Yonex VCore Tennis Racquet Review

I have been playing tennis since I was a kid and I've used many tennis racquets. I didn't think I'd be able to find a good brand that I could trust to use while playing, until I came across this Yonex. Luckily, a friend told me about the revolutionary Yonex VCORE. At first, I was quite hesitant to buy this product because I have had so many racquets and most of them weren’t able to meet my standards. I thought the Yonex racquets were going to be just the same as the others.

But I decided to buy it to see for myself if it could actually help me win. I was surprised at how well I performed with it. This racquet really did help me become more aggressive because it enabled me to have better control over my body. It also helped me put the ball in the right corner to win a clean sweep.

The Yonex VCORE is able to deliver great performance on the court. With other racquets, I’ve had problems winning. My power was lacking, my swing was bad and my control was totally off. With a Yonex racquet, I was able to improve my power, hit the ball harder, make excellent swings in the right corner and have better control of my movements.

My Yonex VCore racquet is lightweight. In fact, I can carry it all day long without getting tired. I would definitely recommend this product to my friends who also love to play tennis.

In addition to being lightweight, Yonex racquets are very dependable. I did some research and found out that these racquets are made from lightweight titanium that allows players to increase their power in every swing. Furthermore, the head is larger than most ordinary racquets. This gives players a larger surface area to return a quick serve or volley with the best of them.

With a Yonex racquet, I can hit the ball exactly where I want it to go. If you want to play like a pro, make sure you get one of these great tennis racquets.

The Right Tennis Racquet Makes All the Difference. I Prefer the Dunlop Biomimetic.

I took tennis lessons when I was a kid. Actually, let me rephrase that, my parent’s signed me up for tennis lessons every year. I didn’t really have any interest, but being that my father was an avid tennis player and ranked as high as number 2 on his high school tennis team (a fact that he was to continually remind me of throughout my formative years as a player) I didn’t have any choice. I not only took free tennis lessons in the park every summer, but being that we lived around the block from a tennis club, I was signed up there in the winter. Every Tuesday and Thursday I was hitting forehands and backhands, just me against the relentless ball machine. However, it didn’t take long for my love of the game to grow.

Tennis racquets have come a long way since the days of wooden and oversized racquets. My dad favored an old school wooden contraption. When I was growing up playing tennis it was all the rage to one of those giant, oversized racquets. They were more equipped for self-defense than optimizing power and accuracy. That’s ok. It was a fad. I found my true racquet when I first picked up a Dunlop Biomimetic 300 tennis racquet. With that racquet, my game improved. Effortless and accurate, the engineering and construction of Dunlop Biomimetic racquets bring tennis to a new level.


What makes these racquets so great? Dunlop Biomimetic racquets are the perfect marriage of nature and technology. Biomimetics is a concept that studies the natural world, and then applies what it sees to the development of sporting technology. They are constructed out of 100% Aerogel enhanced graphite. This makes them lighter than other racquets and easier to control. They are also built with Aeroskin, which reduces aerodynamic drag. The Dunlop Biomimetic 300 tennis racquet is all about power and racquet control. The technology is seamless and beautiful. It is as if the Dunlop Biomimetic 300 tennis racquet was the natural extension of your body.

The right racquet makes all the difference in tennis. How my father could have played with a wooden racquet is beyond me. Then again, those oversized racquets I used to play with were not much better. Technology has changed the game. With a sport as difficult as tennis, it is a good idea to get all the help you can get.

Babolat AeroPro Drive GT Racquet Lets You Attack the Net like a Pro

No one who has ever used a Babolat tennis racquet will deny its quality.

Babolat has been in the business of making tennis racquets nearly as long as tennis has been a sport. It’s one of the most respected companies in the world of tennis; respected by both amateur and professional players alike. In fact, do a quick search for "Babolat AeroPro Drive GT racquet" and you’ll quickly find that it's the preferred racquet of Rafael Nadal.

And, if the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT Racquet is good enough for Rafael Nadal, then it’s good enough for me.

However, it might not be the right racquet for everyone. A racquet of this design is for tennis players who aggressively attack the net and have an NTRP rating of 3.5 or better.

The sweet spot on this Babolat tennis racquet is only 100 square inches. The smaller head size means that if you're a player who is just learning to get the ball in play, learning to judge where the ball is going, or is somewhat consistent with medium-paced shorts but not comfortable with all strokes, then this racquet may not be for you. If you need on-court experience, you may want to start with an easier model.

However, if you aggressively attack the net and are dependable with directional control on moderate shots despite lacking depth and variety, the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT Racquet is a match.

The racquet itself utilizes a hybrid material composed of braided layers of carbon and threaded tungsten filaments, which reduce torque at impact while allowing you to make cleaner, more precise hits. In fact, the frame was designed like an airplane wing, so that you experience minimal air drag while swinging it. This allows you to swing faster, which translates into more power. Finally, the combination of graphite and tungsten (GT) allow the player to exhibit more control then prior versions of Babolat tennis racquets.

If you're a baseline player who likes to take big cuts at the ball you will be pleased with this racquet.

There's definitely a reason why this is a very popular racquet and, trust me, it's not only because a professional such as Nadal uses it. This racquet allows even an average tennis player to attack the net like a pro. It may not be for beginners, but if you are, or becoming, a power player, this racquet is definitely for you.

HEAD YouTek IG Extreme Midplus

Here is our third HEAD YouTek Review for this week. Read our review of the HEAD YouTek IG Instinct and the HEAD YouTek IG Speed Midplus to get in-depth comparisons.

There are rave reviews for the new HEAD YouTek IG Extreme racquet. This is one more to add to that group.

While the Head YouTek IG Extreme racquet is for players who like to hit big yet are also perfect for control-oriented players, the latest version of these racquets, the Head YouTek IG Extreme Midplus Tennis racquet is something else.

With a weight of 11.1 ounces when strung, a string pattern of 16 mains, 19 crosses, a head size of 100 square inches and a standard 27 inches length, the Head YouTek IG Extreme Midplus tennis racquet is a lighter version of the YouTek IG Extreme pro by about 15 gm. It is definitely an improvement on the latter as it retains the latter’s characteristics while allowing for more maneuverability and kindness towards off center hits. Let me put it this way: you will not reach for pain killers after the match though you will definitely know when you strike off center.

Flaunting Innegra Technology which uses Innegra fibers, the Innegra fibers add stability and reduce racquet vibrations by as much as 17 percent. Innegra fibers are quite tough and very thin thereby enhancing performance and as they are applied at strategic points, they give great and solid performance from all areas of the court and produce enough spin to make the Head YouTek IG Extreme Midplus Tennis racquet an asset for aggressive baseliners and all-court players. With the spin, full swings are possible and the ball can be kept deep within the court. There is ease of movement on volleys and sufficient mass to neutralize and direct more difficult and passing shots. The 16 by 19 string patterns are not only able to handle shots but also help spice up serves. In addition, the racquet stick gives a lot of promise to any junior talent hoping to move up to an adult frame.

Plus, having d30, the racquet is able to “feel” the game, adjusting to the needs of the player as the game progresses—giving more power and dexterity when the player revs up and softening up with a lighter shot to give more touch.

On the downside though, there was a hollow feel during off-center hits and the frame wasn’t authoritative on overheads. The distinctive flatter grip however presented an avenue for adjustments. Another downside? The racquet does not come with a cover.

Overall a rapid generation of racquet head speed ensured enjoyment ripping the ball. The racquet was stable and offensive. I definitely would recommend it for aggressive baseliners and all-court players.

Have you read all of our racquet reviews? What do you think? Which HEAD YouTek racquet sounds the best?

The HEAD YouTek IG Speed Midplus: Ultimate Racquet

Here is our second HEAD YouTek Review. Read our review of the HEAD YouTek IG Instinct to get an in-depth comparison.

In my experience, when trying to find the right tennis racquet to use for a high-performance game, nothing beats the comfortable, HEAD YouTek IG Speed tennis racquet.

I struggled trying to find the one racquet that would provide me with the speed, durability and grip that every great tennis player needs to play a victorious game. (Not to mention a racquet that was also lightweight!)

At first, I had a hard time believing that a tennis racquet this perfect even existed.

But then I found the HEAD YouTek IG Speed tennis racquet.

I was truly captivated by its remarkable features and capabilities. It has many qualities that I need, such as its aggressive play, which gives every tennis player the ability to dominate the court.

As I was playing with the HEAD YouTek IG Speed tennis racquet I noticed that the head was made of really strong string patterns that caused this racquet to have control, power, spin and feel—from wherever you are on the court. This 18x20 string combination makes this racquet easily one of the most elite out there. When I was at the baseline I took a high-arched swing at full-length and in this swing the tennis ball stayed in control with its 5 pts HL weight. Another great component of this spectacular racquet is the string casing, which gives adequate bite to add heavy spin, resulting in flat, controllable shots. This well-crafted racquet provides the maneuverability that any decent tennis player needs to perform well against any opponent.

In my honest opinion, this HEAD racquet is ideal for providing you with the best touch-shots at net. Lastly, with its swing weight at 314 you will be astonished at how fast you can move around the court, giving you the upper hand on your opponents. The length at 27in / 69cm gives this racquet the excess space to insure that you hit the tennis ball with every swing.

Be prepared, this brilliantly designed racquet will change the way you play tennis forever. You will never want to pick up your old tennis racquet, when you feel the sleek, slim craftsmanship of this professional player racquet.

Have you read all of our racquet reviews? What do you think? Which HEAD YouTek racquet sounds the best?

HEAD YouTek IG Instinct Midplus

In order to review the HEAD YouTek IG line of racquets I recruited three friends. On Wednesday, you can read the HEAD YouTek IG Speed racquet review and on Friday you can read the HEAD YouTek IG Extreme racquet. Then, you can decide for yourself which tennis racquet is the best for you.

I reviewed the YouTek IG Instinct Midplus, and I feel like I got very lucky getting this racquet. First, let me just say that I’m not the only tennis player raving about this particular HEAD racquet.

When I wanted to increase my performance on the court, the spin feature is the racquet's secret weapon. This racquet handles well and looks great. The HEAD YouTek IG Instinct Midplus tennis racquet has great ball placement on the tennis court. The racquet is aerodynamic at the top, and is stable at the base of the racquet. This helps me to achieve higher swinging speeds when hitting the ball.

I wanted to have more power and spin in a racquet and I found both in the HEAD YouTek IG Instinct tennis racquet. The length of the racquet is slightly greater than 27 inches, and has an open string pattern than other HEAD YouTek IG Instinct racquets. The newer version of the Instinct weighs 0.2 ounces more than the older version, and has a string pattern of 16x19. The older version of the Instinct has a 18x19 pattern. This gives me an increase in spin generation when I hit the ball. Most racquets will vibrate when the tennis ball strikes, but it does not with this racquet. The manufacturer uses new Innegra fibers. The racquet has the melt-spun fibers woven into a graphite matrix. The fibers give me a more stable racquet that also reduces vibration through the frame.

The new technology in the racquet gives me a softer touch on drop shots and volleys, and it stiffens when I need extra power in my swing. The Innegra fibers reduces vibration by 17%. This racquet has a larger grommet system in the frame to give me extra power while reducing friction. I feel more with the newly-designed frame. Even though the HEAD YouTek IG Instinct tennis racquet is stiffer than the previous model, the new Innegra fibers gives me more comfort in my swing, and it decreases the amount of energy loss upon impact. I feel more and have more control when I use this tennis racquet. Popular tennis players use the HEAD YouTek IG Instinct in competitions. There are five grip sizes to choose from when buying this tennis racquet.

Have you tried this HEAD YouTek IG Instinct racquet? Have you tried any of the other racquets in the HEAD YouTek line?

Why I Love Mizuno Running Shoes

As a novice runner at best, I need a shoe that will offer support and comfort as well as keep me from falling on my face. The Mizuno Wave achieved this beautifully. What sets the Mizuno Wave apart from other running shoes is the aptly named Wave technology. This consists of a piece of undulated or "wavy" plastic material that runs the length of the mid-sole. It provides shock absorption and bounce while giving structure and stability to the shoe. All good things.

To be more specific, I own the Mizuno Wave Rider 14, the latest addition to the Mizuno Wave family. What sets the Mizuno Wave Rider 14 apart from older versions of the shoe is the Dynamotion Fit. It consists of the padding and fabric surrounding the heel cup. In essence, this helps keep your foot in place in the shoe while running, helping keep the heel from coming out of the shoe which can sometimes cause blisters, and those are never fun. It has a well-ventilated mesh upper, which keeps your foot nice and cool while running for long periods of time. However, the mesh makes this shoe less than ideal when running in the rain or snow.

Another positive for the Mizuno Wave Rider 14 is that is it an ounce lighter than the previous model, which is a big deal for avid runners. It seems to make a big difference for me as well, though I do not train nearly as hard as some of my friends. Some fellow runners have complained that the toe box is narrower than in other models, so if you have wide feet, you may want to look out for that. I find these shoes fit me perfectly, but to each his, or her, own.

The soles are thick and sturdy and should stand the test of time. Another positive is that the price is very reasonable when comparing them to other running shoes of their caliber. They offer comfort, durability, support and traction at a lower price than its competitors. You would be hard-pressed to find a running shoe of this quality for a better price.

I have seen a big difference in my endurance since I started running in this shoe. My feet do not hurt like they used to, and I can run faster, further and longer than with my previous pair. I have lost eight pounds since buying my Mizunos. They just make running more fun.

My LOVE of Vibram

I love to walk. For errands or for pleasure walking is my preferred mode of transportation. 

Shoes often leave my feet feeling tired and sore at the end of the day. Not even the most expensive shoes on the market solved this problem. No matter how well a pair of shoes fit, my feet were still sore, aching and dying to get out of them the minute I arrived home. 

I didn’t think there was a perfect to solution to finding a comfortable pair of shoes that left my feet feeling great. Then one day I noticed someone wearing a pair of Vibram 5 fingers. He initially purchased them for running but they felt so wonderful that he wore them everywhere. 

They were definitely weird looking but I was ready to try anything. Curious, I decided to get a pair of these Five Finger Vibram shoes. 

It was a revelation.

My life changed the moment I slipped my first pair of Five finger Vibrams on. 

I wear them constantly, on my daily walks and at work as well. These have been the best shoes I have ever owned—hands down. Vibram 5 fingers feel like I have on nothing at all. At the end of the day my feet are no longer sore. The moment I arrive home I am not looking to kick off my shoes to let my feet relax; sometimes I even forget that I have them on. 

My feet are no longer forced to adapt to the shape of whatever shoe I decide to wear for the day. Vibram 5 fingers are the comfort equivalent of being barefoot. The design of the five fingers Vibram shoes allows your feet to move naturally. This is healthier for your feet, and actually your entire body. The lower back pain that I often experience after being on my feet disappeared completely after just a week of wearing these shoes. Think of all the pressure you place on your feet everyday just by moving around. Now add to that the fact that you are forcing them to support your weight while at the same time being forced to conform to the shape of your shoe. Five fingers Vibram shoes eliminate this problem because they form to the shape of your foot. 

Why not make your shoe conform to you? 

Saucony Running Shoes

I made a concentrated effort to identify a running shoe which afforded comfort, stability, and superior craftsmanship; it didn’t take long before my search was narrowed to a few brands. A little more searching and Saucony was quickly leading the pack. Providing superior performance coupled with innovative technology, the Saucony brand excels in meeting the distinct needs of the seasoned athlete as well as meeting the needs of someone like me—someone who runs for pleasure and needs above-average foot support. There are two specific running shoes that caught my eye, the Saucony Kinvara and the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara.



The Saucony Kinvara grabbed my attention first because the midsole, outsole and heel drop visually appear to complement and enhance the running shoe, creating a sturdy attractiveness. Once I tried the running shoe on, everything felt so comfortable; I was thrilled with the versatility and flexibility all while having my feet feel securely nestled, not overly padded nor elevated but just right. I couldn't wait to check the traction on an outdoor course with this lightweight running shoe. I really liked the simplicity of color choice; white/blue or white/purple.



When deciding between the two, with the second type being the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara, I was glad to see that this running shoe offered virtually the same features as the Kinvara, with the difference being a visibly slight change in the heel-to-toe drop which would ultimately help with overall running form. So I tried them on and really appreciated the flexibility and comfort. Although they are considered a minimalist running shoe, I think this would be adequate for what I would need for my non-competitive running. I have a bad knee and can't wait to see how they hold up overall with support and functionality. There are a variety of color choices that complement the white which include blue, pink, purple, green or blue/navy, turquoise/black; other colors are hot pink, black, silver/grey/blue.

With color not being a main factor (as I knew from the beginning I wanted white/purple) I needed to decide between the two styles and what looked and felt right for me. With this being said, I decided on the first running shoe, the Kinvara. Making non-competitive runs under a mile, feel they offer everything I need and am so excited to give them a run while maintaining my feet.

What Makes Asics Golf Shoes Great

If there was a superstar of the running shoe arena it would be Asics. They are beloved. And as of last November, they offer Asics golf shoes. They have taken some of their key technical features from their running shoes and adapted them for the golf shoes. According to people who wear them the extended trusstic contours the heel and offer more support under heel and arch which reduces fatigue and enhances foot stability during the swing.

Other features:

• waterproof inner lining
•  reinforced sockliner
•  hidden lacing system for a snugger fit
•  replaceable Champ Scorpion Stinger Spikes

Asics GEL-Ace™ for men and women are the superstars of this line. Remember Shingo Katayama, the Japanese golfer in the cowboy hat? He wore a prototype of the Asics Gel-ACE golf shoe when he placed fourth in the 2009 Masters.

"I am proud to wear ASICS golf shoes, and believe the shoes make me a better player,” says Shingo Katayama, professional golfer. “They have great fit and style and I’m less tired after several rounds.”

Do Asics running shoes fit the same as Asics golf shoes?


This is a fantastic question. Asics golf shoes actually run about 1/4 size longer than their running shoes. However, if you have wide feet you can probably stay in the same size width as you wear for running. But, if you have a narrow foot than you might want to try a half size smaller. As far as I know, the standard width is the same in both running and golf shoes.


What about golf spikes?

Asics golf shoes have replaceable spikes. This shoe takes the Champ Scorpion Stinger Spikes.

When you have one of the best running shoe companies, there is extra pressure to be the best when it comes to all other athletic shoes. Don't worry, Asics is totally rising to the challenge. Asics is using their patented alpha gel which disperses and balances your weight and reduces the load on your legs.

If you need extra reinforcement consider the Asics Gel-Ace Top. Otherwise, the Asics Gel-Ace Tour is a wise choice.