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. To help with comfort, this racquet integrates a thin, elastic film (Servo Filter) within the layers of NAMD FlexForce Graphite, allowing the frame to flex optimally while also filtering out the harshest vibrations. This effect is complemented by a Vibration Dampening Mesh integrated into the handle, which further softens impact. 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
Yonex 2026Coming off the 2025 sand beige model I thought I wanted an update I was reading review saying the beam gives off more power and that is completely true it feels heavier than the 2025 even if it is the same weight I would recommend if you would like extra power
PART II VCore Review: PlayabilityThis racquet for ME is very interesting. So far I just have 2 weeks with the V6 and a week with the V8 hitting, so still getting used to what it can do and how it handles. I have played 2 matches and hit 6 hours with the V8. For me personally I am able flatten it out when needed and it is quite good during a rally situation. I am able to change directions when needed and I am hitting fun topspin lobs. Serving I am still trying to figure it out but am really liking my slice, spin and kick serves. Volleys are amazing. Possibly the best frame/feel I have ever played with at the net, although hard hit shots that land outside of sweetspot are erratic. Returns are amazing with spin I can dip the ball at rushing net players. I have added weight to the handle and in the hoop and increased the SW a little and the frame has come alive. Static weight is at 354g, SW at 333, balance is 318mm. I would encourage people to give this a demo, I am impressed.
PART I of VCore Review:ComfortMy only experience with Yonex is years ago with the RD-7. I started playing with Wilson PS 6.0 and last 10 years have been a Babolat PA/Pure Strike user, while hitting countless frames in between. The last 18+months I have had serious elbow issues and was close to quitting playing & teaching because of the excruciating pain. A client lent me a VCore V6 and after a hit my elbow felt good. I hit a couple more times and no pain, just a little discomfort. I bought the V8 and have played a couple 9.0 mixed matches and my arm feels great. Obviously this is a very comfortable frame and highly recommend it!! 5+ STARS!!
Yonex's version of a Pure AeroVcore's have always been known as spin racquets but with this new update it's veered into being a power racquet rather than a spin racquet - especially compared the line's history. With that comes some good or bad things depending on your expectations and preferences. To echo what everyone else is saying, the launch angle on this is pretty high and takes some time to adapt. You can get easy depth but balls will sail if you aren't mindful about putting some shape on your shots. I like the feel of the racquet, it feels hollow but still responsive. It's actually pretty comfortable without being mushy. Stability is very solid, holds up well against heavy shots or balls with a lot of pace. The ability to go from defense to offense with this is seamless. My biggest criticism and reason for a star off the review is the racquet just doesn't have the same maneuverability and easy spin like you come to expect from a Vcore or a spin racquet. By no means is this racquet sluggish or hard to get spin but it's not effortless and you have to be a lot more mindful if you want to produce shots with topspin. The shape of the head and throat has changed and lost some aerodynamic attributes.
Overall it's a really fun racquet to play with, makes quite an impression. Whether you like it or not comes down to your preferences but it's a quality stick although I do wish Yonex had kept more of the spin and maneuverability characteristics associated with the Vcore line.
Great 98/305Coming from not a lot of experience with Yonex, great racquet in its weight class. Coming from a pro staff 97 & X
I don’t get the stiff / too powerful comments. It’s very smooth and maneuverable. Great on groundies both top and slice.
Lovely on volleys and OHs. Looking forward to more work with it.
Complete letdown..Been using the Vcore since v5 and have been loving this line ever since.. my favorite was v7 as it had the best blend of spin / power and control. Although at times somewhat launchy it was manageable
Was really looking forward to the v8 due to the paint job… I’ve never wanted to like a racquet that much. Used the same set up as my v7 and on first hit felt the power level has gone down, although they lowered the launch and produced a flatter shot. Serve and volleys were superb, however the ground strokes were the issue.. the ball comes off the racquet fast, however once the ball touches the ground there is no heaviness or weight behind the ball. The returner can easily hit the ball back even if hitting a big shot.
I thought it was me, so I had two other friends try it which also had the same feeling. I thought it was the strings, so I restrung them to ALU Power at 50lbs and the result although better also resulted in this ball that flew off the racquet fast but lost all weight and heaviness with the ball upon touching the ground. It’s deceiving, power does not mean heaviness. Yes it produces a fast ball, making it look fast and flat, however it’s very easy to return
Another thing is that it’s a bit harder to swing and feels much stiffer
I’ve given in a good couple hours and am very disappointed as I really wanted to like this frame. Complete let down
More accurate than I expectedI had my stringer slap on a poly full bed at 52lbs. I first used it on a ball machine to adjust my stroke or rather continue with my progression especially my forehand where I’m more of a flatter hitter and hitting more with a top spin with this racquet. I have to say when I connect and correctly nail my form I can swing loose and fast the ball dips nicely.
As for my 2HBH, I’ve had issues with maneuverability with my heavier 2019 Vcore Pro 97HD but not with this racquet. It was crisp and I was able to hit deep and accuracy.
With my volleys which I need work on with my footwork, but when it connects I was able to drive and guide the ball wherever I wanted.
I love my slice approach and the serves being the best of my game, I was able to add more spin and as a lefty it was fun and it still generated a lot of spin without me swinging so hard.
I think I found my new racquet.
“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.