jmacdaununder2
Legend
If the plus version of the '23 Vcore 98 ever eventuates, will you consider it, or are you happier now with standard length?
Vcore 98 2023 -Where's the love?
- Thread starter TennisManiac
- Start date
patrickluvsoj
Rookie
Anyone switched from ezone 98 to Vcore 98 and what were the reasons ?
Dansan
Semi-Pro
Been gaming 22' EZ98...great all arounder, helped me power through many matches. Pros: power edge, DHBH, powerful serves, drive on groundies, accurate when you are feeling connected. Cons: lacks touch/feel, muted, lacks some spin.
Main gripes: its powerful characteristics can overshadow the control at times. I've had to dial back and work hard creating my own spin and after 4-6 months, starting to get a little arm pain...nothing major but to the point where I have had to switch from fully poly to a SynGut/poly hybrid for a minute. The arm pain could be from overuse and playing a lot...it's difficult for me to blame the frame right now, but I am seeking sometime with a little more touch/feel that still has power available.
I've got a 23' VCore 98 and 95 on the way for testing...hoping to strike gold with the 98 and maybe get surprised with the 95. Gut tells me I'll more likely game the 98 and keep the 95 because it's "special". We shall see !
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I liked the Vcore98 much more than the Ezone98. The Vcore98 produces a lot more spin, and imo... more power. I don't understand why so many people say that the Ezone98 is really powerful. I didn't see it that way when I demoed it. The Vcore98 is the better racket in almost all depts. Except for maybe control.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
The ezone 100 I demo'd was such a ridiculous rocket launcher, win points by crazy power or lose points by launching long
ZeroandOne
Rookie
I bought a VC98 to demo alongside the EZ98. VC98 strung up with Element Rough 1.30 @50 and EZ98 with PTP 1.25 @50. The ptp is so lackluster and I'll replace it soon with element rough too. To be honest, both racquets seem easy to pick up and play, although the Vcore just comes through the air so much sweeter. Also, the vcore zooms flat shots in a way the Ezone didn't. Finally, both sticks serve extremely well. So far, the VC98 left a bigger impression on me. But, let's see how the easy one performs with element.
patrickluvsoj
Rookie
Surprised to hear Vcore hits flat shots better. I play ezone 98+ and it seems to hit flat pretty well.
I think if Vcore offers a bit more spin and higher launch angle without sacrificing serves and power then that seems quite attractive.
I hear conflicting remarks on spin vs flat for Vcore. Some say it has lots of spin and others say it hits flatter than the ezone. To me these are opposite traits so I wonder what to make of it.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
I think EZ98 and VC98 does both well, depends on your swingpath mostly. It doesn't really force you to hit either way I think. Maybe if your tension is too high or too low you might be forced to hit more flat/spin to balance power/control. To my naked eye, the string patterns seem very similar. I'll have a hit with both this afternoon but unfortunately not same string.
Fluffy_Skye
Semi-Pro
Anyone has experience with both vcore 98 and extreme tour, ideally with the same string setup? I’m looking for 300/305 gram head light racket, preferably spin oriented though not a necessity. PA98 is straight up too stiff for me when I demoed it. I’ve demoed both vcore 98 and extreme tour as well and find vcore 98 more comfortable and more powerful while extreme tour has more precision. However, I don’t know what kind of string is in the demo rackets which could be the main cause of the difference I felt as the two rackets are overall quite similar.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
No longbody, no love - pretty much a deal breaker for me.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
Element rough@50 is frying my arm, I'm dropping down to 47 next time. I also think I'm hitting too low on the stringbed. Also, anyone feel like the stick is firmer than 62RA would suggest?
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Y
You mean like runescape?
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Ok I stopped here. Nothing else to be said. Post of the year!!
ZeroandOne
Rookie
Spent more time hitting with the VC98 and it's growing on me. It's stiffer, swings sweeter through the air and packs more punch than the ezone. I love the paintjob too.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
I like the 2023 a lot more than the previous two versions @ZeroandOne for exactly what you said. All are sweet swinging, but the 2023 is softer and spinnier than the previous without losing any of the pop I love. My favorite cosmetic was the Galaxy Black with the current coming in 2nd. I would love to see the Galaxy come back in a gloss paint job. That would be a no brain purchase.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
bump for Tommy Paul beating Carlitos with the VC98!
leojramirez
Rookie
Wrecked my elbow since march. Still recovering although im towards the end of recovery... Backhand confidence is slowly returning. Worst injury I've had and I've played just over 20 years , even picking up a glass of water was painful. Played the previous 2 versions since they both came out but this one just killed me after a couple of weeks. It did play great though, better playability than the previous 2 versions. Didn't go back to the previous version, played the vcp97 while recovering and then fully switched to thr boom pro which is somewhat similar to the vcore but it doesn't hurt me. Goat vcore for sure.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Anti bump for losing to lower ranked Sinner with it
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Blade v8 or current generation prince phantom, if you like a lot of flex both play great and super comfortable especially with the right string. Also Volkl V-cell 9 is a huge sleeper frame thats so well rounded great spin and very comfortable
Tmano
Hall of Fame
i'm sorry for your elbow, i know what you mean because i am in the same situation right now, 4 month in!
I'm starting looking at new racquets, even more flexible than my DR 98 and the Vcore 98 and 100 cough my eyes as being flexy on paper, but then i hear you that got injured while using it and now i'm confused. i remember i tested the vcore 98 black ones two years ago and felt it was stiff. i'm not sure i would find a racquet that i like now.
leojramirez
Rookie
Its not the stiffness, its the vibrations. I believe tw has a vibration frequency db. Try the boom pro, stiffer but its dampened. Also the vcp100.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
That's great, i will try them once i get better!
Tmano
Hall of Fame
I never thought about the vibration as a potential issue for the elbow but it makes sense. right the boom pro is on my list already and now the Vcore 100....maybe the 98 too.
wilsonnoob
New User
does anyone know if Yonex will discount the 2023 anytime soon? Want to pickup a 98/100 for extended playtesting 
leojramirez
Rookie
One of the things about the boom pro is that you get plenty of spin and power is good enough to compete against the 100sqin babs. Sometimes i get balls that go on in which surprise me and when they do go out im certain it was because i did not hit it properly. That wasn't the case with the previous vcore98 for example, you would get balls sailing long and by a good margin that you thought would go in which was so frustrating at times. The boom pro feels like the vcore pro 97, although control is not as good, its just good enough for today's game. I play on clay and i need a stick that can do it all, attack, defend, serves, returns, volleys and is not a noodle like the vcp97. Its like a stiffer, 1mm thicker vcp97 essentially, it ticks all the boxes for my game. I did get 2 matched with swing weight on the 290s unstrung from tw.
Ding ding ding! We have a winner!
I feel you, leo. In these special cases, it goes well beyond the TWU-measured frequency number. Rather, I've found it to be certain sub-frequencies and how often they occur.
Case-in-point: I had this exact same thing happen with the Prince Phantom 100X 305 -- a frame that according to most should be one of the more arm friendly things out there. I found, however, that it produced this constant low-grade "buzzing" during and slightly after contact (akin to what you get when hitting a tuning fork) and those vibration were going right through the handle and up into my wrist and arm. Even inside of single hitting sessions, my forearm felt like it was turning into mincemeat. I even bought a second P100X 305 just to rule out the first being a lemon, and short of full-bed natural gut tried every string combo I could think of to calm down the sensation, but nope, both frames and all setups exhibited the issue (in varying amounts). Long story short, it ended up kicking off the only TE I've ever had and I ended up having to take a month off completely, then slowly work back into the game with full-bed multi for another month. Not a fun experience. But a good learning lesson.
So I feel you. You definitely want a frame that doesn't propagate vibrations like that, even if it's a bit muted and comes at the cost of some feel.
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Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Similar thing low tension people think is more arm friendly well 30 lb rpm blast 16 in pure aero 2019 was sooo vibrational it ripped my arm apart, but it was playing so good I wanted to keep hitting lol
any updates on your customisation?
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Would actually the DR 98 although being flexy have a high vibration frequency?
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
At what tension are you sensing this buzzing?
Tmano
Hall of Fame
I have always strung my racquets DR include around 45-48 full bed poly. I think my TE which came very soddenly after two session with 3-4 old string, the mayami tour hex.
Dansan
Semi-Pro
I enjoyed the 95, positive match results. Punches above its weight, dynamic, all court attacking style of play. Hangs at the baseline too with deep groundies on the gas. Serves, volleys, it's mostly there complete package.
Tried the 98 on a whim...threw some lead on, Lynx tour @52. Hit's deep, heavy balls that jump off court. Big serves, slices. I did not experience any pain/stiffness/vibrations...could be the lead that dampens, need more playing time.to see if pain develops. I had some trouble finding my volleys. It's definitely the more modern baseliner's frame over the 95. It spars with the 22' Ezone but higher launch angle, more powerful, more spin and maybe more "feel". I can see myself switching to the 98....for me I've enjoyed the 95 over the 22EZ. Plan on playing some matches next couple weeks with the VC98 to see how I feel, but so far it's a winner for me.
Tried the 98 on a whim...threw some lead on, Lynx tour @52. Hit's deep, heavy balls that jump off court. Big serves, slices. I did not experience any pain/stiffness/vibrations...could be the lead that dampens, need more playing time.to see if pain develops. I had some trouble finding my volleys. It's definitely the more modern baseliner's frame over the 95. It spars with the 22' Ezone but higher launch angle, more powerful, more spin and maybe more "feel". I can see myself switching to the 98....for me I've enjoyed the 95 over the 22EZ. Plan on playing some matches next couple weeks with the VC98 to see how I feel, but so far it's a winner for me.
Brouss
New User
Somebody change VcorePro100 for Vcore98 (2023) ? How compare those 2 racquets?
power/control
spin
forgivness
maneuverability
bad idea to change inch100 for try 98 ?
i am french versatile player, i am not powerfull so i like change my hits (slice, flat, spin, short cross angle…)
sorry for my bad english
power/control
spin
forgivness
maneuverability
bad idea to change inch100 for try 98 ?
i am french versatile player, i am not powerfull so i like change my hits (slice, flat, spin, short cross angle…)
sorry for my bad english
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
I think where the percept looks contemporary and classy with matching bags and apparel I think that the V Core line looks a bit non cohesive with the wrong colour tones. Even with the previous iteration that red and blue just did not appeal and I think the right cosmetics do sell a racquet. The old V Core 95 from 2018 was a great racquet to play with and at the time with the standard red was OK but then they changed that frame along with the cosmetics and I think they lost something there. So if I were Yonex, I would be looking at the 2023 Pantone chart and see what colours would work better.
Other companies have made similar mistakes. Look at the current Volkl C10 including the anniversary cosmetic. For such an iconic frame they should have made it more upmarket with simple but quality paint finish.
Other companies have made similar mistakes. Look at the current Volkl C10 including the anniversary cosmetic. For such an iconic frame they should have made it more upmarket with simple but quality paint finish.
GodlessEndeavor
Semi-Pro
The 2023 VC98 feels close to a perfect racquet for me at the moment. I also play with the Ezone 100, but I'm finding that the Vcore 98 has an amazing combo of power, spin and comfort. I strung it with Tecnifibre Triax 1.38 at 49 lbs and finding it very easy to keep the ball on the court with spin while still having enough power on serves and flatter shots. I'm not a control player by any means, but I'm finding enough control when I need it too.
I'm not gonna lie, it's probably partly psychological too after watching Tommy Paul beat Alcaraz with it (and then losing but doing well in the next match with him), but I'm loving this racquet at the moment and playing well with it for sure.
PS: I thought about trying the Vcore 100 too, but the specs say it's significantly stiffer. So I'm not inclined to do it as it's probably not as comfortable.
I'm not gonna lie, it's probably partly psychological too after watching Tommy Paul beat Alcaraz with it (and then losing but doing well in the next match with him), but I'm loving this racquet at the moment and playing well with it for sure.
PS: I thought about trying the Vcore 100 too, but the specs say it's significantly stiffer. So I'm not inclined to do it as it's probably not as comfortable.
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curtstead
Professional
So far, I've added a leather grip to one which took it from 305g to 313g. I like it + OG, but not sure if I like it more than enough than just stock. I'm working on strings to help with the muted feed right now. As of now. even though I like the leather grip addition, stock + OG is working just fine for me.
VS_Power
Rookie
I have a leather grip on mine plus 4g lead at 10 and 2 each. This thing is ridiculously stable with this config and can handle the heaviest shots.
I prefer Restring Zero strings which are fairly muted feeling polys. That plus a dampener and I've got a super muted and fairly soft setup.
All the weight I've added is probably wrecking my forearm muscles, but it feels so good I'm unwilling to change you anything else.
I have the 98+ (2023) coming in about a week that I'm really excited about. I love the feeling of the VCores but I normally prefer extended rackets as I'm shorter and with a 2hbh, so I have high hopes for this one.
I prefer Restring Zero strings which are fairly muted feeling polys. That plus a dampener and I've got a super muted and fairly soft setup.
All the weight I've added is probably wrecking my forearm muscles, but it feels so good I'm unwilling to change you anything else.
I have the 98+ (2023) coming in about a week that I'm really excited about. I love the feeling of the VCores but I normally prefer extended rackets as I'm shorter and with a 2hbh, so I have high hopes for this one.
curtstead
Professional
I played in USTA Atlanta City Finals this past saturday, I used my 98 and my doubles partner just recently switched to the '23 100 from the '21 95. Hit with him 30 min prior to start time, and I got to use his stick for a few minutes and man... the 100 is a sweet stick. I can't lie. It still just feels a little weird on the OHBH compared to my 98, could totally be in my head though. FH was real nice. Felt very stable for it's weight.
GodlessEndeavor
Semi-Pro
How does it feel compared to the 98 in terms of stiffness? Does the 100 feel significantly less comfortable?
ryushen21
Legend
Yeah, a little lead in the handle on the 100 could help with the OHBH. I actually play my VC100 stock and it feels like a cheat code on most days.
ryushen21
Legend
It does not. All of the VC23 models are pretty darn comfortable.
curtstead
Professional
I thought it felt fine, maybe just a bit stiffer than my 98, but it was still better than any '21 Vcore iteration. Maybe even on par with the '21 95.
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Takeitontherise
New User
I got curious and decided to add some weight. Added a leather grip and 6 grams of lead total and 3&9, balance is about the same as stock. Strung weight is 343g, so significantly higher than stock but lower than the VcorePro 330s I was coming from (~352g strung). Now just an unbelievable stick. I had no issues with this racquet in stock form, but now its just feels like the best of both worlds - hits a heavier ball and still feels plenty maneuverable. Definitley encourage folks to add a little weight if they are curious.
