Yonex VCORE series 2018

[Sardines]

Since it's no longer the Vcore SV, I thought the range of racquets deserve its own thread.

The marketing text is now less numbers (like the SV 2.9% more spin with Aerofins etc) and just a big marketing statement of most spin friendly racquet ever!

The Liner tech (like Wilson's parallel drilling) is about lengthening the main 12 strings, which will change the feel, as will the NAMD material and the shoulder grooves too.

http://yonex.com/sports/tennis/products/tennis/racquets/vcore-series

VCORE 95

VCORE 98

VCORE 100

 

[XFactorer]

Considering I didn't mind the NAMD updating in the VCORE Pros... I might get the 98 sight unseen. And they took out that extra darn cross! YAS!

 

[Sardines]

Going from 16x20 to 16x19 isn't going to be that big of a difference! Looks like they just cut it from the top of the hoop, which would increase string movement and maybe create some control issues. For me, the SV series doesn't need more power or spin, it needs more feel. It's not stiff but it is quite dead. Maybe more twist weight for stability and 1-2pts more head light, while maintaining 345+ swing weight.

 

[styksnstryngs]

Going from 16x20 to 16x19 isn't going to be that big of a difference! Looks like they just cut it from the bottom of the hoop, which would increase string movement and maybe create some control issues. For me, the SV series doesn't need more power or spin, it needs more feel. It's not stiff but it is quite dead. Maybe more twist weight for stability and 1-2pts more head light, while maintaining 345+ swing weight.

Two words: lead tape

 

[Sardines]

Lead tape increases feel? LOL

 

[styksnstryngs]

Sure changes it.

 

[Sardines]

Well that's something new. I think feel for me is about vibration from the string bed and how it's dampened in the racquet. The SV series are fast swinging slugger racquets, and the extra plush feel isn't in the design of a slugger's stick, which is a pity. I like the extra power of the SV98+, but the response is quite dead compared to traditional racquets from the 90s and 00s, which takes away some of the precision.

 

[XFactorer]

Going from 16x20 to 16x19 isn't going to be that big of a difference! Looks like they just cut it from the bottom of the hoop, which would increase string movement and maybe create some control issues. For me, the SV series doesn't need more power or spin, it needs more feel. It's not stiff but it is quite dead. Maybe more twist weight for stability and 1-2pts more head light, while maintaining 345+ swing weight.

You'd be surprised how many people are in my camp... 1 cross does change up the stringbed quite a bit.

 

[mpournaras]

Going from 16x20 to 16x19 isn't going to be that big of a difference! Looks like they just cut it from the bottom of the hoop, which would increase string movement and maybe create some control issues. For me, the SV series doesn't need more power or spin, it needs more feel. It's not stiff but it is quite dead. Maybe more twist weight for stability and 1-2pts more head light, while maintaining 345+ swing weight.

You could probably even string up that bottom shared hole as a cross if you wanted. I got a Duel G 97 demo with 21 crosses... Didnt mind it lol.

Te picture makes it look like the strings are notched for a 20th cross anyway lol

 

[fundrazer]

Considering I didn't mind the NAMD updating in the VCORE Pros... I might get the 98 sight unseen. And they took out that extra darn cross! YAS!

I might do the same. I think there's still an offer on the table from my friend to get me a new racquet. Probably not going to have the time to demo. Question will be do I go with the 95 or 98. I only tried the SV95 last time, as I thought the 98 might be a little too stiff for me. I'm not as worried about that lately, as I was hitting my old PDR for a few weeks and didn't have problems.

 

[XFactorer]

I might do the same. I think there's still an offer on the table from my friend to get me a new racquet. Probably not going to have the time to demo. Question will be do I go with the 95 or 98. I only tried the SV95 last time, as I thought the 98 might be a little too stiff for me. I'm not as worried about that lately, as I was hitting my old PDR for a few weeks and didn't have problems.

The 95 is still a 16x20, if that makes a difference. It's gonna feel like a board!

 

[FV_Br]

Interested in the stifness of the 98.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

The line looks interesting (95 in particular) but many things will depend on the stiffness. Looking forward to hearing reviews

 

[dnguyen]

never mind.

 

[GreenClay]

Any word on when these will be will be released?

 

[mpournaras]

Any word on when these will be will be released?

September. All the specs are out on the Yonex site... except for stiffness. Which is what we all want lol

 

[GreenClay]

September. All the specs are out on the Yonex site... except for stiffness. Which is what we all want lol

Thanks. Yeah, I saw the specs, but it largely comes down to stiffness. I’m back to using my EZONE dr 98s and wondering whether the VCORE 95 might be in the same ballpark in terms of feel, power, control, etc.
I, for one, am hoping for a flexier 95. Never played with the 95 SV but sounds like it was a bit jarring.
Hopefully, we won’t have to wait until sept for a review/preview

 

[A_Instead]

Almost a round head shape now.. could be worth trying..

 

[Tour_G]

So we can expect even more power from the 98 due to the 16x19? But, on the other hand, I guess it will add some comfort at impact and hopefully they lowered the stiffness to tame the power.

 

[XFactorer]

September. All the specs are out on the Yonex site... except for stiffness. Which is what we all want lol

TW said end of August in a QA thread. We won't know stiffness until then. :-(


*update: Aug 25 is the official launch* - just got an email from Yonex in my Spam box.

 

[XFactorer]

So we can expect even more power from the 98 due to the 16x19? But, on the other hand, I guess it will add some comfort at impact and hopefully they lowered the stiffness to tame the power.

Namd felt good in the VCORE Pro line... I hope it'll soften the VCORE 98 a bit.

 

[CopolyX]

 

[Sardines]

http://www.tennis.com/gear/2018/07/racquet-preview-yonex-vcore/75193/

Jon Levey says it's 7% less stiff.

So we can expect even more power from the 98 due to the 16x19? But, on the other hand, I guess it will add some comfort at impact and hopefully they lowered the stiffness to tame the power.

Not necessarily. The main power comes from the open string pattern from the 6 mains on the throat. Going to 16x19 "seems" to be an attempt to make the top half of the hoop more open, which will give it a bit more juice, but also spin. I personally don't think it needs any more power or spin, but if this NAMD material gives more feel, that would be a good thing.

 

[mpournaras]

http://www.tennis.com/gear/2018/07/racquet-preview-yonex-vcore/75193/

Jon Levey says it's 7% less stiff.



Not necessarily. The main power comes from the open string pattern from the 6 mains on the throat. Going to 16x19 "seems" to be an attempt to make the top half of the hoop more open, which will give it a bit more juice, but also spin. I personally don't think it needs any more power or spin, but if this NAMD material gives more feel, that would be a good thing.

That brings the VCore 98 to a comfy 62-63 RA (just using the percentage)

 

[GreenClay]

That brings the VCore 98 to a comfy 62-63 RA (just using the percentage)

And from TW

We haven't received our samples yet although they are due any day now in our office so we can't comment on a number. However, from what we were told from Yonex, the updates should be slightly (1-2 lbs) more flexible but we can't confirm anything official at this time.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[Sardines]

That brings the VCore 98 to a comfy 62-63 RA (just using the percentage)

Probably around RDC of 65-66. I can't believe they'd make it softer than the Ezone or Vcore Pro series.

 

[FV_Br]

That brings the VCore 98 to a comfy 62-63 RA (just using the percentage)

Yeeees, com to papa!!!!!

 

[BigM]

The 95 is the pick of the bunch. The 98 and 100 felt stiff to me but I currently use Ezone 98+. It will be interesting to see what others think.

 

[achapa8807]

The 95 is the pick of the bunch. The 98 and 100 felt stiff to me but I currently use Ezone 98+. It will be interesting to see what others think.

You've had a chance to hit with them? I may give the 95 a try.

 

[FV_Br]

If the 98 has a low stifness, that will be my choice!

 

[XFactorer]

If the 98 has a low stifness, that will be my choice!

Same.

Sounds like a lot of us like the softer Yonex racquets. Even their stiffer ones were relatively comfortable compared to Babolats and others brands. I played with the DR100 for a while and didn't mind that it was stiff because it was so comfortable!

 

[Sardines]

Same.

Sounds like a lot of us like the softer Yonex racquets. Even their stiffer ones were relatively comfortable compared to Babolats and others brands. I played with the DR100 for a while and didn't mind that it was stiff because it was so comfortable!

The SV is stiffer than the DR, so I doubt the new series will be that much more flexible than the Vcore Pro and Ezone series.

 

[XFactorer]

The SV is stiffer than the DR, so I doubt the new series will be that much more flexible than the Vcore Pro and Ezone series.

Agreed. But it can be softer/flexier relative to the SV series. In one of the threads, TW mentioned as 7% softer/flexier per Yonex reps. That's a small win in my book.

 

[rvernsey]

A little better look at some of the small details:

Unstrung RA of sample of the 98 was 64 RA unstrung which should be very soft compared to 2016 models. Samples aren't always identical to production, I'll test as soon as I receive some hitters in a couple weeks or less.

 

[Sardines]

@XFactorer not TW, tennis.com's Jon Levey did and I quoted him.

That red is pretty shocking in those pics!

I have to say I'm not big on the color as it's bright and in bright sunlight, a bit bright. I hope it plays better than it looks! haha

 

[rvernsey]

The red is actually gorgeous, my colors might be a little hot in those pics. Here is a comparison to an RD Ti-70. It's a bit more "Ferrari" but not much.

 

[fundrazer]

Thanks for the great pics. 64RA unstrung sounds fantastic.

 

[XFactorer]

@rvernsey Thanks for the pics! The VCORE (throat area) looks like a change from the SVs, right?

As for RA rating.... it drops when it's strung, am I right?

 

[XFactorer]

Thanks for the great pics. 64RA unstrung sounds fantastic.

Are you ready to buy? I am.

 

[fundrazer]

@rvernsey Thanks for the pics! The VCORE (throat area) looks like a change from the SVs, right?

As for RA rating.... it drops when it's strung, am I right?

Yes it does.

 

[A_Instead]

Now you are going make me spend 200 bills again..thanks man..

 

[lima]

I'm really looking forward for some reviews of this racquet. I'm interested in 98 and 100"

 

[Gemini]

And from TW

We haven't received our samples yet although they are due any day now in our office so we can't comment on a number. However, from what we were told from Yonex, the updates should be slightly (1-2 lbs) more flexible but we can't confirm anything official at this time.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Well..then..I'm out!! The reason I moved from the DR line to VCore line is that I wanted a stiffer frame that still gave me almost all the attributes of the DR 98s. I don't find the SV 98+ to be a stiff playing frame at all. It's pretty magical in my opinion. Time to stock up

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

A little better look at some of the small details:

Unstrung RA of sample of the 98 was 64 RA unstrung which should be very soft compared to 2016 models. Samples aren't always identical to production, I'll test as soon as I receive some hitters in a couple weeks or less.

Love the look of these racquets... Thanks @rvernsey

They are sounding better and better. I like the colour and design, the RA of the 98 if it stays as you measured and drops after stringing, is great. In the previous (current) version the SV95 was the lowest RA... so if the same goes for the upcoming models, it could get even better. Really excited now.

Looking forward to more updates and reviews.

 

[XFactorer]

Now you are going make me spend 200 bills again..thanks man..

haha... more like $209 or $219.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

haha... more like $209 or $219.

Don't encourage them @XFactorer ... It looks to me like a $129 or $149 job... No?

 

[fundrazer]

Sneak peak on the vlog today. Paintjob looks super nice. They don't have specs for us yet though as they're waiting for a bigger sample size.

 

[whorng]

Hmmm, if the 98 is 64 RA unstrung that is ~62 strung. More flexible than the Vcore Pro and Ezone 98?
And I just bought another pair of Vcore Pro 98 310g. Grrrrr...

 

[XFactorer]

The red is actually gorgeous, my colors might be a little hot in those pics. Here is a comparison to an RD Ti-70. It's a bit more "Ferrari" but not much.

Have you had a chance to hit around with the strung racquets?

 

[Alien]

Now you are going make me spend 200 bills again..thanks man..

Six hundred here, I need three... Just waiting for the 98+