8th Gen Yonex Ezone

ryohazuki222

Hall of Fame
Second hit review:

- still continue to see this as a different rackets than the 22.

25 has a little more of what I’d call “players racket DNA” whereas the 22 has more of what I’d call “pleener racket dna”

Both very fun to hit with for different reasons.

22 version is easier. 25 version is more work.

22 has more trampoline (I loved it). 25 got rid of the trampoline.

It’s taking a little more than I thought to adjust my strokes. If I rely on the trampoline I’ll dump it into the net. But on the other hand; the 22 had a little too much power so I had to spin it quite I bit. With the 25 I can really hit out - which is what I was hoping for. But it’s taking a little bit to get used to trusting the control.

Regardless of above. The comfort of the 25 is amazing. For that reason alone I see myself sticking with it.
 

Zibenator

New User
Second hit review:

- still continue to see this as a different rackets than the 22.

25 has a little more of what I’d call “players racket DNA” whereas the 22 has more of what I’d call “pleener racket dna”

Both very fun to hit with for different reasons.

22 version is easier. 25 version is more work.

22 has more trampoline (I loved it). 25 got rid of the trampoline.

It’s taking a little more than I thought to adjust my strokes. If I rely on the trampoline I’ll dump it into the net. But on the other hand; the 22 had a little too much power so I had to spin it quite I bit. With the 25 I can really hit out - which is what I was hoping for. But it’s taking a little bit to get used to trusting the control.

Regardless of above. The comfort of the 25 is amazing. For that reason alone I see myself sticking with it.

This what you experienced with the 22 is similar to what I feel about it - very good racket to play, but I constantly have to use spin to control the power. It is more natural to me on the forehand side as the motion is faster than on my 2HBH. I think that it was caused by the fact that the 22 is realitively stiff in the hoop, has low swingweight and a ball stayed for the very short period on its stringbed, so I had to grab it somehow for a little bit longer by creating spinny, fast brushing style shape above the ball and cover it more at the end of the stroke motion. I believe that people with semi-western or western forehand grip do not have to work that way as much as eastern forehand grip users, cause it comes naturally and they can go through the ball rather up in the first phase of each stroke.

I haven't played with the 25 yet, but I imagine to have the same feeling as you. Highier swingweight and softer layout should fix this 'issue' with the 22 or lets say "change its original 22 DNA" to what you wrote above. I will soon find out.
 

Zibenator

New User
0 new information as usual. Name the video „Keys racket” and he doesn’t know what she uses lol.
As far as I understood, he said that Keys was using the 25 Ezone mold.

There are some rumors that on AO 2025 she had been using some special mold forged in fire from Godzilla's spine crest that is why the racket is black originally and does not need paint, but I believe Jonas did not want to confirm it yet ;)
 
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fox

Professional
As far as I understood, he said that Keys uses the 25 Ezone mold.

There are some rumors that on AO 2025 she had been using some special mold forged in fire from Godzilla's spine crest that is why the racket is black originally and does not need paint, but I believe Jonas did not want to confirm it yet ;)
Yes he said it. Thats so surprising giving he doesn’t know for sure just took whats on TT :D
 

aus89

Hall of Fame
Coaches racquet of choice - PHM with the new Ezone at Davis Cup captaining the French team
RU5ISlz.jpeg
 

dl32

Rookie
This what you experienced with the 22 is similar to what I feel about it - very good racket to play, but I constantly have to use spin to control the power. It is more natural to me on the forehand side as the motion is faster than on my 2HBH. I think that it was caused by the fact that the 22 is realitively stiff in the hoop, has low swingweight and a ball stayed for the very short period on its stringbed, so I had to grab it somehow for a little bit longer by creating spinny, fast brushing style shape above the ball and cover it more at the end of the stroke motion. I believe that people with semi-western or western forehand grip do not have to work that way as much as eastern forehand grip users, cause it comes naturally and they can go through the ball rather up in the first phase of each stroke.

I haven't played with the 25 yet, but I imagine to have the same feeling as you. Highier swingweight and softer layout should fix this 'issue' with the 22 or lets say "change its original 22 DNA" to what you wrote above. I will soon find out.

25, especially the 98 plus model, has good pocketing. Never thought I’d be saying that about an ezone. I can hold the ball on the strings for the split second. Really makes a difference on sharper angles.
 

Zibenator

New User
Today I have had a two hours friendly double play with the new Ezone 98 2025. The thing that is very important to mention is that I have been playing in 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 F), under baloon and on clay. The Ezone 98 2025 I have played with today had 285,5 kg*cm2 swingweight unstrung and I strung it with my go to string - PTP Rev 1,20 mm at 20 kg (17 gauge, 44 lbs).
First thought which comes to my mind right now is that the new 25 is an upgrade from the 22 version and that it plays a heavier ball.

In comparison to the 22 version I own, the new 25 is softer and more muted but in a good way, cause it is not jarring at all. In the moments of play that the 22 would jerk a racket and transfer unwanted vibration to the hand, it just mutes it, but you still can feel if you have hit the sweatspot in its center or on edges of it, but the feeling is just different. The ball stays longer on the stringbed with the new 25 than with the 22 also. You do not have to hustle while hitting the ball to make it fly properly. Just hit through and let the racket do the rest.

As I wrote above, in my opinion the 25 hits heavier ball. I mean not only more powerful, but just heavier - deeper with more plow. The trajectory is definitely more flat on the 25 than on 22.
And now... the spin... - this what I am going to write right now is the biggest surprise for me with the new Ezone 98 2025. I have read and watched couple of reviews where people were saying that the 25 had less spin. In my opinion it does not have less spin, but because the trajectory is lower (more flat), it may feel like you are creating less spin. I think that many people are mislead by this feeling, cause lower trajectory does not always equal less spin. You can still hit very spinny ball with a little bit flatter trajectory. In addition to that the more muted feel of the new 25 camouflage the real number of the RPM spin. I felt the same today, but my opponents I had been playing with before using the 22, today with the 25 in my hand, they just could not hit back my ball to the other side of the court and I am writing not about pure winners, but about the balls that they had on their racket and it just died on it, because they were not ready for its heaviness.

Usually, I have better forehand and worse backhand (2HBH) with low swinghweight, more head light rackets like the 22.
With the 25 it is not the case anymore. My flat backhand is finally deadly as it used to be with some more head heavy, much highier swingweight rackets. So I am happy that my rackets (both) are not above 286 kg*cm2 swingweight, cause they just do not need more in my opinion.

Today I have been having mix feelings about my backhand slice. On the one side its like lazer beam and skids low and nasty on the other side of the net, but sometimes it is much harder to pick up and bring up some low balls with the same motion as it was possible with the 22.

On the serve the trajectory is significantly lower. I can hit even bigger flat bombs than with the 22, but will have to still adjust on serve slice, cause the ball dies sometimes.
To my surprise - kicks jump even highier than with the 22, so in my opinion, like I wrote above, for me the 25 does not have less spin than the 22, but it is "hidden in the stringbed feedback" - I would call it this way.

Volleys are very stable and fun to hit. I still have to adjust on dropshots (did not hit much of it in double gameplay) and other subtle, finesse shots including backhand slice, cause the mutedness of the 25 crosses its way for me, at least for now.

And guys, if you went down with the tension on the 22 cause it was too jarring, you can finally go up two or more kg (some lbs, but you have to count it on your own my lbs tennis friends). I will probably have to do that, cause the 25 is not uncomfortable as the 22 often was and the 25 is more powerful, so I probably will have to tame it down somehow also.

I would sum the new 25 up with the conclusion that "the more difficult ball you get, the better it behaves". It is definitely an upgrade for me (after only one session with it). For now, I am going to stay with the 25 and ditch my 22 with no regrets after 1,5 (maybe 2) year of playing with it.
 
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snoflewis

Legend
Today I have had a two hours friendly double play with the new Ezone 98 2025. The thing that is very important to mention is that I have been playing in 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 F), under baloon and on clay. The Ezone 98 2025 I have played with today had 285,5 kg*cm2 swingweight unstrung and I strung it with my go to string - PTP Rev 1,20 mm at 20 kg (17 gauge, 44 lbs).
First thought which comes to my mind right now is that the new 25 is an upgrade from the 22 version and that it plays a heavier ball.

In comparison to the 22 version I own, the new 25 is softer and more muted but in a good way, cause it is not jarring at all. In the moments of play that the 22 would jerk a racket and transfer unwanted vibration to the hand, it just mutes it, but you still can feel if you have hit the sweatspot in its center or on edges of it, but the feeling is just different.

As I wrote above, in my opinion the 25 hits heavier ball. I mean not only more powerful, but just heavier - deeper with more plow. The trajectory is definitely more flat on the 25 than on 22.
And now... the spin... - this what I am going to write right now is the biggest surprise for me with the new Ezone 98 2025. I have read and watched couple of reviews where people were saying that the 25 had less spin. In my opinion it does not have less spin, but because the trajectory is lower (more flat), it may feel like you are creating less spin. I think that many people are mislead by this feeling, cause lower trajectory does not always equal less spin. You can still hit very spinny ball with a little bit flatter trajectory. In addition to that the more muted feel of the new 25 camouflage the real number of the RPM spin. I felt the same today, but my opponents I had been playing with before using the 22, today with the 25 in my hand, they just could not hit back my ball to the other side of the court and I am writing not about pure winners, but about the balls that they had on their racket and it just died on it, because they were not ready for its heaviness.

Usually, I have better forehand and worse backhand (2HBH) with low swinghweight, more head light rackets like the 22.
With the 25 it is not the case anymore. My flat backhand is finally deadly as it used to be with some more head heavy, much highier swingweight rackets. So I am happy that my rackets (both) are not above 286 kg*cm2 swingweight, cause they just do not need more in my opinion.

Today I have been having mix feelings about my backhand slice. On the one side its like lazer beam and skids low and nasty on the other side of the net, but sometimes it is much harder to pick up and bring up some low balls with the same motion as it was possible with the 22.

On the serve the trajectory is significantly lower. I can hit even bigger flat bombs than with the 22, but will have to still adjust on serve slice, cause the ball dies sometimes.
To my surprise - kicks jump even highier than with the 22, so in my opinion, like I wrote above, for me the 25 does not have less spin than the 22, but it is "hidden in the stringbed feedback" - I would call it this way.

Volleys are very stable and fun to hit. I still have to adjust on dropshots (did not hit much of it in double gameplay) and other subtle, finesse shots including backhand slice, cause the mutedness of the 25 crosses its way for me, at least for now.

So, I would sum the new 25 up with the conclusion that "the more difficult ball you get, the better it behaves", but it is definitely and upgrade for me (after only one session with it) and I am going to stay with it.
were you playing your 22 in stock form?
 

Zibenator

New User
were you playing your 22 in stock form?
Before the regular 22, I played with 22 Tour half a year but it was too much for me to play with it two or three tournament matches in row.

So I have switched to regular 22 - with it I have tried lead at 12; at 3 and 9; at the throat; tungsen putty under the buttcap, but it always polarized the beam too much towards the lead, so I gave up on it and played stock.

What is the most funny, I was achieving the best match results with the stock 22, so for me it was the most important argument to stay stock :)
 

ulunxtns

Professional
Before the regular 22, I played with 22 Tour half a year but it was too much for me to play with it two or three tournament matches in row.

So I have switched to regular 22 - with it I have tried lead at 12; at 3 and 9; at the throat; tungsen putty under the buttcap, but it always polarized the beam too much towards the lead, so I gave up on it and played stock.

What is the most funny, I was achieving the best match results with the stock 22, so for me it was the most important argument to stay stock :)
Did you measure your 22 stock specs? Is anything different from your 25 version?

Otherwise you're comparing two different racquets with two different specs.
 

Zibenator

New User
were you playing your 22 in stock form?
Before the regular 22, I played with 22 Tour half a year but it was too much for me to play with it two or three tournament matches in row.

So I have switched to regular 22 - with it I have tried lead at 12; at 3 and 9; at the throat; tungsen putty under the buttcap, but it always polarized the beam too much towards the lead, so I gave up on it and played stock.

What is the most funny, I was achieving the best match results with the stock 22, so for me it was the most important argument to stay stock :)
Did you measure your 22 stock specs? Is anything different from your 25 version?

Otherwise you're comparing two different racquets with two different specs.
If you still did not notice, I just answered the @snoflewis question. It was not a part of my comparison review.

My comparison review was about MY FEELINGS and not about MEASURES :)

If the number specification of the 22 and the 25 was identical, for me they would still feel different, because in my opinion they are different just by difference in upper hoop build and overall softer response by lower RA. I thought it was obvious while I was writing my "feelings review" :)

But answering your question - while buying a pair of the 22, approximately two years ago I asked for the matching service for these two and they were identical to me while holding it and playing.

And yes, I have measured the 22 weight and balance myself. They were very close to stock numbers. Did not measure swinghweight, but it was definitely lower on both 22s than on both 25s I was writing about in my "feelings comparison" (lets say) review.

Earlier in the thread you can find full specification of my new pair of 25 including swingweight.

From my experience of playing tennis (started when I was 9) I can say that the pair of 25s have highier swingweight by at least 5 each or even more points than the pair of 22s or the mass distribution is different.

For me the 25 is better than the 22 and the 20, but more demanding than both prior ones and the most muted ezone I have played with to date.

In my opinion my pair of the 22 and my pair of the 25 are "different rackets with the same DNA".
 
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If you still did not notice, I just answered the @snoflewis question. It was not a part of my comparison review.

My comparison review was about MY FEELINGS and not about MEASURES :)

If the number specification of the 22 and the 25 was identical, for me they would still feel different, because in MY opinion they are different just by difference in upper hoop build and overall softer response by lower RA. I thought it was obvious while I was writing my "feelings review" :)

BUT answering your question - while buying a pair of the 22, approximately two years ago I asked for the matching service for these two and they were identical to me while holding it and playing.

AND yes, I have measured the 22 weight and balance myself. They were very close to stock numbers. Did not measure swinghweight, but it was definitely lower on both 22s than on both 25s I was writing about in my "feelings comparison" (lets say) review.

Earlier in the thread you can find full specification of my new pair of 25 including swingweight.

From my above 30 years experience of playing tennis (started when I was 9) I can say that the pair of 25s have highier swingweight by at least 5 each or even more points than the pair of 22s. Oh, wait, did I "hear anything ..." - anticipating your question - YES, it is subjective, like everything what we ALL write here about rackets.

FOR ME the 25 is better than the 22 and for sure the 20, but more demanding than both prior ones.

In my opinion my pair of the 22 and my pair of the 25 are "different rackets with the same DNA". I do not know how to explain it more clearly to you.

If you like measures, weighting, numbers and dimensions so much, maybe you should consider starting a career as a pharmacist, instead of playing tennis on amateur level like we all here do ;) It covers a lot of it as far as I know.

Just don't read what anonymuos guys on forum write (including me) if you are not convinced to what you read. Take the rackets to the court and find out for yourself how it feels and plays to you. At the end of the day you will be playing with it. That is the best advice you can get on this forum about any new racket.

Please, let me reserve the right not to answer this type of questions as yours in the future, cause aswering it and explaining is too tiring for me. Thank you :)
Haha, kind of fun reading this. SW is def the difference, and yeah, if you had the same spec'd 22 it might not work as a whole package, might launch even more perhaps.

Very random tangent only for car people while I am bored in a meeting....take the Japanese approach to cars, it's the end product, the CEO of Toyota told the engineers what he wanted in the LC500, an overall enthusiastic luxury experience amongst other things, then they worked back from there. So, the LC500 is an experience, but the 0-60 numbers are not great etc. , while BMW and Mercedes make sure every new car has a better 0-60. I'd like to know what the CEO of Yonex told the engineers haha, if there was a goal they worked back from.
 

yourtennisfit

Professional
Haha, kind of fun reading this. SW is def the difference, and yeah, if you had the same spec'd 22 it might not work as a whole package, might launch even more perhaps.

Very random tangent only for car people while I am bored in a meeting....take the Japanese approach to cars, it's the end product, the CEO of Toyota told the engineers what he wanted in the LC500, an overall enthusiastic luxury experience amongst other things, then they worked back from there. So, the LC500 is an experience, but the 0-60 numbers are not great etc. , while BMW and Mercedes make sure every new car has a better 0-60. I'd like to know what the CEO of Yonex told the engineers haha, if there was a goal they worked back from.

She/He simply told them "Milk those worms!"
 
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Zibenator

New User
Haha, kind of fun reading this. SW is def the difference, and yeah, if you had the same spec'd 22 it might not work as a whole package, might launch even more perhaps.

Very random tangent only for car people while I am bored in a meeting....take the Japanese approach to cars, it's the end product, the CEO of Toyota told the engineers what he wanted in the LC500, an overall enthusiastic luxury experience amongst other things, then they worked back from there. So, the LC500 is an experience, but the 0-60 numbers are not great etc. , while BMW and Mercedes make sure every new car has a better 0-60. I'd like to know what the CEO of Yonex told the engineers haha, if there was a goal they worked back from.

She/He simply told them "Milk those worms!"
Haha. Good ones :D Cars... worms.. WTF :) I thought this was a tennis, not a car or nature enthusiasts forum :)

Anyway, going back to the subject.
Today I had a second tennis session with a big hitter. Same environment, same court, temperature was not comfortable at all (13 C degrees), balls were wet and heavy. I have hit one, one & a half meter deeper with the 25 than with the 22, using the same swing as for the last 1,5 year with the 22.

I stand by what I wrote earlier. It is fun to hit with the Ezone 98 2025, it is more arm friendly, but for me it is more difficult to use than the 2022 version I owned. It does not move so fast through the air as the 22 was, due to swingweight difference I believe, but it is much more stable and does not need lead, unless you are (anybody is) aspiring pro or something like that.

Would I like to go back to the 22? No, I wouldn't. Maybe I will have to work harder to squeeze 100 % out of it, but I already know that it has improved my 2HBH straight away and on both wings (FH and BH) I can pick smaller targets with the 25 than I could with the 22.

Will have to work more on touch shots to figure it out somehow with the 25, cause for me it is not as natural as it was with the 22.
 

aaron_h27

Hall of Fame
Haha. Good ones :D Cars... worms.. WTF :) I thought this was a tennis, not a car or nature enthusiasts forum :)

Anyway, going back to the subject.
Today I had a second tennis session with a big hitter. Same environment, same court, temperature was not comfortable at all (13 C degrees), balls were wet and heavy. I have hit one, one & a half meter deeper with the 25 than with the 22, using the same swing as for the last 1,5 year with the 22.

I stand by what I wrote earlier. It is fun to hit with the Ezone 98 2025, it is more arm friendly, but for me it is more difficult to use than the 2022 version I owned. It does not move so fast through the air as the 22 was, due to swingweight difference I believe, but it is much more stable and does not need lead, unless you are (anybody is) aspiring pro or something like that.

Would I like to go back to the 22? No, I wouldn't. Maybe I will have to work harder to squeeze 100 % out of it, but I already know that it have improved my 2HBH straight away and on both wings (FH and BH) I can pick smaller targets with the 25 than I could with the 22.

Will have to work more on touch shots to figure it out somehow with the 25, cause for me it is not as natural as it was with the 22.
Not only is the swingweight higher on the 25 but the twistweight is up quite significantly. It's almost a completely different racket from the 22 if both left unmodified.
 

Zibenator

New User
Not only is the swingweight higher on the 25 but the twistweight is up quite significantly. It's almost a completely different racket from the 22 if both left unmodified.
It may be as you wrote. Did not check it to be honest. Yeah, it feels different to me.
 
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ulunxtns

Professional
If you still did not notice, I just answered the @snoflewis question. It was not a part of my comparison review.

My comparison review was about MY FEELINGS and not about MEASURES :)

If the number specification of the 22 and the 25 was identical, for me they would still feel different, because in MY opinion they are different just by difference in upper hoop build and overall softer response by lower RA. I thought it was obvious while I was writing my "feelings review" :)

BUT answering your question - while buying a pair of the 22, approximately two years ago I asked for the matching service for these two and they were identical to me while holding it and playing.

AND yes, I have measured the 22 weight and balance myself. They were very close to stock numbers. Did not measure swinghweight, but it was definitely lower on both 22s than on both 25s I was writing about in my "feelings comparison" (lets say) review.

Earlier in the thread you can find full specification of my new pair of 25 including swingweight.

From my above 30 years experience of playing tennis (started when I was 9) I can say that the pair of 25s have highier swingweight by at least 5 each or even more points than the pair of 22s. Oh, wait, did I "hear anything ..." - anticipating your question - YES, it is subjective, like everything what we ALL write here about rackets.

FOR ME the 25 is better than the 22 and for sure the 20, but more demanding than both prior ones.

In my opinion my pair of the 22 and my pair of the 25 are "different rackets with the same DNA". I do not know how to explain it more clearly to you.

If you like measures, weighting, numbers and dimensions so much, maybe you should consider starting a career as a pharmacist, instead of playing tennis on amateur level like we all here do ;) It covers a lot of it as far as I know.

Just don't read what anonymuos guys on forum write (including me) if you are not convinced to what you read. Take the rackets to the court and find out for yourself how it feels and plays to you. At the end of the day you will be playing with it. That is the best advice you can get on this forum about any new racket.

Please, let me reserve the right not to answer this type of questions as yours in the future, cause aswering it and explaining is too tiring for me. Thank you :)

Didn't know you get triggered so easily, chill bro lol.

I have nothing against your review, we all write our subjective opinions here. The point of my question is more about quality control of the swingweight. To me, it makes more sense to compare two versions of Ezone when the specs are identical, so I know what's the exact difference without other variables.

I appreciate your 'feelings comparison', my questions are just questions, don't read too much into it.
 
Didn't know you get triggered so easily, chill bro lol.

I have nothing against your review, we all write our subjective opinions here. The point of my question is more about quality control of the swingweight. To me, it makes more sense to compare two versions of Ezone when the specs are identical, so I know what's the exact difference without other variables.

I appreciate your 'feelings comparison', my questions are just questions, don't read too much into it.
I'd like to know the reverse engineering approach as I mentioned above, without sarcasm, there was a goal that Yonex had, more SW less Flex, all the stats add up to some holistic goal like most Japanese engineering (same as Lexus). That would help explain the reasons for the target specs and maybe a reason that even if a 22 was modified to be like a 25 on paper, what, if any differences there would still be in the overall play.
 

Zibenator

New User
Didn't know you get triggered so easily, chill bro lol.

I have nothing against your review, we all write our subjective opinions here. The point of my question is more about quality control of the swingweight. To me, it makes more sense to compare two versions of Ezone when the specs are identical, so I know what's the exact difference without other variables.

I appreciate your 'feelings comparison', my questions are just questions, don't read too much into it.
Yeah, you roasted me with your comment as hell - I am going to seat in a corner and cry now ;)

It has nothing to do with triggering, but perhaps my original answer was too direct and could be misunderstood as too harsh :) Sorry for that if it was the case. I appreciate your appreciation :)

But seriously, I am also curious of a direct comparison between identical specs of the 25 and the 22 and I believe that it would be the most objective thing to do. I just doubt if it is ever possible, unless you have access to Yonex factory.

The quality control of the swingweight is a different story of the same book, not only with Yonex frames, but other producers in particular.

I'd love to read what you think of the 25 once you test it out :)
 
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Zibenator

New User
I'd like to know the reverse engineering approach as I mentioned above, without sarcasm, there was a goal that Yonex had, more SW less Flex, all the stats add up to some holistic goal like most Japanese engineering (same as Lexus). That would help explain the reasons for the target specs and maybe a reason that even if a 22 was modified to be like a 25 on paper, what, if any differences there would still be in the overall play.
I wouldn't look for a second meaning here. A lot of people (as far as I know) complained that the 22 was too stiff and had too low swingweight.

That is why Yonex decided to "fix it" in the 25, since it is one of the few companies that aren't afraid to play around only with just changing the paint on a racket from version to version.
 
I wouldn't look for a second meaning here. A lot of people (as far as I know) complained that the 22 was too stiff and had too low swingweight.

That is why Yonex decided to "fix it" in the 25, since it is one of the few companies that aren't afraid to play around only with just changing the paint on a racket from version to version.
You might be right, I have a strange feeling though that Yonex does not listen to the forums in the US at least, I have no idea what the Japanese consumer says, but just based on the love of the DR and movement away from that Yonex might do what Yonex does regardless of feedback.
 

ulunxtns

Professional
I'd like to know the reverse engineering approach as I mentioned above, without sarcasm, there was a goal that Yonex had, more SW less Flex, all the stats add up to some holistic goal like most Japanese engineering (same as Lexus). That would help explain the reasons for the target specs and maybe a reason that even if a 22 was modified to be like a 25 on paper, what, if any differences there would still be in the overall play.
Yes, I get the Yonex approach to adjust the specs on 25. I do think the changes will attract more people to like this frame, especially since it's more comfortable, more pocketing, and has almost a little 'clash' feel to it.

IMO, there are many ways to look at it. For the people who didn't like the 22, the updated specs might suit them. But for the people who liked the 22, they might not like the 25 update.

For myself, I'm in the third group. I didn't like the 22 until I modified it, now Aqua Night is my main stick for the matches. My 22 specs are 332g, 32.1cm, 325sw. I tried other different setups, but none of them worked as well as this one, so that's what I settled. When 25 came out, I was ready for the switch, who doesn't like a new toy? So I ordered 4 25 Ezone 98. they all came around 290 sw, I was amazed by the QC. I did try to play as stock, but felt something missing and very muted compared to the aqua night, I used the same string setup. Then I decided to bring the specs up the same as my 22 to do a fair comparison. I would say they play differently, at the same specs, 22 feels lighter and swings faster for some reason, could be the increased twist weight. After trying 4 different string setups, I found Tour Bite/Bussard hybrid worked in 25, it kinda fixed the muteness for me, but still, I feel 22 gives more feedback and I'm more confident on my shots.

I kept playing around about the 25 setups since I knew my 22 setups didn't work on 25. The softness gives the 25 some 'player frame' vibe too. So I brought up the swingweight to 328, and made it more headlight around 31.8cm balance. The specs now are 337g, 31.8cm, 328sw. It plays much better, lots of plow through and very good for my 2HBH, but it feels like a different racquet. It plays close to my Pure Strike 98 which I also enjoy playing with. It's more like a 'baby Ezone Tour' for me.

For now, I don't think I will switch to 25, I ordered more Aqua night. But I will keep the 25 baby Ezone tour in my bag, it's kinda fun to hit with, but probably won't be my main.
 

Zibenator

New User
Yes, I get the Yonex approach to adjust the specs on 25. I do think the changes will attract more people to like this frame, especially since it's more comfortable, more pocketing, and has almost a little 'clash' feel to it.

IMO, there are many ways to look at it. For the people who didn't like the 22, the updated specs might suit them. But for the people who liked the 22, they might not like the 25 update.

For myself, I'm in the third group. I didn't like the 22 until I modified it, now Aqua Night is my main stick for the matches. My 22 specs are 332g, 32.1cm, 325sw. I tried other different setups, but none of them worked as well as this one, so that's what I settled. When 25 came out, I was ready for the switch, who doesn't like a new toy? So I ordered 4 25 Ezone 98. they all came around 290 sw, I was amazed by the QC. I did try to play as stock, but felt something missing and very muted compared to the aqua night, I used the same string setup. Then I decided to bring the specs up the same as my 22 to do a fair comparison. I would say they play differently, at the same specs, 22 feels lighter and swings faster for some reason, could be the increased twist weight. After trying 4 different string setups, I found Tour Bite/Bussard hybrid worked in 25, it kinda fixed the muteness for me, but still, I feel 22 gives more feedback and I'm more confident on my shots.

I kept playing around about the 25 setups since I knew my 22 setups didn't work on 25. The softness gives the 25 some 'player frame' vibe too. So I brought up the swingweight to 328, and made it more headlight around 31.8cm balance. The specs now are 337g, 31.8cm, 328sw. It plays much better, lots of plow through and very good for my 2HBH, but it feels like a different racquet. It plays close to my Pure Strike 98 which I also enjoy playing with. It's more like a 'baby Ezone Tour' for me.

For now, I don't think I will switch to 25, I ordered more Aqua night. But I will keep the 25 baby Ezone tour in my bag, it's kinda fun to hit with, but probably won't be my main.
I guess that the 25 is for the people who want stable, soft racket, don't like to play around with lead and felt that the 22 was jarring sometimes. The rest will be fine with the 22, which is not worse by any means, just different.
 
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usatennisfan

New User
Need some advice 4.5 player. I have finally almost gotten rid of my tennis elbow. Had for almost a year from stiff racquets, pure aero and pure aero vs. Have a sensitive elbow. I played with the CLASH 100 and now playing with the V3 no pain. Reading reviews people are saying the Ezone 98 2025 is softer. Would this be a good racquet for tennis elbow sufferers. The RA is listed as 63 :-/. You think it will cause arm pain. The 22 version did for me. Im intrigued by it.
 

ulunxtns

Professional
Need some advice 4.5 player. I have finally almost gotten rid of my tennis elbow. Had for almost a year from stiff racquets, pure aero and pure aero vs. Have a sensitive elbow. I played with the CLASH 100 and now playing with the V3 no pain. Reading reviews people are saying the Ezone 98 2025 is softer. Would this be a good racquet for tennis elbow sufferers. The RA is listed as 63 :-/. You think it will cause arm pain. The 22 version did for me. Im intrigued by it.
Give 25 a try, it's noticeably more comfortable even with stiffer poly, I have sensitive elbow too, I string it in mid 40s.
 

Arcturus

New User
honestly, the discussion about the 2020 vs. 2022 from 3 years ago is very similar to the discussion about the 2022 vs. 2025 that folks are having now. if you tried the 2022 and stuck with the 2020, i'd be surprised if you liked the 2025.
Ok thanks for the information. I did not try the 2022, therefore I was wondering what changed.

I'll probably change racquets in the next month and therefore would be interested to know whether it would be worth to try the v8 Ezone.
 

snoflewis

Legend
Ok thanks for the information. I did not try the 2022, therefore I was wondering what changed.

I'll probably change racquets in the next month and therefore would be interested to know whether it would be worth to try the v8 Ezone.
in that case, yes. i'd suggest trying the 2022 as well if you can.
 

Zibenator

New User
Ok thanks for the information. I did not try the 2022, therefore I was wondering what changed.

I'll probably change racquets in the next month and therefore would be interested to know whether it would be worth to try the v8 Ezone.
In my opinion the Ezone 98 v8 2025 is a mix of couple iterations, starting from 2022 > DR 98 > to 2020, in the presented direction from the most to the least similar. As you wrote - you have to try it to form your own opinion.
 

thenewbig3

Rookie
Need some advice 4.5 player. I have finally almost gotten rid of my tennis elbow. Had for almost a year from stiff racquets, pure aero and pure aero vs. Have a sensitive elbow. I played with the CLASH 100 and now playing with the V3 no pain. Reading reviews people are saying the Ezone 98 2025 is softer. Would this be a good racquet for tennis elbow sufferers. The RA is listed as 63 :-/. You think it will cause arm pain. The 22 version did for me. Im intrigued by it.

In general - I would suggest you stick with the recipe that saved you arm and brought you back to playing. I know and have hit with multiple "smart" people at the club who changed back to a regular stick because of whatever ******** reason they could make up in their mind, neither their results nor their ball was any "better" but they were back to suffering with TE in no time flat.
 
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fox

Professional
Dod anyone try 25’ 98 Ezone with some very stiff string? Like full bed of 4G or Tour Bite? Maybe it helps with muted feel.
 

dl32

Rookie
Give 25 a try, it's noticeably more comfortable even with stiffer poly, I have sensitive elbow too, I string it in mid 40s.
Same here. Plus model also feels a hair softer and lower RA per TW.

I’m playing with full bed poly mid 40’s and arm feels good.
 

dl32

Rookie
Dod anyone try 25’ 98 Ezone with some very stiff string? Like full bed of 4G or Tour Bite? Maybe it helps with muted feel.
Strings make a difference with the muted feel.

My three tests:

1. Full bed resting zero 1.23. Plays great but definitely muted.
2. Poly tour rev 1.2 crossed with PTP 1.2. Great feedback. Lacked control. Don’t want to string tighter.
3. Restring zero 1.23 crossed with resting sync 1.25. Great balance of performance and sensation. Somewhere in between 1 & 2, very nice.

Point is, string will make a difference even in a more muted frame.
 
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Zibenator

New User
Strings make a difference with the muted feel.

My three tests:

1. Full bed resting zero 1.23. Plays great but definitely muted.
2. Poly tour rev 1.2 crossed with PTO 1.2. Great feedback. Lacked control. Don’t want to string tighter.
3. Restring zero 1.23 crossed with resting sync 1.25. Great balance of performance and sensation. Somewhere in between 1 & 2, very nice.

Point is, string will make a difference even in a more muted frame.
Mine Ezone 98 2025 has muted feel with full bed of Poly Tour Rev 1,20 mm also (strung at 20 kg). Playing with various dampeners helped a little. Definitely the Yonex's one is the most dampening I have played with. It plays good without a dampener too. Many options for everyone.
 
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TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Need some advice 4.5 player. I have finally almost gotten rid of my tennis elbow. Had for almost a year from stiff racquets, pure aero and pure aero vs. Have a sensitive elbow. I played with the CLASH 100 and now playing with the V3 no pain. Reading reviews people are saying the Ezone 98 2025 is softer. Would this be a good racquet for tennis elbow sufferers. The RA is listed as 63 :-/. You think it will cause arm pain. The 22 version did for me. Im intrigued by it.

Need some advice 4.5 player. I have finally almost gotten rid of my tennis elbow. Had for almost a year from stiff racquets, pure aero and pure aero vs. Have a sensitive elbow. I played with the CLASH 100 and now playing with the V3 no pain. Reading reviews people are saying the Ezone 98 2025 is softer. Would this be a good racquet for tennis elbow sufferers. The RA is listed as 63 :-/. You think it will cause arm pain. The 22 version did for me. Im intrigued by it.
I would image you found a string setup that works for your arm health. I too had TE for over a year. In my case I still play with Ezone 100 but only use multifilaments and my arm is fine now.

Any chance you can demo the Ezone 98 with a softer poly at a lower tension, or perhaps a nice hybrid setup ? The Ezone 98 should be decently good for the arm, at the least on paper. The Clash obviously is in its own class with regards to low RA rating (stiffness).

The times that I had arm problems, I would say the fault was always at the stiff strings.
 

TheBoom

Hall of Fame
In anyone’s experience, is the Ezone 98 2025 as string sensitive as its predecessors? I‘ve always found the Ezone more hit or miss based on string than other rackets, but have been looking at picking some up based on some recent hits with the V7 and initial reviews of the frame
 

dl32

Rookie
Anyone tried poly tour strike on the new 98 and compare against rev or ptp in the new 98?

(Or do I need to be the first :))
I only did poly tour rev 1.2 crossed with pro 1.2 but wasn’t impressed. Comfortable, power wasn’t special and control was not particularly great. Was just trying to get a lower SW since I prefer the 98+ over the 98.

Went back to restring zero crossed with sync.
Comfortable, same if not more power but significantly better control, noticeably more control for me. Will also add, spin generation was much better with restring.
 

ryohazuki222

Hall of Fame
I only did poly tour rev 1.2 crossed with pro 1.2 but wasn’t impressed. Comfortable, power wasn’t special and control was not particularly great. Was just trying to get a lower SW since I prefer the 98+ over the 98.

Went back to restring zero crossed with sync.
Comfortable, same if not more power but significantly better control, noticeably more control for me. Will also add, spin generation was much better with restring.
Did you play at all using rev in the 22?

I liked rev in the 22. Didn’t love it in the percept. Don’t hate it in the 25; but feels like it needs to change.
 
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