Question about new Yonex Vcore: 95 vs 98

[pavo26]

Hi all,

I am planning to demo both frames, but was looking for your feedback on the two new Vcore racquets. Specifically, if you could compare the 95 vs. 98? I’m a 4.5 flat ball hitter, looking to incorporate more spin, while keeping targeting control. I also love changing shot direction down the line in doubles. Looking for your thoughts on power, spin and control. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[EasternRocks]

I too am interested in what the direct comparison is, a bit more in depth. The power map of the two frames shows very similar results.

 

[EasternRocks]

To the open level players, Michelle and Sean: if I'm looking for a stick that gives me the great feel that the VCore Pro 97 310 gives, but want something a bit more user friendly especially when reaching out wide to recover from a defensive position, which would you suggest me to try first?

 

[TW Staff]

@pavo26

I found both racquets to be very spin friendly, but the VCORE 95 makes you work A LOT harder for pace and depth. The VCORE 98, by contrast, should offer you a much higher launch angle with easier depth because of its more open string spacing. I don't think the 98 is quite as "point and shoot," but I didn't struggle with the control of the response while playing. I will say, however, that the 95 is extremely control oriented due to tighter string spacing and a lower flex rating.

I would definitely recommend giving them both a demo if possible and seeing what works best for your game now, and the game you're working towards.

Hope that helps!
-Sean, TW

 

[TW Staff]

@EasternRocks

I think the VCORE 95 rewarded me with a heavier ball, provided I was willing to put in the extra work to get the depth and pace necessary. A useful analogy would be string stiffness. Poly and co-poly string is technically lower powered than other strings, which should mean that you wouldn't be able to hit the ball as hard as with, say, a multifilament string. However, it is the lower-powered response that enables you to fully swing out and tap into your own power supply more confidently; the same seems to be true with the VCORE 95 and 98, at least in my experience.

With that said, I think the VCORE 98 sounds more like what you are looking for. Its higher launch angle should be more user-friendly for you, especially in defensive positions when you are looking to buy some time.

Let me know if you have any other question!
Sean, TW

 

[EasternRocks]

@EasternRocks

I think the VCORE 95 rewarded me with a heavier ball, provided I was willing to put in the extra work to get the depth and pace necessary. A useful analogy would be string stiffness. Poly and co-poly string is technically lower powered than other strings, which should mean that you wouldn't be able to hit the ball as hard as with, say, a multifilament string. However, it is the lower-powered response that enables you to fully swing out and tap into your own power supply more confidently; the same seems to be true with the VCORE 95 and 98, at least in my experience.

With that said, I think the VCORE 98 sounds more like what you are looking for. Its higher launch angle should be more user-friendly for you, especially in defensive positions when you are looking to buy some time.

Let me know if you have any other question!
Sean, TW

Thanks Sean!

I would follow up with a personal question, have you ever considered how a VCORE 98 would play with some weight? Do you think, similar to your findings with your VCORE PRO 97 310 and 330 playtest, you would prefer the slightly less demanding frame but modified? I, like you loved the VCORE Pro 97 310 and decided to give it some weight.

I think the VCORE 98 would be more of a fit considering what I'm trying to gain from my VCORE Pro 97 310. The most important quality I love from the 97 310 is its buttery feel. Did you feel a big drop off in that department between the 2?

 

[pavo26]

Thank you Sean. This really helps a lot! Much appreciated.

@pavo26

I found both racquets to be very spin friendly, but the VCORE 95 makes you work A LOT harder for pace and depth. The VCORE 98, by contrast, should offer you a much higher launch angle with easier depth because of its more open string spacing. I don't think the 98 is quite as "point and shoot," but I didn't struggle with the control of the response while playing. I will say, however, that the 95 is extremely control oriented due to tighter string spacing and a lower flex rating.

I would definitely recommend giving them both a demo if possible and seeing what works best for your game now, and the game you're working towards.

Hope that helps!
-Sean, TW

 

[DonDiego]

I too am very curious about these sticks. Yonex seem to have made all the right adjustments with these versions. They will get my money, it's a given. Just not sure which model I'll get.

 

[TW Staff]

@EasternRocks

Although I like the feel from the VCORE Pro 97 310, it feels a little more responsive than the VCORE 98, which has a slightly more modern and muted feel. That said, I enjoyed the fell MUCH more than many other "modern" feeling frames. It almost reminded me of my 2015 Blade 18x20. If I was to switch to the VCORE 98, I would probably experiment with adding weight, but not too much because the swingweight is already 322, and my preferred swingweight isn't much above that. All the racquets you mentioned play great in stock form, but there is some room for customization if the desire is there. At the end of the day, for me, it's all about finding something you like and then just spend a lot of time playing with it so you can completely dial in your game.

Hope that helps!
-Sean, TW

 

[EasternRocks]

@sean

Do you think the VC98 needs more tip lead or side lead, for your gamestyle and racquet preferences? I find the racquet to be surprisingly stable.

The VC97 310 lacked stability, so 3/9 was a must for me.

 

[TW Staff]

@EasternRocks

If I was going to add any weight (and there's a good chance I wouldn't), I would probably add it to the 12 o'clock position, and then counterbalance that in the handle, but maybe a leather grip would be enough. As you'll eventually read in our written review, I felt the response from the top of the frame came across as a little brassy at times (I string my racquets pretty tight and with a full bed of poly), and a little weight might help that.

Let me know your thoughts!
-Sean, TW

 

[ProRadTour]

@sean how would you compare the VCore 95 to the VCore Pro 310? Does the 95 provide a more stable response in stock configuration? How is the feel of the 95? are you able to compare the feel to the 95 to any other frames current or past? What features of the 95 trump the 310 if any?

 

[hurworld]

@sean how would you compare the VCore 95 to the VCore Pro 310? Does the 95 provide a more stable response in stock configuration? How is the feel of the 95? are you able to compare the feel to the 95 to any other frames current or past? What features of the 95 trump the 310 if any?

Bump for same question.

 

[TW Staff]

@ProRadTour @hurworld

I really apologize for the late response, I'm not sure I ever saw your question. Anyway, better late than never!

I think the VCORE Pro 97 310 has a higher launch angle and a bit more natural pop, as well as a little more direct feedback from the stringbed. The VCORE 95 feels a little more point-and-shoot, but definitely requires more effort to use. The stability is pretty similar between the two frames, I think they both fall on the more maneuverable / not-quite-as-stable-as-I-would-like end of the spectrum, and probably could benefit from some carefully measured and placed lead. The areas where the 95 might be preferable would be the softer feel and more controllable response (some people like a lower launch angle, some don't).

They are both super solid frames, probably my two favorite from Yonex. I would be super happy playing with either frame.

Best,
Sean, TW

 

[hurworld]

@ProRadTour @hurworld

I really apologize for the late response, I'm not sure I ever saw your question. Anyway, better late than never!

I think the VCORE Pro 97 310 has a higher launch angle and a bit more natural pop, as well as a little more direct feedback from the stringbed. The VCORE 95 feels a little more point-and-shoot, but definitely requires more effort to use. The stability is pretty similar between the two frames, I think they both fall on the more maneuverable / not-quite-as-stable-as-I-would-like end of the spectrum, and probably could benefit from some carefully measured and placed lead. The areas where the 95 might be preferable would be the softer feel and more controllable response (some people like a lower launch angle, some don't).

They are both super solid frames, probably my two favorite from Yonex. I would be super happy playing with either frame.

Best,
Sean, TW

Thanks Sean, much appreciated!