The Yonex Percept line is a line of racquets that are centered around control. The Percept line is supposed to replace the VCore Pro line from the last year with a few improvements. The new Percept line from Yonex is using technology they are calling "Servo Filter" to replace the VDM (Vibration Dampening Mesh) in the handle. The Servo Filter is a film that gets wrapped in between the layers of the graphite to act as a dampener in the hoop and throat. The hoop has been stiffened up and the flex point has been moved more towards the throat to make the racquet 30% softer feeling than its suggested RA rating.
Here are the specs:
Percept 97 Head Size 97 sq.in. Weight 310 g / 10.9 oz Grip Size 1 - 5 Length 27 in. Width Range 21 mm - 21 mm - 21 mm Balance Point 310 mm Material HM GRAPHITE / 2G-Namd™ Flex Force / SERVO FILTER String Pattern 16 x 19
Percept 100 Head Size 100 sq.in. Weight 300 g / 10.6 oz Grip Size 1 - 5 Length 27 in. Width Range 23 mm - 23 mm - 23 mm Balance Point 320 mm Material HM GRAPHITE / 2G-Namd™ Flex Force / SERVO FILTER String Pattern 16 x 19
Now, on to the review, shall we?
The Percept 97 is the more controlled of the two racquets in the review, however, the racquet is still very similar to the VCore Pro line in the sense that it is still muted. Thanks to the Servo Filter, the feel is more prominent than in the VCore Pro line, but not by much. The racquet is stable, but still struggles a bit with heavier hitters. The sweet spot is small, but buttery. The racquet offers pin-point precision and decent spin. With that being said, you do have to generate your own power as the racquet is underpowered, in my opinion. The racquet is excellent for ground strokes and volleys if you have excellent fitness and fast, medium length strokes. The racquet lends itself to attacking players as it does struggle a bit on defense. On serve, the racquet performs well, but it is strenuous to swing at full speed if you're not used to heavier racquets. Returns is where the racquet struggled the most during my play-testing sessions. Because the sweet spot is so small, the racquet is unforgiving when returning or hitting ground strokes off-center. The racquet plows straight through volleys and easily redirects power and direction for easy touch volleys or solid put-away volleys.
The Percept 100 is similar in all regards to the 97, however, where the 97 falls short, the 100 picks up the slack. The Servo Filter is present, but doesn't mute the Percept 100 as much as it does the Percept 97. The Percept 100 has a tad more feel and connected-ness to the ball while still adding a bit more power and spin in true 100 sq. in. fashion. But the racquet still maintains its stability despite having a lower swing weight and static weight than the 97. The 100 is more user-friendly and more suited for intermediate players. The light frame and swing weight allow for unaltered use when you are tired and for optimal swing speeds throughout contact on ground strokes, returns, and serves. The 100 allows you to swing out on the ball without fear of hitting long. The 100 is great for defense as it is more forgiving with a slightly larger sweet spot. Volleys are not as good with the 100, however, it is not a significant difference from the 97, making this a worth-it compromise if you are evaluating pros and cons between the two racquets. The 100 is excellent in every aspect of the game, serving and ground strokes being my favorite shots with the 100.
Both racquets are great attacking weapons for intermediate to advanced players. I recommend the 97 to anyone who is used to playing with heavier racquets, is an advanced player, and is in great shape. I recommend the 100 to any intermediate that is comfortable with their swing and is confident in their tennis game. Both racquets offer great control without overwhelming power. With that being said, the racquets are an excellent addition to the tool kit of someone that struggles with control and is looking to play with more margin for error.
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