New Yonex Vcore? 2026?

BubblTee said:
That’s it. I’ve pulled the trigger. I’ve committed to the 08VC98 and will get another..or maybe 3. Great feel, pop and spin. It suits my game more than anything else.

Time to let the PA98 go now
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It is definitely all of these things. What string are you playing it with? I have been trying with tecnifibre razor soft 1.25mm this week and it's largely solved previous control issues I was experiencing with post-tension loss yonex poly tour force (albeit that had great feel and could possibly have been solved with tighter stringing).

In terms of comparison with aero 98, how would you compare these two for manouverability and hitting feel? My only lingering doubt about this 08VC98 is manouverability for a whippy wristy modern forehand swing and wonder whether aero 98 might be quicker to swing for this swing style with only a minor sacrifice in hitting feel - any insights you could offer much appreciated
 
extreme_western said:
It is definitely all of these things. What string are you playing it with? I have been trying with tecnifibre razor soft 1.25mm this week and it's largely solved previous control issues I was experiencing with post-tension loss yonex poly tour force (albeit that had great feel and could possibly have been solved with tighter stringing).

In terms of comparison with aero 98, how would you compare these two for manouverability and hitting feel? My only lingering doubt about this 08VC98 is manouverability for a whippy wristy modern forehand swing and wonder whether aero 98 might be quicker to swing for this swing style with only a minor sacrifice in hitting feel - any insights you could offer much appreciated
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My triple demos was Ezone, Vcore, new Aero, Vcore did feel a tad chonky back to back with those. But the Ezone was "whoah it's nice and whippy". Fast forward and my purchased Vcores are about 317 SW/ 318 SW and feel fine by themselves without the back to back comparison. So, two things, maybe the demo was "on speck" at SW 320 or over, and maybe if you just get a Vcore and don't compare it you won't notice that chonky feeling.

BUT, the feel is a lot better and I don't even like feel that much but this Vcore feels fun and makes a nice pleasing tone when hitting the ball.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
My triple demos was Ezone, Vcore, new Aero, Vcore did feel a tad chonky back to back with those. But the Ezone was "whoah it's nice and whippy". Fast forward and my purchased Vcores are about 317 SW/ 318 SW and feel fine by themselves without the back to back comparison. So, two things, maybe the demo was "on speck" at SW 320 or over, and maybe if you just get a Vcore and don't compare it you won't notice that chonky feeling.

BUT, the feel is a lot better and I don't even like feel that much but this Vcore feels fun and makes a nice pleasing tone when hitting the ball.
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Thanks a lot for this, how much better would you say the vcore's feel is compared to the aero? It seems the aero is definitely more manouverable, if the feel was not too much worse then I would be tempted
 
extreme_western said:
It is definitely all of these things. What string are you playing it with? I have been trying with tecnifibre razor soft 1.25mm this week and it's largely solved previous control issues I was experiencing with post-tension loss yonex poly tour force (albeit that had great feel and could possibly have been solved with tighter stringing).

In terms of comparison with aero 98, how would you compare these two for manouverability and hitting feel? My only lingering doubt about this 08VC98 is manouverability for a whippy wristy modern forehand swing and wonder whether aero 98 might be quicker to swing for this swing style with only a minor sacrifice in hitting feel - any insights you could offer much appreciated
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I'm using it in a hybrid - Toroline O-Toro Tour x Gosen Synthetic Gut at 52 / 49. I always had a syn gut hybrid just to soften it up - I've liked the softness but I've had a few injuries in the past but I've been injury free for the past few years now.

My next test, I'll be trying its Toroline O-Toro Tour x Toroline Wasabi X (probably at 51/48) - main's is a shaped poly, cross is a smooth round poly. I'm hoping to get a bit more spin, but mainly be able to swing out even more. I know that it will feel stiffer but with the 08VC98 frame not as stiff, I think it will be the sweet spot for me. I'm just dropping a pound on the main and cross to account for the change in cross string.

FYI, it is as if O-Toro Tour in the Mint color was meant for this generations VCore. It literally matches perfectly LOL!

Comparing the Aero 98, you get more feeling from it (but the poly x poly setup may fix this). The aero is a stiffer racket so you do feel where you're hitting the ball compared to the VCore. However, with the VCore, if you're hitting the middle, you'll know because you'll get that really nice pop/gunshot sound. I didn't get that too much with the PA98 even though I do hit the middle. In terms of manouverability, nothing will come close to the Aero98. Just air swinging, you can tell the PA98 is faster/smoother through the air. Will the faster swing make a difference? It depends on your skill level and how fast your swing is. If you're taking huge cuts at the ball everytime, then yes you're going to notice a difference. If you're a club player - I don't think it will make a huge difference.

One of the things I'll say that even switching between the rackets when I'm hitting, the first 2-3 shots I hit, I'll notice a difference and there might be an ever so slight timing issue, you'll notice the firmer feel and the different sound. But after that you generally adapt and it would not make a difference unless it really urks you or you're not gelling with it.

Don't get caught up in how manouverable a racket, the feel of it etc. There are other factors that will determine which racket is for you. For me, this racket gave me confidence. I was able to trust it, take big cuts at the ball and know that the ball would land in most of the time. Most of all, I woke up the next day, wrist, elbow, shoulder and arm feeling fab. The lower back was not too happy but tell me someone who dosen't wake up with lower back pain!
 
extreme_western said:
Thanks a lot for this, how much better would you say the vcore's feel is compared to the aero? It seems the aero is definitely more manouverable, if the feel was not too much worse then I would be tempted
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it is more maneuverable feeling , if it actually is I am not too sure, but if that is the ultimate goal no matter what the PA is more. But, like I said, you won't think twice about maneuverability if you just pick up a vcore and use it. You will notice the feel, that is a more significant difference or advantage that stays with you. You should probably test both if you can.
 
I got my 8yo son the latest VCore 26 and to my surprise it says Made in China! I am surprised. No problem by me, all other adult rackets here are too, but I was not expecting this from Yonex.
 
Dan Z said:
This is basically all that needs to be said about the 100 / 98. Missed the mark or illustrating the perfect racquet cannot exist who knows..
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So while I don't find the 98 particularly as chunky as others, the 95 is so much better in my opinion. I don't know if it's the more HL balance or just the fact that it's a 95, but I think it plays better overall.

Not a powerhouse like the 98 is (one of the most powerful 98 I've ever used), but it's a great racket. Traded a 98 for the 95 just to try...and I'm glad I did
 
MatiasR said:
I got my 8yo son the latest VCore 26 and to my surprise it says Made in China! I am surprised. No problem by me, all other adult rackets here are too, but I was not expecting this from Yonex.
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It depends which model of Vcore. Yonex Japan only produces some not all models in Japan. I believe the Vcore you got is most likley a Vcore Alpha, 26, 25 or Ace.
 
MatiasR said:
The VCore 26 inches long, like I wrote. I thought all VCores (and EZones and Percepts) were exclusively make in Japan, not so.

https://imgur.com/a/Snbi9n2
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Yep that’s expected with junior rackets. You’d be hard pressed to find any rackets that are junior and made in Japan.

The rackets that are made in China (Ace, Alpha, 26 etc), Yonex would have on good authority that the player would upgrade quite quickly or their target market would suit the recreational player. Those who are more serious would seek something better.

From a business standpoint, it probably does not make sense for them to allocate resources in their Japan factories to make the recreational rackets.

Having said that brands like Head, Babolat, Wilson - all made in China!
 
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Seems like the Vcore 98 Tour has been the least popular/talked about racket of the 8th gen, with the 95 and 100D drawing the most attention.

Has anyone used the 98 Tour and had a chance to compare it to the 95? Thoughts?
 
Anyone did some experimenting with 98L?

I did two seperate purchases and went for 285g/32.3cm and 287g/32.7cm.

First one after customisation (light leather, buttweight, 4.5g in the head) did feel still wabblely and to light/unstable in the head, secong one after a bit of lead and a leather grip/some butt weight does not feel (and weight) any different from the normal 98 305g.
I might try maybe a Gamma Hi Tech and like 10g putty in the butt on the second frame instead of the leather grip.

So the perfect middle way to build a 300-308g-ish frame with weight distribution to the personal liking seems to be one right on spec, at least for me it seems. As I did purchase several every time, I had the posibility to go for "on spec" both times, for some reason I did not.
 
The 100D has some pretty good control and launch. While using a demo with the looser strings, I’m actually pretty happy with how I’ve been able to control the launch angle.
Not going to lie, I’ve had some hesitation at first to simply let the forehand rip, but happy with the results…yes some balls get away from me but I wonder how much better it would feel with my string set up.
 
Hesi said:
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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Coaches are better than us therefore they do whatever they want. One of my favorite lines me and a friend still quote was when we got kicked off because the coach was ‘on the Board’
 
Rdrizzla said:
Seems like the Vcore 98 Tour has been the least popular/talked about racket of the 8th gen, with the 95 and 100D drawing the most attention.

Has anyone used the 98 Tour and had a chance to compare it to the 95? Thoughts?
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I had the 26/95 and just couldn't gel with it.. and I had played with two previous gen VC95's.. the 26/95 was slightly more powerful and stiffer than the '23 but too stiff.. it lost some feel and had to add weight to get it stable against big hitters.. Got the 2698T and in stock form it is more stable, more powerful, bigger sweet spot, more feel and about the same weight as a modded '95... I have transitioned to it and play far better than the with the '95.. Everybody is different but the 2698T is one of the best rackets I ever used... it reminds me of the RF97 without the weight... worth a demo if you can try it.. but don't use stiffer strings.
 
dave t said:
normal 98 swings/plays heavier than other racquets with similar specs. Tour seems like it would be a lot to manage.
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The 98T doesn't feel heavy, was about the same as my '95 was with a leather grip.. The Tour is perfect in stock form.. it is only 5g heavier stock..

I am a fan of the VC 95, it was my main racket for years.

IMO, the 26/95 added stiffness and lost the magic feel/control of previous 95's... that was its appeal.. I played them back to back and there was no reason to use the 95.. The Tour does everything better except topspin was about the same. The 95 is slightly more whippy.

98T vs 95
Slice better due to plow.. amazing knifed backhand slices..
Hits heavy deep balls with spin
More power all around
Better stability for blocking
Bigger sweet spot fewer off center hits..
OHB,, heavier.. more stability
Volleys.. bigger sweet spot..
Serves, heavier

and I am dominating against players with power that I would have been more defensive with the 95...

Maybe it just suits my game better... YMMV

My go to string is Otoro green at 50lbs...
 
This might be an odd question. Any idea how the Vcore 98 would compare to a pure drive 100 or pure aero 100? Different head sizes yes but has anyone compared for spin, power, control, heaviness of shot? Haven’t been able to get a demo of the 98 yet …
 
T&M Returns said:
This might be an odd question. Any idea how the Vcore 98 would compare to a pure drive 100 or pure aero 100? Different head sizes yes but has anyone compared for spin, power, control, heaviness of shot? Haven’t been able to get a demo of the 98 yet …
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Apples to oranges. But worse in everything but control and maneuverability.
 
T&M Returns said:
Of course it’s a bit apples to oranges … but you’re saying the Vcore is worse except those two categories?
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Yes you lose a decent bit of spin,ease of access to spin,power,foregivness but gain a good chunk of control and maneuverability which may lead to more rhs if u can generate it which will lead to more spin and power. Feel is subjective so I you will have to decide which you prefer but it is quite different from the babolat feel.
 
Agzetabyte said:
Yes you lose a decent bit of spin,ease of access to spin,power,foregivness but gain a good chunk of control and maneuverability which may lead to more rhs if u can generate it which will lead to more spin and power. Feel is subjective so I you will have to decide which you prefer but it is quite different from the babolat feel.
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Yeah I had the Vcore 100 .. thought it was a bit much. I have the PD 100 and PA 100 and they are both weighted up and have no problem with racquet head speed. Very curious to try the Vcore 98 but again, can't even get the demo lately. I have no issues with control on the PD or PA 100 btw.
 
T&M Returns said:
Yeah I had the Vcore 100 .. thought it was a bit much. I have the PD 100 and PA 100 and they are both weighted up and have no problem with racquet head speed. Very curious to try the Vcore 98 but again, can't even get the demo lately. I have no issues with control on the PD or PA 100 btw.
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If you have no issues with control with the pd and pa do not go down in head size. The main reason to from 100 to 98 is control.
 
If the bridge is higher up on the smaller head, which it often is, then there’s going to be more leverage as the sweet spot should be further from the hand; this is most relevant on serves.
 
JEDI MASTER said:
i have a new 95 coming today.. and also have the new 98..
what's a good starting tenstion? for now i have the PolyTour Force..
same tension as the new 98??
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Pure personal preference, but I'd start with 48. I bought a 95 from Singapore, sold it already, using the 98 this summer. I don't think a different tension on the 95 willake a difference unless you go more than 5 pounds difference from your preference and you might not even like what that does to the "spirit" of the 95.
 
JEDI MASTER said:
i have a new 95 coming today.. and also have the new 98..
what's a good starting tenstion? for now i have the PolyTour Force..
same tension as the new 98??
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PolyTour Force in the 98 (at 50lbs) is way too powerful (for me). I'm assuming you want more control since you're also using the 95. I haven't swung that one, but Force in the 95 might be a good match if you're looking for more power out of that.
 
I hit the vc98 26 with luxilon original at 52 lbs today and it was phenomenal. no control issues where with polytour force it had been launchy. with control issues sorted this is a phenomenal racket, I'd say don't judge its control until you have tried a thicker gauge control poly in it.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
Pure personal preference, but I'd start with 48. I bought a 95 from Singapore, sold it already, using the 98 this summer. I don't think a different tension on the 95 willake a difference unless you go more than 5 pounds difference from your preference and you might not even like what that does to the "spirit" of the 95.
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Been hitting the VC95 lately and I have to say I am really enjoying it. I can see why it’s really nice on the ohbh. It surprised me with how much power it has for a 95. Loving it with tour sniper mains and restring sync in the crosses. For a 95 with a 16x20 pattern, the launch angle is quite high.
 
extreme_western said:
I hit the vc98 26 with luxilon original at 52 lbs today and it was phenomenal. no control issues where with polytour force it had been launchy. with control issues sorted this is a phenomenal racket, I'd say don't judge its control until you have tried a thicker gauge control poly in it.
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I might have to try thicker gauges. I exclusively use 1.20mm strings. I do have some 1.25 Lux Element I can string mine up with...
 
Is the metal piece of weight in the foam handle always placed at the same spot?

I checked on the on my '26 98, it sits right above the buttcup, where on the '23 98 (on the pictures I've found) it sits more upwards/middle to the handle.

lowering the placement of the weight module means you can use less to get the sam eresult, and you ca add more mass to the lower hoop (or less mass more up the frame), which might explain the expirienced clunkyness reagrding the manageable specs on paper.

Had a good time with my second 98L yesterday. I've the standard 98 is a considerabel frame for you haven't found luck with the units you got, try the 98L and customize it.
 
T&M Returns said:
This might be an odd question. Any idea how the Vcore 98 would compare to a pure drive 100 or pure aero 100? Different head sizes yes but has anyone compared for spin, power, control, heaviness of shot? Haven’t been able to get a demo of the 98 yet …
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PD100 is surely in another league of power. But I thought that the VCore 98 is very similar to Speed MP and Percept 100 in terms of the ball it produces and effort it takes. The feel is different, but otherwise the playability is similar.
 
MikhailT said:
PD100 is surely in another league of power. But I thought that the VCore 98 is very similar to Speed MP and Percept 100 in terms of the ball it produces and effort it takes. The feel is different, but otherwise the playability is similar.
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Interestingly enough, I finally got to demo the 98. I don't think the Pure Drive 100 has more power per se, and my opponent said the ball coming off the Vcore 98 was noticeably heavier and harder to deal with than the PD100, and my PDs are weighted up pretty good. I had added a bit of weight to the Vcore 98 as well.

But you can really club the ball with this stick. The feel of the ball pancaking against the string bed is very noticeable and again, it feels like you can just destroy the ball. About the "launch angle." Yeah I guess it's a bit high. The way to compensate is to just hit the ball with a closed racquet face. I could hit a consistent ball easily with this racquet if you just approach it right. I am sure the EZone would be better for people who want to strike the ball with a slightly more open racquet face, but if you can wield the Vcore properly it seems like much more of a weapon to me. I might buy a 98 and try it for awhile.

Oh the one thing I did notice ... I could swing it fast just fine, but it did feel a little clunky/head heavy with just a bit of lead tape at 12. I need to put it on my balance to see, but it actually felt head heavy to me. But overall that has to be the most powerful 98 I've ever played.
 
T&M Returns said:
Interestingly enough, I finally got to demo the 98. I don't think the Pure Drive 100 has more power per se, and my opponent said the ball coming off the Vcore 98 was noticeably heavier and harder to deal with than the PD100, and my PDs are weighted up pretty good. I had added a bit of weight to the Vcore 98 as well.

But you can really club the ball with this stick. The feel of the ball pancaking against the string bed is very noticeable and again, it feels like you can just destroy the ball. About the "launch angle." Yeah I guess it's a bit high. The way to compensate is to just hit the ball with a closed racquet face. I could hit a consistent ball easily with this racquet if you just approach it right. I am sure the EZone would be better for people who want to strike the ball with a slightly more open racquet face, but if you can wield the Vcore properly it seems like much more of a weapon to me. I might buy a 98 and try it for awhile.

Oh the one thing I did notice ... I could swing it fast just fine, but it did feel a little clunky/head heavy with just a bit of lead tape at 12. I need to put it on my balance to see, but it actually felt head heavy to me. But overall that has to be the most powerful 98 I've ever played.
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How would it play if hit it quite flat and fast? (my style) By reading above, it would tend to sail?
 
I tried the vcore 95 demo yesterday. Not a fan at all. Coming from a cx200 so I’m used to 95. Racket felt quite harsh and stuff. And sweetspot was tiny. And not a fan of the headlight balance as well. I’ve tried the pure aero 98 so am really interested in trying the vcore 98 to compare. Hoping it’s not similar to the 95.
 
MasterZeb said:
I tried the vcore 95 demo yesterday. Not a fan at all. Coming from a cx200 so I’m used to 95. Racket felt quite harsh and stuff. And sweetspot was tiny. And not a fan of the headlight balance as well. I’ve tried the pure aero 98 so am really interested in trying the vcore 98 to compare. Hoping it’s not similar to the 95.
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Based on your observations, it will be similar.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
Based on your observations, it will be similar.
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Really? Every review says Yonex head shape increases head shape and it’s more powerful than pure aero 98 and it’s softer etc etc so I’m wondering maybe it may not? The head shape I’ve never really got tbh this is the second yonex I’ve tried after the old yonex vcore pro 97hd (the beautiful green one) and I didn’t like the head shape there either. I did like the pure aero aswell.
 
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MasterZeb said:
Really? Every review says Yonex head shape increases head shape and it’s more powerful than pure aero 98 and it’s softer etc etc so I’m wondering maybe it may not? The head shape I’ve never really got tbh this is the second yonex I’ve tried after the old yonex vcore pro 97hd (the beautiful green one) and I didn’t like the head shape there either. I did like the pure aero aswell.
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I think the 95 and 98 are close enough that if you think the 95 is "Racket felt quite harsh and stuff. And sweetspot was tiny. And not a fan of the headlight balance as well" you will find the same experience in the 98 just slightly different, but not different enough to overcome those things you don't like about the 95. Both are headlight too.
 
FuzzyYellowBalls said:
I think the 95 and 98 are close enough that if you think the 95 is "Racket felt quite harsh and stuff. And sweetspot was tiny. And not a fan of the headlight balance as well" you will find the same experience in the 98 just slightly different, but not different enough to overcome those things you don't like about the 95. Both are headlight too.
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Only reason I’m debating is because the pure aero I did like and from what I’ve seen this is the closest competitor to it so naturally want to give it a go. Maybe the new Wilson racket might be worth giving a go instead as that seems to be a competitor as wlel
 
MasterZeb said:
I tried the vcore 95 demo yesterday. Not a fan at all. Coming from a cx200 so I’m used to 95. Racket felt quite harsh and stuff. And sweetspot was tiny. And not a fan of the headlight balance as well. I’ve tried the pure aero 98 so am really interested in trying the vcore 98 to compare. Hoping it’s not similar to the 95.
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Probably the strings that are in it, that is causing that harsh feeling you’re describing. It is head-light though, regardless.
 
MasterZeb said:
Only reason I’m debating is because the pure aero I did like and from what I’ve seen this is the closest competitor to it so naturally want to give it a go. Maybe the new Wilson racket might be worth giving a go instead as that seems to be a competitor as wlel
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The aero is more "soft" feeling, they chased the Ezone feel so you might like it, guess you have to try them.
 
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