Racquet Review: Yonex Percept 97D

• Price: $259
• Head Size: 97 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.9 oz.
• Balance: 7 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 328
• RA Rating: 62
• Beam Width: 21 mm
• String Pattern: 18x20

What’s New

The Percept takes over for the VCORE Pro line. It’s a new name, but the same design directive—top-notch control, connected feedback and all-court versatility. The updates underwent three principal updates to improve its playability. First is Servo Filter, a transparent film placed between the graphite that enhances flexibility and dampens unwanted vibration. Next is the FlexCon System, located in the tapered and elongated box beam shaft, which adds flex at contact to extended ball pocketing and enhance control. The final addition is Stiffer Racquet Face Design, an increase in graphite in the face of to give it more backbone.

What Works

When you pick up a racquet with the Percept 97D’s specs—tight string pattern, lots of weight, thin beam—the first impression could rightfully be that it’s going to be work. Maybe too much work. Sure, the control and feel aspects are attractive, but producing consistent pace and spin will be a bear.

Not so with the 97D. It’s definitely better-suited to skilled players, but it’s deceptively friendly. For one thing, its mass makes it super stable at contact without feeling cumbersome. It’s easier to swing and maneuver than the heavier 97 H. So you can take healthy cuts at the ball and generate respectable pop with a stock swing.

Targeting the resulting shots is a real strength of the frame. The lower launch angle and modest spin production favors flattish strokes and more linear ball flight. Ground strokes can be driven deep in the court with adequate topspin for safety. Short angles and lobs aren’t as natural, but gettable once you find the range. And if you’ve got a good slice backhand, this racquet can sharpen it to the point of being a serious weapon—smooth and repeatable with a nasty bite.

It’s not a rocket launcher on serves, but players already bringing a smooth delivery to the court should find enough pace to hurt opponents. Again, kick serves aren’t wicked, but there’s enough hop to keep opponents at bay. However, like most aspects of the frame, it’s more about being able to hit finer targets with greater frequency. The control is first-rate and you can really manipulate the ball around the service box.

The feel at contact is also another standout with the 97D. The added graphite to the face gives the frame a firmer response than its predecessor, but it’s still plenty plush and comfortable. It flexes nicely and absorbs pace well, so the sense of the ball on the strings is better than most.

This is readily apparent at net, where the frame shines. If you like to volley, this racquet checks all the boxes. It holds its ground against incoming heat, handles well enough for quick exchanges, and has exceptional control and touch. A real versatile asset to talented all-courters and doubles specialists.

If you’ve got a good slice backhand, this racquet can sharpen it to the point of being a serious weapon—smooth and repeatable with a nasty bite.

What Needs Work

If you’re currently playing with the VCORE Pro 97D, or know that racquet, the Percept 97D will be an easy transition. However, it’s debatable whether it’s an improvement—at least where the feel is concerned. It’s not a huge difference, but some of our testers familiar with the predecessor prefer its warmer response at contact.

There’s not a great deal of help if the ball gets out of your strike zone. This can be a challenge on something like the return of serve. If you block, chip or get out in front of the ball, it works well. But if you’re late or the ball jumps up above the shoulders, it’s difficult to produce a worthwhile reply.

The spin production is what it is. It’s not fair to compare to this frame more open 16x19 patterns, but even matched against other 18x20 models it could be considered on the low side. At 320g unstrung, it’s one of the heaviest 18x20 frames on the market, and with its smaller face it’s not going to be as easy to produce topspin as lighter models with bigger heads.

Tester Comments

• “I could rip hard forehands with just enough topspin to keep them in, or hit the heavy slice backhand at will.”
• “It had the solid feel and drive of a pure player's frame, but felt far more forgiving than most.”
• “Striking the ball cleanly results in such a pleasing and dependable shot.”

Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of 18x20 models or any frame geared toward control, the performance of the Percept 97D should fit like a glove.