Quick Specs Snapshot

Design & Build Quality

The Percept 97 has a sleek, minimalist design with a matte finish in muted green and black tones, giving it a modern yet understated look. The racquet features Yonex’s Isometric head shape, increasing the effective hitting area compared to traditional 97 sq. in racquets. A thin 21 mm beam emphasizes precision and feel, while technologies like FlexCon System (graphite and elastic graphite construction) and Servo Filter material improve flex and ball feedback. The result is a racquet that blends traditional control with a touch of modern forgiveness.

On-Court Performance

🔹 Power

The Percept 97 offers controlled, measured power that suits advanced players with long, fast swings. It doesn’t give you free depth, but when you supply racquet-head speed, the power is there — precise and linear.

🔹 Control & Precision

This racquet excels at pinpoint accuracy. The 97 sq. in head, 16×19 string pattern, and flexible beam deliver confidence on aggressive placements, allowing players to attack lines and angles consistently.

🔹 Spin Potential

Spin is solid and dependable, though not as explosive as open-pattern spin racquets. The string pattern provides controlled topspin and effective slices, rewarding clean mechanics and racquet-head speed.

🔹 Maneuverability

At 310 g unstrung and ~318 swingweight, the Percept 97 is fast enough to react quickly at net, while still offering enough weight for stability on groundstrokes. The head-light balance keeps it whippy for aggressive shot-making.

🔹 Comfort & Feel

With a stiffness rating of 61, the Percept 97 is exceptionally arm-friendly. The flexible beam and Servo Filter material deliver a plush, buttery response, making it one of the most comfortable control racquets available today.

🔹 Stability

Despite its relatively low swingweight compared to heavier control frames, the Percept 97 feels solid and stable. Against pace, it holds up well, though players who want maximum plow-through may prefer adding weight or moving to the heavier Percept 97D.

Who Should Use This Racquet?

• 🎾 Advanced players seeking precision and feel above all else

• 🏃‍♂️ Aggressive baseliners who generate their own power

• 💪 All-court players who want stability and responsiveness

• 🧭 Players valuing comfort and control over raw spin or free power

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Outstanding control and precision

• Plush, arm-friendly flex (RA 61)

• Isometric head shape enlarges the sweet spot

• Excellent touch and feel for volleys and slices

• Modern, minimalist cosmetic

❌ Cons

• Low power may frustrate players who rely on racquet for depth

• Spin potential is strong but not extreme

• Demanding frame — not ideal for beginners or lower intermediates

Comparison With Alternatives

• Yonex Percept 97D – Heavier and denser 18×20 pattern for even more control and stability, but less maneuverable

• Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 – Similar precision, slightly more power, firmer feel

• Head Prestige Pro – Classic control racquet with more mass and plow-through, less forgiveness

• Babolat Pure Strike 97 – Modern crispness and power, less plush than the Percept

Price & Value for Money

The Percept 97 retails around USD $259 / AUD $360, sitting at the top of the premium range. For advanced players who want a racquet that emphasizes feel, comfort, and precision, it’s worth the investment.

Final Verdict

The Yonex Percept 97 is a modern control racquet that delivers classic feel, precision, and comfort with a slightly larger sweet spot than most 97 sq. in frames. It’s demanding but rewarding, offering advanced players the confidence to swing freely and attack with accuracy. For players who value arm safety, buttery feel, and precision shot-making, the Percept 97 is one of the standout racquets in its category.

Overall Rating

• Power ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Control ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Spin ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Comfort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Maneuverability ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Stability ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Overall: 4.7 / 5