Vcore 98 2026 vs Wilson Defyer 98

[Templium]

Hi! I’ve found very few comparisons between the Vcore 98 (2026 model) and the new Wilson Defyer 98.
I play with the Vcore 98 and really like it, but I sometimes struggle with my forehand; the slightest mistake sends the ball flying all over the place. I also find it tricky to swing. Anyway, I’d love to hear from anyone who has tested both—would the Defyer be easier to use than the Vcore? Thanks!

 

[Tim Buktu]

VC98 - terrific connected/direct feel but not harsh. High quality construction. Loads of easy power, depth and spin, but tameable by using the right choice of string/tensions ie a control orientated string. High launch angle. Vastly better than the 2023 VC98 IMO.

D98 - plusher, very slightly more muted feeling compared to the VC but still great feeling. Less power, less loopy shots / lower launch angle, but still good spin and power. Easy to use. Generous sweetspot. More versatile in terms of shot making. QC a bit variable. May need lead.

Both are excellent racquets IMO, but the deciding factor for me is that the D98 is more versatile in terms of variety of shot making and adjustability compared to the VC98 where you really have to hit everything with topspin just to keep things under control. If they had given the VC a 16x20 pattern, it would be much closer.

 

[mrtrinh]

My thoughts. Keep in mind this is the unreleased snake skin pj. My defyers are weighted to the same spec.

Wilson Python/ Defyer - Released July 2026

....

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Xarvet]

Luca from Rackets & Runners on YT did a good review a couple weeks ago where he went into pretty good detail on the differences in design and playability between the D98, PA and Vcore.

 

[Tim Buktu]

Luca from Rackets & Runners on YT did a good review a couple weeks ago where he went into pretty good detail on the differences in design and playability between the D98, PA and Vcore.

He lost a huge amount of credibility in my eyes when he produced a so called 'review' of the D98 when he didn't even have a retail D98 to review. He even started going on about 'foam feel' when the D98 isn't even foam filled. In another video he did recently, he started talking about the 'dampening tech' of Cortex, when it's just a plastic ring that does nothing. Not sure if he's just simply too young to remember the class action suit against Babolat. No idea if he's under pressure to produce videos but the quality of his recent videos has taken a huge nose dive with too much guessing and hyperbole.

My thoughts. Keep in mind this is the unreleased snake skin pj. My defyers are weighted to the same spec.

Wilson Python/ Defyer - Released July 2026

....

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

You can't really compare Python to Defyer though as there are different Python layups floating around underneath the black paint jobs. There's no way for example that the retail D98 could be described as raw.

 

[Otinis]

VC98 - terrific connected/direct feel but not harsh. High quality construction. Loads of easy power, depth and spin, but tameable by using the right choice of string/tensions ie a control orientated string. High launch angle. Vastly better than the 2023 VC98 IMO.

D98 - plusher, very slightly more muted feeling compared to the VC but still great feeling. Less power, less loopy shots / lower launch angle, but still good spin and power. Easy to use. Generous sweetspot. More versatile in terms of shot making. QC a bit variable. May need lead.

Both are excellent racquets IMO, but the deciding factor for me is that the D98 is more versatile in terms of variety of shot making and adjustability compared to the VC98 where you really have to hit everything with topspin just to keep things under control. If they had given the VC a 16x20 pattern, it would be much closer.

They should just make extended defyers regular length racquets are too short for many people unfortunately so i have no choice but vc98 now

 

[Fxanimator1]

They should just make extended defyers regular length racquets are too short for many people unfortunately so i have no choice but vc98 now

The VCore is a very good racquet, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the QC of Yonex, so it’s not as though you’re settling for some kind of sub-par frame.

 

[MatiasR]

FWIW

 

[ChrisJR3264]

So I have a long history of using more control oriented frames. Pure storm, pure storm tour, blade blx, tfight xtc, brief stint with the gravity pro and ultra 98 tour.

I’ve been using this vcore 100D and while at first I was lacking confidence with the thicker beam, I’ve found a happy medium. Holding serve is easier due to the weight but also getting more spin and kick on my ball. Still able to hit flatter backhands but my forehand has more rpm’s on. Heavier spin with higher margin targets do force some short balls.

I do have the occasional ball if I’m too flat it missiles deep. But I don’t mind playing more extended rallies. Mentally I’m getting more confident and less hesitant over the thicker beam being afraid to make an error.

I will say I’m more intrigued to hit the 98 vcore over the Defyer again. I’m someone who hits more flat but seems to play with a bit more variation than I initially thought of my self.

The Defyer is a good racket. I briefly hit with it and it’s stable. No complaints. But I’m not interested playing the qc lotto or paying more to get the specs Wilson puts on paper

 

[Otinis]

The VCore is a very good racquet, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the QC of Yonex, so it’s not as though you’re settling for some kind of sub-par frame.

Hahah true i think extended defyer would suit le better though tbh

 

[Otinis]

So I have a long history of using more control oriented frames. Pure storm, pure storm tour, blade blx, tfight xtc, brief stint with the gravity pro and ultra 98 tour.

I’ve been using this vcore 100D and while at first I was lacking confidence with the thicker beam, I’ve found a happy medium. Holding serve is easier due to the weight but also getting more spin and kick on my ball. Still able to hit flatter backhands but my forehand has more rpm’s on. Heavier spin with higher margin targets do force some short balls.

I do have the occasional ball if I’m too flat it missiles deep. But I don’t mind playing more extended rallies. Mentally I’m getting more confident and less hesitant over the thicker beam being afraid to make an error.

I will say I’m more intrigued to hit the 98 vcore over the Defyer again. I’m someone who hits more flat but seems to play with a bit more variation than I initially thought of my self.

The Defyer is a good racket. I briefly hit with it and it’s stable. No complaints. But I’m not interested playing the qc lotto or paying more to get the specs Wilson puts on paperDo you tjin

Do you think you can flatten with vcore 98 plus as much as you can with ultra tour 98 ?

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Do you think you can flatten with vcore 98 plus as much as you can with ultra tour 98 ?

Absolutely. I’m sure I’ll sail a few if I get too giddy going for broke though.

 

[Brian2781]

A more in-depth (and potentially more representative of consensus) comparison than the PH tennis guys:

NEW Wilson Defyer 98 (Python 98/ Redline 98) vs Yonex Vcore 98 2026. Which is the better spin racket

Tennis Obsession reviews Yonex VCORE 98 2026, Wilson Defyer 98 Pro v1

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