Yonex VCORE 98 Tour Review

A heavier Yonex VCORE 98? Does it work? Is there is a need in the market? Find out in this Yonex VCORE 98 Tour Review.

Make sure to check out the video review on our YouTube channel.

Introduction

To clarify, the Yonex VCORE 98 Tour is the heavier version of the Yonex VCORE 98 released in 2023. You can check out our Yonex VCORE 2023 review to learn more about the other racquets in the line-up.

The VCORE line is Yonex’ reply to Babolat’s Pure Aero or HEAD’s Extreme racquets. You can also compare it to the Wilson Shift 99 Pro. With a spin racquet you get a bit more lift on your shots (less chance of hitting the tape) and some free depth. For control freaks and flat hitters, this might lead to too much of the good stuff, but for players with more modern mechanics who like to generate loads of top spin with a vertical swing path, the VCORE line will accentuate their strengths.

What’s new?

The 2023 VCORE mold drastically differs from the previous generation (2021). The racquets are more flexible, meaning the ball stays longer on the string bed. Some players like this, some don’t. They also offer even more depth and a higher trajectory.

Technologies

ISOMETRIC head shape, which has become the Yonex trademark tech. There to increase the sweet spot and forgiveness. SIF Grommets – a silicone oil infusion to reduce the friction between the string and grommet.
VDM Mesh in the handle to help with vibration dampening.
2-NAMD FlexForce Graphite in the upper shaft and lower hoop, enabling the racquet to flex optimally through impact.

When I reviewed this line in January 2023, I was a bit torn whether this was an improvement or not. I liked the improved comfort of the racquets but the flexiness and high trajectory made me less trusting of it.

Racquet companies tend to go stiffer, softer, stiffer, softer over generations with other tweaks added as well.

Specifications

If we look at the specs of the VCORE 98 Tour, compared to the regular VCORE 98, the only real difference is the weight, balance and swing weight.

The big question is: Can 10 grams of extra weight from the VCORE 98 to the 98 Tour improve the racquet’s playability?

The answer is yes, but it is not a straightforward reply.

Pros and cons

The weight does several things. It makes the racquet more stable. The extra swing weight adds power. The downside is that it will be a bit more cumbersome to swing. But the racquet is dynamic enough to still move relatively fast, which is a big upside.

The pros outweigh the cons as long as you can handle the weight. I grew up playing heavy racquets and 315 grams unstrung is nothing strange. But, as always, I recommend you to demo a racquet before you buy it. Our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Only and Tennis Warehouse Europe offer a nice demo program.

Playability

One thing you have to ask yourself when you go for a heavier racquet is if you able to swing it for a full match. You tend to be a bit tighter in the muscles during matches and if the match goes 3 sets, then the extra grams can be difficult to manoeuvre.

It will also be easier to control the power of a lighter racquet as you can manoeuvre it easier, but you can also end up over swinging to compensate for some lack of power and stability.

For my game, the VCORE Tour works better than the regular one and I think the feedback seen in other reviews says something similar. This is a serious racquet that gives you a good balance of power, spin and control.

However, it does produce a high launch angle, so flatter hitters with more traditional technique might not find enough control.

Comparisons

There are not many racquets that compare in this spec range.

Summary

The VCORE 98 Tour has quite a unique position in the market place. A heavier spin and control racquet. Player used to some heft but from more traditional racquets might be able to transition to this one to get more on the ball.

I think this is the best VCORE 2023 racquet and will put a smile on many players’ faces. This is one of my personal favourites released in 2024.