I was using the SV 98 prior to currently using the Ezone 98. Easy switch. They swing very similarly.
I wouldn't make too much of RA numbers that close. The Vcore def feels less firm than the Ezone.
You'll notice a difference. I used the dr98 for a season last year. Ezone is def firmer. DR never had the put away power that I wanted.
). There is more resonance to this stick, esp when you're getting any shots off center — but with the DR, while buttery smooth, there's a lack of feel. The EZONE is definitely more of a point and shoot, and for some reason my backhand slice is amazing with it. I switched back to the DR for about 25 minutes and it's funny, even though it's spec'ed the same, it cuts through the air differently than I remember. But it is oh so plush... which makes it very string sensitive I found.
Interesting.... I've found the EZONE to be more string sensitive than the DR98. I used PolyTour Pro 120 at 45 lbs in the DR98 and that does not feel good in the EZONE 98. I'm using PolyTour Fire in my EZONE 98.Just played another 3 hours last night with the EZONE 98, I think it's official, I'm going to sell my DRs... or at least one haha (I know I sound like a broken record I'm just excited to be playing with a new frame
I read your post earlier about that, have a packet lying around I might put in. You had it in a little lower right, #48?
45 lbs. It's the only set up so far that softens the upper hoop. Lux Element and PolyTour Air isn't bad, either. PolyTour Strike, PolyTour Pro, PolyTour Spin are a no-go. I previously used PolyTour Pro in my DR98 at 45 lbs.
I played a year with the DR100 before going to the DR98 and then EZONE 98. I've briefly hit with the EZONE 100, but I can't give you any good opinions on it. It's been quite a while. All I remember is that I didn't like the strings in the demo. And it had a similar upper-hoop-harshness that the EZONE 98 has as well.
I mentioned this in one of the earlier posts... but I found PolyTour Fire 45 to make the upper-hoop stiffness more bearable.
'More bearable' does not sound good though! Maybe not worth the risk, they are selling for next to nothing second hand in the UK but maybe there is a reason!
I moved to the VCORE 98 since with similar strings, and this frame plays more friendly imho. I played the EZONE for a year and the feel wasn’t ever really “improved”.
Ha! I moved to the VCORE 98 when it came out... now I'm back to the EZONE. I like it more. I had a great honeymoon period with the VCORE 98, though. Then my wrist started hurting. (correlation<>causation )
Well, for me, it's a good thing. There's a lot to like about the racquet. The stiffer upper hoop is not that great of a feeling. However, it's not so apparent with Fire for me. With Poly Tour Pro, I felt it on more shots. With Fire, I feel it only on mis-hits. I get more power and stability compared to the DR98 that I moved from.
Haha! Welcome to my world.
Have you or has anyone else leaded their Ezone up? Has it made it more comfortable? I am leading my DR and PS rackets up to around 350g strung now and enjoying the stability and ploughthrough, just wondering if it has had a good effect on the Ezone?
I've leaded it. Played around with placement. I like 2 and 10. It adds good power, but gets a little metalicky. I currently play with it in stock form.
thanks, read through the thread and barely any mention of customization! i guess the weight it up crowd has really abandoned this racket, as would have thought this stick would be great to adding weight to
Haha why do you say that? I have only just started weighting up my rackets but do find otherwise I get pushed around by the bigger hitters at my club. I don't know how people can play low weight and still hit a really heavy ball and dominate points, credit to them but I get sick of being pushed around, so lead reverses that for me!
Leather grip, tourna Power cap and 1g at 3/9 for me. With strings, overgrip and rubber band dampener, plays right around 350g static.
What is your balance and swing weight with these mods?
10pts HL. SW is just a guess but in high 320s.
What is it about the DR, one of the most beloved racquets in Yonex's lineup in recent years, that makes you consider it "recreation oriented"?
I was just asking about your opinion on the DR and the category into which you put it. No need to take it personal. The point of forums like this is to share opinions and have healthy debates.
Finally got around to hit with Fire in a FB at #48 (I've only hit it as a hybrid) — I was very surprised! I was worried considering the packaging had it labelled on the far end of the 'hard' spectrum, but you were right, somehow it softens that upper hoop. Had a decent amount of spin for a round poly too. Comfort, crisp and felt much more connected than YPTP which feels too plasticky for me. Hopefully this honeymoon period will continue!
I just strung mine w/ LXN Smart... it's good for the first few days. Then kinda drops off. I still think Fire is the best balance of playability and tension maintenance. YPTP is VERY plasticky in the EZONE, but AWESOME in the DR.
Played another 2hrs with Fire today. Woah mama. If it keeps going like this I might have to buy a reel... just when I wanted to not buy any more strings! How many hours do you usually get before you cut them out/dead?
I usually do 2 weeks playing 3-4 times a week.
I find they don't really drop off that much. They last as a deadish feeling string for 10-12 hours. More as a cross. HMU if you want to make a trade. I've got a lot left on my reel.
I'm finding around the 8 hour mark it loses its sparkle and becomes kinda average. Might cut it at 10.
What string setup are you using in it?
