New Yonex Vcore (for 2020 or 2021 ?)

Thank you Viking, will wait for your review!
Got my Vcore 100 demo racquet delivered yesterday. I played this morning 2 hours with it, singles match. I have 2 more games this week so will get 4 more hours to try it out.
Perhaps I should not comment too much based on only 2 hours of playing, but these are my first impressions:

- Higher launch angle than the Ezone 100
- Slightly more comfortable than the Ezone 100 (feels a bit less stiff)
- Slightly less power than the Ezone 100
- Feels "thinner" than the Ezone 100 even though frame is just 1mm thinner (Vcore 25 mm / Ezone 26 mm).

I liked it. The last 20 minutes I played with my Ezone 100 and could be that I am more used to it, but I did notice a bit more power and above all, I felt more comfortable with the launch angle. I have previously tried Pure Aero and with that racquet I really had a problem with the high launch angle. The Vcore 100 is for me far better than the Pure Aero though. I don't use an extreme "top spin" grip when hitting. I do however dislike having to "think" about maximising topspin to keep the ball in. I prefer to hit through the ball naturally and usually I get enough topspin.

Based on first impression though, I prefer the Ezone 100; main reason being a lower launch angle which for me translates into better control. I hit naturally with a decent amount of topspin but with the Vcore the ball flew on me a few times unexpectedly. I think the Ezone´s more control oriented string pattern in the sweet spot could suite me better. The Ezone also felt just a tad more stable.

Anyway, I really need more time with it. On Friday I will play another 2 hours and perhaps I will gel more with it.

Interesting though that two so similar racquets, from the same brand, can still feel quite different. That really surprised me. For sure, the strings are not the same but both are poly strings at around 23 kg (approx. 51 pounds) and both are "softish" polys. My Ezone 100 has Head Lynx Edge and the Vcore 100 demo I am not sure. Looks like Babolat RPM Power.

I would definitely order a demo. Playing styles differ so much and what feels good to someone, will feel awful to someone else.

I forgot to mention that I bought the Ezone 100 with the Tennis Warehouse "spec matching service". It has a 288 swing weight, unstrung, and should be close to 320 - 322 with my overgrip, dampener etc. The Vcore 100 demo racquets I have no way of telling what it is but at the least it feels quite similar when swinging it.
 

FV_Br

Rookie
Got my Vcore 100 demo racquet delivered yesterday. I played this morning 2 hours with it, singles match. I have 2 more games this week so will get 4 more hours to try it out.
Perhaps I should not comment too much based on only 2 hours of playing, but these are my first impressions:

- Higher launch angle than the Ezone 100
- Slightly more comfortable than the Ezone 100 (feels a bit less stiff)
- Slightly less power than the Ezone 100
- Feels "thinner" than the Ezone 100 even though frame is just 1mm thinner (Vcore 25 mm / Ezone 26 mm).

I liked it. The last 20 minutes I played with my Ezone 100 and could be that I am more used to it, but I did notice a bit more power and above all, I felt more comfortable with the launch angle. I have previously tried Pure Aero and with that racquet I really had a problem with the high launch angle. The Vcore 100 is for me far better than the Pure Aero though. I don't use an extreme "top spin" grip when hitting. I do however dislike having to "think" about maximising topspin to keep the ball in. I prefer to hit through the ball naturally and usually I get enough topspin.

Based on first impression though, I prefer the Ezone 100; main reason being a lower launch angle which for me translates into better control. I hit naturally with a decent amount of topspin but with the Vcore the ball flew on me a few times unexpectedly. I think the Ezone´s more control oriented string pattern in the sweet spot could suite me better. The Ezone also felt just a tad more stable.

Anyway, I really need more time with it. On Friday I will play another 2 hours and perhaps I will gel more with it.

Interesting though that two so similar racquets, from the same brand, can still feel quite different. That really surprised me. For sure, the strings are not the same but both are poly strings at around 23 kg (approx. 51 pounds) and both are "softish" polys. My Ezone 100 has Head Lynx Edge and the Vcore 100 demo I am not sure. Looks like Babolat RPM Power.

I would definitely order a demo. Playing styles differ so much and what feels good to someone, will feel awful to someone else.

I forgot to mention that I bought the Ezone 100 with the Tennis Warehouse "spec matching service". It has a 288 swing weight, unstrung, and should be close to 320 - 322 with my overgrip, dampener etc. The Vcore 100 demo racquets I have no way of telling what it is but at the least it feels quite similar when swinging it.

Nice first impressions! Let's wait for the deeper testing.
 
Nice first impressions! Let's wait for the deeper testing.
Played another 2 hours with the Vcore 100 this morning, and afterwards 30 minutes with my Ezone 100.

My first impressions were pretty much spot on, for me that is.

I couldn´t really gel with the Vcore 100. Hard to say why. It just feels slightly more "loopy", not a lot, but I prefer the launch angle of the Ezone 100.

The Vcore 100 is however slightly more comfortable. I will myself buy another Ezone 100 so I have two, and simply have softer strings on one of them at the least when extra comfort is needed. My game is better with the Ezone 100.

Could of course be that the specs are off for the demo racquet. Who knows.

If I was you, I would demo the racquet before buying. By far the best way to know for sure if it for you or not.

Happy tennis to everyone:)
 

GermanBeast

New User
I am looking for a racquet that plays similar to the pure Strike 98 16/19 third gen but with better feel. It is too muted.

Could be the new vcore 98 the right one? How is the feel and stability of the vcore 98 in comparison to the PS98?
 

carlo87

New User
I am looking for a racquet that plays similar to the pure Strike 98 16/19 third gen but with better feel. It is too muted.

Could be the new vcore 98 the right one? How is the feel and stability of the vcore 98 in comparison to the PS98?


maybe! I hoped it was so.
Replace a pure strike with a new vcore 98, it's been my dream for months ...
unfortunately I was disappointed ...
It is true that real specifications of pure strike are similar to vcore 98 but in reality the difference is evident.
Pure strike often reaches SW over 330 pt.
At the same time it seems that vcore 98 does not reach 325pt sw.

Indeed I write here just to understand if other users have also found a shortage of sw in vcore98.

pure strike at the power level is another world ....
 

itosa

New User
I am really interested in the new vcore 95, but I have seen posts regarding the lower swingweight than the one posted in TW specs. How light does it actually feel ? I am currently hitting with a Prince tt95 (2015) with an overgrip and 3 g total lead tape. It would be great if someone can compare both racquets!

Thanks
 

tennisjaz

New User
Thanks Tennis Warehouse, I received my new Vcore 98 today strung up with Poly Tour Rev. Love the way it feels...
Thanks for getting it to me just in time for my hit (came in UPS 15 minutes before I headed out the door and barely had the time to overgrip it).
Hit with it for 3 hours, impressed. Glad I made the purchase.
 
I am really interested in the new vcore 95, but I have seen posts regarding the lower swingweight than the one posted in TW specs. How light does it actually feel ? I am currently hitting with a Prince tt95 (2015) with an overgrip and 3 g total lead tape. It would be great if someone can compare both racquets!

Thanks
I too would like. Coming from the ‘15 TT95, it’s a great racket weight wise, one of my favorites all time and unique. But it’s definitely lower swingweight than published and the string spacing is soooo open, it makes it hard for me to add lead and not lose control
 

GermanBeast

New User
maybe! I hoped it was so.
Replace a pure strike with a new vcore 98, it's been my dream for months ...
unfortunately I was disappointed ...
It is true that real specifications of pure strike are similar to vcore 98 but in reality the difference is evident.
Pure strike often reaches SW over 330 pt.
At the same time it seems that vcore 98 does not reach 325pt sw.

Indeed I write here just to understand if other users have also found a shortage of sw in vcore98.

pure strike at the power level is another world ....


I think, I would lead up the Vcore 98 at 3 and 9 o'clock to compare it with the pure strike.
But I am very interested in the feel of the new Vcore 98 in comparison to the 3gen pure strike. Is it less muted than the PS and maybe a little more direct/crisp?
I hate the dead response of the PS.
 

carlo87

New User
[QUOTE = "GermanBeast, post: 15048094, membro: 779073"]
Penso che porterei il Vcore 98 alle 3 e alle 9 per confrontarlo con lo strike puro.
Ma sono molto interessato alla sensazione del nuovo Vcore 98 rispetto al 3gen pure strike. È meno silenziato del PS e forse un po 'più diretto / nitido?
Odio la risposta morta del PS.
[/CITAZIONE]


I think they are very similar in that respect. the real problem is that vcore lacks free power. I don't like customizing ...
 

GermanBeast

New User
[QUOTE = "GermanBeast, post: 15048094, membro: 779073"]
Penso che porterei il Vcore 98 alle 3 e alle 9 per confrontarlo con lo strike puro.
Ma sono molto interessato alla sensazione del nuovo Vcore 98 rispetto al 3gen pure strike. È meno silenziato del PS e forse un po 'più diretto / nitido?
Odio la risposta morta del PS.
[/CITAZIONE]


I think they are very similar in that respect. the real problem is that vcore lacks free power. I don't like customizing ...


ok, maybe I have to try blade 98 v7 16/19, head extreme tour and radical pro 2021 to find a better feeling pure strike ...
 

diegoeste

Rookie
ok, maybe I have to try blade 98 v7 16/19, head extreme tour and radical pro 2021 to find a better feeling pure strike ...
...........some says that the vcore 98 has more power than previous version others that lacks power and seems to be a QC issue with the SW (unusual from Yonex) wihch is much lower than published. I really want to try it but not available in my country, meantime Id like to have more light on this power issues.........
 

itosa

New User
I too would like. Coming from the ‘15 TT95, it’s a great racket weight wise, one of my favorites all time and unique. But it’s definitely lower swingweight than published and the string spacing is soooo open, it makes it hard for me to add lead and not lose control

What's your current racquet?
 

McLovin

Legend
the 98 written review is out
I think the deciding factor for users (and TWs play testers back this up) will be the VDM. You will either love it or hate it. Power, spin, control...they can all be tweaked a little. But the feel is baked in.

I was on the playtest and am in the ‘love it’ category, but two of my doubles partners didn’t care for it. Another guy I hit with (5.0 that crushes the ball) tried my demo yesterday, loved it from the first ball, and is now ordering one for himself.

Now I just need them to release a + version...
 
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taydbear7

Professional
I think the deciding factor for users (and TWs play testers back this up) will be the VDM. You will either love it or hate it. Power, spin, control...they can all be tweaked a little. But the feel is baked in.

I was on the playtest and am in the ‘love it’ category, but two of my doubles parents didn’t care for it. Another guy I hit with (5.0 that crushes the ball) tried my demo yesterday, loved it from the first ball, and is now ordering one for himself.

Now I just need them to release a + version...

My buddy loved the new 98 so he sold his galaxy black. I got the new 95 on the way. Fingers crossed! I'm also in the boat that I'm waiting for the + release and want to compare it to the flame red version.
 

McLovin

Legend
I too am waiting for the 98+ version. The Yonex rep indicated it would be released in late March.
0W7s9kKg7qAk7Tu3CEsby8j0O_gCUtOj3bYFK6lO_Mh0G0NLXiY_vDa1vDDaeS-gb4bLquWKwNNFeeER7kNxo7cB508xGBV86qIZtu5myWM6WVshvGUdm8ByrrHkrGulZ_1yLPqdorPBrC5q9vx78IcmSWXcaTLsCfI
 

firepanda

Professional
I think the deciding factor for users (and TWs play testers back this up) will be the VDM. You will either love it or hate it. Power, spin, control...they can all be tweaked a little. But the feel is baked in.

I was on the playtest and am in the ‘love it’ category, but two of my doubles partners didn’t care for it. Another guy I hit with (5.0 that crushes the ball) tried my demo yesterday, loved it from the first ball, and is now ordering one for himself.

Now I just need them to release a + version...

What exactly do people mean when they say the feel is 'dampened', 'mutened' etc? Surely less feedback is a bad thing right? It certainly seems to sell though, all the big names are putting 'technology' like 'Graphene' or 'Countervail' on their sticks these days.

I've played with Yonex VCore Pro 97, Prince 100P, Dunlop MFil 200 in the past. Just tried the 2018 Yonex VC 98+ and liked it, was thinking of waiting for the new one (since everything's closed down these days anyway). But sounds like the 'feel' of the 2018 might be more what I'm used to.

(I never understood the point of shock absorbers either...)
 

leojramirez

Rookie
What exactly do people mean when they say the feel is 'dampened', 'mutened' etc? Surely less feedback is a bad thing right? It certainly seems to sell though, all the big names are putting 'technology' like 'Graphene' or 'Countervail' on their sticks these days.

I've played with Yonex VCore Pro 97, Prince 100P, Dunlop MFil 200 in the past. Just tried the 2018 Yonex VC 98+ and liked it, was thinking of waiting for the new one (since everything's closed down these days anyway). But sounds like the 'feel' of the 2018 might be more what I'm used to.

(I never understood the point of shock absorbers either...)

I can tell you as someone that has suffered from wrist pain that crushing the ball with the new vc98 gives me confidence where as the older one, while not being an uncomfortable frame, I would feel the vibrations and eventually would pull back from hitting the ball as hard. It took me a few sessions to get used to it but there's no way back now... The new frame is to me a lot better.
 

McLovin

Legend
What exactly do people mean when they say the feel is 'dampened', 'mutened' etc? Surely less feedback is a bad thing right?
I too had issues w/ those terms when I started playtesting frames and strings, but eventually I came to understand them. However, I think you need a point of reference before applying those terms, meaning what type of frames are you coming from? (in other words, "it's all relative").

For me, I used Fischer for so many years that I used to the feel/feedback of those frames. So when I'd pick up something like a Tecnifibre, it would feel 'brassy', meaning 'abrupt' or 'harsh'. But to someone who had been using Tecnifibre for so many years, that is their baseline, so other frames that I prefer likely won't feel good to them. You also have to factor in string type & tension as well.

I've been using the VCORE 98+ for two years, and have 'adjusted' to the feel. It was a little harsh at first, but my string (Laserfibre Native Tour) is a bit muted, so that helps dampen it a bit. But the new one is more up my alley (which is why I'm anxiously waiting to see if they're releasing a '+' in the new line). If you wait a month or two, you may find a great deal in the 'For Sale' section on two fairly new VCORE 98 +s in 4 3/8" grip :)
 
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David Le

Hall of Fame
Really? Are you sure? Would be really bad news :-(
Yep, it’s just like the VC LTD Ed Pixel. It was just a fun concept to see how it would do on the market and have Angie Kerber to endorse as well. Maybe Japan will have an exclusive colorway like the Cool Black SV from 2016.
 

tlm

G.O.A.T.
I’ve been demoing a bunch of Yonex rackets the last month or so and really liked the Vcore 95 2018 model. Also liked the Vcore pro 97 and the Vcore 98 but I also tried the Vcore 98 Light 2021 model and ended up going with it. It was a tough decision I almost went with the 95 and with that racket I liked the older model better than the 2021.

But in the 98 light I felt the newer model was better. With a little lead the racket weighs 11 ounces strung and 6 points head light, which might seem too light for many but that weight and balance works well for me. I get really good spin and the best control with this racket compared to the other models.
 

Sahbatage

Rookie
So where is everyone adding weight to get the lower than spec swing weights up a bit? 12? 10/2? 3/9?

It didnt gel well with me when I tested it even though, spec wise, it should have been a smooth transition. Turns out my swingweight is 317... Not sure what went wrong with Yonex QC on this line. My previous Yonex sticks were all very close to spec.
 

ichaseballs

Professional
I’ve been demoing a bunch of Yonex rackets the last month or so and really liked the Vcore 95 2018 model. Also liked the Vcore pro 97 and the Vcore 98 but I also tried the Vcore 98 Light 2021 model and ended up going with it. It was a tough decision I almost went with the 95 and with that racket I liked the older model better than the 2021.

But in the 98 light I felt the newer model was better. With a little lead the racket weighs 11 ounces strung and 6 points head light, which might seem too light for many but that weight and balance works well for me. I get really good spin and the best control with this racket compared to the other models.

did you try the 2021 model of the vcore 95,98, 100?
 

tlm

G.O.A.T.
did you try the 2021 model of the vcore 95,98, 100?

Did not try the 100, but did try new version 95 and 98. For the 95 I liked the 2018 version better but for the 98 I liked the 2021 model. I ended up going with the 2021 98 light and I added small amount of lead and it weighs 11 ounces now with 6 points head light balance. This racket plays very well with a nice feel, good spin and very good control.
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
Did not try the 100, but did try new version 95 and 98. For the 95 I liked the 2018 version better but for the 98 I liked the 2021 model. I ended up going with the 2021 98 light and I added small amount of lead and it weighs 11 ounces now with 6 points head light balance. This racket plays very well with a nice feel, good spin and very good control.
How is it in terms of comfort for the arm?
 

tlm

G.O.A.T.
How is it in terms of comfort for the arm?

The new model seems pretty arm friendly, it has a new dampening technology and it does seem to get rid of a lot of vibration. Some players feel it mutes the feel too much but I will give up some feel to save on the arm.
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
The new model seems pretty arm friendly, it has a new dampening technology and it does seem to get rid of a lot of vibration. Some players feel it mutes the feel too much but I will give up some feel to save on the arm.
That's great to hear, thank you! I'm getting my racket tomorrow and looking forward to hitting with it. Coming from a Ezone Tour(98)
 

McLovin

Legend
Hmmmm...hey @TW Staff ...any idea when this will be available?

06vc98_404_a_1.png
VCORE 98+
Launching in March 2021​
For intermediate to advanced players looking for a longer, maneuverable racquet designed for spin and speed​
SPECS​

Head Size​
98 sq.in.​
Weight​
305 g / 10.8 oz​
Grip Size​
1 - 5​
Length​
27.5 in.​
Width Range​
22.5 mm - 23 mm - 21 mm​
Balance Point​
325 mm​
Material​
HM Graphite / 2G-Namd Flex Force / VDM​
Color​
Tango Red​

 

ichaseballs

Professional
He finds the Ezone more comfortable? :unsure:

i think they are similar in comfort.
i posted this in another similar thread...
the ezone frame is generally thicker and wider giving it power and stability throughout.
the vcore head is fairly thin beam (more accurate with directional control) but the throat is meatier and using flex/snapback there is good power too.
they are both powerful racquets but they achieve that power differently.

i think the ezone is a more predictable stick for advanced players. vcore seems like it was built for a baseliner.
i looked at the ezone and vcore held up together. on the mains there was not a big noticeable difference. even with the ezone 8 vs vcore 6.

but the crosses on the vcore were significantly further apart than the ezone.
 
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Znak

Hall of Fame
i think they are similar in comfort.
i posted this in another similar thread...
the ezone frame is generally thicker and wider giving it power and stability throughout.
the vcore head is fairly thin beam (more accurate with directional control) but the throat is meatier and using flex/snapback there is good power too.
they are both powerful racquets but they achieve that power differently.

i think the ezone is a more predictable stick for advanced players. vcore seems like it was built for a baseliner.
i looked at the ezone and vcore held up together. on the mains there was not a big noticeable difference. even with the ezone 8 vs vcore 6.

but the crosses on the vcore were significantly further apart than the ezone.
Interesting. Yeah coming from the DR I found the 2018 Ezone rough on the arm, sold them ended up going to the Blade v7. Picked up the a VCORE 95 over the holidays sales for fun waiting for lockdown to be over to test it out. I'm personally done with the Ezone line I don't think they're going back to the original formula. Hopefully I won't be let down by the vcore since I've been hearing such great things.
 

ichaseballs

Professional
Interesting. Yeah coming from the DR I found the 2018 Ezone rough on the arm, sold them ended up going to the Blade v7. Picked up the a VCORE 95 over the holidays sales for fun waiting for lockdown to be over to test it out. I'm personally done with the Ezone line I don't think they're going back to the original formula. Hopefully I won't be let down by the vcore since I've been hearing such great things.

if you liked the dr98, the new 2020 ezone is pretty close. you should try both the 98 and the tour.
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
Got my VCore98 last night, strung with NXT at 52lbs. Initially a lot of balls were sailing long for me, but after some adjustment I was able to play well with it.

There racket head speed on this thing is amazing! Very whippy and fast through the air. It really shone in serves as I was able to maneuver the racket head very easily which allowed me to hit my spots.
Coming from a EZT I was missing some heft/plowthrough in this frame but I want to give it more time to see if I can adjust. Otherwise I might add some lead to beef it up.
Best part is I didn't feel any arm soreness whatsoever after the hit which was the reason i've moved away from EZT.
 

tlm

G.O.A.T.
Got my VCore98 last night, strung with NXT at 52lbs. Initially a lot of balls were sailing long for me, but after some adjustment I was able to play well with it.

There racket head speed on this thing is amazing! Very whippy and fast through the air. It really shone in serves as I was able to maneuver the racket head very easily which allowed me to hit my spots.
Coming from a EZT I was missing some heft/plowthrough in this frame but I want to give it more time to see if I can adjust. Otherwise I might add some lead to beef it up.
Best part is I didn't feel any arm soreness whatsoever after the hit which was the reason i've moved away from EZT.

I tried NXT in the low 50’s in a Vcore 98 and it was way too powerful. I would need at least 58lbs in that racket to tone down the power.
 

daman sidhu

Rookie
I tried NXT in the low 50’s in a Vcore 98 and it was way too powerful. I would need at least 58lbs in that racket to tone down the power.
You are right, probably why a lot of balls were sailing for me. I’ll try a bit higher tension next time around and see. Any preferred poly with the racket? How does poly tour pro play with it?
 

tennisjaz

New User
You are right, probably why a lot of balls were sailing for me. I’ll try a bit higher tension next time around and see. Any preferred poly with the racket? How does poly tour pro play with it?
I have mine strung up with the Poly Tour Rev @51 and loving it at the moment. Usually always try a new racket with their primary recommended strings first to see how it plays then switch out to my preferred strings.
 
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