Comments: I just made the move from the Blade v7 18x20, and I'm loving my decision. I bought a pair, one is strung with Solinco Confidential 1.20 at 48 pounds, and one with Mayami Tour Hex 1.23 at 50 pounds. This racquet feels amazing with a crisp thinner gauge poly. It does everything well, massive serves, buttery slices and amazing control.
From: KC, 23/12/21

Comments: Have been playing mainly with VCore 95 2018 version with some lead on hoop and have been looking for a similar playing, but more forgiving and stable option. The Duel G 330 was my second option and it was getting too heavy to swing for longer periods. Also, I loved the DR98, but it's hard to find replacements. I couldn't gel with the Blade 18x20 v7. Also, I had tried the previous version 97HD, but this new 97D is exactly what I was looking for. Power has to come from the player even stringing low tension, but all the rest is there: stability, comfort, plow, control and feel (not too muted). It's not a tight 18x20, and very similar to Vcore 95 16x20 mostly, so spin potential is there. Great for serves, volleys and slices. It's an attacking frame, but also very good for defense — unlike the previous version for me. I think it could even use a few grams on the hoop. Really happy to have found this for my game, and may even switch to this fully and buy a few more.
From: Anonymous, 4/12/21

Comments: I got a pair of these last month and I have liked them so much that I got 2 more. In the last 7 Years I have played with Yonex racquets. Loved my VCORE Tour and Duel G. After that I shifted to probably one of the best racquets I have played with- The EZONE DR. I was struggling to find a replacement for them. And finally I found this. I have a history of playing with an 18/20 pattern, so the shift wasn't a problem. I love the low launch angle and plow through on this. For reference I played with Prestige Flexpoint MP and Speed Youtek MP during my junior circuit days. I'm sticking to these racquets for the foreseeable future. I recommend this to someone who knows what to expect from a 18/20, has good technique and relies more on driving through the ball instead of adding a lot of spin (Does provide decent spin too). This has to be my choice from Yonex after the DRs.
From: AB, 31/10/21

Comments: I've been using the HD version since it came out and when the update arrived I had to try it. The HD model from my experience using a hybrid with Gamma Live Wire Professional at 59lbs in mains and Tourna Black Zone at 57lbs in crosses is the best. Using this combo gives me some free power and feel. Using a full bed poly doesn't really work from my experience with the HD frame. I just took out the 97D demo to see how it compares and it didn't disappoint. The string in the frame was a Yonex Polytour at 53lbs, which I thought would've been an adjustment, but the transition was instant. I felt that the 97D had easier access to power, stability and spin especially. I feel at times with the HD I could get picked on a bit at times, but with 97D even in defensive positions I could hold my own a bit better. From the baseline the 97D felt more maneuverable and more solid when taking hard deep shots, easier access to spin and control was not lost- nearly identical to the HD in terms of control. When it came to approaching the net and volley's the 97D feels more stable and solid at the net and half and low volleys feel easier with the update compared to its predecessor. I feel more connected to ball, especially with touch shots. Now the serve definitely offers an increase in free power without sacrificing any control. Besides that nothing really changed with the serve. With the 97D I feel like I have options when it comes to string. I can go to my usual hybrid or I can try a lot more options, which is great if you're looking to try new setups. Its definitely worth the try. I will definitely be moving from the HD to the 97D in the near future. I'm an Aggressive All Court Player with an emphasis of serve and volley at a 5.0 level.
From: Sean, 27/9/21

Comments: TLDR: It's a more stable HD, but there's no flex. It's like an Ultra Tour/Head Pro Tour. String the frame at the same tension because the frame still provides plenty of control and not much more power. I thought this would be a more powerful frame, but I was mistaken. I usually string my 97HD at 48lbs, but with the 97D I had Champs Choice at 52lbs. I thought with the slightly thicker beam and increase of stiffness and swing weight I would need to up the tension. I was wrong and as a result, I could not get a forehand even if my life was at stake.Don't get me wrong, the frame is solid, but it doesn't have that flex that I like with the HD. You'd think it would still have that flex with the lengthened throat, but it doesn't. After putting on 4 strips of lead tape (1/4 width 2-inch length) at 2 and 10 o'clock, it was night and day. From being unable to hit over the net to swinging away with plenty of spin, pace, and control.Before the lead tape serves and volleys were pinpoint for me in precision, feel, and stability. Groundstrokes were lackluster, but if I strung it at either 48lbs or 50lbs, it would be different.Would I say this is an upgrade of the former 97HD? In my opinion, not at all. The 97HD reminds me a bit of the iPrestige, but the 97D reminds me of an Ultra Tour, or the original Head Pro Tour. If you like the flex of the frame, stick with the HD. This is optional for the HD, but I add a bit of lead from either 9-11 o'clock and 1-3 o'clock to reduce twisting from off-center shots.I play at a 4.5 level with an all-around game. Groundstrokes are flatter than a heavy topspin. I usually serve a heavy slice or kick serve, which this frame is great at.If you like what you've read then maybe the 97D is for you, but for me, I'm sticking with the 97HD.
From: Anonymous, 8/9/21