Yonex Vcore SV 98+ Reviews please

SV 98+, the old version? I owned that one, along with the DR98+ (briefly) and EZONE 98+. The SV98+ is more stiff, muted, and power-oriented than the DR98+ or EZONE 98+. I thought the DR98+ was a little too flexible and although it was more comfortable than the SV98+ I didn't play as well with it. I find the newer EZONE 98+ to be a good compromise between the two. I haven't had the chance to check out the new VCORE 98+ yet.
 
Yeah, the Vcore SV 98+ has plenty of power, but it's just a little too stiff for me. I put some putty in the handle to make it a little more HL. I only used stiff poly at a high tension to control the power, but if it was strung with a multi or poly/gut hybrid, I'm sure the stiffness could be minimized without giving up much control. I do like how due to the high SW (340+) the racket lags back almost automatically on my forehand. I can get great depth without much effort. I really enjoy it for doubles, but it can be a little too much racket from time to time. On volleys, I find myself choaking up on the very long handle to negate some of that swingweight. I demoed the Ezone 98+ for a week, and really enjoyed the lower stiffness of that racket. I went with the Vcore SV 98+ simply because I could get it from TW for $80 at the time. It's a great modern racket if you can wield it.
 
I switched from the DR98+ to the Vcore SV 98+ - the SV98+ is definitely firmer feeling although not uncomfortably so - the extra length softens the frame compared to the standard version. For reference, as someone with a history of elbow issues, I string it at 54lbs with my normal poly (Hyper G) and my arm has been fine. The added stiffness makes it extremely stable, with loads of power, spin, directional control and plowthrough in stock form - plays like an RF 97 but with much less weight. In particular, I love serving with it and hitting big groundstrokes - it’s a great weapon for an aggressive baseline play. I still use it alongside the newer Vcore 98 plus - the SV is definitely the better racquet for me in stock form and does not require any lead tape for me to play well. The Vcore 98+ is softer and more plush but feels less stable and hits a lighter ball in stock form - to get it to play like the SV 98+ I needed to add around 8 grams of lead (5 grams at 3 and 9 and 3 grams in the buttcap). Some days I prefer the lightness of the Sv and other days I prefer the softer feel of the newer Vcore version. Both are great racquets.

If you can get your hands on older SV 98+s you should definitely try them out.
 
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yes not much feedback on the new vcore 98+ i am intrigued now due to an unexpectedly high score from TW due to the standard score being lower. they also say it is control orientated compared with EZ98+ which again surprised me and peaked my interest! is it more powerful than the EZ98+? my concern is that i don't really want anything more powerful than the EZ98+ but more control on a plus length is always welcome!
 
great stick no doubt!

the OP is asking about the New Vcore although he messed the title up, how would you compare the EZ98+ power to that of the Vcore 98+
 
great stick no doubt!

the OP is asking about the New Vcore although he messed the title up, how would you compare the EZ98+ power to that of the Vcore 98+
Ahhh...haha I was more excited to chat about the SV :)

For me, the updated VCORE 98+ is softer and not as stiff (less raw power) compared to the SV version.

The EZONE 98+ is a bit quicker and more maneuverable, still powerful, but that swingweight is a little lower than the VCORE and SV versions, so not as much plow here.

Honestly, all of the Yonex extended racquets have been pretty good in my opinion!

Michelle, TW
 
I still love the SV 98+...just saying :) wish it were still around! I'm hanging on to the one and only one we have left!

Michelle, TW
Hi Michelle,
Do u prefer it to the 93p ?
Could you make a podium with rf97 ?
Thanks,
B
 
I just received the VCORE 98+ demo today and I play to try it back-to-back with the EZONE. Unfortunately somebody replaced the stock grip -- it seems like it has one of those thick, gel-backed Wilsons on it. :mad: I plan to swap it back to a normal synthetic grip as soon as I can get my hands on one. My immediate impression is that it swings a bit heavier and has a more oval head, so probably a bit more power. It also has a lot more flex and feel than the old SV. I can't wait to try it.

Just for fun I am also testing the Beast 100 Long Body "Bisner." Just bouncing the ball it feels a lot like my Beast 98, but I think I will have more fun with the Bisner until my arm falls off after 15 minutes.
 
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Hi Michelle,
Do u prefer it to the 93p ?
Could you make a podium with rf97 ?
Thanks,
B
Do I prefer the SV 98+ to the 93P? Probably...mainly because I like the stiff racquets over the flexy ones and that just feels more "home base" for me.

I will say we just wrapped up our playtest of the new Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Plus...if you are looking for a SOLID extended racquet, take a look! Really loving this one!

Michelle, TW
 
I've been eyeing off the CX200+ and always regretted not getting to try the Bisner and the SV98+; if Wilson ever beings out an RF97A+ I know who'll most likely beat me to the front of the queue.
 
I still love the SV 98+...just saying :) wish it were still around! I'm hanging on to the one and only one we have left!
I know right? I'm down to 3 now and I put one away for big days only. The VC98+ and SV98+ are similarly specced, but the new string pattern and plushness changes the dynamics, with the SV98+ more the slugger, and VC98+ requiring a bit more precision.
I use Dr98plus so thinking about the newer vcore 98plus. Thanks for reviewd
Ah ok. I was wondering. Well if you look in the Vcore series thread, there are more than a few reviews.
Generally speaking, the VC98+ has more power and spin, not as plush and gives you more juice on big swipes. The DR98+ is less powerful, so if you prefer that sort of 'control', it will take some adjustment to your game to accommodate the added power.

Ahhh...haha I was more excited to chat about the SV :)

For me, the updated VCORE 98+ is softer and not as stiff (less raw power) compared to the SV version.
That's the weird thing with me. My Playsight stats show the VC98+ has a miniscule lead in power and spin, and people I've played with generally say I hit a more "aggressive" ball with it. Still, I 'feel' I slug bigger with the SV98+ and generally prefer it. The VC98+ I like in doubles a lot but not so much singles.
 
I've been eyeing off the CX200+ and always regretted not getting to try the Bisner and the SV98+; if Wilson ever beings out an RF97A+ I know who'll most likely beat me to the front of the queue.
Let's just say, two of us may have mentioned this racquet felt similar to how we would dream an extended RF97 would feel :) More control than the Bisner, which sometimes was just too much and too beasty!

Michelle, TW
 
Let's just say, two of us may have mentioned this racquet felt similar to how we would dream an extended RF97 would feel :) More control than the Bisner, which sometimes was just too much and too beasty!

Michelle, TW
Noooo! Now I'm tempted to demo the CX200+ despite having just got 2 Bisners
 
Michelle - did you enjoy the CX200+ even more than the SV98+?
@briancheng,

Ahhhhh!!! Good question...the specs are SOOO similar with the biggest difference being a thinner beam on the Dunlop. I think I like the SV 98+ more because it's a tiny bit stiffer and I really felt I could mash balls with it, however sometimes it felt too powerful (like how the Bisner can feel) and that's where I give the edge to the 200+ -- it is just a bit more control oriented. I need to get the SV 98+ out this week and re-visit it to give a final answer on that.

Michelle, TW
 
@briancheng,

Ahhhhh!!! Good question...the specs are SOOO similar with the biggest difference being a thinner beam on the Dunlop. I think I like the SV 98+ more because it's a tiny bit stiffer and I really felt I could mash balls with it, however sometimes it felt too powerful (like how the Bisner can feel) and that's where I give the edge to the 200+ -- it is just a bit more control oriented. I need to get the SV 98+ out this week and re-visit it to give a final answer on that.

Michelle, TW
Extended racquets shootout video!
 
For anyone interested, since it was brought up...
Michelle, TW
Hi Michelle, how would you say this racquet stacks up against the Yonex frames in terms of ease of use? Obviously there is always a handling penalty versus a standard length frame. The swing weight of the Dunlop is in line with other XL frames but it felt like the reviewers dwelled a bit more than usual on the handling difficulties, making me wonder if the Dunlop is subjectively harder to use than the various Yonex 98+ sticks.
 
Hi Michelle, how would you say this racquet stacks up against the Yonex frames in terms of ease of use? Obviously there is always a handling penalty versus a standard length frame. The swing weight of the Dunlop is in line with other XL frames but it felt like the reviewers dwelled a bit more than usual on the handling difficulties, making me wonder if the Dunlop is subjectively harder to use than the various Yonex 98+ sticks.
I'm not Michelle, but I did test the CX200+ for a few hours. It's definitely stabler stock than the VC98+, which is stabler than the SV98+. It is head heavier than my modded stick, and the twist weight is higher, so it feels slightly less maneuverable/whippy. It has the biggest sweet spot of the 3. While CX200+ feels similar when striking the sweetspot, hitting the ball in the upper hoop, it feels more powerful, the SV98+ has the more even response from the stringbed, with the VC98+ between the 2 in terms of response evenness. I think if I'd found the CX200+, without having been exposed to Yonex, I'd have chosen it to replace the RF97, because getting to my specs would be easier and lighter. It has better feel than the Yonexes, just not as much bite.
 
I'm not Michelle, but I did test the CX200+ for a few hours. It's definitely stabler stock than the VC98+, which is stabler than the SV98+. It is head heavier than my modded stick, and the twist weight is higher, so it feels slightly less maneuverable/whippy. It has the biggest sweet spot of the 3. While CX200+ feels similar when striking the sweetspot, hitting the ball in the upper hoop, it feels more powerful, the SV98+ has the more even response from the stringbed, with the VC98+ between the 2 in terms of response evenness. I think if I'd found the CX200+, without having been exposed to Yonex, I'd have chosen it to replace the RF97, because getting to my specs would be easier and lighter. It has better feel than the Yonexes, just not as much bite.


When you say not as much bite, do you mean spin, plowthrough from the baseline, serve?

I am also intrigued by the Dunlop CX200+
 
I'm not Michelle, but I did test the CX200+ for a few hours. It's definitely stabler stock than the VC98+, which is stabler than the SV98+. It is head heavier than my modded stick, and the twist weight is higher, so it feels slightly less maneuverable/whippy. It has the biggest sweet spot of the 3. While CX200+ feels similar when striking the sweetspot, hitting the ball in the upper hoop, it feels more powerful, the SV98+ has the more even response from the stringbed, with the VC98+ between the 2 in terms of response evenness. I think if I'd found the CX200+, without having been exposed to Yonex, I'd have chosen it to replace the RF97, because getting to my specs would be easier and lighter. It has better feel than the Yonexes, just not as much bite.
Pretty spot on to what I would say as well.

I do find the 200+ to feel a bit beefier than the Yonex extended racquets. I would say it also has more control than the SV 98+ or even the other 98 extended Yonex racquets -- feel is also better. I'd say the 200+ is harder to swing than the Yonex racquets, but easier to swing than the Bisner!

Michelle, TW
 
When you say not as much bite, do you mean spin, plowthrough from the baseline, serve?
Bite=spin. The CX200+ string pattern plays differently to SV/VC98+. I felt this while hitting half volleys on the baseline. Hit center, there is less grip on the ball. Hit the top 3rd of the hoop, there's suddenly slightly more grip and power. Really only matters on groundies. Serve contact point is mostly in the top 1/3 or /1/2 of the hoop, and the CX200+ is as good as any other 98 racquet for the serve.
I do find the 200+ to feel a bit beefier than the Yonex extended racquets.
Do you think it's the weight distribution of the CX200+? I felt it was less polarized and centralized closer to the throat, than the tip?
 
Bite=spin. The CX200+ string pattern plays differently to SV/VC98+. I felt this while hitting half volleys on the baseline. Hit center, there is less grip on the ball. Hit the top 3rd of the hoop, there's suddenly slightly more grip and power. Really only matters on groundies. Serve contact point is mostly in the top 1/3 or /1/2 of the hoop, and the CX200+ is as good as any other 98 racquet for the serve.

Do you think it's the weight distribution of the CX200+? I felt it was less polarized and centralized closer to the throat, than the tip?

Interesting.

Sounds like if you are a player that wants a lower trajectory and prefers to hit flat balls, the Dunlop CX 200+ is the racquet for you while if you prefer that you rely on heavy spin, the Vcore 98+ is the better option (of course the strings also plays a role).

Also for some odd reason, the VCORE 98+ feels alot easier to swing and less forgiving than the Dunlop despite having the exact same stringweight and swingweight. I wonder if the Dunlop is slightly heavier despite the specs suggest.
 
Interesting.

Sounds like if you are a player that wants a lower trajectory and prefers to hit flat balls, the Dunlop CX 200+ is the racquet for you while if you prefer that you rely on heavy spin, the Vcore 98+ is the better option (of course the strings also plays a role).

Also for some odd reason, the VCORE 98+ feels alot easier to swing and less forgiving than the Dunlop despite having the exact same stringweight and swingweight. I wonder if the Dunlop is slightly heavier despite the specs suggest.
I think that's over interpreting what I tried to say. The CX200+ has a higher twist weight than the Yonex, which means it's a little less maneuverably/whippy. It is NOT heavier, and in fact, the racquet I tried, had the same strings I use and weighed in the same as the VC/SV98+ stock. The balance and swing weight were slightly different, with the VC98+ having the lowest SW, and the SV98+ and CX200+ were 341 and 339 respectively.
In addition to the twist weight, I think the string pattern affects the CX200+'s playing characteristics significantly. The top half of the 16x19 string bed had larger gaps than the lower half, which makes it respond differently. The smaller gap in the center gives it control, but hit a little bit off center, and the power and spin response improves.
The Yonex string pattern is more evenly spaced, so the response is more even but it requires weight mods for stability and power, especially the SV98+ for stability. Right now, I like the SV98+ the most, because I can swing out and also deflect heavy balls. The specs are very close, but the string pattern are quite different that each has its own playing characteristics.
 
Sounds like if you are a player that wants a lower trajectory and prefers to hit flat balls, the Dunlop CX 200+ is the racquet for you

The standard-length CX 200, which I play tested, certainly hits a flatter and lower-trajectory ball than you would expect from a 98" 16x19 so I'd expect that from the CX200+ too. I found that dropping the tension a few pounds worked well. It is more lively towards the tip because the strings are more open there, but very dense in the center. My ball usually gets a bit flatter anyway with an XL racquet, so I think the VCORE 98+ would probably be a better fit for my game. I may still demo the CX200+ at some point out of curiosity. The feel of these racquets is outstanding, so I don't want to completely give up on them. The stock CX 200 needed a healthy amount of extra weight but I'd expect the CX 200+ can be played as-is.
 
The standard-length CX 200, which I play tested, certainly hits a flatter and lower-trajectory ball than you would expect from a 98" 16x19 so I'd expect that from the CX200+ too. I found that dropping the tension a few pounds worked well. It is more lively towards the tip because the strings are more open there, but very dense in the center. My ball usually gets a bit flatter anyway with an XL racquet, so I think the VCORE 98+ would probably be a better fit for my game. I may still demo the CX200+ at some point out of curiosity. The feel of these racquets is outstanding, so I don't want to completely give up on them. The stock CX 200 needed a healthy amount of extra weight but I'd expect the CX 200+ can be played as-is.

i just picked up the vcore 98+ from TW. should be in soon! i was surprised on how soft it felt considering the previous model was stiffer. surprised its not generating a lot noise here on the forum. it might be better than the ezone/dr 98+!
 
I think that's over interpreting what I tried to say. The CX200+ has a higher twist weight than the Yonex, which means it's a little less maneuverably/whippy. It is NOT heavier, and in fact, the racquet I tried, had the same strings I use and weighed in the same as the VC/SV98+ stock. The balance and swing weight were slightly different, with the VC98+ having the lowest SW, and the SV98+ and CX200+ were 341 and 339 respectively.
In addition to the twist weight, I think the string pattern affects the CX200+'s playing characteristics significantly. The top half of the 16x19 string bed had larger gaps than the lower half, which makes it respond differently. The smaller gap in the center gives it control, but hit a little bit off center, and the power and spin response improves.
The Yonex string pattern is more evenly spaced, so the response is more even but it requires weight mods for stability and power, especially the SV98+ for stability. Right now, I like the SV98+ the most, because I can swing out and also deflect heavy balls. The specs are very close, but the string pattern are quite different that each has its own playing characteristics.

Ah I didn't mean to misinterpret your analogy. My apologies.

I've never played with the Dunlop Srixon CX200+ but based on TWU Calculator for the Power and Plowthrough, to my amazement, the Dunlop trumps the VCore 98+ and VCore98+ SV in both Plow and Power despite having the same swingweight and strungweight (the SV98+ is a little lower in Swingweight and strungweight but stiffer).

I definately loved the VCore98+ and thought of buying one immediately but everyone seems to love the CX200+ and some even compare a RF97A extended length which is amazing since that's still my racquet of choice and I love to hit flat balls from the baseline.

The only thing I'm concerned and cannot demo Dunlops is I'm not sure if I will like the feel more since the feel of the VCores are excellent.

Literally if someone just says the CX200+ is the VCore 98+ with better control, stability, power and feel, it's an absolute no brainer for me.

In your case, you rather have the stiffer SV98+ with modded specs since you love the feel of the SV98+ and can crush a heavier ball than the other extended lengths.

Thank you for elaborating.
 
The standard-length CX 200, which I play tested, certainly hits a flatter and lower-trajectory ball than you would expect from a 98" 16x19 so I'd expect that from the CX200+ too. I found that dropping the tension a few pounds worked well. It is more lively towards the tip because the strings are more open there, but very dense in the center. My ball usually gets a bit flatter anyway with an XL racquet, so I think the VCORE 98+ would probably be a better fit for my game. I may still demo the CX200+ at some point out of curiosity. The feel of these racquets is outstanding, so I don't want to completely give up on them. The stock CX 200 needed a healthy amount of extra weight but I'd expect the CX 200+ can be played as-is.

That CX 200 Tour 18*20 looks like an awesome racquet but my fear is it seems like a Wilson Ultra Tour lower powered racquet 2.0 version. Loved the VCore98+ in every aspect especially the serve. Didn't quite gel with the backhand but the issue is adaptation and myself and not the racquet.

Thanks for sharing your point of view with the CX 200 Tour.
 
Ah I didn't mean to misinterpret your analogy. My apologies.

I've never played with the Dunlop Srixon CX200+ but based on TWU Calculator for the Power and Plowthrough, to my amazement, the Dunlop trumps the VCore 98+ and VCore98+ SV in both Plow and Power despite having the same swingweight and strungweight (the SV98+ is a little lower in Swingweight and strungweight but stiffer).

I definately loved the VCore98+ and thought of buying one immediately but everyone seems to love the CX200+ and some even compare a RF97A extended length which is amazing since that's still my racquet of choice and I love to hit flat balls from the baseline.

The only thing I'm concerned and cannot demo Dunlops is I'm not sure if I will like the feel more since the feel of the VCores are excellent.

Literally if someone just says the CX200+ is the VCore 98+ with better control, stability, power and feel, it's an absolute no brainer for me.

In your case, you rather have the stiffer SV98+ with modded specs since you love the feel of the SV98+ and can crush a heavier ball than the other extended lengths.

Thank you for elaborating.
No need for apologies. I just wanted to clarify haha. But you won't get that sort of endorsement from me, cos I only played with it for 2-3hrs. I think the CX200+ is definitely stabler, and has a little better feel than the Yonexes, but not necessarily 'better'!
Perhaps in theoretical power, the CX200+ is more powerful overall. I don't think it's that much difference, nor do I think it has 'better' control, just a different playing characteristic and nuances. The crosses in the middle of the hoop are quite a bit closer together than the Yonexes. It's only when I hit outside this area that I felt the infusion of power, thanks to the higher twist weight and larger string gaps.
I played with the RF97, and switched for 'future proofing', especially on serve. I felt I couldn't serve big firsts consistently deep into a 3rd set, nor heavy 2nd serves with the RF97 in singles as I aged, if I played more than 4 times a week and on consecutive days.
One of the first things I had to adjust from going to the Yonex was to hit with more spin, because of the added power. So control to me is the ability to hit bigger without hitting out, and topspin is easy and consistent with the Yonex.
 
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@Soul_Evisceration
I hit with the CX200+ again today and also my VC98+, playing 2 Fast4 sets each, alternating each set with each racquet. I think the 2 are 96% similar, with the main difference being stability and feel (CX200+) vs stringbed response consistency and spin (VC98+). Flatter hitters will enjoy slightly better feel and control on the CX200+, especially if you hit on tighter 7 cross strings in the center of the hoop. Hit outside the center, there's more grip and power, which can be surprising. My modded VC98+ is as stable and more powerful, but performs more evenly.
My initial comment about the CX200+ regarding 'whippability' needs caveats. Both of them are as easy to 'flick', but the string pattern of the CX200+ has less grip on the ball in the center, so the same stroke produces less topspin. A stock VC98+ will have less twist weight and more open string pattern will whip round faster, but will be less stable on off center hits.
I really don't think you can go wrong with the VC98+, unless you want a racquet under 325g and don't want to deal with mods. The CX200+ has a bigger sweet spot and stability, due to the twist weight. Still the string bed isn't as consistent as the VC98+. Hope this helps.
 
@Soul_Evisceration
I hit with the CX200+ again today and also my VC98+, playing 2 Fast4 sets each, alternating each set with each racquet. I think the 2 are 96% similar, with the main difference being stability and feel (CX200+) vs stringbed response consistency and spin (VC98+). Flatter hitters will enjoy slightly better feel and control on the CX200+, especially if you hit on tighter 7 cross strings in the center of the hoop. Hit outside the center, there's more grip and power, which can be surprising. My modded VC98+ is as stable and more powerful, but performs more evenly.
My initial comment about the CX200+ regarding 'whippability' needs caveats. Both of them are as easy to 'flick', but the string pattern of the CX200+ has less grip on the ball in the center, so the same stroke produces less topspin. A stock VC98+ will have less twist weight and more open string pattern will whip round faster, but will be less stable on off center hits.
I really don't think you can go wrong with the VC98+, unless you want a racquet under 325g and don't want to deal with mods. The CX200+ has a bigger sweet spot and stability, due to the twist weight. Still the string bed isn't as consistent as the VC98+. Hope this helps.

It does sound stock wise, the CX200+ seems like the better racquet but with the stringbed consistency and the slight modifications on the VC98+ (adding very little lead at 3, 9 and 12 o'clock) you can pretty much achieve the CX200+ in almost every aspect.

I think I made up my mind which racquets of the two I'm thinking of buying (only tried the VC98+ for like an hour which I loved the feel and loved serving with it) but when I saw the TWU Calculators metrics for Plowthrough and Power, the CX200+ seemed to have won in almost every category.

Also what I love about the VC98+ is it seems to play lighter than the specs indicates, cuts through the air pretty well for a 340+Swingweight and is really flexible feel for a 64 RA.

Thanks alot for the reply back @Sardines. Much appreciated.
 
It does sound stock wise, the CX200+ seems like the better racquet but with the stringbed consistency and the slight modifications on the VC98+ (adding very little lead at 3, 9 and 12 o'clock) you can pretty much achieve the CX200+ in almost every aspect.

I think I made up my mind which racquets of the two I'm thinking of buying (only tried the VC98+ for like an hour which I loved the feel and loved serving with it) but when I saw the TWU Calculators metrics for Plowthrough and Power, the CX200+ seemed to have won in almost every category.

Also what I love about the VC98+ is it seems to play lighter than the specs indicates, cuts through the air pretty well for a 340+Swingweight and is really flexible feel for a 64 RA.
Yes the VC98+ will weigh in around 10-22g heavier by the time you add weigh and balance out everything depending on what you want. I have 3g @ 3/9, 2g@ 12 and added 15-20g to handle to get 32.5cm balance and 350 SW. That's quite a bit more. My copy of VC98+ came up to 332 SW strung.
 
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Awesome critiques! I have a demo of the 200+ that I plan on trying today. I very much liked the feel of the Vcore 98+. It had a really good blend of power and control and the dwell time on the strings was sublime. I’m a typical counter puncher but the 98+ increased my average ball speed with nearly the same consistency. So much so that I felt good attacking. I would have bought a couple, no questions asked if I could serve with it consistently...truly the Achilles Heel of my demo days with the racquet. I chalked it up to the extended length and my service motion/ball toss...I just could not get the ball into the service box without either going completely flat, or taking 50% or more off of my serve. Probably fixable with some serving practice sessions, but I didn’t have the time for it. Hoping I like the Dunlop even more! Background: Current rating 4.5. Current racquet is the prince phantom 100p
 
Awesome critiques! I have a demo of the 200+ that I plan on trying today.

I'm curious to hear what you think. I have only hit the VCore 98+ for a few sessions but I decided to tail-weight it. I haven't tried it with the change yet -- today was supposed to be the day, but someone pushed a Clash Tour into my hands. It's interesting because I didn't change the weight at all on my SV98+, but I think with the increased flex / lower power of the VCore I want a bit more racquet head speed.
 
I would have bought a couple, no questions asked if I could serve with it consistently...truly the Achilles Heel of my demo days with the racquet. I chalked it up to the extended length and my service motion/ball toss...I just could not get the ball into the service box without either going completely flat, or taking 50% or more off of my serve. Probably fixable with some serving practice sessions, but I didn’t have the time for it. Hoping I like the Dunlop even more! Background: Current rating 4.5. Current racquet is the prince phantom 100p
If you have to serve at 50%, then you are actually not hitting with enough brushing motion, possibly due to the high swing and twist weight disturbing your motion. I doubt you will find it much different with the CX200+.
 
I'm continuing to try to mesh with the VCore 98+ but so far I'm just not feeling it. I hit it during warmups for a friendly doubles match last night then put it down when the points started so I wouldn't embarrass myself. I would rate the EZONE 98+ as the best all-around Yonex XL frame and the old SV 98+ the best frame for baseline power players. I found both of those both easier to swing than the VCore 98+, but at the same time the softer response of the VCore gives it less power than either of those two. So I'm finding it harder to use and less rewarding. I plan to give it a couple more sessions then sell it if I don't break through and have a decent day with it.
 
I'm curious to hear what you think. I have only hit the VCore 98+ for a few sessions but I decided to tail-weight it. I haven't tried it with the change yet -- today was supposed to be the day, but someone pushed a Clash Tour into my hands. It's interesting because I didn't change the weight at all on my SV98+, but I think with the increased flex / lower power of the VCore I want a bit more racquet head speed.
Had a chance to play with the 200+ yesterday and today. I honestly wasn’t feeling it like I had hoped to. I liked the 98+ way more in both feel and playability, which is weird considering they are really close to each other in spec. I think I had a different outcome from the earlier poster. On both ground strokes and volleys, the Vcore 98+ had a more consistent string bed IMO. From the baseline outside of a framed shot, I rarely hit a short ball. For my game, it gave me a surprisingly low launch angle, and a good amount of top spin compared to the plow of the racquet, which helped keep the ball in play. The 2HBH was awesome....you could really sit back and tee up on some shots. With the Dunlop I got more plow...a lot more plow...and not nearly the spin. The Sweetspot was generous and so I got a penetrating shot most of the time. I was missing the spin on day 1 though leaving me with a higher arch and hitting balls a little long sometimes. I guess my racquet head speed was below the usable threshold for this racquet. Today I was much better with that, and probably would get even better as time went on...but sometimes you just know when a racquet is not meant for you. I will probably give the 98+ another shot in the future as my only realistic gripe with it was the serve. At this moment though, I wouldn’t trade my Prince P100P for either.

If you have to serve at 50%, then you are actually not hitting with enough brushing motion, possibly due to the high swing and twist weight disturbing your motion. I doubt you will find it much different with the CX200+.

I agree fully. My plow to brush and pronation ratio was not good. The only way I found to reel it in was to toss the ball almost behind me, which is not in my regular service motion. This threw off balance and subsequently diminished my serve #BadForm. I probably would have experimented with it more, but my demo time ran out. It’s supposed to rain here in metro Atlanta until like....March, so I can’t go and re-demo without wasting money (or going to the PGA Superstore).
 
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