SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
control is great, serving has a lot of pop
2023 Yonex VCores
- Thread starter Trip
- Start date
control is great, serving has a lot of pop
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
not using it currently but started with PolyTour Pro yellow @44lbs too muted, then used Poly tour Rev Orange @ 44lbs and the stiffness complimented the frame well
ClownCar96
Semi-Pro
I"m going to print your post and show my wife this evening
Playtimefun
Rookie
Buy something like a Prince Neos etc and you will never regret it!!! Even if your not a string breaker it allows you so much freedom plus these days, it will pay for itself pretty quickly. Especially if your driving to a certain shop etc. Now if you buy one of the fancy electronic ones, then you better start stringing for friends because that gets costly.
ClownCar96
Semi-Pro
Found a lightly used prince neos 1000 within a few hours of my house. Guy wants 950... adding a wise 2086 would be $700, so $1650 for the pair. Figured I'd just buy the Gamma ELS or X-ELS new for 1699/1799. But I think I'm going to be patient and see if anything else pops up.
Playtimefun
Rookie
You don't need the Wise 2086 on it. Buy a high quality scale and attach steel lines (you can't use tennis string as it continues to stretch along with many other types of lines) and you will be able to calibrate your machine to easily within 2 ounces of pull. I check and calibrate mine about 3 times a year because I am absolutely obsessive compulsive about it.
With a touch of practice you can be as accurate (on your own racquets anyways) that you will never know the difference. The ONLY time people will notice is if you are stringing for people who have theirs done all the time by 1 particular stringer. I used to string for friends in a city 2.5 hours drive away (two ladies who did break strings but not super frequently and they had multiple racquets). They couldn't figure out why my string jobs felt so much better. The guy had a full electronic machine. Turns out the calibration was off and he was stringing 2 lbs under where it should have been.
So if your doing mainly for your family and occasional friends then you DO NOT need an electronic head.
Now ironically I am idiot who every know and then thinks... I need a new Gamma electronic stringer... why do I need a $5,000 setup??? I string basically 50 racquets a year (wife, me and a few friends). Each time I go... will it be anymore accurate? Nope! Efficient? Well I could maybe string a racquet in 30 minutes versus the 35-40 and that extra 10 minutes will be spent on the couch reading forums lol.
Try and work the guy down and bit (have no clue if that's a good price or not) and go for it. You will never regret it.
With a touch of practice you can be as accurate (on your own racquets anyways) that you will never know the difference. The ONLY time people will notice is if you are stringing for people who have theirs done all the time by 1 particular stringer. I used to string for friends in a city 2.5 hours drive away (two ladies who did break strings but not super frequently and they had multiple racquets). They couldn't figure out why my string jobs felt so much better. The guy had a full electronic machine. Turns out the calibration was off and he was stringing 2 lbs under where it should have been.
So if your doing mainly for your family and occasional friends then you DO NOT need an electronic head.
Now ironically I am idiot who every know and then thinks... I need a new Gamma electronic stringer... why do I need a $5,000 setup??? I string basically 50 racquets a year (wife, me and a few friends). Each time I go... will it be anymore accurate? Nope! Efficient? Well I could maybe string a racquet in 30 minutes versus the 35-40 and that extra 10 minutes will be spent on the couch reading forums lol.
Try and work the guy down and bit (have no clue if that's a good price or not) and go for it. You will never regret it.
Playtimefun
Rookie
I should add, the only bad thing about Neos 1000s is that they are a 2 point mount and sliding clamps. Versus others have 4 or 6 point holds ( way more important if your doing Badminton racquets). The swivel clamps are super nice and convenient.
Having just looked on TW what they are worth... I'm a little more than surprised as I hadn't looked in ages. I think mine was $800 when I got it lol.
Having just looked on TW what they are worth... I'm a little more than surprised as I hadn't looked in ages. I think mine was $800 when I got it lol.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
6 point mount adds so much confidence you wont warp your frame. jsut feels super secure
Playtimefun
Rookie
Very true. I hear stories about tennis racquets warping but I haven't seen it in my own experience in stringing them myself. With Badminton racquets now being strung at over 30 lbs, you have to have multi point holds otherwise the racquet will twist/break. I did see a friends racquet that was actually about 1/8th shorter than normal and it was the result of stringing it. I restrung it for him as he wanted to try some different strings and it was back to normal length. So what the other guy did when he was stringing it????
Now I have strung racquets that have been so worn through in multiple locations and yet they still stayed together that i have been amazed. The key is a good contact and looking it down solidly. Not a loose hold.
Guess I'm saying being carefull with what your doing and you won't have any problems. But I am also not an expert. but i have done a few racquets as well. Either way buying a used stringer is a smart decision.
Now I have strung racquets that have been so worn through in multiple locations and yet they still stayed together that i have been amazed. The key is a good contact and looking it down solidly. Not a loose hold.
Guess I'm saying being carefull with what your doing and you won't have any problems. But I am also not an expert. but i have done a few racquets as well. Either way buying a used stringer is a smart decision.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
sometimes on two point mounts its hard to fully secure and stretch the frame so the frame becomes wider and thus a little shorter
actualy i dont wanna attribute that to the mounting system rather than proper technique
chewverywise
New User
What's your string setup if I may ask?
RF_PRO_STAFF
Professional
I switched to the 2023 VC95 as my main frame for the upcoming league season. I'm a holic at heart but for periods where I play a lot of matches, I just want one frame and one frame only. My recent history of main frames has been 2018 VC95 > Prestige MP-L > Pure Strike VS - 2023 VC95. There are other frames that I seriously like and that could have been main frames easily as well (SV95, UP16, TC95, '21 VCP97). Over the past two weeks, I was trying to decide between the '23 VC95 and the SV95 (after revisiting it). The '21 VC95 naturally was really nice too when I tried it, but it didn't impress me more than the SV, '18 or '23.
What pulled me away from the PSVS is the easy pop on serve that the '23 VC95 gives me. Not everything about the '23 VC95 is better than the PSVS to me, but at this moment it has a slight edge overall.
If it wasn't for the shaky relationship the SV95 and my shoulder have, I probably would have chosen the SV over the '23. The SV95 is not the cause of my shoulder issue but it can flare up a bit when I use the SV very regularly (have a chronic shoulder injury but can still play 3/4x a week when I do the right things). That's why I chose the '23 VC95, mostly to be safe.
I prefer the tighter string pattern and lower twistweight of the SV95 however. Despite having a lower twistweight, in some way it does feel more stable to me. Probably due to the stiffer frame. The flex of the '23 is very noticeable to me, which is nice in other ways. The SV has a very clear feel which I really like but it's slightly too harsh in the end unfortunately.
The '23 works like a charm for me too. Almost perfect fit to my game style which isn't surprising after I liked all of the previous versions. It just feels very natural in all aspects and that is what it's about. Is it fully perfect? No, but nothing is.
After deciding to land on this frame at least for the coming months, I ordered two more for a total of four. I replace the stock grips, add a butt cap flare and add some lead to 12 and do what's needed to match them in specs. With overgrip and rubber band dampener I end up with specs at 338g - 31.7 cm - 324 SW.
What pulled me away from the PSVS is the easy pop on serve that the '23 VC95 gives me. Not everything about the '23 VC95 is better than the PSVS to me, but at this moment it has a slight edge overall.
If it wasn't for the shaky relationship the SV95 and my shoulder have, I probably would have chosen the SV over the '23. The SV95 is not the cause of my shoulder issue but it can flare up a bit when I use the SV very regularly (have a chronic shoulder injury but can still play 3/4x a week when I do the right things). That's why I chose the '23 VC95, mostly to be safe.
I prefer the tighter string pattern and lower twistweight of the SV95 however. Despite having a lower twistweight, in some way it does feel more stable to me. Probably due to the stiffer frame. The flex of the '23 is very noticeable to me, which is nice in other ways. The SV has a very clear feel which I really like but it's slightly too harsh in the end unfortunately.
The '23 works like a charm for me too. Almost perfect fit to my game style which isn't surprising after I liked all of the previous versions. It just feels very natural in all aspects and that is what it's about. Is it fully perfect? No, but nothing is.
After deciding to land on this frame at least for the coming months, I ordered two more for a total of four. I replace the stock grips, add a butt cap flare and add some lead to 12 and do what's needed to match them in specs. With overgrip and rubber band dampener I end up with specs at 338g - 31.7 cm - 324 SW.
Interesting!
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
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Playtimefun
Rookie
Lol. Maybe that's why I am liking my new one??? I weighed it when I got it and it was 308.2 grams. Still even the WORST out of spec Yonex is better than Wilson's quality control.
Playtimefun
Rookie
I gotta learn how to accurately do swingweights because I don't know if my new one is low or high because my 2 - 2021 VC95 versions have so different swingweights that I had no choice but to add lead to the one just so that the two played similarly for when a guy breaks strings!!!
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Bummer. I bought two 98s from my local shop about 6 weeks apart and they were within a gram of each other. And both within a gram of spec'd weight. Maybe TW is picked over. Try some other retailer.
KC!
Hall of Fame
My two VCORE 100’s I bought from TW were identical & right on spec too.
For my 98 setup, I've settled on PT Strike / Tour 850 hybrid at 52/54 lbs. Not married to Tour 850. It's at my local shop and guy said Rexis Comfort is just a rebrand of it (perhaps a new coating). I'll probably mix up the softer string (maybe Wilson Sensation or something like that). But PT Strike feels great to me.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
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SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
like Pro Hurricane to RPM Hurricane kind of rebrand?
Playtimefun
Rookie
Wilson racquets within a gram of each other!!!! You should have bought lottery tickets that day!!!! You could have won the power ball with better odds. And I WAS a long time Wilson user!!!
My trouble is, I get to order my racquets right from the yonex distributors and unfortunately there's no asking for matching. I get what they send me. Hence my 21 VC95s were pretty different swing weights.
Will see how the new VC95 handles 5.0 doubles tomorrow night. But being honest... it's the body and getting into position against the young buggers that kills me and it's got nothing to do with the racquet. But what else to blame? Hmmm maybe the shoe laces????!!!!!
My trouble is, I get to order my racquets right from the yonex distributors and unfortunately there's no asking for matching. I get what they send me. Hence my 21 VC95s were pretty different swing weights.
Will see how the new VC95 handles 5.0 doubles tomorrow night. But being honest... it's the body and getting into position against the young buggers that kills me and it's got nothing to do with the racquet. But what else to blame? Hmmm maybe the shoe laces????!!!!!
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
when you slide your shoelaces get torn up badly. in juniors i accidnetally ripped one all the way through i finally had the excuse to blame it on my shoelaces for not being able to run properly
Playtimefun
Rookie
Lol. I wish!!! My whole tennis game and come to think of it my golf game too is based on see ball... hit ball HARD!!! If ball comes back... hit ball HARDER!!!
I went back to a synthetic grip from leather on my 98. Plays a lot better imo. Too headlight didn't work as well as I'd thought and I didn't want to bump the static weight close to 350g by added weight to the hoop to get the balance closer to stock.
Still very stable for my needs. Currently strung with 1.30 VS gut and 1.27 Ghostwire crosses @ 52/48 and I can smack the crap out of the ball with no issues or discomfort.
Still very stable for my needs. Currently strung with 1.30 VS gut and 1.27 Ghostwire crosses @ 52/48 and I can smack the crap out of the ball with no issues or discomfort.
I used to be same way. Losing cured me of that. Lol
Always have AC at the top of my subscribe list. The absolute pinnacle of YT racquet reviews. Guy might not be the 6.0+ that apparently some people here need to see before they'll even consider the person's input, but he certainly has a gift for communicating in an understandable, highly relevant way.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Anyone noticing strings wear a LOT faster with the 2023 VC95 vs. the 2021? I'm getting a lot more overall string movement with the more open spacing and my hybrid is only lasting about 5-6 hours instead of 7-8 with the 2021.
I've noticed that with the 98 (23 vs 21). Making me want to find a more durable soft string. But I adore the feel.
Playtimefun
Rookie
Ok. Was up on 5.0 court for doubles league so truly gave me a good chance to feel out the new VC95 vs old. Definitely more pop on groundstrokes and serves. Easier to hit flat with power. More spin (especially kick serve improvement) and slice. Volleys definitely not as much touch as the 21 version, but I think I personally needed the power more that I can give up some touch (unfortunately). Interestingly... was hitting high slice/block lob returns off the big serves that were coming on the backhand. Kept lobbing it back to within 3 or 4 feet of the baseline and I would come charging in. I was really happy holding my own against 2 strong 5.0s and another 4.5 who happens to be really playing well these days. Bugger is playing 6 days a week. We actually put one of the 5.0s down tonight!!!
Anyways pretty happy with the 2023 VC95. Definitely prefer it over my 21VC95, and VCP97d.
Anyways pretty happy with the 2023 VC95. Definitely prefer it over my 21VC95, and VCP97d.
Playtimefun
Rookie
Also a big thank you to the group. Volkl cyclone 19 gauge at 40 lbs, Gosen Micro OG 18 gauge at 40. Both double pulled for tension... so maybe it's the equivalent of 42 and 42. But strung up both new and old VC95sthis wsy and liking it. Come to think of it might have lost a bit of touch on the old VC95 BUT this combo really shone in the new VC95.
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
You should consider yourself extremely lucky with your experience with Wilson. I bought 2 PS97 v11 a few years ago, and they were 10g and 5mm balance apart. One swung like a feather, the other like an anvil. Mine is hardly an isolated case, if you care to search for threads about Wilson QC (or lack thereof). You can also go to YT and check Tan's review of the PS97 v14: he had access to 15 frames, and the SW varied from <310 to >330, a variation in excess of 20 pts. The reality is that no one on this board would notice a SW difference of 3 pts, and 5-6 pts is completely understandable for a mass produced item that still has a fair amount of manual labor into it, translating in slight changes in weight distribution. But that's not what one gets, in general, with Wilson, who are notorious for having the loosest standards in the industry.
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Hey all, thought I’d post my thoughts on the VC95 after playing with it for 3 weeks, about 12 sessions.
Firstly, although I’m coming from DR98s I played with 95 sq inch rackets in juniors so I was never worried about the head size, just as some added context.
It came strung with PTP at what felt like 52-55 pounds, person in the store couldn’t tell me. This is much higher than my regular mid 40s so I was a bit worried but right from the first hit it felt like butter! It came out to 334 grams with overgrip and dampener.
I’m a tall lefty with a big serve and forehand that likes to place the ball with spin until I can either attempt to finish the point with a forehand or come in to volley.
Comparing to the feel of the DR98 the VC95 was much ‘cleaner’ with decent ball feedback but rock solid feel and no pinging which I appreciated.
I hit high up on the racket and was immediately rewarded on serves with power and placement. Less spin than I’m used to but I usually played shaped polys (Grapplesnake usually) so that’s likely a factor. I forgot how much I missed a 95 on serve, I was able to place serves that really came through the court with a little bit of swing into the body of my opponents.
Forehand was outstanding, I hit with a ton of spin as my go to and people I regularly play were surprised at the increase in spin, as well as the depth. Worked best when I had time to set up, as there really is a big drop off in feel and power if you mis hit towards the bottom of the frame.
Backhands felt solid, I hit with a two hander and I appreciated the weight in the shoulders of the frame gave me a feel for where the racket tip was when behind my shoulder to come through the ball. I have a competent 1 handed after attempting to switch for a while, but I found that something about the VC95 didn’t work for me at all on this shot (I want to say it’s the shoulder weight again, this time making it harder to snap the wrist) and I had better results with the DR98.
volleys were fine if not spectacular. It has the mass and rock solid feel to block, but is still a 95 so unforgiving on reflex volleys.
Return was the biggest and most pleasant surprise, my return has jumped from competent to one of my favourite aspects of the game. With the sweet spot being so high up it really rewards stretch returns on the forehand out wide that come back with surprising depth, as well as snapping the wrist on the backhand side to either block return or come over the ball more aggressively.
Overall I couldn’t be happier. Don’t listen to anyone who says a 95 isn’t possible in today’s heavy spin baseline game. The main thing that stood out to me with the VC95 was stability, it felt more like a club with the weight at 10 and 2 compared to the DR98 which has mass through the spine of the frame, but is prone to flutter. I’m making the full switch, and will be starting to experiment with strings. Have a few gauges of the Solinco strings, with Hyper G 1.25 at 48lbs up first. I have added 3 grams of weight to the buttcap but honestly might take it out, feels a little redundant.
thanks to everyone who has posted in this forum for such a long period of time, I live in NZ and we have massive supply chain issues so my pre order was delayed by months, these posts all kept me hyped. Let me know if you want comparisons to other frames including the blue VCP 97330, green VCP97 310, Youtek Radical Pro, Microgel Radical MP, current Ezone 100 (wrist breaker), Gravity, or Prince Phantom Line. I’ve come back to tennis after a big gap so have tried most of the well received up to date lines as well as a few older classics.
Firstly, although I’m coming from DR98s I played with 95 sq inch rackets in juniors so I was never worried about the head size, just as some added context.
It came strung with PTP at what felt like 52-55 pounds, person in the store couldn’t tell me. This is much higher than my regular mid 40s so I was a bit worried but right from the first hit it felt like butter! It came out to 334 grams with overgrip and dampener.
I’m a tall lefty with a big serve and forehand that likes to place the ball with spin until I can either attempt to finish the point with a forehand or come in to volley.
Comparing to the feel of the DR98 the VC95 was much ‘cleaner’ with decent ball feedback but rock solid feel and no pinging which I appreciated.
I hit high up on the racket and was immediately rewarded on serves with power and placement. Less spin than I’m used to but I usually played shaped polys (Grapplesnake usually) so that’s likely a factor. I forgot how much I missed a 95 on serve, I was able to place serves that really came through the court with a little bit of swing into the body of my opponents.
Forehand was outstanding, I hit with a ton of spin as my go to and people I regularly play were surprised at the increase in spin, as well as the depth. Worked best when I had time to set up, as there really is a big drop off in feel and power if you mis hit towards the bottom of the frame.
Backhands felt solid, I hit with a two hander and I appreciated the weight in the shoulders of the frame gave me a feel for where the racket tip was when behind my shoulder to come through the ball. I have a competent 1 handed after attempting to switch for a while, but I found that something about the VC95 didn’t work for me at all on this shot (I want to say it’s the shoulder weight again, this time making it harder to snap the wrist) and I had better results with the DR98.
volleys were fine if not spectacular. It has the mass and rock solid feel to block, but is still a 95 so unforgiving on reflex volleys.
Return was the biggest and most pleasant surprise, my return has jumped from competent to one of my favourite aspects of the game. With the sweet spot being so high up it really rewards stretch returns on the forehand out wide that come back with surprising depth, as well as snapping the wrist on the backhand side to either block return or come over the ball more aggressively.
Overall I couldn’t be happier. Don’t listen to anyone who says a 95 isn’t possible in today’s heavy spin baseline game. The main thing that stood out to me with the VC95 was stability, it felt more like a club with the weight at 10 and 2 compared to the DR98 which has mass through the spine of the frame, but is prone to flutter. I’m making the full switch, and will be starting to experiment with strings. Have a few gauges of the Solinco strings, with Hyper G 1.25 at 48lbs up first. I have added 3 grams of weight to the buttcap but honestly might take it out, feels a little redundant.
thanks to everyone who has posted in this forum for such a long period of time, I live in NZ and we have massive supply chain issues so my pre order was delayed by months, these posts all kept me hyped. Let me know if you want comparisons to other frames including the blue VCP 97330, green VCP97 310, Youtek Radical Pro, Microgel Radical MP, current Ezone 100 (wrist breaker), Gravity, or Prince Phantom Line. I’ve come back to tennis after a big gap so have tried most of the well received up to date lines as well as a few older classics.
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
@SackFeral - Thanks for your insights. How would you rate your skill level in UTR, NTRP or otherwise?
Torps
Semi-Pro
VC98 has been great so far.. Coming from the 97D, which I probably could’ve kept playing, to EZ98 w/ leather. This racket pretty much does everything the EZ98 can, but better because the flex is so sweet. I missed this response leaving the VCP line, except this racket offers the bump in power I was actually seeking with the Ezone. VC98 is basically the VCP100, but in a smaller head size and more headlight.. it’s a players vcp100 and just as forgiving. Hope the honeymoon lasts.. 47/45 lbs RPM power.
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@Torps - Nice update. A few VC98 questions:
1) How is control on flatter strikes?
2) How is the overall string bed consistency? As solid over as much surface area as the 97D?
3) How are off-center hits lower in the string bed? Do rebound and predictability fall off a cliff (like they do with the VC95) or is it still pretty decent?
Thank you sir!
1) How is control on flatter strikes?
2) How is the overall string bed consistency? As solid over as much surface area as the 97D?
3) How are off-center hits lower in the string bed? Do rebound and predictability fall off a cliff (like they do with the VC95) or is it still pretty decent?
Thank you sir!
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95 didn't work for me the last version, still didn't. Didn't think there was much of a difference between the two versions, though it could be the garbage TW strings on Yonex demos that can't get me into them... awful combo. Weight distribution isn't good for western grip players.
Mine didn't feel too light. Heavier than most 95's and even 98's through the air for equal spec.
Serves were pretty good though.
Mine didn't feel too light. Heavier than most 95's and even 98's through the air for equal spec.
Serves were pretty good though.
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Playtimefun
Rookie
I should add that I found the stability a touch better as well on the new VC95. Overall... I'm scared to order a second new VC95 because I doubt that I will get something matches. But overall... the new model definitely feels like an improvement over the2021VC95. But I do also know that it's not that much that a person can't switch back and forth. It's just you might have a preference for one versus the other depending on what you are looking for. Wish I had access to the 2018 version you guys always talk about.
While the 2018 has some of the best feel of any frame ever, it's also the least stable or forgiving VC95 ('18 <= '15 SV < '21 <= '23). So as if using the 95 wasn't generally challenging enough for most rec players, with the 2018, you really, really need to be in peak physical shape, able to dime the sweet spot basically every time and always be on the gas looking to attack; otherwise it's going to be an even longer day at the office than it already is with the 2023. So it may be more of a purist's dream, but it's simply harder to use. But don't believe me, though. Go snag one off **** and see for yourself. If you do, just a word to the wise, you'll want to slap on 3-4g of lead (at minimum) at 9 and 3 and you'll want to string low, for as much extra pop as you can possibly control.
It has a string bed feel that reminds me the most of the gravity MP with a bunch of lead, the ball really sinks in and flies back out. Obviously same string pattern but considering the head size difference I think the similarity is probably more due to beam thickness, flex and the teardrop head shape
4.0-4.5 probably, NZ uses a completely different ranking system to anyone. Used to play regional tournaments as a junior, played competitive ranked matches year round until early 20s. Coming back after 7 years off so rust is the biggest issue
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
probabaly more so 4.5-5.0
4.0 is like pretty well rounded recreational player with a little less of a competitive background i believe. having rankings and such would place you higher up
