Yonex VCore 98D and Xi98 - Anyone still using them?

[JackB1]

In thinking back over the past several years, the one racquet that keeps coming back to me is the Yonex VCore 98D. There is just something so unique about it that's impossible to find anywhere else. 22mm beam with a 16x20 pattern and 305 grams unstrung. To me, it has perfect specs. Great blend of power and control and the 16x20 pattern lets me keep my backhand slice low and skidding. What makes it so unique is that for a thin beam racquet, it has a good amount of power on tap. It also has a nice amount of stiffness/flex to it.
Stiff enough to give you power, but with a little flex in the throat for comfort.

I have never tried the Xi98, but most reviewers say it's an improvement over the 98D. Now that TW has it for $99, I think I owe it to myself to try this one out. There really is nothing in the current Yonex line that replaces the VCore Xi98. I guess the Si98 is "supposed" to be it's replacement, but I found the Si98 MUCH stiffer than the 98D and that mid level flex and slightly soft feel is what makes the 98D so appealing. IMO they totally lost that with the Si line. Hopefully the next iteration of the VCores will give us back some flex and less stiffness, but until then I believe the Xi98 is the best choice.

 

[DJ-]

In thinking back over the past several years, the one racquet that keeps coming back to me is the Yonex VCore 98D. There is just something so unique about it that's impossible to find anywhere else. 22mm beam with a 16x20 pattern and 305 grams unstrung. To me, it has perfect specs. Great blend of power and control and the 16x20 pattern lets me keep my backhand slice low and skidding. What makes it so unique is that for a thin beam racquet, it has a good amount of power on tap. It also has a nice amount of stiffness/flex to it.
Stiff enough to give you power, but with a little flex in the throat for comfort.

I have never tried the Xi98, but most reviewers say it's an improvement over the 98D. Now that TW has it for $99, I think I owe it to myself to try this one out. There really is nothing in the current Yonex line that replaces the VCore Xi98. I guess the Si98 is "supposed" to be it's replacement, but I found the Si98 MUCH stiffer than the 98D and that mid level flex and slightly soft feel is what makes the 98D so appealing. IMO they totally lost that with the Si line. Hopefully the next iteration of the VCores will give us back some flex and less stiffness, but until then I believe the Xi98 is the best choice.

Kyrgios still uses the Xi under a paintjob I think.... must be a great racquet

 

[dje31]

Kyrgios still uses the Xi under a paintjob I think.... must be a great racquet

From what has been floated around here in the past, the Xi that Kyrgios uses is the EZone Xi, not the VCore Xi, underneath the DR cosmetics.

 

[DJ-]

From what has been floated around here in the past, the Xi that Kyrgios uses is the EZone Xi, not the VCore Xi, underneath the DR cosmetics.

spot on

 

[wsk429]

I've been using the Xi98 for almost a year now. Despite a large sweet spot, the hoop is unstable on off-center contact. That was easily remedied with 2 gr at 3, 2 gr at 9, and 3 gr at end of handle. Unlike some frame with 16 mains, the Xi seems to have them evenly spaced. This creates a very open pattern. Anybody with a spin generator stroke should be able to make the ball hop.

 

[GioV]

I loved that generation of Yonex racquets. The 95D is one of my favorites and I played with that racquet for a few years. I also owned a few 100Ses, one of my favorite tweeners. Oddly enough, I never hit with the 98D.

Last year, I played with the VCore Xi 98 for a few months when I was looking to replace my beat up 95Ds. I loved it. It's a really fun stick, especially when I wanted to play aggressively. That easy power is addicting. Serves were amazing. However, I was often tempted to overhit with it, which made me look elsewhere. There's no harm in trying it, especially at that price.

 

[DonDiego]

I've been playing with the 98D for 2-3 months now. I love everything about it, and OP did a good job listing all the pros. The only very small complain that I have is that the string pattern is quite open for a 16x20, and this sometimes results in a very high launch angle, which affects my confidence when I go for flat forehands winners (that usually go screaming and clearing the net by barely 3-4 inches). That's why I always prefered the Prestige MP when I'm in a very offensive mood (but would take the 98D over the Prestige for all other shots). But I've recently fixed this connundrum when I discovered last week the Tecnifibre 305 ATP. Just a more forgiving Prestige MP to me with it's slightly more open pattern (18x19), and much better defensive attributes. A very good ''in-between'' Prestige and 98D for me.

This being said, I will hold on to my two 98Ds cause it's the best serving stick I've found so far, and I wouldn't be surprised if I go back to them on a regular basis.

 

[Freedom M.D.]

I loved that generation of Yonex racquets. The 95D is one of my favorites and I played with that racquet for a few years. I also owned a few 100Ses, one of my favorite tweeners. Oddly enough, I never hit with the 98D.

Last year, I played with the VCore Xi 98 for a few months when I was looking to replace my beat up 95Ds. I loved it. It's a really fun stick, especially when I wanted to play aggressively. That easy power is addicting. Serves were amazing. However, I was often tempted to overhit with it, which made me look elsewhere. There's no harm in trying it, especially at that price.

Excuseme but have you tried Si98? I am using 95d my favorite and interested in Si98 for lighter tweeners. Heard Si is quite stiffer than Xi, I am between them.

 

[GioV]

Excuseme but have you tried Si98? I am using 95d my favorite and interested in Si98 for lighter tweeners. Heard Si is quite stiffer than Xi, I am between them.

I did demo the Si. It was so brassy feeling that I knew right away that it wasn't for me. I tried three different string setups with it and each one was still brassy. That being said, I know one solid player that switched from the Xi 98 to the Si 98. Personally, I really liked the Xi and did not like the Si. Demo it, if you can. You may like it.

 

[JackB1]

I did demo the Si. It was so brassy feeling that I knew right away that it wasn't for me. I tried three different string setups with it and each one was still brassy. That being said, I know one solid player that switched from the Xi 98 to the Si 98. Personally, I really liked the Xi and did not like the Si. Demo it, if you can. You may like it.

The Si is VERY stiff feeling with ZERO flex felt on impact. Not sure why Yonex stiffened this one up so much, but if you like this model, stay with the Xi or 98D.

 

[DonDiego]

The Si is VERY stiff feeling with ZERO flex felt on impact. Not sure why Yonex stiffened this one up so much, but if you like this model, stay with the Xi or 98D.

How did you find the Xi compared to the 98D regarding stiffness?

 

[dgoran]

If anyone is looking for a deal for xi 98 I have 2-3

 

[dje31]

If anyone is looking for a deal for xi 98 I have 2-3

Just for clarity, are you talking about the VCore or the EZone? And what grip size(s)?

 

[Power Player]

I still have mine. Great stick. I think my issue with it boiled down to the SW. I had to put around 7 grams of lead at 12 to get it where I liked it, and that impacted the balance a lot. Ill mess with it again sometime though I am sure.

 

[JackB1]

How did you find the Xi compared to the 98D regarding stiffness?

I'll let you know in a couple days....picked up a Xi98 to finally check it out

 

[JackB1]

If anyone is looking for a deal for xi 98 I have 2-3

I might be interested - send me a message, since I cannot send you one

 

[Hitcher78]

Excuseme but have you tried Si98? I am using 95d my favorite and interested in Si98 for lighter tweeners. Heard Si is quite stiffer than Xi, I am between them.

I agree with the other poster. I demo'ed the SI 98, and it felt wretched to me. Like he said, it was way too brassy. Stay away.

 

[dgoran]

I might be interested - send me a message, since I cannot send you one

I sent you a message a week or so ago and did not hear from you. Did you get my email?

 

[JackB1]

I sent you a message a week or so ago and did not hear from you. Did you get my email?

sorry, yes I got it and just replied

 

[dgoran]

sorry, yes I got it and just replied

I Replied back

 

[DonDiego]

Hey Jack, I know you've also been digging the IG Prestige S for a moment. Don't you think the two racquets play similar? As I said in another thread:

As an aside, I can't believe how IG prestige S and Vcore 98D play similar. Except for string pattern (though both are pretty open), they weight the same, have the same balance, same swingweight (or lack thereof), same feel (kinda brassy yet arm-friendly), pretty much the same power and same maneuverability, and both have a rather high launch angle. I'm sure I could switch between the two during a match and not miss a beat.

 

[JackB1]

Hey Jack, I know you've also been digging the IG Prestige S for a moment. Don't you think the two racquets play similar? As I said in another thread:

I don't really agree. The 98d has a rather low launch angle since the pattern is pretty tight in the center. Also the PresS has much more flex 62 vs 69.
I also find the 98d to have noticeably more power and also a totally different feel on contact. Only thing similar is the beam sizes.

 

[DonDiego]

I don't really agree. The 98d has a rather low launch angle since the pattern is pretty tight in the center. Also the PresS has much more flex 62 vs 69.
I also find the 98d to have noticeably more power and also a totally different feel on contact. Only thing similar is the beam sizes.

I have both in my bag for the first time. Tomorrow I'll play them side by side to see if my memory is playing tricks on me. From what I recall, the feel is very similar despite published specs.

 

[JackB1]

I have both in my bag for the first time. Tomorrow I'll play them side by side to see if my memory is playing tricks on me. From what I recall, the feel is very similar despite published specs.

I remember them both pretty good, but everyone's opinion is their own. I remember the PrestigeS feeling quite flexy and the 98d very crisp and firm.
Both very nice racquets though. I haven't tried the new Graphene XT model though because I heard the power level dropped. I did love the Graphene
Prestige S though...great control racquet!

 

[DonDiego]

BTW, what's great about these racquets (Vcore 98) is that they really get soft with use. So if you prefer a softer feel, buying a used one is even better than a new one. I tried a brand new one (xi98) a few months ago and I put it down after 7-8 forehands. The throat was like cement -- not bending AT ALL -- and I knew my arm would start to cry soon. Whereas my 4 beat up 98D (bought from a guy who plays a lot and ditches them when he feels they're becoming too soft) all play like they had a 63-64 stiffness rating.

As for the Graphene Prestige S: they really tightened up the stringbed, which is good for control but I feel it makes the racquet less comfortable and forgiving than the IG version (which has the most open 16x19 pattern ever seen in the history of tennis). I really didn't like the Graphene version, the IG felt way more solid with more dwell time on the stringbed.

 

[pitsquared]

can anyone compare the 95d to the 98D or Xi98? I liked the 95d but i'd like a little more access to spin and a slightly bigger sweetspot/more forgiveness. I'd obviously have to weight it up a bit but I just want to know if the 98d plays noticably different

 

[JackB1]

BTW, what's great about these racquets (Vcore 98) is that they really get soft with use. So if you prefer a softer feel, buying a used one is even better than a new one. I tried a brand new one (xi98) a few months ago and I put it down after 7-8 forehands. The throat was like cement -- not bending AT ALL -- and I knew my arm would start to cry soon. Whereas my 4 beat up 98D (bought from a guy who plays a lot and ditches them when he feels they're becoming too soft) all play like they had a 63-64 stiffness rating.

As for the Graphene Prestige S: they really tightened up the stringbed, which is good for control but I feel it makes the racquet less comfortable and forgiving than the IG version (which has the most open 16x19 pattern ever seen in the history of tennis). I really didn't like the Graphene version, the IG felt way more solid with more dwell time on the stringbed.

The Xi98 and the 98d are different. The 98d had more flex to it.

 

[Johnny-Cage]

A friend of mine still uses it today.

 

[haqq777]

Have two Vcore Xi 98 in great condition. Still enjoy them every now and then. Wonderful sticks. Bought them at seperate times and they weigh same to the gram. And just a couple mm balance difference. Mind boggling QC from Yonex (at least back then).

 

[anhtuanngo]

Bumping an old thread ! I'm getting a 98D soon, any string recommandations ? Currently playing with Blade 16x19 v5 with yonex polytour pro.

 

[SVP]

Love it when these old threads are bumped. Especially one that was started by one of my favorite O.G. posters, JackB1.

Allegedly, Kyrgios is still using a paintjob Xi98, which is why they’re going for around $300 even in used and decent condition. Seems like a fun hit and loads of power, but too expensive for me.

 

[Federerkblade]

amazing frame

 

[anhtuanngo]

amazing frame

What do you string them with ?

 

[Federerkblade]

Try ptp , found them racquet strung sensitive

i use PTP 1.25 main and 1.20 cross

 

[anhtuanngo]

First impressions of the Vcore 98D and Xi98, comparing it to the blade v5 16x19 that I've been using for the last 2-3 years. Both racquets strung with Kirschbaum PLX 1.25 at 52 lbs.

-I can play both without a dampener, like I do with the blade.
-98D a bit unforgiving with offcenter balls.
-xi98 is much more stable then the 98D, I'm assuming because the higher stiffness rating.
-They provide a little more pop to my game in general compared to the blade, my balls are closer to the baseline withour going out.
- Overall xi 98 seems to be the winner in my opinion, but I'll try and get more hitting sessions and play around with the string setup.

 

[Federerkblade]

You need to try PTP with xi 98

it’s quite string sensitive

 

[anhtuanngo]

You need to try PTP with xi 98

it’s quite string sensitive

that's what I usually string my blade with, but I used PLX because it matched the color scheme haha

 

[Federerkblade]

Try what I suggested 1.20 crosses and drop the crosses tension

i personally have not had a yonex racquet or tired one better than the xi 98

 

[anhtuanngo]

Try what I suggested 1.20 crosses and drop the crosses tension

i personally have not had a yonex racquet or tired one better than the xi 98

Will do. YPTP yellow or blue ? No noticeable difference ?

 

[Federerkblade]

Would go for yellow

the player’s also use yellow mainly