Yonex VCORE series 2018

[Nadal shall rise again]

Since no one else is replying, I'll give you my $0.02

I've only held the 95D briefly, but from what I understand talking to those who use it, it falls into the Prestige category. Wawrinka played with a Head Prestige variant before switching to Yonex. I've played quite a bit with the IG Prestiges (pro and mp), as well as the various "Marlboro" 6.1 95s, and to me, the 95D, just as the Tour/DG/VCP97, falls into the first category, the VCore 95 into the latter.

So if you consider going for the VCore 95, expecting something along the lines of a 95D/Prestige type of thing, you'll be disappointed.

I see, that's good to know. I'll keep tinkering with the VCP. Many thanks!

I guess the allure of the lower flex rating had me wondering.

 

[smalahove]

I see, that's good to know. I'll keep tinkering with the VCP. Many thanks!

I guess the allure of the lower flex rating had me wondering.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great frame that I highly recommend everyone interested to demo.
I do switch back and forth sometimes with my leaded-up VCP 97s, and both are highly maneuverable. That being said, even if the VCP97 is firmer that the DG97 ime, I can really notice a huge difference in firmness/flex feel when going from the VC95 to the VCP97. The VC95 is still a smooth ride, but flexes very differently than the VCP97 which feels a bit more "noodle'ish". Bare in mind I string my rackets at 46 lbs.

 

[Gemini]

A bit of an aside, but I had a late flight into LAX several weeks ago on a Sunday evening. I happened to cross paths with the entire U. of Alabama men's tennis team and noticed that a lot of them were using the new VCore series (or a paint job over VCore SVs). For some reason, they were carrying all their frames without their racquet bags and the only thing I could think of was that their large bags would take up too much space in the overheads and it's just easier to consolidate racquets by stacking in the overhead bins. Still it was interesting to see how many of them were using the new VCores (4 of the 8 guys that I passed). Two others were holding Wilson Blades.

 

[Sardines]

Just demoed both side by side and also sometime back.
I am also leaning towards SV 98; even though it felt bit stiffer at times, I felt more connected and had more control and power. VCore 98 is better in spin and relatively more comfortable, but I don't like the muted feel that it has.

What string/tension is better for SV 98?

Interesting. I personally like the SV98+ more, partly because I'm more used to it. So I played with it for a month without switching and measured on a playsight court, and the VC98+ is slightly more powerful, and a slightly higher launch angle.
I use Volkl Cyclone 18L mains and Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax cross @ 47-49.5 mains and -4.5lbs cross.

 

[teekaywhy]

A bit of an aside, but I had a late flight into LAX several weeks ago on a Sunday evening. I happened to cross paths with the entire U. of Alabama men's tennis team and noticed that a lot of them were using the new VCore series (or a paint job over VCore SVs). For some reason, they were carrying all their frames without their racquet bags and the only thing I could think of was that their large bags would take up too much space in the overheads and it's just easier to consolidate racquets by stacking in the overhead bins. Still it was interesting to see how many of them were using the new VCores (4 of the 8 guys that I passed). Two others were holding Wilson Blades.

Perhaps related, perhaps not, but Yonex seems to be investing a lot into the junior/college ranks lately. A la what Babolat did a decade or so ago.

 

[Tommy G]

Can we expect a VCORE 98+ in Galaxy Black?

 

[David Le]

Can we expect a VCORE 98+ in Galaxy Black?

Highly doubt it. Same thing goes for the VC95. My local tennis shop owner ordered two GB VC98 for me, which should coming in within the next week or so.

 

[Tommy G]

Just found the answer here...

Looks like a no.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/any-chance-to-see-a-black-vcore-98.634761/

 

[TforTommy]

Vcore 98 owner here. Customised with leather grip change and 4 grams of lead under the bumper.

Not sure about anyone else but i've been experiencing very bad tennis elbow, stringing with rpm and cyclone both at 48.

Decided to switch back to my wilsons

 

[David Le]

Vcore 98 owner here. Customised with leather grip change and 4 grams of lead under the bumper.

Not sure about anyone else but i've been experiencing very bad tennis elbow, stringing with rpm and cyclone both at 48.

Decided to switch back to my wilsons

Did you ever try using a hybrid that’s not poly on poly?

 

[voz86]

Vcore 98 owner here. Customised with leather grip change and 4 grams of lead under the bumper.

Not sure about anyone else but i've been experiencing very bad tennis elbow, stringing with rpm and cyclone both at 48.

Decided to switch back to my wilsons

I had pain using RPM Blast in the VCore 98. I re-strung with ALU Power and the pain went away

 

[KamehamehaBackhand]

Went to a drill last night and played with the Yonex Vcore 98+. Went in with no expectations, and have to admit I really liked it. It felt pretty similar to my current racquet and the PP100 I demoed in December. Surprised to see the flex score is 64 because it was very comfortable - maybe due to the string job which I think was lower tension than what I have on my Diablo.

It's also a bit lighter than the Diablo midplus 11.4 oz vs. 11.7 oz), so even with the extra 1/4" of length I felt I had great manuverability on my volleys. 2HBH groundstrokes and swing volleys felt great, and felt like I was getting a little better snap on the few 1st serves I hit. The only thing I felt iffy on was FH groundstrokes. Frankly this is my weakest shot overall so they're never going to feel great. However, felt like I wanted a little more weight/stability for blocking back heavy balls to that side. And more control - I feel I can swing out a bit more freely (when I get a short/weak ball) with my Diablo which is a very control-oriented racquet.

Still have the 93P coming up tomorrow to see how that goes, but right now I could flip a coin between buying a new condition replacement of my current racquet on E*Bay or buying the VCORE 98+. I'd be paying $219 for the latter (vs. $149 for the former), but given I plan on using it for multiple years to come I see it as a good investment either way.

Currently play with a prince tour Diablo midplus (27.25", so already a little longer than standard), and demoed the VC98+ last night. First time playing with a Yonex racquet; above are my thoughts on it from my racquet search thread.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

I'm really starting to fall in love with my VCore 95. My only issue with it is some lack of stability at net. Anybody experimented with adding lead tape? I'm thinking a little a 3 & 9 but don't want to add too much swingweight.

 

[achapa8807]

I'm really starting to fall in love with my VCore 95. My only issue with it is some lack of stability at net. Anybody experimented with adding lead tape? I'm thinking a little a 3 & 9 but don't want to add too much swingweight.

I’d add some to both sides but do one strip of 3” on 3 o’clock side and then the opposite side of the frame at 9 so you aren’t adding a lot of weight. Maybe even some tungsten putty in the trap door to offset the more HH balance after the tape is installed. Hope that makes some sense. Also, check out the customizing video TW has on their YouTube page.

 

[SaaKha]

My Yonex's have cured my racquetoholism. I've tried everything there is, bar actual prostock (have tried the OG Prestiges though, PT600 aso).
I have two VCore 95, two VCore 98 and 2 VCP 97 (310). They cover the whole spectrum to avoid any type of RAS (racquet aquisition syndrome).
It's not that these are the best frames ever, but for me, racquets from other mfcs that I enjoy (or might enjoy) will fall more or less into one the categories above.

Right now, I'm loving the VCore 95, with a couple of g of lead @12, to get a little easier (more) depth and plow. It's not a hard 95 to play with, and I prefer it to the VCore 98 which has less control (open string pattern = feels a little vague/too open sometimes) and a much higher launch angle. Someone wrote it's reminescent of the Six.One 95, and I think that's a very good comparison. I've only played with the last version (not the white, current reissue), but it would fit nicely in between the 18x20, 16x18 and 18x16.

Hmmm. I’ve been a Six One 95 user for years (mainly the K Factor version) and the short time I got to demo the VCore 95 I was gelling with it quite nicely. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to add it to my collection.

 

[Dimcorner]

So I play well and can easily interchange between the 3 rackets in my bag and I'm not sure if I should even bother getting a 2nd racket of one of them. I have a Tour G 310, a Vcore Pro 97 310, and a Vcore 98. Each hit just a bit different from one another but are very close in they way they swing :\

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I'm really starting to fall in love with my VCore 95. My only issue with it is some lack of stability at net. Anybody experimented with adding lead tape? I'm thinking a little a 3 & 9 but don't want to add too much swingweight.

just gt this one
i played arround a bit with the lead at different spots
i like it best wiht lead at 2/10 and 4/8 (i put 5" of 1/4" lead strips on each corner)
i also prefer this racket with softer strings
i tried 18g poly, felt stiff
multis seem to work great for me
yesterday i put babolat.origin 17g black 49/46lbs, and i think im gonna keep this setup for a while, it just felt great

edited* oh yeah, i also have enough 1/2" lead tape on handle to make it 10pts headlight

 

[Syfo-Dias]

@1HBHfanatic If my math is correct that's about 10g of lead in the hoop? That's quite a bit of extra weight, but I might try something similar with shorter pieces. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@1HBHfanatic If my math is correct that's about 10g of lead in the hoop? That's quite a bit of extra weight, but I might try something similar with shorter pieces. Thanks for the feedback!

yeah it seems like a lot, but i also have about 1' of 1/2" lead on handle to counter
the 4x 5" of 1/4" lead on hoop aid in the shoulders of the racquet
ill try o take a picure to display

edited* ok, here are some pics:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[Sardines]

@1HBHfanatic If my math is correct that's about 10g of lead in the hoop? That's quite a bit of extra weight, but I might try something similar with shorter pieces. Thanks for the feedback!

1/4" tape is 0.25g per inch. So he has 2.5g on each side. Not that much at all. To save on lead disposal, I use blutack to test where how the racquet feels, then when I'm happy, I place the weight tape permanently.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

1/4" tape is 0.25g per inch. So he has 2.5g on each side. Not that much at all. To save on lead disposal, I use blutack to test where how the racquet feels, then when I'm happy, I place the weight tape permanently.

Oh ok I just noticed he only has a strip on 1 side of the grommets there. I usually put lead tape on both sides of the grommets which would double the weight.

 

[jklos]

anyone here added weight or lead to their vcore 98 305? if so how much and where?

I added 2 grams total at 3 & 9 and another gram at 12. Very minimal adjustment but it added a bit of SW and stability which is all I was looking for.

 

[frogboy2002]

Vcore 95 is interesting me, did not really enjoy hitting with the 98 it felt too powerful and strangely not great on serve. I have been hitting with the Prince Textreme Tour 95 how would anyone on here compare the two?

 

[Hansen]

I have been hitting with the Prince Textreme Tour 95 how would anyone on here compare the two?

vcore 95 is the better frame, imho. it has slightly more spin potential and power and a less hollow, more substantial feel.

 

[Sardines]

I added 2 grams total at 3 & 9 and another gram at 12. Very minimal adjustment but it added a bit of SW and stability which is all I was looking for.

@franco Rodriguez , that really depends on what you need the racquet to do. 3/9 adds the most twist weight, and stability, but a little less swing weight. or near the isometric bend increases swing weight and twist weight better than @ 9/3.

 

[wassamara]

Vcore95 hurts my wrist and elbow for some reason. I prefer the tt95 2015. Very nice frame. Arm saver. I play stock. But i prefer the vcore tour f 93 than the tt95.

 

[kimguroo]

My Yonex's have cured my racquetoholism. I've tried everything there is, bar actual prostock (have tried the OG Prestiges though, PT600 aso).
I have two VCore 95, two VCore 98 and 2 VCP 97 (310). They cover the whole spectrum to avoid any type of RAS (racquet aquisition syndrome).
It's not that these are the best frames ever, but for me, racquets from other mfcs that I enjoy (or might enjoy) will fall more or less into one the categories above.

Right now, I'm loving the VCore 95, with a couple of g of lead @12, to get a little easier (more) depth and plow. It's not a hard 95 to play with, and I prefer it to the VCore 98 which has less control (open string pattern = feels a little vague/too open sometimes) and a much higher launch angle. Someone wrote it's reminescent of the Six.One 95, and I think that's a very good comparison. I've only played with the last version (not the white, current reissue), but it would fit nicely in between the 18x20, 16x18 and 18x16.

Me too. I used to carry 12 rackets (at least 8 different rackets haha).
Since I changed to Yonex Regna. Only tested less than 10 rackets for 4-5 years. Regna was not cheap but I ended up saving more money haha. Currently 2 Regna 98, one Regna 100 and one prince textreme graphite (mostly for doubles) in my bag.
I wanted extended 27.5” racket so I tried vcore 98+ but still has harsh/stiff feeling from previous generation (XI,SI, VS series) so decided to sell it. Prefer to have one flexible racket and thought about phantom 100p pro but textreme graphite might be enough for now even though it’s 65 strung.
only possibility might be new 2019 Regna 98 but probably I will wait one-two years until the price is going down.

Dear racquetoholism colleague... so many times I thought that until finding out that in addition to loving playing tennis, I like as well testing other frames. So it seams that I do not want to be cured... But I keep trying
Cool that these very good Yonex frames suit you...

I used to play with many different rackets but Always come back with my Yonex nowadays haha.
If I play with same rackets for long period of time, I play more consistent and confident with my shots. When I test some rackets then timing can be off and playing badly. Don’t want to have another adjustment period anymore with new rackets
I am getting old and prefer to play better tennis instead of relying on different rackets since I don’t have enough time to practice nowadays. It might be easy to rely on different rackets to be better but always something is missing. Never had perfect rackets and never will be ^_____^

 

[jklos]

I just got a black Vcore 98 to replace one of my red ones that had a weird vibration in it. To me it plays totally different. Anyone else play with both the black and red version and find them to play differently?

 

[frogboy2002]

Vcore95 hurts my wrist and elbow for some reason. I prefer the tt95 2015. Very nice frame. Arm saver. I play stock. But i prefer the vcore tour f 93 than the tt95.

I’ve only just tried smaller heads. Got a 93p 18x20 but struggling with launch angle so may get the 14x18 but tbh may just buy another tt95 after I demo the VCore 95. Think I need the forgiveness

 

[Sardines]

I just got a black Vcore 98 to replace one of my red ones that had a weird vibration in it. To me it plays totally different. Anyone else play with both the black and red version and find them to play differently?

What do you mean by differently?

 

[jklos]

What do you mean by differently?

Just the feel of it in general. To me the red one plays smoother like a Pro Staff (not quite though) where the black one plays more like an Ezone. I'm guessing it might be the SW is off a bit. The RDS machine at the shop is broken so i can't get an exact measurement. I'm hoping it's just that. I'm gonna add a little weight to it and see if that helps. I've only played once with it and that's the initial feeling I got from it. I'm assuming the materials are the exact same other than paint so I'm guessing it's got to be just a weight distribution issue.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I added 2 grams total at 3 & 9 and another gram at 12. Very minimal adjustment but it added a bit of SW and stability which is all I was looking for.

this is also what i strated with,, but then hit a frame shot near the top and it vibrated through my arm for a few seconds, "a stinger!!",, that made me move the weight around near the top
i like the way this weight is distributed now
the solid feel is more throughout the frame head now
feels solid
good stick, needs some hellp though

 

[rafazx10]

Hmmm. I’ve been a Six One 95 user for years (mainly the K Factor version) and the short time I got to demo the VCore 95 I was gelling with it quite nicely. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to add it to my collection.

I did the same thing. from a 6.1 nCode to the Vcore. Weighted the Yonex to match the wilson, groudn strokes were fine but serving was much worse.

 

[Sardines]

Just the feel of it in general. To me the red one plays smoother like a Pro Staff (not quite though) where the black one plays more like an Ezone. I'm guessing it might be the SW is off a bit. The RDS machine at the shop is broken so i can't get an exact measurement. I'm hoping it's just that. I'm gonna add a little weight to it and see if that helps. I've only played once with it and that's the initial feeling I got from it. I'm assuming the materials are the exact same other than paint so I'm guessing it's got to be just a weight distribution issue.

You mean it plays stiffer or harsher? Are you using the same strings and tension? A new frame can feel a lot stiffer if you are a hard hitter. When I was training every day in college, the racquets will feel quite a bit more flexible after 3-5 mths.

 

[jklos]

You mean it plays stiffer or harsher? Are you using the same strings and tension? A new frame can feel a lot stiffer if you are a hard hitter. When I was training every day in college, the racquets will feel quite a bit more flexible after 3-5 mths.

Yeah a little stiffer i would say. Same strings and tension. I've had my red one for about 3 months and i just got the black one. So maybe that could be the issue.

 

[RobS]

I just got a black Vcore 98 to replace one of my red ones that had a weird vibration in it. To me it plays totally different. Anyone else play with both the black and red version and find them to play differently?

I picked up a pair of the black after trying out a red demo and didn't notice a difference between in feel or performance.

 

[jklos]

I picked up a pair of the black after trying out a red demo and didn't notice a difference between in feel or performance.

Ok. Good to know. i'm guessing the SW is just a bit off and is a bit stiffer because it's brand new compared to the one i have.

 

[Greg G]

Been a bit hesitant to post about my experience, because I wasn't quite sure what to make of the Vcore 98. Coming from a Vcore Tour 97 310, I was a bit confused with the feel of the racquet. I reminded me more of my Ezone Ai100 than the VCT. Yes, I was getting a boost in spin and a higher launch angle, but I could't get over this disconnect I was feeling. Since I hadn't played with the succeeding models until this one, I thought perhaps I just wasn't able to follow its evolution of the Vcore line.

Again, I was getting extra pop and spin on the groundstrokes, but I felt less in control. My volleys were off, it felt a bit less maneuverable and again with some sort of disconnect in feel.

I did give it a good 2 months, resisting the urge to pickup the old racquets. Until last week, I had a horrible day out on the courts. So I picked up the old Vcore Tour 97, and it just confirmed everything I was feeling. After a few minutes adjusting to the lower launch angle, everything felt right again. I have this growing suspicion that the true successor of the VCT line would be the Vcore Pro line ...then again I may just stay with the VCT till they pry it from my cold dead hands

 

[Gemini]

Been a bit hesitant to post about my experience, because I wasn't quite sure what to make of the Vcore 98. Coming from a Vcore Tour 97 310, I was a bit confused with the feel of the racquet. I reminded me more of my Ezone Ai100 than the VCT. Yes, I was getting a boost in spin and a higher launch angle, but I could't get over this disconnect I was feeling. Since I hadn't played with the succeeding models until this one, I thought perhaps I just wasn't able to follow its evolution of the Vcore line.

Again, I was getting extra pop and spin on the groundstrokes, but I felt less in control. My volleys were off, it felt a bit less maneuverable and again with some sort of disconnect in feel.

I did give it a good 2 months, resisting the urge to pickup the old racquets. Until last week, I had a horrible day out on the courts. So I picked up the old Vcore Tour 97, and it just confirmed everything I was feeling. After a few minutes adjusting to the lower launch angle, everything felt right again. I have this growing suspicion that the true successor of the VCT line would be the Vcore Pro line ...then again I may just stay with the VCT till they pry it from my cold dead hands

So..you are correct. You were not comparing racquets that were intended to be similar with one being the evolution of the other. The VCore 98 is the successor to the VCore SV 98, not the VCore Tour (G) 97. The VCore Pro should be your next stop.

 

[jklos]

You mean it plays stiffer or harsher? Are you using the same strings and tension? A new frame can feel a lot stiffer if you are a hard hitter. When I was training every day in college, the racquets will feel quite a bit more flexible after 3-5 mths.

After adding a little more lead at 12 it now plays similar to my red one. Seemed to be just a SW differential. Only off by a few points but I could notice it.

 

[redmini]

So..you are correct. You were not comparing racquets that were intended to be similar with one being the evolution of the other. The VCore 98 is the successor to the VCore SV 98, not the VCore Tour 97. The VCore Pro should be your next stop.

That's right, the Vcore Tour sequence went I think: Tour; [Tour G?]; Dual G; Pro.


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[Crashbaby]

VCore 95 going gangbusters at Indian Wells! Lucky he left his 98 blade and jumped on board with a Yonex 95. This is awesome, first a top 50 and now a top 25 player falling victim to a player wielding the new VCore 95, hoping Marcus continues his run!

 

[CiscoPC600]

After flirting with the Blade 98 for awhile, I'm back to my VCORE 95. I miss the easy spin and maneuverability, sorry for cheating on you, baby.

 

[CiscoPC600]

VCore 95 going gangbusters at Indian Wells! Lucky he left his 98 blade and jumped on board with a Yonex 95. This is awesome, first a top 50 and now a top 25 player falling victim to a player wielding the new VCore 95, hoping Marcus continues his run!

Marcus? Sorry I wasn't paying attention in the early rounds, who are you referencing?

 

[dr. godmode]

Marcus? Sorry I wasn't paying attention in the early rounds, who are you referencing?

Giron? guy lost to Milos after leading by a break in the 3rd

 

[CiscoPC600]

Oh! Didn’t know about him. Is actually the VCORE 95 or an older version?


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[dr. godmode]

Oh! Didn’t know about him. Is actually the VCORE 95 or an older version?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

from what i've seen, it seems to be an actual VCore 95

 

[Crashbaby]

Marcus? Sorry I wasn't paying attention in the early rounds, who are you referencing?

Marcus Giron. Fins on the racquet throat, so using the new Vcore 95! He took down Jeremy Chardy and Alex De Minaur before a 3 set loss to Raonic.

 

[Gemini]

Marcos..not Marcus....

 

[CiscoPC600]

I wonder what his string setup is.