Yonex VCORE series 2018

[Jacks1989]

Sorry if I was unclear. To clarify, I wanted to buy the VC95 since it's flexxy as the VC98 had destroyed my arm and it is definitely not a fun experience!

While looking to have my local tennis store order the VC95 he did mention VC97 is more arm friendlier than the VC95 despite the stiffness ratings and less chance for off centre hits due to the larger head size.

Have you played both? If so, which is more arm friendlier in your experience?

 

[4hand5lice]

Sorry I can't help you, I've only played with the VC98. Best of luck!

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Sorry if I was unclear. To clarify, I wanted to buy the VC95 since it's flexxy as the VC98 had destroyed my arm and it is definitely not a fun experience!

While looking to have my local tennis store order the VC95 he did mention VC97 is more arm friendlier than the VC95 despite the stiffness ratings and less chance for off centre hits due to the larger head size.

Have you played both? If so, which is more arm friendlier in your experience?

How do you feel about Tecnifibre racquets?

 

[Jacks1989]

I'd preferably like to hear thoughts about the Yonex VC97 Pro and VC95 comparison in terms of comfort first before I explore other options. I'm abit of a Yonexholic you see

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I'd preferably like to hear thoughts about the Yonex VC97 Pro and VC95 comparison in terms of comfort first before I explore other options. I'm abit of a Yonexholic you see

I can't help you at this time then... I only have a 95D, DR98, RDiS 100 MP, and the Super RD Tour 95 and 90. Love them all

 

[hurworld]

Sorry if I was unclear. To clarify, I wanted to buy the VC95 since it's flexxy as the VC98 had destroyed my arm and it is definitely not a fun experience!

While looking to have my local tennis store order the VC95 he did mention VC97 is more arm friendlier than the VC95 despite the stiffness ratings and less chance for off centre hits due to the larger head size.

Have you played both? If so, which is more arm friendlier in your experience?

How about gut/soft poly or gut/multi hybrid on your VC98?

 

[CiscoPC600]

I'd preferably like to hear thoughts about the Yonex VC97 Pro and VC95 comparison in terms of comfort first before I explore other options. I'm abit of a Yonexholic you see

I haven't tested the VC97 Pro, so I can't give you direct comparison experience. However, I've been using the VCORE95 for 10 months (while occasionally testing other frames) as my main racket. I've tried all kinds of polys on it from 15 gauge to 18 gauge and at different tensions (42-61lbs). Basically, I chose the frame because of it's RA rating and Yonex being known as making relatively softer frames, which is a must with my shoulder issues and sometime arm issues. I basically haven't had any physical issues since switching. I did use Poly Tour Strike 16g for over 3 weeks and that flared up my shoulder issue but since then I've been good about cutting out strings that go dead especially those that stiffen up over time.

In short, I would recommend trying this racket. I don't have issues and I'm currently using RPM Blast 18g at 61/57lbs. I loved ALU power, ALU power soft, and ALU Power feel (18g version basically). But the first two do get a bit stiff and lose their great characteristics after 6 or so hours. I'm still testing strings but I will stick with 18g since I don't pop strings as much as I did when I used a 16x19 pattern, I guess the smaller head size and additional cross string really makes a difference. Everyone's arm is different though. I've followed this thread very closely and only one user has complained with lack of comfort. I would point to strings but everyone is different perhaps it was the frame.

 

[smalahove]

I currently play with the VCore 95, and used to own a pair of VC98, and ime, they have a modern plush and muted feel. I string my polys at 46 lbs. Higher tensions will bring out more stiffness in both frames, but perhaps a bit more in the 98 than the 95. The new Head 360 Extreme Pro f.inst., which I also currently play, plays stiff, as does the RF97A.

 

[Jacks1989]

I currently play with the VCore 95, and used to own a pair of VC98, and ime, they have a modern plush and muted feel. I string my polys at 46 lbs. Higher tensions will bring out more stiffness in both frames, but perhaps a bit more in the 98 than the 95. The new Head 360 Extreme Pro f.inst., which I also currently play, plays stiff, as does the RF97A.

Can I ask how much more softer is the Vcore 95 compared to the Vcore 98?

 

[smalahove]

Can I ask how much more softer is the Vcore 95 compared to the Vcore 98?

They're different frames. The VCore 95 feels like a "soft" 6.1 95 (latest version), whereas the VCore 98 feels like (much) softer and thinner Pure Drive.
When strung at 46 lbs, they both feel plush, but the open pattern and head size of the 98 contributes more to this than on the 95.

 

[Alien]

If you have tennis elbow you need a radical change not a subtle them. Get rid of those and get a Wilson Clash. Who cares about brands the importance is to be able to play.

Btw I use the V98+ full poly at 48, no problem.

 

[smalahove]

If you have TE, my advice would be to string low with a soft poly. 46 lbs or below with Völkl V-Star f.inst.
I see in another thread that some experience the VCore Pro 97 as a much softer frame, but ime mid 50s+ with a soft multi feels stiffer and irritates my TE more than the soft poly, low tension setup. Keep in mind that a soft poly at low tension needs about an hour of play to settle in, and can feel firm = play easy.

Ime, the Clash 100 has similar feel to the setup above, as there's a lot of trampoline + pocketing thing going on, but it doesn't have anywhere near the touch and feel the VCore 95 or VCP 97 has with a low tension, soft poly setup.

I'm currently testing the 360 Extreme Pro, which, paired with the stock string in the mid-to-high 50s, feels too stiff. The Pure Drive also sticks out like a sore thumb. But even these frames will play nice with a soft setup.

 

[dr. godmode]

Sorry if I was unclear. To clarify, I wanted to buy the VC95 since it's flexxy as the VC98 had destroyed my arm and it is definitely not a fun experience!

While looking to have my local tennis store order the VC95 he did mention VC97 is more arm friendlier than the VC95 despite the stiffness ratings and less chance for off centre hits due to the larger head size.

Have you played both? If so, which is more arm friendlier in your experience?

I had some issues with the VCP. The way it was flexing for me caused some discomfort. It flexes a lot on ball contact and you can really feel the frame vibrate and wiggle. The VC95 feels a lot more solid to me. It is a more modern feeling racquet and very far from being uncomfortable, despite a generally stiffer feel vs. the VCP

 

[Jacks1989]

I ended up buying both VCP 97 and VC95. I will be stringing them with a gut hybrid with a soft co-poly. Any string suggestions for a poor soul with a very tender arm? I fear if I string it with a full bed of gut it will end up being a rocket launcher. I don't normally have any issues with generating pace.

 

[CiscoPC600]

I ended up buying both VCP 97 and VC95. I will be stringing them with a gut hybrid with a soft co-poly. Any string suggestions for a poor soul with a very tender arm? I fear if I string it with a full bed of gut it will end up being a rocket launcher. I don't normally have any issues with generating pace.

Isospeed Cream is the softest poly but more powerful than your average poly. Volkl Cyclone Tour is also softer.

 

[Sardines]

I ended up buying both VCP 97 and VC95. I will be stringing them with a gut hybrid with a soft co-poly. Any string suggestions for a poor soul with a very tender arm? I fear if I string it with a full bed of gut it will end up being a rocket launcher. I don't normally have any issues with generating pace.

I would not use Volkl Cyclone Tour as a cross, it eats through gut very quickly. I never got more than 2.5 hrs with 16g gut. Gut will play pretty soft, so you may not want too soft a poly. You may want to consider medium co-polys like the Tecnifibre Ice Code, or Pro Red Code Wax, if you want a bit of slippage and spin and just string the crosses lower. It will exaggerate the launch angle a little as well.
Yonex Poly Tour Pro or Poly Tour Fire are also good.

 

[Jacks1989]

I would not use Volkl Cyclone Tour as a cross, it eats through gut very quickly. I never got more than 2.5 hrs with 16g gut. Gut will play pretty soft, so you may not want too soft a poly. You may want to consider medium co-polys like the Tecnifibre Ice Code, or Pro Red Code Wax, if you want a bit of slippage and spin and just string the crosses lower. It will exaggerate the launch angle a little as well.
Yonex Poly Tour Pro or Poly Tour Fire are also good.

Using Vcore 98 with a full bed Poly Tour Fire strung at 52lbs destroyed my arm so I am a little weary of using it again. But if I do I will string VS Touch @ 49 as a main and Poly Tour Fire @ 45/46 as a cross.

Unfortunately my forearm muscles are still very tender still after 3 weeks of not playing still and have been doing my theraband exercises everyday. I have been mostly pain-free when I am shadow swinging with the exception of slices. The also moment a ball impact is involved I can immediately feel it with any stroke on my VC98 setup (Poly Tour Fire on the mains @ 50 lbs & NXT on the crosses @ 52lbs). Hopefully the new racket and strings using gut as mains will alleviate this pain.

 

[Sardines]

Go for the thinnest poly like the 1.2mm

 

[Jacks1989]

Thanks @Sardines @CiscoPC600 & @smalahove for your help and cant wait to try these rackets. With the exception of the extended lengths and Vcore 100 I will have the entire V-Core line to fiddle with.

 

[XFactorer]

Using Vcore 98 with a full bed Poly Tour Fire strung at 52lbs destroyed my arm so I am a little weary of using it again. But if I do I will string VS Touch @ 49 as a main and Poly Tour Fire @ 45/46 as a cross.

Unfortunately my forearm muscles are still very tender still after 3 weeks of not playing still and have been doing my theraband exercises everyday. I have been mostly pain-free when I am shadow swinging with the exception of slices. The also moment a ball impact is involved I can immediately feel it with any stroke on my VC98 setup (Poly Tour Fire on the mains @ 50 lbs & NXT on the crosses @ 52lbs). Hopefully the new racket and strings using gut as mains will alleviate this pain.

I've had success w/ Fire at 45 in my VCORE. But, yeah, the racquet isn't kind to my joints, either. I've gone back to the EZONE line. Playing with my ol' Ai98 right now.

 

[Jacks1989]

I thought I'd play it safe on my arm and just sent both my Vcore 95 and Vcore 97 pro (310g) for a full bed of Natural Gut @ 57lbs (VS Touch). Hopefully they dont turn out like rocket launchers. This would also be my first experience with natural gut after 10+ years of playing.

 

[jklos]

Has anyone tried a leather grip on the Vcore 98?

 

[4hand5lice]

Has anyone tried a leather grip on the Vcore 98?

Yes and and I’ve added 3g total lead to 3 and 9 and 2g to 12 o clock. Going to add a bit more lead to 3 and 9 but I’m loving it. I think this one needs to be modded a little bit.

 

[CiscoPC600]

I’ve been experimenting more with my string setup for my VCORE 95.

I love RPM Blast 18g(1.20m) at 61/57. It’s not harsh alejen on off center hits and the spin is great. Doesn’t feel dead or trampoline even at around 8-9 hours of use.

I hate Solinco Tour Bite Soft 17g(1.20m at 55/52. Too much power. I should’ve stayed in the higher tensions. Regardless. This string has more power than your average poly.

 

[CiscoPC600]

Dear VCORE users,

Please hold me accountable. I've decided for the sake of my game improvement that I need to quit tinkering with my setup. My weekend tournament play confirmed RPM Blast 18g at 60/56lbs is the right choice for me. I vow not to tinker for at least a few months. So now that I have that squared away, and I didn't like lead tape on my VCORE 95, my only real modification is adding a leather grip. My racket now is right at 12oz.

 

[dr. godmode]

Dear VCORE users,

Please hold me accountable. I've decided for the sake of my game improvement that I need to quit tinkering with my setup. My weekend tournament play confirmed RPM Blast 18g at 60/56lbs is the right choice for me. I vow not to tinker for at least a few months. So now that I have that squared away, and I didn't like lead tape on my VCORE 95, my only real modification is adding a leather grip. My racket now is right at 12oz.

lol you must have played really badly on Sunday

 

[Jacks1989]

Dear VCORE users,

Please hold me accountable. I've decided for the sake of my game improvement that I need to quit tinkering with my setup. My weekend tournament play confirmed RPM Blast 18g at 60/56lbs is the right choice for me. I vow not to tinker for at least a few months. So now that I have that squared away, and I didn't like lead tape on my VCORE 95, my only real modification is adding a leather grip. My racket now is right at 12oz.

I've hit with the Vcore Pro 97 with a full bed of VS Touch @ 58lbs, while it felt amazing and comfortable on my arm I wish I could say the same and not tinker this setup for a while.

Cost-wise wont do my wallet any good to play this as my main setup and the ball launches pretty unpredictable sometimes. However, surprisingly pretty low powered still which I like since I don't have issues with generating pace.

I also have the Vcore 95 with the exact same string setup which I have yet to test, all my racquets are also 12oz (341 grams) with no lead tape used. Just a double overgrip, vibration dampener and a few string savers.

Main thing is that I can at least go back to play tennis without worrying too much on my TE.

 

[J B]

So I’m going to be direct and say if you have arm pain look at your swing. If it’s a lot of flat and slice style hitting that’s your issue. I had elbow issues and still have one nagging that remind me to hit the ball right. I’ve used 56 pound polys in Vcore98s and had no issues. I’ve let a guy who was in so much pain from his low 50# strung pure drive, use my poly strung vcore98 and it helped him finish the week at the resort we were at. Granted my elbow was sore from his PD. I then switched to a gut hybrid at 59/57 and people think it’s a board til they hit with it. They are amazed at how soft it is. I’ve had multiple people use my vcores and decide to switch to them or a gut hybrid.
Oh my vcores were 355 to a max of 360gms. So hearing arm problems has me wondering if you need to change something besides the racquet, in no particular order; string, tension, or technique.

 

[Jacks1989]

So I’m going to be direct and say if you have arm pain look at your swing. If it’s a lot of flat and slice style hitting that’s your issue. I had elbow issues and still have one nagging that remind me to hit the ball right. I’ve used 56 pound polys in Vcore98s and had no issues. I’ve let a guy who was in so much pain from his low 50# strung pure drive, use my poly strung vcore98 and it helped him finish the week at the resort we were at. Granted my elbow was sore from his PD. I then switched to a gut hybrid at 59/57 and people think it’s a board til they hit with it. They are amazed at how soft it is. I’ve had multiple people use my vcores and decide to switch to them or a gut hybrid.
Oh my vcores were 355 to a max of 360gms. So hearing arm problems has me wondering if you need to change something besides the racquet, in no particular order; string, tension, or technique.

Cheers, I know what exactly is the cause of my arm pain, going from playing 1-2 times a week and all of a sudden back to training 4-5 times a week with a highly ranked player in a full bed of polys was the main problem. Since I play an aggressive style tennis and my shots are also quite flat so this all contributed to my TE. In hindsight I should have listened to my body when I first started to feel the pain.

Now I just really need to warm it up before every match. Once my elbow gets a little better I will look into a hybrid setup or a full bed of multi's.

Upside of it all is that I've built up quite a Vcore collection with 2 of each VC98, VC95 and VC97

 

[J B]

Jacks wasn’t speaking to just you, hitting flat seems to contribute to it, but the host of folks whining about arm pain, wearing tennis elbow straps swinging 9 oz 135 head racquets with gut complaining it’s the racquet. No, it’s your no technique swing

 

[CiscoPC600]

lol you must have played really badly on Sunday

I actually played well overall but just couldn't capitalize on break points, but it motivated me to quit being a gear junkie and just focus on improving my overall game.

 

[smalahove]

So hearing arm problems has me wondering if you need to change something besides the racquet, in no particular order; string, tension, or technique.

Even more important, and most often thw culprit:

- training frequency, and esp sudden increases (from 2 hrs/week to 8 hrs/w)

- training length: 2 hours is much more taxing on the body than 1 hour sessions. This compounds as you start to train more frequently

- training intensity. At higher levels, tennis is rough on the body. Tendons need restitution time, even for young healthy athletes

- (lack of) training variation. Repetitive training of a one handed backhand for several hours a week, will inevitably put unhealthy stress on the tendons and muscles.

 

[CiscoPC600]

@smalahove how is the 360 v. 95 racket dilemma going?

 

[J B]

Even more important, and most often thw culprit:

- training frequency, and esp sudden increases (from 2 hrs/week to 8 hrs/w)

- training length: 2 hours is much more taxing on the body than 1 hour sessions. This compounds as you start to train more frequently

- training intensity. At higher levels, tennis is rough on the body. Tendons need restitution time, even for young healthy athletes

- (lack of) training variation. Repetitive training of a one handed backhand for several hours a week, will inevitably put unhealthy stress on the tendons and muscles.

Ok. I play about 15 hours a week 5 days a week. As well as other sports and I ate a 700 motorcycle on my hitting side. I had pain when my technique was wrong. Took lessons and my pain went away

 

[smalahove]

@smalahove how is the 360 v. 95 racket dilemma going?

Back to the 95. And more sure than ever than I’m sticking w Yonex from now on. Trying out an Ezone 98 soon, but I’m happy w the 95 for now. Won a training match against a reg hitting partner today who’s almost 20 yrs younger.

 

[smalahove]

Ok. I play about 15 hours a week 5 days a week. As well as other sports and I ate a 700 motorcycle on my hitting side. I had pain when my technique was wrong. Took lessons and my pain went away

Good for you

If I played that much, I’d get injured, for sure. And it wouldn’t be down to tennis technique, but the fact that I don’t train strength to prevent injuries. TE and GE happen to big hitters with flawless technique as well. There’s a reason all pros always have something going on.

 

[CiscoPC600]

Back to the 95. And more sure than ever than I’m sticking w Yonex from now on. Trying out an Ezone 98 soon, but I’m happy w the 95 for now. Won a training match against a reg hitting partner today who’s almost 20 yrs younger.

That's how I felt after messing around with the Blade. And how I feel after messing around with strings and tension so long.

 

[dr. godmode]

@CiscoPC600 why did you go up so high in tension?

 

[CiscoPC600]

@CiscoPC600 why did you go up so high in tension?

To compensate for the extra power from the thin gauge and eventual tension loss. I figured 30% or so tension loss would mean I’m actually hitting at around 42lbs or so by the end of the life span. It feels fine too. I don’t have arm problems with it and it does well for my fast swings.

 

[Jacks1989]

Thi

Even more important, and most often thw culprit:

- training frequency, and esp sudden increases (from 2 hrs/week to 8 hrs/w)

- training length: 2 hours is much more taxing on the body than 1 hour sessions. This compounds as you start to train more frequently

- training intensity. At higher levels, tennis is rough on the body. Tendons need restitution time, even for young healthy athletes

- (lack of) training variation. Repetitive training of a one handed backhand for several hours a week, will inevitably put unhealthy stress on the tendons and muscles.

You definitely hit the nail on the head on this for the the cause of my TE, went from 4 hours a week casual play to 12-15 hours a week on a high intensity training. A lot was spent working on my OHBH too.

 

[McLovin]

I actually played well overall but just couldn't capitalize on break points, but it motivated me to quit being a gear junkie and just focus on improving my overall game.

No one likes a quitter...

 

[oldcity]

For those that have added weight to the vcore 98 , how did it respond? I tried leather grip and a bit of weigh in the hoop on my dr98 and couldn’t get s good playable feel.

 

[4hand5lice]

For those that have added weight to the vcore 98 , how did it respond? I tried leather grip and a bit of weigh in the hoop on my dr98 and couldn’t get s good playable feel.

After a bit of experimenting, I've dialed my vcore 98 3/8 in and I'm in love. My setup:

Replaced Yonex synthetic grip with a TW 1.5mm Leather Grip
+ 2 Tourna Grip Overgrips
+ 6 inches of x 1/4 inch lead tape at 3 and 9 (24 total inches)
+ 8 total inches 1/4 inch lead at 12 o clock (4 inches each side)
+ Hyper-G 16l at 52lbs

Arm friendly, plenty of power, able to swing out....I'm extremely happy with this setup!

 

[Sardines]

For those that have added weight to the vcore 98 , how did it respond? I tried leather grip and a bit of weigh in the hoop on my dr98 and couldn’t get s good playable feel.

Depends on what you want from adding the weight? Plow? Stability? Power? I put weight at 3-9 and 12 to get swing weight up to 350 for the VC98+. Also added 14g to the butt to make it 32.3cm HL.

 

[nick102potter]

Well after a few more hitting sessions and friendly matches, looks like I found a racquet that I'll stick to for a while. I restrung my racquet with Yonex Poly Tour Fire at 51/48 lbs, and it's finally working for me on everything.. Groundstrokes are much more controllable which helps me to be aggressive, and stable enough even against harder hitters as I hit a few times with a former ITF junior player. Volleys feel much more stable than before, which is a bit weird but I guess it's more about the fact that I got used to the racquet. Serve-wise nothing much changed, same as the return of serve. I'll be getting another 2 VC98 as I feel that I'll be sticking to this racquet for a long time.

Sold my Vcore 98 after 10 months of using and decided to get a Vcore 95 instead. After the honeymoon period, I fail to hit the ball accurately as the launch angle can be super unpredictable urghh... I tried to adjust to it but to no avail. Here's hoping that the Vcore 95 doesn't have the same problem. Finally back to using a 95 sq inch racquet, I guess. I used to use Wilson K6.1 Team and Wilson BLX 6.1 95 (Asian ver) before moving to Yonex after 3 years hiatus. Will test it in the morning later.

 

[nick102potter]

-Deleted-

 

[Sardines]

Sold my Vcore 98 after 10 months of using and decided to get a Vcore 95 instead. After the honeymoon period, I fail to hit the ball accurately as the launch angle can be super unpredictable urghh... I tried to adjust to it but to no avail. Here's hoping that the Vcore 95 doesn't have the same problem. Finally back to using a 95 sq inch racquet, I guess. I used to use Wilson K6.1 Team and Wilson BLX 6.1 95 (Asian ver) before moving to Yonex after 3 years hiatus. Will test it in the morning later.

The launch angle for the VC98 is higher than expected. I suspect it's due to the linertech longer 8 main strings in the center. Allows a little bit too much movement of the string. I found stringing the mains -1 to 0.5 lbs vs crosses vs the usual 3-3.5lbs tames that quite a bit. Certainly made that racquet more predictable.

 

[nick102potter]

The launch angle for the VC98 is higher than expected. I suspect it's due to the linertech longer 8 main strings in the center. Allows a little bit too much movement of the string. I found stringing the mains -1 to 0.5 lbs vs crosses vs the usual 3-3.5lbs tames that quite a bit. Certainly made that racquet more predictable.

I see. Sadly I sold it already so can't test that out. However, I'm pretty happy with Vcore 95 around 6 hours of on court time. I guess I play better with low powered racquet. Still getting used to it on the serve though.

 

[CiscoPC600]

I see. Sadly I sold it already so can't test that out. However, I'm pretty happy with Vcore 95 around 6 hours of on court time. I guess I play better with low powered racquet. Still getting used to it on the serve though.

What’s your string setup?

 

[nick102potter]

What’s your string setup?

Currently using Gosen Sidewinder 17 at 48 lbs. Partly because I like it and partly because it's cheap here at my place, around 9$.