Yonex VCORE 98 vs Yonex Ezone 98 – A Racquet Comparison

The choice of VCORE 98 vs Ezone 98 is a common dilemma for players eyeing Yonex’s 98-square-inch offerings. Both share the same head size and Yonex’s signature isometric shape, but they’re designed for fundamentally different playing styles. Here’s how these two frames stack up.

VCORE 98 vs Ezone 98: The fundamental difference

Yonex VCORE 98 (2026) – The VCORE line is Yonex’s spin-oriented series, endorsed by players like Elena Rybakina, Tommy Paul and Tomas Machac. It’s designed for players who want higher net clearance, aggressive topspin and a more modern baseline game. Check out our full VCORE 2026 review.

Yonex Ezone 98 (2025) – The Ezone is Yonex’s power line, famously used by Madison Keys (who won the Australian Open with it). It offers more punch, easier depth and a slightly lower launch angle for players who hit flatter or want more penetration through the court. Read our Yonex Ezone 98 review.

Key Comparisons

1. Feel and Playability

VCORE 98: The 2026 update made the VCORE line more solid and less lively than the 2023 version. As we noted in our review, “the extra weight and swing weight made it difficult to whip the racquet and generate more top spin” compared to its predecessor. The VCORE 98 has a more controlled, dampened feel that some might find a bit muted. It felt quite demanding in our testing – not the type of racquet that flatters your game if you’re having an off day.

Ezone 98: The Ezone swings faster, which can be counterintuitive since the VCORE is the spin frame. The stiffness rating is lower, but RA values can easily be overlooked as they don’t tell the whole story of a racquet. Neither racquet is “plush”. The new 2025 generation introduced Minolon technology for that “silky smooth hitting experience,” and it is smoother in feel than the 2022 Ezone, meaning less jarring on off-center hits.

2. Power and Launch Angle

VCORE 98: This racquet has a higher launch angle, making it easier to generate topspin and clear the net with margin. However, the 2026 update is less explosive than the 2023 version. You need fast swing speeds to really get the most out of it. As we found, the increased beefiness made it “more demanding from the players, but rewarding in the sense of stability and plow-through.”

Ezone 98: The Ezone delivers considerably more power. The 2025 update brought a wider, thicker frame at the top for “more stability and power” – something evident from the first strike. Critically, the Ezone maintains a lower launch angle, which means flat-hitting players can “hit hard with more confidence” without balls sailing long. This is a big differentiator from the VCORE.

3. Spin Potential

VCORE 98: Built for spin with its higher trajectory and 16×19 pattern. The VCORE name itself stands for vertical spin, and the racquet delivers on that promise. However, you need the swing speed to activate it – this isn’t a racquet that generates spin automatically.

Ezone 98: Less spin-oriented than the VCORE. While it has the same 16×19 pattern, the lower launch angle and emphasis on power over spin make it better suited for flatter ball striking. As we noted, it’s “not the spinniest, but it is not intended to be either.”

4. Stability and Weight Distribution

VCORE 98: The 2026 version is notably more stable than its predecessor. At 305 grams unstrung, it has “good weight behind shots” and improved plow-through. However, we found it could feel a bit heavy and slow through the air for some players.

Ezone 98: Also 305 grams unstrung, but the weight distribution feels different. The thicker beam at the top creates stability without the same heaviness. Our test racquet came in at 320 strung swing weight with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25, and we found “where I needed to add weight to the previous generation, this one is solid even at a 320-strung swing weight.”

Choosing Between Them – VCORE or Ezone?

Choose the VCORE 98 if:

• You have a modern baseline game with fast, full strokes
• You want to generate aggressive topspin and play with more net clearance
• You’re comfortable with a more demanding racquet that requires good technique
• You play on slower courts where spin and height are essential

Choose the Ezone 98 if:

• You want more power and easy depth on your shots
• You prefer a lower launch angle and flatter ball striking
• You need better comfort and arm protection
• You want a racquet that’s more forgiving on off-center hits
• You’re an aggressive player who finishes points quickly

The Verdict

These are both excellent 98-square-inch racquets from Yonex, but they serve different masters. The VCORE 98 is for the modern spin player who wants control through topspin and doesn’t mind working harder for power. The Ezone 98 is for the aggressive baseliner who wants penetrating power with a flatter trajectory.

In our testing, the Ezone 98 felt like the more user-friendly option. As we concluded in our review, it’s “the most user-friendly Ezone 98 yet” with improved stability and power without becoming harsh. The VCORE 98, while more solid than the 2023 version, is “quite demanding” and rewards high-level players more than club players.

If I had to pick one for most players reading this, I’d lean toward the Ezone 98. It’s more forgiving, more comfortable, and delivers the power most club players actually want. But if you’re a serious tournament player with modern groundstrokes who prioritizes spin over power, the VCORE 98 is your racquet.

Madison Keys winning the Australian Open with the Ezone 98 tells you everything: this racquet can deliver at the highest level when paired with aggressive ball striking.

What About the Other Options?

Both racquets come in additional versions worth considering:

VCORE 98 Tour: Heavier (315g unstrung) with more weight in the hoop. We found this racquet “takes beefiness to the next level” and felt more like the Percept 97H – a hefty frame for serious players with good mechanics.

Ezone 98 Tour and 98 Plus: For players wanting even more power or different weight configurations.

VCORE 100 and 100D: If you want the VCORE characteristics with more forgiveness. The 100D impressed us as “the most interesting model in the line-up” with its 16/20 pattern.

Ezone 100: For players really wanting extra pop. Just be warned – it’s seriously powerful and requires recalibration to avoid overhitting.

Final Thoughts

The choice between these racquets often comes down to your natural game style. Do you hit with heavy topspin and loop your groundstrokes? VCORE 98. Do you hit flatter and want to drive through the ball? Ezone 98.

Both racquets benefit from Yonex’s excellent build quality, innovative technologies, and that distinctive isometric head shape (which you either love or hate). Neither has the “flare handle” that some players prefer, so if you’re coming from Wilson or HEAD, the Yonex handle shape takes adjustment.

The good news? Both are Tennisnerd Approved. The Ezone 98 2025 got our stamp for being a “solid upgrade” that’s more stable and powerful without becoming harsh. The VCORE line earned praise for offering “good balance between spin, power and control” despite being more demanding.

My advice: if you can, demo both. The difference in launch angle and power level is significant enough that you’ll know within a few swings which one suits your game better.

Let us know in the comments which one you’d choose!

Find these racquets at our partners:

• Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada)
• Tennis Warehouse Europe (10% off with code TNERD10)
• Tennis Only (Australia)

Related articles:

• Yonex VCORE 2026 Review
• Yonex Ezone 98 Review
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• Best Power Racquets
• Best Spin Racquets