Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
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 hit the Duel G 310 a few years ago and loved the frame, but I started having issues with my elbow so unfortunately had to let it go. Honestly, it was almost the perfect frame for me had it been a little softer. I see that the 98 is not softer, and I've learned a hard lesson with the TC95 16x19 that these very open patterns don't suit me. I'll take a closer look at the 95, but I'd prefer a 98".
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
The TW one? How much does it vary from the video reviews? I'm assuming just a bit more in-depth.

I want to know some specifics like what they feel are some of its downsides.

Sean mentioned in the TW Questions thread that he felt a slight jarring sensation out of the sweetspot, so he would add lead toward the upper part of the hoop.

I never played the frame stock, so curious just to read more in-depth with how people like him, Jason, and Chris thought, the guys who have played the other popular Yonex stick's.

I myself am taking out my slightly modified frame out for 3 hours of hitting tonight with newly strung strings, tighter this time. Excited.
 

rader023

Rookie
I want to know some specifics like what they feel are some of its downsides.

Sean mentioned in the TW Questions thread that he felt a slight jarring sensation out of the sweetspot, so he would add lead toward the upper part of the hoop.

I never played the frame stock, so curious just to read more in-depth with how people like him, Jason, and Chris thought, the guys who have played the other popular Yonex stick's.

I myself am taking out my slightly modified frame out for 3 hours of hitting tonight with newly strung strings, tighter this time. Excited.
I agree. Video reviews are cool. But the written reviews are way better if you actually want some detail.
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
When do you know when you need more plowthrough? My balls are generally getting depth, but they’re not as big as I would like them to be. Obviously the first culprit I’m thinking is technique and stronger base and unit turn, but curious to know if this feel on the court with my 98 warrants more hoop lead.

I played an open level player today who hits an ATP ball. My feedback summized, is not feeling like I have enough power and speed on my balls.
 

Romp

New User
When do you know when you need more plowthrough? My balls are generally getting depth, but they’re not as big as I would like them to be. Obviously the first culprit I’m thinking is technique and stronger base and unit turn, but curious to know if this feel on the court with my 98 warrants more hoop lead.

I played an open level player today who hits an ATP ball. My feedback summized, is not feeling like I have enough power and speed on my balls.
Generally when you struggle returning heavy balls (plowing through pace or topspin) and you get instability

Equally when hitting a rally ball and it doesn't carry typically on sub 300 swing weight frames notable. Pick up a kids frame and hit and see what it feels like to exaggerate
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
Generally when you struggle returning heavy balls (plowing through pace or topspin) and you get instability

Equally when hitting a rally ball and it doesn't carry typically on sub 300 swing weight frames notable. Pick up a kids frame and hit and see what it feels like to exaggerate

Right. Only one way to find out if it will be better, add that weight and see the result.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Right. Only one way to find out if it will be better, add that weight and see the result.

You will definitely get more power and weight to your shots... but two things are also true... With great power comes great responsibility (you will need to control and channel that power, otherwise the balls will go out faster and with lots of weight to them)... and technique and physical conditioning (strength) will have a massive effect, in both instances (with weight added and without).
 

Frans Bleker

Professional
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.

Great comparison, thanks!
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
You will definitely get more power and weight to your shots... but two things are also true... With great power comes great responsibility (you will need to control and channel that power, otherwise the balls will go out faster and with lots of weight to them)... and technique and physical conditioning (strength) will have a massive effect, in both instances (with weight added and without).

Right. Best move is to have my current racquet hit side by side with another with a little more plowthrough and see which one I handle better.
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
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.
Hi Tordne and any other Ezone100 users: Could you please post your thoughts how the vcore98 compares? In particular which is more arm friendly?
I’ve been hitting the ezone100 recently and the vcore98 looks appealing. Hoping the vcore is a touch better in the comfort stakes.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Hi Tordne and any other Ezone100 users: Could you please post your thoughts how the vcore98 compares? In particular which is more arm friendly?
I’ve been hitting the ezone100 recently and the vcore98 looks appealing. Hoping the vcore is a touch better in the comfort stakes.

I’d say the VCORE 98 305 is more arm friendly than the EZONE 100 300. But, it’s too early to tell yet if the VCORE is going to be comfortable enough for me. I’ve been feeling it a bit this week (and not hit since Tuesday). I’ll be playing again tomorrow night so will try some more. This time I’m trying the Poly Tour Fire string so I’ve removed the modification weight.
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
I’d say the VCORE 98 305 is more arm friendly than the EZONE 100 300. But, it’s too early to tell yet if the VCORE is going to be comfortable enough for me. I’ve been feeling it a bit this week (and not hit since Tuesday). I’ll be playing again tomorrow night so will try some more. This time I’m trying the Poly Tour Fire string so I’ve removed the modification weight.
Much appreciated :)
 

A_Instead

Legend
Finally got to try the new vcore 98..
Not bad..Not great ...hints of pure strike..to me it was a child of a pure drive and pro 97...
Seems different than the sv98 as the sv 98 was more pure driveish..which I prefered..i did like the softer feel of new vcore 98..but it has a weird balance...
I also got to try the new v feel 10 320..
I preferred it over the vcore 98..an very easy playing 12 oz dressed racquet..control is automatic..plenty of pop and power String at 46lbs..
I like the feel of it....hence as the name applies..
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Seems like many of you want higher swing weight for plow and power. Perhaps if you do, wait for the + version which should be in the 340 SW area but still less than 325g.
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
I played more and realizing this thing is really string sensitive, put something that’s a bit crisper and less dwell time, you won’t be able to find enough control on the racquet.

I’ve documented my testing of Poly Tour Strike in the 16L, going from 46 all the way up to 52, and yet I’m still just inexplicably getting balls that are not staying within the lines. I sometimes can’t predict launch angle either.

I’m going to go to Poly Tour Pro, which is a deader poly and one that from what I understand is a bit dampened compared to the Strike. I’ll string it at 48, and see how that goes. A little set back in my love affair, but I did play amazingly first day with the Strike at 52, it was just the drop in tension from that day that completely made the racquet turn into a bazooka.
 
I hit with a demo Yonex VCORE Pro 97 today. Compared to the Babolate Pure Aero I've been using for a couple years it's more stable, seems to have less power and more control. Took some getting used to, but I liked it. I also demoed a Babs Pure Strike VS (hated it; like hitting with a board) and a Wilson Blade 98s (tons of spin, zero/negative power, not as stable as the VP98 at the net). I was thinking of picking up the VP97, but decided to research here first. So, one quick question:

How does the VCORE Pro 98 compare to the new VCORE 97? None available to demo locally, so I'm looking for some input on the differences I could expect. Thanks in advance!
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
I hit with a demo Yonex VCORE Pro 97 today. Compared to the Babolate Pure Aero I've been using for a couple years it's more stable, seems to have less power and more control. Took some getting used to, but I liked it. I also demoed a Babs Pure Strike VS (hated it; like hitting with a board) and a Wilson Blade 98s (tons of spin, zero/negative power, not as stable as the VP98 at the net). I was thinking of picking up the VP97, but decided to research here first. So, one quick question:

How does the VCORE Pro 98 compare to the new VCORE 97? None available to demo locally, so I'm looking for some input on the differences I could expect. Thanks in advance!
Vcore pro is more control oriented with little power. it has good spin.

is the Vcore 2018 the best ever ?
 

SamerHanna

New User
Played with it for 2 hitting sessions strung with Ytex Quado Twist at 55, it's soft, very spin friendly, lots of power which needs to be tamed since i'm transitioning from the DR 98. Added weight at 3 & 9 and also in the handle to add more plow and stability, it played significantly better, still need to tame the power a bit and i thin it's because of the string as it's softer than the PTP which i used to play with.

Will hit with PTP strung at the same tension and report back, hopefully it will be better in the control aspect :)
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
Played with it for 2 hitting sessions strung with Ytex Quado Twist at 55, it's soft, very spin friendly, lots of power which needs to be tamed since i'm transitioning from the DR 98. Added weight at 3 & 9 and also in the handle to add more plow and stability, it played significantly better, still need to tame the power a bit and i thin it's because of the string as it's softer than the PTP which i used to play with.

Will hit with PTP strung at the same tension and report back, hopefully it will be better in the control aspect :)

The VCORE 98 feels like a Babolat racquet to me in terms of response, but with a Yonex feel. I'm back to square one with finding a suitable string for it.

On a customization POV, the racquet may need more plow, but I will have to see if it hinders my level at all with more mass in the hoop.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
The VCORE 98 feels like a Babolat racquet to me in terms of response, but with a Yonex feel. I'm back to square one with finding a suitable string for it.

On a customization POV, the racquet may need more plow, but I will have to see if it hinders my level at all with more mass in the hoop.
heavier and powerful poly will work better. and yonex can take it where as babolat can't. yonex has more soft feel easier on the arm so it can get away with more harsher poly
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
The VCORE 98 feels like a Babolat racquet to me in terms of response, but with a Yonex feel. I'm back to square one with finding a suitable string for it.
What characteristics are you looking for in a string?

I'm quite happy with PolyTour Strike, 1.20mm at 45. :) I know you think that's crazy. I ordered 10 packs while they're still on sale!
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Finally got out last night with the VCORE 98 305, with the 1.20 Poly Tour Fire string. As well as the string I also increased the SW slightly and more HL balance. Played spec with overgrip and dampener came in at 339 grams, 31.7 cm balance and 326 SW (remember this is a 1.20 gauge string). To get to that spec I have 4 grams of lead (2 layers) focussed at 12 o'clock, and approx 6.5 grams of Blu Tack in the handle.

I must say that string is surprising. It seemed like I was getting even more spin that Cyclone 18L, if you can believe that. Feel off the string bed was really nice, greater sensation of ball pocketing and feel. I can see why @Sardines enjoys Cyclone 18L / PTF hybrid, I might even try that myself.

I'm actually enjoying every aspect of this racket! The feel, precision, pace and spin all seem to be very well balanced for my game. If my arm can tolerate this I could really see this being totally switchable. As a side benefit I really like the look of this frame a lot, would have to be one of my favourites actually. Our summer competitive competitions start this week and I can actually see myself taking this straight into matches based on current experience.
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
What characteristics are you looking for in a string?

I'm quite happy with PolyTour Strike, 1.20mm at 45. :) I know you think that's crazy. I ordered 10 packs while they're still on sale!

I need something that I've never looked for in a string. Prior to this racquet, I needed spring from my string bed and some supplemental power to add to the more control forward feel. Funny, I was using the wrong set up as a kid for what I needed, PHT/VS Gut in a dense 18x20 Head. I wound up playing that string set up for most of my developmental years.

With the decision to try PTP 1.25 at 49, I'm hoping to gain more of a consistent response and one that has above average comfort. The PTS 1.20 and 1.25 were a dream to hit with, zero forearm pressure. I am looking to improve from the PTS, the slippery feel and lack of time the ball pockets on the string bed. I did hit the PTP 1.25 in the VC98 I use, but it was at 46 and it was slightly launchy but from my few rallies, it definitely was a lot more predictable launch angle and power wise than the PTS. I never tried PTS 1.20 in the VC98 simply because I would probably lose playing characteristics in this more open pattern in a matter of hours. 1.20 polyesters was my choice of gauge when I experimented playing full polyester in my DR 98, with strings like ALU Thin and PTP 120 some of my favorites.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Personally as someone who used gut / poly in my Graphene Speed Pro and my AI/DR 98, this racquet would become too powerful (for me).

I mentioned I do Sergetti stringing. I have a reference tension of 48lb, on the mains the tensions actually range between 27lb and nearly 49lb, for crosses between 24lb and nearly 61lb. I only mention that because at the moment I'm not having any issues with power. For me I can feel the power, but it converts so much of that energy into spin rather than carry. I'm not sure what the actual tension (for Sergetti) would end up being, but I'd probably do 52-55lb for the gut and 48 for the poly cross, probably using PTF actually.

If others have favourable feedback and I do commit to these frames (and get more) it could be a very nice "fine day" config.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
The VCORE 98 feels like a Babolat racquet to me in terms of response, but with a Yonex feel. I'm back to square one with finding a suitable string for it.
What characteristics are you looking for in a string?

I'm quite happy with PolyTour Strike, 1.20mm at 45. :) I know you think that's crazy. I ordered 10 packs while they're still on sale1
I need something that I've never looked for in a string. Prior to this racquet, I needed spring from my string bed and some supplemental power to add to the more control forward feel. Funny, I was using the wrong set up as a kid for what I needed, PHT/VS Gut in a dense 18x20 Head. I wound up playing that string set up for most of my developmental years.

With the decision to try PTP 1.25 at 49, I'm hoping to gain more of a consistent response and one that has above average comfort. The PTS 1.20 and 1.25 were a dream to hit with, zero forearm pressure. I am looking to improve from the PTS, the slippery feel and lack of time the ball pockets on the string bed. I did hit the PTP 1.25 in the VC98 I use, but it was at 46 and it was slightly launchy but from my few rallies, it definitely was a lot more predictable launch angle and power wise than the PTS. I never tried PTS 1.20 in the VC98 simply because I would probably lose playing characteristics in this more open pattern in a matter of hours. 1.20 polyesters was my choice of gauge when I experimented playing full polyester in my DR 98, with strings like ALU Thin and PTP 120 some of my favorites.
I recommend you try Fire at 48. Fire was more comfortable in the EZONE 98 for me and it has a consistent response and pocketing. It is slippery-er than Pro or Strike. And it's a little more cushioned than those two.

In the DR98, PTP 120 at 45 was my go-to. With the EZONE98, it was Fire 120 at 45. Now with the VCORE 98, I'm currently with Strike 120 at 45. Haven't tried Fire in it, yet, but will soon.
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
What characteristics are you looking for in a string?

I'm quite happy with PolyTour Strike, 1.20mm at 45. :) I know you think that's crazy. I ordered 10 packs while they're still on sale1

I recommend you try Fire at 48. Fire was more comfortable in the EZONE 98 for me and it has a consistent response and pocketing. It is slippery-er than Pro or Strike. And it's a little more cushioned than those two.

In the DR98, PTP 120 at 45 was my go-to. With the EZONE98, it was Fire 120 at 45. Now with the VCORE 98, I'm currently with Strike 120 at 45. Haven't tried Fire in it, yet, but will soon.

More slippery probably isn't good. I want something that can pocket the ball a bit better because I'm losing the ability to manipulate the ball with my shots. With the slippery coating of the Strike, the ball hits my string and it's out in a time frame that is faster than anything I'm accustomed to by a decent margin. To be quite honest, I don't think Fire is used either by any of the Yonex players. If it was meant to be a leap ahead of PTP, it surely isn't being recognized by the world's top. Believe Kyrgios to be the only high level player playing the 1.20, but it does make sense since he does use a stiffer XI and the racquet is a denser 16x19.

I'm a 1.20 guy like you in the tighter 8 main frames, but with this one, man I just have to reverse think a bit from what I'm accustomed to gravitating toward. I'm playing PTP 16L at 49 tomorrow night. Will post thoughts later.
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
More slippery probably isn't good. I want something that can pocket the ball a bit better because I'm losing the ability to manipulate the ball with my shots. With the slippery coating of the Strike, the ball hits my string and it's out in a time frame that is faster than anything I'm accustomed to by a decent margin. To be quite honest, I don't think Fire is used either by any of the Yonex players. If it was meant to be a leap ahead of PTP, it surely isn't being recognized by the world's top. Believe Kyrgios to be the only high level player playing the 1.20, but it does make sense since he does use a stiffer XI and the racquet is a denser 16x19.

I'm a 1.20 guy like you in the tighter 8 main frames, but with this one, man I just have to reverse think a bit from what I'm accustomed to gravitating toward. I'm playing PTP 16L at 49 tomorrow night. Will post thoughts later.
Try Fire anyway, dang it! Even if it only confirms what you think it does. You won't truly know until you try. #TestThatHypothesis

It has a cushier feeling than Pro and Strike, so it can perceivable give you dwell time. PolyTour Air has more give, too.
 

Frans Bleker

Professional
Try Fire anyway, dang it! Even if it only confirms what you think it does. You won't truly know until you try. #TestThatHypothesis

It has a cushier feeling than Pro and Strike, so it can perceivable give you dwell time. PolyTour Air has more give, too.

I think it is the best Yonex string all around, shame it only comes in red.
 

Frans Bleker

Professional
It’s the only Yonex string I’ve tried, and in the 1.20 gauge. But I really like it so far. I’ll be interested to see what’s it’s like in a few more hours.

In my experience Yonex strings don't go dead really fast. I remember fire having a really decent playability for a long time and that it doesn't lose too much tension.
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
More slippery probably isn't good. I want something that can pocket the ball a bit better because I'm losing the ability to manipulate the ball with my shots. With the slippery coating of the Strike, the ball hits my string and it's out in a time frame that is faster than anything I'm accustomed to by a decent margin. To be quite honest, I don't think Fire is used either by any of the Yonex players. If it was meant to be a leap ahead of PTP, it surely isn't being recognized by the world's top. Believe Kyrgios to be the only high level player playing the 1.20, but it does make sense since he does use a stiffer XI and the racquet is a denser 16x19.

I'm a 1.20 guy like you in the tighter 8 main frames, but with this one, man I just have to reverse think a bit from what I'm accustomed to gravitating toward. I'm playing PTP 16L at 49 tomorrow night. Will post thoughts later.

Kerber uses Fire 1.2 in the crosses and just won another Major with it. Until recently Herbert was using Fire in the mains, now he switched to Strike 1.2 mains and just won the French Open doubles with it. (With help from Mahut of course!)
So I think Fire is worthy of a trial :)
 

CiscoPC600

Hall of Fame
k5sKsK

https://ibb.co/k5sKsK

My 95 is here :D
I'll test it out tonight and post a brief review. Then I'll update once the honeymoon phase is out. Also, TW threw in a Luxilon overgrip, so I figured I'd use it now. Tourna leather grip and overgrip will be put on manana.
 

Syfo-Dias

Professional
k5sKsK

https://ibb.co/k5sKsK

My 95 is here :D
I'll test it out tonight and post a brief review. Then I'll update once the honeymoon phase is out. Also, TW threw in a Luxilon overgrip, so I figured I'd use it now. Tourna leather grip and overgrip will be put on manana.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. The softer flex rating on this one is really enticing. Just wish Yonex would make these 320g stock like they used to. I still miss the buttery feel of my old RDX-500 Mid :(
 

EasternRocks

Hall of Fame
Try Fire anyway, dang it! Even if it only confirms what you think it does. You won't truly know until you try. #TestThatHypothesis

It has a cushier feeling than Pro and Strike, so it can perceivable give you dwell time. PolyTour Air has more give, too.

Can I be honest? I don’t like red strings lol.
 
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