Vcore 98 2023 -Where's the love?

[TennisManiac]

I've decide to demo the Vcore 98 2023 just for sh!ts and giggles. It wasn't among the 8 frames I demoed earlier this Spring. So I thought... why not? I've been searching the forum to see what others have had to say about this one. To my surprise I haven't came across much talk of this frame at all. Where's the love? Is it a dud or what? Guess I'll find out next week when my demo gets here. Seems like it could be a very nice weapon with a little customization.

 

[VS_Power]

Best racket of all time IMO. Ultra plush, ultra spin, ultra control. Love the irregularly shaped head, even irregular by Yonex standards, that brings the sweetspot up. Also, it's made by Yonex, who has the best quality control.

It's also great for tennis elbow!

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Its spinnier (spin monster), maybe more powerful, and more ball pocketing/plush or something than the previous version which was already very good

 

[SupahMan5000]

Not a dud but not big enough of a change to change from 2021 to 2023.

I think the Vcore 95 saw a bigger change and so ppl were more inclined to go for it

 

[Bigmctennis]

The reviews online are all glowing for it. I played with it for a hot minute and found my ezone and Vcore 95 to have more spin potential honestly. But it is a great stick

 

[TennisManiac]

The reviews online are all glowing for it. I played with it for a hot minute and found my ezone and Vcore 95 to have more spin potential honestly. But it is a great stick

I actually liked the 95 but thought it was too low powered. Probably because of it's small head and RA of 61. It also suffered when trying to return big serves. Does the 98 remedy these issues?

 

[SupahMan5000]

I actually liked the 95 but thought it was too low powered. Probably because of it's small head and RA of 61. It also suffered when trying to return big serves. Does the 98 remedy these issues?

you might get a little more free power but I think the slightly more stable VC95 gives you the upper hand on returns. Personally I would add some weight where the hoop widens for additional stability, but not everyone likes to change the balance too much with the VC95 as you lose some maneuverability

 

[Bigmctennis]

I have a touch of lead at 12 so that may be helping but has no problems on returns, ball just comes out a little low at first before adjusting.

98 is definitely a little more solid. Never added leaded and hit some returns against a big server (110-120), seems that the extra racket space helps it feel a tiny bit more stable yet still nicely soft

 

[Boubi]

What about the vc100 ?

 

[TennisManiac]

What about the vc100 ?

I'd never consider a 100. Way too big and clunky for me and my ohbh.

 

[naturalexponent]

The VC98 is a lot of fun. My only knock on it is that it can feel a bit inconsistent and launchy at times. Maybe not an issue to players who are better than I am. But it feels great, is comfortable, has a ton of power, and is super maneuverable. You can hit some big serves with it. And it feels way more forgiving than any other 98 I've hit with.

 

[Takeitontherise]

Read the posts a lot, but rarely post myself, felt obliged to chime in on this one. I just switched to the 2023 VC98 after a few years with the Vcore Pro 330 (the emerald green one). 23VC98 is a fantastic stick. I demoed it for a week and it was an absolutely seamless transition from my old stick since the balance is the same. Great spin, decent power, excellent for backhand slices. I also think the stability is quite good considering its weight and I dont really feel the need to add anything to it. The only hiccup I had was strings. I typically played a full bed of 1.20 IceCode in the VCP330 at 48 lbs, and I absolutely did not like a full bed of IceCode in the 23VC98 at any tension. I've finally settled on a full bed Lynx Tour 1.25 (Champagne) at 52 lbs and I find it quite good. For what its worth, I'm a 4.5 counterpuncher and aggressive mover with an above average serve. Anyway, cant recommend this stick enough.

 

[TennisManiac]

Read the posts a lot, but rarely post myself, felt obliged to chime in on this one. I just switched to the 2023 VC98 after a few years with the Vcore Pro 330 (the emerald green one). 23VC98 is a fantastic stick. I demoed it for a week and it was an absolutely seamless transition from my old stick since the balance is the same. Great spin, decent power, excellent for backhand slices. I also think the stability is quite good considering its weight and I dont really feel the need to add anything to it. The only hiccup I had was strings. I typically played a full bed of 1.20 IceCode in the VCP330 at 48 lbs, and I absolutely did not like a full bed of IceCode in the 23VC98 at any tension. I've finally settled on a full bed Lynx Tour 1.25 (Champagne) at 52 lbs and I find it quite good. For what its worth, I'm a 4.5 counterpuncher and aggressive mover with an above average serve. Anyway, cant recommend this stick enough.

Do you happen to have a ohbh by chance?

 

[eStarfish]

Read the posts a lot, but rarely post myself, felt obliged to chime in on this one. I just switched to the 2023 VC98 after a few years with the Vcore Pro 330 (the emerald green one). 23VC98 is a fantastic stick. I demoed it for a week and it was an absolutely seamless transition from my old stick since the balance is the same. Great spin, decent power, excellent for backhand slices. I also think the stability is quite good considering its weight and I dont really feel the need to add anything to it. The only hiccup I had was strings. I typically played a full bed of 1.20 IceCode in the VCP330 at 48 lbs, and I absolutely did not like a full bed of IceCode in the 23VC98 at any tension. I've finally settled on a full bed Lynx Tour 1.25 (Champagne) at 52 lbs and I find it quite good. For what its worth, I'm a 4.5 counterpuncher and aggressive mover with an above average serve. Anyway, cant recommend this stick enough.

This thread resonates. Lately I've been feeling the love for the VC98. I had mostly been playing with the 97D, which is a fantastic stick, but it gets a little unwieldy for me with the higher static and swing weight. The VC98 is just so much easer to use and still generates a heavy ball for me. Also 4.5 counterpuncher, OHBH. Spin and depth is my jam.

I also landed on Lynx Tour 1.25 Champagne @ 47 after trying a few different string setups (YPTR, the new Head Hawk Power 17).

The new 95 is more precise and easier to hit a OHBH with but I just don't get the same penetrating ball from it like I do with the 98.

 

[Takeitontherise]

Do you happen to have a ohbh by chance?

I *technically* hit a two-hander, but I hit so many backhand slices I think its almost a lie to say I hit a two-handed backhand. My two-hander is serviceable, but I frankly have an excellent backhand slice and I'm a little bit too much in love with it. 23VC98 is great for the backhand slice and I have no complaints when I hit my two-hander.

 

[naturalexponent]

Do you happen to have a ohbh by chance?

I do. I think OHBH is a strength on this racquet. Usually have trouble on high BHs and the VC98 feels forgiving there.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I played a UTR 11 recently who uses it , based on the beatdown I received, I'd say it's amazing. Of course he plays stock and didn't even know the SW when I asked, all the UTR 10 pluses I encounter play stock sticks and don't really dive that heavily into the nerdiness of rackets.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Agree with this thread - great racquet without a lot of hype on these boards, probs cause of all the love and cult following of the 95. Reviews overall though have been really strong.

 

[donnygg]

Read the posts a lot, but rarely post myself, felt obliged to chime in on this one. I just switched to the 2023 VC98 after a few years with the Vcore Pro 330 (the emerald green one). 23VC98 is a fantastic stick. I demoed it for a week and it was an absolutely seamless transition from my old stick since the balance is the same. Great spin, decent power, excellent for backhand slices. I also think the stability is quite good considering its weight and I dont really feel the need to add anything to it. The only hiccup I had was strings. I typically played a full bed of 1.20 IceCode in the VCP330 at 48 lbs, and I absolutely did not like a full bed of IceCode in the 23VC98 at any tension. I've finally settled on a full bed Lynx Tour 1.25 (Champagne) at 52 lbs and I find it quite good. For what its worth, I'm a 4.5 counterpuncher and aggressive mover with an above average serve. Anyway, cant recommend this stick enough.

My transition is very similar to yours, coming from Vcore Pro 330 Blue/Red. With the VCore 98, I find that I could do many more things that surprise myself. Definitely not regretting the switch. If anything, I should have changed earlier!

 

[A_Instead]

I can say that the 23 Vcore 98 is not very similar to the 23 VCore 100.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

I played a UTR 11 recently who uses it , based on the beatdown I received, I'd say it's amazing. Of course he plays stock and didn't even know the SW when I asked, all the UTR 10 pluses I encounter play stock sticks and don't really dive that heavily into the nerdiness of rackets.

Lol a utr 11 using this thing would be a nightmare with the amount of spin and power it has with good control and great pocketing

 

[loosegroove]

I played a UTR 11 recently who uses it , based on the beatdown I received, I'd say it's amazing. Of course he plays stock and didn't even know the SW when I asked, all the UTR 10 pluses I encounter play stock sticks and don't really dive that heavily into the nerdiness of rackets.

Those poor saps are too busy getting good at tennis…they’re really missing out.

 

[TennisManiac]

Wow! Everything that has been said about the frame in this thread thus far has sounded really positive.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Those poor saps are too busy getting good at tennis…they’re really missing out.

Its actually true lol they're unlikely to find their best equipment if they don't focus on it

 

[TennisManiac]

Its actually true lol they're unlikely to find their best equipment if they don't focus on it

They have trainers and coaches that focus on finding them their equipment. We don't.

 

[jaxadam]

I actually liked the 95 but thought it was too low powered. Probably because of it's small head and RA of 61. It also suffered when trying to return big serves. Does the 98 remedy these issues?

A little lead will fix that.

 

[TennisManiac]

A little lead will fix that.

Not for me it didn't.

 

[jaxadam]

Not for me it didn't.

No kidding... I have multiple buddies with the 95 and a few with the 98. I like the 95 more than the 98, but I like the 95 with lead and 6 and 9 better than the stock. But I play with a Boom Pro with 4 g's at 6 and 9 and 2 g's at 12 so who knows.

 

[notthatgood]

I played with the '21 98 and found it pretty average, perhaps a little sluggish if anything. Transitioned to the '21 100 which is a totally underrated frame in terms of performance, but it can be super boardy and just doesn't feel great to hit with. Went from there to the '23 100 which gets a lot of love, but the launch angle is wild and I found myself to have a ton of depth control issues. Anybody have any notes on the launch angle of the '23 98? Seems like maybe I should give it a shot.

 

[curtstead]

Just here to chime in to say that the '23 VC98 absolutely slaps. I liked it the first time around, but I had a muted string in it that didn't quite help with the dampened feel. I now have Volkl Cyclone 17g strung in it at 52#, and wow... now that I'm getting a bit more feedback, what a stick. No, the control isn't pinpoint, but I think it's pretty good for a spin/power oriented 98. I can go for bigger targets with no issue. Am I the flattest hitter, no. However, I can flatten out fairly well. I've heard reviewers on YouTube say they've struggled to flatten out balls. I disagree entirely, as I can flatten out more with the ‘23 Vcore 98 than the Extreme Tour or Aero 98 for example. Not as much as my Arma Pro 98 or Prestige MP-Ls, but it's not far behind.

I haven't even modded it yet. Just an overgrip. I may add a tiny bit of weight at 3 and 9, but that's likely it. I have somewhere between an Eastern and SW FH, and a OHBH. I absolutely love this frame, and simply do not understand why some people have deemed it bad, even crapped on it at times. Most importantly, the Ezone 98, as much as I wanted to love that stick and loved a lot about it, annihilated my wrist. This feels much more comfortable.

Hope others give this a try. It's definitely worth a demo if you like 305g/98sq in frames. I feel like it does it all. Great frame!

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Just here to chime in to say that the '23 VC98 absolutely slaps. I liked it the first time around, but I had a muted string in it that didn't quite help with the dampened feel. I now have Volkl Cyclone 17g strung in it at 52#, and wow... now that I'm getting a bit more feedback, what a stick. No, the control isn't pinpoint, but I think it's pretty good for a spin/power oriented 98. I can go for bigger targets with no issue. Am I the flattest hitter, no. However, I can flatten out fairly well. I've heard reviewers on YouTube say they've struggled to flatten out balls. I disagree entirely, as I can flatten out more with the ‘23 Vcore 98 than the Extreme Tour or Aero 98 for example. Not as much as my Arma Pro 98 or Prestige MP-Ls, but it's not far behind.

I haven't even modded it yet. Just an overgrip. I may add a tiny bit of weight at 3 and 9, but that's likely it. I have somewhere between an Eastern and SW FH, and a OHBH. I absolutely love this frame, and simply do not understand why some people have deemed it bad, even crapped on it at times. Most importantly, the Ezone 98, as much as I wanted to love that stick and loved a lot about it, annihilated my wrist. This feels much more comfortable.

Hope others give this a try. It's definitely worth a demo if you like 305g/98sq in frames. I feel like it does it all. Great frame!

Just wait until you try the 95

 

[curtstead]

Just wait until you try the 95

So I played with the '21 95 for a few months early last year. I loved it, and nothing was sweeter than when I was A-gaming with it, but it gave me nothing for free. My slightly off days weren't great, and my bad days were really bad. I've heard plenty of great things about the new 95, but I've accepted that I'm not good enough to use a 95 sq inch head, even one with a head shape as forgiving as Yonex. I could certainly see myself owning one just to have in the bag though.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-im waiting for the y.vcore.98.TOUR!!

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

So I played with the '21 95 for a few months early last year. I loved it, and nothing was sweeter than when I was A-gaming with it, but it gave me nothing for free. My slightly off days weren't great, and my bad days were really bad. I've heard plenty of great things about the new 95, but I've accepted that I'm not good enough to use a 95 sq inch head, even one with a head shape as forgiving as Yonex. I could certainly see myself owning one just to have in the bag though.

The new 95 is way easier to play imo

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

-im waiting for the y.vcore.98.TOUR!!

Is that real?

 

[bnjkn]

The new 95 is way easier to play imo

Agreed. The new 95 is an awesome stick.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Agreed. The new 95 is an awesome stick.

Textreme tour 95 is amazing too for another flavor... I actually serve better with that one and groundstrokes are on a similar level different trajectory and style

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Is that real?

-yes
-i posted pictures here when i got them at the club
-i also got in trouble the next day for doing so
-but anyway, its one im hoping to hit pretty soon
-btw its same color way as the current model

-should be good!

 

[TennisManiac]

-yes
-i posted pictures here when i got them at the club
-i also got in trouble the next day for doing so
-but anyway, its one im hoping to hit pretty soon
-btw its same color way as the current model

-should be good!

Do you know any specs. on the Tour version?

 

[TennisManiac]

Just wait until you try the 95

Very low powered compared to the 98.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Very low powered compared to the 98.

I like that about it

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Do you know any specs. on the Tour version?

-y.v.tour,98
-315g/11.1oz
-320mm balance
-16/19
-27"length

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Agreed. The new 95 is an awesome stick.

Wait wait I take it back, its just that I'd hardly used the vcore 95 on serve yet. Holy crap the first time taking it out to test serving (in 2:30 max intensity sun where I serve best due to perfect ball pocketing) was incredible one of the sweetest ball pockets of any racquet ever, made almost every serve with a clean feel and a ton of pop and power the ball flying like a rocket... ridiculous this is such a serving beast apparently even better than my TT 95s that I just discovered

Everytime I practice with it since then a few days ago it remains a power pocketing serving beast and easy to get serves in all the time. Contender for GOAT serving racquet

 

[TennisManiac]

Wait wait I take it back, its just that I'd hardly used the vcore 95 on serve yet. Holy crap the first time taking it out to test serving (in 2:30 max intensity sun where I serve best due to perfect ball pocketing) was incredible one of the sweetest ball pockets of any racquet ever, made almost every serve with a clean feel and a ton of pop and power the ball flying like a rocket... ridiculous this is such a serving beast apparently even better than my TT 95s that I just discovered

Everytime I practice with it since then a few days ago it remains a power pocketing serving beast and easy to get serves in all the time. Contender for GOAT serving racquet

That was this racket's stand out feature to me as well. Serving was like it's only strength imo.

 

[ezekiel114]

TW on sale right now. any insight on why? can't be a new model...

 

[loosegroove]

TW on sale right now. any insight on why? can't be a new model...

Which racket are you referring to? The 2021 Vcore 95 and 98 have been on sale for a while, which are what I assume you are seeing. The 2023 are currently full price.

 

[TennisManiac]

Which racket are you referring to? The 2021 Vcore 95 and 98 have been on sale for a while, which are what I assume you are seeing. The 2023 are currently full price.

Maybe he's looking at the Vcore Pro and getting confused.

 

[ezekiel114]

Which racket are you referring to? The 2021 Vcore 95 and 98 have been on sale for a while, which are what I assume you are seeing. The 2023 are currently full price.

nope you're right. it is the '21. got overly excited to grab a second 98. my apologies.

 

[curtstead]

Update:

Still loving the frame. Starting to do some mods and strings, although just easing in on mods with a leather grip now + OG, and stringing with Head Lynx Tour 17g at 52#. After I see how this plays (feel like I've heard Lynx Tour plays well in the VC98 '23?), I might start adding some weight at 3 and 9.

 

[Campione22]

I switched to the VC98 back in March. I had previously used the 2021 VC 98+. While the '21 VC98+ was great for my serve, I occasionally found it a bit sluggish against bigger hitters. I demoed a lot of different sticks, and from looking at the specs of the 2023 VC98, I knew I would like it. I love the RA rating of 62, much easier on the arm. After demoing it, I made the decision to buy a few. Honestly, the best stick I've ever used. I feel like I can swing out a little bit more and have the control and spin I need to keep the ball in. Very maneuverable at net, and just a nice plush feel overall. I'm a 5.0 counterpuncher/baseliner with a western forehand and 2 handed backhand. It will be a while before I look at another racket. I string it right now with Yonex Poly Tour Rev (Orange) at 46 and it's a great combo. Just wish the string was a little cheaper.