Vcore 95 with Cyclone Tour (or other string??)

[mano de piedra]

For me, the string turns a bit pale (I have the red version), starts moving out of place and not moving back to its original position. Whereas before, it would always move back perfectly.

thank you, you confirm what I thought, and I see what you mean about turning pale (I also have the red version). It plays ok after several hours, or better saying, I find it plays very nicely even after several hours . Really nice string, it does feel like I am playing with an actual tennis racquet, something I can unfortunately say for very few poly (if any...). And at about £5 per set it is one of the cheapest string I saw here in UK!

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Long time user of Red CT 1.25 in the mains with Yonex PT Air crosses, which hopefully somewhat mitigate the CT's relatively high tension loss and provide the consistency of a smooth cross; has anyone tried Solinco Hyper G Soft in place of CT in either half or full bed? I'm hoping HGS might have similar playability to CT with better tension maintenance.

 

[Wolfessis]

Spin and soft is what I want to hear! Having read posts from @g4driver , loss of tension doesn't seem to be an issue for many players, few actually use the same string for weeks/months until they break. It will be interesting to try

Thanks a lot for the feedback!

Hey, great to see all your feedback, I'm waiting to string this also in my vcore sv 95, but am in heavy lockdown atm so can't get out and play easily atm so there is no point stringing it yet!

I'm just wondering if you happened to know how much weight the VCT 16 added to your frame?

 

[mano de piedra]

Hey, great to see all your feedback, I'm waiting to string this also in my vcore sv 95, but am in heavy lockdown atm so can't get out and play easily atm so there is no point stringing it yet!

I'm just wondering if you happened to know how much weight the VCT 16 added to your frame?

he, I can't remember exactly, it was defo a bit more than my previous string maybe 1-2 lb but don't quote on this... in terms of frame weight, I actually preferred with VCT 16. I need to restrung a frame this weekend, I can check weight with and without this string

 

[Wolfessis]

he, I can't remember exactly, it was defo a bit more than my previous string maybe 1-2 lb but don't quote on this... in terms of frame weight, I actually preferred with VCT 16. I need to restrung a frame this weekend, I can check weight with and without this string

Yeah I am imagining that the extra weight from thicker gauges may also slightly bump up the overall stability of the frame also vs thinner gauges, purely from the weight, would you say you noticed anything along those lines? Difference may be negligible and unnoticeable if it's already heavily weighted though.

Especially for these frames, I've got a 2018 vcore also which I've used a fair bit, and they need a bit of added weight in the hoop and handle for harder hitting play. The VCT 16 seems to tick all the boxes, I'm very excited to try a full bed of it.

Also yes please do share the weight difference, thank you

 

[mano de piedra]

Yeah I am imagining that the extra weight from thicker gauges may also slightly bump up the overall stability of the frame also vs thinner gauges, purely from the weight, would you say you noticed anything along those lines? Difference may be negligible and unnoticeable if it's already heavily weighted though.

Especially for these frames, I've got a 2018 vcore also which I've used a fair bit, and they need a bit of added weight in the hoop and handle for harder hitting play. The VCT 16 seems to tick all the boxes, I'm very excited to try a full bed of it.

Also yes please do share the weight difference, thank you

not sure I noticed as I was also adding more weight to 3-9 (now fairly settled on 3g each); the 2018 version at least is too light / a bit unstable, so I didn't mind extra weight from the string. All I can say is that this frame + extra weight 3-9 + VCT 16 plays very nice, and way better than anything I tried before

 

[Power Player]

I tried Cyclone Tour 1.30 in the 21 VC95 - hated it. Cut it out after 1 match.

I couldn't feel anything compared to with Tour Bite or Element for example. It's just super muted and doesn't really bring anything to the table outside of playing rather soft, which is nice.

 

[Wolfessis]

Also

not sure I noticed as I was also adding more weight to 3-9 (now fairly settled on 3g each); the 2018 version at least is too light / a bit unstable, so I didn't mind extra weight from the string. All I can say is that this frame + extra weight 3-9 + VCT 16 plays very nice, and way better than anything I tried before

Have you tried putting any weight at 2-10 before on the vcore? I feel it compliments the frame really well by actually maintaining better whippyness alongside the added stability. But perhaps it's not ideal for your stroke form.

Still, sounds backwards as it's higher up the hoop, but it works with how well this frame cuts through the air (and as long as you have decent counter weight in the handle).. while making hits higher up in the stringbed more consistent and stable, which is where the frame needs the most assistance even when on centre. But perhaps less so with this string setup hahaha. Still, the stability is there.


Considering how yours is already setup if you wanted to try, I'd suggest taking 1g (or perhaps even just .50 -.75) from the 3g and moving it up to see how it feels. Basically starting as close to the fins as possible then moving down from there.

Personally I think I prefer ratio between 2-10 and 3-9 in reverse to this suggestion, so heavier at 2-10, but a bit less weight overall, but I'm still testing.

 

[Margomael]

I tried Cyclone Tour 1.30 in the 21 VC95 - hated it. Cut it out after 1 match.

I couldn't feel anything compared to with Tour Bite or Element for example. It's just super muted and doesn't really bring anything to the table outside of playing rather soft, which is nice.

Really? I agree with your reviews/comments on the VC95 but my racket came with VCT black and it’s the set up that made me love the racket.
I am testing now yonex poly tour spin and feels similar, a bit easier spin I think, maybe less power.
I liked tour bite on the blade so I will try it at some point and compare the feel.

 

[Power Player]

Really? I agree with your reviews/comments on the VC95 but my racket came with VCT black and it’s the set up that made me love the racket.
I am testing now yonex poly tour spin and feels similar, a bit easier spin I think, maybe less power.
I liked tour bite on the blade so I will try it at some point and compare the feel.

Yeah i just like a less muted feel from my frame/string combo.

 

[Margomael]

Yeah i just like a less muted feel from my frame/string combo.

Sounds reasonable

 

[mano de piedra]

I tried Cyclone Tour 1.30 in the 21 VC95 - hated it. Cut it out after 1 match.

I couldn't feel anything compared to with Tour Bite or Element for example. It's just super muted and doesn't really bring anything to the table outside of playing rather soft, which is nice.

he, probably for me soft + nothing extra was what I was looking for... Many polys I tried didn't give me a good feeling in my arm, this is one of the few I tested I can even go up in tension without feeling my arm tired in a bad way

 

[Power Player]

he, probably for me soft + nothing extra was what I was looking for... Many polys I tried didn't give me a good feeling in my arm, this is one of the few I tested I can even go up in tension without feeling my arm tired in a bad way

Yeah I totally get that too.

I much prefer Lux Element in a full bed over VCT. If you need something soft, that is another nice option.

 

[mano de piedra]

Also

Have you tried putting any weight at 2-10 before on the vcore? I feel it compliments the frame really well by actually maintaining better whippyness alongside the added stability. But perhaps it's not ideal for your stroke form.

Still, sounds backwards as it's higher up the hoop, but it works with how well this frame cuts through the air (and as long as you have decent counter weight in the handle).. while making hits higher up in the stringbed more consistent and stable, which is where the frame needs the most assistance even when on centre. But perhaps less so with this string setup hahaha. Still, the stability is there.


Considering how yours is already setup if you wanted to try, I'd suggest taking 1g (or perhaps even just .50 -.75) from the 3g and moving it up to see how it feels. Basically starting as close to the fins as possible then moving down from there.

Personally I think I prefer ratio between 2-10 and 3-9 in reverse to this suggestion, so heavier at 2-10, but a bit less weight overall, but I'm still testing.

Damn I thought I was done testing haha

I only tried additional weight 3-9 but I may add 1g at 2-10 just to try, even with 3g the frame doesn't feel heavy (although stable). There was a thread with people talking about adding weight to this racket and many did put at 2-10 and 12 as well, with maybe 3-9 being the most common location

 

[mano de piedra]

Yeah I totally get that too.

I much prefer Lux Element in a full bed over VCT. If you need something soft, that is another nice option.

Thanks for the suggestion. Which gauge did you like, 1.30 or 1.25?

 

[Power Player]

Thanks for the suggestion. Which gauge did you like, 1.30 or 1.25?

1.25.

It will not last forever but it's a rather soft string for a poly and feels real nice in the VC95. I string it at 51/49.

 

[mano de piedra]

Cool

One question to all of you using VC95; what tension differential do you prefer (if any)? I have been reading Yonex advising 5-10% less in crosses, so about 3-4 lb lower - I think this was more true with older Yonex but I have read somewhere a reply from Yonex to a customer query still suggesting that; I am totally ignorant of this stuff but maybe with VC95 being 16x20 that is even more true??

I know it's 100% personal preference, but I am keen to get feedback given there are few users of that racket in this thread. I don't think I found much difference between 2-3 lb (so in my case 52-50 or 52-49), but next racket I want to try 54 mains and maybe 4 lb less in crosses. Before paying for a string job and cut after a session, maybe good idea to get views from players who already tried that!

 

[Wolfessis]

Damn I thought I was done testing haha

I only tried additional weight 3-9 but I may add 1g at 2-10 just to try, even with 3g the frame doesn't feel heavy (although stable). There was a thread with people talking about adding weight to this racket and many did put at 2-10 and 12 as well, with maybe 3-9 being the most common location

Personally I didn't like it at 12 and felt 2-10 (from spot mentioned) added the extra top weight without affecting maneuverability and whippyness, which is why I think weight at both 3-9 and 2-10 starting as close to fins as possible works best.

Weight at 12 hampered the frames best features (ease of racquet head speed) more than the extra swing weight would suggest. Very possible I just needed more handle weight at the time, but it made deft or at max extension shots much harder too while not actually giving more noticeable power, actually less VS adding weight to 2-10 instead, since it better complimented explosive/whippy stroke mechanics.

 

[mano de piedra]

starting as close to fins as possible

sorry what do you mean by that?

 

[Wolfessis]

sorry what do you mean by that?

The aero fins or the raised ridges which help the frame cut through the air better. If you look or feel where you put tape at 3 then continue along upwards, there is a point where these fin lines begin and continue on both sides, almost all the way to 12.

I'd suggest adding the tape with the top starting just below this first fin, and working downwards (towards 3) from there.

 

[mano de piedra]

The aero fins or the raised ridges which help the frame cut through the air better. If you look or feel where you put tape at 3 then continue along upwards, there is a point where these fin lines begin and continue on both sides, almost all the way to 12.

I'd suggest adding the tape with the top starting just below this first fin, and working downwards (towards 3) from there.

Got it!

how much would you suggest? currently having 3g @ 3-9 and I think I could add a bit no problem weight wise; maybe leave 3g and add 1g each 2-10?

 

[Wolfessis]

Got it!

how much would you suggest? currently having 3g @ 3-9 and I think I could add a bit no problem weight wise; maybe leave 3g and add 1g each 2-10?

Adding another 2g total at 2-10 will be a significant shift. If you aren't going to reduce any weight from 3-9, id suggest perhaps start by just adding 1-1.3g total (so between .5g -.65g per side).

That should make a noticeable difference, without changing things too aggressively, from which you can better decide if you actually like the change or not.

With 2g you may initially overshoot too far too quickly.

 

[mano de piedra]

Adding another 2g total at 2-10 will be a significant shift. If you aren't going to reduce any weight from 3-9, id suggest perhaps start by just adding 1-1.3g total (so between .5g -.65g per side).

That should make a noticeable difference, without changing things too aggressively, from which you can better decide if you actually like the change or not.

With 2g you may initially overshoot too far too quickly.

It looks like my second racket still has 2g at 3-9; I may as well add 1g each at 2-10, and compare to other racket which has just 3g at 3-9. Do you think the difference will be noticeable?

 

[Wolfessis]

It looks like my second racket still has 2g at 3-9; I may as well add 1g each at 2-10, and compare to other racket which has just 3g at 3-9. Do you think the difference will be noticeable?

That would definitely make a noticeable difference to me but everyone is different. Also depends where you like to hit on the stringbed. I'm interested to hear what you think!

I think you will find a more consistent stroke on hits between the mid and 3/4 length of the stringbed, as well as find you can get extra rip/acceleration which will provide more power and spin, if favourable to your stroke mechanics.

I imagine spin change would be less noticeable, if your forehand is more traditional and closer to eastern grip.

 

[mano de piedra]

That would definitely make a noticeable difference to me but everyone is different. Also depends where you like to hit on the stringbed. I'm interested to hear what you think!

I think you will find a more consistent stroke on hits between the mid and 3/4 length of the stringbed, as well as find you can get extra rip/acceleration which will provide more power and spin, if favourable to your stroke mechanics.

I imagine spin change would be less noticeable, if your forehand is more traditional and closer to eastern grip.

managed to add weight as discussed and tested for few hours

I have added to the racket which had 2g at 3-9 another 1g at '2-10'; using the Gamma thin lead, this meant that I added to each of the 4 sides 0.5g / 2in of lead. 2in was actually the max I could add given space available without overlapping the tape, if you see what I mean... So basically I had a continuous tape for 1.5g / 6in from the fin down

Compare this with my other racket with same total weight of 3g but distributed slightly differently: a continuous tape again 1.5g / 6in with effectively only difference being 0.25g / 1in near the fin as opposed down the bottom - if I make sense!! I should add some pics when I can...

Point is, the two rackets only differs by very little, but the difference in weight distribution is really significant; and I like it much more like you suggested. the extra head weight made ground strokes and serve much much better (maybe I tend to hit towards the top of the frame), as you said without compromising how quickly you can swing this frame. I still need to get used to it at the net: while it felt better on contact with the ball, it is definitely less manoeuvrable than the other. I play with lots of top spin (former 100% clay player here ) and there was no change to that, maybe easier given I can hummer the ball much more; one hand back hand slice improved massively

So thanks a lot, I now have both racket set up like that!

(I may need to increase tension by couple of lb when stringing next)

 

[ryushen21]

Black Knight/Grey Fire is very good in the current VC95. Tour Bite is also excellent but don't expect to get more than 8 hours out of it. ALU power is also good but another bad option for string life. I'm about to try out Lynx Tour, Poly Tour Rev, and Ytex Penta Power twisted in my frames once they come back from matching.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Nice one

Hyper-G was one of the first I tried (probably the 18 gauge) but maybe due to high tension I didn't like at all. Noted down Tour Bite Soft 16L.

I don't recognise the two hybrids you suggest (well, I wouldn't recognize any ); is this:
Grapplesnake CES Neon Dust/Liq. String Set (1.23/1.25)

and this:
Solinco outlast + pro stacked hybrid (in 16)

Try hyper G again mid 40's full bed you'll like it in that frame I bet.

 

[Wolfessis]

managed to add weight as discussed and tested for few hours

I have added to the racket which had 2g at 3-9 another 1g at '2-10'; using the Gamma thin lead, this meant that I added to each of the 4 sides 0.5g / 2in of lead. 2in was actually the max I could add given space available without overlapping the tape, if you see what I mean... So basically I had a continuous tape for 1.5g / 6in from the fin down

Compare this with my other racket with same total weight of 3g but distributed slightly differently: a continuous tape again 1.5g / 6in with effectively only difference being 0.25g / 1in near the fin as opposed down the bottom - if I make sense!! I should add some pics when I can...

Point is, the two rackets only differs by very little, but the difference in weight distribution is really significant; and I like it much more like you suggested. the extra head weight made ground strokes and serve much much better (maybe I tend to hit towards the top of the frame), as you said without compromising how quickly you can swing this frame. I still need to get used to it at the net: while it felt better on contact with the ball, it is definitely less manoeuvrable than the other. I play with lots of top spin (former 100% clay player here ) and there was no change to that, maybe easier given I can hummer the ball much more; one hand back hand slice improved massively

So thanks a lot, I now have both racket set up like that!

(I may need to increase tension by couple of lb when stringing next)

Great glad it worked out well

Access to spin being easier is perhaps a better way to put it than more spin, as it's easier to, for e.g. accelerate more easily with more force from a pressured/shorter stroke shot, thus allowing one to still be able to get good spin without hitting short; instead of having to potentially reduce spin production to not hit a short ball.

Putting some weight (1-2g) inside the handle door/buttcap may likely help regain some at net manouverability, especially if you haven't weighted the handle at all yet or leather gripped it.

 

[mano de piedra]

Great glad it worked out well

Access to spin being easier is perhaps a better way to put it than more spin, as it's easier to, for e.g. accelerate more easily with more force from a pressured/shorter stroke shot, thus allowing one to still be able to get good spin without hitting short; instead of having to potentially reduce spin production to not hit a short ball.

Putting some weight (1-2g) inside the handle door/buttcap may likely help regain some at net manouverability, especially if you haven't weighted the handle at all yet or leather gripped it.

Yes, that's what I meant re: access to spin!

As a further test, I added extra 0.5g to the frame which already had 3g @ 3-9 without removing any lead (only 0.5g as the space between fin and lead was only 1in...). So 3.5g (on each side), which means a continuous 7in lead stripe going from the start of the fin down, and the result was even better!

Basically all the improvements from being more head heavy were still there (discussed above) but the frame was much more balanced, hence manoeuvrability at net was good. In summary the racket feels now completely different from what I had before, but in a very nice way - thanks again for your post mate, without your input I'd have never made this change!

 

[Luke Hochstatter]

Tried my 2018 version with cyclone tour at at 52 pounds today. Loved it. Comfy with a little more power than a shaped poly with very good spin. The red on red looks cool too for an added bonus.

 

[Pumpkin]

@mano de piedra I'm thinking of demoing the Vcore 95. What do you make of it? I've heard the sweetspot feels bigger.

 

[mano de piedra]

@mano de piedra I'm thinking of demoing the Vcore 95. What do you make of it? I've heard the sweetspot feels bigger.

really like it but OFC you got to test yourself like any bit of tennis gear! When I bought a couple of the 2018 version, I did demo pretty much all the main rackets, and the VC95 was the only one I really liked - as few players have confirmed, one-hand backhand plays so well with a Yonex 95in (note that I never really played with too large head size racket, my frames used to be Head Prestige and then PT630)

only comment (as also many have reported), it is probably too light; i ended up adding about 7g (in total) at 3-9 / 2-10, and overgrip, etc.

not sure about sweet spot...I did read 95in head for Yonex feels a bit bigger than others due to isometric shape, but you have to check how it feels for your game

 

[mano de piedra]

Tried my 2018 version with cyclone tour at at 52 pounds today. Loved it. Comfy with a little more power than a shaped poly with very good spin. The red on red looks cool too for an added bonus.

I also really like the matching red frame / strings
Stringing at 52-49 but I want to try a bit tighter now that I have added extra weight to the head (maybe 54-50)