PRICE $229
HEAD SIZE 100 sq. in.(MP); 110 sq. in. (OS)
LENGTH 27.5 in.
WEIGHT 10.6 oz. (MP); 10.2 oz. (OS)
FLEXIBILITY Flexible(MP); Firm(OS)
BALANCE 3/5 in. head light (MP); 1/5 in. head heavy (OS)
BEAM WIDTH 21.4-22 mm (MP); 23.4-24 mm (OS)
IDEAL SWING Long (MP); medium to long (OS)
NTRP 4.5–7.0 (MP); 4.0–5.0 (OS)

FIRST TAKE:
Lose weight, add muscle. That’s the concept behind this Yonex, which will appeal to fans of medium-weight racquets.

COMPARE TO:
Yonex V-Con 17

HOW IT TESTED:
Yonex uses stiff, light Nano carbon in the shaft (for power) and traditional, flexible graphite in the head (for feel). But overall the mid-plus, which is endorsed by Daniela Hantuchova, is flexible. Many testers went so far as to say that the racquet felt “soft,” robbing them of power on their ground strokes and volleys. Everyone, though, was pleased with the amount of spin they could generate at the baseline and on serves, which enhanced their ability to control the ball. The oversize? With a slightly head-heavy balance, thicker beam, and firmer construction, it helped doubles players stick their volleys. And if your net game could use a little work, the NSRQ-7 oversize should give you the confidence to develop your transition game. Both head sizes are very comfortable, thanks to vibrationdampening grommets at the 12- and 6-o’clock positions of the head, which eliminate the jarring effect of an off-center hit.

BOTTOM LINE:
The mid-plus left us wanting more power, but the oversize should warrant consideration for net players.