Racquet suggestions to replace VCORE 98 2023?

[Gabriel Guedes]

Hey guys,

I used the VCORE 95 2023 for almost two years and it was awesome — great control, super penetrating forehand, especially with my usual setup (around 331 SW, 345–350g ready to play, head-light). Before that I had an H22 16x19, which I also liked a lot, but had to sell due to a handle issue.

The 95 was great while my game was developing, but now that I’m around UTR 8 and hitting regularly with stronger players, it became tough to manage. Amazing when I was well positioned, but on bad days or when getting pushed around, it became a liability. I needed something with a bit more forgiveness.

So I moved to the VCORE 98 2023 and tried to replicate the feel, but the launch angle has been an issue. It’s just too high — hard to flatten the ball and really go for the lines. It works fine when brushing up, but doesn’t give me the same confidence to drive through the court like the 95 did. I was hoping Yonex would fix that in the 2026 version, but they kept it 16x19 with minor tweaks that didn’t solve the core problem for me.

I’m thinking about switching again, and ideally I’d love to find a 98 with a 16x20 pattern — that’s what I felt worked best for my game. I thought about the Pure Aero 98 (current gen), maybe even the VS, but not sure if either gives me the control and feel I’m after. I also looked into a pro stock VCORE 98 16x20, but it’s just way out of budget.

I play mostly from the baseline, rarely come to the net, and dictate points with my forehand — especially inside-out or flattening it down the line. I want something I can customize and trust for the next few years. Any suggestions?

 

[FrankyRelax]

Having mained the 23 VC98 off and on for the last 3 years, and having a similar experience as you with the launchiness, I could provide a couple cents for consideration:

Off the top of my head:

I wouldn't count out the 26 95VC. Early reports indicate that the subtle changes have increased the power a bit. I would demo when it comes out and make sure you hit with some stronger players from the get go so you don't run into the same problem.

Diadem Axis 98: decent power and lower launch than PA98. To me it felt like it had a vague feeling sweetspot, but has worked for some.
Extreme Pro: very fast through the air and decently forgiving. Launch is medium to medium low compared to the VC98. Works best with thinner strings
Since you liked the H22 a Blade Pro could also be a fit, but of course can be unforgiving if your footwork isn't on point that day. Its my 2nd main currently.

Hear me out on this last one (I am currenlty experimenting with this): 23 VC 98 with thicker (1.25 or 1.30) strings. This should theoretically bring down the launch. You could even try a poly/poly hybrid with a 1.25 in the main and 1.28 or more in the crosses)

 

[LordGulbis]

Did you try the Vcore 98 2026? Same experience?

 

[Gabriel Guedes]

Having mained the 23 VC98 off and on for the last 3 years, and having a similar experience as you with the launchiness, I could provide a couple cents for consideration:

Off the top of my head:

I wouldn't count out the 26 95VC. Early reports indicate that the subtle changes have increased the power a bit. I would demo when it comes out and make sure you hit with some stronger players from the get go so you don't run into the same problem.

Diadem Axis 98: decent power and lower launch than PA98. To me it felt like it had a vague feeling sweetspot, but has worked for some.
Extreme Pro: very fast through the air and decently forgiving. Launch is medium to medium low compared to the VC98. Works best with thinner strings
Since you liked the H22 a Blade Pro could also be a fit, but of course can be unforgiving if your footwork isn't on point that day. Its my 2nd main currently.

Hear me out on this last one (I am currenlty experimenting with this): 23 VC 98 with thicker (1.25 or 1.30) strings. This should theoretically bring down the launch. You could even try a poly/poly hybrid with a 1.25 in the main and 1.28 or more in the crosses)

I'll give it a try, I'm using Toroline Wasabi 1.25 fullbed. It's great when it's new, after stringing. But after about 3 or 4 hours the crazy launch angle goes back to normal

 

[Gabriel Guedes]

Did you try the Vcore 98 2026? Same experience?

No, but all the reviews I've seen don't mention anything about a reduced launch angle. Only about more power and being more stable. I tested a Vcore 98 16x20 Pro stock... and wow, what a wonderful racket, but in Brazil, I'd buy a car for the price of two of them

 

[FrankyRelax]

I'll give it a try, I'm using Toroline Wasabi 1.25 fullbed. It's great when it's new, after stringing. But after about 3 or 4 hours the crazy launch angle goes back to normal

Wasabi is 1.23 (unless they added a thicker one recently). I would also move away from 4 sided strings to tame the inconsistent launch

 

[LordGulbis]

No, but all the reviews I've seen don't mention anything about a reduced launch angle. Only about more power and being more stable. I tested a Vcore 98 16x20 Pro stock... and wow, what a wonderful racket, but in Brazil, I'd buy a car for the price of two of them

My advice is to wait until more reviews of the new Vcore and of the new Aero 98.

 

[p-ratziner]

Head boom pro?

 

[TwinCinema]

Having mained the 23 VC98 off and on for the last 3 years, and having a similar experience as you with the launchiness, I could provide a couple cents for consideration:

Off the top of my head:

I wouldn't count out the 26 95VC. Early reports indicate that the subtle changes have increased the power a bit. I would demo when it comes out and make sure you hit with some stronger players from the get go so you don't run into the same problem.

Diadem Axis 98: decent power and lower launch than PA98. To me it felt like it had a vague feeling sweetspot, but has worked for some.
Extreme Pro: very fast through the air and decently forgiving. Launch is medium to medium low compared to the VC98. Works best with thinner strings
Since you liked the H22 a Blade Pro could also be a fit, but of course can be unforgiving if your footwork isn't on point that day. Its my 2nd main currently.

Hear me out on this last one (I am currenlty experimenting with this): 23 VC 98 with thicker (1.25 or 1.30) strings. This should theoretically bring down the launch. You could even try a poly/poly hybrid with a 1.25 in the main and 1.28 or more in the crosses)

TFight 305S is a 98 with a 18x19 pattern but plays similar to a 16x20 in that you get plenty of control and spin, with heavy, penetrating shots. I’m addicted to the feel, too. Comfy without being muted.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

TFight 305S is a 98 with a 18x19 pattern but plays similar to a 16x20 in that you get plenty of control and spin, with heavy, penetrating shots. I’m addicted to the feel, too. Comfy without being muted.

Yeah you’ll get plenty of spin for sure.
If OP weights this up 345 static and 330-335 SW, I’m sure he’ll get the stability he’s looking for as well.
I don’t like the update for myself but it’s getting good reviews from others. I use the xtc version but I can get ample amounts of spin from it.

 

[Chris Wilson]

You could give the new Dunlop FX500 Tour a try -- good access to spin, stable, good but not overwhelming power, and easy to customize.

 

[aaron_h27]

Pro Staff 97 v14 for the lower launch angle or Ezone 98.

 

[MatiasR]

Ezone 98 would be a nice one to try for that description.

 

[chichow]

I have the exact same experience as the OP.

VCORE 95 2023

It's fine for social tennis. I love how I can just place the ball and laser it around but at UT 8 and above, I just don't have the margin for error. I would consider the T fight with that 18x19 pattern

 

[Christopher_cl]

In my experience, after playing with the VCORE 98 for two years now, I’ve achieved good results using 1.30 mm strings. I’m currently playing with PolyTour Strike 1.30, and the difference is quite noticeable. It would be a shame if it were to be discontinued.

 

[cuonglaiphoto]

How about finding some old SV98?

98, 16x20. Ive been hitting the SV98 strung with confidential and its really great.

 

[Trip]

@Gabriel Guedes - Interesting reading your prior threads as well:
- 2/15/25: Switching from the VCORE 95 or not? And for which racket?
- 2/18: Switching a VCORE 95 23 for a 98 23?
- 7/7: Considering swapping my VCORE 95 2023 for older VCORE SV98 – advice?

First off, I played with multiple generations of VCore 95's (2015 SV, 2018 and 2021), then also the '21 VC98 briefly, so I know where you're coming from, what you're holding out for, and why you're vacillating so much. Trust me; I get it. That being said, if you really do want to just get on with it and find a solution, then here's what I would do, in order:

1. Tweak your VC98 string setup for more control and a lower launch: thicken the gauge to 1.30+ and tension your crosses higher than your mains, including trying a mild Sergetti-like tension "dome" of slightly raised tension on only the 3rd through 8th or 9th top-most crosses. If any/all of that still doesn't reign in the frame enough, I'd put the VC98 aside and move on.
2. Stick with ≥97"; IMHO, no 95 (even the CX 200 Tour, '26 VC95, etc.) will solve for the amount of playable face area that you seem to be shooting for (and should, IMHO), so don't even waste your time.
3. Lose the notion that a 16x19 won't work - With a densely-mapped-enough upper string bed, 19 crosses can be just as playable as 20. You just need to find the right frame.
4. Buy the Percept 97 for a lengthy trial: Since you didn't gel with the EZ98, the P97 is the best remaining YY alternative — lower launch, more consistent string bed than any VCore; less easy spin, but adequate IMHO.
5. If the P97 falls short, leave Yonex and try:
   1. Babolat
      1. Aero 98 - Especially with a 2HBH, the PA98 is a must-try. If you don't mind the high twist weight and the mediocre feel, then it's a very compelling option.
      2. Drive 98 - Another 16x20 worth trying; much more VC95-like launch angle, though the sweet spot is kind of on the small-ish side (not much bigger than the VC95), might be workable, though.
   2. Head
      1. Boom Pro - Used by Navone to great effect. Like the VC98, it is a bit hot in the upper bed, but not quite as much, so with a thicker gauge and higher-tension crosses, it might work.
      2. Extreme Pro - Lightly customized, it could work. Best middle compromise between the GT98 (pattern is too open), Boom Pro and Radicals.
      3. Radical MP, maybe Pro - If you're left wanting a more calm/predictable string bed than the BP or EP; start with the MP, only go Pro if you really want the extra mass baked in.
   3. Tecnifibre
      1. TFight 305S - Noticeably-lower sweet spot than Yonex, and Tf is still persisting with their stupid grip shape, but if it gels with you, it could work very well.
      2. TFight 300S - Don't sleep on the 300S. Effective even at the highest level (Terrence Atmane does massive damage with it). Mains might be too open for you, but still worth a demo.
   4. Solinco WhiteOut 16x19 v2 - A would-be must-try, but unfortunately Solinco seems to be a no-go in Brazil. A shame.
   5. Nordicdots Model 98 S, maybe the Model 99 - If you were ever to take a flyer on an overseas purchase, Nordicdots would be it. Both 98S and 99 are like the offspring of a Blade Pro, Boom Pro, Percept 97 and Aero 98, with pro-stock-level feel and solidness. That said, they are a bit on the lumbering side, so you'd need to work with their customer service to buy from the bottom end of the spec range. Trust me there.

IMHO, if you follow the above progression, you're bound to run into something that will work for you. If you do get to trying other racquets, remember to try at least several string setups per frame, so you don't prematurely dismiss something that could be a winner.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[Gabriel Guedes]

Thanks a lot for the all advices — it was genuinely helpful. My first step will be moving up in string gauge to 1.30, since I’m currently using 1.25 full bed Toroline Wasabi.

I’ve fully moved on from 95 sq in frames. My overall game improved after switching to a 98, especially my two-handed backhand, which got dramatically better. The trade-off is that my forehand lost a bit of penetrating, point-finishing power compared to the VC95, but the BH improvement was massive and clearly worth it. I played the Percept 97 for about two weeks. I liked it, but didn’t love it. In hindsight, I was probably subconsciously looking for something closer to a pro-stock / H22-type feel, and the Percept just didn’t fully click with my game.

I actually liked the Aero 98 a lot. Twistweight doesn’t concern me much — a bit of weight at 3 and 9 should address that easily. Compared to the VCORE 98, I felt the Aero gave me more penetration and easier point-finishing, likely due to the 16x20 pattern and the way the stringbed plays tighter. I’m also very curious about the Solinco WhiteOut v2 XTD. It might arrive in Brazil sometime in 2026, but there’s no clear timeline. About the nordicdots a close friend of mine who deals in pro stocks swears by it and describes it as the perfect blend of a VCORE 95, Pure Aero 98, and a pro-stock frame. Unfortunately, availability here is the main issue — I once found a single stick, but couldn’t locate a matching pair.

At this point, the Pure Aero 98 seems to be a very complete, almost consensus option for me. I’ll continue experimenting with string setups (possibly hybrid with a multi to lower launch), but realistically my path is either committing to the PA98 or eventually going back to a pro-stock frame. I also considered waiting for the upcoming Wilson “Python”, but with that expected only late next year, it’s probably too far out.

 

[Trip]

@Gabriel Guedes - Thanks for the return answers.

VC98 String Tweaks — aside from just thickening the gauge, I would also consider going to a more round/higher-sided shape, for more predictable launch, and also a slightly higher-friction string, as I find that, especially in very open string beds and/or already-spinny designs (like the VC98), having string this is too slippery and displaces too much on contact, can sometimes inject more randomness into the resulting launch, than you ultimately want (even if that randomness is very spin-loaded). So, moving from, say, Wasabi, to something like Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30, or a bit easier to find, Head Hawk Touch 1.30, would probably help to budge things back in the direction of higher predictability, as well as higher control.

As for the other frames:
- P97 - As long as you gave it a long-enough try, and it sounds like you did, then fair enough.
- Python - I would certainly plan to test it, but for the time being, I would go with solutions actually available to you.
- PA98 - Looks like it could be a potential winner if the VC98 falls through. Regarding twist weight, I was actually saying that TW is actually already pretty high, and if anything, some players may find it a little too high; certainly not a frame that tends to need any lead at 9 and 3, but tastes do vary; regardless I would definitely play it more in stock form for a while, before adding weight, as most Bab frames tend to come out very highly tuned in stock form, and don't tend to need much, if any, added weight, to play their best.
- WhiteOut - Good to know Solinco frames may be coming to Brazil at some point soon; similar to the Python, I'd table it to try later, but would pivot to actually-available items until them.
- Nordicdots - Probably a good call; certainly give one a try if one falls into your lap at some point, but for now, I would pursue products that are actually available in Brazil instead.

Will be interested to see where you end up. Do keep us updated on your progress!

 

[Gabriel Guedes]

@Gabriel Guedes - Thanks for the return answers.

VC98 String Tweaks — aside from just thickening the gauge, I would also consider going to a more round/higher-sided shape, for more predictable launch, and also a slightly higher-friction string, as I find that, especially in very open string beds and/or already-spinny designs (like the VC98), having string this is too slippery and displaces too much on contact, can sometimes inject more randomness into the resulting launch, than you ultimately want (even if that randomness is very spin-loaded). So, moving from, say, Wasabi, to something like Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30, or a bit easier to find, Head Hawk Touch 1.30, would probably help to budge things back in the direction of higher predictability, as well as higher control.

As for the other frames:
- P97 - As long as you gave it a long-enough try, and it sounds like you did, then fair enough.
- Python - I would certainly plan to test it, but for the time being, I would go with solutions actually available to you.
- PA98 - Looks like it could be a potential winner if the VC98 falls through. Regarding twist weight, I was actually saying that TW is actually already pretty high, and if anything, some players may find it a little too high; certainly not a frame that tends to need any lead at 9 and 3, but tastes do vary; regardless I would definitely play it more in stock form for a while, before adding weight, as most Bab frames tend to come out very highly tuned in stock form, and don't tend to need much, if any, added weight, to play their best.
- WhiteOut - Good to know Solinco frames may be coming to Brazil at some point soon; similar to the Python, I'd table it to try later, but would pivot to actually-available items until them.
- Nordicdots - Probably a good call; certainly give one a try if one falls into your lap at some point, but for now, I would pursue products that are actually available in Brazil instead.

Will be interested to see where you end up. Do keep us updated on your progress!

Got it — my mistake, sorry about that. High twistweight is actually far from being an issue for me. Quite the opposite, I really like the added stability, especially when it’s paired with a 330+ swingweight.

The PA98 is incredibly complete, honestly — it’s impressive. I was genuinely disappointed that Yonex didn’t explore a 16x20 pattern on the new VCORE. I personally love that pattern; to me it’s almost the perfect blend of spin, control, and penetrating power.

But it is what it is. I’ll test the string change this week and see how it goes.