Yonex VCore 2023 [REVIEW]

Groundstrokes

I liked the new VCore on groundstrokes right from the start. The first thing that stands out is the significantly higher launch angle compared to its predecessor, which I like very much as a spin player. The balls arrive at an uncomfortable height for the opponent and fly over the net at a good safe distance.

The second positive surprise is how incredibly stable the frame goes through the ball. The frame barely gives way and feels like you’re not hitting through a tennis ball, but through butter.

The positive surprises even go on and on. The racket has a lot of power and makes it very easy for me to play a lot of topspin, maybe even easier than with my Extreme Pro.

The VCore 98 and 95 feel very light. I had to check the frame first to make sure I was holding the right racquet, but they didn’t feel like 305g / 310g. 

The biggest surprise, especially on the backhand, are the flat, aggressive shots with the VCore 2023. These are super easy to control, very fast and have a very consistent and good length.

VCore 98

For my strong topspin motion, which is susceptible to frame hits, the 98 racquet head is certainly the better frame.

VCore 95

I like the 95 VCore best from the baseline because I could determine the length of the balls much better and I think that is the most important thing for topspin oriented racquets, besides the spin potential. A short ball with a lot of spin in the T-field is about the worst thing that can happen.

Volleys

The VCore 2023’s large sweet spot and high stability make it an easy racquet to play at net, especially considering it only has a 95 or 98 head. 

The volleys felt good, but most of them were a bit shorter than I expected. But since I can’t do anything at the net, I wouldn’t consider that so bad.

Serves

I really liked the serves, just like the balls, from the high spin baseline. Especially kick and slice serves are very easy and good with the VCore. I didn’t find flat serves quite as easy, but that wouldn’t really be a negative aspect for me, as I find this type of serve difficult in principle.

Returns

Even though I already mentioned the stability 10 times, it is also very dominant for me on the return and gives a lot of confidence to go aggressively to the opponent’s serve sometimes.

What I like about VCore 2023

The new VCore 2023 is incredibly stable in the hit! I thought to myself, “Wow, I’ve never played a racquet that goes through the ball like that,” and then I checked the TW University database.

The so-called “Plow-Through” value describes how much speed the frame lost after the hit and lo and behold, the VCore 2023 has a maximum PT value of 25%.

The wider head and more open stringbed suggest that the racket has lost control and precision compared to its predecessor, but this is rather the opposite.

The slightly softer frame gives it more control and precision and feels less cushioned than its predecessor.

The balance point of the VCore allows the 305g and 310g to move very easily and quickly, which is of course an advantage for a topspin racket.

For one-handers or players who like to keep their left hand on the racket heart, the VCore is a good choice because the racket heart is much narrower than other racket companies. This makes it very easy and comfortable to hold.

VCore 95

The VCore 95 plays like a 95 head in terms of precision and control, but is much more forgiving, more like a 98, maybe almost like a 100 head. So if you want to try the 98, don’t be afraid of the 95.

From the baseline, the VCore 2023 is already my absolute favorite VCore, of all that ever existed!

What I do Not Like about the VCore 2023

Although Yonex has already improved the dampening feel of its predecessor by quite a bit, I find that (similar to the old Graphene 360) there is still a bit too much dampening.

Players who want to feel the ball 100% and need the feedback will probably be slightly disappointed with the new VCore 2023, as it feels like it’s made of a “cheap” material.

Of course, this is not factually so. Yonex is known for high quality standards, but I’m just trying to reflect the feeling when hitting, which just felt a bit “hollow”.

So please Yonex, don’t sue me. :/

Who is the Pro Staff v14 for?

The VCore 2023 is definitely meant for aggressive players. It’s for player types who want to use spin and high, awkward balls to force the opponent into short balls and then get to the aggressive, flat shot.

Surprisingly, though, I can recommend the new VCore 2023 to players who tend to excel at speed and flat balls.  

Who is the Pro Staff v14 not for?

I wouldn’t recommend the VCore to a player who needs to feel the ball on the racket a lot to play good tennis. So if you are comfortable with racquets like a Prestige or Pro Staff, you probably won’t like the VCore.

Should I switch or upgrade to the new VCore 2023?

Upgrade?

There is a reason that almost everyone on tour seem switch to Yonex in the recent years. There are even rumors about Tommy Paul playing a stock VCore 98 since a few months. Now if that doesn’t say something about Yonex quality I don’t know what does.

The new VCore 2023 and especially the new VCore 95 is definitely worth an upgrade from the old VCore 2021!

I find the new VCore better in all areas, but especially the better feedback (which is still not perfect) would be a reason to upgrade for me.

The flat and aggressive capabilities of the new VCore are also worth upgrading.

Change?

Since the VCore works wonderfully with flat but also high topspin balls, players with spin racquets like a Babolat Pure Aero or HEAD Extreme, but also with power racquets like a Pure Drive or Wilson Ultra, might consider testing it.