Calling Yonex experts ... transition from DR 98

Elshami

New User
Experts,

i have been using the DR 98 for 6 years now since its release, sticks are tired and i am looking for new frames.

Which is better and smoother, transition to the new Ezone 305 or the Vcore 98?

thank u all.
 
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Maverick13

Semi-Pro
Ezone 98 305 with a little lead to make up for the difference in SW. Or wait until 2022 to see if they update the SW closer to the DR
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Or get an overweight ezone ! I got one near 325 and matched my other one to it. Perfect ! weight at 12 not 3-9
 

Elshami

New User
All the reviews for the new Ezone is that it's very powerful. DR had good control level and I am afraid I lose that with the Ezone305
 

ryushen21

Legend
All the reviews for the new Ezone is that it's very powerful. DR had good control level and I am afraid I lose that with the Ezone305
I can't speak for the 98 but I've hit the DR 100 and current EZone side-by-side plenty. The EZone offers a lot of controllable power and excellent control on both heavy spin and flatter shots.
 

PMF

Semi-Pro
Experts,

i have been using the DR 98 for 6 years now since its release, sticks are tired and i am looking for new frames.

Which is better and smoother, transition to the new Ezone 305 or the Vcore 98?

thank u all.

I don’t consider myself an expert, but I‘ve owned the DR 98 for about 5 years, and I also enjoy trying new frames. Both racquets you mention (above) are pretty good, but the Ezone 305 might be an easier transition from the DR. Just add a little weight at twelve and keep the string tensions low. Also, if you can find one, an underspec Ezone Tour would be an interesting choice. The 18x20 Blade 98 v7 is highly addictive, especially if you find one that is slightly under spec IMO.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
We JUST filmed a video as well as recorded a podcast with a long-time DR 98 user and gave him a bunch of racquets to demo and talk through...he narrowed it down to 3 and then chose one...I can't give it away, but might be fun for some of you to check out since I know that racquet has quite the following!

Stay tuned!
Michelle, TW
 

mscream

Professional
All the reviews for the new Ezone is that it's very powerful. DR had good control level and I am afraid I lose that with the Ezone305

I'm in the same boat as you, playing with the DR98 since 2015. Nothing I played with so far is a drop-in replacement. The most recent EZ98 isn't it - not enough control, not the same feel. I tested almost all Yonex models including the most recent VCores as well. Maybe if you cut down the EZ98+ to 27.25 that would be the closest in the Yonex range. ;)
 

joah310

Professional
We JUST filmed a video as well as recorded a podcast with a long-time DR 98 user and gave him a bunch of racquets to demo and talk through...he narrowed it down to 3 and then chose one...I can't give it away, but might be fun for some of you to check out since I know that racquet has quite the following!

Stay tuned!
Michelle, TW
Was it Andy?
 

Elshami

New User
I'm in the same boat as you, playing with the DR98 since 2015. Nothing I played with so far is a drop-in replacement. The most recent EZ98 isn't it - not enough control, not the same feel. I tested almost all Yonex models including the most recent VCores as well. Maybe if you cut down the EZ98+ to 27.25 that would be the closest in the Yonex range. ;)
The Ezone98+ Will have a high swing weight and won’t be as maneuverable. Thanks for the suggestion, i guess we shall keep waiting for a re issue
 

ryushen21

Legend
How would you guys compare the ezone 98 2020 to the Vcore 98 2019?
The VCore has a more lively feeling and a more direct response where the EZone is more muted. I also felt like the VCore is a bit more spin-dependent where the EZone drives the ball better if you hit flat.
 

PD1978

Semi-Pro
I’m a DR user myself, also use the HD. Very different frames. I like the HD better but it’s weight tires me out too quickly.
I’ve always been tempted to try the VCore Pro 97 310g racquet as in between.
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
As per the majority above, Ezone 98 305g and add some weight. It’s as close as you can get. It does not lack control, it’s not like switching to a Babolat and the specs are close. Adding some weight will slow it down so it swings like the dr98, it makes perfect sense to add weight get it up to the dr98 swing weight of 324 and add some weight to the handle to maintain the balance. If you roughly match the swing weight and balance, it will be ballpark, physics is not against you on this one.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
The VCore has a more lively feeling and a more direct response where the EZone is more muted. I also felt like the VCore is a bit more spin-dependent where the EZone drives the ball better if you hit flat.
[/QUote
Thanks ryushen21!
I have hit with the Vcore 98 2019 the last few times and yes it's a little stiffer frame compared to the DR 98. So far i like the Vcore but i would need to find a way to make the frame a little less lively. I think i would like the Ezone as well hoping it does not have the same throat flex
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
@Tmano the EZzone is actually the opposite way around. It has a stiffer throat with some, but not a lot of, discernable hoop flex.
Thanks!
That's actually good as I think that the DR had almost too much flex in the throat and absorbed too much power.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
New ezone 98 isnt so much arm friendly and not the same control that DR98 has, if you love DR98 search for used good condition, these sticks are great, i am wondering why Yonex dont make them any more and choose a different road Although they know that it will sell again big time, thats ok Yonex you are saving us money!
 

ron schaap

Hall of Fame
Experts,

i have been using the DR 98 for 6 years now since its release, sticks are tired and i am looking for new frames.

Which is better and smoother, transition to the new Ezone 305 or the Vcore 98?

thank u all.
How can tennis racquets be tired? Maybe you can after a 3 set match?
 

ron schaap

Hall of Fame
I'm in the same boat as you, playing with the DR98 since 2015. Nothing I played with so far is a drop-in replacement. The most recent EZ98 isn't it - not enough control, not the same feel. I tested almost all Yonex models including the most recent VCores as well. Maybe if you cut down the EZ98+ to 27.25 that would be the closest in the Yonex range. ;)
If you want the shorter lenght Ezone, why you dont just buy the shorter lenght model instead? Mutilation of racquets is blasphemy.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
New ezone 98 isnt so much arm friendly and not the same control that DR98 has, if you love DR98 search for used good condition, these sticks are great, i am wondering why Yonex dont make them any more and choose a different road Although they know that it will sell again big time, thats ok Yonex you are saving us money!
I like the DR 98 but the put away of the racquet because of its flex is what i don't like. If there was a DR 98 with less flex on the throat that would be my racquet. Playing with the DR 98 reminds me when playing with the microgel prestige MP, great racquets but it takes a lot of physical strength.
For that i'm testing the Vcore 98.
If there was a head racquet similar to the Vcore i would try it too, but i'm not sure there is.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
I like the DR 98 but the put away of the racquet because of its flex is what i don't like. If there was a DR 98 with less flex on the throat that would be my racquet. Playing with the DR 98 reminds me when playing with the microgel prestige MP, great racquets but it takes a lot of physical strength.
For that i'm testing the Vcore 98.
If there was a head racquet similar to the Vcore i would try it too, but i'm not sure there is.
If you have problem with put away power string low and not with stiff polys, Dr perform great at 22 kg yptp for me, depend on weather a little Lower or a bit higher but never higher than 23 kg because it becomes boardy with no power, depends on your level
 

Elshami

New User
How can tennis racquets be tired? Maybe you can after a 3 set match?

after 7 years of constant restringing i feel the frame is becoming less solid, my stringer is a pro stringer and is saying the same also. I lost the but cap cover on all frames and i get a rattling sound at ball contact. Maybe its all in my head
 

Elshami

New User
If you have problem with put away power string low and not with stiff polys, Dr perform great at 22 kg yptp for me, depend on weather a little Lower or a bit higher but never higher than 23 kg because it becomes boardy with no power, depends on your level
I agree. DR has decent power at low tension poly, i am also using the yellow ptp
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
If you have problem with put away power string low and not with stiff polys, Dr perform great at 22 kg yptp for me, depend on weather a little Lower or a bit higher but never higher than 23 kg because it becomes boardy with no power, depends on your level
Thanks Nick777.
I'm a good 4.5 and definitely always strung the DR about 46-48 lbs which is around 20kg-22kg. The comparison i have with the Vcore 98 maybe showed me i can achieve that put away ball with litter stiffer racquet. I don't think there is nothing wrong with the DR 98 and its power, but it might be that i flat the ball out too little when trying to finish the ball for the reason i play with quite some spin.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
Thanks Nick777.
I'm a good 4.5 and definitely always strung the DR about 46-48 lbs which is around 20kg-22kg. The comparison i have with the Vcore 98 maybe showed me i can achieve that put away ball with litter stiffer racquet. I don't think there is nothing wrong with the DR 98 and its power, but it might be that i flat the ball out too little when trying to finish the ball for the reason i play with quite some spin.
Forgot to mention that for me 1.20 strings performs better because its quite dense 16/19,also a little lead lets say 1 gr at 10-2 ads more plow, stability and power
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
Forgot to mention that for me 1.20 strings performs better because its quite dense 16/19,also a little lead lets say 1 gr at 10-2 ads more plow, stability and power
I have lead tape, not much about 2gs at 10 and 2 but it is still the same to me. I tried at 12 and i think it worked better. I guess i should try the 1.20 string in combination with the lead at 12.
 

petetennis54

New User
All the reviews for the new Ezone is that it's very powerful. DR had good control level and I am afraid I lose that with the Ezone305
I demo'd the new EZ98, VC98 and VCP97 310 having transitioned to DR and older EZ98 from 2015 Blade98 16/19s. Like you needed new sticks. To me, the DR had less power and swung slower even though modded to same specs as the EZ98. The new EZ98 has great feel but can launch the ball unexpectedly. The VC98 feels like an Aero, great spin and power but no feel. I purchased the VCP97 310 and added minimal weight in butt and at 9/3 to get to 335 gms and 7 pts HL. Playing slightly lighter than the 340 gms for my DR and EZ. Strung 1# lighter with 16 ga tonic/17 ga Revolve at 55/52. The feel is between a Blade98 and PS97. Getting the control of a 18/20 and spin of a 16/19. Absolutely no spraying or random launches. Maybe less power/sweet spot than the DR/EZ but all in all, for me, a better combination of characteristics. Good luck!
 

mscream

Professional
We JUST filmed a video as well as recorded a podcast with a long-time DR 98 user and gave him a bunch of racquets to demo and talk through...he narrowed it down to 3 and then chose one...I can't give it away, but might be fun for some of you to check out since I know that racquet has quite the following!

Stay tuned!
Michelle, TW

No sweepstake here? Who can guess the brand, top 3, chosen racquet? :)
 

mscream

Professional
I have lead tape, not much about 2gs at 10 and 2 but it is still the same to me. I tried at 12 and i think it worked better. I guess i should try the 1.20 string in combination with the lead at 12.

That's my setup in the DR as well; 1.20 round string (or up to 1.25 shaped) and 2-3 g at 12. I kept on using this after @Mareqnyc mentioned it a long time ago. I like this better than both 3/9 and 10/2. Depends on hitting style though.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
That's my setup in the DR as well; 1.20 round string (or up to 1.25 shaped) and 2-3 g at 12. I kept on using this after @Mareqnyc mentioned it a long time ago. I like this better than both 3/9 and 10/2. Depends on hitting style though.
I'm a base line player, spin flat both FH DBH not good at net lol
I vaguely remember when first i started playing with the DR 98 and i was just using head Lynx full bed without any lead and it played differently, almost a little crispier and i think i liked it better.
Maybe i should just get rid pf the lead and see.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
No sweepstake here? Who can guess the brand, top 3, chosen racquet? :)
Hah, no sweepstakes but you are more than welcome to guess!

Hoping to get the video out soon...and the podcast will be a deeper dive into the racquets!

Michelle, TW
 

ron schaap

Hall of Fame
Maybe the Dr peforms better with round strings.
I tried the YPTP and i like it as liked Head Lynx finding Lynx to give extra help to flatten a bit more the ball.
If you hit flat, any racquet will give you flat strokes. I find to play the DR good with Yonex poly tour spin which is very durable too!
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
I hit more flat with my back hands for sure. To me what helps me hitting flatter FH is as i noticed a stiffer racquet.
It has been a while since i used the YPTP and i'm actually testing the VCore 98 2018 which i kind of like but it would be nice get some YPTP and test it again cause i dent really remember how it felt
 
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