New Yonex Vcore? 2026?

Last reply, I ordered the 98....I got the parcel in the mail and they sent me a 95 instead! o_O

So time to send it back and wait another week. But I will say, the frame looks beautiful! The red looks kinda similar to the Mazda Soul Red (or how red I am right now for being sent the wrong racket)!
 
dropdropdrop said:
divine intervention
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Younger me would probably have kept it and used it, but alas, Father Time is catching up and I need to accept it. I now need a racket that helps me with my strokes than being able to do it myself. I’m hoping the 08VC98 is that answer but we will find out.

Currently trialing the PA98. Whilst it’s a great racket, I just need a bit more help. At this stage, I might as well just get the OG Head Ti.S6
 
BubblTee said:
Younger me would probably have kept it and used it, but alas, Father Time is catching up and I need to accept it. I now need a racket that helps me with my strokes than being able to do it myself. I’m hoping the 08VC98 is that answer but we will find out.

Currently trialing the PA98. Whilst it’s a great racket, I just need a bit more help. At this stage, I might as well just get the OG Head Ti.S6
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Try the new Head Squared racket ;)
 
_FrankTheTank_ said:
Had my first league match (clay) last weekend and went with the VC98. Lost 1-6, 2-6, but not due to the racket.

The racket does not give my the feeling that I play my best tennis with, but beside how the scores read (the games where tight often), the racket seemed to give the opponent some trouble. more than my game with an ezone whould have.

I have slowly dialed in the slice, with the head shape and the way the crosses are spaced on upper vs. lower hoop, slices had very different launch angle when not hitting precise, on the EZ98 or even PA98 I did not have to take care about that, slices where way more natural with those if your contact point is not consitent.
It's not a racket to change direction too often, nor is the weight distribution or stringbed my favourite to go DTL with the OHBH, but atleast the DTL FH is coming now.

It's strung with MSV Co focus black 1.23mm 24kg atm, which is a bit muted but works in this racket.
Compared to the EZ98 or PA98, it's harder to rip the ball, I have not found the 90/95/100% on the Forehand, it's more a lose swing you have to have and let the racket do what it does.

Although the stringbed is open and various, I did not have trouble to take the OHBH on the rise, moreso on the FH, might be backswing/technique related.
As I don't hit clean/same spot always, the racket did have some "launches", but thats the price of using a racket with that design at my level. I would not call it a hot spot in the stringbed.
The launch angle of the stringbed is not erratic, but it seems to increase the harder you hit through with brushing upwards, which you have to get used to.

ATM I think I will stick to this for the next two months (ND 99 g2 in the bag but not tested), atleast until the Python/redline comes out.


Edit: the racket was said to be 287SW unstrung, I added about 1.5g at 12 and about 2.5g in the butcap. This help a bit to smoothen out the swing and to counter it's (for me annoying) weight distribution where "most" weight sits in the heart/shaft/below 3&9. Still not ideal but going heavier might not help at my level with the clunky nature this racket often comes.
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Had two more league matches (singles and doubles) with it now.

I do understand the frame a bit more now. Like said before, you need to let this racket go and swing freely and let it do it's work. For better tennis players thanthis is probaly true on 95% of the shots and it is also for every racket, however, this is a problem for me beeing precise on DTL shots. With a PA98, EP98, EZ98, ND m99G2 precison on that shots is just better and you have more success swinging freely OR be a bit tighter/guidier through the path.

The VC98 has it's strengths on servers and crosscourt ball/angles but I have trouble to close a point the way I normaly do/prefer.

The paintjob has been really growing on me, currently have a tourna grip on it and love the looks. I do not have too much comparison on glossy PJs beside the PA98 (onlyx used the ND m99 once), but the quality is noticeably worse than on the PA98 '23.
 
So I finally sold my VCore 95 V8. Truly an amazing racquet — but I've had to be honest with myself: my old obsession with control-oriented, slim-profile frames like the Prestige has probably run its course.

Over the past year and a half I've bought and sold the Yonex EZone 98 probably four times (blue, Osaka, and whatever the midnight version is called). This past weekend I played a tournament with it after a stretch of hitting with the VC95, and something just clicked — I already have the racquet I want. Took me over a year to really get used to it, but now that I'm there, I have zero interest in another racquet journey. Famous last words, I know.

As for the VC95 — if I had the budget I'd keep it and grab two more. It's that good. Just not for me right now.

String setup for anyone curious: Head Lynx Tour at 48–50 lbs in 1.25mm. This racquet needs a stiff-feeling string, at least in my experience. Low tension does wonders for it.

Final specs: 330 SW / 32.3 cm balance / 335g strung with OG. Only customization was 1.5g of lead. It doesn't play like a 330 SW at all — stability is excellent right out of the box, no lead needed for that. The weird thing is the serve — anything below that SW and it felt like I was swinging a broken stick. Hard to explain but it's very noticeable. In the hand it honestly reminds me of an 18x20 Blade.
 
Roquestil said:
So I finally sold my VCore 95 V8. Truly an amazing racquet — but I've had to be honest with myself: my old obsession with control-oriented, slim-profile frames like the Prestige has probably run its course.

Over the past year and a half I've bought and sold the Yonex EZone 98 probably four times (blue, Osaka, and whatever the midnight version is called). This past weekend I played a tournament with it after a stretch of hitting with the VC95, and something just clicked — I already have the racquet I want. Took me over a year to really get used to it, but now that I'm there, I have zero interest in another racquet journey. Famous last words, I know.

As for the VC95 — if I had the budget I'd keep it and grab two more. It's that good. Just not for me right now.

String setup for anyone curious: Head Lynx Tour at 48–50 lbs in 1.25mm. This racquet needs a stiff-feeling string, at least in my experience. Low tension does wonders for it.

Final specs: 330 SW / 32.3 cm balance / 335g strung with OG. Only customization was 1.5g of lead. It doesn't play like a 330 SW at all — stability is excellent right out of the box, no lead needed for that. The weird thing is the serve — anything below that SW and it felt like I was swinging a broken stick. Hard to explain but it's very noticeable. In the hand it honestly reminds me of an 18x20 Blade.
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I've been down that path with the 95s before years ago and Prestiges decades ago, anyone reading this maybe you have to find out for yourself,, or save time and take other's advice and grab a 98/100 from Yonex or some 98/100 tweener from someone else and get to playing better tennis.
 
Roquestil said:
So I finally sold my VCore 95 V8. Truly an amazing racquet — but I've had to be honest with myself: my old obsession with control-oriented, slim-profile frames like the Prestige has probably run its course.

Over the past year and a half I've bought and sold the Yonex EZone 98 probably four times (blue, Osaka, and whatever the midnight version is called). This past weekend I played a tournament with it after a stretch of hitting with the VC95, and something just clicked — I already have the racquet I want. Took me over a year to really get used to it, but now that I'm there, I have zero interest in another racquet journey. Famous last words, I know.

As for the VC95 — if I had the budget I'd keep it and grab two more. It's that good. Just not for me right now.

String setup for anyone curious: Head Lynx Tour at 48–50 lbs in 1.25mm. This racquet needs a stiff-feeling string, at least in my experience. Low tension does wonders for it.

Final specs: 330 SW / 32.3 cm balance / 335g strung with OG. Only customization was 1.5g of lead. It doesn't play like a 330 SW at all — stability is excellent right out of the box, no lead needed for that. The weird thing is the serve — anything below that SW and it felt like I was swinging a broken stick. Hard to explain but it's very noticeable. In the hand it honestly reminds me of an 18x20 Blade.
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FuzzyYellowBalls said:
I've been down that path with the 95s before years ago and Prestiges decades ago, anyone reading this maybe you have to find out for yourself,, or save time and take other's advice and grab a 98/100 from Yonex or some 98/100 tweener from someone else and get to playing better tennis.
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In general I agree with that sentiment. I'm currently in the middle of playing with the latest Vcore 95. For my game, I feel the 95 fits better than the 98 did, which itself is a great racket. I've used all types of frames over the years, including the PS85 (20ish years ago). The Vcore 95 is probably the "least 95" feeling 95 sqin frame out there. It does player large than frames like the 6.1 95, Prestige tour, CX200 Tour, etc. For the right player, I think its a great option.

I'm coming from the PA98 2026 as my main racket as well, previously using frames like the FX500 Tour, Blackout V2 XTD, and still have my faithful Pure Control 95+.

But I agree that for 95% of players out there, take @FuzzyYellowBalls advice and grab a 98/100 tweener (Pure Drive/Aero, Ezone, Extreme, FX500, etc).

That being said, I feel this gen of the Vcore all have more Pop than prior, so while I never considered maining previous generation Vcore 95s, this one is getting serious consideration.
 
Had a hit with the Vcore 98 tour today. It holds a lot of the extra weight in the upper hoop. Its weight distribution reminds me of the TFight ISO 305 or the 360+/auxetic 1.0 Gravity Pro. I don’t think I can really add anything to the conversation that you wouldn’t think adding 10-15grams of swing weight to any racket would do. If you can get it going the Vcore tour plows through the ball with authority.
 
att-BT6BBha-CSuf9kr5Hj-D-b-WQMWg-Rn-Aeq-TVp-AA2NO94Tj-M.jpg



Finally got the right racket. Can confirm the racket is stunning.

I haven’t had the opportunity to trial it properly…just some tiny dinks with my 3 y.o. Standing forehands had nice net clearance and good top spin. I did have a few forehands that seemed to go awry and the ball would hit the back of the fence on the full LOL

Plush and nice pop though! Will be interesting to see how it goes against actual hitting!
 
Roquestil said:
So I finally sold my VCore 95 V8. Truly an amazing racquet — but I've had to be honest with myself: my old obsession with control-oriented, slim-profile frames like the Prestige has probably run its course.

Over the past year and a half I've bought and sold the Yonex EZone 98 probably four times (blue, Osaka, and whatever the midnight version is called). This past weekend I played a tournament with it after a stretch of hitting with the VC95, and something just clicked — I already have the racquet I want. Took me over a year to really get used to it, but now that I'm there, I have zero interest in another racquet journey. Famous last words, I know.

As for the VC95 — if I had the budget I'd keep it and grab two more. It's that good. Just not for me right now.

String setup for anyone curious: Head Lynx Tour at 48–50 lbs in 1.25mm. This racquet needs a stiff-feeling string, at least in my experience. Low tension does wonders for it.

Final specs: 330 SW / 32.3 cm balance / 335g strung with OG. Only customization was 1.5g of lead. It doesn't play like a 330 SW at all — stability is excellent right out of the box, no lead needed for that. The weird thing is the serve — anything below that SW and it felt like I was swinging a broken stick. Hard to explain but it's very noticeable. In the hand it honestly reminds me of an 18x20 Blade.
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Everything you say is a complete contradiction...
 
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The link has the part everyone should watch, I agree with all of the conclusion.

I got a used vcore 98 , couldn't resist and after a few matches singles and doubles I'm going to use it this summer.

Let's say every racket gets 100 points to put in control/spin/power categories, like a video game character or whatever. I think the Vcore busts through that 100 point limit with more in the power category shooting the overall racket above 100 points to be a better total racket, IF you don't hate power.

I'd say an Ezone has less power and more control, but the Vcore is close enough in control to the Ezone while really differentiating itself on power by a lot and spin by a little.

Comparing it to a Regna, the Regna has more control than both those mentioned, a little more power than the Ezone, and Ezone like spin.

Throw in that crisp feel and really cool shiny look and the Vcore 98 is just fun.
 
Decided to backtrack on my switch to the vcore 98 from the GT98 after switching back to the GT98 for a game last night. Made me realise just how many mistakes I was making with the vcore in comparison. Guess its too much racquet for me. Shame as when it clicks the vcore feels fantastic but in terms of actually winning points.... the GT98 is better for me!
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:

The link has the part everyone should watch, I agree with all of the conclusion.

I got a used vcore 98 , couldn't resist and after a few matches singles and doubles I'm going to use it this summer.

Let's say every racket gets 100 points to put in control/spin/power categories, like a video game character or whatever. I think the Vcore busts through that 100 point limit with more in the power category shooting the overall racket above 100 points to be a better total racket, IF you don't hate power.

I'd say an Ezone has less power and more control, but the Vcore is close enough in control to the Ezone while really differentiating itself on power by a lot and spin by a little.

Comparing it to a Regna, the Regna has more control than both those mentioned, a little more power than the Ezone, and Ezone like spin.

Throw in that crisp feel and really cool shiny look and the Vcore 98 is just fun.
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Just a quick reminder that not everyone needs 100 power points ;)
If you play competitive tennis at a certain level between club and professional, it's way more important to be consitent and not give away easy points.
Of course, you will need power, depth and spin - but all these mean nothing without consistency.

That said, I don't believ in such things as a general points scale for frames (and surely not anything about the 100% limit).
Get a frame that works for you and if you are lacking something, then search on
 
yourtennisfit said:
Just a quick reminder that not everyone needs 100 power points ;)
If you play competitive tennis at a certain level between club and professional, it's way more important to be consitent and not give away easy points.
Of course, you will need power, depth and spin - but all these mean nothing without consistency.

That said, I don't believ in such things as a general points scale for frames (and surely not anything about the 100% limit).
Get a frame that works for you and if you are lacking something, then search on
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For sure it could be too much power for some, but luckily consistency is one of the best attributes of the 98, don't take my word for it, he even mentions it.
 
Anyone measured their SW on Vcore 98 or better yet work in a shop that has done a lot of them? Mine are 318 and I am liking that, just wondering if this is very rare or not so much.
 
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I've been playing with the 2026 VCORE 95 for a week. I briefly owned the 2023 VCORE 95 a couple years ago but didn't like it because it hit a relatively weak, loopy ball. It was great for flicky shots and sharp angles though. The 2026 is far better for my game. It hits a more penetrating ball and is significantly more stable and forgiving than the old model. In my opinion it would better fit the Percept range because it's a different type of racquet to the rest of the VCORE range. A 3 inch smaller head size AND an extra string demonstrates a different design intent. I would' not consider the 98 for my game because my tennis is similar to the typical WTA style. In my opinion, 98 inch racquets and above are essential for more the modern 'brushing up' style but pointless if you typically hit a more driving ball (with the exception of 18 x 20 racquets).
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
Anyone measured their SW on Vcore 98 or better yet work in a shop that has done a lot of them? Mine are 318 and I am liking that, just wondering if this is very rare or not so much.
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2 of mine are the same. While playing it feels like more though.
I think I would like a bit higher twist weight (13.1 here) for more swing stability and face angle awareness, but it's a skill issue on my side
 
(not read every page..)
i think i have came to a realisation that i should/need to settle with a VCore 100... for that easy to use/power on tap tweener effect.
i have backtracked to the pair of 21VC100V6, and am keen to see if anyone have used the next two generations - ie. 23VC100V7 and/or 26VC100V8.
i have tried (very briefly) the 23VC100V7 a couple of years back, but not much memory - it was something of a "meh" at the time. dont remember if i was using the 2021 at the time of demo though...
so, yeah, looking forward to any suggestions/recommendations, etc. thanks
 
esm said:
(not read every page..)
i think i have came to a realisation that i should/need to settle with a VCore 100... for that easy to use/power on tap tweener effect.
i have backtracked to the pair of 21VC100V6, and am keen to see if anyone have used the next two generations - ie. 23VC100V7 and/or 26VC100V8.
i have tried (very briefly) the 23VC100V7 a couple of years back, but not much memory - it was something of a "meh" at the time. dont remember if i was using the 2021 at the time of demo though...
so, yeah, looking forward to any suggestions/recommendations, etc. thanks
Click to expand...
For that "easy to use/power on tap tweener effect" most people would undoubtedly be far better off using an Ezone 100
 
I had the opportunity to try the new Vcore 95 for 6 hours until now. In the past, I played with 2018, 2021 and 2023 Vcore 95.
The 8th gen is definitely different than the previous iterations.
It offers the whole performance package stock and I don‘t see any modifications are needed.
The main change what Yonex did to the 95 is to put a huge amount of mass at 3 and 9. That results in all benefits and disadvanteges if you do that.
Benefits: It is very stable!!!. It is even more stable than my Prestige Pro (95“ red). For the OHB it is great. I never had so much joy to play a OHB. Slice, Topspin, dopshots are superb.
Plow through for flattening out shots is also very very good. Much much better than any previous Vcore 95.
Control is also very good. The stringbed feels much more controlled than 2023.

Now the cons. I would really like to know the twistweight of my 2026 Vcore 95. If you are familiar with latest Babolats like Pure Aero 98 2023 and Pure Strike 98 2024, you will know what I mean. I don‘t know if I got a sample with hight twistweight (static weight and balance, which I measured, are nearly spot on. So, I don‘t believe that.
Nevertheless, twistweight feels like round about 15.
The whippiness and maneuverability of the previous versions are gone.
For only rallying and playing just for fun, you will not notice it at first. But, if you are playing tight matches, it will be a problem for many recreational to advanced players.
If you are a high level/ATP pro it could be a really really good racket.

So, Carlitos, you have arm issues with your PA VS, try the new Vcore 95 asap!

Yonex, why did you do that to the amateurs? It would have been enough to make it a 22mm constant beam. If someone, want more stability, add a bit of lead to 3 and 9. Instead of that, Yonex made this racket nearly unusable for us amateurs in stock form for league matched.

Maybe, try a thinner gauge? I already tried it with Tour Bite 1.20mm. I don‘t know.
It is really sad, because it would have been a potentially switch from my Prestige Pro.
At the day, I was testing the Vcore 95, I also tried the customized Percept 97 of a buddy. I immediately noticed, how much more swing freedom and whippiness I got.
 
GermanBeast said:
I had the opportunity to try the new Vcore 95 for 6 hours until now. In the past, I played with 2018, 2021 and 2023 Vcore 95.
The 8th gen is definitely different than the previous iterations.
It offers the whole performance package stock and I don‘t see any modifications are needed.
The main change what Yonex did to the 95 is to put a huge amount of mass at 3 and 9. That results in all benefits and disadvanteges if you do that.
Benefits: It is very stable!!!. It is even more stable than my Prestige Pro (95“ red). For the OHB it is great. I never had so much joy to play a OHB. Slice, Topspin, dopshots are superb.
Plow through for flattening out shots is also very very good. Much much better than any previous Vcore 95.
Control is also very good. The stringbed feels much more controlled than 2023.

Now the cons. I would really like to know the twistweight of my 2026 Vcore 95. If you are familiar with latest Babolats like Pure Aero 98 2023 and Pure Strike 98 2024, you will know what I mean. I don‘t know if I got a sample with hight twistweight (static weight and balance, which I measured, are nearly spot on. So, I don‘t believe that.
Nevertheless, twistweight feels like round about 15.
The whippiness and maneuverability of the previous versions are gone.
For only rallying and playing just for fun, you will not notice it at first. But, if you are playing tight matches, it will be a problem for many recreational to advanced players.
If you are a high level/ATP pro it could be a really really good racket.

So, Carlitos, you have arm issues with your PA VS, try the new Vcore 95 asap!

Yonex, why did you do that to the amateurs? It would have been enough to make it a 22mm constant beam. If someone, want more stability, add a bit of lead to 3 and 9. Instead of that, Yonex made this racket nearly unusable for us amateurs in stock form for league matched.

Maybe, try a thinner gauge? I already tried it with Tour Bite 1.20mm. I don‘t know.
It is really sad, because it would have been a potentially switch from my Prestige Pro.
At the day, I was testing the Vcore 95, I also tried the customized Percept 97 of a buddy. I immediately noticed, how much more swing freedom and whippiness I got.
Click to expand...
Twist weight on my of 95 is 12.2 measured via briffidi. The 98 is 13.8
 
esm said:
(not read every page..)
i think i have came to a realisation that i should/need to settle with a VCore 100... for that easy to use/power on tap tweener effect.
i have backtracked to the pair of 21VC100V6, and am keen to see if anyone have used the next two generations - ie. 23VC100V7 and/or 26VC100V8.
i have tried (very briefly) the 23VC100V7 a couple of years back, but not much memory - it was something of a "meh" at the time. dont remember if i was using the 2021 at the time of demo though...
so, yeah, looking forward to any suggestions/recommendations, etc. thanks
Click to expand...
I had the 2018 Vcore 100 all red model for a few years (5th gen), before that they called them the xi, si, etc.. A little lead at 3 and 9 really helped that racket and I truly loved it.

The 6th gen was not revolutionary, but evolutionary. It was better than the 5th gen. but only marginally. I stuck with my 5th gen.

When the 7th gen came out, I was able to hit with a demo side by side. I felt there was extra power on tap with almost no loss of control.
I then hit serves 5 with one, 5 with the other, deuce and ad sides, for about 50 serves at an indoor facility.
I noticed that my serves with the 7th gen vcore, with no lead at all and similar strings, were hitting the back wall a good 2 or 3 feet higher consistently.

That sealed the deal for me and I upgraded.

I recently had the chance to hit with the 8th gen Vcore 100 that my buddy had demoed.
I felt that the improvements were pretty small, power about the same, perhaps 1% more accuracy, spin generation the same.
At over $300 MSRP, I gave this one a pass.
 
stapletonj said:
I had the 2018 Vcore 100 all red model for a few years (5th gen), before that they called them the xi, si, etc.. A little lead at 3 and 9 really helped that racket and I truly loved it.

The 6th gen was not revolutionary, but evolutionary. It was better than the 5th gen. but only marginally. I stuck with my 5th gen.

When the 7th gen came out, I was able to hit with a demo side by side. I felt there was extra power on tap with almost no loss of control.
I then hit serves 5 with one, 5 with the other, deuce and ad sides, for about 50 serves at an indoor facility.
I noticed that my serves with the 7th gen vcore, with no lead at all and similar strings, were hitting the back wall a good 2 or 3 feet higher consistently.

That sealed the deal for me and I upgraded.

I recently had the chance to hit with the 8th gen Vcore 100 that my buddy had demoed.
I felt that the improvements were pretty small, power about the same, perhaps 1% more accuracy, spin generation the same.
At over $300 MSRP, I gave this one a pass.
Click to expand...
Yep, had the same experience with the 98+. I was demoing the 6th gen long term & was just a little concerned re stability & head ‘flutter’ on balls hit high on the head; then gen 7 had less flutter - it was basically redesigned to optimise higher impacts - was slightly plusher due to a lower overall ra, & produced spin slightly more easily - so I bought 3.
Gen 8 is indeed somewhat crisper, feels beefier & I can use it with no lead on the tip - I usually put on a gram or so for balance & so I can feel the tip better. If someone was supplying them for free I’d probably swap, but it’s not a monumental upgrade over its predecessor like 7th gen was.
 
Roquestil said:
So I finally sold my VCore 95 V8. Truly an amazing racquet — but I've had to be honest with myself: my old obsession with control-oriented, slim-profile frames like the Prestige has probably run its course.

Over the past year and a half I've bought and sold the Yonex EZone 98 probably four times (blue, Osaka, and whatever the midnight version is called). This past weekend I played a tournament with it after a stretch of hitting with the VC95, and something just clicked — I already have the racquet I want. Took me over a year to really get used to it, but now that I'm there, I have zero interest in another racquet journey. Famous last words, I know.

As for the VC95 — if I had the budget I'd keep it and grab two more. It's that good. Just not for me right now.

String setup for anyone curious: Head Lynx Tour at 48–50 lbs in 1.25mm. This racquet needs a stiff-feeling string, at least in my experience. Low tension does wonders for it.

Final specs: 330 SW / 32.3 cm balance / 335g strung with OG. Only customization was 1.5g of lead. It doesn't play like a 330 SW at all — stability is excellent right out of the box, no lead needed for that. The weird thing is the serve — anything below that SW and it felt like I was swinging a broken stick. Hard to explain but it's very noticeable. In the hand it honestly reminds me of an 18x20 Blade.
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I am going through the same journey of clinging to my last stand of control-oriented, slim-profile rackets: K90 -> Prostaff 97 -> Prostaff X -> TF40 -> ? . I have a hunch that I'll eventually land on thicker modern power oriented but with adequate control frames such as Ezone or Vcore (somehow I didn't click with PureAero). Can't quite pull the trigger yet because I still have a mental block with thick profile rackets, but latest Vcore 98 is so tempting because of the cosmetic :)
 
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Jsummers1 said:
I am going through the same journey of clinging to my last stand of control-oriented, slim-profile rackets: K90 -> Prostaff 97 -> Prostaff X -> TF40 -> ? . I have a hunch that I'll eventually land on thicker modern power oriented but with adequate control frames such as Ezone or Vcore (somehow I didn't click with PureAero). Can't quite pull the trigger yet because I still have a mental block with thick profile rackets, but latest Vcore 98 is so tempting because of the cosmetic :)
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You want the Black Ace Pro mate. Trust me.

I played the PS85 in college (circa mid 2000s). If you want classic feel, thin beam, but with more modern power - the PK Black Ace Pro is the only option

Edit: to clarify, the current model. Don't bother with previous gen
 
Okay here we go - another 'my initial impressions' on the 08VC98. My racket weighed 306g unstrung. No modifications except for an overgrip (8g), dampener (2g), strings (16g). Total weight 332g.
I have a 'modern' forehand but I lack depth and require a more net clearance.

Mains strung with O-Toro Tour and OG Sheep Micro - 52 / 49. I have previously preferred hybrid poly/syn gut setups.

I will try to make some comparisons to the 2026 Pure Aero 98 (PA98) for which I've been using for a few months. Pure Aero was strung with MSV Focus Hex and same syn gut cross.

Feel
Plush - I felt as if you could really feel the ball sink into the stringbed. It was a tad muted. The PA98, I felt the ball did not have as much dwell time. Partly I think was due to the string which really 'bit' into the ball.

You could tell when you middled the stringbed because it made a different sound. Slightly off was not a problem but I did find sometimes it was hard to pinpont where on the string bed I hit. The PA, did not have that issue.

The biggest difference though is if you frame the ball. Framing the ball was not as jarring with the 08VC98. If you framed the ball with the 26PA98, your whole arm would let you know about it!

Power
Ample power. I generally noticed greater depth on my shots. This one rewards swinging harder and using spin to bring the ball down. Incomplete strokes will punish you.

I expect power to go up and me to start hitting long as the strings start to die/soften.

Perhaps it was a good serving day (which is far and few between), but I felt connected and felt as if I could serve to any spot. It makes a great sound upon contact!

Spin
This is more of a subjective item. Spin is generally dependant on your stroke and swing style. I don't have a full windshield wiper forehand - but its not flat - somewhere in between. As a result, I rely a bit more on the frame/strings to give me that extra help.

Net clearance was higher than the PA98 - perhaps 10?cm more. I noticed that I dumped less balls into the net. My backhand seemed a little flatter but I think thats more me than the frame.

Control
Redirection on this frame is not as good as the PA98. Control is hard to justify - I was able to hit where I wanted - or the area of where I wanted the ball to go.

I didn't have much confidence on my backhand and I found my slices a bit floaty. I found slicing with the PA98 a much nicer/easier. It could be the Yonex headshape but maybe I just need more time.

It does not swing as fast as the PA98. It’s hefty, tad more more plow and a tad more stability than the PA98. So against big hitters, I’d probably pick the 08VC98.

Overall, I think I might stick with the 08VC98. Fathertime is catching up with me and that extra power with the softer frame will ultimatley be better for me and I think my wrist/elbow/shoulder will thank me for it long term.

I think my next string setup, given how this frame is softer, will be the same tension - or maybe 51/48 - with O-Toro Tour mains and Wasabi X cross - to maybe temper the power a tad, get more spin and maybe a bit more pop!
 
Last edited:
BubblTee said:
Okay here we go - another 'my initial impressions' on the 08VC98. My racket weighed 306g unstrung. No modifications except for an overgrip (8g), dampener (2g), strings (16g). Total weight 332g.
I have a 'modern' forehand but I lack depth and require a more net clearance.

Mains strung with O-Toro Tour and OG Sheep Micro - 52 / 49. I have previously preferred hybrid poly/syn gut setups.

I will try to make some comparisons to the 2026 Pure Aero 98 (PA98) for which I've been using for a few months. Pure Aero was strung with MSV Focus Hex and same syn gut cross.

Feel
Plush - I felt as if you could really feel the ball sink into the stringbed. It was a tad muted. The PA98, I felt the ball did not have as much dwell time. Partly I think was due to the string which really 'bit' into the ball.

You could tell when you middled the stringbed because it made a different sound. Slightly off was not a problem but I did find sometimes it was hard to pinpont where on the string bed I hit. The PA, did not have that issue.

The biggest difference though is if you frame the ball. Framing the ball was not as jarring with the 08VC98. If you framed the ball with the 26PA98, your whole arm would let you know about it!

Power
Ample power. I generally noticed greater depth on my shots. This one rewards swinging harder and using spin to bring the ball down. Incomplete strokes will punish you.

I expect power to go up and me to start hitting long as the strings start to die/soften.

Perhaps it was a good serving day (which is far and few between), but I felt connected and felt as if I could serve to any spot. It makes a great sound upon contact!

Spin
This is more of a subjective item. Spin is generally dependant on your stroke and swing style. I don't have a full windshield wiper forehand - but its not flat - somewhere in between. As a result, I rely a bit more on the frame/strings to give me that extra help.

Net clearance was higher than the PA98 - perhaps 10?cm more. I noticed that I dumped less balls into the net. My backhand seemed a little flatter but I think thats more me than the frame.

Control
Redirection on this frame is not as good as the PA98. Control is hard to justify - I was able to hit where I wanted - or the area of where I wanted the ball to go.

I didn't have much confidence on my backhand and I found my slices a bit floaty. I found slicing with the PA98 a much nicer/easier. It could be the Yonex headshape but maybe I just need more time.

It does not swing as fast as the PA98. It’s hefty, tad more more plow and a tad more stability than the PA98. So against big hitters, I’d probably pick the 08VC98.

Overall, I think I might stick with the 08VC98. Fathertime is catching up with me and that extra power with the softer frame will ultimatley be better for me and I think my wrist/elbow/shoulder will thank me for it long term.

I think my next string setup, given how this frame is softer, will be the same tension - or maybe 51/48 - with O-Toro Tour mains and Wasabi X cross - to maybe temper the power a tad, get more spin and maybe a bit more pop!
Click to expand...

Thanks for this review. How did you find the two compared in terms of manouverability?
 
extreme_western said:
Thanks for this review. How did you find the two compared in terms of manouverability?
Click to expand...
Not as fast as the PA98 but it’s maneuverable enough and should be quick at the net as well. Sometimes if it catches the wind the 08VC98 can swing pretty fast.

I also think the mechanics of how spin is generated is different . The PA uses its aerodynamic frame and quickness through the air. The Vcore employs a more open stringbed, relying on string SnapBack. I think for the Vcore, a shaped string is a must.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
Anyone measured their SW on Vcore 98 or better yet work in a shop that has done a lot of them? Mine are 318 and I am liking that, just wondering if this is very rare or not so much.
Click to expand...
Mine is on 287SW according to pre-owner. I added about 1.6g at 12 and it could be maybe a tad more, but am already at 330g strung /no damp.
 
BubblTee said:
Not as fast as the PA98 but it’s maneuverable enough and should be quick at the net as well. Sometimes if it catches the wind the 08VC98 can swing pretty fast.

I also think the mechanics of how spin is generated is different . The PA uses its aerodynamic frame and quickness through the air. The Vcore employs a more open stringbed, relying on string SnapBack. I think for the Vcore, a shaped string is a must.
Click to expand...

Thanks for these thoughts. I agree that it's poss to get the 08VC98 moving and hitting feel is a lot cleaner and more rewarding than the Aero 98 26 in my experience which makes it a lot more appealing.

I think only really potential issue with 08VC98 for anyone with the swing mechanics to get the racket to contact consistently is control and this can be resolved with string choice, in my experience a very controlled round poly like 4G or Razor soft white gives you confidence to swing out without fear of overhitting, but this is speaking as someone with an overwhelming preference for round strings.

Now that I have this racket dialled in with: 1) the right balance and weight (stock specs); 2) a thinner base grip (babolat syntec team, no overgrip), 3) a controlled round poly (razor soft white 1.25mm), I am finding it by far the best modern 98 I have ever played with, think it's a really extraordinary racket most of all for its utterly remarkable stability at 305g unstrung weight but also achieving this with a head light balance, combined with remarkable power, versatility and hitting feel.
 
_FrankTheTank_ said:
Mine is on 287SW according to pre-owner. I added about 1.6g at 12 and it could be maybe a tad more, but am already at 330g strung /no damp.
Click to expand...
I would really suggest moving the lead down to 3 and 9. On my vcore with the same unstrung SW the strung TW is 13.1. And it plays so much nicer with 13.6 (I added 1.5g each on 3 and 9)
 
MikhailT said:
I would really suggest moving the lead down to 3 and 9. On my vcore with the same unstrung SW the strung TW is 13.1. And it plays so much nicer with 13.6 (I added 1.5g each on 3 and 9)
Click to expand...
I might try, but the reason for the lead was tip awareness, which the lead at 3&9 won't provide
 
I had about 10 minutes with the latest 98 before getting kicked off the court by a coach who claimed to have the court booked. All I can say is, I much prefer the feel of this one to the previous. Looking forward to having more time with it. I liked the previous one decent enough but never fell in love with it enough to commit to the affair.
 
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