celito
Professional
Try Poly Tour FireVC95 Settings
docs.google.com
I have been documenting setups and strings ever since I owned the VC95.
2021 Yonex VCore 95
- Thread starter TagUrIt
- Start date
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
So it’s technically a 98?
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
I don’t agree here (at least not completely). For me the VC95 does player bigger than other 95’s but definitely not as a Vcorepro 97 or an Ezone 98. I Do agree that a VC95 feels like a 97-98 Wilson/Head though.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Will do! If it’s a crisper ptp I might enjoy it!
RF_PRO_STAFF
Professional
One of those things that some people always exaggerate. Headsizes that supposedly play a lot bigger than they are or 18x20's 'that don't play like an 18x20'.
Headsizes are scientifically measured. Sweet spot sizes do vary from (same headsize) frame to frame.
Playtimefun
Rookie
I wonder... does the VC95 seem like a larger head because they moved the bottom of the frame up but the sides are the same?
I actually never understood people saying that it plays larger because to me and its probably because i am used to thin box beam wilsons and even the VCP97 that it plays like a normal 95. In fact, i have kind of felt like the switch has been detrimental to my kick serve. I feel like i dont have the string bed that i do with my other 95s.
When i was hitting with that ezone98 the other night, the 98 felt considerable larger. But when i hit with my Vcore98, they (VC95 and VC98) feel somewhat similar in terms of head size.
Curious as to peoples thoughts on that?
I actually never understood people saying that it plays larger because to me and its probably because i am used to thin box beam wilsons and even the VCP97 that it plays like a normal 95. In fact, i have kind of felt like the switch has been detrimental to my kick serve. I feel like i dont have the string bed that i do with my other 95s.
When i was hitting with that ezone98 the other night, the 98 felt considerable larger. But when i hit with my Vcore98, they (VC95 and VC98) feel somewhat similar in terms of head size.
Curious as to peoples thoughts on that?
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I would say, kind of? I'd probably word it like this: Don't be afraid of the number 95 or let that keep you from trying it. Also, to get a precise idea, look at the Tennis Warehouse sweetspot tool, there you can really visually see how the Yonex 98 rackets, all of them, have a very very similarly sized sweet spot to the 95.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Well, you would think so and I would never say that Yonex would fraudulently say a 95 is a 95 when it isn't, but really, go to a shop that has a vcore 95 and place that racket on top of any Yonex 98, you will barely barely barely able to see the most minute difference in racket head size, it's almost impossible to see and it's mostly down by the throat or compare it to the 97s in Yonex lineup, all the differences in the headsizes are really hard to see visually.
Furthermore, there's no way you will be hitting the tennis ball in an area that is the "extra" string surface, hell, not even with a Yonex 100, you aren't using that extra space to hit the ball or if you are, you are in serious trouble.
I wouldn't say they are scientifically measured since it's just an unregulated number used to help describe the size.
Also, like I said above, use the sweet spot visualization tool for these Yonex 97,98, 95, you can see the differences in sweet spots, they more or less shift slightly in each racket but don't really get overall smaller in the 95.
Playtimefun
Rookie
I just realized somethjng in my own feel between old 95s and the VC95. Of course going from 16x19 to 16x20 is huge.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Tough one, I'd say the H hits a better kick serve than all these, but it take more energy. I think the 95 can seem like a smaller headsize because it has less power? It's just hard for me to say, I'm just guessing you are still hitting the sweetspot in the 95 but it doesn't feel like you are because the tennis ball isn't larger than the sweetspot, like you aren't constantly hitting your serve on the edge of the 95 racket stringbed are you?
Playtimefun
Rookie
Yes... i think you are right. I am finding that i am going back to hitting a flatter ball more like i used to with the old PS85 and not trying to spin it like my 95s. And im hitting the sweetspot nicely then. Would also say it makes sense with my kick serves vs flat. The flat i find super easy to hit with the VC95 but i am just hitting the edge of the seetspot with the kicker. Now i hit a big american twist serve for my kicker so its easy to be off too. More actual practice will help lol.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
If anything... the EZ98 might be a 95 or 96 in reality. From memory, I put it up against some other 98 Yonex frames (RDiS 200 MP, RD-7, etc), and some other 98s from Wilson and other brands... and it appeared just a smidge smaller (I think it was the shorter length in the Mains that was the difference - but minor as I said), but was closer to the Head 95 sized frames (the old Head 98s), and similar to the Yonex VC95D (at the time).
I could be wrong though, as I measured them a while back (and it was my DR98 that I compared to the others, not the current EZ98).
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
The EZ98 might be one of the worst rackets for a 4.5 level player IMO. I’m between a 4.5 and a 5.0 and the ball just jumps off the string bed. No control what so ever. I took 3 years off the game and my pure storm was 13 years old and in rough shape. So I demo’d and picked up the Ezone at my local shop on sale bc it was going out of cycle due to the new 22 cosmetics.
I felt like my flat ground strokes were flying off the string bed and I had to put too much top spin in balls to keep in the court.
as my game returned to an advanced status - in my league matches against more consistent players- it just didn’t hold up. Practicing against folks and just rallying it was a fun hit bc of the extra power but points ended too quickly. It was a clear change when my winter league I finished 11-7 and spring league 14-3 and now in my league championship. The switch to a more advanced control oriented frame helped
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I don't have the EZ98, but do have the DR98... and my experience has been different. Both one of my hitting partners and I use these racquets from time to time, and they have excelled in many areas. I would prefer a slightly thinner beam (but that's just me and my preferences), however, when it comes to the performance of the racquet, I have found it to be very good. My brother also uses the blue DR98, and he has found it to be fabulous (he's a very good 5.0-5.5 level player).
Having said that, we are all different, and sometimes it just comes down to personal preferences, stroke mechanics, and technique. I have a OHBH, a semi-western FH (although I change it depending on the shot I'm trying to execute, and the ball that is coming at me), I also have longer strokes, and try to hit the ball out in-front and on-the-rise (if possible). There is no right and wrong. I do enjoy my thinner beamed racquets in my collection, but they all provide slightly different things and have their Pros and Cons.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I believe what you are saying about your game, but to then say "worst rackets for a 4.5 level player" doesn't make sense. I know many 4.5 players who use it, not just the doubles specialists types but some who oscillate between 5.0 and 4.5 and play open singles tournaments. That and the fact it's probably the 3rd most popular stick for college players behind the Blade and Paero.
Interesting.
What about a Babolat, for instance Strike VS?
Both 310 grams and 16x20 string pattern
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
I have not tried a Babolat racquet since 2005. Just for being a Yonex I would bet Vcore 95 and strike VS have a similar sweetspot, but since I base my comments on what I feel and not what I read or technical data It’s just an assumption.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
Agree with this. I’m just not a fan of it and was just too headlight and SW was too low. I tried to counter with 8 grams in the hoop but still lacked control.
maybe the 2022 version is better. Didn’t like the 2020.
I have heard great things about the DR series. Wonder why they stopped making them?
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
haha it’s funny I wasn’t a fan of the blades either. Never tried the P aero. But you’re right. It’s probably not the Ezone. Honestly I think it’s a string pattern thing for me. 16x19 just doesn’t go with my game. Since I was a starter in Hs and through college I used 16x20 (pure storm) Flipped to a 16x19 and loved the power but match plays didn’t find the consistency.
currently using a 18x19 pattern and am loving it. It is a hefty swing weight and I’m in my 30s now. Maybe down the road I’ll need that assisted power.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I'm pretty sure you would like the DR too, I think they just had to change for the sake of changing and a lot of manufacturers chased the bab's free power model. I personally think the DR pleased more people of your caliber of tennis level and the newer versions of Ezones please many high level, but also can please a 3.5 in a way.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
Yeah for me the Ezone 98 was easy to pick up and hit the ball on practice days. The serve was beastly with that stick. Just easy to rip the ball. The downside was more so on lack of stability and consistency in my game. I also didn’t find much touch or slice with it. Certain opponents who weren’t as consistent I could serve and volley or serve and come in and rip a short ball in the corner and end points quickly.
idk I actually played a practice 8 game pro set with the 95. 16x20. Not used to the head size but I did enjoy the precision.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Every 2 years Yonex changes their models (and they try to actually change them and try something new or different). They did that with the EZ DR98... and for me at least, they have not been better since the DR98. Some would disagree... and that's why we have a market place and different people will prefer different things.
Playtimefun
Rookie
Well folks... did I learn today that a person needs to pay attention to how much a string losses tension when pre-tensioned. Others probably knew this but it sure opened my eyes with the vcore95.
1st vcore95 had kirschbaum pro line II 18 gauge at 45/42 but i double pull it. I had tried the 2nd racquet at 43/40 and super hard to control with too much power. Or at least too much loss in control. So i figured try the Volkl Cyclobe 19 gauge at 44/41 double pulled. Wow... talk about hitting with a board. If you hit dead center of the sweetspot it was great. But anything off the sweetspot just had nothing on it. So going down to 41/38 but diuble pulled, which when i see that there is a massive tension loss between the two might make it more like it being up about 5 lbs in tension.
1st vcore95 had kirschbaum pro line II 18 gauge at 45/42 but i double pull it. I had tried the 2nd racquet at 43/40 and super hard to control with too much power. Or at least too much loss in control. So i figured try the Volkl Cyclobe 19 gauge at 44/41 double pulled. Wow... talk about hitting with a board. If you hit dead center of the sweetspot it was great. But anything off the sweetspot just had nothing on it. So going down to 41/38 but diuble pulled, which when i see that there is a massive tension loss between the two might make it more like it being up about 5 lbs in tension.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
With Völkl Cyclone the string-job feels firm straight off the stringer... but if you let it sit for a day or two, it loosens up (or when you play it the second time around). So, maybe you jumped the gun. The string needs to settle in (at least with Völkl strings - and Cyclone in particular).
At least that has been my experience with Cyclone.
Just a thought.
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Playtimefun
Rookie
Much appreciated on the info. I dropped the tension in prep for tuesday night league play and got about 5 minutes of hitting with friends at the court and it felt better. But still stiff. So this will ve something that i will have to be aware of.
I always string All of my racquets fresh for any tournaments but i dont worry about it for everyday play as i usually break strings fast enough not to worry about it.
I always string All of my racquets fresh for any tournaments but i dont worry about it for everyday play as i usually break strings fast enough not to worry about it.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
Yeah that’s where I’m at. I’ll pick up a tfight 305 rs once the close out sales hit so I’ll have 5 in my Arsenal. But I won’t buy anymore long term.
@Roquestil - Interesting to see how you've moved from the 97HD to the VC95. Now that you've had more time with it, was it anything in particular that you really just couldn't resist about the 95, and/or really just had trouble living with, with the 97HD?
janelgreo
Professional
What did you end up settling with?
How do you like the TFight? I demo'd one and I honestly didn't even get to hit with it because it was raining all week. However, the grip shape felt really odd/larger compared to my Yonex, Wilson, Babolat, etc... did you stick to your same grip size?
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
So I have two grip size 3s in the RS and two grip size 2 in xtc ( got both for 230 total brand new on close out). I built up my grip on xtc.
I thoroughly enjoy it. I’ve never really been a 16x19 player and all and used to the 16x20 from college. This 18x19 has control of an 18x20 and access to spin of a 16x19. 3 P HL balance is very nice as I like to hit through the ball. I am able to hit with a lot of power while maintaining good control
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
I just have way more fun playing with the VC95
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
The current VC95 2021. I meant that I won´t be trying any future generations for at least 4-5
I have both. I keep wanting to like the VCP97 310 but end up back with the VC95 in my hand..
My impressions of the VCP97: more free power, easier access to spin. Feels hollow and ghostly compared to the VC95. Also lacks plow. Launch angle very high compared to VC95.
I'm currently playing with VC95 1g lead 3 & 9 which helps stability but doesn't sacrifice maneuverability. I'm going to lead up the 97 and string for lower launch angle and see what happens.
janelgreo
Professional
VCP97 lacks plow compared to the VC95? The lack of plow from the VC95 was what made me leave lol.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
That's what confuses me sometimes on the message boards. What plow are people looking for? There are some pros playing stock Ezone 98, many many college kids playing all kinds of stock sticks that have lower SW than the VC95, so what is a rec player needing when they say "more plow"? I was leaning toward the idea the 95 stock form is meant for high head speed strikes on the ball and if someone wanted a heavier stick they were looking more toward and VCP97 H, but are those players using wrist lag and whippy strokes are actually as the word kind of implies "plowing" the racket through the ball with a stiffer longer stroke? I need a translation if anyone can provide it.
janelgreo
Professional
Yeah, I totally understand and I think it may be different for everyone. For me, I have a fast stroke and yes use "wrist lag" however, I do have a SW grip and do hit with a lot of top spin so when I did try to flatten it out and hit a winner I had to swing REALLY fast. So I guess you can say that the weight of the stick itself and the balance just wasn't working for me and both contribute to the "plowability" of the racquet lol. Like you said a lot of people use stock specs and I'm looking for that racquet that I do not have to modify to suit my game style. Don't get me wrong the racquet provided A LOT of top spin which is great but I am trying to transition away from the baseliner playstyle to more of an attacking playstyle which I believe requires a heavier racquet that can put away balls without feeling like I'm about to turn into a super saiyan lol. Not sure if that made any sense but I guess that's what I think of when thinking of "plow through", the ability to drive through the ball and hit a heavy fast paced ball.
That being said, I get that people are able to do that with the VC95 but I myself am not one of them.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
That does help me understand, thanks for taking the time to explain.
Phat Dave
New User
I initially rejected your (ongoing) thoughts on adding weight to rackets; but have to admit- I finally agree. Only very advanced players should dabble in lead tape adjustments. Almost every person who is "lacking" something in their sticks would be better suited working on their mechanics, and not jumping to the conclusion that their equipment needs alteration. I've taken all weight off of my 2 HD's and VC9521' and am playing so much better by increasing RHS and producing my own 'plow' myself. I use to believe that the rattle/vibration felt at contact was why adding weight was beneficial, however, I took a sobering look in the mirror and really started asking myself if maybe hitting off-center was my problem, and adding 5 grams to the hoop was merely a 'masking' agent to compensate for poor technique. Playing my VC95 stock now I ironically hit the (FuzzyYellow) ball MUCH harder do to RHS allowing me better accuracy and follow thru. Keep up the good fight.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
That's cool to hear, my rants are equally directed at myself or trying to crowdsource enough information to really find out what could be best for me as I try to get better or slow the deterioration of my game as I get older. But, I'm altering my game and swing to modernize it instead of keeping things like they were when I learned tennis in the 80's and 90's. I haven't added weight to a racket yet, but certainly bought and used heavier and lighter, just to see. My alteration is on my forehand, wrist lag and whipping instead of plodding through the ball with a firmer swing.
This is not pertinent to the Vcore 95 thread, but now I really only think about how sometimes, forehands that are modern now hit the ball in the "bottom" 1/3rd of the sweetspot as it come through the ball, when one wants topspin. I wonder if heavier rackets boost the topspin there. But, I also wonder if the weight of the racket needs to be considered when attempting a wrist lag forehand and whipping it through the ball because I know hardly any rec players should attempt a wrist lag whippy forehand for 4 hours of a singles tournament using anything close to 340 SW, in my opinion. Anyway, that's my most recent thought while trying to get better at tennis.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
My thought is that so much of this is selectivity and psychological. When I started playing tennis in my teens, I played with a 110sq inch oversize racquet and I would hit off center all the time and think damn this racquet twists a lot. Then years later when I moved to an 85 square inch, if I hit the same amount off-center, then it would just be a framed ball, and I could only blame myself, instead of being like oh my equipment sucks.
Specific example, but basically I agree that a lot of it comes down to working your mechanics/technique rather than blaming some shortcoming of the racquet. That said, I think people are mostly just nitpicking the things they wish they could get in an ideal stick.
To keep it VC95 relevant, I love the VC95 but wish it had a bit less muted feel. I don't like messing with lead but I can see how a bit more weight at the tip could help me on serve. I've never had issues with stability, but certain racquets certainly flutter more than others (sure, on mishits, but then again who doesn't mishit).
Edit: Accidentally posted prematurely.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I never tipped over the 100 square inch mark, only one I used was the Speed Pro, but yes, I used a K88 in my exclusive serve and volley days and one of my old Prestiges had to be a 95, I imagine. No room for off-center hits lol, they were framers like you said.
Yeah, I found the 2019 Vcore 95 to be lacking some power on serve, the slight boost in beam width for the 2021 gave it that 5% boost I wanted in flat serve power, but yes, it's not giving that much serve power even with the 2021 change. Like you did mention, every stick usually is a trade off of small compromises if staying withing the same tier of swingweight.
Ive seen a lot of 13-15 year old juniors UTR 8-10 have lead on their rackets. Not a lot of lead but a little. Frames can come very differently "stock" so you might need lead to match. This idea that only D1 college / futures use lead tape is not accurate. It's very player dependent.
janelgreo
Professional
I would have to respectfully disagree with this. It's very player dependent, not everyone has the same mechanics and there is no mechanics that is a one type fits all. People have different body types, shapes, athleticism, strokes, RHS, etc... not everyone can swing as fast as you can (not that I know how fast you swing) or would like to. Some people have shorter swing paths, longer swing paths, etc... look at any level, I bet not one person has the same mechanics. Also some people don't have the luxury of demoing or buying a bunch or racquets, so they pick one with specs they think is good and if it indeed isn't whether it came out of spec or maybe they like it a tad heavier or needed some stability, add lead... why try to sell or buy another one?
If you LOVE a racquet but find it a tiny bit unstable and you add weight at 3 & 9, boom maybe it'll make you play so much better because it changed the stability. I don't know but lead tape can be used by anyone as long as they have some sort of knowledge of what it does and what effect it will have.
Anyways, back on the VCore 95, when I had one I definitely had to add lead to it at 12 o'clock, why? Because I just needed that little extra SW and change in balance. The racquet felt completely different after that and I enjoyed it much more than stock. Like I said, everyone is different.
Exactly. I've seen 15-50 year olds in 3.5-Open have lead tape on their racquets. Does it make theit racquet more playable, I don't know and that's up to them. I would guess they likely used the racquet without lead tape prior to hitting with it, tough to see someone use lead tape for no reason.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Actually, my knowledge is very few D1 players use tape, I have knowledge of SMU, Baylor, and TCU. Kids that young using tape us unusual, I know a few stringers who work big 18u tourneys of that level UTR and tape is extremely rare.
adding a few grams to a racket is not a big deal, regardless of age/playing level. Everyone is looking for different things from their racket.
I have to agree, if I used the VC95 "stock" I probably would've never switched to this frame. This frame for me needed that little stability boost at 3 & 9.
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Same here, I can’t use it stock. It’s just very personal. It’s like saying coffee tastes better without milk. Some people need the milk.
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FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I don't even drink coffee, no wonder I like stock sticks 
