does everything the same as UP but more power, little more forgiving and firmer feel, on its own still fun to play with
Over my years of playing I prefer something firm. Could never gel with Yonex because of there terrible handle and feel. Would like to try the pure strike though 🤔🤔
Strike VS is pretty comfortable and very long ball pocketing, not sure if you'll favour that feel if you like something more firm, maybe the Radical MP?
Any recommended strings for the VCP97D? Thanks!
i think any stiffer responsive string would be better to balance the flexible nature of the racquet, i.e alu power, poly tour rev, luxilon 4g
Quality vid brother. Have you tried the Prince Twistpower 97x Tour? I had to snap one up with the promo tennis only (where u get a 100 gift card), its otw but I can't want to give it a test hit
I would of but too expensive to keep buying, and not enough interest in the frames for me to justify, although personally wouldnt mind to see - let me know how it goes
How do ya like the 97D compared to the Head PT2 (racket I play with)? Thanks much for the always interesting comparison review.
I like the Head PT2.0 better , i feel like either the beam design or the weight distribution works nicer for me, quicker through the air, better for one hand backhand, and although it is more unforgiving at the same normal tension, going down to 38-42lbs on the PT makes it alot more forgiving and very plush off center
@@ACTennis Yeah the PT2's a great stick in stock form imo as only needed a leather grip for a bit more more head light feel & really nothing else. I use a hybrid setup w/Triax 17G @56 lbs. in the M's & Hawk 18G @ 52 lbs. in the X's & provides excellent control & a pretty comfortable ride for the arm. Thanks much for the feedback & again for the thorough racket reviews👍.
@@ACTennis while I know that it’s a bit subjective, lowering the tension on a more flexible frame is counterintuitive. During the 90s, when most frames were produced with a lower RA, players increased the tension. This was done for a couple of reasons. One, because they mostly used gut, secondly, because the frame itself produces dwell time and comfort. There is more control to be had on a flexible frame when the tensions are higher. I play with the Yonex Vcore Pro 97, with some customization, and string it at 54lbs all poly. If you string the racquet lower, you lose all control of the ball and it’s scalpel-like precision.
@@chuckfriebe843 I think you're right in that it is very subjective, i think in this situation tension is relative to preference, full poly allows you to control alot of things, otherwise it wouldn't make sense that Sock and Mannarino could string any sort of Babolat frame below 35lbs and still control the way they do
@@ACTennis yes, however, those frames that they are using are much stiffer than say, a Yonex Vcore Pro 97D
Have you tested the pro kennex black ace pro 97 , if not then it is demoable through tennis warehouse .
Hey Derek, no sorry haven't got to that one, not offered in Australia it seems, not for TW Australia anyway (Tennis Only)
@@ACTennis It is strange since it is , if I am correct a Japanese product and therefore closer to your region .
@@ACTennis I have seen that a 97 with a 1/4 size 2 grip is optimal. The grip to head size for performance is most optimal relative to balance vs a 98 . Because of commercial interests size 3 grips are mostly available . Companies actually would sell less 97's to 3/8 grip players than optimizing it for size 2 players who are muscular d. Biomechanics matter and a size 3 grip person can get away with it , but optimized for a 2 to maximize the performance and feel . Ligament segment lengths also matters for the type of racquet one would use . headsize tI body proportion matters in relation to body size for speed and getting around you . Body proportion , weight and proportion is key to racquet choices and game , with the ignoring of it by companies are allnabout mass market ignorent sales tovstores only and not the end consumer which forces unneccesary changes in the ne t Gen racquet.
I noticed that the Pure Strike 98 actually is 97.5 inch2.... and that the Pure Strike VS has exact same inch2 area ( laying them on top of eachother unstrung).
I guess Babolat is a bit free of mind when they label their rackets.
So I guess their both 97.5 ..... one they have chosen to call 98 and the other label it 97"
Im going to experiment to not string the first top cross grommet of the VS. Its pretty close to the frame.
I think that maybe will help solve some of the top stringbed issue of the VS/97.
I’ve got tfcc injury like you from using wilson prostaff 97 rf13 340g. can i ask you about how to come back from tfcc injury and any recommendation for new control racquet. I interest in yonex vcore pro97 310g what do you think by the way appreciate you awesome review
Im one handed backhand
TFCC injury takes alot of rest because the wrist ligaments don't receive much blood supply to heal, so it mostly takes alot of time to let it recover, and it's very fragile if you keep playing with the injury and will extend it for a much longer time
Also depends how much you tear it, i think a serious tear will require surgery like most pro tennis players that have this injury, mine was a partial tear, and it bothered me for a good year, but rest and rehab for a long time eventually worked
@@thundert5203 RF97 also is very bad for the wrist, a really stiff racquet and also heavy which could cause problems if you struggle to hold it
I have a review on both Vcore Pro 97 310 and 97D in some comparison videos if you're interested
But i think Head Speed Pro could be good, its soft, controlled and i like it alot for one hand backhand
@@ACTennis week ago i just met doctor for tfcc injury. He used shockwave to stimulate healing. Now i stop playing tennis around 2-3 months and it gets better. Thank you so much
@@ACTennis wow that is interesting i have to try it. Head speed pro that novak using right?
Thank you for your recommendation
Keep doing great work bro
How about OHBH with 97d? Does it feel fast in the air?
It’s not slow through the air but not fast like an Extreme Tour. Feels like it bends like a rubber band though the harder I swung on my ohbh
Can you do some comparison videos including Tecnifibre rackets?
Might eventually, i have a couple of Tecnifibres on hand but havent had time to play with them
hey, I am currently using the pro staff and I am looking for a bit more of power but without letting go the control too much. What would you recommend? Thanks
Tecnifibre TF40 or Head Extreme Tour if you like alot more spin, probably even Blade V8 - similarish power but is more forgiving and bit easier to use than the Pro Staff - or Radical MP
@@ACTennis would you customise the Blade 98 V8? If yes then any tips on how? Thank you 😁
@@5ammy13 Depends if you get one that is low spec or over spec, if its over spec around 325 swingweight then it plays well, if its below or average like 311 to 317 swingweight, it will need weight at sides and a bit at the top, maybe 2g each side at 3&9 and 1g at 12
@@ACTennis thanks so much. I got one that I think is overspecced. The SW I calculated using the Swing Tool App is around 330 which is right up my wheelhouse. It's also 328g that's quite overspecced, but fortunately it's my preferred specs. I always struggle on deciding how much weight to put in the Butt cap. For 2g each on 3 and 9 that's a total of 4g. Does it then make sense to put 4g in the butt cap? Or would you put less because the 4g is at 3&9 whereas the 4g in the butt it right at the end?
@@5ammy13 If its 330 sw i wouldnt add any more to the head, just to the buttcap, id do like 5g increments which is a noticeable change in balance, just as long as the static weight doesnt become overbearing
Did you end up adding som lead/copper tape to the Strike VS?
Been a while, but from memory i did 2g at 12, also 2g at 12 with leather grip, and then 4g total at 10 & 2 and leather - because it's really thin it takes weight extremely well and i didn't feel like it made it super heavy or anything, but for personal preference i ended up with just 2g at 12 only because i prefer to keep my static as low as possible
@@ACTennis I also thought of this.
Maybe not put string in the first or the second cross. To me it seems its too busy cross string wise close to the upper/top hoop.
Maybe it will help not have the boardy feel/response so many are talking about regarding stringbed response in the upper hoop..?
Used the PS97 CV just ditched it as I cannot get on with it.
I wish you had the Diadem Elevate FS or Elevate FS Tour that you could have compared these frames to. I think it would match up quite favorably against the PSVS in your review.
Definitely would buy one if offered in AU, they used to sell them but seems to have disappeared and exited the market - i agree i think it would do very well also
The Pro Staff is the "Elder Wand" of tennis rackets. Only the powerful and talented can wield it.
is that why Sampras turned to Babolat when hitting these days? 😉
@@ACTennis Yup, because his powers have already gone during that time when he switched to Babolat.
@@christiandelapena8623 Tennis doesn't work like that lol, he's slower he could still serve 200kmh if he wanted to with a Pro Staff - now that Federer's retired, can you name more than 5 players currently who use any form of a Pro Staff in top 100?
@@ACTennis If you are asking those in the TOP 100, Grigor Dimitrov, Reilly Opelka, RBA, Dusan Lajovic, Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans etc. For the WTA, Petra Kvitova, Ons Jabeur.
@@christiandelapena8623 Kyle Edmund is not a top 100 player, there's no 'etc' because it does not exist - Kvitova does not use a Pro Staff mould
So out of the top 200 players of the world, you've currently named 3% of players who use some form of a Pro Staff - none of the men's are in the top 20
Not to mention that Ons uses likely the 97L which plays completely different to the regular 97, since its a 23mm constant beam
Why ratings of Wilson PS 97 changed since other video?
I have to account for all the racquets I've reviewed since then, and to make a more accurate comparison for ratings, i need to adjust it sometimes the more i experience
When the list is new, there is not much i can compare to, but as i've built a large list, i can make all the ratings based on past ratings i give to other racquets, and that allows me to provide the best comparison
@@ACTennis I understood! I bought a Wilson Pro Staff 97 because that review, but I don't played yet.
@@ers87 Thanks! means alot! I try to point out that the overall is just the average number, example is if say the racquet has more power or control etc in the ratings, these numbers doesnt necessarily say its a bad racquet, its to help people identify what they want from the racquet - so i like powerful racquets, but you may not
I will never say a racquet is outright bad, because still it's very subjective, i just try to list out the obvious characteristics
@@ACTennis Allright, buddy! could you tell me what are your 3 favourite rackets?
@@ers87 Gravity Pro, Ezone 98, Vcore 95
Any news about Tier One Rackets???
Not much, they are currently in production and still some months from having them ready in stock
@@ACTennis I came across a demo rackets give away. They were sharing 1 100 sq inch and 1 98 sq inch racket.
@@experientialtennis Yeah they're working on it, i havent tested them or anything
Just me or is that Strike twisting a lot on your FHs?
Haha don't think so, i noticed maybe one actual twist in the clips, most were pretty standard
S tier as per usual
Massive lie
@@ACTennis s tier as per usual
@@ACTennis s tier as per usual
@@TennCom The man with 50 channels, i will sub to all
Pure Strike VS v Grav Pro?
Gravity
@@ACTennis why. More control or more power? I am shying away from Gravity Pro or Speed Pro because i understand power is pretty low.
No competition. The Pro Staff 97 wins hands down once you add a bit of weight in the handle. Racquet of the century.
I can't gel with the pro staff. Worst racket. Stiff brassy, small sweet spot. Generally bad qc. Feels horrible when you hit in the upper part of the hoop.
The other 2 are both better. But not the best 97. I have a donnay xenecore 97, much better than any of these. The vcore pro 97 310 16x19 is also better than these. The 97d has issues with vertical swing path, the 97d generally resists that and prefers a horizontal path. Hurting access to spin etc
To each their own, if you found what you like, and you play your best, that's good news 😁
Racquet of the century? Maybe the 20th century, but in today's game the Pro Staff is quickly growing more and more irrelevant in its current form. Don't believe me, though, just look at the younger population of tour players and juniors to see what they're playing with. That's all the proof required. If Wilson wants to keep the Pro Staff relevant for generations to come, they'll need to refresh the beam design (more hybrid of box, "D" and elliptical), modernize the drill pattern for more spin and a larger sweet spot and update the layup for a higher power-to-weight ratio. Until then, it's anything but the best choice. And this is coming from a Pro Staff fan.
The worst racquet I tested by FAR! The new v13 is why people prefer the blade over the PS... No power even with lead, no spin, really low trayectory and the paint quality is painfull
@@outcometechnology The last thing the world needs is another Pure Drive or Pure Aero clone. Indeed Wilson already has a few. The Pro Staff is designed specifically for control and feel with a predictable power response. Otherwise it wouldn't be a Pro Staff. While fewer pros are using racquets like the Pro Staff there are still plenty of people at the rec level who prefer control oriented racquets.
Too short, each racket should get 10 minute review. The D line is great for heavy, flat hitters like myself
You're not wrong lol, but generally most people like comparisons and not overly lengthy 🙂