A More Stable/Powerful Version of the Yonex Ezone DR 98?

T

The1AndOnly

New User
Hi guys! I recently switched from the Babolat Pure Drive 2012 to the Yonex Ezone DR 98 last March. I loved the extra control I got from the Ezone DR as well as the softer feel of the frame.

However, as I've played more and more with this racquet, I've been finding myself craving a little bit more stability especially on off-center hits (maybe just a little stiffer too) and a little bit more power. I've been looking at demoing the new Yonez Ezone 98 (305) and the Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 (Project One7).

Do any of the other Yonex lines fit this description? Should I maybe try the new Pure Drive 2018 and give the Babolats another shot? Maybe the Wilson Blade or Pro Staff? I'm not very educated on racquets so I need some suggestions.

I am open to all racquet choices and definitely not limited to the racquets I just mentioned above. I'm not looking for a dramatic change in feel; I'm just looking for a relatively similar racquet with these extra features in mind. If you guys have any other suggestions it would be great to hear them!

Thanks!
 
If you like your play with DR98 don't replace it! Place a little lead tape (in the head for stability/power and in the handle if you want to keep balance) and you will get more stability and power with racket you like.
 
also rethink, if you are hitting a lot of of off center shots, you might need a slightly larger head for more forgiveness.
Practice more and lessen the off center puppies...
look at the wear within your stringbed, if they are out wide a lot...well....
sure a tad of lead may help also...
but look at the root cause issue first. band-aids are temporary....
 
CopolyX said:
also rethink, if you are hitting a lot of of off center shots, you might need a slightly larger head for more forgiveness.
Practice more and lessen the off center puppies...
look at the wear within your stringbed, if they are out wide a lot...well....
sure a tad of lead may help also...
but look at the root cause issue first. band-aids are temporary....
Click to expand...
@CopolyX Curious if you think a stick plays naturally better if it has the extra weight is stock, all other things being the same, SW, balance, strings etc. For example, building up a Yonex Dual 310g to the 330g with tape. Wouldn't the 330g play nicer because that weight is integrated into the frame, instead of being stuck on with tape?
 
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U can add lead like mentioned before. Other frames i would recommend with similar performance and better stability; Wilson blade ( i only know 18x20 but heard nice opinions with 16x19 cv) , angell tc95 18x20 63 ra, head speed pro touch played it today not so plush but nice power and spin. Good luck. Btw i like dr98 very much. I hated project one7. Totally different animals imo. Big NO for that one!
 
I've found the two most recent Blade 16x19 models ('15 and '17CV) to have better stability on abbreviated swings and at net than the DR98 and 98+ while having a touch easier access to extra power when you want it. For me it's slightly more than a marginal difference, but enough that I actually prefer the Blades in those areas.
 
Lead at 3/9 to add torsional stability. I would start off with ½ gram on each side first. Trial and adjust from there in 1 or ½ gram increments.
 
The1AndOnly said:
Hi guys! I recently switched from the Babolat Pure Drive 2012 to the Yonex Ezone DR 98 last March. I loved the extra control I got from the Ezone DR as well as the softer feel of the frame.

However, as I've played more and more with this racquet, I've been finding myself craving a little bit more stability especially on off-center hits (maybe just a little stiffer too) and a little bit more power. I've been looking at demoing the new Yonez Ezone 98 (305) and the Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 (Project One7).

Do any of the other Yonex lines fit this description? Should I maybe try the new Pure Drive 2018 and give the Babolats another shot? Maybe the Wilson Blade or Pro Staff? I'm not very educated on racquets so I need some suggestions.

I am open to all racquet choices and definitely not limited to the racquets I just mentioned above. I'm not looking for a dramatic change in feel; I'm just looking for a relatively similar racquet with these extra features in mind. If you guys have any other suggestions it would be great to hear them!

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Duel G 330g.
 
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The1AndOnly said:
Hi guys! I recently switched from the Babolat Pure Drive 2012 to the Yonex Ezone DR 98 last March. I loved the extra control I got from the Ezone DR as well as the softer feel of the frame.

However, as I've played more and more with this racquet, I've been finding myself craving a little bit more stability especially on off-center hits (maybe just a little stiffer too) and a little bit more power. I've been looking at demoing the new Yonez Ezone 98 (305) and the Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 (Project One7).

Do any of the other Yonex lines fit this description? Should I maybe try the new Pure Drive 2018 and give the Babolats another shot? Maybe the Wilson Blade or Pro Staff? I'm not very educated on racquets so I need some suggestions.

I am open to all racquet choices and definitely not limited to the racquets I just mentioned above. I'm not looking for a dramatic change in feel; I'm just looking for a relatively similar racquet with these extra features in mind. If you guys have any other suggestions it would be great to hear them!

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Coming from a Pure Aero I find the DR100 a perfect solution. The 98 was just a bit too flexy for me and the 100 sits right in the middle, it is very comfortable considering its 70 stiffness rating and much better pop than the DR98. My only gripe is that it does not come in a heavier version than the 300g -- I've added about 25g in tape/grip/putty.

The Pure Strike project one is the most overrated racquets I've ever tried. A bit too flexy, light, not arm-friendly and not as powerful as stated, but a fantastic paintjob. I really wanted to like it.

The new Ezones might be what you are looking for, stiffer in both models, but the 100 is supposed to be really stable for its weight. I'm going to demo both as soon as available.
 
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TennisBoysCousin said:
Dr 98+ is the answer to your problem. Much better frame imo. Who knew 1/2 inch would make such a difference.
Click to expand...
@TennisBoysCousin
I tried both the DR 98+ and 100+. I'm six foot and broad shoulders, I could not get into them, esp the 98+, felt like a buggy whip. After my first serve with the 100+ and I thought I would switch, but alas, what a difference .5 inch makes on playing aggressive and moving around the court, felt like I was wielding a battle axe vs. a sword, not for me.
 
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Just to make things worse - Angell TC100 63RA. I've switched to the TC100 from my control frames and I am testing it vs. Dr98 at the moment. TC100 has more power and spin without losing almost any control. Truly exceptional frame. I do like the feel of Dr98 more (muted, more solid and faster) but TC100 is an almighty tennis weapon designed to rule tennis courts (especially clay courts). The more I play with the TC100, the more I appreciate everything it's capable of.
 
ollinger said:
exactly....what is lead/tungsten tape for if not to give a little more stability and pop to a racquet you otherwise are happy with?
Click to expand...
esgee48 said:
Lead at 3/9 to add torsional stability. I would start off with ½ gram on each side first. Trial and adjust from there in 1 or ½ gram increments.
Click to expand...
flanker2000fr said:
I too was craving more plow through.

1.5g at 3 & 9, 2g at 12 worked a treat for me.
Click to expand...

Tried about 1g at 3 and 9, and it worked extremely well! Definitely a less "flippy" on contact. Thanks for the suggestion guys.

anfield said:
Coming from a Pure Aero I find the DR100 a perfect solution. The 98 was just a bit too flexy for me and the 100 sits right in the middle, it is very comfortable considering its 70 stiffness rating and much better pop than the DR98. My only gripe is that it does not come in a heavier version than the 300g -- I've added about 25g in tape/grip/putty.

The Pure Strike project one is the most overrated racquets I've ever tried. A bit too flexy, light, not arm-friendly and not as powerful as stated, but a fantastic paintjob. I really wanted to like it.

The new Ezones might be what you are looking for, stiffer in both models, but the 100 is supposed to be really stable for its weight. I'm going to demo both as soon as available.
Click to expand...

I prefer a slightly smaller head size so I'm not so sure about the DR100. However, I did manage to get my hands on the new EZONE 98 model, and even though the strings are pretty loose, the feel was just what I was looking for! Definitely going to be restringing it today and be seeing how it plays tomorrow.
 
anfield said:
@TennisBoysCousin
I tried both the DR 98+ and 100+. I'm six foot and broad shoulders, I could not get into them, esp the 98+, felt like a buggy whip. After my first serve with the 100+ and I thought I would switch, but alas, what a difference .5 inch makes on playing aggressive and moving around the court, felt like I was wielding a battle axe vs. a sword, not for me.
Click to expand...

Same here, six foot / 200 lbs of former rugby player, not lacking in strength, but I too find the 98+ quite unwieldy. Prefer the standard version for now, but will keep trying to master the + version. Probably need to drop 10-15 pounds to help with the footwork, which has to be impeccable to find the right distance to the ball.
 
flanker2000fr said:
Same here, six foot / 200 lbs of former rugby player, not lacking in strength, but I too find the 98+ quite unwieldy. Prefer the standard version for now, but will keep trying to master the + version. Probably need to drop 10-15 pounds to help with the footwork, which has to be impeccable to find the right distance to the ball.
Click to expand...

Hmm very interesting. I'm 6'2 and 340 pounds (no that isn't a typo lol) and I have found the + version of the dr 98 to be tame and easy to wield. But then again, I played with a 95 inch long body frame for over a decade before I decided to demo the yonex. I think once you find the right distance in your preparation of strokes you'll find that the extra length is awesome. If I tried going back to a standard length frame I have no doubt I'd be framing shots left and right.
 
RaiderRed said:
Hmm very interesting. I'm 6'2 and 340 pounds (no that isn't a typo lol) and I have found the + version of the dr 98 to be tame and easy to wield. But then again, I played with a 95 inch long body frame for over a decade before I decided to demo the yonex. I think once you find the right distance in your preparation of strokes you'll find that the extra length is awesome. If I tried going back to a standard length frame I have no doubt I'd be framing shots left and right.
Click to expand...

Well, it's good to know that offensive guards can play tennis too. I suspect that playing a longbody for a decade would have made the transition to the 98+ easier. I'll keep trying, though.

Heck, when I got back to tennis after many years of interruption, I started playing 75sq. in. vintage Kneissl's before picking the regular DR98. Surely I should be able to transition to the Plus model.
 
flanker2000fr said:
Well, it's good to know that offensive guards can play tennis too. I suspect that playing a longbody for a decade would have made the transition to the 98+ easier. I'll keep trying, though.

Heck, when I got back to tennis after many years of interruption, I started playing 75sq. in. vintage Kneissl's before picking the regular DR98. Surely I should be able to transition to the Plus model.
Click to expand...

Yeah I definitely don't fit the classic body type of a tennis player AT ALL lol. When I was in high school as the number 1 on varsity I got a lot of smirks and chuckles from the guys across the net from me when I walked onto the court. That all went away pretty quickly for them.

I don't know what your play style is but I'm probably a solid 4.5 that is a baseliner with a heavy forehand topspin and a two hand backhand with also a decent amount of slice on both wings if I get stretched out wide. I find the extra length gives me the ability to carve out better shots, especially if needing to transition from defense to offense. If you've played with a standard length frame for so long it probably would take quite the adjustment period. Try a good amount of serves out with the plus model...I discovered much easier power on my serves with the dr98+ compared to the dr98.
 
I'm told I am a solid 4.0 by people who know the US grading system. Big, kicked serve that seem to annoy a lot of people, including well ranked players. Big forehand, one handed, mostly sliced backhand. I am trying to get people to move around the court with the slice, then hit hard on the forehand when it comes to this wing. Will come to the net to finish points but not a natural serve & volley player.

Only did rallies with the 98+, need to see what it does on the serve. If it magnifies a strong suit in my game further, I might try harder the make the transition. I both versions, I absolutely like the soft, muted feel. Really feels like playing some of my old vintage frames, but with a lot more oomph and spin potential.
 
For what it's worth, I switched from the DR98 to the VCore SV98. While I does not feel as soft in contact with the added stiffness, it addressed the issues I had with the DR98 (little more power, felt a little too flexy for my swing)
 
Ezone 100 is crisper (some feel harsher; I don't)) than the DR series........ slight boost in power and a tad more stability. It sorta fits between the DR and the SV series in perceived if not real RA. I have not tried the 98 so I can't speak to that.
 
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