jklos
Professional
Do you play with the SV98+? I just got a demo of the regular SV98. Shop doesn't carry the + version.
Yonex VCORE series 2018
- Thread starter Sardines
- Start date
Alien
Hall of Fame
Yes I do, wonderful thing Bought them online. No demo, read the reviews and jumped into the first. Once convinced went for the rest.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Go by what your specs are for your best game, then try to extrapolate who you think is lacking.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Haha that's just rehashing the marketing text in Italian! Lots of spin and control, comfort! Tutto perfetto!
It is an interesting contrast, having the 4.0 guys review the 100 and 95 and 5+ guy review the 98.
No details about the sweet spot or comparison to the old SV series, especially in the upper half of the hoop, where there's a missing cross and more string area.
It is an interesting contrast, having the 4.0 guys review the 100 and 95 and 5+ guy review the 98.
No details about the sweet spot or comparison to the old SV series, especially in the upper half of the hoop, where there's a missing cross and more string area.
Last edited:
SamerHanna
New User
TW stated that from the sample they have the VCORE 98 will have the same swingweight as the VCORE SV 98, which is 320, i wish it was a little bot higher than that, 325 range
leojramirez
Rookie
Nothing much more you hear from TW reviews really.
My takeaways were:
The 100 improved stability, manoeuvrability and comfort. An easy racket to use.
The 98 has more spin because of the change of pattern to a 16x19 and improved launch angle, control and power. Spin improved from the SV98.
The 95 has improved stability (imo very needed improvement from the SV95), more push and a faster reaction, which I guess he means manoeuvrability. 95 head behaves in a modern manner so it does not feel like a traditional 95. Good control.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Actually looking at the testers, the guy testing the 98 seems to be the best of the lot. But I've never been much for non-customer reviews, since they are mostly marketing platforms.
That's going to be most hollow racquets. The SV98+ felt like a ball velcro frying pan, when I first switched! I would hit and the ball did what I wanted, but I wouldn't "feel" it. It took me 8 mths to erase 30+ years solid core racquet sensations, to feel more comfortable with SV98+ and understand the feedback. I still feel weird when I hit drop or angled volleys. Even if it lands perfectly, I don't feel I did it! The weirdest thing! Give me a RF97A and I know what I did right or wrong.
The release of these Vcores has put me in a difficult spot. No one, TW included, has Vcore SV 98+ frames available in my preferred grip size. I've checked pretty much every domestic U.S. retail channel. Now..if the Vcore 98+ plus has similar weight/swingweight to the current SV 98+, I could make the adjustment. I'm just not on board with the frame being too much more flexible. If I wanted more flex, I'd go back to the DR/Ezone 98+.
rvernsey
New User
27.5" models are not going to be in this release. It'll probably happen eventually though.
Yep..I assumed that to be the case. I'm kind of in an Adrian Mannarino situation where I only have two frames and I can't find them in my grip size any longer. The Vcore SV 98+ is the first frame that I've connected with immediately in a very long time.
Hankenstein
Hall of Fame
I just got the new vcore 95,98 and 100. I also got a nice yonex leathergrip and the new strike string. I have installed the leather on the 100, a couple of 100 rolls of tape around the buttcap and strung it at 51 lbs. Will take it for a test-drive on Saturday. The 95 and 98 was strung with poly tour so they are ready to test in stock form.
Will keep you guys updated. I will initially compare the vcore 100 with a side by side playtest of ezone 100 and the new Babolat pure aero that will come out at us open
Will keep you guys updated. I will initially compare the vcore 100 with a side by side playtest of ezone 100 and the new Babolat pure aero that will come out at us open
Sardines
Hall of Fame
The specs seem the same, so it'll probably be just slight differences in feel due to material changes and the upper hoop due to the rearranged cross strings spacing.
I wouldn't panic too much. If they don't come out with a "+" version, or it's too different from the SV, it's just another excuse to test racquets again in 2 years! haha I bought 5 in total once it dropped off the website. Just broke one. If I like the new + I'll probably buy 1 to replace.
Unfortunately, I only have the two SV plus frames and two years is probably stretching it. I usually keep between 6 and 8 frames at a time. 3 to 4 in rotation and 3 to 4 as backups when the first set meets its demise. That usually gets me through upwards of a decade unless something extraordinary happens to them (stolen, broken). I just didn't have time to stock up due to time/money. I discovered the SV 98 plus late after playing with the DRs for a long time.
Also, I'm pretty much a brand snob when it comes to frames...LOL! Yonex is my no. 1 choice simply because I've always had great luck with their QC off the shelf. I'm not that worried about the material change or the change in string pattern but I've REALLY grown to love the firmer flex of the SV's. I'll have to inquire if Yonex will have any sort of booth at the US Open this year and can hope that would have exclusives (like the plus versions) available
Apparently the new frames will be more flexible than the previous ones
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Unfortunately, I only have the two SV plus frames and two years is probably stretching it. I usually keep between 6 and 8 frames at a time. 3 to 4 in rotation and 3 to 4 as backups when the first set meets its demise. That usually gets me through upwards of a decade unless something extraordinary happens to them (stolen, broken). I just didn't have time to stock up due to time/money. I discovered the SV 98 plus late after playing with the DRs for a long time.
Also, I'm pretty much a brand snob when it comes to frames...LOL! Yonex is my no. 1 choice simply because I've always had great luck with their QC off the shelf. I'm not that worried about the material change or the change in string pattern but I've REALLY grown to love the firmer flex of the SV's. I'll have to inquire if Yonex will have any sort of booth at the US Open this year and can hope that would have exclusives (like the plus versions) available
Yes, coming from Wilson, I was hugely impressed by the frame consistency! However, I wouldn't worry too much. Frames feel 15+% more fatigue after 60-70 stringings, That's almost 3 years of life for me. I don't know how old you are but being in my mid 40s now, I realize how different I can play compared to even 40! So I've resigned to checking out ways to maintain the power and spin in my game every 3-4 years now. Such is aging!
Btw, I looked up SV 98+ stock and Amazon has them in all sizes. Stop pushing me to stock up before I have to!
Yes, coming from Wilson, I was hugely impressed by the frame consistency! However, I wouldn't worry too much. Frames feel 15+% more fatigue after 60-70 stringings, That's almost 3 years of life for me. I don't know how old you are but being in my mid 40s now, I realize how different I can play compared to even 40! So I've resigned to checking out ways to maintain the power and spin in my game every 3-4 years now. Such is aging!
Btw, I looked up SV 98+ stock and Amazon has them in all sizes. Stop pushing me to stock up before I have to!
Lower end of mid 40s here as well. And like you, I'm always looking to keep my game at certain competitive level. While I'm open to experimenting, unfortunately, I've been disappointed over the years at the offerings from other manufacturers. I've played various frames from all the brands offered by TW past and present except Gamma. At my core, I'm a Fischer-phile (VT Pro 98, Pro No. 1) but alas..the brand has been long dead and Pacific hasn't done a great job of convincing me that the Fischer quality is still there. Also, I'm pretty settled on an extended length racquet at this point.
As for the Amazon listings, I've gone that route and I haven't had great luck. I've placed two different orders with two different Amazon retailers listing my grip size. Both orders had to be cancelled due to them not actually having the grip sizes in stock and not being able to get any additional from Yonex. I've reached out to one more Amazon retailer hoping they've actually got the two frames they're listing. Wish me luck!
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
I like the Lafino vids too.... but I can't understand them either lmao
Hankenstein
Hall of Fame
Just tried the new VCORE 95, 98 and 100. Out of the three frames i actually liked the 95 the most. Very solid frame with good control and stability. 2nd was 100 but with the combination of a leathergrip and polytour strike at (for me) high tension made it feel pretty stiff. I normaly use Ezone 100 with head hawk touch at 48 lbs and the ezone 100 feels much more well-dampend and little bit larger sweetspot compared to VCORE. (Its good to know though, that on my Ezone i have the original syntethic grip and two yonex supergrap overgrips, on the VCORE 100 i have yonex leathergrip with one yonex supergrap)The Vcore also felt less solid in the upper part of the frame compared to Ezone. I presume though, that if i do exactly same set-up at both ezone and vcore 100, they will feel pretty similar. Will let you guys know when i have same set-up on both. It will take a week or two though becase i dont want to cut out a fresh strung set of strings.
The 98 version felt a little bit less stable and solid compared to both 95 and 100 version but still a nice frame.
The 98 version felt a little bit less stable and solid compared to both 95 and 100 version but still a nice frame.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
what is the expected date that TW will start to sell these frames ?
SamerHanna
New User
According to TW they should be in Stock on August 25th
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
Just saw 2 at my local shop (probably a top junior) - gorgeous pj.
Agree about the stiffness.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure a RA number is a real indicator of how the racquet plays. My RF97s have 70-71 RA, yet feels more flexible than the 68-69RA of SV98+. The real stiffness on the SV98 is in the hoop, and the throat is somewhat more flexible, while the RF97 has a softer hoop.
The most important part of the RA is that it's a Babolat RDC rating, not a standardized international test. So of course Yonex wouldn't use it. Wilson used their own index in the model name.
The most important part of the RA is that it's a Babolat RDC rating, not a standardized international test. So of course Yonex wouldn't use it. Wilson used their own index in the model name.
Soul_Evisceration
Hall of Fame
Is the feel of those VCore similar or softer than the previous versions?
J
joohan
Guest
Sorry for off topic: do Duel G grommets fit Tour G frame? My guess is yes but a confirmation would be nice.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Definitely will not fit. The duel g racquet has shared holes, so it’s a different drill pattern. You need the older vcore tour 97 grommet of which TW has plenty in stock.
J
joohan
Guest
Didn’t want to pay 60$ shipping to get 90$ worth of grommets but it’s the only way, apparently.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Ouch! Understandable, what about TW Europe They have some tour grommets in stock, you would need to email them to confirm they are for the 97. Might be worh doing?
J
joohan
Guest
I’ll check it out, thank you.
fundrazer
G.O.A.T.
Shapo sporting the new paintjob in DC. He's possibly using a real SV 95 though. When pictures were posted of his stick before, the aero fins were clearly visible.
Going to wait and see TW team's thoughts first, but I do think I'll be going with the 95. Unfortunately not going to have time to demo.
Going to wait and see TW team's thoughts first, but I do think I'll be going with the 95. Unfortunately not going to have time to demo.
DJ-
Hall of Fame
Interesting also people were mocking the shorter frames threads yet the new vcores will have an elite 26.5 inches, and also tecnifibre have 26.5 frames as well.... add a .25 inch buttcap and you could have a nice 26.75 frame.
@travlerajm
@travlerajm
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Got the 98 early and hit with it for kicks for 10 minutes. Not my usual swingweight or length, grip size spec so had lots of timing problems with it. Crappy string job but it does feel softer than my SV98+. Currently the string is some crappy multi, so the spinniest Yonex ever felt normal for bite. Will try it out tomorrow more seriously.
Last edited:
jklos
Professional
Which one are you testing?
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Hit with the racquet for about 30 minutes and played a super tie break. Strings were horrible old stock Yonex Tough Brid 1.30, which were so different from my own setup. Yonex could've pushed the newer PT Strike or something! The swing weight I haven't measured but I'd guess in the high 320 range. With overgrip, total weight was 327g, balance 32.5cm.
With these strings, even the bigger cross gap string pattern keep the launch angle very flat. Tried hitting in the upper and lower hoop to test stiffness. The feel is softer than my modded SV98+, not a lot softer but noticeably so.
Stability was good, but I had to tell my hitting partner to nicer on warm up because it's not like my SV98+. Only went all out in the super tiebreak.
On serves, it performed very well on spin serves and even on flatter deliveries, I could place the serves well. Volleys were reasonably stable, but feel was dead. Overheads were solid. This racquet is off my normal specs enough I wasn't comfortable hitting out ground strokes. The strings kept the trajectory lower over the net and I hit with extra top spin and aimed higher. The slice spin was more than adequate. Power is decent but compared to my racquet, it's probably just over 5% less as a guess?
Overall, the feel was comfortable, but not sure if it was the ToughBrid strings or the racquet. I lost the tie break 10-7. But won the next 2 with my SV98+. I don't mind the comfortable feel but the drawback is it's even more mushy than the SV98+. I'll just wait for the + to try, because it'll be closer to my specs.
Tough Brid 1.30 strings @ 40+lbs (Soft and comfortable but no much bite)
New string pattern has longer cross gaps, which did change the feel. Power was decent but I didn't notice the new aerofin and grommet layout to enhance my racquet head speed that much that I could overcome the 20+ difference in swing weight.
I really like the new butt cap, which sits more flush and has much nicer texture.
With these strings, even the bigger cross gap string pattern keep the launch angle very flat. Tried hitting in the upper and lower hoop to test stiffness. The feel is softer than my modded SV98+, not a lot softer but noticeably so.
Stability was good, but I had to tell my hitting partner to nicer on warm up because it's not like my SV98+. Only went all out in the super tiebreak.
On serves, it performed very well on spin serves and even on flatter deliveries, I could place the serves well. Volleys were reasonably stable, but feel was dead. Overheads were solid. This racquet is off my normal specs enough I wasn't comfortable hitting out ground strokes. The strings kept the trajectory lower over the net and I hit with extra top spin and aimed higher. The slice spin was more than adequate. Power is decent but compared to my racquet, it's probably just over 5% less as a guess?
Overall, the feel was comfortable, but not sure if it was the ToughBrid strings or the racquet. I lost the tie break 10-7. But won the next 2 with my SV98+. I don't mind the comfortable feel but the drawback is it's even more mushy than the SV98+. I'll just wait for the + to try, because it'll be closer to my specs.
Tough Brid 1.30 strings @ 40+lbs (Soft and comfortable but no much bite)
New string pattern has longer cross gaps, which did change the feel. Power was decent but I didn't notice the new aerofin and grommet layout to enhance my racquet head speed that much that I could overcome the 20+ difference in swing weight.
I really like the new butt cap, which sits more flush and has much nicer texture.
