Introducing the Yonex VCore 98 (305g) tennis racquet

The Yonex VCore 98 is part of the VCore range, with control oriented rackets with intermediate power.

The Yonex EZone racquets are the most powerful and the VCore Pro the more "control" oriented racquets (with reduced power).

Technologies

• Isometric: Yonex-specific technology; a slightly rectangular head shape that increases the raquet's forgiveness.
• Flex Force: a graphite (NAMD-2) intended to provide dynamic flexibility to the frame (located in the lower part of the racket head and in the upper part of the throat).
• "String Sync" grommets : grommets that react to rapid string return for responsive and lively shots.
• Vibration Dampening Mesh: technology located in the handle, to improve the comfort.

The power of the Yonex vcore 98 (305g) 

The Yonex VCore 98 provides an intermediate level of power; the racquet is not extremely hard to play but at the same time, we feel the "control" side of this racquet, which is preferably intended for players of a good level, able to produce power with their physical skills and their technique.

In my opinion, it's better suited for players with large and relaxed swings.

Here is a comparison in terms of power with other similar racquets:

More powerful racquets:

• Yonex VCore 100, Ezone 100
• Extreme Head Tour
• Radical MP, Pro
• Babolat Pure Drive VS
• Tecnifibre TFight 300
• Wilson Clash

Less powerful racquets:

• Wilson Blade 98
• Head Prestige Pro, Tour
• Babolat Pure Strike 18x20, Pure Strike VS
• Tecnifibre racquets with dense string patterns (18x19, 18x20)

Surprinsingly, I felt I had a bit more power with the VCore 98, compared to the EZone 98 which is supposed to be in a more powerful serie.

I've changed my forehand since my review of the EZone 98 and I think I'd have to review these two racquets side by side to have a clearer opinion of their respective power.

For my groundstrokes, I had a good mix between power and control when I centered the ball well, but overall I lacked just a bit of easy power.

I don't play often, and I still have injuries, it has to be taken into consideration.

In a good shape, trained well, I could surely play with this racquet.

On my serve, the power was correct, but I also lacked a bit of easy power.

I personally feel better with the Yonex VCore 100, more forgiving, more powerful and with a higher access to top spin.

Access to spin with the Yonex VCore 98

Access to top spin is correct without being exaggerated.

For a racquet presented as being rather top spin oriented, I find access to top spin just normal for a racquet with this head size.

In the same category of racquets, the Head Extreme Tour, for example, provides a better access to top spin.

Maneuverability and stability of the Yonex VCore 98

I found the maneuverability fine, with a balance of 31.5 cm and a swingweight of 321.

I felt a slight weight at the head of the racquet, but that didn't bother me for maneuverability, it helps to have power and stability that I also found very correct, for my groundstrokes and at the net.

Comfort and forgiveness with the Yonex VCore 98

For a racquet with a head size of 632 cm², the racquet is comfortable and the tolerance is good, it is however necessary to center the ball well, due to the size of the head slightly reduced.

Summary of my review of the Yonex VCore 98

The Yonex VCore 98 (305g) falls into the category of somewhat demanding rackets, due to its slightly high weight and slightly reduced power.

The racquet is not very hard to play but you still have to be able to produce power.

Access to top spin is correct without being extreme, maneuverability is good with a slight feeling of weight in the head, the racquet provides good comfort and good forgiveness.

To whom I would recommend the Yonex VCore 98

Considering the technical characteristics of the Yonex VCore 98 Racket (305 g), I would recommend it to tennis players:

• of an intermediate or advanced level (not for beginners),
• able to play with a somewhat heavy racquet,
• which are able to produce power with their game,
• who have rather large and relaxed swings,
• who are looking for control without wanting a racquet that is too hard to play, too control oriented,
• with a modern game, aggressive with topspin, without extreme topspin,
• who are looking for a racket with a head size of 632 cm² that is comfortable and forgiving.