Like many other Head tennis racquets, the Instinct MP integrates Graphene 360 technology, which helps reduce weight within the racquets shaft while boosting its power and stability through the materials used in the racquets head at 3, 6, and 12 oclock. Introducing the Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v6! Heres why I love the Tecnifibre TFight 300 RS. The Phantom 100X 305 is one of the most comfortable racquets that weve played with, making it an excellent option for players in need of an arm-friendly companion. The 100 in head, open 1618 string pattern, and a slightly higher flex rating of 66 combine to produce plenty of pop and more than enough grip to enhance your topspin. The Wilson Blade 98 1820 v8 also takes advantage of parallel drilling, which is simply the process of drilling specific grommet holes parallel independent of the frames arc. I created a custom vibration dampener thats compatible with all racquets and string patterns. However, for optimal spin, the racquet uses a 1619 string pattern, and its RA rating of 65 helps provide a bit of extra pop. FSI Power I also enjoyed my backhand slice, which felt solid. Control This update features a slightly lower RA rating of 65 and a more open 16x19 string pattern (compared to the VCORE SV 98's 67 RA and 16x20 pattern). Its 11.4 oz strung weight and 98 in head size make it a very approachable tennis racquet. Hopefully, you now have a good sense of how Ive evaluated my selection of the top 25 tennis racquets. While the increased power potential may be desirable for some players, it may leave other players longing for control. The Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13s design and characteristics set out to deliver maximum control and precision, so its no surprise it doesnt offer much free power, which means the player is responsible for generating pace when needed. Do we like it?Thank you to Coach Andrew and Coach Chris for trying this racket out with me.You can fol. Everything about this racquet caters to precision, and it shows everywhere on the court. Dunlop adds their Power Grid Stringbed, which increases the cross strings density toward the middle of the stringbed and decreases the spacing between the crosses for the upper half. Racquets that provide enhanced touch tend to be heavier, with smaller head sizes, and use more flexible frames. Selecting the right tennis racquet can dramatically influence your success and progression as a tennis player. Spin Another change for the racquets head is the updated aero shape design at the top of the hoop thats thinner than the prior generation, which helps improve feel for a more forgiving response. However, the Pure Stike is unique because it maintains its high marks up at the net with volleys. With the wrong string setup this racquet tends to feel like hitting with a chopping board, but with the right string it has exactly the right crispness in my opinion. Touch On returns, you can get the racquet back quickly, and at the net, the head is responsive to your movement, and on serve, it swings fast. As I mentioned, it felt more stable than the prior model and had a reliable and noticeably improved feel that helped me direct the ball while having enough pop to put away shots. On the surface, it doesnt provide the easy-to-access pace that other racquets provide because its power derives from its weight combined with sound technique. Topspin New to the racquet in 2023, the Ultra 100 v4 now takes advantage of FORTYFIVE, Wilsons proprietary graphite layup that improves flex without sacrificing stability and maintaining power. Overall, like the VCORE that came before it, this model packs loads of spin and delivers a strong performance worthy of consideration with noteworthy improvements to the frames flex and comfort. On a related note, Id encourage you to avoid the temptation of buying the racquet that your favorite player endorses. The racquets reasonable weight makes it so you can swing fast, and the larger head and open string bed combine with their unique stringbed layout for added grip thats apparent. Power The Tecnifibre TFight 300 RS had plenty of pop from the baseline, which I was able to control with quick racquet head speed and topspin. I was even more delighted when I approached the net, as the racquets flexible frame helped maintain control and direct the ball where I needed. Similarly, players may debate its power level. While the Extreme MP isnt the most powerful racquet on the market, it holds its own and rivals some of the best in this category. For one of the frames most distinct changes, the Pro Staff 97 now features an update to their time-tested braided graphite and Kevlar construction, which runs throughout the frame. Volleys The racquets lower 11.2-ounce weight and 312 swingweight make it easy to swing and generate racquet head speed, which is the primary source of topspin. Another reason the EZONE line of racquets stands out is the depth of the offering from Yonex, with over 15 models available. Touch and Feel In particular, the racquets heavier weight can make it tricky for some players to manage, and it doesnt offer easy access to power. Wilson Blade 98 vs Wilson Clash 98 Wilson Blade 98 vs Yonex Vcore 98 Wilson Blade 98 vs Wilson Pro Staff 97. Topspin The result helps enhance the racquets power, control, and feel. The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 also features a unique blend of carbon graphite and an elastic material dubbed Black Micro Core at 10 and 2 oclock to improve stability when the ball contacts the upper portion of the racquets head. Hands down, my favorite quality delivered by the Head Prestige Tour 2021 is the control it offers. As we move into 2022, the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 remains a top racquet, and its received a few modifications since the last model to help with spin potential and increase comfort. The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 is a well-balanced tennis racquet that delivers across the board as an excellent option for all-court players who love to hang out on the baseline, enjoy moving around the court, and coming to the net. Groundstrokes Its okay you dont have a racquet for comparison. I enjoyed transitioning to the net with the VCORE 98. Here are the top three reasons I enjoyed hitting with the Head Gravity Pro 2021. You might want to check out the new technifibre tflight rs frames then. Not only did it feel solid at impact, but it gripped the ball and gave me the confidence to swing big with a high margin for error, knowing the ball would drop back into the court. Typically, the more experienced a player becomes, the more control theyll seek from their racquet because precise placement or directing the ball exactly where they want it to go becomes increasingly important. Control However, this is likely only something advanced players would notice facing players who hit with extra pace. Despite the Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Pros well-balanced performance, there is some give-and-take. You wont have to try too hard to turn things up a notch, but I didnt find it overbearing, which is ideal for experienced players. Overall, the VCORE 98 is a well-rounded tennis racquet, so it was a little more challenging to find something I felt I was giving up. Here are a few of the top reasons the Head Radical MP 2021 made my list this year. You are using an out of date browser. Touch/Feel If you havent developed a specific style or preference, thats not a problem. Groundstrokes Advanced players will likely find the Wilson Clash 98 v2 or Clash 100 Pro v2 appealing. The 100 in head, combined with the open 1618 string pattern, gave me plenty of bite and allowed me to generate more topspin on my shots without having to work too hard. With its 100 in head, the Phantom provides ample surface area to make a clean connection with the ball and avoid mishits while also featuring an open 1618 string pattern that provides access to generating topspin without working too hard. Like the previous version, the Phantom 100X 305 takes full advantage of the Constant Taper System (CTS) that transitions from a thinner 18 mm shaft for flexibility and feel to a thicker 22 mm head to maintain a bit more power for a responsive racquet that delivers pace when you need it. You could flip that statement and say that this racquet is unlikely to offend anyone. In this article, I will look at the racket specs of the Vcore Pro 97 and the Blade 98 to see how these two tennis rackets compare to each another. If youve enjoyed this article, I encourage you to bookmark it and share it with your friends, family, and teammates who might find it useful. It is definitely an interesting . Groundstrokes Overall, the Babolat Pure Strike left me feeling pleased across the board. Along with essential tips, background info on my rating process, and related resources, Ill equip you with everything you need to choose a racquet confidently, regardless of age or experience. Here are a few reasons I dig this particular racquet. The Prestige line of tennis racquets offers a classic feel with smaller head sizes and heavier weights intended to provide players with maximum control and precision from all areas of the court. Its weight is a hefty 11.7 ounces, but with a 7 pt head light balance, it retains its maneuverability and a reasonable swingweight of 321. Finally, the VCORE Pro 97 features a lock booster system that tightens the grommet spacing toward the upper part of the racquets head and grooves within the grommets channel to help secure the string and increase control. Topspin However, it may leave some players longing for a bit more in specific performance areas. I enjoy hitting with this updated frame that feels less harsh than the last model. For starters, the 300 RS comes with a 98 in head and a manageable 11.2-ounce weight. The Head Speed MP has a 100 in head and 1619 string pattern consistent with past models. Keeping most of the weight in the handle at 6 points head light, the Phantom 100X 305 also maintains plenty of maneuverability despite its mid-range 11.4-ounce weight. Aside from a racquets static weight, i.e., its weight when placed on a scale, the feeling of maneuverability often results from its overall weight combined with the frames distribution of weight or balance. The Wilson Blade's slightly smaller 98 square inch head size, tighter 1820 string pattern, stable 11.4-ounce weight, and low 60 stiffness rating combine to deliver solid control . The frame delivered plenty of power along with its 98 in head, while its 1619 string pattern helped produce fantastic spin. I felt the Phantom 100X 305 improves quite a bit from its predecessor at the net. Maybe, I have found my new racquet of choice. The Ai 98 is like the blade 18x20 except it is slightly less control oriented but gives some more spin and free power. While I felt the frame was a tad stiff at times, the biggest drawback I think players will find with this racquet is that it doesnt wow in any one area which at the same time is the racquets strength. Help me decide: Ezone 98, vcore 98 or vcore pro 97. The result is an easy to swing and highly maneuverable racquet, which I enjoyed on returns and up at the net. However, the good news is that it doesnt give up power like other control-oriented tennis racquets. One of the first things you notice when you pick up the Volkl V-Feel 8 Pro is how easy the racquet is to maneuver, resulting from its 6-point head light balance that keeps the weight toward your hand for speedy reaction times when returning and quick reflexes up at the net. JavaScript is disabled. At the same time, I felt that the stiffer frame, which helps provide the racquets power, was lacking in the comfort department and required me to work harder to find that effortless touch up at the net. Combined with a 100 in head size, 1820 string pattern, and stiffness rating of 66, its clear this racquets design caters to a wide range of players. It also plays fantastic with a stiff poly like ALU Power at low tension, but you have to be willing to restring within 8 hours as it goes dead quickly. Stability In 2022, Yonex released an exceptional update to their popular EZONE 98. Princes Textreme line of tennis racquets features its unique Textreme material. At 11.1 ounces and with a 4 points head light balance, this lightweight frame is easy-to-maneuver, afforded me excellent preparation on my groundstrokes, and delivered easy handling up at the net. Create a free account and explore my latest videos below. All in all, the Gravity Pro is a fantastic racquet that will please a specific crowd of players with the strength and confidence to wield it. I've played with the Blade 98 v7 16x19 and the VCore 98 2021. However, Ive focused my energy on full-size tennis racquets that are at least 27-inches in length, which is standard for adults. This version of the Burn features Wilsons rigid Carbon Fiber Graphite and a thicker variable-width beam for a crisp and responsive feel with plenty of power. Like the previous generation, the EZONE 98 maintains its Oval Pressed Shaft. First up, VCELL is a unique cellulose carbon fiber that helps cut down on weight while also delivering strength to the frame for added response and feel while simultaneously reducing unwanted vibration. At 7 points headlight, that translates into a maneuverable racquet thats easy to swing and generate racquet head speed for reliable and well-placed groundstrokes. However, Yonex also refines its drilling of the holes for the outer main strings with its Linear Tech to widen the sweet spot and enhance string movement. The racquet uses a braided graphite construction, thin beam, and head light balance, then tops it off with Wilsons classic torsion control or Perimeter Weighting System that places extra weight on the sides of the racquet head at 3 and 9 oclock. The Wilson Blade 98 is one of the most popular racquets on the market. Combined with its mid to upper-end stiffness of 68, its not the most comfortable. Players looking for a highly controlled, heavier racquet or a more powerful frame will want to look elsewhere, while players looking for a balanced, well-rounded racquet will be right at home with the 300 RS. The 300 RS also features ArmorCap+, Tecnifibres second-generation bumper system, a unique grommet system that absorbs shock and helps increase power, and their EZ Lock knot tie-off feature for easier string installation and protecting the racquets grommets. Furthermore, if youre brand new to the sport, you may want to check out my racquet guide for beginners. This year the TFight 300 RS makes the cut as a slick-looking and approachable mid-weight racquet that performs from all areas of the court while providing plenty of access to topspin and power. I felt I could be aggressive and step into my shots even when my opponent turned up the heat. Every year, Ill update and refresh this content to consider the latest and greatest tennis racquets top racquet brands are releasing. The racquet incorporates their Aero Trench grommet system for the main strings at the top of the racquets head, hiding the grommets and decreasing air resistance, resulting in even faster swings to generate more topspin. With this great feeling extended length racquet, Yonex delivers a seductive combination of precision, spin and power to experienced players. Strings significantly influence the performance of your racquet, and their importance grows as your skills improve. The head light balance was particularly beneficial up at the net, where I never felt like I was forcing the racquet into position. At 11.2 ounces and featuring a 4 point head light balance, the Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP moves with ease. 9600, YONEX VCORE 100 2021 G2 () 2023 Yonex Vcore 100 Review. However, its power is underwhelming, so thats worth keeping in mind, as the racquet will appeal more strongly to experienced players. Overall, the racquet has a dampened, low-vibration feel, making for a pleasant and comfortable hitting experience. Maneuverability Topspin Of course, this is the formula many intermediates to advanced players seek. I felt connected trading groundstrokes, and up at the net, I was delighted with my ability to direct the ball with a high level of accuracy. Groundstrokes Not surprisingly, the most significant tradeoff with the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 is easy-to-access power. For the most part, the Yonex EZONE 98s balanced performance left me satisfied. Players who have previously considered the Prince Textreme Tour 100P and are back on the hunt in 2022 will be delighted to find this racquet has received a few tweaks while remaining true to the original design. Main Differences: The 2023 version of the Vcore 98 has a lower swing weight (318g vs 321g), . At 11.1 ounces, it feels solid, but with its 4-point head light balance, it swings effortlessly. Overall, the Burn 100 v4 is a well-balanced tennis racquet that produces excellent topspin and fantastic performance off the baseline and with returns. With a 4 point HL balance, the racquet swings relatively quickly and easily, further influencing a players ability to generate spin. The Blade has become a surgical scalpel for an endless list of top level professionals and collegiate All-Americans. Required fields are marked *. I continue to love serving with the Babolat Pure Drive its one of the best in this arena. This weight and balance blend nicely for a tennis racquet that allows you to accelerate quickly through contact and take significant cuts at the ball from the baseline while maintaining control through topspin. Vcore had about the same amount of power but much easier to keep the ball in. Like finding a new racquet, experimentation is crucial to finding the right strings that will help you perform your best. The Clash is a pickup and play line of racquets. With that said, when comparing the two, advanced racquets will typically have the following attributes: The good news is that every racquet on my list is an excellent option for intermediate and advanced players. However, players who prefer to hit with lots of spin will likely be right at home with it. For starters, the racquet offers a 95 in, 11.8 oz strung weight, and 22 mm beam, giving it many of the ingredients for delivering the performance that strong intermediate to advanced players demand. I would maybe add the new Radical MP as well - a lot of folks seem to prefer the new MP over the Pro. The Wilson Burn 100 v4 higher power level may leave some players wanting to tone things down a bit, but that is offset to a degree by its excellent topspin so your style of play is a factor here. Although its not the most spin-friendly racquet on the market, it does surprisingly well. However, it did receive an updated cosmetic. To explore these topics further, check out the following guides. Head tops it off with their Dynamic String Pattern, which decreases the spacing between the eight mains at the racquets center for improved control without giving up the benefits of its 1619 string pattern. Here are the top three reasons I enjoy playing with the Pro Staff 97. On serve, the power is perfect. New for 2022, Wilson reconstructs the tip of the racquets hoop to aid consistency and enhance the sweet spot. First and foremost, I love the Pure Drives ability to help generate power without breaking a sweat. However, Babolat also modified the formula by opting for tighter string spacing to improve control while maintaining the freedom of movement within the grommets for optimal spin. Released in 2021, the TF-X1 is part of one of two competition-level tennis racquet lines that Tecnifibre offers, which delivers exceptional power and features designed to help minimize shock and vibration. I preferred the Vcore over the Ezone. The blend between power, control and that slightly head-heavy feel is favored by both pros and amateurs. Topspin For 2023, the VCORE 98 makes my list, and Im super excited about what the updated racquet brings to the table while still delivering the same speed and spin I loved in the prior model. Topspin However, despite its extra weight, it remains reasonably easy to maneuver relative to other racquets in its class. Returns This super-thin carbon fiber fabric integrates directly into the tennis racquets shaft (handle and throat) to enhance stability and control. Wilson also has revised the racquets beam, reducing it by .5 mm in the shaft for added flex and comfort while increasing it slightly throughout the head to maintain power and stability. Yonex VCORE 98+. As an intermediate to an advanced player, you should pay close attention to the type of string you choose, the tension you string your racquet, and your stringing frequency. However, one surprising area where I see an opportunity for improvement is comfort, which fell below my expectations for its class. I found fantastic performance with the Babolat Pure Aero at the baseline through the combination of power and topspin. The Wilson Burn 100 v4 is a revised version of the original Wilson Burn, geared toward a wide range of intermediate to advanced tennis players. Although Dunlop has added some tech to reduce the shock and vibration associated with this high-powered frame, its stiffness and lower weight result in a less comfortable hitting experience. Tennisspin Website:https://tennisspinusa.com#tecnifibretf40305 #tf40 #tf40305 #tecnifibretennis #tecnifibreracket #tecnifibreracquet #wilson #wilsonblade9816. Buy Now We save you time and money by doing the painful research process for you! One item Id like to address is the stability of the racquet. Technologies include a braided graphite and basalt construction, which increases the racquets flex, improves feel, and ultimately delivers more control. However, skipping those steps is a recipe for disappointment. Table of Contents show In particular, baseline players who hit with heavy topspin may prefer more pop. In-depth Resources As a result, players who are intrigued by this racquet have plenty of options to consider. The Head Prestige Tour 2021 is my favorite within the Prestige line because it balances the classic feel I love with small refinements to suit the modern game better while appealing to a broader audience. Specifications: Product Name: Yonex VCore 98 (2021) Manufacturer #: VC0698; Headsize: 98 sq. Youll also find a Sweet Spot Channel on the racquets head at three and nine oclock, which increases the length of the cross strings in the mid-section to enhance string movement for added power. It definitely has more control than the blade 16x19 though. However, the above guides should help make selecting a set youll love more straightforward. The combined result is added confidence and precision regardless of the shot youre hitting. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Over the years, precision and control have remained a defining characteristic of the Pro Staff family of racquets, and the Pro Staff 97 v13 is no exception. For materials, the VCORE 98 (305) features 2G-NAMD Flex Force graphite, giving the racquet a unique flex and snapback to increase spin and power further. However, with the latest EZONE 98, Yonex maintains its Linear Tech Grommet System with several grommet holes drilled straight through to improve the racquets power and comfort. CATEGORY: OUR PICKS: Power & spin: Babolat Pure Aero Plus: Control & feel: . You must log in or register to reply here. This models latest generation from the Radical lineup uses Heads Graphene 360 technology in the shaft and at 3, 9, and 12oclock in the frames head for optimal stability and power. Stable tennis racquets remain steady when striking a ball and help instill a positive sense of consistency and accuracy. Along with its great control, I also love the racquets connected feel, excellent feedback, and response. With a smaller 98 in and a moderate stiffness rating of 65, the EZONE 98 delivers great control without completely giving up on the power front, especially when combined with a stiffer poly. Volleys Power The head features the companys signature Isometric square head shape, which increases the sweet spots size. Babolats FSI technology combines its time-tested woofer system that increases power and the sweet spots size by allowing the strings to work together, while a tighter string pattern within the sweet spot aids in control. Based on how the Yonex EZONE 98 scored in my evaluation, heres a recap of its top attributes. Of course, no tennis racquet is perfect, but the Yonex EZONE 98 delivers an incredibly balanced performance that will work well for a wide range of tennis players, and its downsides are minimal. As weve stated in the past, the Pure Strikes defining feature and what sets it apart from many other racquets is its broad appeal to a wide range of styles and levels of play. For power, the racquet uses a 100 in head size and a unique frame geometry with a rounder head, grooves within the bumper, and specially reinforced sections called Isoflex. Heres a quick snapshot of whats available. Finally, Wilson strays from their standard color scheme used across many of their racquet lines and uses a chameleon style paint job thats dynamic and shifts colors depending on the light. At 11.2-ounces strung, it swings fast for generating higher levels of racquet head speed. Theres a lot to love about the Babolat Pure Drive, as its been one of my favorites for years, but here are my top three reasons. Weighing in at 11.7 ounces strung, the Gravity Pro isnt easy to push around. Although I didnt have any major issue with this frame, some players will find this racquets power a bit overbearing, and if you like to flatten out the ball, it wont be the racquet for you. Start playing the best tennis of your life and win more matches! If you prefer a versatile, head light frame that is super stabe and plush I think the VCore Pro is one of the best frames on the market for that type of frame. To help you get the most out of this resource, Ive developed the following tips to consider while researching tennis racquets. The Yonex VCORE 95 and 98 2021 comes with strategically carved out sections called Aero Fins for improved maneuverability.