Two of the world's best tennis rackets go head-to-head in our latest comparison. The Yonex VCore 98 and Ezone 98 are both incredibly popular choices among players and professionals alike, but they're designed for very different play styles.

Watch our full video review here: YouTube - VCore 98 vs Ezone 98

The Specs: Surprisingly Identical

Before we dive into the differences, let's look at what these rackets have in common. Both the VCore 98 and Ezone 98 share identical specifications:

• Weight: 305 grams (unstrung)
• Balance: 315mm
• String Pattern: 16x19
• Head Size: 98 square inches

For our testing, we strung both rackets with Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 50 pounds tension, using the same stringer and machine on the same day. This gave us the fairest possible comparison.

Power: The Ezone Takes the Lead

The Ezone 98 is Yonex's power frame, and it lives up to that reputation. It offers exceptional ease of access to power, making it brilliant for players with shorter, more compact swings. If you're defending against heavy shots or returning fast serves, the Ezone gives you loads of power without requiring massive effort.

The VCore 98, while certainly not lacking in power, takes a more balanced approach. It doesn't force you into a particular play style, making it more versatile across different techniques and shot types.

Winner for Power: Ezone 98

Spin: VCore's Specialty

The VCore 98 is specifically designed as Yonex's spin frame, featuring advanced aerodynamics and a thinner beam that helps you swing faster and generate more spin. If you're a baseline grinder who loves ripping heavy topspin, the VCore is your racket.

That said, the Ezone 98 still generates impressive spin for a power frame—more than most competitors in its category. But when compared directly to the VCore, the spin-focused design wins out.

Winner for Spin: VCore 98

Control: Where Things Get Interesting

This is where the comparison becomes more nuanced. The VCore 98 offers outstanding control that feels natural and intuitive. During testing, we found we could open up with really big swings while maintaining directional authority over the ball. The added stability in the new version creates a feeling of control that's impressive without feeling restrictive.

The Ezone 98 has surprising control for a power frame, but it does guide you toward a particular playing style. Some players love this structured feel, while others may feel it's leading them rather than the other way around.

Winner for Control: VCore 98 (for most players)

Touch and Feel: A Personal Choice

This is where personal preference really comes into play. The rackets feel distinctly different, primarily due to the Ezone's Minlon material construction.

The Ezone 98 offers extreme comfort and a plush feel that's fantastic for volleys and when balls are being fired at you. However, some players find the Minlon creates a slight detachment between player and ball, with more racket sitting between you and the game.

The VCore 98 provides a more direct, connected feel. The improved stability in the latest version creates a solid sensation through the hitting zone without sacrificing responsiveness. You feel more intimately involved with each shot.

The Verdict: Which Racket is For You?

Here's the truth: both rackets are fantastic. The real question is which suits your game better.

Choose the Ezone 98 if you:

• Have a double-handed backhand
• Play with shorter, more compact swings
• Are an aggressive, flat-hitting player
• Enjoy serve and volley or doubles
• Want maximum comfort and power with minimal effort

Choose the VCore 98 if you:

• Have a single-handed backhand
• Play with longer, more fluid strokes
• Are a baseline grinder who loves spin
• Prefer a more connected feel to the ball
• Want maximum versatility across different play styles

Final Thoughts

The VCore 98 comes as close to a "perfect" all-around tennis racket as you can get. It's beautifully balanced across power, control, and spin, allowing virtually any play style to flourish.

The Ezone 98 excels as a thinking player's power frame—offering tremendous power and comfort while maintaining more control than you'd expect from a racket in this category.

Our honest recommendation? Try both if you can. These are two of the finest rackets on the market, and while we can guide you, only your game will tell you which one feels right.

Or, if you're feeling indecisive, buy both. You really can't go wrong either way.

Ready to make your choice?

• Shop the Yonex VCore 98
• Shop the Yonex Ezone 98
• Watch the Full Video Review