This fast and surgical player's racquet gets updated with a new frame geometry for 2023
Yonex adds another chapter to the VCORE 95! Like the previous generation this stick rewards seasoned ball strikers with an extremely precise ball. Although not as heavy as a traditional player's racquet, the VCORE 95 feels remarkably solid for its speedy sub-325 swingweight. For 2023 Yonex overhauls the ISOMETRIC head shape by creating an even roomier, more luxurious hitting zone in the upper hoop. The payoff is a more forgiving and stable hitting experience, with an expanded spin window and juicier levels of power. Yonex has also recontoured the VCORE shaft and made slight tweaks to the beam throughout the frame. Other new features include SIF Grommets, which deploy a silicone oil infusion to reduce the friction between string and grommet. The upshot is greater string movement for increased snapback (think spin). In addition to lowering the RA-stiffness for better ball feedback, this update continues with 2-NAMD FlexForce Graphite in the upper shaft and lower hoop, enabling the racquet to deflect and snapback effectively through impact. Experienced players looking for the undeniable precision of a compact head will love how fast and easy this one plays. The lower beam stiffness is a nice bonus.
Specifications
| Head Size: 95 in² / 612.9 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.5oz / 326g | ||||
| Balance: 12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 321 | ||||
| Stiffness: 61 | ||||
| Beam Width: 22mm / 22mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: 2G-Namd FlexForce/H.M. Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: 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
Great control/ spin frameI really like it. It's very stable on volleys and smooth swinging at the baseline. I wasn't a fan of the 98.
Sleeper racquetDecided to demo this one from TW, previously a Yonex Ezone 100 2022 user, rating USTA 5.0, clay court player. This was an absolute beast, had never tried a 95 before. This plays more like a 98/100. Much softer than the Ezone 100 and has nearly as much spin potential on clay. Had tons of control and you can hit big with the 95. Not a beginner frame but if you want a change, need more control and you want to hit out, try this racquet. Try it with Yonex PTP string.
Overrated, with some strengthsI hate to be a "Debbie Downer" here but this racquet feels a little bit like some of the emperor’s new clothing. Out of the box, to me, it feels a bit flimsy and not nearly as precise as compared to other 95 “weapons” (Prestige Tour 360+ or a 231 SW Prestige Tour from 2021). Its spin is good, but not enough to set it apart from the Aero 98 or Extreme Tour. Its stiffness is low and it is comfortable, on par with Blade and Speed. You have to fiddle with adding weight to the hoop to give it the right SW and stability to get the most out of it. I don’t see VCORE 95 dominating any of these in any of the hyped up strengths.
Honestly, if you want a comfortable, super-precise and reasonably spinny 95 “weapon”, just get one of the recent versions of Prestige 95's, looking for the one with a lower SW.
SaeidI have been playing for many years with classic player's racquets. Typically I chose heavier racquets due to my style of play. Amongst these racquets, Head Prestige 93 classic, Wilson Pro Staff 90 & 97 later. Recently I opted for Yonex racquets as the quality of other brands dropped substantially. I enjoyed the Yonex REGNA 98 as it is wonderful racquet in every area. Prior to that I tried the Yonex Vcore 95, 98, Vcore Pro 97 HG, etc.
I liked the Vcore 95 from 2021, but I was missing something that was later fixed by switching to the REGNA 98. However I picked up a pair of Vcore 95's from 2023 and I really appreciated the changes from previous model. I have now put my REGNA frames away so I can spend time to gel with the new Vcore 95.
Here is the key. I found that the Vcore 95 form 2023 has all the great attributes of a classic frame as a baseline and is ready to become what you want it to be. I have modified mine to be 340 static weight and 333 swing weight exactly. This combination is exactly what I had for my REGNA 98. The difference being that due to lower RA, I have slightly more dwell time on the Vcore, which I love. People complain that the Vcore is muted and not get enough feedback. Well that all depends on your choice of string. Remember, stiffness and softness are provided by the combination of frames and strings together.
Now I honestly think this combination has made my Vcore into a weapon and probably the best for serving. I used to like the heft of Wilson RF97 for serving, but the extra weight was only my friend during the first set. The Vcore 95 dwell time provides the most efficient and consistent service platform.
Of course all of the above will apply if it suits your game. Some may totally disagree with my view.
Great racquetI just switched to this Yonex a few weeks ago and really love it. I demoed it along with the 98 in head and immediately fell in love with the 95 pretty much as soon as I started hitting with it. I hadn't switched racquets for over 10 years since I was a high school player. My previous racquet was the orange Prince speedport tour that was 97 in. If you're worried about the 95 in head, don't be! As others have said, this racquet really does not play like a 95 and I genuinely have a hard time telling much difference. It has great feel and isn't hard on my arm at all. Spin potential is good. I feel like a can really swing out and still have great control. Serving is really nice. It has a lot of pop. Volleys are solid. Highly recommend trying this one out.
Decent racquetFirst when I started to play with it, I didn't like it. But after a while I started to like it. And now it is my racquet of chose. Good racquet!
Too much changed from 2021 versionI’ve been using the prior 2021 version since it came out and love that frame. Perfect blend of precision (small head size, tight string pattern) and maneuverability (lower swing weight for this racket class, slightly aerodynamic shaping in the throat). My only slight criticism was that the frame was somewhat stiffer than I would have liked. So I was excited to try the new 2023 version as that was one of the big changes they made, to make it more flexible. But that wasn’t the only change… it now also has a more open string pattern (technically still 16x20 but starts much closer to the frame so overall more spaced out), a higher swing weight, and a more bulbous head shape…all of which may increase shot weight but reduce precision. Higher launch angle was particularly difficult to deal with and left my shots flying. Perhaps I’ll get more used to it over time but first impression vs the prior version has been a tough transition. A bit disappointing when Yonex had the opportunity to come out with the perfect racquet.
Great Spin/Pop/FeelI'm a 4.0 in my mid-30s and play mostly from the baseline (unless it's doubles). Semi-western forehand and like to mix the backhand with slices and the two-hander. Have decent power/spin on serve for my height at 5' 6". Made the recent switch from the Head Auxetic Extreme Tour. Both are great racquets but feel like I get a bit more pop and spin with the VCORE 95. I typically use racquets with a 98 head, but as many say with the VCORE 95, it doesn't feel like a far departure from a 98. I personally also like the "feel" of this racquet (and the Head Auxetic Extreme Tour for that matter), but everyone has different preference of course. Give this a demo if you like spin-friendly 98 racquets.
A 97 Disguised As A 95!The VC95, since its inception, has struck me as the “odd duck” in the family. From its small head size, tighter 16x20 pattern, weight (320g to 310g), and slightly lowered flex when compared to its 98 and 100 siblings, the racquet screams CONTROL! Though that comes in spades, it’s more than what the numbers would have you believe.
This V.7 iteration, much in line with its 98 and 100 series, continues to push the envelope in terms of racket technologies. As mentioned in my reviews of the 98 & 100, I along with many others felt the outgoing V.6 series was an “overcorrection” when it came to addressing vibration reduction. Simply put, V.6 became a bit too muted and lacked a general sense of connection with the ball. V.7 seems to have begun to swing the pendulum back, albeit incrementally. The combination of geometric changes as well as a slight uptick in swing weight improved its overall stability and needed plow through without sacrificing its maneuverability. Of concern was the reduction in stiffness to 61 RA. Yes, you can definitely feel the frame flex more. For some that’s a step back as older versions 5 and lower had a crisper overall feel. For some, myself included, it’s a welcome change. What was overly muted in V.6, now has improved dwell time. This for me was huge as it now allowed for a better sense of connection to the ball at impact. You now have a better sense as to trajectory in relation to your swing path & velocity.
Also of note is the increased launch angle. With its updated head shape, hole offset, and new grommet tech, the ball naturally launches more like a 16x19. You can still flatten it out easily. I no longer feel that I have to alter my stroke as much as I did with V.6 and lower. This may be a welcome or unwelcome outcome, depending.
All in all, I really enjoy this latest VC95! From the ground, to its steadiness at net, to its precision on serve, high marks all around! Overall I felt the changes in sum improved its overall playability. I do wish that Yonex go back to its 320g weighting for the 95. It’s an outlier of a frame, catering to an almost niche audience. It’s a “players” racquet for the modern game. Those who are accustomed to a more traditional thin, straight beam, even flex frame in the 320g+ category won’t find that built in plow through in the VC95. Most like myself will add weight to bridge the gap. Stock setup performs admirably but still lacks when hitting with bigger hitters. Where it truly shines is in its amazing spin production, scalpel-like precision, in a lightning quick frame that’s improved its overall feel, enlarged sweet spot, all in a tight, nicely painted offering.
Best racket for advanced playersIt plays awesome on all strokes, volleys are very stable, groundstrokes are perfect ; you can hit with high launch angle deep with a lot of spin or also flat. Same with serves, you can hit flat hard or with a lot of kick or slice.
The 95-head size gives you a lot of freedom to your swing, your feel so free to do your full motion. Also 16x20 string pattern is a perfect blend of spin and control on your shots, I've been ripping the ball and it archers high with spin and drops behind the opponent's baseline. People I've played notice how ball drops almost at their feet and bounce back with a lot of spin. Im using Solinco Confidential 17 @ 56 lbs.
