Introducing the heaviest, most stable member of the Percept family
Yonex updates one of its most stable player's racquets with better feel and new name. Called the Percept 97H, this racquet combines a 12+ ounce strung weight with a flexible 21mm beam and a 97in² head. In addition to giving advanced players outstanding control on full cuts, the Percept 97H packs a beefy 330+ swingweight, making it great for redirecting the pace of a big hitter or driving the ball through the court. It also feels very solid on volleys where you will find enough touch to drop the ball on a dime. Notable features include an elongated shaft to enhance pocketing, flexibility and control, along with a stiffer racquet face for extra stability and power. This racquet also features a Servo Filter which utilizes a thin elastic layer in the shaft to filter out harsh vibrations. Similar to its predecessor, this racquet's graphite layup is enhanced by 2G-NAMD Flex Force, a material technology that enables the frame to flex optimally upon impact. Ultimately, this update is a must demo for experienced players looking to hit a heavy ball. The outstanding feel is a nice bonus.
Specifications
| Head Size: 97 in² / 625.81 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 12.2oz / 346g | ||||
| Balance: 12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 333 | ||||
| Stiffness: 62 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 21mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: NAMD-2G/H.M.Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Mint | ||||
| Grip Type: Yonex Synthetic | ||||
String Pattern:
|
||||
| String Tension: 45-60 pounds |
Videos
Similar Racquets
Other Items to Consider
Customer Reviews
fun and powerfulI tried it with RPM blast at 51. My favourite shot was to return medium to weak second serves. If I had time to take a full cut it was goodnight. It was good at blocking big first serves back too. I prefer to volley with a lighter racquet but this wasn't too bad. I tended to volley with more safety. I could spot serve very well but not strong/good enough to hit a quality kick serve.
Groundstrokes are interesting, normally in singles I am keen to change direction first, but with this I felt like I can play crosscourt deep and heavy or hit powerful flat lasers with a good level of accuracy and rarely getting pushed around by the opponent or the wind! Hitting a forehand line is usually a money shot, but with this, I had to prepare a bit earlier or hit with more spin to safely make it and extend the rally (not a good play -hence my options are to continue to play cross/middle or cop the higher error rate blasting it down the line). I could hit stonecold winners with the backhand line or cross with a good level of accuracy and power from the baseline or inside the court. With my old racquet I didn't generate as much power. I only slice as the last line of defence and my goodness, this was the best slicing racquet to get from defence to neutral I have ever played with. It was semi penetrating and had great touch to consistently land very close to the baseline.
Overall this racquet has made tennis more fun for me. I am now a more powerful player and the game is more often than not on my racquet.
Yonex Percept 97HI was looking for a racquet close to the older RF 97, and after what I felt was a diligent search tried this racquet the shape was a little unusual to get used to, but the feel and being strong with the way I had my RF 97 it played very similarly. Thank you for your help and plethora of information
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Hands down the best racquet I have ever used.This racquet is absolutely amazing. For the first time ever, I have nothing negative to say about a racquet. Its my first time moving to Yonex. I played with HEAD and Wilson before. I was a bit hesitant about the square head shape. But DAAAAAANNG this racquet feels AMAZING. The balance is PERRRRFECT. 350g in total.... but due to the headlight balance it feels SO EASY to play with. The easiest "heavy" racquet I have ever used. Massive sweetspot. And oh did I mention how much better Yonex buttcaps are??? so minimal and not chunky like other brands. I LOVE IT... it makes me feel locked in with the grip so much more. I never blame a racquet but man this racket has literally made me be able to swing better... and this is not the honeymoon period. I have played with it for quite some time now. Another thing I find cool as hell.... when you get those black smudges on the frame from the ball markings.... they don't stay on like on other frames.... you can rub it right off. The material just doesn't accept it. Awesomeness. Yonex... PLEASE don't change anything about this racquet. It's perfect. Just release an all black version. That's all. GREAT WORK YONEX.... I salute you.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Excellent racquetUsed the Pro Staff v13 and Speed Pro. Felt a bit too light and unstable. Tried this racquet out and it feels great. Looks great as well.
Evolution of the VCore ProHaving used the ‘19 and ‘21 VCP’s, the Percept series is the latest installment of Yonex’ control oriented line of frames and does not disappoint! It’s clear that with each successive iteration, Yonex seems to be actively garnering feedback from playtesters as to how an already solid performer can improve. From the addition of VDM to reduce unwanted vibration to 2D-NAMD for dynamic flexing, to increasing the beam width by 1mm to improve torsional stability as well as minor changes in the frames’ geometry. Now Yonex has taken it to the next level with the Percept. Key changes being the incorporation of their Servo-filter throughout the graphite layup in lieu of VDM as well as added graphite in the hoop to enhance its firmness and stability, the Percept definitely addresses a key area that was for most, in need of addressing.
The 97H being the heftiest of the group is a near 1:1 translation from the ‘21 VCP. Overall numbers are near identical with a slight drop in swing weight. I personally welcomed this as the frame being quite heavy with a massive swingweight makes it quite demanding for most. The slight drop aids in getting the racket moving a touch bit easier. This helped the most on serves and volleys without sacrificing its rock solid feel. The added firmness in the hoop is offset by the more distinct flex point of the frame (mid-throat). The end result being a greater sense of connection at contact while producing a more clearly directed shot.
So for those that prefer a solid, weighted frame that’s still forgiving but with improved agility and ball feedback, the Percept 97H shines and is a worthy successor to the V-pro series.
