Yonex VCORE – Review
The Yonex VCORE has quietly turned into one of the most popular racquets on tour right now. Both ATP and WTA players rely on their personalized version of the racquet, and it is perfectly suited for the modern game.
Is it designed for players at certain skill levels to really push their limits? With several different versions to choose from, Yonex is pleased with their VCORE line. This is a closer look at what the Yonex VCORE racquets bring to the table, and how to find one that fits a specific playing style perfectly.
Before going into the review, here are our overall ratings.
First Impressions
As is the case with any Yonex racquet, the unique head shape is something that grabs the attention right away. It is a bit wider than past versions, but that means more power and spin with every shot. That will likely come in handy the most with the racquets under 100 in.², but everyone should benefit in some regard.
Many people also believe that Yonex racquets feel a little heavier than most other brands when doing direct comparisons. With so many different options with the Yonex VCORE, it certainly does not seem to be an issue at all.
Groundstrokes
All the previous versions of the Yonex VCORE have been great at producing spin and adding depth to groundstrokes. That is the way to survive in the modern game, and they are constantly tweaking things to improve on that more and more.
There is a lot of technology in racquets that help with spin and maneuverability, even if players do not naturally create it for themselves. Being able to hit the ball in the right locations and playing offense or defense can be very easy with any racquet from this line.
Despite being something that offers a good amount of control, many people were surprised by how much of a reward they get from hitting the ball in the sweet spot. Even when dropping down to the 95 in.² head, there is a sizable sweet spot that players can benefit from greatly.
When a person might not be hitting the ball the way they should, there is a great way to feel feedback from groundstrokes pretty easily. It teaches a person how to make adjustments if necessary, and players can quickly change on the fly. All in all, it is a solid racquet off the ground, and the best from the Yonex brand right now.
Serving
Serving is the one thing that people need to get used to when making the switch to any Yonex racquet compared to other brands. The weight distribution is slightly different, and the head shape might not be the same either. Once people get past that mental block, they can get the job done by hitting all types of serves.
For a flat serve, the VCORE helps generate more power than people are used to. It is easy to snap down on the ball and put some power behind things, which is always good for players trying to step their game up to another level.
The racquet is also pretty easy to use to increase spin on serve. Second serve spin with a little bit of power behind it, in particular, can make a pretty big difference with these racquets. They have the right type of string pattern to connect with the ball and put an extra bit of spin on things that create many problems for opponents.
The only people who might struggle a little bit with the racquet in the beginning are those not used to playing with options that are below 100 in.². It might be a little hard to find the sweet spot, but eventually, a player can settle in and get things done.
Volleying
Is the Yonex VCORE one of the best racquets out right now from a volleying perspective? Some people might be surprised, but it is as stable and versatile as they come.
Players can put a little bit of power behind shots at the net, but they can also absorb power when needed. Being able to dictate play at the net is a bit of a lost art in today’s game, but it can add another dimension that really helps a player take things to another level.
One of the reasons why this racquet does well with volleying is that they are a little bit heavier than direct comparisons from other companies. That provides a little more power and control, and a player always feels like they are somewhat dictating the point.
For those who like to come into the net, or doubles players, the Yonex VCORE is the option to go with from the company.
Older players who have trouble with heavier racquets might not be completely thrilled with the volleying, but that is because they are unable to utilize some of the free power. When a player gets used to how the racquet feels and plays, it becomes much easier.
Different Versions
Shop online, and there are numerous versions of the Yonex VCORE. They have everything for all different players, but the two main player-friendly options are the Yonex VCORE 95 and the Yonex VCORE 98.
The smaller head sizes will not be very rewarding for players just starting out, but seasoned veterans love the feel. In particular, there are a lot of older players who grew up with smaller racquets and really love this blend of new and old school.
Scroll through the list of options, and Yonex offers a lot of the VCORE racquets in the 100 in. range as well. These can differ in weight and weight distribution greatly, which allow people to play the way they want to.
These are the specs for the standard Yonex VCORE 98.
| Yonex VCORE 98 | Specs |
|---|---|
| Head Size | 98 sq. in |
| Length | 27 in |
| Weight (strung) | 11.4 oz / 323g |
| Balance | 6pts Head Light |
| Flex | 65 |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Swingweight | 322 |
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
At various levels of tennis, players are still gravitating towards the new way of playing the game. This means taking full cuts at the ball, creating spin, and playing mostly from the baseline. If that is the playing style a player is looking for, the Yonex VCORE is perfect.
Even those who are a bit more traditional will find something they like in the line. The company has done a good job making sure that everyone is covered with what they offer, and they love giving plenty of opportunities for people to find what they need. If you are interested in the VCORE 95, you can check the current price on Amazon here.
Check out my other Yonex racquet reviews:
