This plush and spin-friendly weapon gets a more powerful beam for 2026
Introducing the VCORE 98 8th Gen! Like the previous generation, this racquet combines a 98 square inch head with an open string pattern and Yonex's modified ("Energized") Isometric head shape, which includes an enlarged frame top for a wider spin window and easier access to power. On the court, the VCORE 98 moves surprisingly fast, which makes it great for chasing down balls, whipping up heavy spin, or reacting quickly at net. Compared to the VCORE 100, this stick offers a more precise and predictable response, making it easier to hit your targets with pace or pull the trigger at the end of a long rally. For 2026, Yonex redesigns the beam, giving it a faster, more aerodynamic shape while also thickening it in key locations for added stability and power. Additional 2026 updates include widening the grommet holes for increased string movement and greater snapback, as well as lengthening the inner trench at the tip for added flex and pocketing. As with the previous generation, this racquet integrates a thin, elastic film (Servo Filter) within the layers of 2 NAMD FlexForce Graphite, allowing the racquet to flex optimally while also absorbing unwanted vibrations. This racquet also comes with a Vibration Dampening Mesh, which is integrated into the handle to further enhance dampening. Ultimately, Yonex has delivered an impressive update to the VCORE 98. Intermediate and advanced players looking for a spin-friendly weapon with a plush and lively feel should love this update.
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: 321 | ||||
| Stiffness: 63 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23mm / 23.5mm / 22mm | ||||
| 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 |
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Customer Reviews
“Perfect update” review editSorry for a confusing point in my last post titled “perfect update”. I did buy the PA98, but never truly loved the racquet due to its feel, even though it performed amazing in matches. I am switching away from it now to this Yonex.
Perfect updateFirst, the glossy cosmetic is so good. Many compliments on it from people inside the pro shop I had it strung at and on court afterwards.
Playability wise, the change in feel and the thicker beam took almost no time to adapt to. Launch angle feels the same if not slightly lower to me. I anticipated a higher launch, so I had it strung with Head Lynx Tour (52lbs) which I find brings the angle down a bit and is fairly low powered compared to the average poly. The feel is noticeably different in the best way. Really solid and confidence inspiring if you like a more crisp feel, rather than flexy. I never bought the 2023 98 due to its feel, which was very muted and a little too much flex imo, but also not terrible to be fair.
Power is a little higher, but that’s something to take advantage of. It’s still not a Pure Drive 98 in terms of power, but it obtains an edge over some other competitors in this segment. If anything, after a while I started to relax my swing a bit more to just focus on clean contact, knowing that the racquet could provide good depth. When you then hit the gas on the forehand, there’s power and spin on tap to hurt the opponent. The racquet shines at the net in those moments
Serves are great with this racquet, especially spin serves as you’d expect. I’d place it way up there in terms of the 98’s on the market, second only to the Pure Aero 98, and just above the Extreme Pro. The feel on contact is best with the Yonex however, so that’s a big plus for me.
Lastly, I’d say that the arm comfort is higher than the Pure Aero 98 (my racquet of choice). That may be a low bar for some, but I actually appreciate that this racquet achieves comfort without feeling like a pool noodle. I can handle the stiffness of the PA98, and I actually like stiff racquets, but long term this feels like it will be healthier on the arm. The feel is solid but not boardy. Again, better feel than the PA98 and the Extreme Pro.
Demo this racquet if you’re super used to the outgoing model, otherwise I’d say this is one of the safer bets on the market if you’re looking for a 98sq inch modern frame. I’m switching away from the PA98 to this frame.
Vcore 98 VS Boom ProI have been using Boom Pro since it first came out and I must say the balance is very similar between the two but Vcore is a little lighter with more easy power than boom pro.
Also need to put enough spin on the ball to keep it in court or it kept flying out.
Too unpredictable for meThe racquet produces easy depth with almost no effort. You need topspin to tame both its depth and its power. I’ve used the 2023 version for two years, and the 2026 version is noticeably more powerful. I actually struggled to play with it. The 2023 model is more of an all-around frame, while the 2026 is aimed at players who use heavy topspin on a regular basis.
I tested it with Poly Tour Strike 1.30 (23/23 kg) and Confidential 1.30 (23/22 kg), and I still couldn’t keep the ball inside the court. It’s simply not for me.
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.
