The battle for the best 98-square-inch spin racquet often comes down to two heavy hitters: the Babolat Pure Aero 98 and the Yonex VCORE 98. While both frames are designed for the modern aggressive player who wants to dictate points with pace and rotation, they offer distinct sensations and performance characteristics on the court.
Babolat Pure Aero 98
The Babolat Pure Aero 98 is recently updated to the 2026 edition, with improved comfort and stability (you can find out more in our video review of the Aero 2026 racquets). The 98 sq inch head size will offer a more controlled feel than the Aero 100, but the Aero 98 is known for packing quite some power and spin for a smaller head size. On the court, this translates to a racquet that feels remarkably stable and fast through the air. It provides that signature Babolat “pop” and easy power, but with a more predictable launch angle.
Players who enjoy the Aero feel but find the standard version too flighty will appreciate the added precision here. It excels at driving the ball through the court while still offering plenty of “bite” for heavy topspin.
Read more in our Aero 2026 post.
Yonex VCORE 98
The Yonex VCORE 98, was just updated to its 8th generation. This one takes a step back to the feeling and performance of past VCOREs. Even the design has some throwback feel to it with its glossy red cosmetic. If you thought the VCORE 2023 was a little wild and flexible, this one dials it back to a firmer, more solid feel. The VCORE 2026 racquets move a little slower than the 7th generation, but compensates that with improved stability and plowthrough. It’s, like always, a matter of taste if this VCORE will work for you, but there is plenty to like in the update.
Check out our latest Yonex VCORE review.
Comparison
When you compare the VCORE 98 with the Pure Aero 98, things have changed quite a bit since 2023. The 2023 editions were a little liveler. The Yonex plush and springy, the Babolat firm and explosive. This time they got closer in playability. Both racquets being a little more muted and offering better control on flat shots. The spin potential and power levels are not markedly different, it is more about choosing the feel you like. The 2026 updates both feel more solid overall and slightly less whippy. It feels like they both made a move towards the Ezone and Pure Drive, to achieve a more balanced spin response.
Some players will miss the explosivity and feel from the previous generations, but many will appreciate the improved comfort of the new Aero and the stability of the new VCORE. The changes between this generation and the 2023 are pretty drastic in both cases.
| Feature | Babolat Pure Aero 98 | Yonex VCORE 98 |
| Feel | Crisp, firm, connected | Solid, dampened |
| Control | Higher (denser 16×20 pattern) | Lower (16×19 pattern) |
| Spin | Controlled spin | Similar in spin potential, but not as fast |
| Comfort | Improved, but still firm | Better in 2023, still comfortable |
| Swing Speed | Fast/aerodynamic | Fast, but more traditional feel |
Which one to choose?
Choosing between them depends on your personal preference for feel and ball flight. Even grip shape and feel comes into play here.
The new Aero 98 is more aerodynamic and slightly more whippy, while the VCORE 98 is solid as a rock but a little more sluggish. Both are semi-muted in feel.
The power levels are similar, the Aero takes the spin category, while the VCORE is a tad more stable at the net. One-handed backhand players will probably enjoy the VCORE as the sweet spot is bigger, but you can generate a more dangerous shot with the Aero on the forehand. The Aero also offers a little more pop on serves.
It is not an easy choice, but our personal preference is the Aero 98. Which one would you go for?
Find these frames for purchase at our partners below:
- Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada)
- Tennis Warehouse Europe (10% off with code TNERD10)
- Tennis Only (Australia)
- Also on Amazon: Pure Aero and VCORE 98.
