8th Gen Yonex Ezone

ulunxtns

Professional
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
IME, they are. And v7 and v8 need strings from the opposite ends of the spectrum.
 

Torps

Semi-Pro
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 have strike, Rev and PTP reels lol so I could test.

IME.. I’d bet strike would be great. Rev is a bit muted for an already muted frame, but seems to be working for Keys. PTP is too soft for a softened up frame I think, but maybe a thinner gauge. I’m using confidential/strike hybrid in my EZ98. No complaints as of yet.
 

ryohazuki222

Hall of Fame
I have strike, Rev and PTP reels lol so I could test.

IME.. I’d bet strike would be great. Rev is a bit muted for an already muted frame, but seems to be working for Keys. PTP is too soft for a softened up frame I think, but maybe a thinner gauge. I’m using confidential/strike hybrid in my EZ98. No complaints as of yet.
Ya… this is why I was thinking strike was worth trying. Ordered a set to mess around with.
 

Maverick13

Semi-Pro
Does anyone else feel the grip is overly big and/or squishy? The grip on mine feels huge compared to my aqua nights. (Both are #3)
 

snoflewis

Legend
i'm wrapping up my playtest of the 2025 and sticking with the 2022. there is nothing the 2025 does better in my hands other than slices. it's still a good stick, but i just found the 2022 to be better in most areas for my game.
 

roger2025

New User
i'm wrapping up my playtest of the 2025 and sticking with the 2022. there is nothing the 2025 does better in my hands other than slices. it's still a good stick, but i just found the 2022 to be better in most areas for my game.
Did you find the 2022 version a bit unfriendly for your arm?
 
Most posts here are about the Ezone 98. It seems like nobody is good enough to create their own control and thus tap into the full potential of the Ezone 100 ;)
But seriously, I'd love to read posts about the Ezone 100 2025, maybe even compared to the Vcore 100 2023 or Blade V9 100.
I've only played the new Ezone 100 for an hour myself, it was a practice session with my coach. As expected, the Ezone had easy power and good spin potential. For a 100 sq. inch racquet with a wide beam, the maneuverability was good. The stability was also still good when my coach, a former college D1 player, ramped up the pace. I would have liked a bit more feedback from the Ezone 100. However, this problem may be solved with different strings; the racquet was strung with Poly Tour Air. I will test the Ezone 100 again with Lynx Tour as soon as it is available as a demo at TWE.
 

PD1978

Semi-Pro
Most posts here are about the Ezone 98. It seems like nobody is good enough to create their own control and thus tap into the full potential of the Ezone 100 ;)
But seriously, I'd love to read posts about the Ezone 100 2025, maybe even compared to the Vcore 100 2023 or Blade V9 100.
I've only played the new Ezone 100 for an hour myself, it was a practice session with my coach. As expected, the Ezone had easy power and good spin potential. For a 100 sq. inch racquet with a wide beam, the maneuverability was good. The stability was also still good when my coach, a former college D1 player, ramped up the pace. I would have liked a bit more feedback from the Ezone 100. However, this problem may be solved with different strings; the racquet was strung with Poly Tour Air. I will test the Ezone 100 again with Lynx Tour as soon as it is available as a demo at TWE.
Two things keep me from the 100, it’s balance and high RA. The balance can be fixed I guess as I like a headlight racquet, but the new 100 listed RA is 70 which unfortunately is too high for me.
 

heavyD

Professional
Two things keep me from the 100, it’s balance and high RA. The balance can be fixed I guess as I like a headlight racquet, but the new 100 listed RA is 70 which unfortunately is too high for me.
If RA on it's own told the whole story, nobody with arm problems would ever use Pro-Kennex racquets. The 21 PD gave me extreme TE (tore a tendon) and here I am using the new one despite it having a similar RA because the new flax inserts have made it much more forgiving.
 

Roforot

Hall of Fame
RA isn’t the whole picture. I have used pure rafa and feel very comfortable with it.

That being said I remember karue snd mark sansait having elbow pains w previous versions of ezone 98.
 

ryohazuki222

Hall of Fame
Update on latest playtest—

It’s possible to make this racket feel like crap. Have been messing around with specs to see how the racket reacts. Cool news: very receptive to tweaks. Bad news: I effed it up. Felt gross. Hated it.

That said. Still won my match. This racket is still “undefeated” in match play.

I’m really impressed at how different it can feel in different weight balance sw setups.
 

Zibenator

New User

In 1:12 of the film they have measured the twistweight and it was "15.9" (very high) - that is why the 25 feels so rock solid and stable. It turns out that the brought up swingweight on the 25 does not say the whole story itself.

I suspect that it is not only the beam construction, which makes it feel this way, but also a highier mass distribution towards 3 and 9.
 
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Zibenator

New User
Does anyone else feel the grip is overly big and/or squishy? The grip on mine feels huge compared to my aqua nights. (Both are #3)

More like the other way around on mine. The white basegrip is wrapped with almost no overlap, feels thinnish and you can the the basegrip gaps through the overgrip.
I use L2 handle size on both and to me the 25 base grip feels a smidge thinner than the blue 22 base grip. Almost like @_FrankTheTank_ said.
 

dl32

Rookie
Update on latest playtest—

It’s possible to make this racket feel like crap. Have been messing around with specs to see how the racket reacts. Cool news: very receptive to tweaks. Bad news: I effed it up. Felt gross. Hated it.

That said. Still won my match. This racket is still “undefeated” in match play.

I’m really impressed at how different it can feel in different weight balance sw setups.

Had a league match today, singles. 40+ 4.0 USTA.

I won 3 and 1, but I wasn’t particularly happy with my performance, not the frame. Started with mainly poor nervous footwork and 0-3, I settled down after.

Kind of caught myself and slowed everything down and moving my opponent around trying to setup a short ball. Rattled off 6 games in a row after.

I’m very happy how much pace I can generate with easy compact strokes. When I’m really on, the ball that comes off the frame is hard to deal with. I love it on the 1HBH.

The frame was better than me today and it gave me a little extra so I could problem solve.
 

ryohazuki222

Hall of Fame
Had a league match today, singles. 40+ 4.0 USTA.

I won 3 and 1, but I wasn’t particularly happy with my performance, not the frame. Started with mainly poor nervous footwork and 0-3, I settled down after.

Kind of caught myself and slowed everything down and moving my opponent around trying to setup a short ball. Rattled off 6 games in a row after.

I’m very happy how much pace I can generate with easy compact strokes. When I’m really on, the ball that comes off the frame is hard to deal with. I love it on the 1HBH.

The frame was better than me today and it gave me a little extra so I could problem solve.
Agree on 1hbh…!
 

aus89

Hall of Fame
Hi guys,

Do you know if Yonex will introduce us a new line of tennis bags due to the new Yonex Ezone racquets lineup?
int_ba924212_060-1_1.png

Think these are the new bags
 
Been playing with the 2025 ezone 98 for a few days now. Moving from an Angell TC 95 18*20 and it has been a mixed bag so far. I added a some weight to handle to increase the HL balance.

I cant seem to find my rhythm on the serve with this racquet just yet. Need a few more outings. However, my groundstrokes seem to have improved slightly, with my slices working very nicely with the ezone. I bought this racquet on a whim as I couldnt gel with the blade, Head Speed Pro and a few other racquets. Wanted to try a T FIGHT but I just can't bring myself to like their color scheme.

Note : The ezone has an RA of 63 which is same as my Angell TC 95 but for some reason I get a hum on my elbow after each session. Has anyone noticed any elbow issues with the new version ?
 
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roger2025

New User
Been playing with the 2025 ezone 98 for a few days now. Moving from an Angell TC 95 18*20 and it has been a mixed bag so far. I added a some weight to handle to increase the HL balance.

I cant seem to find my rhythm on the serve with this racquet just yet. Need a few more outings. However, my groundstrokes seem to have improved slightly, with my slices working very nicely with the ezone. I bought this racquet on a whim as I couldnt gel with the blade, Head Speed Pro and a few other racquets. Wanted to try a T FIGHT but I just can't bring myself to like their color scheme.

Note : The ezone has an RA of 63 which is same as my Angell TC 95 but for some reason I get a hum on my elbow after each session. Has anyone noticed any elbow issues with the new version ?
Yes I noticed the hum and pingy sensation of the ezone as well. Tried the vcore 98 and 100 and didnt notice that at all. Going to decide between the two.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
Alright so I know there have been a lot of messages about this, but in terms of best poly string for the 2025 98, I’m thinking poly tour pro blue cause it’s the classic string to go with this frame (though I’m otherwise not a huge fan of ptp), big hitter silver 7T, pt strike, and maybe also Lynx tour and tour bite? Are those the first to try with this or are there others which work well?
 

KC!

Hall of Fame
Alright so I know there have been a lot of messages about this, but in terms of best poly string for the 2025 98, I’m thinking poly tour pro blue cause it’s the classic string to go with this frame (though I’m otherwise not a huge fan of ptp), big hitter silver 7T, pt strike, and maybe also Lynx tour and tour bite? Are those the first to try with this or are there others which work well?
I like a little crisper string in the new Ezone. Super Toro is what i’m playing with right now.
 
Win 3 and 4 this weekend with the Ezone 98, guess it can win matches, I'd say I definitely don't think about this racket at all when playing, which is a goal of mine, so it does the job. I'm not so sure it's as magical as the 2022 on serve, but that's not going to matter in the win and loss column, it's still pretty good. It is a little better at net and slightly more predictable all around, no surprise launching still, which I would experience maybe 3 times a match or 4 with the 2022, could be my bad playing, but I still think the 2022, had a possibility of booming the ball accidentally.

@Zibenator I agree with Gresh (spelling?) , it is a good racket for the 1 hander, effortless, accurate, stable.
 

Roforot

Hall of Fame
Did anyone here pick up the Extended version of the Ezone 98? The last version got a score of 91 on the serve... but when I read the comments, they also make it sound like it's hard on spin/kick serves or maybe it's just getting used to the swingweight.
As opposed to something like the Pure Drive which seems to be a great serving racquet.
 

dl32

Rookie
I have both regular and plus 98.

They are similar but also very different. Everything about the 98 plus is slightly longer, meaning timing. It’s perfect but you need to be a hair better in all aspects especially preparation.

If you can adjust to the timing differences, frame is really darn good. You can “rhythm” hit and get solid pace. The 27”, you can generate more head speed with less effort and everything can be played more compact.

Two different ways to get to the same result so it’s gonna be a matter of what feels better.
 
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Zibenator

New User
Win 3 and 4 this weekend with the Ezone 98, guess it can win matches, I'd say I definitely don't think about this racket at all when playing, which is a goal of mine, so it does the job. I'm not so sure it's as magical as the 2022 on serve, but that's not going to matter in the win and loss column, it's still pretty good. It is a little better at net and slightly more predictable all around, no surprise launching still, which I would experience maybe 3 times a match or 4 with the 2022, could be my bad playing, but I still think the 2022, had a possibility of booming the ball accidentally.

@Zibenator I agree with Gresh (spelling?) , it is a good racket for the 1 hander, effortless, accurate, stable.
I also feel that the 22 was a little bit better in a serve department. Probably due to the fact that the 25 has lower net clearance including serve. Have to aim highier on flats with the 25 than I had to with 22, but I feel that the 25 is better for kicks to my surprise - probably more pocketing and "bigger head mass" let the ball stay longer on the serve during "ball to string contact". At least that is how I understand that.

For me the 25 is more predictable as it is for you. I would not be so brave to try my 2HBH down the line with the 22 as I am with the 25 so often.

This what you wrote about 1 hander with the 25 is exactly what made my 2 hander feel upgraded with the 25 also, in comparison to the 22. Now it is "effortless, accurate and stable".

I believe that Grisha the Gladiator comes from much beefier specs with his Gravity Pro that is why he may feel that the Ezone 98 2025 is not as he would wish in stock form. For myself, coming from the Ezone 98 2022 it is definitely an upgrade on my 2 hander. Just the opposite starting point changes the perspective.
 

Roforot

Hall of Fame
I have both regular and plus 98.

They are similar but also very different. Everything about the 98 plus is slightly longer, meaning timing. It’s perfect but you need to be a hair better in all aspects especially preparation.

If you can adjust to the timing differences, frame is really darn good. You can “rhythm” hit and get solid pace. The 27”, you can generate more head speed with less effort and everything can be played more compact.

Two different ways to get to the same result so it’s gonna be a matter of what feels better.
Thanks for the reply. When you use the plus version is it like getting a boost on your serve or is it more something the receiver notices.

do you add lead to the regular length?
Btw is this the ezone or vcore?
 

dl32

Rookie
Thanks for the reply. When you use the plus version is it like getting a boost on your serve or is it more something the receiver notices.

do you add lead to the regular length?
Btw is this the ezone or vcore?
Ezone. The power is bigger with less effort. It’s noticeable. However, timing is different and overall feels more cumbersome. Serve is definitely big.
 
Tested my 98 yesterday about 20 minutes in pointplay. So far, I found it noticible different to me '24 98 ANB. Much more muted and soft, hard to get spin. Could be the YPTP 125 black, first time I'm using this string. Could serve better with the v7.
Think I need other strings and a few more hours. Mixed it up between the games wit the Gravity Tour 98 and suprisingly the GT 98 was the "E-Z-One" for me....
 

roger2025

New User
Most posts here are about the Ezone 98. It seems like nobody is good enough to create their own control and thus tap into the full potential of the Ezone 100 ;)
But seriously, I'd love to read posts about the Ezone 100 2025, maybe even compared to the Vcore 100 2023 or Blade V9 100.
I've only played the new Ezone 100 for an hour myself, it was a practice session with my coach. As expected, the Ezone had easy power and good spin potential. For a 100 sq. inch racquet with a wide beam, the maneuverability was good. The stability was also still good when my coach, a former college D1 player, ramped up the pace. I would have liked a bit more feedback from the Ezone 100. However, this problem may be solved with different strings; the racquet was strung with Poly Tour Air. I will test the Ezone 100 again with Lynx Tour as soon as it is available as a demo at TWE.
Any feedback so far for the new ezone 100? I want to choose between the new ezone 100 vs vcore 100. Demoed the Ezone 100 2022 but I noticed the lack of feel and also felt a bit of arm discomfort but played well with it. Also the ball would fly unexpectedly at times. Vcore 100 felt much better and was quite easy and powerful with lots of spin. But unfortunately cannot demo the new Ezones hence looking for some advice here.
 
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Any feedback so far for the new ezone 100? I want to choose between the new ezone 100 vs vcore 100. Demoed the Ezone 100 2022 but I noticed the lack of feel and also felt a bit of arm discomfort but played well with it. Also the ball would fly unexpectedly at times. Vcore 100 felt much better and was quite easy and powerful with lots of spin. But unfortunately cannot demo the new Ezones hence looking for some advice here.

I'm still waiting for the Ezone 100 to become available as a demo at TWE. However, all reviews say that there were only very small changes to the old model, so you will probably still like the Vcore 2023 better.
 

FerVeneroni

New User
Any feedback so far for the new ezone 100? I want to choose between the new ezone 100 vs vcore 100. Demoed the Ezone 100 2022 but I noticed the lack of feel and also felt a bit of arm discomfort but played well with it. Also the ball would fly unexpectedly at times. Vcore 100 felt much better and was quite easy and powerful with lots of spin. But unfortunately cannot demo the new Ezones hence looking for some advice here.
I play with the Vcore 100 and I think it releases the ball a lot and generates good top spin, but I have a straighter FH and I'm going to switch to the Ezone 98 2025 to have a little more control without losing power.
 
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