2023 Yonex VCores

[Playtimefun]

@Trip

Thanks for the comparison. That was truly a good analogy and I very much appreciated it.

 

[ericykchan]

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 noticed that with my 2023 VC100. Same string and tension on 2021 VC100 did not move at all after 10 hours of play. 2023 VC100 string started to move after 2 hours.

 

[MICHELUZZO]

Swingweight issues with my Vcore 100. Weight and Balance 318/33 cm. SW 329. Using PTP 1.25. Can Anyone expain ? Thanks

 

[jmacdaununder2]

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.

Choice review Bro!
Curious if you tried the '23 VC98?

 

[Torps]

@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!

-No issues flattening out strokes.. my swing is pretty flat considering and I use an eastern grip. I like that I don't have to think about adding spin especially inside the baseline. I just swing through as normal and let the VC98 do it's thing. Not sure I've had enough time to judge string bed consistency as of yet. Don't think this would beat out the 97D though that was a magical stick.

 

[KC!]

Swingweight issues with my Vcore 100. Weight and Balance 318/33 cm. SW 329. Using PTP 1.25. Can Anyone expain ? Thanks

That is exactly where mine are at, but I had to add 2 grams @ 10/2 & add overgrip. You got one a little over average spec it looks like.

 

[leojramirez]

Managed to get 2 new vcore 98 for a good price. Strung with head lynx 1.25 at 23kg.

I'm a 2018 and 2021 vcore 98 user. Also used the vcore 95 2018 and the 2021 for a couple weeks.
Compared to the vc98 2021:
2023 feels more controllable, probably due to the slight dwell time. Similar power, maybe feels like a bit more because of the improved solid feel. Spin is improved too. The feel is vastly improved to me. Is very comfortable.
Plays like a vcore.
Overall its a very good and worth update. Strings don't last long though. 3 hours total.

 

[Lefty33]

Managed to get 2 new vcore 98 for a good price. Strung with head lynx 1.25 at 23kg.

I'm a 2018 and 2021 vcore 98 user. Also used the vcore 95 2018 and the 2021 for a couple weeks.
Compared to the vc98 2021:
2023 feels more controllable, probably due to the slight dwell time. Similar power, maybe feels like a bit more because of the improved solid feel. Spin is improved too. The feel is vastly improved to me. Is very comfortable.
Plays like a vcore.
Overall its a very good and worth update. Strings don't last long though. 3 hours total.

Spot on. Also, you can brag about what you paid. Let's hear it.

 

[leojramirez]

Spot on. Also, you can brag about what you paid. Let's hear it.

210 euros + 5 euros matching service each. Goes for 270 on twe plus 20 euros for the matching.

 

[Lefty33]

210 euros + 5 euros matching service each. Goes for 270 on twe plus 20 euros for the matching.

Well played!

 

[Nostradamus]

 

[Starsailor84]

So, Sansait's review is out on Vcore 95. Per usual, I found it a bit suspicious, especially the part of the "low launch angle from the forehand side". 2 more weeks until i get them, 2 more weeks...

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

So, Sansait's review is out on Vcore 95. Per usual, I found it a bit suspicious, especially the part of the "low launch angle from the forehand side". 2 more weeks until i get them, 2 more weeks...

Just use the '21 version, it's slightly better and cheaper.

He is right about the 1 hander, it shines on 1 handed backhands.

 

[Wilsonbro]

He is right about the SERVE . Maybe I need to put a leather grip on mine . It’s really hard to hit bombs with the 95 for flat serves

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

He is right about the SERVE . Maybe I need to put a leather grip on mine . It’s really hard to hit bombs with the 95 for flat serves

Stringing below 45 pounds? It helps

 

[Wilsonbro]

Stringing below 45 pounds? It helps

Won’t i lose control . On groundstrokes

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Won’t i lose control . On groundstrokes

I'm not sure, It won't increase the power to Ezone 98 levels, but if you are very sensitive to any changes, you might.

 

[Vicious49]

So, Sansait's review is out on Vcore 95. Per usual, I found it a bit suspicious, especially the part of the "low launch angle from the forehand side". 2 more weeks until i get them, 2 more weeks...

Also he said he only tried the frame for 5 hours. I like ACTennis review methods better where he tries several differnt sting and lead setups in a frame over a month or so time before giving his opinions.

 

[celito]

So, Sansait's review is out on Vcore 95. Per usual, I found it a bit suspicious, especially the part of the "low launch angle from the forehand side". 2 more weeks until i get them, 2 more weeks...

The 21 version has a fairly low launch angle for me. I'd expect the 23 version to be pretty similar.

 

[Patassa]

Casper Ruud plays a DR 100+ frame and doesn’t seem to have control problems. But some 3.5 keeps spraying forehands into the back fence and he starts investigating the VCORE 97 D with dead poly in the high 50s.

The 100 is a great size for most of us rec players.

Yeah this, I'm baffled by all the people here who think they need to be playing with a 95 sq in racket.

 

[Chopin]

Yeah this, I'm baffled by all the people here who think they need to be playing with a 95 sq in racket.

I use a 93, and I don't think I need to be playing with it, but I love the control and pinpoint precision. I've played with 95 or less dating back to high school and the Yonex RD-7.

 

[Lefty33]

Yeah this, I'm baffled by all the people here who think they need to be playing with a 95 sq in racket.

Equally baffling is how many ignore the 98. Guess the middle child always gets ignored.

 

[flanker2000fr]

Yeah this, I'm baffled by all the people here who think they need to be playing with a 95 sq in racket.

Because it fits better those players with a OHBH and who hit through the ball with an Eastern grip on the FH. I have tried a number of 100 sq.in., and found that they were clunky on my OHBH, and I lacked control on the FH. I could probably play with a 98, but haven't found one that I really like.

 

[Playtimefun]

Sorry I don't see this... I gotta play with a 95 thing. I'll play with a 135 sq inch racquet for all I care what anybody thinks. I stayed with the PS85 for over 25 years UNTIL 3 shoulder tears convinced me to get rid of 7 of the 8 racquets that I had. Trying to move to 90s and 95s wasn't a problem as long as you prepare early. For the guys who lead up their racquets a lot why not just go to the heavier racquet. When I got my VCP97D, I noticed how much faster it was then the VCP97HD but it didn't mean that much because my fat ass wasn't moving fast enough to get into position. I don't know what it was with the 21VC98, but I could not volley with that racquet to save my life. As a doubles specialist... that's kind of a deal breaker lol.



If your somewhere where you get to demo racquets just count yourself lucky. Some of us have no choice but to buy and go off TW reviews and the comments you guys make.

 

[Playtimefun]

And a friend has a basement full of racquets because of such a search. Lol

 

[Patassa]

Because it fits better those players with a OHBH and who hit through the ball with an Eastern grip on the FH. I have tried a number of 100 sq.in., and found that they were clunky on my OHBH, and I lacked control on the FH. I could probably play with a 98, but haven't found one that I really like.

Fair enough, I forget that not everyone is using semi western or full western these days.

 

[KC!]

I am one of those people that thought I always needed a 98. I recently demoed the 2023 VCORE 98, 2022 Ezone 98 & threw in the 2023 VCORE 100. Going into it I planned on liking the VCORE 98, but ended up loving the VCORE 100. It was easy power, easy spin, very forgiving & more powerful on two hand backhand. I think we get in a mindset as we get better that smaller is better. But that’s not always the case , really playing some of my best tennis with the VCORE 100.

 

[Torps]

I am one of those people that thought I always needed a 98. I recently demoed the 2023 VCORE 98, 2022 Ezone 98 & threw in the 2023 VCORE 100. Going into it I planned on liking the VCORE 98, but ended up loving the VCORE 100. It was easy power, easy spin, very forgiving & more powerful on two hand backhand. I think we get in a mindset as we get better that smaller is better. But that’s not always the case , really playing some of my best tennis with the VCORE 100.

How does the 100 serve in comparison to the 98?

 

[Fxanimator1]

youll anger some ppl with the criticisms on Yonex QC haha be careful out there

Man did you ever get that right!
One person actually said, "You should consider yourself extremely lucky with your experience with Wilson."

I'm so "lucky" to have bought many Wilson racquets, and they have all been within 2 grams of each other, yet the first and only Yonex racquet I've ever owned, I bought because I heard the QC was outstanding, and I get a 277 swingweight racquet, that's 6 grams lower than spec.

I mean is that a skewed perspective or what?
Oh well, back to my Blades.

 

[Lefty33]

I am one of those people that thought I always needed a 98. I recently demoed the 2023 VCORE 98, 2022 Ezone 98 & threw in the 2023 VCORE 100. Going into it I planned on liking the VCORE 98, but ended up loving the VCORE 100. It was easy power, easy spin, very forgiving & more powerful on two hand backhand. I think we get in a mindset as we get better that smaller is better. But that’s not always the case , really playing some of my best tennis with the VCORE 100.

Did you ever play with the 2021 VC 100? I demo'd that and liked it but just don't care for the weighting. And it had too much power for me. Wonder how different they are.

 

[KC!]

I never played with the 2021 VC 100. What did you not like about the weighting? I have played with mostly 98 controlled frames, so this 100 is a big jump back in time for me when I started off with 100's. I feel like the 2023 Vcore 100 is controlled power for me. I can't hit with quite the precession of my 98 controlled frames but make up for it with power & spin.

 

[heavyD]

I am one of those people that thought I always needed a 98. I recently demoed the 2023 VCORE 98, 2022 Ezone 98 & threw in the 2023 VCORE 100. Going into it I planned on liking the VCORE 98, but ended up loving the VCORE 100. It was easy power, easy spin, very forgiving & more powerful on two hand backhand. I think we get in a mindset as we get better that smaller is better. But that’s not always the case , really playing some of my best tennis with the VCORE 100.

I'm actually playing my best tennis right now with a Blade 104 V8 and it's the first oversize racquet I've used since my old POG days in the 90's.

 

[KC!]

How does the 100 serve in comparison to the 98?

I think they're both great on serve, but give the edge to the 100. I can get more action on my serves with the 100. More power, more spin, more kick & more slice.
The Ezone 98 was amazing on serve too, it may have edge on Vcore's.

 

[KC!]

I'm actually playing my best tennis right now with a Blade 104 V8 and it's the first oversize racquet I've used since my old POG days in the 90's.

I have a friend who is a 5.0 who plays with an old Blade 104. He has one of the biggest serves in my club & the spin is crazy he generates with it. The racquet is old & beat up, but he punishes people with it.

 

[Torps]

I think they're both great on serve, but give the edge to the 100. I can get more action on my serves with the 100. More power, more spin, more kick & more slice.
The Ezone 98 was amazing on serve too, it may have edge on Vcore's.

Interesting.. think the VC98 edges out the EZ98. I get way better kick out of my VC98 and flat is more or less just as good.

 

[KC!]

Interesting.. think the VC98 edges out the EZ98. I get way better kick out of my VC98 and flat is more or less just as good.

I did not have a great experience with the VC 98, it may have been the demo was strung to tight that I tried.
I was going to have my club restring it but I loved the 100 so much I didn't bother.
But I think VCORE & EZONE are both top tier on serves though.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Man did you ever get that right!
One person actually said, "You should consider yourself extremely lucky with your experience with Wilson."

I'm so "lucky" to have bought many Wilson racquets, and they have all been within 2 grams of each other, yet the first and only Yonex racquet I've ever owned, I bought because I heard the QC was outstanding, and I get a 277 swingweight racquet, that's 6 grams lower than spec.

I mean is that a skewed perspective or what?
Oh well, back to my Blades.

I brought 3 unstrung VC98s with the placard to a customizer. these swing weights are of course different than what unstrung would be without the placard but they were 311, 314, 316. difference of 5 between highet and lowest isnt that bad i dont think but when ppl think Yonex I think they think tighter than that

 

[Torps]

I brought 3 unstrung VC98s with the placard to a customizer. these swing weights are of course different than what unstrung would be without the placard but they were 311, 314, 316. difference of 5 between highet and lowest isnt that bad i dont think but when ppl think Yonex I think they think tighter than that

Seems odd to measure swing weight with placards on

 

[SupahMan5000]

Seems odd to measure swing weight with placards on

They’re not mine they’re for sale, so it would’ve been cumbersome to manipulate them off and put back on. Having a relative swingweight to one another is good enough to know which one is highest

 

[Lefty33]

They’re not mine they’re for sale, so it would’ve been cumbersome to manipulate them off and put back on. Having a relative swingweight to one another is good enough to know which one is highest

I heard Yonex's QC on the weight of placards is trash.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Because it fits better those players with a OHBH and who hit through the ball with an Eastern grip on the FH. I have tried a number of 100 sq.in., and found that they were clunky on my OHBH, and I lacked control on the FH. I could probably play with a 98, but haven't found one that I really like.

Ditto. In addition for this particular racket line the VC95 was a revolution in rackets, something that is available that has no comparable equivalent. The VC98 and VC100 are great too, but they even have competition within the Yonex family from the Ezones. If I had a full western FH or semi and a 2 handed backhand and hated going to the net, I'd probably try to learn to use a EZ 100 .

 

[tennisandtennis]

. If I had a full western FH and a 2 handed backhand and hated going to the net, I'd probably try to learn to use a EZ 100 .

Lol you just described me and I am a EZ100 zealot

 

[Nate7-5]

Seems odd to measure swing weight with placards on

You cannot get accurate sw measurements with a placard still in because the air resistance makes the racquet feel more head heavy. Those are all way too high for unstrung sw anyway.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Lol you just described me and I am a EZ100 zealot

You are a unicorn! Unless you meant you are a semi western full western 2 hander.

 

[tennisandtennis]

I’m a full western FH and normal 2HBH player

 

[heavyD]

You cannot get accurate sw measurements with a placard still in because the air resistance makes the racquet feel more head heavy. Those are all way too high for unstrung sw anyway.

Sounds perfectly fine if you are the type of person that determines their racquet weight from the postage declared weight of it in the box when shipped.

 

[Lefty33]

I never played with the 2021 VC 100. What did you not like about the weighting? I have played with mostly 98 controlled frames, so this 100 is a big jump back in time for me when I started off with 100's. I feel like the 2023 Vcore 100 is controlled power for me. I can't hit with quite the precession of my 98 controlled frames but make up for it with power & spin.

They just feel too light for me in some situations. I liked hitting with the 100 (2021) but when I tried it in a match it's a bad fit with my desire to hit the ball hard. Like on a soft ball when I'm back in doubles and there are two guys at the net. I just want to hammer the ball hard and with the 100 I felt like I had to swing easy or I'd launch it.

Now you could make a very compelling argument that it would be wise to swing easy all the time. But my primitive, reptilian brain has other plans. And I don't think that will ever go away. lol

 

[tennisandtennis]

They just feel too light for me in some situations. I liked hitting with the 100 (2021) but when I tried it in a match it's a bad fit with my desire to hit the ball hard. Like on a soft ball when I'm back in doubles and there are two guys at the net. I just want to hammer the ball hard and with the 100 I felt like I had to swing easy or I'd launch it.

Now you could make a very compelling argument that it would be wise to swing easy all the time. But my primitive, reptilian brain has other plans. And I don't think that will ever go away. lol

Add weight. My EZONE 100 weighs 345g and it’s a monster against heavy balls.

 

[KC!]

They just feel too light for me in some situations. I liked hitting with the 100 (2021) but when I tried it in a match it's a bad fit with my desire to hit the ball hard. Like on a soft ball when I'm back in doubles and there are two guys at the net. I just want to hammer the ball hard and with the 100 I felt like I had to swing easy or I'd launch it.

Now you could make a very compelling argument that it would be wise to swing easy all the time. But my primitive, reptilian brain has other plans. And I don't think that will ever go away. lol

I added 2 grams @ 10/2, leather grip & over grip, 328 swing weight, 333 static weight,5 pt HL. I have one racquet strung with Tour Hex & one with Lynx Tour @ 53lbs. Tour Hex more pocketing & controlled. The Lynx Tour a little more pop, liking it a lot. I swing out on my shots & have no issues with keeping ball on the court. I feel like I can overwhelm opponents with heavy top spin shots & hit through as well. I did have to adjust my swing path at first from my Blade Pro. I’m sure the 98 is great too, wish I would have tried with better string setup.

 

[Lefty33]

I added 3 grams @ 10/2, leather grip & over grip, 328 swing weight, 333 static weight,5 pt HL. I have one racquet strung with Tour Hex & one with Lynx Tour @ 53lbs. Tour Hex more pocketing & controlled. The Lynx Tour a little more pop, liking it a lot. I swing out on my shots & have no issues with keeping ball on the court. I feel like I can overwhelm opponents with heavy top spin shots & hit through as well. I did have to adjust my swing path at first from my Blade Pro. I’m sure the 98 is great to, wish I would have tried with better string setup.

Good advice. I'm happy with my 98. But I'll demo the 100 when I get a chance. Too many good things said to ignore it.