Yonex · Current model

Yonex VCORE 98

The VCORE 98 combines 98 in², 305 g and 16×19 with a 23–23.5–22 mm beam. Its differences from the 100, the step to a 98 TOUR and a controlled string trial give you distinct questions to answer on court.

98 in²16 × 19305 g · Unstrung

Key specs

Head size: 98 in²
String pattern: 16 × 19
Weight: 305 g · Unstrung
Length: 27 in
Frame profile: 23 / 23.5 / 22 mm
Balance: 315 mm
Recommended tension: 45–60 lb
Status: Current model

When comparing products

Length: 27 in · Weight: Unstrung
Racquets	Head size in²	String pattern	Weight g	Swingweight	RA
Yonex VCORE 98	98	16×19	305	—	—
Babolat Pure Strike 16/19 Gen4	98	16×19	305	—	68
Dunlop CX 200	98	16×19	305	—	65
Dunlop CX 200 Limited	98	16×19	305	—	65

Five grams heavier, with nominal balance five millimetres nearer the handle

The 08VC98 specification is 98 in², 305 g unstrung, 27 inches and 16×19. Yonex lists a nominal 315 mm balance and a 23–23.5–22 mm beam. The VCORE 100 has 300 g, 320 mm and 24–26–23 mm, so mass, centre of mass and frame section change together.

These figures do not establish which racquet has the higher swingweight. Even equal mass and balance can coexist with different mass distributions and rotational inertia. Treat the global table's balance as a nominal figure without an explicit measurement condition, and compare actual racquets with their playing strings and grips fitted.

An identical 16×19 count does not settle the smaller head's effect

The 98 and 100 both have 16 mains and 19 crosses. That does not make their string lengths, spacing or frame geometry identical. A smaller head alone cannot establish lower launch, and a thinner beam dimension is not an RA measurement.

Separate a prepared change of direction from a defensive ball struck while stretched wide. If attacking direction improves but late contacts and frame hits increase under pressure, one excellent shot does not establish the better fit. The useful question is how often you can reproduce the intended contact.

A snapback-oriented design still works within your swing

The eighth-generation VCORE uses an upper-frame redesign, horizontally designed upper grommets and aerodynamic shaping to address hitting area, string movement and speed. The global material list specifies HM GRAPHITE, 2G-Namd FLEX FORCE, SERVO FILTER and VDM. Those identify the manufacturer's construction and aims, not a guaranteed personal spin result.

Before making your swing progressively steeper, check whether your normal stroke repeatedly produces useful depth. Ball–string friction, string movement and impact conditions interact. A ball launching higher and a ball descending with more rotation are different observations and should be recorded separately.

The 98 TOUR changes the mass conditions

The official series table lists the 98 TOUR at 98 in², 16×19, 315 g and 320 mm. Its head area, pattern and beam profile match the standard 98, while nominal mass increases by 10 g and balance moves 5 mm towards the head. The TOUR is a different mass specification, rather than a cosmetic option.

Test repeated serves, quick returns and the second swing after a defensive shot. A solid first forehand can coexist with consistently late preparation for the next ball. Retaining timing after a set is a more useful selection criterion than the first few minutes of impact feel.

Establish the frame choice before changing several string variables

Yonex recommends 45–60 lb. Moving from a 100 to a 98 while also changing string material, gauge and tension makes the source of each difference difficult to identify. Use a familiar string installed at a similar time to establish timing, then adjust one missing aspect of depth or feel.

Divide your demo notes into serve-plus-one attacks, crosscourt replies after a deep incoming ball and body returns. Mark prepared and late contacts separately so that string response and your adaptation are less easily confused. An old demo stringbed and a freshly strung racquet do not provide matching test conditions.