ichaseballs
Professional
TW has it for pre-sale, launching at the end of October.
Thought it deserved it's own thread.
Thought it deserved it's own thread.
Yonex VCORE 98 Tour
- Thread starter ichaseballs
- Start date
ichaseballs
Professional
i'm now wondering what a vcore 100 tour would be like 
16x20?
16x20?
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
i'm now wondering what a vcore 100 tour would be like
Very surprised this 98 isn’t.
Having a great ride with the VC95 v7 right now.
I haven’t heard good things about the 98, haven’t touched it myself. Curious about the tour!
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Curtennis
Hall of Fame
based off the TW specs this racquet looks like a massive miss.
the tour is 10 grams heavier, 8 swing weight points higher and 2 pts less headlight.
Based on some mental math that seems to me that they added most all of the weight right around the bottom hoop of the racquet.
thats a picture generated from using the TWU tool trying to change the vcore 98 into the vcore tour 98
the tour is 10 grams heavier, 8 swing weight points higher and 2 pts less headlight.
Based on some mental math that seems to me that they added most all of the weight right around the bottom hoop of the racquet.
thats a picture generated from using the TWU tool trying to change the vcore 98 into the vcore tour 98
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doubleshot60
New User
doesn't necessarily mean they started with a vcore 98 to make the vcore 98 tour
ichaseballs
Professional
the review talks about how weighing up a VC98 was not the same feel.
the same applied to the EZ98, similar specs to weigh up to the EZ98 Tour. It still feels different.
the same applied to the EZ98, similar specs to weigh up to the EZ98 Tour. It still feels different.
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Absolutely. Having that extra mass onboard from the start will almost always result in a differently-behaving frame, versus one that is equivalently spec'd up with leather/lead/silicone/etc.
Notirouswithag
Professional
Im suprised this isn't 16x20 aside from the 95.
No. It should be no surprise that the drill pattern is the same between the Tour and non-Tour version. At this point, Yonex rarely, if ever, creates a Tour variant with a different drill pattern. The mold and drill pattern are almost always the same. It's only the layup that is different.
As an aside, if I had to guess, this, or something very close, is likely the layup that Tommy Paul has been playing all along.
ichaseballs
Professional
drill pattern looks different. looks a bit closed maybe like the last gen?
Same drill pattern as the current 2023 standard VCore 98.
A miss in what way? I'm genuinely curious to know. The only miss I see is what TW has called out in the lack of a 16x20 string pattern which is also my favorite config.based off the TW specs this racquet looks like a massive miss.
the tour is 10 grams heavier, 8 swing weight points higher and 2 pts less headlight.
Based on some mental math that seems to me that they added most all of the weight right around the bottom hoop of the racquet.
thats a picture generated from using the TWU tool trying to change the vcore 98 into the vcore tour 98
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
I posted why it’s a miss in my post. The weight has most likely been added to the bottom of the hoop to achieve the specs they did.
If I wanted to add spin potential to my racquet the last place I would do it is there.
Additionally, much like you in fact said, it’s just the same racquet. A 16x20 would be awesome. We’re getting something new. Maybe even a different level of flex. But in fact all we’re getting is a minor increase to static weight which translates to an underwhelming swing weight adjustment on what’s already a very low swingweight “spin” racquet.
I’d argue, and die on the hill, that buying the regular Vcore and adding 3 grams to 12 o clock would be a superior stick for what a Vcore is supposed to accomplish.
Yep, and this point often seems lost. IMO the standard VC98 doesn't need more power by way of plow weight, but I do think added mass in the hoop could much improve the feel, which no amount of lead could do. IMO the feel of the standard 98 is not all that great, at least compared to the VC95. Now a VC95 Tour with a little more oomph would really be cool, kinda like the P97 vs. P97H, but I'd guess the market is pretty small for that.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Why would lead not be able to accomplish that? They’re not adding mass via fairy dust and twaron. They’re just putting regular old weights in it.
"Regular old weights"? What are those? How do you know Yonex is just adding weights inside the frame rather than using a thicker layup? Has someone cut one open?
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
they very well might be using a 3% thicker layup to cover the 10g difference. All I’m saying is that lead, or layup is going to have a very very negligible difference in feel.
Adding hoop lead dramatically changes the feel of a racquet. It just seemed you were dismissing that in your initial post I responded to. I don’t think anything they did to this tour is going to dramatically change the feel compared to what lead can do.
I’ve played the newest Ezone and the Ezone tour back to back. The regular Ezone with lead had no recognizable difference in feel as compared to the tour. The only difference is the way I distributed less total additional static weight for similar swing weight gains on the regular Ezone it played much better than the stock tour.
I've messed around with plenty of lead on lots of different racquets and IMO lead does not dramatically change the FEEL of a racquet. It changes the balance and/or swingweight and adds some plow and maybe a SMALL bit of extra stability (if at 3/9) on off-center shots, but if the hoop naturally feels flimsy and fluttery and if you feel twist and distortion when you strike the ball, lead will not change that. But added structural mass in the hoop DOES change this and can make a frame feel much more rock solid on impact.
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Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Seems odd that many pro stocks are in the low 200 grams then. But to each their own. I personally preferred the regular Ezone weighted up as compared to the tour.
Not sure which ones you're referring to, but pro stocks generally have more mass in the hoop than comparable retail versions regardless of overall static weight. I have a batch of pro stock Blade 98s that are my main sticks. Their unstrung static weights are 305g, same as the current retail Blade 98, but their unstrung balance is 325mm which is 5mm higher than the retail Blade because of the added mass to the hoop in the layup. This makes a significant difference in feel. Pro stocks also generally have counterbalance weight added to the handle after the fact per player specs.
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Takeitontherise
New User
I switched from an old Vcore Pro 330 (emerald green one; ~353g strung) to the 23Vcore 98 earlier this spring and have been loving it. I swapped in a leather grip and added some lead at 9&3 and with an overgrip and dampner my sticks are 344 grams strung. Great racquets. I saw that the 98 Tour came out and I couldn't resist picking one up. Mine came in a 318g grams, so a little over spec. I swapped in a leather grip for the balance, but other that that, I've left it stock and it comes in 344g with overgrip/dampner/same strings as I usually use. This thing is incredible. Even though the weights and balances are nearly the same, the Tour feels much more solid, no doubt. I think the overall feel is better than a weighted up 98, and the other noticeable difference is that if you hit a ball in the upper hoop with the Tour, it doesn't feel nearly as jarring. Perfectly happy with both sticks, but I have to say I prefer the Tour over a weighted up 98.
ichaseballs
Professional
this was my experience with the ez98 vs ez98tour as well.
318g equates to roughly 11.2 oz. Add strings at roughly .5 oz and you have 11.7 oz (which the TW published spec) so your frame seems to be in line.
I'll probably be switching to the Tour simply because I'd like a little more natural plow through. I have the Ezone 98 Tour as well and while I'm the solidity and plow-through, but it really seems to need the right string and tension combination to not feel a bit boardy. It's not uncomfortable. Just unresponsive if I miss the sweetspot.
ichaseballs
Professional
two more review videos from Youtube
jalapeno74
Rookie
Looks very promising. I like the last iteration of the 95 and 98 - but both lacked some mass. Maybe this one does the trick
So I managed to get two VC98T racquets and I'm..well.. disappointed. Both are strung with a hybrid of Tecnifibre 4S 17/MSV Co-Focus 17L. Both measure close to or at the 11.7 oz mark (they should be less given the lighter strings) but the swing weights are 330 and 337. So way off from a QC perspective and no way to correct it.
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ichaseballs
Professional
oof that sucks... what was their static unstrung weights?
Didn't get the chance to check before having them strung. It's really the balance that's the issue. While a 16 gauge string might add an insubstantial amount of weight to the strung racquets versus a 17 gauge string, the swing weights are way too high. If anything, lighter strings should have given me a lower swing weight versus the expected 326. The higher swing weight tells me that the mass distribution in "off".
ichaseballs
Professional
i got one that came in at 314g unstrung.
340g strung, 337 swingweight (higher than i expected)
The EZT i had was 329.
340g strung, 337 swingweight (higher than i expected)
The EZT i had was 329.
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Wow..from 314 unstrung to 340 strung doesn't seem possible with just strings. That's a 26g (0.9 oz) increase in weight. I, personally, don't know a string that could add that much weight by itself.
Was the 329 the weight or swing weight for the EZT?
ichaseballs
Professional
dampener and overgrip as well.
329 was the swingweight of my EZT with the exact same setup as this VCT.
ichaseballs
Professional
really hoping to get more data from other players that bought this racket.
TW releases their numbers based off 2 prototypes...
TW releases their numbers based off 2 prototypes...
really hoping to get more data from other players that bought this racket.
TW releases their numbers based off 2 prototypes...
Yeah. I'm starting to think that the true swing weight of this racquet is supposed to be in the 330s similar to the EZT.
Brian11785
Hall of Fame
I don't have any data, but I got mine in the mail this weekend.
Replaced the grip for a leather one. Now weighs 351g strung, with overgrip and dampener. Feels like it swings considerably faster than my stock Duel G 330g, which is supposed to have a 334 SW.
Haven't done more than a little shadow swinging because I'm recovering from dermatologist stitches and can't play for another week.....
Replaced the grip for a leather one. Now weighs 351g strung, with overgrip and dampener. Feels like it swings considerably faster than my stock Duel G 330g, which is supposed to have a 334 SW.
Haven't done more than a little shadow swinging because I'm recovering from dermatologist stitches and can't play for another week.....
Bigmctennis
Rookie
Same, I played the ezone tour 2020 and loved it but got arm problems. Shopped around and used the new 98 for awhile but it was missing some of that stability. Just demo'd the 2022 and man I like this thing way more than a customized ezone 98
Brian11785
Hall of Fame
Hit with it last night. Definitely less solid feeling than the Vcore Pros/Duel G that I've ben playing with the last couple years. But forehands were dipping that normally don't dip.
Put some tungsten tape at 3 and 9 and hit again this afternoon (puts it to 359g strung). Much better experience for me, but, as I said, I'm used to the 330g stock Vcore Pro family (or weighted 310 Vcore Pros).
Gave me about 80% of the stability I was used to without impacting swing speed. Probably gonna sacrifice some feel for performance, but I'm optimistic.
Strung with Wilson natural gut mains and MSV Comfort crosses at 50/46.
ichaseballs
Professional
i had a few double matches with mine (337sw)
i am having a lot of fun with it. volleys are much easier with the added mass. i was getting a lot more feel/touch from the tour.
any cons are really from just going to a heavier stick as one should expect. that said, it is still easy to wield for the high SW.
overall hoping this could be my new go to stick. i think this is the 98 that most of us were looking for when buying the VC98. (then feeling it needed some additional weight)
my only concern is if i get another one, how close will it be to my current one...? (let's not praise yonex for matching static weights... if that QC is that good, we should see similar swingweights too)
note for those of you that may be interested in picking one up in the US... it's still sold out / not available for shipping
i am having a lot of fun with it. volleys are much easier with the added mass. i was getting a lot more feel/touch from the tour.
any cons are really from just going to a heavier stick as one should expect. that said, it is still easy to wield for the high SW.
overall hoping this could be my new go to stick. i think this is the 98 that most of us were looking for when buying the VC98. (then feeling it needed some additional weight)
my only concern is if i get another one, how close will it be to my current one...? (let's not praise yonex for matching static weights... if that QC is that good, we should see similar swingweights too)
note for those of you that may be interested in picking one up in the US... it's still sold out / not available for shipping
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Pooschnikens
Rookie
I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with you here. As I have both the VC 98 305g as well as the new tour, I’ve been able to hit them side by side on a few occasions. Having weighted/balanced/swung weight adjusted the 305g to near identical numbers as of the tour, imho they do not play or feel the same. The 305g, despite being modified, felt just that, modified. There’s no question what the lead tape and leather grip provides. That said, the setup does not fully replicate the inherent solidness that the tour possesses. Given this, it stands to reason the tour has a denser graphite layup at least in the hoop. Similar to what Yonex did with the Percept line, minus their having softened the shaft of each model as deliberately. It also lacks their new Servo Filter. I’ll toss this question to both the Northwest sales rep as well as the National sales manager to see if we can get clarification as to their differences in construction.
Back to the conversation. The 305g just feels a bit more hollow to me whereas the tour has more substance to it which for me translates to feel. In a way, this tour bridges the gap between the VC and Percept lines for that very reason. So, for those of you who prefer the more traditional straight beam, even flex, more solid feel of the VCP/Percept lines but want that added boost of aerodynamic, spin friendly, new school sensibilities, this VC 98 tour seems to provide a bit of both. There’s enough static + swing weight to drive thru and more easily flatten the ball. There’s still huge spin potential on tap and certainly provides a markedly higher average launch than most. The tour to me at least feels and plays more in control, less apt to launch the ball, and just feels more familiar as I’m more old school and prefer hitting with my VCP’s/Percepts. Just my 2 cents.
Pooschnikens
Rookie
Had another opportunity to hit earlier today with the tour. Practice session with a good friend who’s on a few USTA teams and wanted to work on a few things. For perspective, my daily hitter is between a beefed up Percept 97 or 97D. Previously used VCP 97H & 97D as well as occasionally trot out a V7 VCore 95 and ‘22 Ezone 98 tour. All aforementioned have had their original grips replaced with Yonex leather. The current Percepts, both 97 & D have a matching static weight of 358g strung with PT Rev 17g, dampener, and Supergrap. Both have a swing weight near 328-331 kg/cm2.
After extensively hitting with the 97 and later 97D for about 45 minutes, I switched over to the Vcore tour. Immediately you sense the agility of the racket and the ease by which it cuts through the air. The VCore tour naturally elevated my avg launch angle yet not as over the top as my modded VCore 98 305g. This racket compels you to swing fast and full through the swing as it rewards you the more you do so. The tour’s significant bump in both static and swing weight really shine through when hitting against players hitting a consistently heavy, fast ball. The added mass just absorbs the ball’s impact so well and transfers energy back to your counter with such ease compared to the Percepts. Depth, access to spin, can flatten it out when needed, all at your disposal. Just a fun, engaging racket that, in capable hands, can really add shape, depth, and now more plow through than ever, VC 95D aside.
After extensively hitting with the 97 and later 97D for about 45 minutes, I switched over to the Vcore tour. Immediately you sense the agility of the racket and the ease by which it cuts through the air. The VCore tour naturally elevated my avg launch angle yet not as over the top as my modded VCore 98 305g. This racket compels you to swing fast and full through the swing as it rewards you the more you do so. The tour’s significant bump in both static and swing weight really shine through when hitting against players hitting a consistently heavy, fast ball. The added mass just absorbs the ball’s impact so well and transfers energy back to your counter with such ease compared to the Percepts. Depth, access to spin, can flatten it out when needed, all at your disposal. Just a fun, engaging racket that, in capable hands, can really add shape, depth, and now more plow through than ever, VC 95D aside.
tophersuwita
Rookie
I have EZ Tour 2022 that I like very much but left behind because of erratic launch angle. How does VC Tour compare to EZ Tour? And for intermediate all courter playing both single and double, will it fare better in term of maneuverability+stability against lighter 100 sq in rackets like Speed MP/Blade 100?
ichaseballs
Professional
the EZT does not really have an erratic launch angle. its fairly dense for a 16x19. it is a bit lower than than the Vcore line.
that said i think the VCT is slightly more maneuverable than the EZT.
tophersuwita
Rookie
Maybe erratic is not the precise term, I feel that because it (Yonex beside Regna) was very muted, often I was afraid to hit all out, especially in late matches/sessions when I was tired. But I really like its balance and whippiness, I am a bit regretful because I sold it (got good price haha)
legcramp
Professional
I picked one of these up because I was curious and wanted to try a Yonex stick, my main stick is a speed mp 2022 (2g at 3 & 9, TW leather grip + overgrip). I left this stick stock and only added an overgrip and it felt just perfect.
Holy crap the spin on this thing is insane, I thought I hit with pretty dang good spin already with the speed mp but now I know what people mean by the balls dive-bombing at the last second. My slices with sidespin on my speed mp is usually pretty okay but this thing had cartoonish sidespin when I hit the same shot on the V98T. The stringbed is way more open than the speed mp, I don't understand why some people want the speed mp's stringbed to be more close, it's already closed enough IMO and flattens the ball out pretty dang good.
I felt more confident on the backhand with my slices, racquet seems to be faster and feels more "natural?" cutting through the air. My two-handed backhand also felt better, felt like it popped more compared to the speed mp. The only issue and maybe it just takes some adjustments was on my forehand side, some shots that I hit with my speed mp that I need to hit through with some lift went into the net, I don't think it's a launch angle issue as the launch angle is similar if not slightly higher than my speed mp. Probably technique issue as this was the fourth time I played a 2-setter in the last five days so I was kinda flat. Maybe the head shape is something I need to adjust to? Anyone have any ideas? Otherwise I am just gonna blame it on my technique + fatique.
Serves felt natural to me right away, plenty of pop, plenty of spin. Felt a little more effortless than the speed mp, sweetspot seems to be bigger with my usual serves, lefty topslice flatter first more topspin second like Rafa.
This one is staying in my bag and maybe even a full time switch if I can get the lifting shots going into the net issue sorted out. Strung 24kg/22.5kg with Grapplesnake Game Changer / MSV Swift.
Holy crap the spin on this thing is insane, I thought I hit with pretty dang good spin already with the speed mp but now I know what people mean by the balls dive-bombing at the last second. My slices with sidespin on my speed mp is usually pretty okay but this thing had cartoonish sidespin when I hit the same shot on the V98T. The stringbed is way more open than the speed mp, I don't understand why some people want the speed mp's stringbed to be more close, it's already closed enough IMO and flattens the ball out pretty dang good.
I felt more confident on the backhand with my slices, racquet seems to be faster and feels more "natural?" cutting through the air. My two-handed backhand also felt better, felt like it popped more compared to the speed mp. The only issue and maybe it just takes some adjustments was on my forehand side, some shots that I hit with my speed mp that I need to hit through with some lift went into the net, I don't think it's a launch angle issue as the launch angle is similar if not slightly higher than my speed mp. Probably technique issue as this was the fourth time I played a 2-setter in the last five days so I was kinda flat. Maybe the head shape is something I need to adjust to? Anyone have any ideas? Otherwise I am just gonna blame it on my technique + fatique.
Serves felt natural to me right away, plenty of pop, plenty of spin. Felt a little more effortless than the speed mp, sweetspot seems to be bigger with my usual serves, lefty topslice flatter first more topspin second like Rafa.
This one is staying in my bag and maybe even a full time switch if I can get the lifting shots going into the net issue sorted out. Strung 24kg/22.5kg with Grapplesnake Game Changer / MSV Swift.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
How would you compare the handles on vcore tour vs speed mp ?
legcramp
Professional
The speed mp looks more like an oval and the vcore tour feels more like an octagon. Pretty much the yonex feels 98% exactly like a babalot stick does with a smaller/thinner bump at the end. It feels like with the speed mp handle I can be more "wristy" with the oval shape and I prefer this shape but when I changed between the two during matchplay I didn't give it a second thought.
Pooschnikens
Rookie
When you say “erratic launch” do you notice it more on a specific shot? I have both EZT and VCT. As it pertains to launch angle, the EZT seems to be a little lower vs VCT but not by a lot. Somehow the added weight and change in balance really helped both insofar as allowing a player to hit more linearly without feeling like it’s gonna hit the back fence. Full disclosure: both tours’ factory grips have been replaced with Yonex leather ones. Makes both a bit quicker to move around yet remain stable and solid in feel. Brings them closer to a more traditional balance for the weight which I and many others prefer. Especially those using a 1HBH. The VCT though having a wider-spaced stringbed compared to the EZT, the reduced stiffness and frame geometry improves its dwell time so the ball feels a little more connected at contact. At least that’s my experience with it. I feel that both are better adept at controlling the launch in comparison to their 305g counterparts, all things being equal. I think erratic is more an issue with one’s mechanics and situational shot making. As anyone will tell you, with these modern frames, when in doubt SWING FASTER.
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Pooschnikens
Rookie
Sounds to me like a switch may be on the horizon for you! Based on your comments, it would seem the pros using the VCT outweigh those of your SMP. That said, you may want to give yourself more time getting better acquainted with the VCT. Every racket has its own unique set of factors so it’s only natural when switching fr one to another, there’s always a learning curve.
The VCore line is designed to enhance racket head speed by way of aerodynamic design. The ‘23 updates really made a difference. From changes in its geometry by elongating the throat for added flex as well as a redesigned fan-shaped hoop along with their new grommet technology which allows for greater string snap back including the upper end of the frame make this line arguably their most advanced to date. Altogether, this makes for a very dynamic hitting experience.
Pooschnikens
Rookie
Weekend update: This VCore 98 tour continues to impress. Given my proclivities towards a more traditional straight box-ish beam construction. I like a weighted frame at 320g and up static unstrung weight and a swing weight of 330 kg/cm2 & up along with a balance of 6-8/9 points head light. Put together, my rackets of choice are all three of the Percept 97 lineup. All three with Yonex leather grips installed and the 97 310g has been beefed up to a near identical match with the 97D. The 97H is the beast of the bunch but hits such a satisfying ball when hit right!
All that aside, the VC 98 tour brings about a similar solidness with an added uptick in spin production. Where the Percepts play pretty straight up and get what you put into a shot, the VC tour naturally comes around a little quicker. This added speed really allows for good spin. My ball path with this tour tends to launch a little higher & with a marked dip into the court. It can sometimes feel more effort & focus is required to flatten a shot but I attribute that as part of the ongoing learning curve. It’s definitely fun to play with and isn’t afraid to do so.
All that aside, the VC 98 tour brings about a similar solidness with an added uptick in spin production. Where the Percepts play pretty straight up and get what you put into a shot, the VC tour naturally comes around a little quicker. This added speed really allows for good spin. My ball path with this tour tends to launch a little higher & with a marked dip into the court. It can sometimes feel more effort & focus is required to flatten a shot but I attribute that as part of the ongoing learning curve. It’s definitely fun to play with and isn’t afraid to do so.
