Ryebread
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I have had the new Yonex Vcore v6 95/98/100 for a week. I have some interesting notes that I haven't seen or heard yet.
Notes:
I do not modify my frames in any way, aside from overgrip.
I play five days a week, 90-120 mins indoors
4.0 baseliner male @45, playing with a 5.0 all-courter female (who only plays at 100% and is 20 years younger).
I have played with over 20 racquets during covid. I have a Slinger ball machiine, and several friends at my club who are always available.
Sticks I tried for a week or so:
Pure Strike 100 - good weight for me, but too stiff and no soul
Pure Strike 18x20 - too stiff, too heavy and/or not HL enough
Pure Strike 16x20 - too stiff, too heavy and/or not HL enough
Pro Staff v13 97L - far too stiff
Blade 16x19 v7 - I very much like this, if it were 5 grams lighter and a smidge more HL = yum
Gravity Tour - liked it a lot, but was missing something
Radical Pro (new) - little too heavy
Clash Pro - liked it for a short time, then it got weird on me
Other sticks I owned and liked for a while (this year):
Aero VS - before I learned about the effect of stiff frames on our joints
Pro Staff 97 v13 - before I learned it's too heavy for me
Specs on the racquets I have now (including overgrip and otherwise stock):
Clash 98 332/11.71, 31 3/4 - 8HL (stock it is 331SW)
Speed MP 360+ 317/11.18, 32 9/10 - 3.75HL (stock it is 330SW
The Clash 98 are my primary sticks.
However, I tweaked my wrist recently. I was feeding a friend for a while, and probably did it then. Not sure.
So I spent the last few weeks with the Head 360+ Speed MP. This is an amazing racquet for me.
It's a little lighter than my Clashes, my wrist appreciates the lower overall weight a lot more, even though the SW is so close.
The Speed MP is lighter indeed, but the stick is still so stable! Very impressive.
Then I got the three Vcores v6 on demo, 95 98 100
without overgrip:
95: 326/11.50
98: 322/11.36
100: 318/11.22
Primary point of this post:
(I hadn't touched a Yonex in the past 15 years, so for folks who are not aware of the different Yonex frames, this may be helpful for you)
The Vcore 100 is only a 300 gram stick.
The scale doesn't lie, but it plays much higher than that! And if you hit with a modern swing path, the control is there!
Folks probably go into hitting with the 100 (or completely skip it) thinking, "Oh, it's the 100, it's for a beginner. The 98 is probably more for me".
And guess what, maybe that is true to some extent.
However, the new Vcore 100 is SO VERY close to the 360+ Speed MP! If you are currently playing with a 98 that is on the lighter side, or a 100 of any weight... you need to give the 100 a fair shot.
The Speed MP has a slightly more plush feel to it, but that is not saying that the 100 Vcore is not comfortable, because it is.
The Speed may have a smidge less power and therefore slightly slightly more control, along with lower launch angle, less easy depth.
Serving was fine for me, with these 100s, despite the larger frame moving through the air, primarily b/c they are lighter.
THBH seemed more consistent with the Yonex.
The Yonex handle is a little longer than any handle I've ever used.
Speed MP and Yonex 100 Vcore both have good stability for 100!
I can NOT believe how stable either of them are, but especially the Yonex, b/c look at the swingweight:
Yonex Vcore v6 100 with overgrip 323/11.39, 32 7/8 - 4 3/4 HL (stock it is 324SW)
Speed MP 360+ with overgrip 317/11.18, 32 9/10 - 3.75HL (stock it is 330SW)
Some reviewers said they wanted more control, so the 100 is not for them. They obviously are drawn to the 98 or even the 95.
I played with those two and they are indeed nice for what they are, and their weight.
But I swing hard and fast vs. a 5.0 female. And I had more control and played better with the 100! I have a modern swing path, obviously.
If you hit flat as a board, the ball may sail on you, with the 98 or 100!
If you have a modern swing, and like a 300 gram stick or have wrist issues (and was consider going down in weight) do not discount the 100.
The strings in it? blue poly tour or poly tour something, not sure. mid range +2 is what demos normally come in at.
After one day with it, it felt amazing.
Update: post number 7 below has more on strings in both the yonex and speed!
Vcore 100 vs. the 98
When I look at the 98 after playing with the 100?
The 98 is a lot heavier. But it's far more headlight.
Stability was a little improved obviously, but I'm telling you, the 100 is doable!
I could play with this 98 all day, it does everything well.
But, I noticed a lower launch angle and didn't get the depth I wanted (like with the 100)
The 98 is a tad too heavy for me at 305, I guess, since I like the Speed MP and the Vcore 100.
So there should be a 98L right? at 300?
Nope, the 98L is 285 gram racquet. And this is a fail. Why would they have a 98L at 285?
I feel the two 98's should be 300 and 305/310.
There is more access to spin with the 100, it’s like an aero but bigger sweet spot, more comfort, and more control for me. The spin is fun and addictive; you don’t need to overdo it, no windshield wiper motion required.
I could own both though, and use the 98 until I get tired and/or only use the 98 when my wrist is feeling perfectly ok. They play similarly enough IMO. But yes there things that standout: the 98 feels a little bit more plush, heavier but more HL, more control/less power, again lower launch angle/less spin.
Vcore 95 vs. the 98
I thought the 95 was going to be like a Prestige. But it was not. It had a little more power than the Prestige and was easier to play with.
The weight of the 95 and 98 seem VERY close, you can barely notice the difference.
I don't have much to add here b/c I didn't play with the 95 too much, string broke.
But the sweet spot in the 95 is larger than you would expect in a 95. So don't be afraid to try it.
So, I think I'm transitioning from the Clash 98 to the Vcore 100 or Speed MP.
Leaning Yonex at the moment.
Neither of them are giving me arm issues, after 10+ hours with them.
And I have enjoyed improved consistency from them (vs Clash 98).
Stability (about the same as Clash 98) has nit been an issue, surprisingly - while giving my wrist a break with the lower weight!
comfort - consistent strokes - stability - lower weight = the tennis “hat trick” for me!
I'm babbling now, but I hope this helps someone.
I'm not the best at articulating this stuff, so I hope it makes sense
Cheers!
p.s.
updates below, as I purchased the vcore 100 v6.
more updates with string choices, fails, weigh-ins, etc!!!
and then ultimately, a change to the vcore 98 v6.
Notes:
I do not modify my frames in any way, aside from overgrip.
I play five days a week, 90-120 mins indoors
4.0 baseliner male @45, playing with a 5.0 all-courter female (who only plays at 100% and is 20 years younger).
I have played with over 20 racquets during covid. I have a Slinger ball machiine, and several friends at my club who are always available.
Sticks I tried for a week or so:
Pure Strike 100 - good weight for me, but too stiff and no soul
Pure Strike 18x20 - too stiff, too heavy and/or not HL enough
Pure Strike 16x20 - too stiff, too heavy and/or not HL enough
Pro Staff v13 97L - far too stiff
Blade 16x19 v7 - I very much like this, if it were 5 grams lighter and a smidge more HL = yum
Gravity Tour - liked it a lot, but was missing something
Radical Pro (new) - little too heavy
Clash Pro - liked it for a short time, then it got weird on me
Other sticks I owned and liked for a while (this year):
Aero VS - before I learned about the effect of stiff frames on our joints
Pro Staff 97 v13 - before I learned it's too heavy for me
Specs on the racquets I have now (including overgrip and otherwise stock):
Clash 98 332/11.71, 31 3/4 - 8HL (stock it is 331SW)
Speed MP 360+ 317/11.18, 32 9/10 - 3.75HL (stock it is 330SW
The Clash 98 are my primary sticks.
However, I tweaked my wrist recently. I was feeding a friend for a while, and probably did it then. Not sure.
So I spent the last few weeks with the Head 360+ Speed MP. This is an amazing racquet for me.
It's a little lighter than my Clashes, my wrist appreciates the lower overall weight a lot more, even though the SW is so close.
The Speed MP is lighter indeed, but the stick is still so stable! Very impressive.
Then I got the three Vcores v6 on demo, 95 98 100
without overgrip:
95: 326/11.50
98: 322/11.36
100: 318/11.22
Primary point of this post:
(I hadn't touched a Yonex in the past 15 years, so for folks who are not aware of the different Yonex frames, this may be helpful for you)
The Vcore 100 is only a 300 gram stick.
The scale doesn't lie, but it plays much higher than that! And if you hit with a modern swing path, the control is there!
Folks probably go into hitting with the 100 (or completely skip it) thinking, "Oh, it's the 100, it's for a beginner. The 98 is probably more for me".
And guess what, maybe that is true to some extent.
However, the new Vcore 100 is SO VERY close to the 360+ Speed MP! If you are currently playing with a 98 that is on the lighter side, or a 100 of any weight... you need to give the 100 a fair shot.
The Speed MP has a slightly more plush feel to it, but that is not saying that the 100 Vcore is not comfortable, because it is.
The Speed may have a smidge less power and therefore slightly slightly more control, along with lower launch angle, less easy depth.
Serving was fine for me, with these 100s, despite the larger frame moving through the air, primarily b/c they are lighter.
THBH seemed more consistent with the Yonex.
The Yonex handle is a little longer than any handle I've ever used.
Speed MP and Yonex 100 Vcore both have good stability for 100!
I can NOT believe how stable either of them are, but especially the Yonex, b/c look at the swingweight:
Yonex Vcore v6 100 with overgrip 323/11.39, 32 7/8 - 4 3/4 HL (stock it is 324SW)
Speed MP 360+ with overgrip 317/11.18, 32 9/10 - 3.75HL (stock it is 330SW)
Some reviewers said they wanted more control, so the 100 is not for them. They obviously are drawn to the 98 or even the 95.
I played with those two and they are indeed nice for what they are, and their weight.
But I swing hard and fast vs. a 5.0 female. And I had more control and played better with the 100! I have a modern swing path, obviously.
If you hit flat as a board, the ball may sail on you, with the 98 or 100!
If you have a modern swing, and like a 300 gram stick or have wrist issues (and was consider going down in weight) do not discount the 100.
The strings in it? blue poly tour or poly tour something, not sure. mid range +2 is what demos normally come in at.
After one day with it, it felt amazing.
Update: post number 7 below has more on strings in both the yonex and speed!
Vcore 100 vs. the 98
When I look at the 98 after playing with the 100?
The 98 is a lot heavier. But it's far more headlight.
Stability was a little improved obviously, but I'm telling you, the 100 is doable!
I could play with this 98 all day, it does everything well.
But, I noticed a lower launch angle and didn't get the depth I wanted (like with the 100)
The 98 is a tad too heavy for me at 305, I guess, since I like the Speed MP and the Vcore 100.
So there should be a 98L right? at 300?
Nope, the 98L is 285 gram racquet. And this is a fail. Why would they have a 98L at 285?
I feel the two 98's should be 300 and 305/310.
There is more access to spin with the 100, it’s like an aero but bigger sweet spot, more comfort, and more control for me. The spin is fun and addictive; you don’t need to overdo it, no windshield wiper motion required.
I could own both though, and use the 98 until I get tired and/or only use the 98 when my wrist is feeling perfectly ok. They play similarly enough IMO. But yes there things that standout: the 98 feels a little bit more plush, heavier but more HL, more control/less power, again lower launch angle/less spin.
Vcore 95 vs. the 98
I thought the 95 was going to be like a Prestige. But it was not. It had a little more power than the Prestige and was easier to play with.
The weight of the 95 and 98 seem VERY close, you can barely notice the difference.
I don't have much to add here b/c I didn't play with the 95 too much, string broke.
But the sweet spot in the 95 is larger than you would expect in a 95. So don't be afraid to try it.
So, I think I'm transitioning from the Clash 98 to the Vcore 100 or Speed MP.
Leaning Yonex at the moment.
Neither of them are giving me arm issues, after 10+ hours with them.
And I have enjoyed improved consistency from them (vs Clash 98).
Stability (about the same as Clash 98) has nit been an issue, surprisingly - while giving my wrist a break with the lower weight!
comfort - consistent strokes - stability - lower weight = the tennis “hat trick” for me!
I'm babbling now, but I hope this helps someone.
I'm not the best at articulating this stuff, so I hope it makes sense
Cheers!
p.s.
updates below, as I purchased the vcore 100 v6.
more updates with string choices, fails, weigh-ins, etc!!!
and then ultimately, a change to the vcore 98 v6.
Last edited:
threesome will soon be sad
- when my wrist was weak last week, I felt that this stick was a little too heavy, I preferred the 100 at that time, and the speed MP.
