thenewbig3
Hall of Fame
Yes!!!
The description I like for Ezone 98s is that they have a FILTERED FEEL but you know exactly what part of the string bed was used when you miss the sweet spot and when you its hit in the sweet zone - BANG!
Yes!!!
The description I like for Ezone 98s is that they have a FILTERED FEEL but you know exactly what part of the string bed was used when you miss the sweet spot and when you its hit in the sweet zone - BANG!
what shaped strings? For example?
I usually avoid very shaped ones as i find round strings to be much more predictable. The only shape i tolerate is 8 sided because they are very close to round strings - lynx tour, rpm blast etc.
Yes. The whole experience and feel is quite similar to PS97v14 which is also a muted frame with a very defined sweetspot and good power to control ratio. This was my main idea - to find smth that is close but a bit more forgiving during long matches with tougher opponents. I think Ezone 98 is as close as you can get. Percept 97 is a gorgeous frame too but you need to add lots of weight to make it as stable as PS97.
I've been trying to get used to the EZONE 98 for a while now, and it’s getting better. I’m mostly struggling with my second serve. As for my first serve, it's quite good. I’m hitting 'flat bombs' - not with the percentage I’d like yet, but the potential is there.
For the second serve, I’m not sure what the problem is. I’m used to having a solid second serve that I can defend easily. However, with the EZONE 98, I either hit the net or long. I’m losing matches because of an inconsistent second serve and double faults. Some might say it lacks spin, but I have no problem generating spin on my groundstrokes, and my first slice serve is good as well. I feel like I’d be better off just hitting two first serves, but I don’t want to build bad habits. I want a high-percentage second serve. Any ideas?
For the second serve, I’m not sure what the problem is. I’m used to having a solid second serve that I can defend easily. However, with the EZONE 98, I either hit the net or long. I’m losing matches because of an inconsistent second serve and double faults. Some might say it lacks spin, but I have no problem generating spin on my groundstrokes, and my first slice serve is good as well. I feel like I’d be better off just hitting two first serves, but I don’t want to build bad habits. I want a high-percentage second serve. Any ideas?
I’m using an Otoro Spin White / Tour Bite Round hybrid. I don’t find shaped strings to be less predictable. For me, the difference is mostly in feel.
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Got it. I think there is a reason why no pros use shaped strings. I find that once the edges wear off, the strings become unpredictable and often launch the ball. But i have never tried otoro strings, so i cant judge.
Hubert Hurkacz uses Tour Bite. Also, I think there's a huge gap between us recreational players and pros.
Are you saying no one on tour uses rpm or lynx tour?
Agzetabyte
Rookie
Lots of pros use shaped strings even some like hyper g which I would consider unpredictable. Also Lynx tour is 6 sided and a very predictable shaped string. I will say on average shaped strings are less predictable but there are very predictable shaped strings like cyclone and Lynx tour. Also pros get fresh strings all the time so the problem of them wearing out would affect them less than it would affect the average rec player.
Just bought an Ezone 100 which weighs 313g unstrung. I appreciate there's always going to be some tolerance +/- but is that too much? It's a present for my wife, currently using E100 V6 weighing 300 unstrung exactly. She's going to notice a big difference there, right? Should I ask for an exchange? Any advice appreciated!
_FrankTheTank_
Semi-Pro
are you based in japan? is this the Ezone 100 tour version? Ask for an exchange is theres time left.
No, UK - and it's not the tour - just a regular 100. It only arrived today, so am definitely going to ask for an exchange
Ok- so it's not as bad as I thought. I weighed the racket at 316g with the 'new racket' piece of card still in place. I thought this would only weigh 3-5g so figured the racket weighed 310-313g. I've removed the card now and it actually weighed 10g. So, the racket is 306g, maybe the plastic on the handle is another 1g, so 305g. That's not great, but it's reasonable.
In short, I'm an idiot!
I string mine in the low 40s. I can't compare to a mid 50s tension, but I find it to exaggerate the dwell time feeling, and I don't mind the extra mutedness. The launch angle increase is definitely nice
dfwchar
New User
any issues with control? volley & serves?
galapagos
Hall of Fame
old days. with a new coach he switched.
What is he using now?
thenewbig3
Hall of Fame
What was your previous racket where you didn't have this problem? I find this sort of general issue (super on 1st serve, net tapes and out with 2nds) with all tight pattern rackets which don't have the natural lift on serve. Its like my ground game and serve prefer two different styles of rackets and string patterns. I really have to go for the second serve with conviction with the EZ (and Ultra Tour before that). Tight pattern rackets just dont seem to like push-slices or handsy sky-hooks. You can adjust a little with string selection and tensions (+2 lbs on the mains and -2 lbs on crosses) but that can mess with your ground game. Basically BOTH the Up and the Down required for the 2nd serve has to come from technique.
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Gut and 4g
First hit with 2025 tonight.
Long time DR98 user and I was playing with the 2022 since it came out. Gut/poly but I have a sensitive arm. When the pain hits I use a Clash V1 98. The 2022 can aggravate my arm, has many times but the Ezone suites my game.
V8 version feels like and Ezone, plays like a Ezone. Which is great and exactly as expected. I had 4 racquets specs measured and all 4 were very close, great quality control.
Three things I noticed. It’s definitely more comfortable than the 2022 and swings through the ball a bit more confidently. As many of mentioned it’s more muted, harder to tell where the ball is on the string bed, but I’ll take that trade off any day for the increased comfort.
Thought I’d hate the colour, totally didn’t mind it.
Gonna get some more time next week on the court hopefully my arm and this V8 version get along as I enjoyed playing with it.
Oh, and with any Ezone for me personally, flat serves are amazing and my slice sucks. lol. Can’t have it all.
Long time DR98 user and I was playing with the 2022 since it came out. Gut/poly but I have a sensitive arm. When the pain hits I use a Clash V1 98. The 2022 can aggravate my arm, has many times but the Ezone suites my game.
V8 version feels like and Ezone, plays like a Ezone. Which is great and exactly as expected. I had 4 racquets specs measured and all 4 were very close, great quality control.
Three things I noticed. It’s definitely more comfortable than the 2022 and swings through the ball a bit more confidently. As many of mentioned it’s more muted, harder to tell where the ball is on the string bed, but I’ll take that trade off any day for the increased comfort.
Thought I’d hate the colour, totally didn’t mind it.
Gonna get some more time next week on the court hopefully my arm and this V8 version get along as I enjoyed playing with it.
Oh, and with any Ezone for me personally, flat serves are amazing and my slice sucks. lol. Can’t have it all.
All the racquets i used in the past:
1. Gravity Tour first gen: Solid first and second serve, great accuracy.
2. Gravity Pro second gen: Good first serve, flat bombs with amazing accuracy and decent second serve.
3. Speed Pro 2022: Most solid serve i ever played, good first and best second serve. I barely had double faults with this racquet somehow.
4. Speed MP: Not good, hard to control, inconsistent serve.
5. Blade 16 x 19 V9: Very good on serves, good accuracy and placement.
6. Ezone 98: I think i hit fastest flat bombs with this stick, even faster than Gravity Pro. But percentage isnt that great. Very bad on second serve, cant trust it at all on second serve.
Im guessing next year. Usually the last year of the 3 year cycle?!
Nope, I think this year might not have one as the release timelines finish adjusting into their new cycles with Percept release shifting to most likely Q1 2027, so Ezone refresh will be next year sometime if they do one, as Percept purple only launched a few months ago - and probably more strain on the production infrastructure with popular Ezone and VCore lines
Had another hit last night. Strung with Vs/PTP. Was buttery smooth, so easy on my arm and rock solid. Pockets the ball and got plenty of spin. For me it’s def improved over V7, swings through the ball better and works better in defense at the same time.
I’m gonna pick up another V8. I’m sold on this update. Works as described.
I’m gonna pick up another V8. I’m sold on this update. Works as described.
TwinCinema
Hall of Fame
I put confidential soft in my EZ98; review is in the Playtest thread for CS. Short answer -- I played my best tennis with the EZ98 using CS. Even though I slightly prefer the spin and feel of TBR, the EZ98 is a good match for HotCon.
Looking for some advice here from experienced Ezone users.
I recently started using the 100. Love the insanely huge sweet spot, stability, plush feel. Behind the baseline under pressure against stronger players, I feel like I can play defense all day and maintain reasonable pace and depth while waiting for an opening to present itself.
But the racquet feels very clunky and chunky and not very maneuverable. Also just a little too much power and a lack of touch. Against weaker players especially when I am moving inside the court I don’t feel like I have much control. It’s hard for me to have the feel of rolling over a short angle or be confident to really swing out and try to punch through the corner. Drop shots kind of fly long on me too. Basically just don’t have the feeling that I can either swing out or get cute and be creative to finish a point. Just play defense and go for high percentage big targets.
Is the natural answer to try the 98 and see if that gives me a little bit more of the variety I’m looking for? I’m winning matches with the 100 but I feel like a very low level player somehow. Like just pushing everything in the middle of the court with some depth and waiting for people to miss. In the past I have demoed the 98 and didn’t particularly like it but that was before I became a Ezone/yonex convert.
I recently started using the 100. Love the insanely huge sweet spot, stability, plush feel. Behind the baseline under pressure against stronger players, I feel like I can play defense all day and maintain reasonable pace and depth while waiting for an opening to present itself.
But the racquet feels very clunky and chunky and not very maneuverable. Also just a little too much power and a lack of touch. Against weaker players especially when I am moving inside the court I don’t feel like I have much control. It’s hard for me to have the feel of rolling over a short angle or be confident to really swing out and try to punch through the corner. Drop shots kind of fly long on me too. Basically just don’t have the feeling that I can either swing out or get cute and be creative to finish a point. Just play defense and go for high percentage big targets.
Is the natural answer to try the 98 and see if that gives me a little bit more of the variety I’m looking for? I’m winning matches with the 100 but I feel like a very low level player somehow. Like just pushing everything in the middle of the court with some depth and waiting for people to miss. In the past I have demoed the 98 and didn’t particularly like it but that was before I became a Ezone/yonex convert.
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LordGulbis
Rookie
I had the exact same issues with the new 100, too much power at times, especially against weaker players who play a bit slower, which led me to more UEs.
I wouldn't advise you at all to try the 98 if you're looking for something similar but only slightly less powerful and more maneuverable. Contrary to popular belief, the 98 is a low powered racquet, especially on groundstrokes.
You should give a try to the Dunlop FX500 if you're looking for a powerful frame that is easier to control, it's currently my main frame.
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thelimfactor
Rookie
Hi @Lee580 - what string tension you at? Have you tried increasing string tension? It may give the control you are after.
elliottsanhueza
New User
What you gain in attack using the Ezone 98 you'll lose in defense. I strongly recommend trying the 100-frame controlled frames. Speed MP Blade 100, etc. For me, the Speed MP 24 was slow to move due to its high SW , the Speed MP 22 was perfect but gave me wrist pain. I'm still looking, but for now I'm sticking with my Ezone 100 2025, with which I have the exact same problem as you. I use HyperG; maybe I'll try Confidential later.
Thanks for the responses.
@thelimfactor, I’m playing a 17g round poly at 52lbs right now. I go back to 16g and see how that feels.
@LordGulbis
@elliottsanhueza
Interesting that the new Ezone 98 doesn’t seem very popular on this forum although it seems like a lot of people used the prior version. In the recent past I have been a blade 100, speed pro, and PA 98 user. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I will continue to tinker and demo. I actually have a Percept 100d on the way and plan to check out the upcoming vcore 100d as well as the new pure aero line . Will also take the advice on the fx500. I’m an all courter with natural strengths being defense and topspin, so I generally need the racquet to help with flat drives and touch shots more than spin generation. But win or lose, tennis to me is more fun when you feel like you can execute a variety of offensive shots rather than just grinding and retrieving all day.
I should also say that despite some things not gelling with the Ezone, I’m really into the yonex isometric head shape right now. When I pick up some of the head racquets now, the hoop looks so long and skinny like there is less real estate to hit with.
@thelimfactor, I’m playing a 17g round poly at 52lbs right now. I go back to 16g and see how that feels.
@LordGulbis
@elliottsanhueza
Interesting that the new Ezone 98 doesn’t seem very popular on this forum although it seems like a lot of people used the prior version. In the recent past I have been a blade 100, speed pro, and PA 98 user. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I will continue to tinker and demo. I actually have a Percept 100d on the way and plan to check out the upcoming vcore 100d as well as the new pure aero line . Will also take the advice on the fx500. I’m an all courter with natural strengths being defense and topspin, so I generally need the racquet to help with flat drives and touch shots more than spin generation. But win or lose, tennis to me is more fun when you feel like you can execute a variety of offensive shots rather than just grinding and retrieving all day.
I should also say that despite some things not gelling with the Ezone, I’m really into the yonex isometric head shape right now. When I pick up some of the head racquets now, the hoop looks so long and skinny like there is less real estate to hit with.
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Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
I'd give it some more time. The 100 is great at defense as @elliottsanhueza noted. You can reflex lots of shots back with it. I find the 100 to be maneuverable and quick around the net. It's not perfect, but it's close. It's a notch better than the previous version which I also played with.
_FrankTheTank_
Semi-Pro
I have to get back to my post an correct what I said.
It is /was the TBHS7T whoch is kind of muted/dull in thos frame. String both frames now with TBHS7T/ MSV Bussard (M/C) and they feel simiar, and the feedback on the reg. 98 increased.
ozbikebuddy
Semi-Pro
I have older Tours, but use the yonex synth leather on them
gonna piggy back on the question. For those who have spent time with the 100 and the 98, did you notice any difference in grip size or feel? The 1/4 grip in my Ezone 100 feels really big but somehow the 1/4 grip in my Percept 100d feels pretty normal. Both new stock yonex base grips.
thenewbig3
Hall of Fame
Im using Karakal SuperPU (because Andy Murray of course) right now after the factory grips thin out which is pretty quick. Aftermarket Yonex grip is slightly bigger sinxe it ha a glue strip that adds thickness vs the liquid glue they use at the factory.
My 22 EZ100 felt bigger than my 4 x 22 EZ98s - equal to a about the one overgrips worth. Both had the stock Yonex grip at the time. It was not enough to bother me though.
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Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
I think it wouldn't hurt to try the 98. I never gelled with the 100 because, like you said, it felt clunky to me and too much power. For me the EZ98 has a really good blend of power/control. You might find that you can actually hit harder with EZ98, because you might find the freedom to swing out more freely and consistently. If you have good mechanics and a full swing you might prefer the 98. My preference is that I like racquets that provide a little bit of help, not a lot. Power racquets are fun and seductively easy, but it can be a jekyl/hyde experience.
Bottom line is if you're winning, obviously your string setup would be the easiest thing to adjust... higher tension, edged or thicker string. But if you still feel that the racquet is holding you back then something like the 98 might be what you're looking for in the end.
Great advice, thank you. I definitely should experiment more with strings. First step will be to try something with aggressive shaping and a little less energy return, maybe silver 7 tour. I only have one of these frames at the moment so it’s a little harder to mess around with different strings. Usually I will have 2-3 copies of any racquet I consider my main gamer, however right now there are so many upcoming models that look promising so I’m trying not to double up until I feel more committed. On the short list to try would be vcore 100d, new pure aero 100, fx500 that people seem to really like, and also Ezone 98.
Ok so now I had him spec some 100s and the sw came back at 299, 297, and 304!!! Im starting to think his machine is off!?!
EastAngels2014
Semi-Pro
A buddy gave me his Ezone 98 to try and I just have not been able to gel with it. Tried a few different string sets up, added some weight to the handle. When I hit the ball perfect this racquet feels great but there are so many times where my swing feels the same but the ball bottoms in the net or flys long. Anybody else have a long adjustment period for this frame?
_FrankTheTank_
Semi-Pro
I have an standard 98 and an specd up 98L and I much prefer the 98L.
The std 98 has a laggy upper hoop, specs on paper are what i Like on other frames, but this feel slike it needs weight below 3&9, but it does not take it too well (or it's me not willing to take the tradeoff in maneuverablility).
It's been a year now of customizing and picking it up again and put it aside again. Different story on the 98L.
Give it some time. I needed much more time to get used to this racquet than others. But its still power racquet, you cant strung it low like 18 x 20. I had to strung it tighter 23.5/22.5 Totoline O-toro green to have control. Now i play good with it, but my arm hurts and im not sure if im able to play with it long term.
All the myths people telling about this racquet seems like opposite for me.
"Launch angle low". For me its well balanced, not low not high.
"No spin". I hit massive spin no problem, more than with my Speed MP 2022.
"Comfortable racquet". Yes, it feels very soft when you hit. But you still getting those vibrations. I got shoulder issues with this racquet. Last time i had shoulder issues it was 7 years ago, when i played low weight stiff racquet and didnt had enough shoulder strength.
It's great racquet and i play very well with it. Even mine specs are 332gr, 326 SW, 32 cm balance its very maneuvarable. Sweetspot once used to it feels like Speed MP. For me the only downside is comfort.
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