Yonex VCore Si 100 Racket Review
Summary
With growing interest and momentum behind Yonex rackets, our testers were eager to get the VCORE Si 100 into their hands. Like the VCORE Xi 100 it replaces, it was easy to swing from every area of the court, while the updated grommet system and more aerodynamic beam contributed to it being even more spin-friendly than its predecessor. Our team also felt improved precision, especially on serve, where they were able to use variety and consistency to hurt their opponents. With that said, our playtesters' favorite shot to hit with the racket was the return of serve, where the maneuverability and spin potential allowed us to go after the return with confidence. Although we felt the racket was a bit stiff and unforgiving when we made contact outside of the sweetspot, this fast-feeling, spin-friendly racket is another solid offering in Yonex's impressive line of rackets.
| Yonex VCORE Si 100 Racket Scores | |
|---|---|
| Power | 81/100 |
| Comfort | 75/100 |
| Touch/Feel | 77/100 |
| Serves | 80/100 |
| Groundstrokes | 81/100 |
| Returns | 83/100 |
| Slice | 79/100 |
| Topspin | 83/100 |
| Volleys | 79/100 |
| Overall | 80/100 |
Overall - Score: 80/100
Groundstrokes - Score: 81/100
Maneuverability and easy access to spin were the two standout features of the VCORE Si 100 from the baseline. Throughout the test our players were able to swing the racquet quickly with little effort and generate a lot of topspin on their groundstrokes. The racket also felt a little lower-powered compared to others with a similar stiffness, which allowed us to swing freely without fear of overhitting our shots. Our playtesters did feel that the racket felt a bit uncomfortable outside of the sweetspot. It wasn't quite as comfortable or forgiving as the EZONE Ai line in this regard.
Volleys - Score: 79/100
Our team found it really easy to wield the VCORE Si 100 at net. It was easy to get into position, even on quick exchanges, and simple to snap away put-away volleys above the level of the net. However, once again the jarring, unforgiving feel came into play when our testers made contact off-center. In addition, the lack of weight throughout the hoop allowed the racket to twist at times. A couple players indicated that a little lead tape around the hoop would provide the quick fix they would need to really enjoy this one for volleys and overheads.
Serves - Score: 80/100
The tremendous spin potential of the VCORE Si 100 gave our playtesters the confidence to aim their serves wherever they wanted in the service box, knowing that they could get the ball diving down to their desired locations and then off the court. Our team was able to unleash their full array of serves, showcasing their variety and shot-making prowess. However, we did find pace a little hard to come by, and it was difficult to get the serve to move through the court effectively. Our most effective service games were when we were using different spins and locations to throw off the returner's rhythm.
Serve Returns – Score: 83/100
This may have been the favorite shot to hit with the VCORE Si 100. The fast-feeling frame made it easy to get it around our body, even against bigger servers. Then, the excellent spin potential gave us the confidence to go for our shots, knowing we could get the ball to hook inside the lines. The aggressive returning Brittany raved, "I was very comfortable being aggressive right from the start. I also felt very comfortable aiming wherever I wanted to and could start the point on the offense." While a little more heft would have made chip returns to punch back deep in the court, all in all this racket shone during the return game.
Likes:
Chris- "I liked the fast and responsive feel. The racket was very crisp and clean feeling while also being more comfortable than the VCORE Si 98. I found so much control from the low powered response it was hard to miss!"
Jason- "Great access to spin for a traditional string patterned racket. Nice and maneuverable, too."
Tiffani- "There was good blend of power and spin. It was easy to use."
Brittany- "There is lots of power and plenty of maneuverability in this racket. I was able to generate some racket head speed to gain some extra spin."
Dislikes:
Chris- "So control-oriented and low powered it took more effort to put the ball away from the baseline and on serve."
Jason- "Brassy/stiff feel. Small sweetspot. Torsional instability issues."
Tiffani- "I was fully expecting to love this racket since I loved the previous VCORE 100 rackets (the S and Xi) and the EZONE Ai 100. I like the Si 100 but don't love it. The feel was on the stiff side outside the sweetspot."
Brittany- "I wanted to love this racket but unfortunately I wasn't 100 percent there. I didn’t love the stiffer feel and it felt slightly uncomfortable at times especially when not in the sweetspot."
Comparing it to other rackets they've used, our testers said:
Chris- "This racket reminded me of the Head Graphene Radical Midplus. I found great spin and a ton of control from both. Both rackets also offer a crisp response. I would add weight to both to improve plow through and to help me hit bigger groundstrokes and serves. In stock form, control is excellent with both."
Jason- "Slightly under-powered like the Volkl Organix 10 295 with similar spin potential to the Yonex EZone Ai 100."
Tiffani- "Through the air, it is very familiar and similar to other 100 square inch Yonex rackets like the earlier VCORE rackets and EZONE Ai 100. They are all powerful with decent control. I did feel like I got better spin from this update over the previous versions, and this one feels stiffer at impact."
Brittany- "I would compare it to the two previous iterations of the VCORE: the 100 S and the Xi 100 as well as the EZONE Ai 100. The VCORE Si 100 was the stiffest feeling and the least comfortable of the three rackets. It has similar power and maneuverability as the two previous VCORE versions. The EZONE AI 100 is more control-oriented as well as more stable."
Playtester Profiles:
Brittany- Open level player with a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Yonex EZONE Ai 100.
Chris- 4.5 all-court player currently using the Wilson Six.One 95S. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.
Tiffani- 4.0 level baseliner with a semi-western grip on the forehand and hits a two-handed backhand. Currently playing with the Donnay Formula 100.
Jason- 4.0 baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently using a Yonex EZONE Ai 100.
Review date: October 2014. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us. information.en@tenniswarehouse-europe.com.
All content copyright 2014 Tennis Warehouse Europe.