2023 Yonex VCores

[Federerkblade]

After this weekend I will prob string one with gut poly

prob 54/51 but to be decided and

one with blue PTP which is more springy than the yellow prob 47/44.5

see if I can dial these in and just hope somehow I can get them to work for me

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I hardly played any tennis at all between age 19 and age 46, and when I started playing again, I spent nights tracking those old frames all over the internet. At this stage, I have pretty much every layup and paintjob available for that mold, both in Adidas and Kneissl. I must have between 15 and 20 of them. Now, the only one that's actually playable for me is a made in Brazil Kneissl White Star Master 10 with the 1987 cosmetics, that came in a SL4 configuration. It "only" weighs 350g strung with Triax 1.33, inclusive of overgrip and dampener. All of the other ones range from 360g to 400g strung.

Guaranteed you have the largest collection in the world, even more than someone who might have worked for the company.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

If you all want to see the sweetspot of the new 95 versus older ones, you can check TW university. It's slightly different but not really that much different.

 

[SupahMan5000]

used auxetic radical for 5 minutes quit. used my trusty Ultra Pro fell in love again. I will not be switching to the VC95

 

[Doubles specialist]

Any 4.5+ players able to chime in with their preferred full bed poly tension and lead setup for the 98? Currently at 47M/45X and 2g at 10/2 and butt each. Trying 2g at 12 and 3/9 next. Thinking 10/2 will probably end up being the best to add upper hoop stability which is where I hit and what this racket was designed around.

For reference, I think it swings much faster than an Ezone 98 (bought 2020 and 2022). Launch angle is a bit erratic for me still but I’ll figure it out soon enough. Ezone with the 16/19 closed pattern is way more reliable for flat hitting. The open pattern on the 98 requires topspin to keep the ball in, not sure if I’m a fan of it yet or not. At least it’s making me play less like an idiot and prevents me from straight blasting balls with the Ezone. It does hit a mean ball when you get enough top on it, the arc is fun to watch.

string tension is so different for everyone because we all have different games and swings. In general poly is meant to be strung loose that is where you really get the benefit of ball pocketing. I am a 5.0 and a classic serve and volley player that relies on my volleys, half volleys and ability to carve the ball; i love to lob my returns and come in behind them but I can also rip the ball when i have too. Personally with my game I tend to string a little on the tighter side usually a couple pounds above mid range I currently play the first Srixon iteration of the CX 200 Tour 18x20 CX 2.0 it is a wet noodle usually around 55 lbs for the mains and 53 for the crosses i like having the ability to place my volleys on a dime. I know other players that would string 5-7 lbs looser because they like to rip the ball from the baseline so it just depends. I like to play with the softer polys Poly Pro Tour, Head Lynx Kirschbaum Flash; i dont break strings very often so I can go with the less durable softer polys. But just try them out and see what you like. Softer polys are easier on the arm and have more power but less control and spin, the firmer polys allow you to take bigger swings and get more ball bite but they can be harder on the arm and dont have nearly the feel the softer ones do so there are always trade offs. Most of the pros tend to play with the stiffer polys for the most part except the yonex guys Nick, and Tiafoe both play with PPT. Just my .02

 

[Federerkblade]

update to come on my hit today

seems like I have strung these too high and the other one I have now with lead at 12 and strung 3 pounds looser and a week after stringing which I just received can feel a big difference versus the tight one

wish I had strung them at 46-44 now

 

[Federerkblade]

This is a great review and I agree with what he said

the first hit I tried on Wednesday I was very disappointed with the 95 I thought I had made a big mistake buying . It just felt dead. I questioned my skill set and thought I may have to sell these quick

i had also stung it way too high .. and yellow ptp is stiff and slightly hard initially and then it breaks in and also looses tension but playability remains . I hit with it the next day after stringing .
I added lead at 12 3,5 inches which I rarely do but had no choice as it felt also too whippy

I also received my second v 95 a week after it was strung . It was strung 2-3 pounds looser and also would have suffered some tension loss in a week as I took a week to deliver it

that racquet I also applied lead at 12 alongside lead at 2 and 10 6 inches and lots of lead at throat

today the racquets especially the lower strung one felt like a completely differnt frame

it felt like I could do loads more with it including serving well hitting forehands and backhands and the sweetspot felt nowhere as small as I felt it ealier in yjr week

there was some pocketing but ideally I felt I could go much lower , I would say 46.5 /44.5 would be ideal

The power when you hit sweetly feels great .

I had planned to string it with gut but I may hold off for now . The other issue stringing with gut is not knowing they tension to string it at .. I may check the swingwieghts before I decide

I did also try a slightly broken frame from a day when I smashed it on the floor which had been strung with gut mains and I had not used it for 4 years . The gut to my shock still played fine .

 

[CosmosMpower]

This guy's racquet journey mirrors my own. From the different iterations of the Babolat Pure Storms to the Wilson 6.1 95s to Yonex VCORE SV95s and beyond. Currently playing the with '21 VC95 but realizing I probably could use more pop at my level of 5.0. I think there is a lot of us who are used to and like the feel of classic thin box beamed frames, are looking to update to modern spin + power frames, but haven't found one that ticks all those boxes.

try lowering tension fixes a lot of things with vc95

 

[Playtimefun]

I am down at 40 lbs on mains and 37 on crosses with Cyclone 19 gauge. But I double pull it on the Neos 1000 stringer. So I am assuming that's 2-3 lbs higher in actuality. Just discovered swinging volleys with this racquet. What an awesome feeling and I actually rediscovered my technique to hit a really good topspin serve. It's not the kick that I'm used to, but I am getting it to drop within about 6 feet of the net with a second bounce landing about 15 feet wide of the doubles alley. So excited to see what the 7th gen VC95 will bring.

 

[Federerkblade]

I wish someone had warned me about stringing high because it’s the biggest issue or way to ruin the feeling on these 95s I think that goes back to the previous generation too

no idea how kaurue was playing with it at 58 lbs

 

[Federerkblade]

I wish someone had warned me about stringing high because it’s the biggest issue or way to ruin the feeling on these 95s I think that goes back to the previous generation too

no idea how kaurue was playing with it at 58 lbs

It also questions why garin was playing so high and the ball felt dead against Medvedev

 

[Trip]

garin

Giron

 

[ProRadTour]

Yonex frames shine in the low 40s with poly

 

[Federerkblade]

Giron

sorry Giron yes

 

[CroPlayer]

I tried the VC95 today, the racquet is good, it feels better compared to the VC95 '21. The sweet spot seems more constant/larger in the '21 model. The racqut is quite anemic in shots in the lower half of the racquet. Somehow, it seems to me that Yonex has stepped into the territory of the VCP 97 with this model, which to be honest, the VCP 97 has a better feel and the sweet spot is much larger and more constant, as well as the stability of the racket. The feel of the racquet is good, but in my opinion it is definitely not a racquet for the majority in the long run. After the initial enthusiasm, I think there will be a lot of VC95s that people will put up for sale.

 

[Federerkblade]

I tried the VC95 today, the racquet is good, it feels better compared to the VC95 '21. The sweet spot seems more constant/larger in the '21 model. The racqut is quite anemic in shots in the lower half of the racquet. Somehow, it seems to me that Yonex has stepped into the territory of the VCP 97 with this model, which to be honest, the VCP 97 has a better feel and the sweet spot is much larger and more constant, as well as the stability of the racket. The feel of the racquet is good, but in my opinion it is definitely not a racquet for the majority in the long run. After the initial enthusiasm, I think there will be a lot of VC95s that people will put up for sale.

Did you play it stock ?

Iv had to add more lead to the frame than any frame I have ever before to get it to any stage to me liking it

One frame is now 350g with a replacement grip and overgrip I believe 6.5pts headlight maybe nearly 7
The other is 345g and just over 6 pts headlight

lead is replicated on both, not sure how Iv got to a 5g difference . There was a 2 g difference when they arrived , max 3g

I don’t know the swingwieghts of them now

but when they arrived there was a 1 point difference in swingwieght strung with the same strings

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

This is a great review and I agree with what he said

Do you agree with him that the Ezone 98 gives more spin? I'm on the fence there, but I do think the Tour 98, HD, D, and H, generate more spin, slightly than the 95 or the 100.

no idea how kaurue was playing with it at 58 lbs

His stick is so different than a stock one, I think he likes the control and minimal power, like below normal.

 

[CroPlayer]

Did you play it stock ?

Iv had to add more lead to the frame than any frame I have ever before to get it to any stage to me liking it

One frame is now 350g with a replacement grip and overgrip I believe 6.5pts headlight maybe nearly 7
The other is 345g and just over 6 pts headlight

lead is replicated on both, not sure how Iv got to a 5g difference . There was a 2 g difference when they arrived , max 3g

I don’t know the swingwieghts of them now

but when they arrived there was a 1 point difference in swingwieght strung with the same strings

I played with stock. I will try to put 2 grams each on 3 and 9 and maybe even on 4 and 8. Somehow it seems to me that if I fill it with lead too much, then I will reach the 97HD specifications, and it was the best racket for me, but very messed up after an hour and half the game. That's why I like to play with a racket for which I need a minimum of lead, and this racket requires a lot of lead and low tension.

 

[Federerkblade]

I played with stock. I will try to put 2 grams each on 3 and 9 and maybe even on 4 and 8. Somehow it seems to me that if I fill it with lead too much, then I will reach the 97HD specifications, and it was the best racket for me, but very messed up after an hour and half the game. That's why I like to play with a racket for which I need a minimum of lead, and this racket requires a lot of lead and low tension.

So yourself like me feel it needs a lot of lead and also low tensions seems very stock to me

they are often light frames which need a lot of lead are seen as something special …

 

[Federerkblade]

Do you agree with him that the Ezone 98 gives more spin? I'm on the fence there, but I do think the Tour 98, HD, D, and H, generate more spin, slightly than the 95 or the 100.

His stick is so different than a stock one, I think he likes the control and minimal power, like below normal.

Is he not using a retail stick then ?
In comparison to an xi 98 that hits quite flat for me and not as much spin as this I think the v core 95 if you stick with it ,

i agree with reviews .. it gives you what you put in .. hence why the very good players may like it a lot and feel it can give them everything

I think it could be a great gut Poly frame but finding the right tension is a big experiment

there’s finding the right tension for groundstrokes and then it’s completely differnt for the serve so finding the right compromise could get expensive experimenting

54 on mains guts sounds right but in comparison to a poly sounds very high for this frame but then gut is soft .. ? That’s my rationale so far .. just hope I don’t waste gut and realise I got the tension very wrong .. complete waste of money then

there must be a vcore 21 user that is scanning these forums that can advise from experince a good tension for the gut mains and poly who has used it in the v core 21 ?

so far I’m thinking 54gut 51 Alu power soft
Hoping this isn’t too tight

or 52/49 …and then hoping this isn’t too loose

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Is he not using a retail stick then ?


there must be a vcore 21 user that is scanning these forums that can advise from experince a good tension for the gut mains and poly who has used it in the v core 21 ?

I mean he modified his , probably to a higher degree than contemplated here.

I use full poly, but found 46-48 pounds, 17-18 gauge, brought out the useable vc95 power on the '21.

 

[Playtimefun]

Ok... dumb question because this has always... for lack a better term bugged and/or intrigued me. Why would you weigh up a VC95 to 345 or more? I mean buy a VCP97? I'm trying for that combination of quick maneuverability and touch with the ability to at least have some ability to groundstroke returns and get into the net. But I'm only playing doubles or mixed. Just curious. I mean my VCP97D swings way easier than my VCP97HD but it's still nearly 12 ounces strung.

 

[Federerkblade]

The reason for me is I’m confused about what models fits where .

i did t even know about other racquets in yonex line

knew about ezone and v core got headlines because of the release and marketing

without demoing it’s hard to establish what’s more suitable or not ..

 

[Playtimefun]

I should say though that my first mission when my new VC95 gets here is to switch the grip with a leather one and try that. A friend has been has been doing this for years.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Ok... dumb question because this has always... for lack a better term bugged and/or intrigued me. Why would you weigh up a VC95 to 345 or more? I mean buy a VCP97? I'm trying for that combination of quick maneuverability and touch with the ability to at least have some ability to groundstroke returns and get into the net. But I'm only playing doubles or mixed. Just curious. I mean my VCP97D swings way easier than my VCP97HD but it's still nearly 12 ounces strung.

its not uncommon to have some overlap in models but i think balance, the 16x20, smaller headsize, etc that makes the VC95 more suitable than the 310 depending on the players style. I also found the VCP97 to have a little too much flex so there might be a feel difference to take into consideration

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Ok... dumb question because this has always... for lack a better term bugged and/or intrigued me. Why would you weigh up a VC95 to 345 or more? I mean buy a VCP97? I'm trying for that combination of quick maneuverability and touch with the ability to at least have some ability to groundstroke returns and get into the net. But I'm only playing doubles or mixed. Just curious. I mean my VCP97D swings way easier than my VCP97HD but it's still nearly 12 ounces strung.

To the annoyance of many I repeat the same thing. A few kind of chuckled at my opinion based on my playtest video, but yes, I have also hit with true '18 VC95 users that are UTR 10 and in HS and 2 guys in D1 tennis that use it stock for that reason as singles players.

The reason for me is I’m confused about what models fits where .

i did t even know about other racquets in yonex line

knew about ezone and v core got headlines because of the release and marketing

without demoing it’s hard to establish what’s more suitable or not ..

I can tell you, if you feel like saying what you are looking for.

 

[SupahMan5000]

also maybe some ppl like the VC95 red scheme more than VCP retro look. could be as material as that if they play close enough to someone

 

[Federerkblade]

Will add although tennis spin and Harry get a lot of criticism some justifiable

a customer suggested to Harry and he did a video where best to weight you the v core 18 I think it was or maybe the 21 I can’t remember

they then reviewed it and said it’s so much better

I copied what they said in terms of the lead placements on the 95 23

 

[PhxRacket]

Do you agree with him that the Ezone 98 gives more spin? I'm on the fence there, but I do think the Tour 98, HD, D, and H, generate more spin, slightly than the 95 or the 100.

His stick is so different than a stock one, I think he likes the control and minimal power, like below normal.

If ppl can handle it, the new EZT 98 is a really, really good stick. I’m leaving my Blades and this is one that I played well with. In addition, I gelled with the Whiteout and the new VCORE 98.

 

[Saitamaxpunch1]

If ppl can handle it, the new EZT 98 is a really, really good stick. I’m leaving my Blades and this is one that I played well with. In addition, I gelled with the Whiteout and the new VCORE 98.

Agree EZT 98 is the best in the Yonex lineup right now - especially if you are an aggressive baseliner. Seems to have spin, power, control balanced our real nice. Demo’d the new VC 98 and 100 and they feel nice but don’t seem too offer much incremental benefit on any vector I could find

 

[CosmosMpower]

Yonex frames shine in the low 40s with poly

yep or poly main soft cross string. I’m doing diadem solstice power 1.15 and evolution 1.25 which stretches to about an 18 gauge. 41-43 depending on weather playing in the mid 30s after an hour or two.

 

[Fxanimator1]

.

 

[aehjmeyer]

You guys are making me paranoid about the grip size on my incoming 98 (my first Yonex).

 

[Fxanimator1]

.

 

[tennisandtennis]

The grip is so bad I’m still not sure if it felt flexy because of it or the RA. Didn’t bother wasting a leather grip on it. Friend loved it, sold it off to him.

Either way, I’m back to hitting rockets with my EZONEs. The VCORE 98 was a nice demo but I preferred the 2021 100 much more. But maybe I’ve just grown into a power frame more.

 

[Federerkblade]

Yeah, the stock grip is awful, so that’s a good move on your part.
Also, I am going to lower tension from the 48lb that I just did, because it felt a little too tight for 95sq in.

so did you test drive the frame

 

[eric42]

You guys are making me paranoid about the grip size on my incoming 98 (my first Yonex).

I don't know how the other grip sizes run, but the current Yonex palette size 3 is almost a size 4 with other brands. I normally play with a 3, but ordered another VC98 size 2 and some 1/2 grip size shrink sleeves if needed. We'll see. But I always pull the stock grip and add leather.

If you’re referring to my comment, the grip size (pallet) wasn’t an issue for me, but the grip on it is cheap.

It might be cheap, but I think more that it's deliberately thinner than most other brands' base grip. I'd suspect Yonex does this for grip feel and because they don't need to rely on a thick cushion grip to damp vibrations since there is already so much damping with the VDM in the handle.

 

[A_Instead]

I have been hearing feedback that the new VCore 98 grips are running larger than normal.. typically Yonex grips feel a tad bigger than most imo due to the non existent butt..so the grip feels bigger as your lower wrist isn't angled as a result of a butt.. hence the upper grip feels bigger.
Anyone seeing This on the new VCore 98's?
My new VCore 100 in 4 1/4 feels no different than my Ezones in 4 1/4..both Ezone 98 and 100..

 

[eric42]

I have been hearing feedback that the new VCore 98 grips are running larger than normal.. typically Yonex grips feel a tad bigger than most imo due to the non existent butt..so the grip feels bigger as your lower wrist isn't angled as a result of a butt.. hence the upper grip feels bigger.
Anyone seeing This on the new VCore 98's?
My new VCore 100 in 4 1/4 feels no different than my Ezones in 4 1/4..both Ezone 98 and 100..

It's not just the butt cap difference. Some numbers on my '23 VC95, '22 Pure Strike VS, and '21 CX200, all size 3 and measured over the same Head leather base grip -

The Babolat and Dunlop both measured exactly 111.5 mm in circumference (above the butt cap) and the Yonex measured 114 mm.

 

[aehjmeyer]

I don't know how the other grip sizes run, but the current Yonex palette size 3 is almost a size 4 with other brands. I normally play with a 3, but ordered another VC98 size 2 and some 1/2 grip size shrink sleeves if needed. We'll see. But I always pull the stock grip and add leather.



It might be cheap, but I think more that it's deliberately thinner than most other brands' base grip. I'd suspect Yonex does this for grip feel and because they don't need to rely on a thick cushion grip to damp vibrations since there is already so much damping with the VDM in the handle.

I’m in between a 3 and 4 anyway, so maybe it’ll be perfect. We’ll see…

 

[Lefty33]

I have been hearing feedback that the new VCore 98 grips are running larger than normal.. typically Yonex grips feel a tad bigger than most imo due to the non existent butt..so the grip feels bigger as your lower wrist isn't angled as a result of a butt.. hence the upper grip feels bigger.
Anyone seeing This on the new VCore 98's?
My new VCore 100 in 4 1/4 feels no different than my Ezones in 4 1/4..both Ezone 98 and 100..

Think people were just saying Yonex is bigger than usual. Not singling out VCore. It's the same as recent Yonex (which I have to compare).

 

[A_Instead]

Sort of a shame on as the grip size and shape is a very ADHD item to me..
I can spend time and time again to even get a over grip to feel right..and not to mention trying to match the same feel and wrap on my back ups..
If I could have a current 4 3/8 Head grip on any other racket.. everything would be perfect.. one of main reasons why I have used Head rackets for so long..

 

[Federerkblade]

Updated review

just did cross court drills for over an hour backhand to backhand

using xi98
Vc 100
Vc95

the Vc 95 tension has dropped remarkedly the ptp does that from past experience and now it feels amazing versus when I got it early in the week

two hander is no problem rallying at all

you can drive it and loop it. It’s got more spin than the xi 98 as xi 98 tighter pattern in middle

the 10

no serving today

shocked how much racquet has transformed with lead at 12 and tension dropping

Love the 95 now can do so much with it

will add I found the racquet very forgiving Now

sweetspot didn’t feel small at all

 

[Nate7-5]

I wish someone had warned me about stringing high because it’s the biggest issue or way to ruin the feeling on these 95s I think that goes back to the previous generation too

no idea how kaurue was playing with it at 58 lbs

When I first demo'd the v6 VC95, they had PolyTour Air Im guessing at 53lbs. I could feel the promise of the racquet but the sweet spot almost disappears at that tension. I just picked up another sale 95 and put in Klip uncoated gut 1.25 @56lbs X PolyTour Fire 1.25 @51lbs.

This one is 281 unstrung sw and my 1st one was 285. This string setup + overgrip/damp came out to 312sw. Going to try it out and maybe add .5g @ 12 at most. It plays really well sub 320sw.

 

[A_Instead]

Nice pic.. often wonder if the 3 indentations at the throat bridge intersection have and positive impact on performance..
I can see how they can influence a flex point.. but anything else?
Marketing materials say improved aerodynamics with less drag... just wondering if they actually do anything...

 

[Federerkblade]

When I first demo'd the v6 VC95, they had PolyTour Air Im guessing at 53lbs. I could feel the promise of the racquet but the sweet spot almost disappears at that tension. I just picked up another sale 95 and put in Klip uncoated gut 1.25 @56lbs X PolyTour Fire 1.25 @51lbs.

Please do report back with this tension and sweetspot as it would be very helpful for me as well as how big the sweetspot is etc

nice picture too

although some feedback ptp yellow fits this frame very well at lower tensions or when tension drops

 

[rh310]

Has anyone played with a vcore AND a head radical mp? I feel like they are similar frames on paper (?) does the vcore have a little more control? Does the VC 100 still have enough control compared to the rad mp?

This is interesting. I’m playtesting the new VC98 and hit with it for the first time yesterday. 2 hr practice session from warm up to point play.

I think it feels almost exactly like a Head Radical MP, and said that a few times during the hit. Heavy swingweight and sluggish at least compared to the 16x19 Blade v8 I’m using now.

 

[Lefty33]

This is interesting. I’m playtesting the new VC98 and hit with it for the first time yesterday. 2 hr practice session from warm up to point play.

I think it feels almost exactly like a Head Radical MP, and said that a few times during the hit. Heavy swingweight and sluggish at least compared to the 16x19 Blade v8 I’m using now.

Hmmm. VC98 and Blade V8 have same SW and I'd guess VC is more aerodynamic. Surprised to see "sluggish" describe it.

 

[atatu]

Is it pretty much accepted that the new Vcore 100 has more power and spin than the Ezone 100 (2022) ? I expected the Ezone to have more power, but everyone I've talked to says the Vcore has more.

 

[Federerkblade]

V core 100 is a great frame . Yonex knocked it out the park but they also smashed it with the 95