Yonex VCORE series 2018

[Tordne]

Ok, so I'll put it out there. There is a pretty reasonable possibility that I could switch to the VCORE 98 305!

I had a session last night which is mainly just free hitting. So it was the first non-match scenario where I could be a bit looser and creative with shot. The short version is that there is not a single shot that I didn't feel was exception with the 98 305. Anything I asked for I got, just like being married LOL

Using such a thin string, which resulted in such a low initial SW (309 strung) I originally found that there was no mass behind a slice backhand. I added that little bit (3 grams) of weight to 12 o'clock, bring the strung SW up to just 321. Just that little bit of weight has completely solved the issue for me on backhand slice, and it's given the racket a generally more solid feel and better plow.

On groundstrokes I was able to just completely unload on forehands and backhands. On the forehand side I could see how much extra spin I was getting. The ball was exploding off the court up around peoples shoulders . Directional control was really good as well. I was able to go for the corners, just moving people around like puppets.

The last thing that I really wanted to experience out of last night was volleys and touch shots. Tick! Around the net the frame was solid and stable. It was easy to kill pace on a volley, or push it through the court. Drop shots (with some nasty side spin) were sensational as well.

I have some Poly Tour Fire 1.20 driving in a couple of days. I'm really wondering if I can get any better than the Cyclone 18L I have in there right now. I've never played a Yonex string before so not sure what to expect.

Anyway, the love affair continues.

 

[EasternRocks]

Ok, so I'll put it out there. There is a pretty reasonable possibility that I could switch to the VCORE 98 305!

I had a session last night which is mainly just free hitting. So it was the first non-match scenario where I could be a bit looser and creative with shot. The short version is that there is not a single shot that I didn't feel was exception with the 98 305. Anything I asked for I got, just like being married LOL

Using such a thin string, which resulted in such a low initial SW (309 strung) I originally found that there was no mass behind a slice backhand. I added that little bit (3 grams) of weight to 12 o'clock, bring the strung SW up to just 321. Just that little bit of weight has completely solved the issue for me on backhand slice, and it's given the racket a generally more solid feel and better plow.

On groundstrokes I was able to just completely unload on forehands and backhands. On the forehand side I could see how much extra spin I was getting. The ball was exploding off the court up around peoples shoulders . Directional control was really good as well. I was able to go for the corners, just moving people around like puppets.

The last thing that I really wanted to experience out of last night was volleys and touch shots. Tick! Around the net the frame was solid and stable. It was easy to kill pace on a volley, or push it through the court. Drop shots (with some nasty side spin) were sensational as well.

I have some Poly Tour Fire 1.20 driving in a couple of days. I'm really wondering if I can get any better than the Cyclone 18L I have in there right now. I've never played a Yonex string before so not sure what to expect.

Anyway, the love affair continues.

I'm struggling with the slice and trying to see if bumping the tension on the string helps out. What are you stringing the Cyclone at?

 

[Tordne]

I'm struggling with the slice and trying to see if bumping the tension on the string helps out. What are you stringing the Cyclone at?

I do Sergetti stringing for all our rackets. The "reference" tension is 48 lb, but in real terms the tensions are all over the place. For me the slice stayed true and depth was good - it was a transformation with that bit of extra weight in the hoop. I also play a lot of sidespin on that shot as a lot of people really struggle with the sideways bounce.

 

[SamerHanna]

The only answer I would trust is Yonex. Also didn't you return your demo?

Called Yonex's customer service and they told me that the DEMO ones are the same as the other ones no difference in Quality standards or anything it is 100% genuine but they are intended for DEMOS and they'll allow the warranty...i expressed that this shouldn't be the case with the sellers and apparently they don't condemn doing so (selling DEMO Versions)...just wanted to share that in case someone bought a racket and flew thousands of miles from the US

 

[Sardines]

Called Yonex's customer service and they told me that the DEMO ones are the same as the other ones no difference in Quality standards or anything it is 100% genuine but they are intended for DEMOS and they'll allow the warranty...i expressed that this shouldn't be the case with the sellers and apparently they don't condemn doing so (selling DEMO Versions)...just wanted to share that in case someone bought a racket and flew thousands of miles from the US

Interesting. I guess a sale is a sale! haha Then again with the RA specs of the VCORE being all over the place, maybe they have to look at it that way! haha

 

[Romp]

Got vcore98, vcore 95, ezone 98 and p100p enroute for play test.

 

[rader023]

Called Yonex's customer service and they told me that the DEMO ones are the same as the other ones no difference in Quality standards or anything it is 100% genuine but they are intended for DEMOS and they'll allow the warranty...i expressed that this shouldn't be the case with the sellers and apparently they don't condemn doing so (selling DEMO Versions)...just wanted to share that in case someone bought a racket and flew thousands of miles from the US

Thanks for following up. Buy a lot of Yonex frames so good to know.

 

[Sardines]

I have some Poly Tour Fire 1.20 driving in a couple of days. I'm really wondering if I can get any better than the Cyclone 18L I have in there right now. I've never played a Yonex string before so not sure what to expect.

PTF17 is a slick plush string. I use it as a cross with Cyclone 18L mains and really like it. Gives me a nice good platform for spin and control, with decent touch and feel.

 

[Tordne]

PTF17 is a slick plush string. I use it as a cross with Cyclone 18L mains and really like it. Gives me a nice good platform for spin and control, with decent touch and feel.

Good suggestion. They’re the same string index number for Sergetti so I could easily interchange them. I’ll try it as a full bed first so that I can appreciate what the string is like. I must say Cyclone 18L feels pretty damn good.

 

[Sardines]

Yes 18L is very nice but as it loses elasticity, it becomes board like. The PTF masks that a bit and it plays better for a bit longer before breakage.

 

[EasternRocks]

Yes 18L is very nice but as it looses elasticity, it becomes board like. The PTF masks that a bit and it plays better for a bit longer before breakage.

Good suggestion. They’re the same string index number for Sergetti so I could easily interchange them. I’ll try it as a full bed first so that I can appreciate what the string is like. I must say Cyclone 18L feels pretty damn good.

How do you guys play with such thin strings?

 

[Tordne]

How do you guys play with such thin strings?

I like it for the additional comfort mainly. I really benefit from a poly and with having TE in the past it’s a more safe option. When you string rackets you really notice how wiry those 16 gauge strings are.

 

[Sardines]

Polys don't stay within 75% of playability, because of tension and elasticity loss. And thinner strings have better feel. So if the polys don't really last more than 5-8hrs of serious play, going thin allows me better feel and spin, and it breaks so I don't have to cut them instead.
Plus the smooth cross like PTF or Pro Red Code Wax allows more movement and thus less notching, so the mains last a bit longer, sometimes as much as 40%.

 

[Andrew Park]

Interesting. I guess a sale is a sale! haha Then again with the RA specs of the VCORE being all over the place, maybe they have to look at it that way! haha

What is wrong with the RA for the current VCORE? Yonex now suffers from QC issues?

 

[Sardines]

What is wrong with the RA for the current VCORE? Yonex now suffers from QC issues?

Haha Well so far there've been examples with 62-65 RA, and if the RA of one website is to be believed, 68. That's a pretty big spread.

 

[CiscoPC600]

Looking for more reviews/comments on the VCORE 95--don't be shy. According to TW, it's the softest of that line, so I'm interested.

 

[XFactorer]

More thoughts on my VCORE 98 compared to the EZONE 98 I was using for the last year. Remember, these are my opinions, react accordingly.

Current setup: Stock VCORE 98 w/ white Grap and black Poly Tour Strike 1.20mm at 45.

*VCORE has a lot more control - same amount of power
*I get more control on blocking the ball back on fast serves than I do with the EZONE that can spray it all over if I'm not on my A-game
*PolyTour Pro in the VCORE isn't my thang. I tried Strike in it tonight and loved it much more.
*I did have some initial arm discomfort with the PolyTour Pro (1.20mm). I strung both strings at 45.
*^ that's a little interesting because I played with the DR100 (TW RA of 69) and had no issues...
*I did not care for Strike in the EZONE at all, but it's good in the VCORE though
*I don't really get more spin with this racquet, trajectory is neither higher nor lower compared to the EZONE
*EZONE = butterfly net, VCORE = frying pan (both strung at 45)
*There is a slightly heavier swing weight with the VCORE, I definitely shanked a few balls before getting used to it
*The firmness doesn't bother me anymore with the Strike in the racquet, it only slightly did with the PolyTour Pro
*Comfort might be a wash because EZONE was so finicky with strings
*I feel like I have more control on my volleys with the VCORE
*I feel like there's more stability on the VCORE
*One opponent felt like I had deeper shots with the VCORE. One opponent felt like I had more powerful/penetrating shots with the EZONE.
*No brassiness even out side of the sweet spot
*EZONE had some hideous feel up towards the top of the hoop - some strings highlighted that Hyper-G material in such a bad light.
* This does feel like the Yonex version of the Pure Strike

Bottom line: My game didn't drastically change and I didn't garner more twitter followers as a result of switching. I do have a renewed sense of optimism in my game since I've switched. Ask me again when the honeymoon period is over.

 

[EasternRocks]

More thoughts on my VCORE 98 compared to the EZONE 98 I was using for the last year. Remember, these are my opinions, react accordingly.

Current setup: Stock VCORE 98 w/ white Grap and black Poly Tour Strike 1.20mm at 45.

*VCORE has a lot more control - same amount of power
*I get more control on blocking the ball back on fast serves than I do with the EZONE that can spray it all over if I'm not on my A-game
*PolyTour Pro in the VCORE isn't my thang. I tried Strike in it tonight and loved it much more.
*I did have some initial arm discomfort with the PolyTour Pro (1.20mm). I strung both strings at 45.
*^ that's a little interesting because I played with the DR100 (TW RA of 69) and had no issues...
*I did not care for Strike in the EZONE at all, but it's good in the VCORE though
*I don't really get more spin with this racquet, trajectory is neither higher nor lower compared to the EZONE
*EZONE = butterfly net, VCORE = frying pan (both strung at 45)
*There is a slightly heavier swing weight with the VCORE, I definitely shanked a few balls before getting used to it
*The firmness doesn't bother me anymore with the Strike in the racquet, it only slightly did with the PolyTour Pro
*Comfort might be a wash because EZONE was so finicky with strings
*I feel like I have more control on my volleys with the VCORE
*I feel like there's more stability on the VCORE
*One opponent felt like I had deeper shots with the VCORE. One opponent felt like I had more powerful/penetrating shots with the EZONE.
*No brassiness even out side of the sweet spot
*EZONE had some hideous feel up towards the top of the hoop - some strings highlighted that Hyper-G material in such a bad light.
* This does feel like the Yonex version of the Pure Strike

Bottom line: My game didn't drastically change and I didn't garner more twitter followers as a result of switching. I do have a renewed sense of optimism in my game since I've switched. Ask me again when the honeymoon period is over.

PTS 17 at 45? Are you not finding the ball launching too high/sailing? I started using 16L right away and have gone from 46 now waiting to get 52 returned to me from the store.

 

[CiscoPC600]

More thoughts on my VCORE 98 compared to the EZONE 98 I was using for the last year. Remember, these are my opinions, react accordingly.

Current setup: Stock VCORE 98 w/ white Grap and black Poly Tour Strike 1.20mm at 45.

...

*PolyTour Pro in the VCORE isn't my thang. I tried Strike in it tonight and loved it much more.
*I did have some initial arm discomfort with the PolyTour Pro (1.20mm). I strung both strings at 45.
*^ that's a little interesting because I played with the DR100 (TW RA of 69) and had no issues...

This reminds me.. does the stiffness rating listed on TW already include all characteristics of a racket i.e., frame size, string pattern, weights, etc.? In other words, the VCORE 95 is listed at 62 in stiffness as opposed to the VCORE 98 which is listed as 65, therefore all things considered the 95 is a softer frame on the arm?

 

[BodegaBay]

This reminds me.. does the stiffness rating listed on TW already include all characteristics of a racket i.e., frame size, string pattern, weights, etc.? In other words, the VCORE 95 is listed at 62 in stiffness as opposed to the VCORE 98 which is listed as 65, therefore all things considered the 95 is a softer frame on the arm?

TW lists the specs post stringing. I believe they take the average readings over a sample number of racquets.

 

[A_Instead]

good details xfact..

hoes the power in the vcore 98 compare to pure strike?

 

[rader023]

More thoughts on my VCORE 98 compared to the EZONE 98 I was using for the last year. Remember, these are my opinions, react accordingly.

Current setup: Stock VCORE 98 w/ white Grap and black Poly Tour Strike 1.20mm at 45.

*VCORE has a lot more control - same amount of power
*I get more control on blocking the ball back on fast serves than I do with the EZONE that can spray it all over if I'm not on my A-game
*PolyTour Pro in the VCORE isn't my thang. I tried Strike in it tonight and loved it much more.
*I did have some initial arm discomfort with the PolyTour Pro (1.20mm). I strung both strings at 45.
*^ that's a little interesting because I played with the DR100 (TW RA of 69) and had no issues...
*I did not care for Strike in the EZONE at all, but it's good in the VCORE though
*I don't really get more spin with this racquet, trajectory is neither higher nor lower compared to the EZONE
*EZONE = butterfly net, VCORE = frying pan (both strung at 45)
*There is a slightly heavier swing weight with the VCORE, I definitely shanked a few balls before getting used to it
*The firmness doesn't bother me anymore with the Strike in the racquet, it only slightly did with the PolyTour Pro
*Comfort might be a wash because EZONE was so finicky with strings
*I feel like I have more control on my volleys with the VCORE
*I feel like there's more stability on the VCORE
*One opponent felt like I had deeper shots with the VCORE. One opponent felt like I had more powerful/penetrating shots with the EZONE.
*No brassiness even out side of the sweet spot
*EZONE had some hideous feel up towards the top of the hoop - some strings highlighted that Hyper-G material in such a bad light.
* This does feel like the Yonex version of the Pure Strike

Bottom line: My game didn't drastically change and I didn't garner more twitter followers as a result of switching. I do have a renewed sense of optimism in my game since I've switched. Ask me again when the honeymoon period is over.

Thanks. Maybe i will stick with the EZONE+ and my DR+, and pick up a used VCORE 98 at some point. I do love the VCORE brand. I have a VCORE Tour 89 that is so much fun to use when I am on my game.

 

[1990's Graphite]

More reviews being posted daily. Will the 100 be popular like the ezone 100 ? A lot of people overlooked the 100 and tried / bought the 98, when in fact the 100 turned out to be a sleeper!

 

[BodegaBay]

More reviews being posted daily. Will the 100 be popular like the ezone 100 ? A lot of people overlooked the 100 and tried / bought the 98, when in fact the 100 turned out to be a sleeper!

Interesting. I'm having both demos incoming next week to test with an Ezone 98 (I flirted with the Ezone 98+ and was impressed) demo and my own Ezone 100.

 

[CiscoPC600]

TW lists the specs post stringing. I believe they take the average readings over a sample number of racquets.

Thanks, that would make sense. I guess I could always double-check and shoot them an email.

 

[XFactorer]

This reminds me.. does the stiffness rating listed on TW already include all characteristics of a racket i.e., frame size, string pattern, weights, etc.? In other words, the VCORE 95 is listed at 62 in stiffness as opposed to the VCORE 98 which is listed as 65, therefore all things considered the 95 is a softer frame on the arm?

Yup. That's how I'd interpret the data.

 

[XFactorer]

good details xfact..

hoes the power in the vcore 98 compare to pure strike?

Thanks! From what I remember, it's on par. I compared the Strike to the DR98 back in the day and stuck with the DR98. I was moving from the DR100 to the Strike or DR98.

 

[XFactorer]

Thanks. Maybe i will stick with the EZONE+ and my DR+, and pick up a used VCORE 98 at some point. I do love the VCORE brand. I have a VCORE Tour 89 that is so much fun to use when I am on my game.

I played with the VCORE Tour 89, too. But since, I was an EZONE kinda guy.

 

[XFactorer]

PTS 17 at 45? Are you not finding the ball launching too high/sailing? I started using 16L right away and have gone from 46 now waiting to get 52 returned to me from the store.

Nope. I like it as soft as possible. The only time the ball is sailing is if I try to slow down my swing and guide the ball. Maybe as I acclimate to the new VCORE, I'll play around with softer strings at a high tension. Maybe PolyTour Air... I'm excited that I like Strike in this racquet. Might have to get some more while the string sale is going on on TW.com

 

[Andrew Park]

I have tried both 100 and 98. Coming from Pure Aero, VCORE 100 feels much stiffer than PA, which people doubted but I verified with TW that this is in fact true. I usually did not like 98 rackets, but VCORE 98 is my new go-to racket. Much better control gives me better confidence with my shots. Plus, no sore arm after playing for hours.

 

[bigdaddy]

I have tried both 100 and 98. Coming from Pure Aero, VCORE 100 feels much stiffer than PA, which people doubted but I verified with TW that this is in fact true. I usually did not like 98 rackets, but VCORE 98 is my new go-to racket. Much better control gives me better confidence with my shots. Plus, no sore arm after playing for hours.

How does the power compare to the pure aero

 

[EasternRocks]

Nope. I like it as soft as possible. The only time the ball is sailing is if I try to slow down my swing and guide the ball. Maybe as I acclimate to the new VCORE, I'll play around with softer strings at a high tension. Maybe PolyTour Air... I'm excited that I like Strike in this racquet. Might have to get some more while the string sale is going on on TW.com

For me, I liked the Strike a lot more than the yellow string. I am surprised that the thin 120 in the more spacey 16x19, 6 main, isn't giving you any control issues.

I do have a bit of lead so maybe that's jumping the power slightly for me to have to up my tension.

 

[XFactorer]

For me, I liked the Strike a lot more than the yellow string. I am surprised that the thin 120 in the more spacey 16x19, 6 main, isn't giving you any control issues.

I do have a bit of lead so maybe that's jumping the power slightly for me to have to up my tension.

It's all relative. I was using an EZONE prior. Control wasn't its strong suit.

 

[Tordne]

Wife's VCORE 98 205 was delivered today. Specs so close to my one from a week or so back, good QC

My Poly Tour Fire didn't arrive today as expected. Hoping it will arrive tomorrow so I can have a hit at some point through the weekend. I played with the 98 305 a couple of nights back and it was awesome. So much spin! Kick and slice serves are amazing. I will say that the balls that we played with were a little harder/heavier than normal, so that would account for some of the extra pace and bounce. But still pretty exceptional.

 

[Andrew Park]

How does the power compare to the pure aero

I personally think that PA has more power, but my friends told me there are no significant difference between the two.

 

[Spin]

Does anyone know on the vcore 100 whether it is 6h or 7h that is used for the crosses starting knot?
Thanks!

 

[Tordne]

Does anyone know on the vcore 100 whether it is 6h or 7h that is used for the crosses starting knot?
Thanks!

Assume will be same as 98, in which case it is 6H.

 

[Spin]

Assume will be same as 98, in which case it is 6H.

Ok thank you tordne

 

[West Coast Ace]

Looking for more reviews/comments on the VCORE 95--don't be shy. According to TW, it's the softest of that line, so I'm interested.

You might be waiting a long time. TW said they would have their demos ready Aug 30; still not available. The pro shop I go to: co-owner sent the 95s back - feels the ship has sailed on anything under 97. They already sold most of their 98s and 100s.

I did want to demo it - but not a big deal if I never do.

 

[CiscoPC600]

You might be waiting a long time. TW said they would have their demos ready Aug 30; still not available. The pro shop I go to: co-owner sent the 95s back - feels the ship has sailed on anything under 97. They already sold most of their 98s and 100s.

I did want to demo it - but not a big deal if I never do.

With my arm issues flaring up due to using a Babolat for a few months with poly (I wasn't aware at the time), I'm almost considering just purchasing the 95 and sticking with it because of its incredibly soft rating...

 

[West Coast Ace]

With my arm issues flaring up due to using a Babolat for a few months with poly (I wasn't aware at the time), I'm almost considering just purchasing the 95 and sticking with it because of its incredibly soft rating...

I’ve had shoulder issues; found that the strings are the key for me. Even in the RF97A Tour Bite Soft produced no shoulder pain. Good luck.

 

[CiscoPC600]

I’ve had shoulder issues; found that the strings are the key for me. Even in the RF97A Tour Bite Soft produced no shoulder pain. Good luck.

For sure, after a good amount of reading, I've accepted it's the strings and the frame. I'm surprised you mentioned Tour Bite Soft as having no issues because it's still fairly stiff compared to other super soft polys like Double AR Twice Shark (143 v. 184 stiffness). At least according to the TW Compare Strings Tool.

 

[West Coast Ace]

For sure, after a good amount of reading, I've accepted it's the strings and the frame. I'm surprised you mentioned Tour Bite Soft as having no issues because it's still fairly stiff compared to other super soft polys like Double AR Twice Shark (143 v. 184 stiffness). At least according to the TW Compare Strings Tool.

The shop I go to recommended TBS; it worked, and still generates plenty of spin with no discernible power loss, so I didn’t see any reason to keep looking.

 

[Pneumated1]

Ok, so I'll put it out there. There is a pretty reasonable possibility that I could switch to the VCORE 98 305!. ... Anyway, the love affair continues.

Can you give a quick comparison between this Yonex and your Angell TC95 regarding comfort, launch angle, and power level. Thanks.

Edit: Actually, never mind; I just noticed how open the string pattern is on this one. Thought it was the traditional 16x20. Oh well ...

 

[Tordne]

Can you give a quick comparison between this Yonex and your Angell TC95 regarding comfort, launch angle, and power level. Thanks.

Edit: Actually, never mind; I just noticed how open the string pattern is on this one. Thought it was the traditional 16x20. Oh well ...

The Yonex generates a lot of spin, it's almost the key objective of the VCORE line (not the Pro). I see your preference is for the Angell 18x20 so this VCORE would have a much higher trajectory than you're probably looking for.

Re comfort the Angell is still a clear winner. I'm not feeling any "electric shocks" in the elbow which I usually associate with tennis elbow. But my arm definitely knows it's played a lot of tennis. The last few weeks I've been playing with a Head Graphene Touch Radical Pro and now the last week this VCORE 98 305.

Power is interesting. The VCORE turns what might otherwise be straight line power and converts it into spin, so the sensation of power is different. It still is able to hit a heavy ball. Given that the weight and SW of the VCORE 98 305 are considerably lower than my Angel V3 TC95 63RA 16x19 (that's a mouthful) that's a decent accomplishment.

 

[EasternRocks]

The Yonex generates a lot of spin, it's almost the key objective of the VCORE line (not the Pro). I see your preference is for the Angell 18x20 so this VCORE would have a much higher trajectory than you're probably looking for.

Re comfort the Angell is still a clear winner. I'm not feeling any "electric shocks" in the elbow which I usually associate with tennis elbow. But my arm definitely knows it's played a lot of tennis. The last few weeks I've been playing with a Head Graphene Touch Radical Pro and now the last week this VCORE 98 305.

Power is interesting. The VCORE turns what might otherwise be straight line power and converts it into spin, so the sensation of power is different. It still is able to hit a heavy ball. Given that the weight and SW of the VCORE 98 305 are considerably lower than my Angel V3 TC95 63RA 16x19 (that's a mouthful) that's a decent accomplishment.

I agree. The VCORE for its SW has more plowthrough than the #'s suggest.

 

[CiscoPC600]

I pulled the trigger; VCORE 95 is on the way. Strung with Volkl Cyclone Tour 18 at 45 lbs (i.e., a soft setup). It should arrive by next Monday, and I'll try to post a brief review late that night.


Pray for me.

 

[Tordne]

Poly Tour Fire 17 string just arrived, so naturally I've just strung it up. It feels very slippery, was very easy to weave the crosses though the mains. Might have to see if I can skive off and have a quick hit shortly.

 

[lefty100]

Demoed both the new Vcore 100 and 98 and found the Vcore 100 to be not as good (too stiff) as my Ezone 100 so I bought a Vcore 98 and had it strung with PTP 1.25 at 50 mains x 48 crosses, added a TF pro players overgrip and YY dampener = 326g. I have also owned or demoed the Ai98, Dr98, Ezone98, Si98, SV98 and the Vcore Pro 97 (310g). Out of these I would rate the new Vcore the best. It has terrific soft feel that resides between the Dr98 and the Vcore Pro 97. The sweet spot feels large and there is ample power and plenty of spin. One feature that I really enjoy with this racquet is the incredible maneuverability which means it trumps my Ezone100 as my go to frame. Serving in particular is a real joy with this racquet.

 

[cuonglaiphoto]

Anyone please gives a comparison between the Vcore 98 vs the Pure Aero? I do understand that they both stand out for spin potential.

Thanks