Yonex Ezone DR CLUB!!!!~~~!!!

CodyZzZ

Rookie
Yes, I will definitely report my observations about the frame, and how it compares to the standard length.

Really, the idea was to get my hands on another one of these excellent racquets, seeing that the initial feedback on the 2017 Ezone 98 is nowhere nearly as good, and they'll probably be around for the next couple of years. So I am hoarding a bit while I can. And hope that by 2019 Yonex come to their senses and bring back a version that feels closer to the DR 98. Actually, I wouldn't mind if they made it 5g heavier at 315g in stock form while keeping the stiffness in the low 60's.
Amen to that.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
I got to play a bit with the DR98+ today. I had spec'ed it exactly like my 2 regular DR98: Prince overgrip / Technifibre dampener / lead at 3&9 (1.5g each) and 12 (2g). So I wanted to start from there and then modify it to the point where it fits exactly right.

First observation: modified like that, it's a lot of racquet to move. You definitely feel the increased swingweight. My ball were flying about 2-3 ft long, consistently. When dialled in properly, it's a cannon. Same flexy feel as the regular DR98 (strung identically with 4g at 50lbs). I will next try it in my doubles league team training, but this time I will remove the lead at 12, which I suspect is too much for me on this frame.

Will report back to the board then.
 
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MRfStop

Hall of Fame
I just got my first DR98 yesterday. I use the Duel G 97 and love the heftiness of them.

Can any one tell me what the difference is between the two other than weight and string pattern?
 

Syfo-Dias

Professional
I just got my first DR98 yesterday. I use the Duel G 97 and love the heftiness of them.

Can any one tell me what the difference is between the two other than weight and string pattern?

The Duel G 330g has a straight beam and is thinner. It's also significantly stiffer at 66RA.
 

FCarmo

New User
Im looking for the DR 98. I was playing with Blade 18x20 Blx (B&G) and love it but i want more spin without sacrifice control...anyone had the experience woth both?
 

Rhcp128

New User
Im looking for the DR 98. I was playing with Blade 18x20 Blx (B&G) and love it but i want more spin without sacrifice control...anyone had the experience woth both?

I’ve played with the blade and personally liked the dr98 better. More power and pop, easier on the arm with poly, probably a bit more spin due to the more open 16x19 (spin comes from your technique more than the racquet). Overall the dr just felt better, do try to test it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
Played some more today with the DR98+, having removed the lead at 12, keeping 1.5g at 3 and 9. Still find it difficult to find my range.

Will try next by removing all the lead, just keeping the overgrip and the dampener. Hopefully that will help. It's a more difficult racquet to play than the regular DR98, certainly the footwork need to be a lot more accurate.
 
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TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
The DR 98+ was terrible for me when I tried it. It felt like I was wielding a broom stick around when I played with it. I much prefer the standard length version. If you need a little more power potential out of the standard length version... just add a little lead to the tip, or at 10 and 2.
 

Allcourtguy

Semi-Pro
The DR 98+ was terrible for me when I tried it. It felt like I was wielding a broom stick around when I played with it. I much prefer the standard length version. If you need a little more power potential out of the standard length version... just add a little lead to the tip, or at 10 and 2.

Different strokes I gues... I switched from the DR98 to the DR98+ and love it I added weight at 3&9 like I had on the standard DR but added even more weight to the handle than I had in the standard to make it about 10 pts HL.

I play mostly doubles and it is quite manueverable at net, Love my groundstrokes and serves also. Never looked back.

Totally agree with TW assessment of the 98+
 
I also switched from the DR 98 to the DR 98+ - I actually find the racquets quite comparable - the trade off is more maneuverability in the standard for increased power and plow in the plus, but otherwise, I think they feel and play similarly. I find the plus just a bit more effective for an attacking baseline game (more put away power/bigger first serves), whereas the standard is more of a true all court racquet. I do feel the downside of the extra length on reaction volleys and serves into the body, but I don't come to net that often. Worth a demo if you like the feel of the DR98 but wanted a bit more pop.
 

Altav

New User
The DR98 actually hurt my arm....
It is weird, though. I used to play stiffer racquets Babolat's AeroPro and PureAero with RPM strings @55lbs. and never had elbow issues. Recently, I switched to DR98 with Solinco HyperG@48 lbs., a forgiving setup looking for more controllable power and spin potential. But after some weeks, my left backhand elbow started to suffer, my right forehand has no issues and actually enjoys the comfort of this stick. But something is going on with the backhand elbow. The technique is the same, I wonder if either playing with dead Solinco strings or if this racquet is killing my BH elbow. I will change strings or switch back to the PA to see how it goes.

Any thoughts?
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
It is weird, though. I used to play stiffer racquets Babolat's AeroPro and PureAero with RPM strings @55lbs. and never had elbow issues. Recently, I switched to DR98 with Solinco HyperG@48 lbs., a forgiving setup looking for more controllable power and spin potential. But after some weeks, my left backhand elbow started to suffer, my right forehand has no issues and actually enjoys the comfort of this stick. But something is going on with the backhand elbow. The technique is the same, I wonder if either playing with dead Solinco strings or if this racquet is killing my BH elbow. I will change strings or switch back to the PA to see how it goes.

Any thoughts?
It's definitely not the racquet. It's either your technique or dead poly. And considering how comfortable and plush the DR is, you're probably playing with dead polyester. It's very likely that many people out there are not noticing when their strings are going dead in the DR. You have to keep track of how many hours you're putting on them and tear them out before they are too far gone. My advice to you if you're using Hyper G is to tear them out and restring every 6 to 8 hours of play.
 

ttc2000

Rookie
Well i use multi. X one at 46lbs only and my arm hurt...
I have had to put down the DR98's since last month, they are strung with fresh strings power fibre II 16G on mains @55IBS and Luxilon Alu Power Rough 16L @52IBS.

The reason for this is due to injuring my wrist and arm in a tournament, it has taken me a few weeks to recover 90%.

It's a shame because I was enjoying the racquets up from March to August.

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-G9550 發送
 

phanker

Semi-Pro
DR98 is lower in power than the APD & PA. You're working your arms harder now to apply the same pace. This will exacerbate bad technique pretty quickly as your arm muscles have to work harder to generate power putting more stress on the elbow tendons. Posibility.

It is weird, though. I used to play stiffer racquets Babolat's AeroPro and PureAero with RPM strings @55lbs. and never had elbow issues. Recently, I switched to DR98 with Solinco HyperG@48 lbs., a forgiving setup looking for more controllable power and spin potential. But after some weeks, my left backhand elbow started to suffer, my right forehand has no issues and actually enjoys the comfort of this stick. But something is going on with the backhand elbow. The technique is the same, I wonder if either playing with dead Solinco strings or if this racquet is killing my BH elbow. I will change strings or switch back to the PA to see how it goes.

Any thoughts?
 

Altav

New User
It's definitely not the racquet. It's either your technique or dead poly. And considering how comfortable and plush the DR is, you're probably playing with dead polyester. It's very likely that many people out there are not noticing when their strings are going dead in the DR. You have to keep track of how many hours you're putting on them and tear them out before they are too far gone. My advice to you if you're using Hyper G is to tear them out and restring every 6 to 8 hours of play.

Thanks, keeping fresh poly strings seems to be working. I do not feel the elbow pain, so far.

I noticed that Hyper G is an awesome string, but it won't last too much. What other strings spin/power friendly would you recommend guys for the DR98?
 

Anton

Legend
Got myself a DR98 Light for a little project:

DR98 Nadal Spec

Strung frame came in at 10.6oz 1HL stock, Added a bunch of lead 11-1 and under the grip + an overgrip.

Final weight and balance is 11.7oz and 4HL with what feels like 345-350SW. Will do actual measure when lead setup is complete.

Stay tuned for on-court testing.
 

CodyZzZ

Rookie
Got myself a DR98 Light for a little project:

DR98 Nadal Spec

Strung frame came in at 10.6oz 1HL stock, Added a bunch of lead 11-1 and under the grip + an overgrip.

Final weight and balance is 11.7oz and 4HL with what feels like 345-350SW. Will do actual measure when lead setup is complete.

Stay tuned for on-court testing.
Interesting idea. Never imagined you can achieve that SW at sub-12oz. How many grams did you add at 11-1? And keep us updated on how it plays versus regular DR98 at same SW.
 

Anton

Legend
Interesting idea. Never imagined you can achieve that SW at sub-12oz. How many grams did you add at 11-1? And keep us updated on how it plays versus regular DR98 at same SW.

Moya, who had the most extreme setup on tour had a sub-11oz racket with 400SW :eek:, but it was head heavy of course.

I've added about 9 grams on top of the loop, which should be around +30 SW points
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Got myself a DR98 Light for a little project:

DR98 Nadal Spec

Strung frame came in at 10.6oz 1HL stock, Added a bunch of lead 11-1 and under the grip + an overgrip.

Final weight and balance is 11.7oz and 4HL with what feels like 345-350SW. Will do actual measure when lead setup is complete.

Stay tuned for on-court testing.

Very interested to hear how it goes and what your impressions are... Maybe this will lead to a whole new approach to racquets for you...
 

Anton

Legend
Hit some with it today - frame felt surprisingly stable for having lead only the at the tip and handle.

My favorite part was serving with this thing - solid, consistent, tons of pace and spin.

Hitting full western with it felt alright - When I executed well I was putting in some deep vicious topspin as expected, but it didn't feel quite as swift as I would have liked and the load up window felt a little narrow so timing was tough - my wrist felt stressed.

I think I'll try moving the lead around some, but it could be just the nature of the beast.

I'll try to record video next time I'm out with it.
 

Anton

Legend
Moved 2 grams to 3+9 - PERFECT!

Uber spin, good comfort and tons of control (so long as you get under the ball) great volley and defense. I do believe my DR98 Nadal Spec is complete.

I'll measure resulting specs tomorrow.
 

freetennis

New User
Hallo guys!
I am a beginner to intermediate level player.
I am about to buy either the DR 98 315 gr or the Dr 100.
Which one would you recommend?
I definitely want an easy playing, forgiving racket with large sweetspot.

As far as string is concerned, what is your opinion?
From what I read, the most popular choice is pro tour pro @ 53lb.
Any other option that provides comfort and control? Maybe a multifilament, not a poly.

Thank you:)
 

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
Hallo guys!
I am a beginner to intermediate level player.
I am about to buy either the DR 98 315 gr or the Dr 100.
Which one would you recommend?
I definitely want an easy playing, forgiving racket with large sweetspot.

As far as string is concerned, what is your opinion?
From what I read, the most popular choice is pro tour pro @ 53lb.
Any other option that provides comfort and control? Maybe a multifilament, not a poly.

Thank you:)
Demo both and see what you like
 

fundrazer

G.O.A.T.
Hallo guys!
I am a beginner to intermediate level player.
I am about to buy either the DR 98 315 gr or the Dr 100.
Which one would you recommend?
I definitely want an easy playing, forgiving racket with large sweetspot.

As far as string is concerned, what is your opinion?
From what I read, the most popular choice is pro tour pro @ 53lb.
Any other option that provides comfort and control? Maybe a multifilament, not a poly.

Thank you:)
It's a bit expensive, but x-one is a decent option for comfort. A little bit powerful though, and spin potential not as good as other setups.

If you want to try polys I'd recommend poly tour pro, solinco revolution, or volkl cyclone.
 

Toyo

Rookie
Hallo guys!
I am a beginner to intermediate level player.
I am about to buy either the DR 98 315 gr or the Dr 100.
Which one would you recommend?
I definitely want an easy playing, forgiving racket with large sweetspot.

As far as string is concerned, what is your opinion?
From what I read, the most popular choice is pro tour pro @ 53lb.
Any other option that provides comfort and control? Maybe a multifilament, not a poly.

Thank you:)

The DR 100 for sure. YPTP is about the most comfortable poly around and goes well with the DR but if you want more comfort use it as a hybrid.
 

freetennis

New User
From what i read, the 100 is much stiffer than the 98, so less forgiving. Why should i opt for the 100 Toyo ?
I guess the sweetspot is almost equal for both -> 2sq.in don't change much, right?
Is the 100 more user friendly? (for a beginner to intermediate)

What about these filaments:

Tecnifibre NRG2
Volkl Psycho Hybrid

Luxilon Element 1.25

In Poly tour pro, is there a difference in performance between the yellow and black color?
(my choice would be
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 String Black
 
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whorng

Rookie
From what i read, the 100 is much stiffer than the 98, so less forgiving. Why should i opt for the 100 Toyo ?
I guess the sweetspot is almost equal for both -> 2sq.in don't change much, right?
Is the 100 more user friendly? (for a beginner to intermediate)

What about these filaments:

Tecnifibre NRG2
Volkl Psycho Hybrid

Luxilon Element 1.25

In Poly tour pro, is there a difference in performance between the yellow and black color?
(my choice would be
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 String Black
The DR 100 is stiffer (more power).
Larger head size = bigger sweet spot and less chance of shanking (mis-hitting).
In general more friendly to beginner/intermediate players if your arm can take it.
Synthetic gut is recommended for beginners/intermediates; however, if money is not an issue multi is is a great choice.
If your techniques are good poly should not be an issue and will give the best spin out of the other strings.
However it has less power, stiffer, lots will say it goes "dead" in 2-3 weeks, and to restring it at least every month (depending on how much you hit).
Other options are hybrids with poly/syn gut or and poly/multi.
If you have the cash go with natural gut/poly.
The string forum section has lot of info.
 

freetennis

New User
At what tension with NXT and FXP?

What is your opinion on the DR100 phx? Is it ok for a beginner to intermediate level player?

I will string it with poly pro tour black @ 55lb.

I just want to test another string later, so what do you suggest? I am leaning towards multifilament , since PPT will be ok for poly.
 

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
At what tension with NXT and FXP?

What is your opinion on the DR100 phx? Is it ok for a beginner to intermediate level player?

I will string it with poly pro tour black @ 55lb.

I just want to test another string later, so what do you suggest? I am leaning towards multifilament , since PPT will be ok for poly.
I string between 50-55, sometimes as high as 57#. As to your situation, it is a can't miss racquet. I had mine customized to 11.80 oz, 7 pts HL and I like them a lot. I am always looking to switch to something more comfortable. The DR100 has more than enough power for a developing player. It is stiff so that should be remembered and taken into account, but that is where the power comes from. Currently have them strung with VS Gut at 58 and 59#.
 

senna11

New User
Has anyone gone from the current Pure Aero line to the DR?
Was wondering whether to size down for the grip? As far is I understand the Yonex run big in size, but the same thing should also should also apply to the PA. So do anyone have experience with both - is the DR even bigger - especially if you switch out the thin stock grip? Or should I stick with the same size.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
If your techniques are good poly should not be an issue and will give the best spin out of the other strings.
However it has less power, stiffer, lots will say it goes "dead" in 2-3 weeks, and to restring it at least every month (depending on how much you hit).
:eek:

If you play singles and hit hard poly goes dead in 2-3 hours.
 

Toyo

Rookie
From what i read, the 100 is much stiffer than the 98, so less forgiving. Why should i opt for the 100 Toyo ?
I guess the sweetspot is almost equal for both -> 2sq.in don't change much, right?
Is the 100 more user friendly? (for a beginner to intermediate)

What about these filaments:

Tecnifibre NRG2
Volkl Psycho Hybrid

Luxilon Element 1.25

In Poly tour pro, is there a difference in performance between the yellow and black color?
(my choice would be
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 String Black

I've tried both the 100 and 98 and stayed with the 100 as it's an easier racket to hit with. It's not only the head size that makes a difference, but you also have the difference in flex, weight and balance. From my understanding the 98 is more of a "players racket" geared towards more advanced hitters (4.0 and higher)

I've never tried YPTP in black as I prefer the thinner 17 gauge which only comes in yellow as it's feels softer and more comfortable then the 16. But if you can always soften the setup up with a hybrid of multi or syn gut in the crosses. I tried that setup earlier but found it gave me too much power as I hit flat with a full swing and was hitting balls a little long.
 

Toyo

Rookie
Has anyone gone from the current Pure Aero line to the DR?
Was wondering whether to size down for the grip? As far is I understand the Yonex run big in size, but the same thing should also should also apply to the PA. So do anyone have experience with both - is the DR even bigger - especially if you switch out the thin stock grip? Or should I stick with the same size.

I went from the APD to the AI and found Babolat and Yonex grip sizes very similar so stayed with the same size. Not sure about the current models though.
 

senna11

New User
I went from the APD to the AI and found Babolat and Yonex grip sizes very similar so stayed with the same size. Not sure about the current models though.
Thanks! As far as I understand the grip got bigger with the DR, not sure if anything changed with the Babolat's though. So still a bit unsure
 

Syfo-Dias

Professional
I don't think Yonex grip sizes have changed. I measured the bare handles of my old RDiS 200 and my new Duel G 97 and they're exactly the same. It's possible the overgrip thickness could have changed slightly though.
 

Envy

Rookie
Whats your favorite dr
Moved 2 grams to 3+9 - PERFECT!

Uber spin, good comfort and tons of control (so long as you get under the ball) great volley and defense. I do believe my DR98 Nadal Spec is complete.

I'll measure resulting specs tomorrow.

Whats your favorite dr98 setup? Im planning on buying some lead to experiment with... it would be a good headstart to know how long term dr98 users customize their sticks.. thanks
 

Anton

Legend
Whats your favorite dr


Whats your favorite dr98 setup? Im planning on buying some lead to experiment with... it would be a good headstart to know how long term dr98 users customize their sticks.. thanks

The one I'm playing with now for few outings: DR98 Light - Nadal Spec with lot of lead at top loop and handle. It's a beastly spin machine, but very controlled at the same time (unlike post-original APDs). If you want to try to hit the ball like Nadal you probably want this in your hands. I usually hit a flat backhand, but with this I can go western and just brush the crap out of it for a lot of spin, pace and good depth control.

9g from 11to1
3g a bit above 3+9
The rest is 6" lead strips on the handle, spanning up from buttcap base

Total: 11.85oz and 4hl with very hefty swing weight....but feels swift through the stroke though.

Needless to say, this setup works best if you get set very deep, hit from the legs and use it to load up the wrist into upwards brushing stroke.
 
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Envy

Rookie
The one I'm playing with now for few outings: DR98 Light - Nadal Spec with lot of lead at top loop and handle. It's a beastly spin machine, but very controlled at the same time (unlike post-original APDs). If you want to try to hit the ball like Nadal you probably want this in your hands. I usually hit a flat backhand, but with this I can go western and just brush the crap out of it for a lot of spin, pace and good depth control.

9g from 11to1
3g a bit above 3+9
The rest is 6" lead strips on the handle, spanning up from buttcap base

Total: 11.85oz and 4hl with very hefty swing weight....but feels swift through the stroke though.

Nice! I was thinking on having a dr98 with an aeropro balance would be a beast for a baseliner. Thanks for the reply. By the way, is the dr98 light your main stick now? I dont have access to alot of tools, just a roll of lead tape but im planning to make it 4 pts headlight just like an aero pro, hope it works for me haha
 

Anton

Legend
Nice! I was thinking on having a dr98 with an aeropro balance would be a beast for a baseliner. Thanks for the reply. By the way, is the dr98 light your main stick now? I dont have access to alot of tools, just a roll of lead tape but im planning to make it 4 pts headlight just like an aero pro, hope it works for me haha

Yea, it is my main for now. You don't really need any tools, just some lead, some idea of what you want to achieve and some patience.

Also, be sure to use 17g poly in DR98, not 16g.
 

Envy

Rookie
Yea, it is my main for now. You don't really need any tools, just some lead, some idea of what you want to achieve and some patience.

Also, be sure to use 17g poly in DR98, not 16g.

Does a 17g poly make a difference? Currently using g16 black code and a g16rpmblast.
 

Anton

Legend
Does a 17g poly make a difference? Currently using g16 black code and a g16rpmblast.

Yea - more launch angle, spin and lift, which DR98 needs to play bigspin.

Also 17g will not lock up as much and go dead like 16g will, so 16g has no longevity advantages here.

Finally 16g weights a bit more, putting more weight in the middle of the frame -though this is a minor effect.
 

senna11

New User
I don't think Yonex grip sizes have changed. I measured the bare handles of my old RDiS 200 and my new Duel G 97 and they're exactly the same. It's possible the overgrip thickness could have changed slightly though.
Thanks, that's good to know! You haven't been able to compare that to the newer PA's?
 

lima

Semi-Pro
Hi guys,

I have a question for you that bought dr 98 which is more hl than it should be. How did you customize your racquet? Did you get it to work for you?

I've got dr 98 x2. Both are 308g unstrung, 306mm balance. Wondering how should I customize it.

Thanks
 

Anton

Legend
Hi guys,

I have a question for you that bought dr 98 which is more hl than it should be. How did you customize your racquet? Did you get it to work for you?

I've got dr 98 x2. Both are 308g unstrung, 306mm balance. Wondering how should I customize it.

Thanks

Quick way to make it less head light is to pop off the buttcap trap door - doesn't effect feel at all
 
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