Category Archives: Racquet Demo
Yonex VCore Pro 97 – 330
It should be no surprise that this model is the heaviest of the VCore Pro Series! However, I can’t stress enough the need to demo this racquet and feel what the weight will do for your game!
Of course not everyone will want a racquet of this weight but just trying it will give you some idea of what weight can do for you. Maybe not 330 (unstrung) but a little added weight nonetheless.
That makes the 310 (unstrung) version of this racquet a “standout”, and you can see the review here.
About this racquet, Yonex says “for intermediate to advanced players looking to play aggressively with control and feel”.
To achieve this combination Yonex has incorporated a “lock booster” grommet system that promotes string contact for effecient energy transfer”.
Namd™ graphite fibers are incorporated into the throat area allowing the racquet to flex even under the heaviest of hits!
To top it off Yonex has added a vibration damping mesh in the grip pallet area to filter out unwanted vibrations.
All said, this thin beam (20.0mm) racquet with a 16×19 string pattern is a players dream! So, don’t dream about it…demo it and decide for yourself!
| Manufacturer | Yonex |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Yonex VCore Pro 97 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Pro Evaluation String 1.20mm |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 53 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 66 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 62 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 48 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 373.2 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 344 |
| Weight, Ounces | 12.13 |
| Balance, mm | 321 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.64 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.56 |
| Head Length | 12.62 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 611.3 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .638 |
| Main String Grid | 7.00 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.62 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .709 |
| Average Cross String Space | .505 |
| Average Main String Space | .438 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 34 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 190.16 |
| First Moment, Nm | .847 |
| Polar Moment | 342 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 327 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.53 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 354 |
| Power, RDC | 49 |
| Control, RDC | 51 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 69 |
| Power, Calculated | 1940.1 |
| Head Points | 6.93 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 46.8% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.9 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.74 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 28.6 |
| K, Lb/In | 169.87 |
| Recoil Weight | 161.48 |
| Twist Weight | 235.86 |
| End Weight | 144.4 |
| Tip Weight | 201.5 |
| 9 O'Clock | 102.6 |
| 3 O'Clock | 104.8 |
| Butt Cap | 138.0 |
Yonex VCore Pro 97 – 310
Yonex continues to introduce upgrades to the most popular racquets they have produced recently and these new VCore Pro series is a great example of positive changes.
This series continues to be made in Japan and it is obvious in the consistency of their racquets. The deep Forrest Green and Gold graphics creates a “strong” looking racquet which will appeal to players.
This model is the 310 gram (10.9 oz) version (unstrung)which gains about a ½ ounce when strung and presents a very usable 315 kg/cm² swing weight. Right out of the box this will suit a lot of players. Of course a little customization can be done if required.
When looking at racquets it is clear that this Yonex Series all look alike! A closer look at the head will give you the weight and head size.
The 16×19 string pattern in the Isometric Head Shape creates a large “comfort zone” area and long main strings near the edge of the racquet face which contributes to that “comfort”.
| Manufacturer | Yonex |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Yonex VCore Pro 97 2019 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Pro Evaluation String 1.20mm |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 49 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 61 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 46 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 368.1 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 324 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.43 |
| Balance, mm | 323 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.72 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.968 |
| Head Width | 9.55 |
| Head Length | 12.54 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 607 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .641 |
| Main String Grid | 7.00 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.75 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .766 |
| Average Cross String Space | .542 |
| Average Main String Space | .438 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 33 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 184.57 |
| First Moment, Nm | .804 |
| Polar Moment | 329 |
| Torsional Stability | 14 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 315 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.11 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 338 |
| Power, RDC | 48 |
| Control, RDC | 50 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 77 |
| Power, Calculated | 1807.7 |
| Head Points | 6.14 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 47.2% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.1 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.09 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 27.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 157.05 |
| Recoil Weight | 156.18 |
| Twist Weight | 221.85 |
| End Weight | 133.7 |
| Tip Weight | 190.6 |
| 9 O'Clock | 97.6 |
| 3 O'Clock | 95.9 |
| Butt Cap | 131.1 |
Tecnifibre T-Flash 285
As I was working on this racquet I am thinking about the category in which this will be placed by me, and others probably, and I need to put it in the “game improvement” category!
Typically “game improvement” racquets are very large, ultra light, head heavy, and stiff! The T-Flash falls into this category because it is stiff! None of the other characteristics apply!
This racquet has a stiffness of RDC 70! This compares to the Wilson Ultra, and the Babolat Pure Drive, except it is not as heavy as either of those racquets.
To me the weight is an issue that can be remedied, and the very open string pattern mitigates the stiffness and keeps the effective stiffness below 30.
If you are considering a “power” oriented racquet this one should be on the list!
Adding Ashaway MonoGut ZX string to the mix assures the player of comfortable hitting!
Take a look at the specifications… then hit with it!
| Manufacturer | Tecnifibre |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Tecnifibre T-Flash 285 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Ashaway MonoGut ZX |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 51 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 68 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 70 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 56 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 413.8 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 315 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.11 |
| Balance, mm | 336 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.23 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.968 |
| Head Width | 9.57 |
| Head Length | 12.92 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 626.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97.1 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .624 |
| Main String Grid | 7.75 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.31 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .823 |
| Average Cross String Space | .543 |
| Average Main String Space | .484 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.7 |
| First Moment, Nm | .822 |
| Polar Moment | 330 |
| Torsional Stability | 14 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 316 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.15 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 355 |
| Power, RDC | 56 |
| Control, RDC | 45 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 76 |
| Power, Calculated | 2147.6 |
| Head Points | 2.05 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 49.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.91 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.5 |
| K, Lb/In | 163.4 |
| Recoil Weight | 142.9 |
| Twist Weight | 216.4 |
| End Weight | 113.0 |
| Tip Weight | 197.1 |
| 9 O'Clock | 95.7 |
| 3 O'Clock | 99.1 |
| Butt Cap | 115.2 |
Tecnifibre TF 40 305
As you know Racquet Quest is always interested in racquet models from any brand and while Tecnifibre is not a new brand it is, in my opinion, just beginning to gain traction in this market.
Tecnifibre has always been associated with some of the best multi-filament strings available.
The racquet we are reviewing today is the Tecnifibre TF 40, 305 gram version. I would place this racquet in the “player” category, if you believe in such categories, and the 21.7mm beam confirms where most “players” find themselves. The 18×20 string pattern also contributes to the categorical placement.
There is a 305 gram version of the TF 40 and a 315 gram version both having the 18×20 string pattern. I believe there needs to be a 16×19 string pattern to complete the TF 40 series.
The TF 40 series is a no-frill approach to racquets. The red, white, blue, and black graphics look good as does the “knurled” outer surface of the racquet head.
Take a look at the “play ready”, string, overgrip, vibration damper, specifications below to see how it stacks up, then come by and try it!
| Manufacturer | Tecnifibre |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Tecnifibre TF 40 305 |
| Reference Tension | 53 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Tecnifibre HD MX 16 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 60 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 69.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 60 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 43 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 376.3 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 329 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.61 |
| Balance, mm | 332 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.07 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.57 |
| Head Length | 12.86 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 623.3 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 96.6 |
| Number of Main Strings | 18 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .670 |
| Main String Grid | 7.625 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.125 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .786 |
| Average Cross String Space | .506 |
| Average Main String Space | .417 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 39 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 218.3 |
| First Moment, Nm | .846 |
| Polar Moment | 337 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 321 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.32 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 362.6 |
| Power, RDC | 41 |
| Control, RDC | 61 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 73 |
| Power, Calculated | 1879.3 |
| Head Points | 3.46 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 48.4% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.21 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 30.0 |
| K, Lb/In | 192.3 |
| Recoil Weight | 146.3 |
| Twist Weight | 226.0 |
| End Weight | 127.6 |
| Tip Weight | 202.0 |
| 9 O'Clock | 98.7 |
| 3 O'Clock | 100.7 |
| Butt Cap | 127.8 |
Pssst…want to try something?
If you read our recent post about “How to Demo a Racquet,” you may be incentivized to do it!
So while you are at it try one of our performance racquets setup with MonoGut ZX or ZX Pro (thinner) to get the maximum performance from the racquet.
Ashaway MonoGut ZX and ZX Pro have been one of our most popular strings for well over five (5) years!
Top players have been using it, but now the word is spreading that is not just for “the good player” but for everyone! We are very sensitive to injuries and injury prevention, so that is why we recommend MonoGut ZX to almost all players. The durability and feel of this string are unique, and, MonoGut ZX and ZX Pro is a monofilament but is PEEK and no polyester.
As with any string, some will not want to change, but if you are looking for a new racquet, why not demo a racquet setup with MonoGut ZX or ZX Pro?
MonoGut ZX & ZX Pro
Ashaway MonoGut ZX and ZX Pro come in Black and Natural and 16 (1.27mm) and 17 (1.24mm) gauge.
Racquet Quest, LLC
