ryohazuki222
Hall of Fame
I haven’t played with strike since it first came out in an old vcore pro so I can’t compare. But generally speaking I feel like colors play more lively than no color.
andytennis123
New User
Anyone know how long after a new yonnex release do they release a new paint job if it? Like the black aquamarine paint job
tele
Hall of Fame
seems to be 2 years, unless a new naomi osaka model is released, which came sooner in the past.
Torps
Semi-Pro
Blue is the stiffest of the colors followed by grey and black. I would agree with your comparison of grey and black. I’ve burned through reels of each color.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I’ve got some poly tour strike blue on the way that I’m looking forward to trying out in the ezone 98 ‘25 which I’m excited about. Some notes on strings in the 98 so far:
Started with poly tour pro blue which looks cool and I usually don’t like (too muted for me), but I actually thought it played pretty well in this stick. Good power, ok spin, a little plasticky but liked it nonetheless. Today I tried my favorite string Lynx tour champagne, and maybe it needs some tune time to break in, but felt really stiff and boardy, and lower powered than I wanted, especially on serves. I think this is a good example of the right string for the right racquet - works great in the vcore 98 to tone down the unpredictable (at times) string bed in that one, but given the string bed density and predictable nature of the ezone, it’s not as needed.
Next up will be strike blue, pure rush, and maybe big hitter silver tour or tour bite. Open to others suggestions here.
Started with poly tour pro blue which looks cool and I usually don’t like (too muted for me), but I actually thought it played pretty well in this stick. Good power, ok spin, a little plasticky but liked it nonetheless. Today I tried my favorite string Lynx tour champagne, and maybe it needs some tune time to break in, but felt really stiff and boardy, and lower powered than I wanted, especially on serves. I think this is a good example of the right string for the right racquet - works great in the vcore 98 to tone down the unpredictable (at times) string bed in that one, but given the string bed density and predictable nature of the ezone, it’s not as needed.
Next up will be strike blue, pure rush, and maybe big hitter silver tour or tour bite. Open to others suggestions here.
ryohazuki222
Hall of Fame
Finalizing on the new setup. 25 is starting to feel amazing. Continue to say this is a different racket than it’s predecessor.
They really need to persist this new line and the previous Gen.
Previous Gen - ezone 98 firm
New Gen - ezone 98 soft
They really need to persist this new line and the previous Gen.
Previous Gen - ezone 98 firm
New Gen - ezone 98 soft
ryohazuki222
Hall of Fame
Ya. And I finally was able to match up spec to spec.
Looking back at oem specs; basically, I think it is “true” that the new gen is more powerful. But it’s more powerful because they increased the swingweight. At the same swingweight, the frame itself is lower powered.
So if you’re buying off the shelf and not customizing… I get to the same place… it’s a similar specced but different racket arriving at the final specs in a different way. And in that regard — maybe it is more powerful.
But if you compare normalized as close as possible spec to spec with customization… it’s clear how different they are.
The crazy thing is; spec for spec they swing essentially identical (of course) but the feel at impact is so drastically different that I’d argue it’s disingenuous to claim them to be “the same”.
And ya… I planned on selling my 22s. But now I plan on keeping them for down the road if I ever want that power back. Maybe as I age and it’s harder to move around, for example.
ryohazuki222
Hall of Fame
Probably doesn’t help a ton but;
I did not like the 20 98. I really liked the 20 tour 98. I was going to get it but yonex rep told me to wait for the new ones.
Figured I’d try them and then buy the 20s on sale.
I liked the 22 98 more than the 20 tour 98 and leaned in.
The thing I missed was the feel from the flex on the tour. But in every other regard I far preferred the 22.
The 25 98, imo, is like the child of the 20 tour 98 and the 22 98. It clearly shares that DNA, but in addition has its own personality mixed in.
Maybe that adds some value to you… doesn’t really answer your question.
Thanks- even the paternity comparison was enlightening. I have four of the 2020 EZT98 and agree about the flex of that model. It's notable enough that I didn't bother making the transition to the 2022 model. I'm at the stage in my tennis development where I'm not sure it makes that big a difference in shot production.
Just finished a short demo of the 2025 EZ98 and noticed the small increase in power. But playing at high-altitude, I'm not sure that's of any real benefit for my all-court game.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Anyone else liking/disliking YPTP in this frame? Using the 1.25mm black one for the first time, but I have to work VERY hard for some spin and if the ball drops short I don't really know where I (miss)hit it. Only feedback I have is from the output of the ball.
As some of you wrote, I'll try a shaped silverish string (TS7T, MSV focus hex, lynx tour 1.20) next, but I'll try to give the YPTP another hour or two.
As some of you wrote, I'll try a shaped silverish string (TS7T, MSV focus hex, lynx tour 1.20) next, but I'll try to give the YPTP another hour or two.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Spend another 25 minutes rallyeing with it, just baseline game. Like others mentioned the (for me flat) OHBH feels great with it. But loopy Backhand shots with a good arc to force your opponent out wide or to buy some time are tricky.
I find it hard to create a heavy ball with it, fast balls through the court are relatively easy. In general I think it became more of a "pure drive" than a "pure aero". The spin gap to the GT 98 or the Tfight 300s was very noticeable (well, off course).
Onther good thing beside the flat shots is the stability to gram weight ratio. The racket head feels equaly stable or even more stable compared to my '24 AquaNB which is same SW but 4g heavier and slightly more HH.
Similar to the stability upgrade from Head Extreme Tour to Head Extreme Pro.
Dadof2wildmonkeys
New User
I demoed the Percept 100 and Ezone 100 25, though in two different demo batches. The strings on the ezone were new while old on the Percept. Ezone 100 was miles ahead softer, so I have no idea how they measure stiffness. I really appreciated the stiffness of the Percept, it felt like it gave me easy power and was easy on my arm. I really like both but for now bought the Ezone as i have some TE and apparently it is good for that according to tw.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
2020 ez98 was too dampened to the point of making it very numb. I didn’t like it at all. 2022 ez98 significantly improved the feel. Still dampened but there was still enough feel. Definitely could use this one. 2025 ez98 continues to improve on the feel, feedback and comfort. This is the best ez98 yet.
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FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Conclusion, I'll borrow from the TNerd video, the 25 EZ98 has a very high playability, I only prefer my Regna because of head balance and if I tried to copy that in the 25 EZ98 things might get wonky. The racket is slightly more playable than the "wow" power of the 22 and @ryohazuki222 used better words than I could concerning the power of the 25 comes from SW. It's a racket that let's you play tennis and never think about the racket for me.
Wins 5 and 6 ( each win 1-6 with a completely new doubles partner) with the EZ25 this weekend, would I have won with a different racket? Probably (scores were 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 and 6-0, 6-2, 6-1....each team wanted to stick around for a 3rd since the first 2 sets went so fast), but it was a very good experience using the EZ25.
I need to try stiffer string though as the racket gurus keep mentioning, I've got PTP in there, probably time to restring with some tour bite.
Wins 5 and 6 ( each win 1-6 with a completely new doubles partner) with the EZ25 this weekend, would I have won with a different racket? Probably (scores were 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 and 6-0, 6-2, 6-1....each team wanted to stick around for a 3rd since the first 2 sets went so fast), but it was a very good experience using the EZ25.
I need to try stiffer string though as the racket gurus keep mentioning, I've got PTP in there, probably time to restring with some tour bite.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
The 2025 ez98 demo I tried was strung with YPTP 1.25 and came in at a strung SW of 319. Loved how YPTP performed in it. Very comfortable. Great feedback and pocketing. No problem generating plenty of spin. Generating spin is 99% technique anyway.
KC!
Hall of Fame
I’ve been demoing both the 98 & 100. I find them both improved in my opinion from the 2022. The 2022 98 seemed launchy on me at times & I didn’t get that with the 2025. The 2025 was more forgiving & a little larger sweet spot. Not saying the 2022 wasn’t forgiving, that is one of the Ezone’s traits. The 100 is definitely softer feeling & much more maneuverable than the 2022. I had them strung with Poly Tour Strike/Poly Tour Pro hybrid. I have a 98 if anyone is interested PM me.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
MiddlingPlayer
Rookie
I play with a Percept 97D which I think is softer than the 100. I feel Ezone98 is softer than the 97D and I'm considering switching.
EZ98 as it seems to be making me work less harder than the 97D and is much better on serves probably due to its lower swing weight.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I used the HD then the D for awhile, you should switch for sure, you won't lose much control at all and will gain so much.
I tried the 20 98, was playing with the 22 98 Tour and the 22 98. Now I am on the 25 98.
If I was comparing "family connections" of the different iterations of Ezones 98 starting from the 20 version, I would write the same
MiddlingPlayer
Rookie
thanks! Yes, surprisingly I didn't seem to lose any control going from denser pattern to open. I played a close tough set yesterday and it was much easier to play with the EZ98 demo.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Your right about technique. But beside that i was a bit too hasty anyway. I put some tungsten under the butcap and the tension has dropped a bit and today there almost wasn't a shot i couldn't do.
soulfree914
Rookie
Has anyone tried Restring Zero in the ‘25 EZ98? I’m thinking it would look good, but wondering if it would feel too muted.
soulfree914
Rookie
Never mind. Found a related post.
4.5 as well and I’m basically recovered from TE. Hit for an hour tues, Thursday and Sunday after the third session both elbows weren’t happy at all. I used multis and had this racquet (Ezone 2025) strung at 46 pounds with some weight added at 12 and I haven’t had discomfort like this in a long time. I tend to make contact slightly above the sweet spot and the upper hoop being stiffer on this racquet I think might be the cause of the irritation.
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I hated the 22 98 when I tried it. Put it down quickly, just felt too harsh. PSA, I’m not an ezone user, tried the 23 VCORE 98 here and there, I have some 95d’s but they’re way to heavy for me now, soft spot for Stan.
Now that I formally stopped testing frames and adopted the 2025 98, I wanted to revisit the 22 one more time because I was bored of playing high quality tennis so easily, Lolol! In all seriousness, I wanted to see if I could get the 2022 to be more tolerable but not lose it’s DNA and neutering it.
Both my 25 and 22 are spec’d identically after customizing. Static 334, bal 32.2 and SW 332.
Strung the same as well, zero 1.23 mains sync 1.20 crosses. The only difference, 25 strung @ 46lb and the 22 strung @ 42lb.
In short the 22 @ 42 with restring blend is a killer. Definitely not plush like the 25 but nowhere near as uncomfortable like a full bed of poly at 48/46. I lost zero control, spin was easier to generate than the 25, noticeable, and big power was easier to generate. I was nervous 42lbs would not work on a powerful frame like this.
The spin factor was most noticeable on my kick serve. At least 2 feet of difference. Chest high bounce turned in to head height consistently with plus pace.
The biggest difference is how the stringbed plays. The 22, even with the low tension setup, felt more direct, crisp and had less dwell. I would typically consider those attributes less so my preference but I really liked it including the action on the ball. There isn’t a shot that I didn’t think the frame did “better” except perhaps droppers which I’m sure I can adjust to.
I’m a little torn now, but I’m going to continue testing the low tension experiment with the 22.
I’ll also note I walked it straight into a 4.5 match, fun only. It took a few games to adjust but ultimately the frame held its own. Aggressive on returns, 1HBH was effortless/stable/powerful and slice was clean, was suffocating the other side constantly pushing him back and ultimately getting a short one to end the point.
This has been an interesting thread. Probably would not be using an ezone otherwise and still my old Speed MP.
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I'm with you, tried 25 and 22 back to back with the same specs, same string and tension. 22 to me is just more exciting to play with. Compared to 25, 22 has more feedback and a more direct feel, but it's still comfortable enough for me. The power output between these two versions is different. 25 feels like a more linear response, 22 somehow has a slight boost effect, it gives you a little bit extra but the ball will still land in.
One of my 22 Ezone 98 has the same setup as yours, zero 123/sync 120, but at 44/42. It plays very well.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Anyone here who has played the Ezone 100 (2022) and also the 2025 version of the Ezone 100 ?
I am curious about how the thickened beam at the top affects the feel and maneuverability. I play with a OHBH and these thick beamed power frames can sometimes be challenging for me on this shot.
TennisNerd mentioned the 2025 version has more power.
Thoughts ?
I am curious about how the thickened beam at the top affects the feel and maneuverability. I play with a OHBH and these thick beamed power frames can sometimes be challenging for me on this shot.
TennisNerd mentioned the 2025 version has more power.
Thoughts ?
MiddlingPlayer
Rookie
Could it be the weight added at 12 is causing the additional stress to your arm? It will significantly increase the SW.
I am also dealing with a tennis elbow and played with the frame in a long session against a 4.5, didn't seem to bother the elbow.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Impressive that you are able to get a 330+ SW while keeping static and balance so low with these. I was never able to with my mine because of the stock weight distribution. What were your stock specs and what are you using to measure SW? And agreed, the 22 EZ 98 is special, and it is one of the few sticks that I would leave the PA 98 for at the moment.
Not sure honestly considering it wasn’t a huge amount of weight but you never know what could be causing an issue especially once you’ve already got a sensitive arm.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Sorry to hear it caused you some discomfort! I'm really paying attention to the feedback about the 25 98 ezone's comfort because i recovered from TE as well a few months ago and i don't really want to masse it up again!
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Everyone's body is different, but objectively this is generally a comfortable racquet - low flex, very muted, etc..
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Very true!
I played 3 years with the DR98 which everyone consider soft but i did not, and suddenly i developed the TE. Could have been the strings but i'm not sure.
Stock, came it at SW of 275 with bal and static slightly under spec (302/303). I added about 8 grams of double layer 1/4 lead at at the shoulders, around 10/2. Took the SW to 300. Added overgrip + 3 grams directly under buttcap, this ended up countering lead so unstrung bal was 31.2 when all said and done. Strings added roughly 15/16 grams. Quick mods and nothing drastic. Have kept this setup since first test and it’s still feeling good. About 4 hours on it so far.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I did not consider the DR98 soft or comfortable at all. It was dampened and muted, but not soft or uncomfortable. Hope you are doing well, my friend.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
it could also be that some folks have trouble with frames that are too flexible - I played with a low flex racquet recently and found myself having to hit out constantly, and that gave my arm trouble...it's tricky
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thank you!I did not consider the DR98 soft or comfortable at all. It was dampened and muted, but not soft or uncomfortable. Hope you are doing well, my friend.
I'm doing better now, but it took me a full year to heal and i don't want to fall in that hole again.
I have been playing sporadically now with the pro kennex black ace 300 which is great for TE issues but i don't like it so i'm keeping a real close eye on the 25 EZ 98 which i hope it will be more comfortable than the DR98.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Glad you hear you are back playing! A friend had a 25 EZ98 demo so I was able to try it. The demo was strung with YPTP 1.25. I thought it was pretty comfortable and the best EZ98 to date. Definitely more comfortable than the DR98. I recommend you demo one for yourself.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
DR98 was less comfy than the current Yonex lineup. 2025 EZ is very comfy, not that I want or need it to be, but it is and it's not a negative thing really, just is what it is.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
It could be because usually low flex frame are low power racquets, but then also more head heavy racquets could cause it. Who knows exactly but i feel when now someone has TE issues!
