Embarking on a tennis journey with the right racket is like picking the perfect partner for a dance—it needs to match your steps and rhythm. In this all-encompassing review, we slice through the fluff and serve you the straight facts on the Yonex VCORE 98 and 100. Whether you’re making your first serve or looking to level up your game, here’s how these rackets stack up in the year 2024 in our Yonex VCORE review.
Table of Contents
- Short Specs Breakdown
- Comparison with the last generation of VCOREs (6th generation)
- Swingvision Playtest Breakdown: VCORE 100 vs. VCORE 98
- Yonex VCORE vs Babolat Pure Aero
- VCORE vs Head Extreme: The Topspin Tussle
- Conclusion: Spin Your Way to Victory
Yonex Vcore Review: Short Specs Breakdown
The Yonex VCORE series has always been about fusing speed with spin, but the latest models have dialed things up. Here’s what the VCORE 98 and 100 are packing:
| Feature | VCORE 98 | VCORE 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 98 in² | 100 in² |
| Length | 27 inches | 27 inches |
| Strung Weight | 323 g | 320 g |
| Balance | 6 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Swingweight | 318 | 322 |
| Stiffness | 62 | 65 |
| Beam Width | 23mm / 21mm | 25.3mm / 22mm |
| String Pattern | 16×19 | 16×19 |
- Head Size: The VCORE 100’s expansive head courts beginners with its generous sweet spot.
- Stiffness: Slightly more give in both models means less jarring on your arm, with a slight nod to comfort.
- Swingweight: The 100’s heftiness ensures power behind your shots, while the 98’s lighter swingweight courts control.
Dive into the precise details of the Yonex Vcore with our comprehensive specs breakdown.
Comparison with the last generation of VCOREs (6th generation)
Changes aren’t just cosmetic; they’re strategic. The 7th gen VCORE rackets have undergone fine-tuning:
- Stiffness: There’s a subtle softening across the series, taking the edge off without losing the classic VCORE punch.
- Beam Width: Expect a broader beam around the midsection, opening up the sweet spot like a Broadway stage for your shots.
- Technology: New oil-infused grommets make an appearance, letting the strings dance for added spin potential.
As a seasoned VCORE wielder myself, I immediately noticed the heightened sense of touch and precision with each strike. The enhanced feel and accelerated speed are a thrill in play, delivering a crisp and responsive experience that simply exhilarates on the court.
Wondering if the Yonex Vcore is gentle on the arms? Find out in our article on arm friendliness and tennis elbow.
Swingvision Playtest Breakdown: VCORE 100 vs. VCORE 98
Diving into the playtest data, let’s dissect the performance of the Yonex VCORE 100 and VCORE 98 during multiple intense sessions. All shots were captured and dissected using the innovative Swingvision technology, providing us with a rich dataset to analyze.
Here’s what the numbers have to say:
| Specs | VCORE 100 | VCORE 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Racket Brand | Yonex | Yonex |
| Racket Model | VCORE 100 | VCORE 98 |
| Cross-Court Forehand in | 97% | 83% |
| Down-The-Line-Forehand In | 64% | 66% |
| Total Forehand In | 90% | 79% |
| Cross-Court Backhand in | 76% | 84% |
| Down-The-Line-Backhand In | 87% | 65% |
| Total Backhand In | 85% | 75% |
| Avg Shot Speed kmh | 93 | 81 |
| Shots Beyond Service Box | 70% | 57% |
VCORE 100: The Powerhouse
- Cross-Court Forehand in: An impressive 97% in-rate, showcasing the VCORE 100’s remarkable control and spin capability.
- Down-The-Line-Forehand In: A more modest 64%, indicating the focus on precision shots may require a bit more from the player.
- Total Forehand In: A high 90% total in-rate, reflecting the racket’s overall reliable forehand performance.
- Cross-Court Backhand in: With 76%, this racket proves its worth in backhand exchanges.
- Down-The-Line-Backhand In: Excelling with 87%, it’s a backhand beast.
- Total Backhand In: 85% overall suggests backhand shots are a sure bet.
- Avg Shot Speed kmh: At 93 km/h, it’s clear that speed is in the VCORE 100’s DNA.
- Shots Beyond Service Box: 70% of shots flying beyond the service box, indicating depth isn’t an issue.
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VCORE 98: The Precision Maestro
- Cross-Court Forehand in: A lower 83%, but still demonstrating excellent control.
- Down-The-Line-Forehand In: Comparable to the VCORE 100 with a 66% success rate.
- Total Forehand In: At 79%, it’s a tad less forgiving than the VCORE 100.
- Cross-Court Backhand in: Surprisingly surpasses the 100 with an 84% in-rate.
- Down-The-Line-Backhand In: This is where the focus is key, with a 65% in-rate.
- Total Backhand In: A solid 75%, proving its mettle on backhand strokes.
- Avg Shot Speed kmh: The 81 km/h average speed shows that while it’s not as fast as the VCORE 100, it still packs a punch.
- Shots Beyond Service Box: At 57%, players might need to push a little harder to gain depth.
These stats were gleaned against players of a similar level to ensure a realistic and applicable set of insights. The VCORE 100 shines in its ability to deliver power and spin, making it an excellent choice for players who rely on aggressive baseline play. The VCORE 98, while slightly less powerful, offers exceptional precision, ideal for players who prefer a more tactical approach to their game.
See which top players trust their game to the Yonex Vcore in our feature on Pros Wielding Yonex Vcore.
Yonex VCORE vs Babolat Pure Aero
| Racket Brand | Babolat | Yonex | Yonex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racket Model | Pure Aero | VCORE 100 | VCORE 98 |
| ————– | ————- | ————- | ————- |
| Cross-Court Forehand In | 53% | 97% | 83% |
| Down-The-Line-Forehand In | 88% | 64% | 66% |
| Total Forehand In | 72% | 90% | 79% |
| Cross-Court Backhand In | 82% | 76% | 84% |
| Down-The-Line-Backhand In | 77% | 87% | 65% |
| Total Backhand In | 77% | 85% | 75% |
| Avg Shot Speed km/h | 89 | 93 | 81 |
| Shots Beyond Service Box | 74% | 70% | 57% |
VCORE 100 vs Pure Aero: The Spin & Speed Showdown
Let’s zoom in on how the Yonex VCORE 100 stacks up against the Babolat Pure Aero:
- Cross-Court Forehand: The VCORE 100 takes the lead with a stellar 97% in-rate, compared to Pure Aero’s 53%.
- Down-The-Line Forehand: Both rackets show comparable proficiency, with the Pure Aero edging out slightly at 88% over VCORE 100’s 64%.
- Total Forehand In: VCORE 100 dominates with a 90% in-rate against Pure Aero’s 72%.
- Backhand Shots: VCORE 100 consistently performs well with 76% and 87% in cross-court and down-the-line backhands, slightly ahead of Pure Aero.
- Average Shot Speed: VCORE 100’s 93 km/h outpaces Pure Aero’s 89 km/h, making it a speed demon.
- Shots Beyond Service Box: Pure Aero leads with 74%, indicating better depth control over VCORE 100’s 70%.
Are you a beginner? Learn why the Yonex Vcore 100 might be your ideal match in our beginner’s guide.
VCORE 98 vs Pure Aero: Precision vs Power
Comparing the VCORE 98 with the Pure Aero reveals interesting contrasts:
- Cross-Court Forehand: VCORE 98’s 83% is solid, but Pure Aero trails with 53%.
- Down-The-Line Forehand: VCORE 98’s 66% is almost on par with Pure Aero’s 88%.
- Total Forehand In: There’s a noticeable difference, with VCORE 98 at 79% and Pure Aero at 72%.
- Backhand Shots: VCORE 98 shines with 84% and 65% for cross-court and down-the-line backhands, respectively, compared to Pure Aero’s 82% and 77%.
- Average Shot Speed: The VCORE 98, with 81 km/h, lags behind Pure Aero’s 89 km/h.
- Shots Beyond Service Box: The Pure Aero maintains a lead with 74% over VCORE 98’s 57%.
In the arena of spin, the Babolat Pure Aero reigns supreme, offering a whirlwind of raw, unbridled spin. It’s the go-to for players who want to dominate with a heavy rotation, even though it may sacrifice a bit of comfort and nuanced touch.
The Yonex VCORE 100 is not far behind, serving up a storm of spin with a more forgiving feel. It’s the all-court player’s ally, delivering a power-packed performance with a dash of deftness, striking a balance that will resonate with many.
But for those who seek precision and an intimate connection with every shot, the VCORE 98 steps up. It demands a player’s full engagement with its increased weight and compact head size, yet rewards with unrivaled accuracy and feedback. True, it’s a challenging racket, but in skilled hands, it’s an instrument of finesse and control.
VCORE vs Head Extreme: The Topspin Tussle
When it’s about injecting your game with a healthy dose of topspin, the Yonex VCORE and Head Extreme are both in the spotlight. Let’s put their performance under the microscope and see which racket might spin your game to the next level.
| Racket Brand | Head | Head | Yonex | Yonex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racket Model | Extreme Tour | Extreme MP | VCORE 100 | VCORE 98 |
| Cross-Court Forehand in | 88% | 89% | 97% | 83% |
| Down-The-Line-Forehand In | 73% | 86% | 64% | 66% |
| Total Forehand In | 82% | 87% | 90% | 79% |
| Cross-Court Backhand in | 93% | 80% | 76% | 84% |
| Down-The-Line-Backhand In | 80% | 84% | 87% | 65% |
| Total Backhand In | 84% | 81% | 85% | 75% |
| Avg Shot Speed km/h | 83 | 81 | 93 | 81 |
| Shots Beyond Service Box | 61% | 48% | 70% | 57% |
VCORE 100 vs Head Extreme MP
- The VCORE 100 and Head Extreme MP both shine in delivering cross-court forehands, but the VCORE 100 takes the lead with a slightly higher in-rate.
- Both rackets allow for significant speed on shots, but the VCORE 100 edges out with a faster average shot speed, translating to deeper shots that push opponents back.
- For beginners and intermediate players, the VCORE 100 presents as a more accessible racket due to its blend of speed, power, and a forgiving sweet spot.
VCORE 98 vs Head Extreme Tour
- The VCORE 98 stands out in the backhand department, particularly when driving the ball down-the-line. It’s the choice for players who love precision and control over raw power.
- In comparison, the Extreme Tour demonstrates excellent potential for cross-court backhand shots, suggesting a racket that’s versatile for varied playstyles.
- Advanced players might gravitate towards the VCORE 98 for its superior feel and control, while the Extreme Tour offers a more balanced approach for all-around performance.
In this topspin tussle, the VCORE series asserts itself as a formidable contender, especially for players who thrive on spin and speed. However, the Head Extreme shouldn’t be underestimated, especially for those seeking a racket that can deliver consistent performance across the board.
Conclusion: Spin Your Way to Victory
Whether you’re slicing through the competition with the Yonex VCORE, Babolat Pure Aero, or rallying with the consistent power of the Head Extreme, the right racket is a game-changer. Remember, the best racket is the one that feels like an extension of your arm, complementing your unique playstyle.
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