4.5
Overview
Customer Reviews
Slight variation from 7th genI actually OWN the Vcore 98 2026. There is a slight variation in 8th gen using: no dampner, no mods (e.g. racquet as-is, yonex overgrip (this adds weight to handle where you belive it or not), Poly Tour Rev Spin 17G Aqua @ 45lbs:
* launch angle is high which at time generates too much power for baseline rallys (my balls going out). You need to compensate more looping of your groundstrokes for more spin
* backhands do seem muted on off center shots and a bit hard to find the sweetspot
* my forehands as left-handed player generate much more power than the previous gen like CRAZY
* too much power is a bit harder to control. Again, you have to compensate for more spin
* racquet swingweight is a bit higher in value. Im calculating by play at about 321
* it has enough heft to plow throught gorundstrokes yet feels balance and not heavy/head heavy
* volleys are SOLID but at times need a bit of more control for placements like dropshots, half volleys, finesse shots at the net
* gloss red looks Gucci baby! Love it
Similarities between 7th gen and 8th gen ( I own and regularly play with 7th gen Sand Beige):
* balance points seem to be the same at around 320. Remember— this is all strung and with overgrip
* grommet at the heads seem the same but 8th gen has new technolgies for more string movement
* vibration and handle dampening to me feel SAME. I dont feel like a WOW factor in the 8th gen
* no issue with tennis elbow which is great when using softer string. I would next get my 8th gen strung with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 16GL(ight) at 52 lbs?
Overall, I played a match for about 2 hours and this is the most noted observations as a 4.0 left-handed player with both one-handed backhand/forehands. I feel like the older gen 7th plays better for my mixed style. I do feel at time that the 2026 Vcore 98 8th gen is a bit stiffer by ONE unit compared to 7th gen. This is a quirk for me with 8th gen, which to me is what may be causing backhand swings a bit cumbersome.
Also, you may need to play around with different string types/set ups. I know that Yonex Poly Tour Rev (spin) is someone a harder string but will defintitely do Hybrid natural/poly set up to help plush the ball and lessen the launch angle.
Stable, Powerful, Whippy and ComfortableI tried a Yonex VCore 98 demo with a Tecnifibre 300s demo and Head Extreme MP demo. I regularly play with an ezone 100. This 98 feels like a 100, it is very stable. I played with the older VCore 98 and this one without weight feels stable. It is also very powerful, as powerful as the Ezone. It is stable, soft and comfortable. I would highly recommend a demo at least.