Updated with a softer feel and new frame geometry for 2023
With its redesigned beam and softer feel, the 2023 VCORE 98 continues its reign as one of the game's most well-built player's racquets. Like previous versions, this is a speedy spin monster with great ball feedback. Offering easier power than the VCORE 95, the VCORE 98 gives you the benefit of a larger margin of error without sacrificing the precision that experienced players crave. It's also extremely fast, making it great for cranking winners on the run or reacting quickly at net. For 2023 Yonex overhauls the ISOMETRIC head shape by creating an even roomier, more luxurious hitting zone in the upper hoop. The payoff is a more forgiving and stable hitting experience, with an expanded spin window and juicier levels of power. Yonex has also recontoured the VCORE shaft and made slight tweaks to the beam throughout the frame. Other new features include SIF Grommets, which deploys a silicone oil infusion to reduce the friction between the string and grommet. The upshot is greater string movement for increased snapback and more vicious ball rotation. Yonex has also lowered the RA, giving this stick an even more buttery feel at impact. Like the previous generation, this racquet benefits from 2-NAMD FlexForce Graphite in the upper shaft and lower hoop, enabling the racquet to deflect and snapback effectively through impact. Ultimately, this redesigned VCORE 98 checks all the right boxes. Experienced players looking for spin, precision and feel should give this one a very serious look.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight:11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 318 | ||||
| Stiffness: 62 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23mm / 23mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: 2G-Namd FlexForce/H.M. Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors:Red | ||||
| Grip Type: Yonex Synthetic | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 45-60 pounds |
Previous Feedback
5 out of 5 Stars
Comments: This version offers a markedly softer, more connected feel than the outgoing version while retaining all of its positive characteristics. I did have to change my string setup in this racquet. I normally play with poly tour spin in the mains and poly tour pro in the crosses. However, I felt this setup was too soft. I swapped out the poly tour pro for poly tour strike (kept the spin in the mains). I also increased the tension on both strings from 52lbs to 54lbs. String bed now plays a little firmer but still offers that connected feel with great ball pocketing.
From: Carson - CA, United States. January 20, 2023
5 out of 5 Stars
Comments: Wow Wow Wow. I have been playing with all Babolat racquets for about 18 years and really did not feel the need to change, but while I have been waiting for the new Pure Aero 98 to come out, I tried the new Vcore 98 and was blown away with its comfort and amount of spin. The Vcore 98 is just better in every way. I am a 60-year-old 4.5 player and thought I might be getting too old for a stick like this, but I have 2 on order and can't wait until they get in. The amount of spin is amazing but still controllable. For people with arm issues this racquet will amaze you. The spin off the serve is crazy and has doubled my net clearance. I have been playing with the demo for 4 days and I have never been this happy with a racquet. It just keeps getting better. It is strung with 16ga L @ 52.
From: Keith - OR, United States. January 11, 2023
5 out of 5 Stars
Comments: I've been playing with the VCore 98 2021 for the last year and half or so as a 5.0 level player. Easily my favorite racquet on the market being a more powerful and spin oriented control frame. I've loved the 2021 version, and I was nervous about the new update. Those nerves quickly turned to excitement once I saw the new cosmetic and got to hit on court. I've been testing the new 2023 frame for the last few weeks, and I can say I won't be touching my 2021 VCores again. They kept all the good features from 2021 - easy power and spin combined with a nice whippy feeling frame (maybe a tad muted). The new 2023 improves on this by providing a way more connected feel to the ball. You can really feel the ball sink into the string bed and shoot out with increased power and spin. All in all, I find this an outstanding update as they were able to add a softer more connected feel while also keeping the power and spin that makes the VCore line what it is. Incredibly impressed by Yonex's continuation of improving every generation of their racquet lines. This update is amazing, bravo Yonex!
From: Jon - CA, United States. January 07, 2023