Yonex Vcore Pro 97 290g (2019 - Emerald Green)

[sw00sh]

Can anyone explain how does Yonex make the same model, same beam width, but in difference weight?
Can I use a 290gm version of this and add the lead to make it play like a 310gm? Is there a difference of graphite lay-up or composition of the graphite when they make the difference weight?

I am currently using 310gm version of the 2018 version, and the only change I did was to replace it with a leather grip. The static weight now is 344gm with strings, overgrip and dampener.
I find that I needed something lighter, so I toyed with the idea of getting the 290gm version, current model, and replace it with a leather grip, and now it is 331gm with same setup (strings, overgrip and dampener) as the 310gm version.

I know the balance points are different in both these version, and that didnt bother me, as the lighter one I can swing faster due to lighter, and probably swing-weight is lower too.
The feel however when I took the lighter one to the court, was much more flexible than the heavier one. The flex some how is more emphasized. I lost the feel that I usually get from the heavier and older model. I know there is the VDM dampening tech. they put into the handle. Is it that much of a difference that will make it so much more muted and soft? I definitely prefer the heavier one with the better feedback.

Anyone care to shed some views on this, and if they had done similar test or trial before? Can be other rackets that may come in different weight. I know Fischer used to offer that.

 

[ProRadTour]

They put metal pieces embedded in the handle mold about 3 inches or so from the butt cap. I pulled apart a 330 handle and there was approximately 40 grams of weight there. I personally think they are the same frame with varying amounts of weight in the handle. The 290 I would guess has no added weight to the handle

 

[sw00sh]

Thanks for sharing that ProRadTour. I guess what you experienced make total sense and economical too for them to churn out the same mold for all different weight, and add the required 'weight' to achieve respective category.

 

[alpenglo]

They put metal pieces embedded in the handle mold about 3 inches or so from the butt cap. I pulled apart a 330 handle and there was approximately 40 grams of weight there. I personally think they are the same frame with varying amounts of weight in the handle. The 290 I would guess has no added weight to the handle

Yep! Put a strong magnet near that handle. It's pretty easy to find the steel.

 

[A_Instead]

I heard this about the Prince Textreme Tour 310 and 290...but can't confirm it's true.

 

[ProRadTour]

It's a common practice, most companies do it. I have seen it on Wilson, Prince and Yonex frames.

 

[Alexh22]

They put metal pieces embedded in the handle mold about 3 inches or so from the butt cap. I pulled apart a 330 handle and there was approximately 40 grams of weight there. I personally think they are the same frame with varying amounts of weight in the handle. The 290 I would guess has no added weight to the handle

Do you have to cut away the foam handle to remove the weight? Or are they accessible inside the trap door ?

 

[ProRadTour]

They are in the foam, so it's a destructive process. You have to remove the foam handle to also remove the weight.

 

[gutfeeling]

They put metal pieces embedded in the handle mold about 3 inches or so from the butt cap. I pulled apart a 330 handle and there was approximately 40 grams of weight there. I personally think they are the same frame with varying amounts of weight in the handle. The 290 I would guess has no added weight to the handle

That’s assuming the weight distribution in the rest of the frame is the same. I agree if the sw and tw are the same. If not then there are varying degrees of weight in the handle, throat, and head.

 

[ProRadTour]

@gutfeeling Fair point

 

[Alexh22]

They are in the foam, so it's a destructive process. You have to remove the foam handle to also remove the weight.

Great of you to find it out taking such steps. How do you plan to put the handle back on? We do not have such service around here since many years ago a local shop closed its business.

 

[ProRadTour]

I sent my frames to ring roll. Had Wilson handle shape molded on. I then modified my frames with silicone and leather to be 320 grams unstrung instead of 330 grams.

 

[Alexh22]

That sounds awesome. So it is about 50 EU to re do the foam handle?

 

[ProRadTour]

Yeah that's right, 50 EU per frame.

 

[Alexh22]

Yeah that's right, 50 EU per frame.

iF not mistaken the wilson grip you wanted is more oval overall rather than the yonex round shape ?

 

[DJTaurus]

I have been hearing from many that 290 version is the most powerful after 330 version of VCore pro. It’s more HH than 310 and with the more racquet head speed you can produce easy power compared to the top low powered 310. I ve also been told that it has identical feel to 310 and you can customize it with lead at 300grams and have the perfect VCore pro without being sluggish like for example with 310 when you add weight to it..... any others with similar experience ???

 

[Cengusiento]

Yes, I’ve tested the 310g version and the 100 sq 300g version too, and with the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 LG (290g) I hit surprisingly with more depth. I feel the 100sq 300g versión have more inherent power, but the it applies to each shot an amount of spin that takes away power. The 97sq 290g version has much more “direct” power, and it’s also noticeable more easy to swing.

 

[Cengusiento]

I’ve also tested rather 320 grams version of this frame, the Vcore Pro 97 HG. It’s the least powered of the three