4 Best Tennis Racquets for Control (2022)
Table of Content
Note*
All of the racquets in the list are best in itself. You can choose any racquet which one is best for you. We didn’t listed any racquet or brand like that this should be on no. 1 or no. 5 in the our list.
Babolat Pure Strike 98 18x20 3rd Gen.
Description
Babolat Pure Strike 98 18×20 offers more control and feel than the Pure Drive and Pure Aero, and it perfectly fits in between the Pure Drive and Pure Aero.
This racquet is the choice of ATP player Dominic Theim. Pure Strike 98 18×20 is the third generation of the Babolat Pure Strike Series.
The Pure Strike 3rd Generation series was launched in August 2019. This racquet was previously known as the Project One Seven.
The updated Pure Strike 98 3rd generation has a new vibrating dampening technology that enhances the muted response of the racquet and a slightly higher swingweight than the previous generation.
The racquet frame has new C2 Pure Feel, a material technology that combines cortex with a uniquely flexible viscoelastic rubber at the 3/9 o’clock position of the frame. Compared to the previous version, this racquet has slightly better pocketing as well.
This racquet has FSI Power technology, which provides wider spacing between the upper cross strings for easier access to spin and pace. It has a hybrid frame construction (called Control Frame Technology).
The new Babolat Pure Strike 98 continues the white paint job that was introduced with generation 2 (Project One Seven), but makes it bolder with black and red lettering across the frame.
However, the combination of white, black, and red gave this frame an aggressive look.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Specifications
| Head Size : 98 in² / 632.26 cm² |
| Length : 27 in / 68.58 cm |
| Strung Weight : 323g / 11.4oz |
| Unstrung Weight : 305 gm / 10.8 oz |
| Balance : 13 in / 33.02 cm / 4 pts HL |
| Beam Width : 21 mm / 23 mm / 21 mm |
| Swingweight : 334 |
| Stiffness : 66 |
| String Tension : 50 – 60 pounds |
| Composition : Graphite |
| Grip Type : Babolat Syntec Team |
| String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses |
Technology
C² Pure Feel
Powered by SMAC, this is the latest generation of the pure feel technology: a cutting-edge vibration filtration lay-up system that provides a pure feel on every shot.
Control Frame Technology
Developed to ensure maximum control, this technology combines the stability of a square beam frame with the dynamism of an elliptic beam structure.
Pro Using or Used This Racquet
Overall Performance
Due to it’s 98 sq. inch smaller headsize than 100 sq. inch and a dense 18×20 string pattern than open 16×19 string pattern so this pure strike 98 providing you the utmost control throughout the game.
Somehow, hybrid frame construction, called “control frame technology,” works pretty well for making pure strike racquets, which are slightly more control-oriented racquets compared to the pure drive and pure aero.
Feel
This racquet has a new C2 pure feel technology in the frame, which provides you with a nice sense of ball pocketing to provide you with the perfect feel, and the Pure Strike 98 feels solid and stable throughout the game.
Compared to the previous version, this new Pure Strike 98 18×20 feels a bit more muted. It doesn’t feel as responsive, but it does feel more forgiving.
Groundstrokes
From the baseline, the Pure Strike 98 18×20 offers an adequate amount of spin and power combined with the utmost control and great feel.
This pure strike 98 feels like one of the finest racquets from the baseline, but at the same time, it’s heavier to swing than the other pure strike racquets.
On groundstrokes, the Pure Strike 98 18×20 is the most control-oriented racquet among the Pure Strike racquets, so you don’t have to hesitate about taking the full or heavier swing with this racquet.
This is a really good racquet for players who have a flat backhand and like to hit flat winners from the baseline.
Maneuverability
This racquet is slightly least maneuverable compared to the other pure strike racquets due to it’s hefty strung swing weight which is around 334 but after used to it don’t bother you that much in the way of maneuverability.
Power
Due to its highest swing weight and stiffness which is around 66 combined with the 98 sq. inch head size and dense string pattern that’s why this racquet is the most control oriented racquet than other pure strike racquets so you will not get the overhype power throughout the game.
Returns
Returning a first or flat serve is all about how you control the pace of your opponent’s serve, and the Pure Strike 98 is sufficiently stable and controlled to keep the ball under control or in the court, even when returning huge servers.
You get the confidence so easily with this racquet to step inside the court on second serve and hit a defensive return to your aiming targets due to its stability combined with great control.
Serves
For serves, this Pure Strike 98 has enough mass for plough-through power to hit the huge flat serves and offer plenty of control and spin with precision on serves.
Somehow, if you manage the racquet head speed with technique and timing, you can access the needed power and an adequate amount of spin with this racquet, and its blade cuts through the air faster.
The dense string pattern slightly have advantage than open string pattern that give little bit extra precision and control which will benefit for all variations of serve.
Slices
Compared to the other racquets in the pure strike lineup, this is the most predictable and effective racquet on slices due to its hefty swing weight and dense string pattern.
As it’s strung balance which is around 4 pts head light and a swing weight of 334 allows the racquet able to knife with great precision.
Stability
Considering its unstrung weight, which is around 305 grams, this racquet provides surprisingly amazing and promising stability throughout the game.
Most of the racquets around 305 gram lack stability, but somehow, this pure-strike 98 does a great job.
TopSpin
This pure strike 98 is not the most spin friendly racquet than the other pure strike racquets cause of the dense 18×20 string pattern but on the other positive side its slightly favourable for flat hitters.
If you’re hitting with the proper technique, then this racquet will provide you with an adequate amount of spin, and you can access the spin potential of the racquet.
Volleys
At Net, the racquet providing amazing plow through, which get easy depth to volleys.
The control and stability you can get on volleys it’s outstanding considering it’s weight this racquet done a great job at net.
Compared to the other pure-strike racquets, hitting volleys with this racquet is the most enjoyable and fun. It offers a nice blend of stability, control, and a solid feel.
Overall
Aggressive players who like to hit flat winners from the baseline will enjoy this racquet.
Stability and control of the racquet is a top notch as it’s weight that is always helpful for return and at net.
The 18×20 string pattern offers a overall better control than the 16×19 pure strike.
Overall it has a nice blend of power, spin and control, which allowing you to confidently go for a variety of shots from all areas of the court.
Like
- Control
- Stability
- Controllable Power
Dislike
- Manueverability
Who's This Racquet For
If you’re an aggressive baseliner who’s looking for a most control oriented racquet in the pure strike racquets than whatever you don’t find in pure aero or pure drive racquets then considering this pure strike 98 18×20 is worth it.
If you are a doubles player or spend a lot of time at the net, then the Pure Strike 18×20 is still an excellent option for you.
This is a frame that is best suited for aggressive players, especially those who like to hit flat backhands or flat winners.
The PureStrike 98 is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Who's This Racquet Not For
Some of the players might facing issue due to it’s hefty swing weight considering it’s weight or those who like extra free access of power and spin then this pure strike probably not good option for you.
If you prefer heavy topspin or massive power, both of which are top priorities, then you should go for pure drive for power and pure aero for maximum spin.
Babolat racquets are best known for their stiffer frames, so if you are suffering from any wrist or elbow injury or any kind of discomfort, then considering this racquet or playing with it is not a good choice.
Head Gravity Pro 2021
Description
The Gravity Pro 2021 is a modern and dynamic racquet for the aggressive next-generation player. This racquet is made for baseline players who want more control and forgiveness. It is a player’s racquet that offers a balance of stability, control, and feel.
This racquet is the choice of ATP player Alexander Zverev. The Gravity Pro 2021 is the second generation of the Head Gravity Series. Gravity series was launched on July, 2019. For 2021, Gravity Pro will not be more or less updated, which is just a paint update.
Head Gravity Pro features Graphene 360+ technology, which combines the easy power and rock-solid stability of Graphene 360 with flexible Spiral Fibers in the lower portion of the racquet’s head to optimise feel.
The Gravity Pro also offers a thin 20mm variable beam width and low flex 62 stiffness, giving it an amazing feel at impact from the string bed.
The new Gravity pro 2021 has a same design but slightly changed in color combination instead of the red and green, they now have the paint going from lime green to yellow on one side and a blue-violet fade on the other side.
However, it looks unique and very modern. This racquet is best suited for strong intermediate to advanced players.
Specifications
| Head Size : 100 in² / 645.7 cm² |
| Length : 27 in / 68.58 cm |
| Strung Weight : 332 gm / 11.7 oz |
| Unstrung Weight : 315 gm / 11.11 oz |
| Balance : 12.6 in / 33.4 cm / 6 pts HL |
| Beam Width : 20 mm / 20 mm / 20 mm |
| Swingweight : 332 |
| Stiffness : 61 |
| String Tension : 48 – 57 pounds |
| Composition : Graphene 360+/Graphite |
| Grip Type : Head Hydroabsorb Pro |
| String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses |
Technology
Graphene 360+
GRAPHENE 360+ is the combination of HEAD’s signature Graphene 360 technology for optimized energy transfer and the innovative spiralfibers for enhanced flex and clean impact feel.
Spiral Fiber
Twisted fibers placed on the shoulder area accompany the frame in its deformation and provide greater flex and clean impact feeling.
Graphene in the head
Reduces frame deformation which enables better energy transfer.
Graphene in the Shaft
For optimized mass distribution which gives better maneuvrability and more power.
Pro Using or Used This Racquet
Overall Performance
Control
The gravity pro is the most control oriented racquet in the gravity line-up due to it’s hefty strung weight and denser 18×20 string pattern. Control is one of the most impressive feature of this racquet.
Feel
The gravity pro has very amazing feel due to its head signature technology called Graphene 360+ which is optimized energy transfer and the innovative spiralfiber tech. placed on the shoulder area accompany the frame in its deformation and provide greater flex and clean feeling at impact.
Groundstrokes
From the baseline, Gravity Pro provides an adequate amount of spin and power combined with the utmost control and great feel.
This gravity pro is one of the finest racquet for the aggressive players from the baseline than the other gravity racquets but at the same it’s slightly less maneuver to swing it doesn’t mean that you have to struggle so much for swing the racquet.
On groundstrokes, the Gravity Pro 2021 is the most stable and control-oriented racquet among the other Gravity racquets, so you get the utmost control even when taking the full or heavier swing with this racquet.
Usually, racquets with the dense 18×20 string pattern are slightly favoured by flat hitters, but not with this racquet. The more rounded head shape and larger sweet spot provide the ultimate spin on groundstrokes.
Maneuverability
This racquet is slightly least maneuverable compared to the other gravity racquets due to it’s higher strung weight which is around 332 gram but it has thinnest 20mm variable beam width than the other gravity racquets so after used to it. It don’t bother you that much in the way of maneuverability.
Power
Due to its hefty 332 gm. swing weight and stiffness which is around 62 combined with the 100 sq. inch head size and dense 18×20 string pattern that’s why this racquet is the most control oriented racquet than other gravity racquets so you will not get the overhype power throughout the game so overall you get the controllable power with this racquet.
Returns
Returning serve is all about how you control the pace of your opponent’s ball, and the gravity pro is super stable and control-oriented to keep the ball under control or in the court, even when returning huge servers.
You get the confidence so easily with this racquet to step inside the court on second serve and hit a defensive or attacking return to your aiming targets due to its great stability and control.
This racquet has enough stability to handle heavy pace, which makes it easy for you to counterpunch against big servers.
Serves
For serves, this gravity pro has enough mass to generate plenty of power to hit the huge flat serves and offers plenty of control and spin with precision on serves.
For kick or slice serves, this racquet has a larger or round head size, which helps to access a good amount of spin.
The dense string pattern slightly have advantage than open string pattern that give little bit extra precision and control which will benefit for all variations of serve.
Slices
Compared to the other racquets in the gravity lineup, this is the most predictable and effective racquet on slices due to its hefty swing weight and dense string pattern.
Mainly, the backhand slices feel buttery smooth, and the depth comes with ease.
As it’s strung balance which is around 4 pts head light and a swing weight of 334 allows the racquet able to knife with great precision.
Stability
Considering its unstrung weight, which is around 315 grams, this racquet feels very solid and stable throughout the game.
This gravity pro is the most stable racquet compared to the other gravity racquets because of its hefty strung weight, so you don’t find any lack of stability with this racquet.
TopSpin
Head racquets are always rounder at the top, which generates adequate amounts of spin and makes it easier to get topspin than other brands of dense 18×20 string pattern racquets do.
For some players this gravity pro might not be the most spin oriented racquet than the other gravity racquets due to its dense 18×20 string pattern and if you want most spin friendly racquet then go for Gravity MP but on the other positive side gravity pro slightly favourable for flat hitter players.
Volleys
At Net, the racquet providing amazing plow through, which get easy depth to volleys.
The control and stability you can get on volleys is outstanding considering its weight, and this racquet does a great job at the net and is consistently accurate and solid at impact.
The Gravity Pro allows you to play against heavy hitters and use their pace against them by counterpunching the volleys and putting them in defensive position.
Some of the players might face issue in terms of manueverabilty to back the racquet into position quickly but apart from that this racquet perform great in every aspect at net.
Overall
The Gravity Pro is a classic, modern, and dynamic racquet for aggressive generation players.
Stability and control of the racquet is a top notch as it’s weight that is always a priority for today’s generation players.
The 18×20 string pattern offers overall better control and precision than the 16×20 gravity racquets.
Overall, it has a nice blend of control, power, spin, and stability, allowing you to confidently go for a variety of shots from all areas of the court.
Like
- Control
- Stability
- Feel
- Comfort
Dislike
- Nothing
Who's This Racquet For
If you’re an aggressive all-court player who’s looking for the most control-oriented racquet in the Gravity line-up, then considering the Gravity Pro 2021 is worth it.
If you are suffering from any wrist or elbow injury and any kind of discomfort then considering this racquet or playing with this racquet is a option for you. All Gravity 2021 racquets are so arm-friendly due to their low, stiffer frames.
The Gravity Pro 2021 is best suited for strong intermediate to advanced players.
Who's This Racquet Not For
Those who are prefer open 16×19 string pattern and higher launch angle then this racquet is slightly not favourable for you.
Some of the players might facing issue due to it’s hefty swing weight considering it’s weight.
We don’t find any major trade-off in this Gravity Pro 2021 at the end what we expected we got lil bit of extra everything.
As I above mention it has a nice blend of control, power, spin and stability.
Wilson Pro Staff 97 RF v13
Description
Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 v13 is the most heaviest racquet out there in the market by Wilson. This racquet is the choice of the greatest of all time, none other than Roger Federer.
Pro Staff RF 97 v13 is the thirteenth version of the Wilson Pro Staff series. This racquet is launched on September 14, 2020. This racquet offers a perfect blend of power, control, and stability.
For 2020, this racquet is updated with Braid 45. This racquet’s graphite and aramid fibres have been strategically woven at a 45-degree angle to enhance feel, pocketing, and stability.
The racquet has Wilson String Mapping Technology, which creates denser spacing in the hitting area for a more predictable and controlled response.
The racquet has a perimeter weighting system, or extra weight, placed at 3 and 9 o’clock on the racquet’s head to reduce twisting and improve control.
Pro staff RF 97 has the all matte black color finish and brand name Wilson mention on the one side of the throat with glossy coating. Roger Federer’s autograph is printed on the inside of one of the throats.
a new all-black butt cap at the bottom of the racquet, but it doesn’t have the rounded edges that you’ll find on the red butt caps on most Wilson racquets. By the way, this racquet looks very classy, and I would love to call it a black beauty.
This racquet is best suited for strong intermediate to advanced players.
Specifications
| Head Size : 97 in² / 625.81 cm² |
| Length : 27 in / 68.58 cm |
| Strung Weight : 357 gm / 12.6oz |
| Unstrung Weight : 339 gm / 11.9 oz |
| Balance : 12.38in / 31.45cm / 9 pts HL |
| Beam Width : 21.5mm / 21.5mm / 21.5mm |
| Swingweight : 333 |
| Stiffness : 68 |
| String Tension : 50 – 60 pounds |
| Composition : Graphite |
| Grip Type : Wilson Leather |
| String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
Technology
Braided Graphite
Strong frame construction provides a pure, solid and consistent feel while also dampening vibrations for enhanced touch and control.
Perimeter Weightning System
Wilson’s Perimeter Weighting System or extra weight placed at the 3 and 9 o’clock on the racquet’s head to reduce twisting and improve control.
Pro Using or Used This Racquet
Overall Performance
Control
As it’s unstrung weight is around 339 grams compared to the other racquets in this is the most heaviest racquet in the Pro Staff series racquet which impact in make this the most control oriented racquet.
97 square inch headsize and a open 16 by 19 string pattern and a thinner variable beam width which result in manage the control so consistent and perfectly of the racquet.
Feel
This is the heaviest racquet by Wilson, offering plenty of solid and stable feel without a dash of vibration from the string bed.
This racquet’s stiffness, or RA rating, is around 68, which combines with the braided graphite composition to offer a pure or consistent feel throughout the game.
Groundstrokes
From the baseline, the Pro Staff RF 97 v13 feels very solid and stable. You don’t have to be hesitate about taking the full or heavier swing with this racquet due to its weight this racquet’s spontaneously very controlled and it almost makes keeping the ball in the court.
On groundstrokes, the heavy weight of this racquet made it fun to drive through the ball and added so much plough.
However, access to topspin is more difficult than normal due to the higher swing weight, but the racquet is a real weapon for hitting flat winners.
Maneuverability
The racquet’s unstrung weight is around 339 gram and its balance is around 9 pts head light after strung which make this racquet is a bit struggle to maneuver rather than as much as the most user-friendly racquets do.
Power
Great power comes with great responsibility. this is the perfect example for Pro Staff Rf 97 cause the way this racquet handle the power is amazing even though it’s heavier weight racquet.
Due to its hefty stiffness, which is around 68, combined with the thinner variable beam width, this racquet offers very controllable power, so you will not get overpowered throughout the game.
Returns
For returns, Likewise the serve the challenge is the maneuverability and get back the racquet into the position. Otherwise, the Pro Staff RF 97 is super stable and controlled to keep the ball under control or in the court, even when returning huge servers.
If you have the right technique and the strength to swing this racquet, then the racquet has so much potential to attack serves with accurate aiming targets without any lack of stability and control.
Particularly hitting slices return with this racquet feels so divine and plush cause of its heavier weight.
With this racquet you only need nominal backswing to get the ball deep and placing the defensive return into the court.
Serves
Again, the Pro Staff RF 97 can be a little difficult to maneuver when serving. However, it has more than enough power to hit huge flat serves, and the stability of the racquet offers plenty of control and spin with great precision on serves.
This racquet power comes from its heavy weight, so if you are hitting the serve with proper technique and with adequate head speed, then you can utilise the racquet’s potential in the right way.
For a kick or slice serve, if somehow you can manage to generate the racquet head speed, then the open string pattern offers you plenty of spin and you can be very precise with your targets.
Slices
As it’s strung balance which is around 9 pts head light and a swing weight of 333 allows the racquet able to knife the ball pretty firmly.
Hitting slices with this racquet is like one of the most enjoyable and plush shots of the game, and the ball stayed very low and penetrated through the court.
Stability
This racquet’s stiffness, or RA rating, is around 68 after strung and combined with the perimeter weighting system, which provides this racquet with super stability throughout the game.
This Pro Staff RF 97 is the ideal racquet for stability. Without a doubt, stability is one of the best features of this racquet.
TopSpin
With 97 sqaure inch headsize and a open 16 by 19 string pattern usually you get the utmost topspin but in this case cause of heavier weight of the racquet it decrease the spin potential of the racquet but on the other side it slightly promote the flatter hitters rather than topspin.
If you’re hitting with the proper technique, then this racquet will provide you with an adequate amount of spin, and you can access the spin potential of the racquet, but generating topspin with this racquet is quite demanding.
Volleys
At Net, the pro staff RF 97 v13 is so enjoyable and is becoming your favourite part of the game with this racquet. Stability is the biggest key of this racquet, and the racquet provides amazing plough through, which gives easy depth to volleys.
On the other hand maneuverability of the racquet is quite struggling and get back the racquet into position is quite struggle too especially for the quick reaction volleys.
Its heavier weight controlled the volleys so smoothly and absorb the pace volleys without feel dash vibration and jerk on the wrist.
Overall
The Pro Staff RF 97 is the perfect blend of power and control on groundstrokes.
None come even close to the way stability of the Pro Staff Rf 97 performing at net.
If you manage the swing weight, then the racquet rewards you in every way for serving.
If you are prep on perfect timing then you nailed your opponent on return.
Like
- Feel & Touch
- Control
- Stability
- Precision
Dislike
- Maneuverability
- Heavy Weight
Who's This Racquet For
The Pro Staff 97 v13 is best suited for all strong intermediate to advanced players.
If you are like to playing with the heavier racquet and prefer stiffer frame and a higher stability which is usually have characteristics of a heavier weight racquet then considering this racquet is worth it.
If you want to experience the likewise of a professional player’s racquet or get an idea of what kind of racquet Roger Federer hits with, then you have to definitely try it out at least once.
If you’re a huge fan of Roger Federer and want to make this racquet for a once in a while or have an Autograph racquet of Roger Federer then totally depends on your choice.
Who's This Racquet Not For
This racquet is not for everyone because it demands technical soundness, timing, and proper footwork, so beginner to intermediate players should not go for this racquet.
If you prefer heavy topspin or power, both of which are top priorities, then you should avoid this racquet.
If you are not physically strong or this racquet has too heavy a swing weight for your level of ability, then go for the Wilson Pro Staff v13, which is the lighter version of the Rf 97.
If you are suffering from any wrist or elbow injury or any kind of discomfort, then considering this racquet or playing with it is not a good choice.
Yonex Vcore Pro 97 (310)
Description
The Yonex Vcore 97 Pro (2021) is a modern classic racquet for today’s generation of aggressive players.
This racquet is made for players who want a racquet that is easy to swing and less heavy than the Vcore Pro 97H 330 racquet endorsed by Stan Wawrinka.
It is a player’s racquet that offers a balance of control, spin, and feel. This racquet is the choice of ATP players Frances Tiafoe and Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
The Yonex Vcore 97 Pro (2021) is the third generation of the Yonex Vcore Pro Series. The Vcore Pro Series (2021) was exclusively launched in the United States on August 24, 2021, and the worldwide launch was on September 14, 2021.
For 2021, Yonex adds 2G-NAMD (Flex Force) to the graphite layup. This is designed to help the frame counterpunch more effectively during impact. Yonex improves the shaft geometry to help the racquet bend more effectively during impact.
They’ve also added a slightly thicker beam for extra pop and stability. Other material updates include Flex Fuse, a shock-absorbing polymer integrated into the graphite to give this racquet an improved flex, softness, and plushness.
(2019) Vcore Pro 97 had matte light green color now yonex updated a new paint job which is combination of unique green and purple design. Somehow, Its looking something different from the all generation. This racquet is best suited for strong intermediate to advanced players.
Specifications
| Head Size : 97 in / 625.81 cm |
| Length : 27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight : 326g / 11.5oz |
| Unstrung Weight : 310gm / 10.9 oz |
| Balance : 12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL |
| Beam Width : 21mm / 21mm / 21mm |
| Swingweight : 316 |
| Stiffness : 60 |
| String Tension : 45-60 pounds |
| Composition : Graphite |
| Grip Type : Yonex Synthetic |
| String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
Technology
FLEXCON SYSTEM
For Raquet Flex And Feel.
A tapered and elongated box-frame shaft is composed of Flex Force and Flex Fuse graphite for precise control of the ball.
FLEX FUSE
For A Softer Feeling.
A shock-absorbing polymer is integrated within the graphite’s resin for increased racquet flex and a softer, more plush feeling.
ISOMETRIC HEAD
7% LARGER SWEET SPOT
Developed over 30 years ago, the ISOMETRIC™ design increases the sweet spot by 7%*.
Compared to a conventional round frame, a square-shaped ISOMETRIC™ racquet generates a larger sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the main and cross strings.
ISOMETRIC™ technology delivers greater control without sacrificing power.
VIBRATION DAMPENING MESH
First used in our snowboards to reduce vibrations at impact, Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM) is now used in four of our racquet series. VDM is a stretchy mesh material that is wrapped around the graphite within the grip to filter unwanted vibrations and improve touch and precision.
2G-NAMD FLEX FORCE
For Aggresive , Attacing Spin : Incorporated in the upper throat to the lower frame, new Flex Force graphite allows for the racquet to quickly flex and snapback for maximum spin potential.
Pro Using / Used Vcore Racquets
Overall Performance
Control
Considering its weight, the Yonex V-Core Pro 97 provided the utmost control throughout the game. But this is not the most control-oriented racquet in the V Core Pro line-up. If you are looking for the most controllable racquet in the Vcore Pro series, then the Vcore Pro 97H 330 is the best option for you in the Vcore Pro line-up. Somehow, the Vcore Pro 97H 310 does an excellent job in terms of control.
The smaller 97 sq. inch head size combined with the flex force and flex fuse technology, which combine to form the “FlexCon System,” brings an all-new level of control to the vcore pro series, which indeed helps to provide precise control over the ball to the vcore pro 97.
Feel
This Vcore Pro 97 feels softer and more plush due to a tapered box beam design with a lengthened shaft, which results in a 36% increase in flex over the previous model. It provides greater pocketing and snapback and a plusher, softer feel at contact. A shock-absorbing resin has also been added to graphite to enhance comfort as well.
Compared to its predecessor, this Vcore Pro 97 feels more flexible because this 3rd generation Vcore Pro has a completely new, redesigned throat, which provides greater racquet flex and feel.
Groundstrokes
From the baseline, the Yonex V-Core Pro 97 is very easy to maneuver, meaning easy to swing and have enough mass from behind the ball, which feels very solid at impact.
On the surface, the vCore Pro 97 is very control-oriented and stable, with enhanced precision. The sweet spot is forgiving and consistent.
You can easily generate a great amount of spin and get depth so easily with this racquet, but you don’t get access to free power so easily with this racquet. Apart from that, it offers an excellent blend of spin, power, and control.
Maneuverability
The Vcore Pro 97 is very easy to swing or maneuver; there is hardly any noticeable difference from the previous version in swinging the racquet throughout the game.
This is the most maneuverable racquet in the Vcore Pro 2021 line-up because it has a lower swing weight than the other Vcore Pro racquets.
Power
This updated Vcore Pro 2021 has slightly increased the 1 mm variable beam width for enhanced power potential and stability.
This is not the most power potential racquet in the Vcore Pro line-up and you don’t get the free access of power so ease it doesn’t mean that you don’t get adequate amount of power with this racquet so, Overall you get the control-oriented form of power.
Returns
The Vcore Pro 97 is super stable and control-oriented to keep the ball under control or in the court, even when returning huge servers.
You get the confidence so easily with this racquet to step inside the court on second serve and hit the defensive or attacking return to your aiming targets due to its great precision and control.
This frame is stable enough to absorb heavy pace, which made it easy for you to counterpunch the volleys without losing control.
Serves
For serves, this Vcore Pro 97 has enough mass to generate plenty of power to hit the huge flat serves, but you don’t get free access to power so easily. Somehow, this racquet is more focused on a precise and control-oriented form of power.
You can easily access the great amount of spin needed for kick or slice serves.
More flexible feel than the previous version, Somehow serves feel forgiving on the arm, and you don’t worry about having a tired shoulder after hitting couple of serves.
This racquet doesn’t feel heavy, so you can get it in position and swing the racquet head quickly through the motion. So literally, the serve feels quite nice.
Slices
Compared to the previous generation of slices, this Vcore Pro 97 is more precise and plusher due to its 2G-Namd technology for increased ball pocketing and Flex Fuse technology for a plusher feel.
As it’s strung balance which is around 7 pts head light and a swing weight of 316 allows the racquet able to cut the ball with great precision.
Stability
Considering its unstrung weight, which is around 310 grams, this racquet feels very solid and more stable throughout the game.
This vcore pro 97 has slightly thicker variable beam width which is overall increased the stability of the racquet compared to its predecessor.
TopSpin
Yonex racquets are always known for their spin potential because of the signature isometric head shape, which provides a 7% larger sweet spot compared to a conventional round frame, so overall you get more spin from the stringbed than with other brands.
open 16×19 string pattern combined with the 2G-Namd Flex Force graphite technology, which allows the racquet to quickly flex and snap back for greater spin and faster ball acceleration off the string bed.
Volleys
The control and stability you can get on volleys is outstanding considering its 310-gram weight. This racquet does a great job at the net, it feels connected, and you can easily punch the ball back deep.
You might not face any issues in terms of maneuverability to get the racquet into position quickly and use your opponent’s pace against them by counterpunching the volleys.
If you are someone who loves to do volleys quite a bit while playing either doubles or singles and you enjoy a racquet that is easy to swing that still has a balanced amount of power and control, then this V-Core racquet is good for you.
Overall
The Vcore Pro 97 is a classic, modern, and dynamic racquet for aggressive generation players.
This version of Vcore Pro 97 has more pop on serves than the previous version.
Stability and control of the racquet are top-notch, especially considering its weight, which is always a priority for today’s generation of players.
The Vcore Pro 97 310 performs like a great all-around racquet for both singles and doubles players.
Overall, the Vcore Pro 97 has a nice blend of control, power, and spin, and this racquet is best suited for strong intermediate to advanced players.
Like
- Control
- Spin Friendly
- Feel & Touch
Dislike
- Sometimes too controlled
Who's This Racquet For
If you’re an aggressive all-court player who’s looking for the most balanced and spin-friendly racquet in the Vcore Pro line-up, then considering the Vcore Pro 2021 is worth it.
If you are suffering from any wrist or elbow injury or any kind of discomfort, then considering this V-Core Pro 97 or playing with this racquet is an option for you. All Vcore Pro 2021 racquets are so arm-friendly due to their low, stiff frames.
This is a frame that is best suited for aggressive players, especially those who like to hit flat backhands or flat winners.
Who's This Racquet Not For
Those who are prefer large head size racquet or dense 18×20 string pattern and low launch angle then this racquet is slightly not favourable for you.
We don’t find any major trade-off in this Vcore Pro 2021, considering its weight. It is definitely a noticeable improvement over the previous version. But some of the players might feel more dampened than the previous generation.
Note*
Selecting the perfect racquet for your suitable game style takes lot of research and time. Its really hard to find the perfect racquet for yourself cause every racquet has its own pros and cons.