2023 Yonex VCores

I"m curious to see the strung weight, SW, and balance on this VCore Tour.

To be fair, I haven't been a fan of the EZone Tour and much prefer the idea of using the lighter racquet to modify up to a player's more preferred spec.
From the ATT page- 315 g unstrung, 315cm unstrung balance.
 

Note it’s missing a key stat.. the RA! Working on getting that number so stay tuned.

ALSO, note the difference on the header with regards to the listed balance as 315mm? That is an error per my rep. The actual value is 320mm as is inscribed on the frame.
Interesting about the typo...

There's a store in SG that is selling this and they list the RA at 62.

In the comments on the ATT video, he says strung SW is 325.
 
If currently using a Vcore100, does the 98 offer more maneuverability and control but not at a huge difference in power enough to make it worth a switch? I have the 23 VC100 and have been playing doubles more lately and found that the maneuverability lacking. Would I gain this with going to the 98?
 
I assume I'm beating a dead drum, but just in case the right person from Yonex read this, I wish the Tour was 16x20. I just don't feel like adding the extra weight is enough to warrant the Tour designation.
Just get the VC95. It's better than the 98 anyway.

If currently using a Vcore100, does the 98 offer more maneuverability and control but not at a huge difference in power enough to make it worth a switch? I have the 23 VC100 and have been playing doubles more lately and found that the maneuverability lacking. Would I gain this with going to the 98?
Stick with the 100. You can adjust the balance in your 100 to make it feel more maneuverable.

I have not found the 98 to offer anything over the 100 at all unless you are particularly finicky about the 1HBH.
 
If currently using a Vcore100, does the 98 offer more maneuverability and control but not at a huge difference in power enough to make it worth a switch? I have the 23 VC100 and have been playing doubles more lately and found that the maneuverability lacking. Would I gain this with going to the 98?
There’s always a trade off when changing up whether within the same line or something different altogether. With regards to the VC100 vs VC98, though the 98 is 5g heavier(not a lot), you gain a little better maneuverability as the smaller head size will feel easier to wield and less cumbersome to get around. The counter though is you give up some real estate in terms of sweet spot and power. How much so depends on string set up. It can be offset by lowering the tension on the 98 to enhance its sweet spot to some degree. IME, it’s really an individual preference. There’s no right or wrong, it’s more about what works well for you. I’d encourage you to demo the 98. Set up a hitting session with someone who’d feed you balls and focus more on ascertaining the differences you feel from each. The real litmus test would be to play several points with each. You’re at a level that you can hit and rally with most anything. The question then becomes, which racket do I trust more and play more confidently with under duress. When you’re having to play for something, notice how your strokes subtly change. Note what you notice and have your hitting partner assess the quality of the ball you’re hitting with each as well. Bottom line, the numbers/specs can take you only so far. You simply have to get out there and hit them all to truly Know whether it’s going to work for you or not.
Best of luck and update us when you’ve done so.
 
I had the opportunity to test the VC98 23 last week and noticed that the strings move a lot (of course, it's a spin racket). It was strung with a Yonex poly at 48 lbs, and 1 set played.
How is the tension loss and durability of the strings overall on the Vcore?
 
There’s always a trade off when changing up whether within the same line or something different altogether. With regards to the VC100 vs VC98, though the 98 is 5g heavier(not a lot), you gain a little better maneuverability as the smaller head size will feel easier to wield and less cumbersome to get around. The counter though is you give up some real estate in terms of sweet spot and power. How much so depends on string set up. It can be offset by lowering the tension on the 98 to enhance its sweet spot to some degree. IME, it’s really an individual preference. There’s no right or wrong, it’s more about what works well for you. I’d encourage you to demo the 98. Set up a hitting session with someone who’d feed you balls and focus more on ascertaining the differences you feel from each. The real litmus test would be to play several points with each. You’re at a level that you can hit and rally with most anything. The question then becomes, which racket do I trust more and play more confidently with under duress. When you’re having to play for something, notice how your strokes subtly change. Note what you notice and have your hitting partner assess the quality of the ball you’re hitting with each as well. Bottom line, the numbers/specs can take you only so far. You simply have to get out there and hit them all to truly Know whether it’s going to work for you or not.
Best of luck and update us when you’ve done so.
I don't know that I'd consider that entirely accurate. I think our concept of maneuverability is related more to the balance of the frame than it is to the head size. We just tend to associate that super HL balance with smaller head sizes. But, you can definitely get a 100 to feel very maneuverable by shifting that balance more HL with some lead on the handle or in the trap door.

It's part of the reason I suggest more 100s than anything else. Having that lower static weight allows players to customize as needed without making the frame too heavy or unwieldy.
 
I don't know that I'd consider that entirely accurate. I think our concept of maneuverability is related more to the balance of the frame than it is to the head size. We just tend to associate that super HL balance with smaller head sizes. But, you can definitely get a 100 to feel very maneuverable by shifting that balance more HL with some lead on the handle or in the trap door.

It's part of the reason I suggest more 100s than anything else. Having that lower static weight allows players to customize as needed without making the frame too heavy or unwieldy.

Another option is to buy the 98 lightweight version (Vcore 98L) and lower its balance by adding weight to the handle. The Vcore 98L is 20 grams lighter than the Vcore 98, and 15 grams lighter than the Vcore 100, which gives you some room to play with.

For example, if you start with a VC98L and add 15 grams centered 5cm from the start of the handle, you'll end up with static weight 316 grams strung, balance of 32.13 (more headlight than the VC100 and slightly lighter than it).
 
Another option is to buy the 98 lightweight version (Vcore 98L) and lower its balance by adding weight to the handle. The Vcore 98L is 20 grams lighter than the Vcore 98, and 15 grams lighter than the Vcore 100, which gives you some room to play with.

For example, if you start with a VC98L and add 15 grams centered 5cm from the start of the handle, you'll end up with static weight 316 grams strung, balance of 32.13 (more headlight than the VC100 and slightly lighter than it).
Experience has taught me that weighting up super-lightweight frames rarely ends well. They usually lack stability.

300g is about as light as a racquet needs to be as a starting weight.
 
I don't know that I'd consider that entirely accurate. I think our concept of maneuverability is related more to the balance of the frame than it is to the head size. We just tend to associate that super HL balance with smaller head sizes. But, you can definitely get a 100 to feel very maneuverable by shifting that balance more HL with some lead on the handle or in the trap door.

It's part of the reason I suggest more 100s than anything else. Having that lower static weight allows players to customize as needed without making the frame too heavy or unwieldy. Try
Of course. From the perspective of weight & balance as the principle determinant factors, certainly your position is sound & well taken. My take was based on the model that everything else being equal, a smaller head size tends to feel more maneuverable than a larger one (same specs for both).
 
Experience has taught me that weighting up super-lightweight frames rarely ends well. They usually lack stability.

300g is about as light as a racquet needs to be as a starting weight.
Agreed. Adding weight alone can enhance a frames playability to an extent. Added weight does not equate to changing the racket’s inherent feel. You can’t make say a PS 97L feel like an RF (extreme, I know). You could match it weight, balance, and swing weight wise. Still wouldn’t transform it into a fabricated RF.
 
Any insight on the published swingweight?
[98+] I added lead tape before using it so it's hard for me to say sorry! I've experimented a lot with tape on the regular 98 so I did something similar. Even though I added 50% less lead it still feels like a beastly swing.

I don't see swingweight labeled anywhere on the racket unfortunately so I'm just guessing. The handle is also a lot longer than the 98 so at least mentally it feels like a really high sw.
 
Just hit with the VCore 98+.

I expected to really like this racket since I love the standard length and I generally prefer longer rackets. But man did this racket feel heavy. It probably has a huge swingweight. I have 15g of lead on my standard length and it never felt unwieldy but the 98+ feels enormous. It felt so heavy that after a few minutes I removed all the lead on it and even stock it felt clubby.

Not really a fan to be honest right now but I'll keep trying it and maybe I'll come around in time.

One thing I really liked were the super long handles though, here's a comparison with the standard length:

 
It felt so heavy that after a few minutes I removed all the lead on it and even stock it felt clubby.

Maybe because you'd already gotten yourself tired from all the previous experimenting? Personally I have experienced a few times that a racquet which felt heavy in a previous session could feel just fine or great in the next one.
 
Maybe because you'd already gotten yourself tired from all the previous experimenting? Personally I have experienced a few times that a racquet which felt heavy in a previous session could feel just fine or great in the next one.
Yes I hope this is the case. My forearm is a bit injured so there's that too. That said my hitting buddy gave it a shot and said it felt heavy too.
 
Just hit with the VCore 98+.

I expected to really like this racket since I love the standard length and I generally prefer longer rackets. But man did this racket feel heavy. It probably has a huge swingweight. I have 15g of lead on my standard length and it never felt unwieldy but the 98+ feels enormous. It felt so heavy that after a few minutes I removed all the lead on it and even stock it felt clubby.

Not really a fan to be honest right now but I'll keep trying it and maybe I'll come around in time.

One thing I really liked were the super long handles though, here's a comparison with the standard length:


@VS_Power -- The 2021 VCore plus models had swing weights in the mid-330s which makes them "clubby" in stock form intrinsically. Adding weight to them makes them even more sluggish if you're not used to high swing weight racquets. I suspect these 2023 models are no different. Do you know what the published stock swingweight is for the new racquets?
 
@VS_Power -- The 2021 VCore plus models had swing weights in the mid-330s which makes them "clubby" in stock form intrinsically. Adding weight to them makes them even more sluggish if you're not used to high swing weight racquets. I suspect these 2023 models are no different. Do you know what the published stock swingweight is for the new racquets?
Haven't seen any sw numbers published, no idea! But I do know my forearm is still killing me
 
If currently using a Vcore100, does the 98 offer more maneuverability and control but not at a huge difference in power enough to make it worth a switch? I have the 23 VC100 and have been playing doubles more lately and found that the maneuverability lacking. Would I gain this with going to the 98?
I’ve owned both. 98 felt like a wet noodle. Felt the same in my hands except for the layup. 100 is a power machine. 98 requires you to smack the ball. I did not find more control. 100 had outrageous topspin even compared to my EZONEs. Full western grip and my forehand is like a mortar.
 

FINALLY! Thanks to Palo Alto Tennis Shop for the assist. First time to see the Wilson Baiardo Tune Pro do it’s thing. Impressive but $4,5k impressive?..

RA stiffness @ 63. Same as standard 305g yet so much more solid feeling with less of a hollowed out, nearing flimsy response at contact.
This would be a good example of how just merely adding weight will not necessarily transform it into a completely different racket.

I def plan to playtest with it a bit more as I really enjoyed the mass & feedback.
 

FINALLY! Thanks to Palo Alto Tennis Shop for the assist. First time to see the Wilson Baiardo Tune Pro do it’s thing. Impressive but $4,5k impressive?..

RA stiffness @ 63. Same as standard 305g yet so much more solid feeling with less of a hollowed out, nearing flimsy response at contact.
This would be a good example of how just merely adding weight will not necessarily transform it into a completely different racket.

I def plan to playtest with it a bit more as I really enjoyed the mass & feedback.
Is this Tennis Town and Country? Wow, they really splurged.
 
Just hit with the VCore 98+.

I expected to really like this racket since I love the standard length and I generally prefer longer rackets. But man did this racket feel heavy. It probably has a huge swingweight. I have 15g of lead on my standard length and it never felt unwieldy but the 98+ feels enormous. It felt so heavy that after a few minutes I removed all the lead on it and even stock it felt clubby.

Not really a fan to be honest right now but I'll keep trying it and maybe I'll come around in time.

One thing I really liked were the super long handles though, here's a comparison with the standard length:

15g on a plus is gonna make it a SW beast lol, why didn't you try it with no mods first :)?
 
Specs and playtest for VC98/23+ is in this new thread for separation:

 
Is it normal for Yonex to have racquets out on the world market but not have them listed on the Japanese website? Even though they haven't been released here in the U.S. yet, I would have expected to find the factory baseline specs for the plus racquets on the Japan site when the racquets are released anywhere in the world.
 
Specs and playtest for VC98/23+ is in this new thread for separation:

@Sardines -- Waiting anxiously for your feedback!! Especially the swingweight. Seems odd that Yonex would go back to higher swingweights with their plus racquets. The mid 330s seems ideal for them in stock form.
 
Hmm.. strange that there’s little info or fanfare re the upcoming VC 98 tour.. looking like it’s going to be a sleeper of a stick with little pub. Guessing all the attention towards the Percept release may have stolen all the spotlight. No matter as I think this is one solid frame!
 
Hmm.. strange that there’s little info or fanfare re the upcoming VC 98 tour.. looking like it’s going to be a sleeper of a stick with little pub. Guessing all the attention towards the Percept release may have stolen all the spotlight. No matter as I think this is one solid frame!
A change in a racquet line (the Percept line) almost always generates more interest than the addition of a different model to an existing line. I just watched a video review of the VCore 98 Tour and it was fairly positive on the tour version but they did have some caveats.
 
A change in a racquet line (the Percept line) almost always generates more interest than the addition of a different model to an existing line. I just watched a video review of the VCore 98 Tour and it was fairly positive on the tour version but they did have some caveats.
^^
Saw that as well. From ATT, two burly English blokes clobbering the ball. I must say, the main reviewer is pretty insightful and certainly has a good grasp of the common tennis tech jargon. I also liked the fact that they also compared it to a weighted up 305g standard as well as the Ezone 98 tour. Clearly had anticipated the main questions most anyone looking at this frame would ask so well done imo.
 
Hitting with the 98, first few months was using it stock. Past two weeks, tried 2g @ 12 a few days, then went to 4@12.. It plays so much more solid especially on serves/returns. I havent tried adding any weight at 3/9 or 10/2 because in the past i didnt like that setup in my blades.

So would by SW be about 334? Also the 4g @12 would reduce the stock 6 pt HL right? I have a babolat leather grip installed
 
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To the Vcore 98 2023 users,; if you have payed or tried the DR98 previously, how would you compare the comfort, arm friendliness of the Vcore?
As many i'm healing from TE so i'm exploring new racquet with newer more up to date comfort but also power.
Thanks!
 
To the Vcore 98 2023 users,; if you have payed or tried the DR98 previously, how would you compare the comfort, arm friendliness of the Vcore?
As many i'm healing from TE so i'm exploring new racquet with newer more up to date comfort but also power.
Thanks!

anyone with TE concerns may want to stay away from ezones and vcores and radicals and extremes, all babolats....
try these:
speed pro
vcore pro 100
percept 97
blade v8 100, probably the best choice for you, has the most power of this group
blade v8 98
gravity line
 
To the Vcore 98 2023 users,; if you have payed or tried the DR98 previously, how would you compare the comfort, arm friendliness of the Vcore?
As many i'm healing from TE so i'm exploring new racquet with newer more up to date comfort but also power.
Thanks!
Former DR98 user and long time GE sufferer here. I think you'd find the VCore 98 2023 comparable to the DR98 and TWU specs seem to agree (below). The only VCore 2023 you'd likely find to be easier on your elbow than the DR98 would be the VCore 95 2023.

PropertyEZone DR 98VCORE 98 2023Difference %
Headsize (in2)
(cm2)
98
632
98
632
0
Length (in)
(cm)
27
68.6
27
68.6
0
Weight (oz)
(gm)
11.5
325
11.4
323
-1
Balance (in)
(cm)
12.9
32.7
12.8
32.5
-1
Swingweight
(kg*cm2)
326318-2
Flex (RDC)6362-2
Twistweight
(kg*cm2)
13.713.91
Vibration (Hz)1411410
Power (%)4140-2
Sweet Zone (in2)
(cm2)
17
109.7
16
103.2
-6
 
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