Racquet Review: Yonex Percept 100D

• Price: $269
• Head Size: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.3 oz.
• Balance: 6 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 319
• RA Rating: 66
• Beam Width: 23 mm
• String Pattern: 18x19

What’s New

The Percept is the evolution of the VCORE Pro line. It’s a different name, but the models are all updates. Except for the 100D—it has no predecessor. The brand-new model’s weight (10.8 oz./305g) and string pattern (18x19) add different dimensions to the franchise.

Like its siblings, the 100D has some changes when compared to the outgoing VCORE Pro models. 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

The 100D brings a unique playability to the court. Its 18x19 string pattern—used on tour by the likes of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev—isn’t a common spec, and this is the only Yonex frame with the setup. It’s more precise than a 16x19 pattern, with better spin-potential and pop than an 18x20. The construction presents a way to bridge the gap between tweener and player’s racquet designs.

It may take a few minutes to get accustomed to the ball flight of the denser string pattern, but once acclimated the racquet proves to be reliable as sunrise. It has a crisp, solid feel at contact that results in a predictable and controllable ball. The firm layup offers good stability and power, rewarding aggressive serves and ground strokes with plenty of pace. Even though it possesses a marginal amount of additional weight—5g—from the Percept 100, it has a sturdier presence and superior plow-through. So it can be bossier without losing accuracy.

Spin production is tempered, but pretty respectable. Having a 100 square-inch does allow for a bit more room for the strings to move. It’s also fairly maneuverable, so racquet speed can also aid in this regard. There’s sufficient action to maintain consistent depth management while giving opponents another wrinkle to contend with. It works best on driving topspin and slice shots more so than high-bouncing balls. Kick serves don’t have the same jump as a more open pattern, but they’re lively enough to be effective. And the command allows you to be particular with location.

The level of trust the racquet inspires works its way to the net as well. It handles fairly smoothly, and the 18 main strings give a consistent response. It’s capable of the subtler shots, but is particularly adept at driving volleys through the court.

It may take a few minutes to get accustomed to the ball flight of the denser string pattern, but once acclimated the racquet proves to be reliable as sunrise.

What Needs Work

The firmness of the frame combined with the extra strings give the 100D a harder feel. This is most apparent when contact is outside the sweet spot. It’s still comfortable and seemingly arm-friendly; the vibration dampening material is useful. But when compared to the thinner, softer Percept 97s and even the 100, the feedback on this one won’t be as pleasing to certain players.

This response may also limit the frame’s versatility. The ball jumps in and out of the strings quickly, so it can be more challenging to take pace off incoming shots. Managing half-volleys or finessing drop shots aren’t as natural as other 100s with more open patterns and softer flexes. It’s not a serious demerit, but it won't compare to its thinner-beamed brethren in this respect. This particular member seems to do its best work when taking a full and uninhibited cut.

Tester Comments

“As good as the Percept 100 is for the intermediate tier, the 100D makes the head size more of an option for the advanced player.”

“The 100 sq. in. head size and 66 RA put this one in the “modern” player frame category, but the 18x19 pattern and the box beam give it an “old school” sense as well.”

“It was a toss-up for me between the 100D and 97D for my favorite Percept, but this was probably it. The feel is really similar, but the slightly stiffer frame gave me the added power I was looking for with less effort.”

Bottom Line

The 100D offers much of the shot quality and precision of a smaller head size, but in a more user-friendly package. It’s a welcome addition to the Percept family.