History of the Yonex V Core Pro 97

The Yonex V Core Pro 97 is a very unique racket, and it has come such a long way since its first release (in the 1980s) as the V Core 100. Yonex released the first versions of this racket in 1985 in two models: the V Core 100 and the V Core 90. The V stands for 'Variable', and they were known as Variable Models, tuned with variable weighting to allow players who required slight customizations to switch between them with ease. The senior players of the time found benefits in both models, but it was intended that each player would find their own preference, and play with only one.

When it comes to The V Core Pro models, the first thing that will catch your eye is this racquet's striking green and purple cosmetic. The V Core Pro 97 is the updated version of the previous model, the V Core Pro 95. The new model has an increased head size (from 95sq in to 97sq in) and Yonex claims that the larger head size provides extra power. The V Core technology is Yonex's take on creating a solid core with the ability to flex at impact, which creates extra power and spin.

Yonex’s iconic square-shaped ISOMETRIC™ racket was first introduced in 1980 with the launch of the R-1, R-2, and R-3. Over the next thirty years, the ISOMETRIC design would be enhanced for different types of rackets. Compared to a conventional round frame, a square-shaped ISOMETRIC™ racket generates a larger sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the main and cross strings, delivering greater control.

In 1995, Yonex begun to push the limits of graphite innovation even further, by manufacturing snowboards. The Vibrating Dampening Mesh (VDM) was implemented in their snowboards to reduce vibrations upon impact, eventually making its way to the  V Core Pro range.  The stretchy mesh material is wrapped around the graphite (within the grip) to filter unwanted vibrations.

With the launch of the third generation of the V Core Series in 2021, The Yonex V Core Pro 97 is flexible enough to generate high amounts of spin, but still has adequate mass to provide good stability. It is capable of generating heavy topspin on both sides of the court and offers decent power. Yonex introduced the FlexCon System, which includes two new graphite designs and a tapered box frame with the longest shaft in Yonex history.

Flex Force graphite allows the racquet to quickly flex and snap back for greater spin and faster ball acceleration off the string bed, while Flex Fuse increases racket flex with a softer, plush feeling. Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka currently uses the Yonex V Core Pro 97, and in the past he has found success with Yonex rackets, winning the US Open in 2016.