What Works
Of the frames in the new Percept lineup, the 100 is perhaps the friendliest. Compared to the 97s, it has a stiffer, thicker beam which provides a bit more pop and stability on off-center hits. Throw in its quickness through the hitting zone, generous sweet spot and ample spin-potential, and it’s a real pleaser. Yonex’s other 100s—EZONE and VCORE—are lauded for their pick-up-and-play bona fides, and the Percept 100 is no slouch in this category either.
However, unlike many competing frames with the same static weight and head size, this one doesn’t have its foot so firmly pressed on the power scale. It certainly offers some help in that department, but it’s more moderate than most. Control remains fairly respectable, so you still feel capable of attempting all your shots without hesitation.
This balance works well from all areas of the court. When it’s go time on ground strokes and serves, the open pattern and ready racquet speed can produce real aggression. If an opponent offers a weak second serve, you can step inside the court and abuse it. And you’re able to use spin and placement as much as pace to get the job done.
Another area the racquet separates itself from others in the category is its comfortable response. The Percept frames have more graphite in the head compared to the outgoing VCORE Pro. This gives the frame good stability for its weight, something you notice when returning a hard serve and defending a well-struck passing shot. It also appears to have raised the stiffness rating on the 100, yet it still possesses an enjoyable, arm-friendly feel at contact. The new Silvo Filter vibration filtering system handles its assignment quite well.
Coupled with the fine control, this translates into impressive touch on specialty shots—topspin lobs and soft slices—and around the net. Angles, droppers and deep punches can all be hit accurately and dependably. So it brings confidence with it to the forecourt.
