As you might have read from my bio page, I currently use a 7th generation Yonex VCore 98, 305grams. Needless to say, I was – like many other tennis (Yonex) enthusiast – eager to try out the latest model in the VCore line and I am glad that I finally tested it – more exactly (thanks to a friend of mine), the 8th generation VCore 100, 300g!
Right off the bat, the Ferrari red (if you will) is striking and arresting to the eye and it looks gorgeous and clean (not as ornamented as my current VCore) in the picture as it is in actuality. Its sheen in particular makes the racket especially tantalising to the eye and inviting to touch – and touched and “inspected” I did!
Up close, (I have to be honest here) I was surprised that it did seem a little “cheap” and “plasticky” but still, given that it does look great at a distance, I certainly wouldn’t judge it as shoddy or ugly – just slightly “plasticky” for my taste [perhaps tastefully adding more detail in its design would make it more classy – I think back on my old Head 2012 Prestige Youtek IG which I used to play with and had also a full-red body but is aesthetically superior] – and its “Made-in-Japan” imprint at the side of the racket head does provide an added sense of assurance that it is of high workmanship as Japanese products are known for.
On the court, I was again surprised (but this time pleasantly so) at its ready power, plough-through, and plushness at contact. My balls flew deep rather effortlessly during the rally and hitting with the VCore felt so easy (or “creamy”? – somehow this word materialised during the rally) on the arm, so much so that I would have to conclude that it is one of the most – if not, the most – arm-friendly rackets I have used thus far – and my friend (the owner of the racket and who is female) seemed to think so as well. As opposed to the 2023 Babolat Aero Drive (which is of the same weight at 300g) that she was using before, the Yonex VCore did not cause her forearm discomfort or pain especially when hitting the forehand.
Apart from groundstrokes, volleys were also a pleasure to hit. Power came easy but so was controlling the volley ball as the VCore felt not only stable at contact but also came with a generous sweet spot to hit from. Serving with the racket was no different in terms of its comfort, power potential, and ease of hitting the sweet spot.
As you might have noticed, I haven’t mentioned “spin” (which is the main feature the VCore is marketed on) for the very reason that it did not stand out for me – not that “spin” was lacking in the racket but the spin generation felt “normal” and nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps the VCore 98 would fare better in that department, but not this VCore 100, in which “power” and “comfort” are its hallmarks.
Now, how does it compare to my current VCore 98 (7th generation)? Certainly, more powerful, plush, and easy to hit with, but also less manoeuvrable (perhaps due to its wider racket head beam), less stiff and overall less control and “whippy” (that is, the capacity to swing the racket with abandon and attain more feel on the racket head acceleration).
So, would I make the switch to the 2026 Vcore? Not at the moment (and besides, I have yet to try the new VCore 98) as I do favour a stiffer and thin-beamed racket to get me more precision, control, and “whippiness”. But that is just me. In which case, I would heartily recommend the 2026 VCore 100 to beginner players and all who seek for a striking, comfortable, powerful and forgiving racket.
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