Eight Generations of Refinement, Fully Unlocked: Why VCORE Is the Top Choice for "Spin Masters"

Tennis, a sport with a history spanning over a century and always vibrant, has never ceased evolving its tactical systems. From elegant baseline rallies to precise serve-and-volley battles, and now to a modern style that balances all-around play with power and aggression, the development of tennis clearly points in one direction: faster, stronger, and more aggressive. Throughout this evolution, spin technology has shifted from a supplementary tool to a strategic cornerstone, acting as the bridge linking power, speed, and control, its significance growing daily. Recognizing this fundamental shift, YONEX launched the first-generation VCORE in 2011, a precise response to the trends shaping tennis technology.

VCORE’s Journey: Seven Iterations Over Fourteen Years

The Evolution of VCORE’s Spin Technology: A Brief History

Since its inception, the VCORE series has been synonymous with "spin," equipped with YONEX’s signature ISOMETRIC square-shaped head design, establishing the philosophy of "larger sweet spot, stronger spin." The second and third generations built upon this foundation, continuously enhancing the racket's rebound and stability.

A breakthrough in VCORE’s evolution came in 2016 with the fourth-generation VCORE SV introducing the innovative fluid air fins. This advancement reduced air resistance, increased swing speed, and featured a new frame design using the softer NANOMETRIC XT material on the upper inner frame, which enhanced ball-holding power and further expanded the sweet spot. This innovation marked a new phase in VCORE’s understanding of "spin technology," making spin the product of aerodynamic, material science, and structural design working in harmony.

Subsequent fifth, sixth, and seventh generations deepened this system by continually optimizing fluid technology, grommets, carbon materials, and frame structure. By the seventh generation, VCORE had developed a comprehensive "high-trajectory spin system." If the first seven generations were about exploring and accumulating spin technology, then the eighth generation launched in 2025 represents the culmination and breakthrough of all these achievements.

The core innovation of the eighth generation lies not in isolated technological upgrades but in a comprehensive optimization of the spin power system. Its breakthrough is encapsulated in the new "4S Concept"—Sweet Spot, Snapback, Speed, and Stability—four technical dimensions working together to elevate spin potential to unprecedented levels. This systematic design embodies why the eighth-generation VCORE is truly "spin, fully unlocked."

Model Lineup: Designed for Every Spin Demand

From professional tools for ultimate control to learning companions for beginners, the VCORE series offers tailored pathways to "high spin performance" for players of all swing styles and power levels through precise parameter matching and technology deployment.

The VCORE 95 is the ideal weapon for advanced offensive players, especially those who rely on active power and seek deep, sharp spin. With a 95-square-inch head, 310 grams weight, and 310 mm balance point, combined with a 22-22-22mm frame thickness, it delivers a light, compact, and responsive hitting feel. Paired with a dense 16/20 string pattern, it offers millimeter-precise control and solid ball pocketing. This racket demands precise shot accuracy from its user.

The VCORE 98 is the "classic answer" within the series, suitable for advanced enthusiasts seeking technical breakthroughs and professionals requiring highly adaptable equipment. Weighing 305 grams with a 315 mm balance point, its frame thickness of 23-23.5-22mm is slightly thickened at the throat for enhanced stability. The VCORE 98L (285g) offers a lighter, more flexible option, retaining the classic 98-square-inch head and excellent control while reducing overall weight and increasing swing weight, making it easier for technically skilled but less powerful players to handle this pro-level racket.

The VCORE 100 undoubtedly combines "powerful spin" and "forgiving playability" most perfectly in the series, featuring a 24-26-23mm frame thickness. Its 100-square-inch head, 300 grams weight, and 320 mm balance point translate to a larger sweet spot, easier power generation, and abundant hitting strength.

Building on this, the VCORE 100D (305g) offers a heavier option for players preferring a solid feel and emphasizing flat shot penetration alongside spin, while the VCORE 100L (280g) reduces the power threshold through lighter weight and forward balance, allowing players with less strength or those seeking faster swing speeds to easily wield the 100 head size and produce threatening spin shots.

Notably, the eighth-generation VCORE introduces the α series, specifically designed for beginners, intermediate players, and those transitioning from junior to adult rackets. It includes three models—VCORE α (275g), VCORE αL (260g), and VCORE αSL (245g)—all with 100-square-inch heads.

The α series blends high cost-performance with core spin technologies from premium lines, ensuring players can experience near-top-level feel and performance from the early stages. This breaks the misconception that beginners don’t need quality gear. Using the α series, players can seamlessly transition to heavier rackets as their skills improve, shortening adaptation periods and laying a smooth, unified equipment foundation for future development. Additionally, the eighth-generation VCORE offers lighter models for juniors and children: VCORE 25 (225g) and VCORE 26 (235g), extending the philosophy of "spin technology starting from the foundation."

The eighth-generation VCORE lineup, with its clear parameter progression, embodies the idea that spin is not an exclusive magic for pros but a core skill empowered by technology accessible to players of all levels. Whether you aim to dominate matches with spin or are a newcomer fascinated by that beautiful arc, there is a VCORE crafted for your next spinning shot.

Beyond Red: Why VCORE Is the Players’ Shared Choice

Since its debut in 2011, the YONEX VCORE series has been synonymous with "spin," continuously pushing the performance boundaries of tennis rackets. From the iconic square frame of the first generation to the fully optimized spin power architecture of the eighth, fourteen years and seven systematic evolutions have redefined spin and propelled innovations in winning strategies. Its success lies in meeting the extreme demands of professionals while enabling players of all levels to experience the allure of spin technology. More importantly, as modern tennis techniques evolve, VCORE evolves in sync, committed to supporting every player’s ongoing growth.

Visually, the eighth-generation VCORE merges power and elegance. Dominated by a gem-like vivid red accented with ivory white and teal green, it embodies fiery competitive ambition infused with calm strategy and creative spark. Red remains VCORE’s signature color, now presented with a high-gloss finish replacing the previously common matte texture, making the racket stand out in hand. Large teal green blocks on the frame evoke a "weapon" laser imagery, reinforcing the psychological message that the racket is a weapon, igniting players’ competitive edge.

VCORE has earned widespread trust among professional players. Currently, nearly 20 players ranked in the top 100 of both men’s and women’s tours use VCORE, including top-ten stars like Leylah Fernandez and Martina Trevisan. In the 2025 season, multiple YONEX-sponsored athletes achieved remarkable results: Fernandez claimed the WTA Finals title, Brazilian rising star Fonseca broke into the top 30, dark horse Vasherov won his first Masters title in Shanghai, and Tabillo, T. Maria, Jovic, among others, secured victories in various tournaments.

Leylah Fernandez Using the Eighth-Generation VCORE

This trust stems from deep collaborative creation between YONEX and players. During development, YONEX labs use high-speed cameras, thermal imaging, and other advanced tools to carefully analyze players’ swings and habits, designing how the next-generation racket can enhance on-court performance. The brand engages not only with professionals but also listens to amateurs, balancing elite demands with mass needs. This "court-to-lab and back" closed-loop research keeps VCORE at the forefront of spin technology. Through close athlete partnerships, YONEX has crafted VCORE to suit all swing styles and power levels for high spin performance.

In this era where spin is the language of competition, mastering spin means controlling the match. Over eight generations, VCORE has proven itself as the racket that understands, creates, and best harnesses spin to serve match-winning play.

The new VCORE racket series will launch globally on January 9, 2026, with additional models releasing gradually starting February 27, 2026.

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, images courtesy of YONEX)