Racquet Review: Yonex VCORE PRO 100

SPECS

Price: $249
Head Size: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.2 oz.
Balance: 4 pts. HL
Swingweight: 318
RA: 62
Beam Width: 23mm

As a longtime fan of Yonex 100 square-inch racquets, I’ve ranked the VCORE PRO model behind the brand’s EZONE and VCORE lines. For at least the last five releases, while the VCORE PRO 97 (330g) models and the more recent 18x20 versions were some my favorite frames on the market, I’ve never really connected with the lighter 100 member of the family. They were solid racquets, but just not quite at the level of those other franchises. For 2021 however, Yonex has made me reconsider everything.

The new VCORE PRO 100 is the most versatile entry yet, and the most playable for my game. Though Yonex changed one of my favorite specs from the prior models, taking away the sweet 20/21mm beam, the new 23mm construction plays softer and more plush than previous versions. The swingweight got a slight but needed bump as well, and the combined effect is more stability and improved feel. Certainly a worthwhile tradeoff for a little extra thickness.

While definitely not the most powerful racquet in the 100 sq. in., 11.2 oz. tweener category, the VCORE PRO still lets you hit a solid ball with all the spin you could want. The higher launch angle helped me produce heavy topspin off the forehand, even when aiming a little lower over the net to get the ball to penetrate the court. And it’s more trustworthy in terms of control and response than typically found at these specs.

Though Yonex changed one of my favorite specs from the prior models, taking away the sweet 20/21mm beam, the new 23mm construction plays softer and more plush than previous versions.

Serves lacked a bit of sting, as I typically have more success with something like the heavier VCORE PRO 97H. However, once I beefed the racquet up with a few grams of lead tape in the upper hoop, I was hitting penetrating serves with accuracy. I could change pace with topspin and slice serves quite effectively as well. All in all, there were few issues with starting points on my terms.

When the roles were reversed, the VCORE Pro was just about an ideal frame on the return of the serve. I could stand back (not as far back as Daniil Medvedev) and take a big rip at most serves, or stay on top of the baseline and rely on its forgiveness and maneuverability to return aggressively with a shorter stroke.

The stable and solid feel were also appreciated at net. While there is enough power to put the ball away, this racquet is more about control and touch on the volley than most of the other stiffer offerings in this category. The additional flex is particularly noticeable in the forecourt on soft angles, drop volleys and reflex half-volleys.

Overall, while the changes from the preceding models in the line are subtle, they are all in the right direction. This update should be an easy transition for prior users of this frame, but also worth a playtest if you’re looking at the EZONE or VCORE lines. And it’s a must-try for players who prefer a tweener frame with more of an emphasis on feel and control. In fact, my biggest complaint is that Yonex has now made it even more difficult to pick which of its 100s is best.