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    8th Gen Yonex Ezone

    You know what? I weirdly dig it. Has a funky neon charm to it.
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    New Racquet Categories for 2024

    Interesting chart, but as others have mentioned, I feel like power/control isn't always a zero-sum game, and spin changes the equation quite a bit. For instance, many people cross-shop the Vcore 100 with the Pure Aero, but they're in different categories here. Not every company has a dedicated...
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    I'll add my impressions to the pile for Mako, although it's nothing groundbreaking. Positives: the feel is great (reminiscent of Tour M8), and it responds well to hard hitting. Very solid, very stable, good pocketing. Reliable control, as long as you're swinging out. It actually does feel like...
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    I don't have hard numbers, but I second this. I don't have too many hitting hours logged yet (holding off on a full review), but I haven't experienced crazy tension loss. I strung Mako on the high side (55#) and on a dropweight machine (making sure to let stretch/tension stabilize). I agree that...
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    This may be premature, but any feedback/thoughts on Mako in full bed vs. as a hybrid cross? I like Paradox Pro as a cross quite a bit, and Mako sounds like it may also work well in that role. In full bed, would I be right that Mako is something like the playability/performance of Paradox with...
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    In case no one else says it, for me this makes a real difference. Grapplesnake initially won me over with string quality, but it has become one of my favorite tennis companies because of the community engagement and push for innovation. Not every GS string is my cup of tea, but I have to admire...
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    Yonex ezone 98 2022

    I'm around 330SW. I also have 5-6g in the tail, for a total unstrung static of around 315g. I (and at least one friend who has hit with it) think it swings nicely at that weight, Although I think the frame can also work well in the 320-325SW range.
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    One small update: I got to briefly hit the Blade v9 16x19 today. Really liked it a lot. It's exactly what everyone says - a bit more pop and spin potential than the 18x20, at the cost of (slightly) lower control. For my game, seems well worth the trade. I never got along with Blade 16x19s of the...
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    Feel: Feel is a tough subject to nail down, but here's my (subjective and relative) take. Compared to previous generations of the Blade, I wouldn't characterize this one as "raw." It doesn't have the same unfiltered impact as the v5, and even the v7 (which had a rubbery thing going on) could be...
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    WILSON BLADE 18X20 PLAYTEST REVIEW First of all, a big thank you to TW for running this playtest and including me. These threads are one of my favorite parts of this forum, and it's always a pleasure to participate. The Blade's status as a racquet icon made this test especially fun. When I...
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    Luca Nardi ezone?

    Just checked, and it’s for sure the 2022. The grommets changed between the generations, and photos from Indian Wells clearly show the new style.
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    Indian Wells 2024 FYI - No access to 200 level in Stadium 2 with grounds pass.

    This is a real disappointment. We loved sitting in the 200 level of Stadium 2 - caught some amazing matches there in the past. I guess the decision is down to increased attendance, but I sincerely hope that no one buys those tickets (which so far looks to be the case) and the seating goes back...
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    Would definitely be in for this
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    Update: strung with ALU 125, my swingweight is 324. I was surprised it came in so low, but it was measured on a calibrated Briffidi (many thanks to @snoflewis). Had a first hit tonight and put the 18x20 through its paces. Going to reserve full judgment for when I've put in more hours, but my...
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    18x20 tester came in tonight! With all the plastic removed, it's a couple grams over spec but a couple mm under balance: 307.3 grams, 31.8 cm. By Wilson standards, not bad. In person, I think I like the paint job, neon accents and all. Looking forward to getting it strung up and out on the court.
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    2024 Indian Wells and clear bags for entry?

    I don't think there are any material changes, but latest info is more likely to be on this page: https://bnpparibasopen.com/plan-your-visit/clear-bag-policy/ In previous years I have seen people allowed in with non-clear bags, but it seemed to involve a pretty rigorous security check. IMO...
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    Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 v9

    Has it increased? Unless I'm missing something, TW specs show the same stiffness in the 18x20. Either way, curious to hear more reports. Saw a few early impressions saying this generation is an improvement over the v8, which has me intrigued.
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Reporting back on a trial of Tour Sniper/Paradox Pro hybrid. Long story short: it slaps. Or whatever the kids say. I've been a ride-or-die user of Tour Sniper for a long time. Many challengers have arisen; none have prevailed. I use a 2022 Ezone 98 with some weight added, and I find Tour Sniper...
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Appreciate it. Will report back!
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Any recommendations on cross tension for a Tour Sniper/Paradox Pro hybrid? About to try out the combo - usually play Sniper at 50# in a customized Ezone98.
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    Ezone 98 string setup

    No, Tour Sniper is not as stiff as Lynx Tour. Sniper has a vaguely ALU-esque crispness, but it's not stiff or harsh, which is part of the reason I like it. I find spin and control to be just right for my game. I play full bed - have tried various tensions, but I settled in around 49-52 lb...
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    Ezone 98 string setup

    For me, Tour Sniper is a fantastic combination of crisp feel, predictable (and comfortable) response, and tension maintenance/durability. Spin is good, control is excellent. I wouldn't call Tour Sniper soft, but it doesn't feel as stiff as something like Lynx Tour. It's a good string and (imo) a...
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    Ezone 98 string setup

    Okay, I'll bite. I've tried most of the strings listed (all except Focus Hex), and my favorite setup in the EZ98 is Grapplesnake Tour Sniper. I use a full bed of 1.25 at around 50#. Lynx Tour, Black Knight, PTP, and Confidential are all great strings, and you can't go too wrong with any of them...
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    Yonex Ezone 98 2022 - preferred SW?

    +1 I'm in the 325-327 range
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Fascinating! Intrigued by the thought of a Sniper/PP hybrid. Is PP similar to M8 and Sniper in terms of tension maintenance? My least favorite behavior of poly/poly hybrids is when one string dies much faster than the other. I haven't tried Game Changer, but that sounds like a cool combo as well.
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    Switching from an Ezone 98 by sponsorship

    Another vote for the Radical MP (although the feel is different), but I'm not sure I agree on the Pure Strike 16x19. My memory of the PS16x19 is that it has a higher launch angle and a very different personality. For whatever it's worth, I met a pro who switched from Yonex -> Babolat for...
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    Yonex Poly tour pro / Yonex Ezone 98

    Yeah, PTP doesn't last long. It's a shame, because it is a great string! I agree with @ulunxtns that the PTS/PTP hybrid is a good idea. My personal setup in the EZ98 is Grapplesnake Tour Sniper - fantastic tension maintenance and good feel, but it's crisper and a little deader than PTP. If you...
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Anyone have more insight on the comparison between Paradox Pro and Tour Sniper? I'm nearing the end of my reel of TS 1.25 and wondering if Paradox is worth a try before the next reel. Frame is a lightly customized 2022 Ezone98, which I have found an excellent match for TS.
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Tour Sniper is more comfortable than Confidential imo. I haven't tried Tour Sniper strung that low, but Tour M8 is nice at lower tensions.
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    Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

    Sounds exciting. Anything you can tell us about where it fits in the lineup?
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