2023 VCore 100 arm issues?

notthatgood

New User
So I posted back in Jan about the 2023 VCore 98 giving me some arm issues. I've been mostly recovered from TE for a while and decided to give the 100 a shot. Coming from the 2024 Speed MP most often strung with Grapplesnake Tour M8 at 48# (which I actually quite like, but doesn't have the same addictive rip-the-cover-off-the-ball violence of the VC100). Strung the VC100 with both Poly Tour REV 1.20 at 51 which was nice for a few hits but for me, starts to lose it's luster when the coating wears off... then strung Grapplesnake Tour Sniper at 49. It actually feels super duper comfy on impact, but I'm starting to feel a tingling of TE coming back after let's call it 8 hours with the VCore.

Anybody else have issues? I love how I play with the VC but for my arm I may just head back to the Speed for now.
 

snoflewis

Legend
it's pretty difficult to determine what's causing arm pain when you switch both racket and strings. that said, if the VC98 didn't work out for you, it's hard to imagine the VC100 will.

i would also check the tour sniper to see if it's notched. the VC100 is by far the most string hungry frame i've ever tried, and TS notches pretty easily. the same setup that gave me 6-7 hours in a pure drive would give me 2-2.5 hrs in the VC100.
 
it's pretty difficult to determine what's causing arm pain when you switch both racket and strings. that said, if the VC98 didn't work out for you, it's hard to imagine the VC100 will.

i would also check the tour sniper to see if it's notched. the VC100 is by far the most string hungry frame i've ever tried, and TS notches pretty easily. the same setup that gave me 6-7 hours in a pure drive would give me 2-2.5 hrs in the VC100.
True dat! (Although my VCore 98+s are pretty comfortable on my old arms.)
 

esm

Legend
Rekindled with one of my VC100 today for the local comp matches, I think I am going to switch with my new Lite(R) spec.
Btw - it is the 2021 model (or the 2020? The one with light blue bits on it… lol)
 

heavyD

Professional
The VC100 was the frame I was using when I developed full blown tennis elbow. I can't say for sure if it was a bad racquet/string combination because I dropped the racquet like a hot potato to avoid risk of worsening things. I know it's far from the firmest frame out there but for whatever reason I got injured using it. I haven't had issues with the Ezone 100 that I have used a lot this year so it's not a Yonex thing and more maybe just a bad racquet/string combo.
 

miki

Rookie
So I posted back in Jan about the 2023 VCore 98 giving me some arm issues. I've been mostly recovered from TE for a while and decided to give the 100 a shot. Coming from the 2024 Speed MP most often strung with Grapplesnake Tour M8 at 48# (which I actually quite like, but doesn't have the same addictive rip-the-cover-off-the-ball violence of the VC100). Strung the VC100 with both Poly Tour REV 1.20 at 51 which was nice for a few hits but for me, starts to lose it's luster when the coating wears off... then strung Grapplesnake Tour Sniper at 49. It actually feels super duper comfy on impact, but I'm starting to feel a tingling of TE coming back after let's call it 8 hours with the VCore.

Anybody else have issues? I love how I play with the VC but for my arm I may just head back to the Speed for now.
What is your level? VC98 is pretty arm/elbow friendly racquet and its not easy to get TE hitting with it.
 

nintendoplayer

Semi-Pro
TE can also be related to your grip size not fitting perfectly. Yonex grips aren't sized the same as Head's. Try to measure with a tape measure if your VCore grip including overgrip actually has the same circumference as your Head Speed grip with the same overgrip.
 

greeeg

New User
Hey guys,

I stumbled upon this post while searching for the causes of my tennis elbow.

The backstory: I used to play with a Wilson Pro Staff racket, but as I got older, I had to switch to something "easier to play." After trying out a few options, I settled on the VCore 100 (2023).

I kept the same string setup (boyaux/multi) and grip size. Ten months later, I developed TE... and I'm wondering if this new racket might be the cause. Online, there are many people who say that the VCore 100 is very comfortable for the arm. On the other hand (I'm currently forced to stop playing due to this), I don't want to get hurt again by playing with the VCore... I've ruled out the following factors: string setup, frequency of play, technique, balls, and surface. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
 

McEncock

Professional
Hey guys,

I stumbled upon this post while searching for the causes of my tennis elbow.

The backstory: I used to play with a Wilson Pro Staff racket, but as I got older, I had to switch to something "easier to play." After trying out a few options, I settled on the VCore 100 (2023).

I kept the same string setup (boyaux/multi) and grip size. Ten months later, I developed TE... and I'm wondering if this new racket might be the cause. Online, there are many people who say that the VCore 100 is very comfortable for the arm. On the other hand (I'm currently forced to stop playing due to this), I don't want to get hurt again by playing with the VCore... I've ruled out the following factors: string setup, frequency of play, technique, balls, and surface. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
If you get tennis elbow with the most comfortable string setup, it's pretty safe to say that it's from the racquet
Maybe try a low RA 100 inch racquet like a prince x100 for example

If you want to stay with Yonex, maybe try the Percept 100
 

snoflewis

Legend
Hey guys,

I stumbled upon this post while searching for the causes of my tennis elbow.

The backstory: I used to play with a Wilson Pro Staff racket, but as I got older, I had to switch to something "easier to play." After trying out a few options, I settled on the VCore 100 (2023).

I kept the same string setup (boyaux/multi) and grip size. Ten months later, I developed TE... and I'm wondering if this new racket might be the cause. Online, there are many people who say that the VCore 100 is very comfortable for the arm. On the other hand (I'm currently forced to stop playing due to this), I don't want to get hurt again by playing with the VCore... I've ruled out the following factors: string setup, frequency of play, technique, balls, and surface. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
I have not seen "very comfortable" and vc100 used in the same sentence. It certainly isnt, although it's not awful either. None of the yonex outside of certain vcore pro/percept models are anywhere close to comfy, especially when factoring in the RA. I'd look for a different stick. VC98 is very close but softer and less jarring if you dont want a significant switch
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
I have twice recovered from a long period of tennis elbow. I stopped using any poly string and switched to multi strings. When you have TE, any string will give you pain but poly is definitely worse.

Taking a break from tennis does help as long as you make sure to exercise your forearm (and shoulder rotator muscles) muscles. If you have only mild TE, perhaps a few weeks off will help. For more severe TE, a few months off is better.

Only passive rest will not help.

Also, be sure to switch computer mouse to a vertical version which is far better for anyone who has TE.

Multistrings really do play a lot softer on the arm. Many people do not like them, especially anyone who hits really hard and with heavy topspin. But, they are indeed far easier on the arm. A lot.

I have learned to really love multifilament strings. These kind of strings however don’t work well in “spin” racquets like the Vcore 100 or Pure Aero. Due to the very open string pattern they just move around way too much and durability suffers a lot.

Luckily, multi strings work very well in racquets like the Ezone 100 or Ultra 100, or any other racquets with a slightly tighter pattern.

Multi strings are also different. Not all are great just because it is a multi. Check out the TW string stiffness tool at:


Personally, I recommend the IsoSpeed Control Classic 1.30 as it is one of the softest multifilament strings around and still it offers good control and playability.

Last but not least, you should check out this forum post:

 

greeeg

New User
Thanks guys for the advice. I will have a break and I will try to play with my old Wilson Pro Staff to see it is any better.
Regarding the strings… I play 22kg natural gut so below this value, it becomes unpredictable to be so I will keep it like this.
 

Royp91

New User
I have been on and off with the 2023 VC100 and while it isn’t an uncomfortable racquet, it certainly is worse than my alternate racquets (Pure Strike 97). I notice this when I play in colder conditions and after playing many hours. When I start with the VC100 and go to the PS97, it feels like I am hitting with a pillow. Funny enough, I bought the VC100s after developing very bad TE from the Clash 98v2. I had instant relief.
 

KC!

Hall of Fame
The latest VC 100 is very comfortable in my opinion. It’s most likely the string you’re using in it. Tour Sniper is a pretty stiff string. I like the crispness of it, but my arm not so much. My favorite string is S7T, which is a similar feeling string. My arm started hurting & I transitioned to PTP. It’s a softer round poly & plays well in Yonex frames. I’m currently playing with the VCT 98 strung with Toro Toro, which is a pretty comfortable setup too. One other thing that helps is restringing every 15 hours max.
 

celito

Professional
The latest VC 100 is very comfortable in my opinion. It’s most likely the string you’re using in it. Tour Sniper is a pretty stiff string. I like the crispness of it, but my arm not so much. My favorite string is S7T, which is a similar feeling string. My arm started hurting & I transitioned to PTP. It’s a softer round poly & plays well in Yonex frames. I’m currently playing with the VCT 98 strung with Toro Toro, which is a pretty comfortable setup too. One other thing that helps is restringing every 15 hours max.

When people talk TE pain they should really always post the string/gauge and tension they used. It really does make a difference. I've had arm pain with the Prestige MP because I put a 16 gauge poly at 54. Strung it lower and had no problems. I just had some issues with Percept 97 and Poly Tour Rev at 50. Switched to PTP at same tension and had no problems. It's also worth noting how often you're not hitting the sweet spot when playing and if you're hitting the ball in front of you and putting your body behind it instead of using too much arm. I find also find that the serve toss being above and not slightly in front can start putting more strain on the arm.
 

z00

Rookie
Strings make a huge difference, I was on ALU power on Vcore98 tour (2023). I felt tenderness in elbow/forearm after 2h sessions (3.5-4 level). After I switched to sync gut/poly hybrid most of pain went away.
I agree with others to stay away from poly strings at the beginning, then a hybrid when your arm feels better.

Then the rest of pain only went away with technique adjustments, be sure you are hitting in the sweet spot and have someone review your serves, FH, BH, footwork. We may think our technique is solid but it may not be the case.
Vcore 100 is arm friendly with a large sweet spot, I would be surprised if you don't get TE after addressing the above.
 

Thomas1220

New User
I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. I'm a 4.0 player and have been using the Ezone 100L (with some extra lead tape) for the past 1.5 years and strung with gut on the mains (55 lbs) and Head rip control (multifiliment) on the crosses (53 lbs). I have been having some arm issues and the Ezones haven't been feeling as comfortable as they did when I got them. I demoed the VCore 100 standard weight and it actually felt lighter than my Ezone 100L. Granted I have some additional lead tape on my Ezones now, thinking that adding a little weight might alleviate some arm pain but it hasn't helped. Wanted to go to something a little less stiff, somewhat heavier (naturally) and more of a head light balance. I demoed the Ezone 100, VCore 100 and Percept 100 (all standard weights) and for me the Vcore 100 was the runaway winner. These demos were all strung with a Yonex poly string which I would never use. I thought the Vcore was more comfortable than the Ezone yet still very lively. I wonder what it would feel like with my string set up? Now, I'm not so sure about the Vcore 100 after reading this thread. I"m planning to demo the VCore 100 against the Vcore 98 and the Ezone 98 to see if they are a little more comfortable yet won't detract from my game (the 98 versions are slightly more head light, weigh a tad more and are less stiff)a. Or maybe I should just go back to the ProKennex Kinetic Pro 5G that I used about 20 years ago when I developed tennis elbow! And by the way, those racquets eliminated my tennis elbow issues. I'm not having tennis elbow now, per se; it feels more like tendonitis below and above the elbow. Anyway, I appreciate anyone's thoughts or recommendations on the above.
 

z00

Rookie
Gut/MFL work well for TE, gut/soft round poly like wasabix could also work.
You are not the first one who complains about TE with ezone. I would remove it from your list.

Vcore is easy on arms, I suggest you demo both vcore98 & vcore tour. VCT will require less customizations and be easier on arms even though it's a bit heavier.
You may wanna consider blade v9 100, and speed 2024 that are also known to be easy on arms.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. I'm a 4.0 player and have been using the Ezone 100L (with some extra lead tape) for the past 1.5 years and strung with gut on the mains (55 lbs) and Head rip control (multifiliment) on the crosses (53 lbs). I have been having some arm issues and the Ezones haven't been feeling as comfortable as they did when I got them. I demoed the VCore 100 standard weight and it actually felt lighter than my Ezone 100L. Granted I have some additional lead tape on my Ezones now, thinking that adding a little weight might alleviate some arm pain but it hasn't helped. Wanted to go to something a little less stiff, somewhat heavier (naturally) and more of a head light balance. I demoed the Ezone 100, VCore 100 and Percept 100 (all standard weights) and for me the Vcore 100 was the runaway winner. These demos were all strung with a Yonex poly string which I would never use. I thought the Vcore was more comfortable than the Ezone yet still very lively. I wonder what it would feel like with my string set up? Now, I'm not so sure about the Vcore 100 after reading this thread. I"m planning to demo the VCore 100 against the Vcore 98 and the Ezone 98 to see if they are a little more comfortable yet won't detract from my game (the 98 versions are slightly more head light, weigh a tad more and are less stiff)a. Or maybe I should just go back to the ProKennex Kinetic Pro 5G that I used about 20 years ago when I developed tennis elbow! And by the way, those racquets eliminated my tennis elbow issues. I'm not having tennis elbow now, per se; it feels more like tendonitis below and above the elbow. Anyway, I appreciate anyone's thoughts or recommendations on the above.
You don’t want to go heavier if you have shoulder/arm problems. You want to go lighter.
 

z00

Rookie
Light rackets cause TE more IMO. Heavier rackets with weight in handle/throat cause less TE, racket does more of the work. Of course this assume proper technique/footwork, certain skill level.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
Light rackets cause TE more IMO. Heavier rackets with weight in handle/throat cause less TE, racket does more of the work. Of course this assume proper technique/footwork, certain skill level.
Reality is micro adjustments will always be needed to be made during play. Tennis is a dynamic sport. Especially if you’re playing matches when the goal of the other person is precisely to not let you set your feet/ find your position etc. especially on returns. We all do it. Pros do it.

The lighter racquet helps with this without putting too much strain on the arm. I’ve been there, swallowed my ego and made the adjustment. Now I am pain free.
 

sharif

Rookie
Reality is micro adjustments will always be needed to be made during play. Tennis is a dynamic sport. Especially if you’re playing matches when the goal of the other person is precisely to not let you set your feet/ find your position etc. especially on returns. We all do it. Pros do it.

The lighter racquet helps with this without putting too much strain on the arm. I’ve been there, swallowed my ego and made the adjustment. Now I am pain free.
This isn’t always the case. For me, I actually got my rotator cuff tendinitis & then tennis elbow when I was using my oversized very light racket. I think technique and overuse are the biggest contributing factors to these injuries personally. Of course it’s a different story if you’re playing with a racket that is way too heavy for you and then you go lighter.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
This isn’t always the case. For me, I actually got my rotator cuff tendinitis & then tennis elbow when I was using my oversized very light racket. I think technique and overuse are the biggest contributing factors to these injuries personally. Of course it’s a different story if you’re playing with a racket that is way too heavy for you and then you go lighter.
Referring to the latter.

Too light isn’t good either as lighter racquets are often stiffer and head heavier to make up for their lack of mass. It is a balance.

I went down from a 345 SW to 325 and my limbs (and game) has never been better. Same racquet, strings etc.
 

sharif

Rookie
Referring to the latter.

Too light isn’t good either as lighter racquets are often stiffer and head heavier to make up for their lack of mass. It is a balance.

I went down from a 345 SW to 325 and my limbs (and game) has never been better. Same racquet, strings etc.
Yes that makes sense!
 

Thomas1220

New User
Hey thanks everybody for weighing in. I demoed the Vcore 98 and I wish I hadn't--boy is that a nice racquet! What a great feel to it. Not sure it's the right one for me but I keep looking at it. My first Yonex was the RQIS 1 Tour (the black and red one that Ana Ivanovic won the French open with). That racquet felt plush, cozy and so so comfortable at impact and the new VCore 98 strongly harkens back to that plush, soft comfy feel. As much as I like the feel of the 98, I think the extra forgiveness of the 100 is better for my game and the 100 is not at all uncomfortable--it feels and swings lighter than it is. Even mishits/frames don't feel as harsh as my Ezones. According to the specs posted here, the 98 only weighs a 0.1 oz more but is 6 points head light (compared to the 100 which is 4 points head light). I would love to try it with a Yonex overgrip and my normal string set up which is gut on the mains and Head Rip Control on the crosses.
 

Fire Chicken

New User
Hey thanks everybody for weighing in. I demoed the Vcore 98 and I wish I hadn't--boy is that a nice racquet! What a great feel to it. Not sure it's the right one for me but I keep looking at it. My first Yonex was the RQIS 1 Tour (the black and red one that Ana Ivanovic won the French open with). That racquet felt plush, cozy and so so comfortable at impact and the new VCore 98 strongly harkens back to that plush, soft comfy feel. As much as I like the feel of the 98, I think the extra forgiveness of the 100 is better for my game and the 100 is not at all uncomfortable--it feels and swings lighter than it is. Even mishits/frames don't feel as harsh as my Ezones. According to the specs posted here, the 98 only weighs a 0.1 oz more but is 6 points head light (compared to the 100 which is 4 points head light). I would love to try it with a Yonex overgrip and my normal string set up which is gut on the mains and Head Rip Control on the crosses.
Yonex claims the isometric head increases the sweet spot size by ~7%, and as a result, Yonex racquets generally play up a size, e.g. 95 plays like a 98, a 98 plays like a 100, and a 100 plays like a 103 and so on and so forth.

I would demo the VC98 and VC100 side by side and see which one works for you.
 

Thomas1220

New User
Yonex claims the isometric head increases the sweet spot size by ~7%, and as a result, Yonex racquets generally play up a size, e.g. 95 plays like a 98, a 98 plays like a 100, and a 100 plays like a 103 and so on and so forth.

I would demo the VC98 and VC100 side by side and see which one works for you.
Hey thanks Fire. I did exactly that and it made my decision quite tough! Ultimately I went with the 100. That 98 though, boy oh boy, is that ever a nice racquet. If I was 20 years younger I'd go for that one in a heartbeat.
 

roger2025

New User
I am a 4.0 level player. Demoed the vcore 98 and 100 and loved them both. One for extra control and the other for extra forgiveness. Turning 40 this year so i am kinda tilting towards the 100 but its such a tough decision.
 

Royp91

New User
I am a 4.0 level player. Demoed the vcore 98 and 100 and loved them both. One for extra control and the other for extra forgiveness. Turning 40 this year so i am kinda tilting towards the 100 but its such a tough decision.
They play quite a bit different from each other. May be hard do tell how different they are without match play. The 100 is quite a bit stiffer, has much more powerful serves, higher launch angle and more spin. The 98 requires more from the player. I find that the 98 doesn't actually have that much spin compared to other racquets I have used. I ultimately settled on the 98 because I needed more control during match play when you see a lot more short balls, and I had a tendency to overhit the 100.
 

roger2025

New User
They play quite a bit different from each other. May be hard do tell how different they are without match play. The 100 is quite a bit stiffer, has much more powerful serves, higher launch angle and more spin. The 98 requires more from the player. I find that the 98 doesn't actually have that much spin compared to other racquets I have used. I ultimately settled on the 98 because I needed more control during match play when you see a lot more short balls, and I had a tendency to overhit the 100.
I played matches with both and I loved the free power I got from 100 and the control I got from 98. I am 40 yrs now and being someone not so tall (5 feet 7") so probably will go for the 100 just for the extra ease, spin and forgiveness :)
 
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JSchaff

New User
I am 71 years old, 6ft 1in, 240 lbs and switched last year to the 2023 Vcore 98. I put 6gms of tungsten putty in the butt handle to make the racket more head light without sacrificing racket weight. Absolutely no lead tape on the hoop anymore. All rackets are around 332gms and 6-8 pts headlight. Then use Hyper G soft 17gauge string at 48M/46C. Use a 4 1/4 grip and put one or two Wilson comfort overgrips on for squeezability comfort. I have found an easy to use set up with great spin and good power. Had a little difficulty with the back hand volley at first but not any more. It makes so much differences when you experiment with these parameters. Each one can make such a difference in playability and arm comfort. Take your time and find the right setup. It's definitely worth it.
 
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