Yonex

VCORE 98 review

Yonex's spin weapon. A high, heavy, dipping ball for players who brush up.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 98 100: 100
Weight 305g 100: 300g
Pattern 16×19 100: 16×19
Stiffness 63 RA 100: 68 RA
Swingwt 321 100: 315
Balance HL 100: HL
Full specsVCORE 98 · VCORE 100 · VCORE Pro 97
VCORE 98VCORE 100VCORE Pro 97
Head size98 sq in100 sq in97 sq in
Weight (unstrung)305 g300 g305 g
Weight (strung)323 g325 g330 g
Swingweight321315320
Stiffness63 RA68 RA63 RA
String pattern16×1916×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. The more racquet-head speed you bring, the more shape and margin you get.

    Performance

    VCORE 98 VCORE 100

    Playtest

    Free spin.
    Full notes

    A high, heavy, dipping ball: the open 16×19 and aero frame let the strings snap back hard. It rewards effort, and the launch is lower and less free than the EZONE. The 2026 sweet spot is noticeably more forgiving.

    + Pros

    • Heavy, easy topspin
    • Excellent spin access and margin
    • Bigger, more forgiving 2026 sweet spot
    • Stable and precise for a spin frame

    − Cons

    • Less free power than the EZONE
    • Demanding for slower swings
    • Firmer, more muted feel
    • Best for 4.5+ rather than improvers

    String for

    48–51 lbs 21.5–23 kg Soft poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Yonex Poly Tour Spin

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Yonex Poly Tour Spin Spin poly · Yonex pairing Aggressive bite with a soft feel.
      48–51 lbs 21.5–23 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Babolat RPM Blast Control poly Firm control with heavy topspin.
      50–54 lbs 22.5–24.5 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Solinco Hyper-G Spin poly Maximum bite, low launch; cut it early.
      48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Brandon NakashimaDefensive Baseline
      ATP #16 · Natural gut + Babolat RPM Blast (cross) · 23.6 kg
    • Tommy PaulAggressive Baseline
      ATP #18 · Luxilon Alu Power / Natural Gut · 22.7 kg
    • Emma NavarroAll-Court
      WTA #24 · Yonex POLYTOUR Rev · 25 kg

    Also on tour Joao Fonseca, Alejandro Tabilo, Zizou Bergs, Kamil Majchrzak, Ashlyn Krueger, Michael Zheng, Sho Shimabukuro

    Verdict: 8.3

    Yonex's spin weapon: a heavy, dipping, high-margin ball for players who win points with topspin, now with a bigger sweet spot. Easier power: EZONE 98. Flatter control: Percept 97.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Yonex VCORE 98 good for beginners?

    It suits 4.5+ players with fast swings. Improvers are better off with the VCORE 100.

    Yonex VCORE vs EZONE: which should I buy?

    VCORE for free spin and a high, dipping ball. EZONE for flatter free power and a plusher feel.

    Is the Yonex VCORE 98 arm-friendly?

    Moderate for a spin frame. String a soft poly in the mid-to-high 40s or use a hybrid.

    What string and tension is best for the VCORE 98?

    Poly Tour Spin at 48–51 lbs. Shaped mains for spin, 1.30mm for control, multi crosses for comfort.

    Does the Yonex VCORE give a lot of spin?

    Yes; spin is the whole point. Swing fast and brush up the ball.

    VCORE 98 vs VCORE 100: which should I buy?

    The 98 for advanced players with fast swings. The 100 for more free power and forgiveness; string it 1–2 lbs tighter.