DR98 or AI98?

[25-TENNIS]

Hi,
I'm using a Yonex DR Lite (270g, with lead it's 297). I really like the comfort of this racket, since I have no more pain in my shoulder. But I hit so many balls long. It's just a bit overpowered or so. It's strung with Sensation Power & Comfort at 26.5kg.

I'm thinking about buying a DR98 or AI98. Which one is the best in power, comfort, control and spin?

 

[Jster]

Ai 98 is yonex 's pt57a
Dr98 is yonex' s pt57e
#metaphor

 

[25-TENNIS]

Ok, but what's the difference between those PT57's?

 

[Jster]

A is softer, e is stiffer.
Dr 98 is more user friendly as it is al dente

 

[25-TENNIS]

Is there any difference in control and power?

 

[ron schaap]

Hi,
I'm using a Yonex DR Lite (270g, with lead it's 297). I really like the comfort of this racket, since I have no more pain in my shoulder. But I hit so many balls long. It's just a bit overpowered or so. It's strung with Sensation Power & Comfort at 26.5kg.

I'm thinking about buying a DR98 or AI98. Which one is the best in power, comfort, control and spin?

Why not alter your strings instead? Full poly gives you more control and spin potential.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Why not alter your strings instead? Full poly gives you more control and spin potential.

I think my shoulder doesn't like a poly string...

 

[polksio]

Ai 98 is yonex 's pt57a
Dr98 is yonex' s pt57e
#metaphor

Which one has some kind of dampening gel in the handle?

 

[ron schaap]

I think my shoulder doesn't like a poly string...

Wel have you tried with Yonex because these are very soft? Furthermore you could string poly at lower tension which gives you more control in some instances because of better pocketing.

 

[joohan]

Haven't played with Ai98 but if you're hitting long with almost 300g frame, I don't see 310g DR98 fixing your problem in any way that could not be used with what you're playing right now. I mean, DR98 is not a low powered racquet so you would have to find a low powered string setup anyway (which might not be easy if you don't want to use poly strings at all) and check your technique - particularly timing and swingpath.

I have the same issue, albeit with 360+g Yonex Tour G330 with SW north of 340. If I'm swinging late or with lazy feet, goes long. It doesn't happen with lower SW frames as I can adjust at the last split second much easier...heavier frames will do a lot of work for you, but they don't forgive. That's why I don't think changing frames (unless you choose really low-powered one...) will help you much.

That being said - DR98 is one of my all time favourite frames and I recommend it to everyone who's looking to switch to a modern frame with very good feel and performance.

Just my 0,02...

 

[dje31]

Ai 98 is yonex 's pt57a
Dr98 is yonex' s pt57e
#metaphor

Interesting supposition.

Any guess as to what the EZXi98 would equate to?

 

[Deleted member 369227]

Which one has some kind of dampening gel in the handle?

Both racquets have Quake Shut Gel in the handle. They are very similar and I bet many people would not be able to distinguish them in a blind test.

 

[25-TENNIS]

I have another 1/2 set of Sensation Control & Feel. Last time I used that string, I put it in the crosses at 25.5kg or so and the Sensation Comfort at my normal tension (26.5kg). I've played a few times with it, but my arm felt a bit sore. I'm not sure whether it's because of the string or because of conditions. Should I string it again with the Sensation Control at different tension?

 

[dje31]

I find they get boardy feeling at higher tensions. I have one at 47m/43x, and one 41m/37x, both Cyclone 19 mains, OGSM 17 crosses.

 

[polksio]

Both racquets have Quake Shut Gel in the handle. They are very similar and I bet many people would not be able to distinguish them in a blind test.

Do you have any of them? Do you know if the gel solution completely replaces the metal pieces you can find in tennis rackets or the metal is still there? (You can hold a magnet around the 10cm mark to know)

 

[25-TENNIS]

Haven't played with Ai98 but if you're hitting long with almost 300g frame, I don't see 310g DR98 fixing your problem in any way that could not be used with what you're playing right now. I mean, DR98 is not a low powered racquet so you would have to find a low powered string setup anyway (which might not be easy if you don't want to use poly strings at all) and check your technique - particularly timing and swingpath.

I have the same issue, albeit with 360+g Yonex Tour G330 with SW north of 340. If I'm swinging late or with lazy feet, goes long. It doesn't happen with lower SW frames as I can adjust at the last split second much easier...heavier frames will do a lot of work for you, but they don't forgive. That's why I don't think changing frames (unless you choose really low-powered one...) will help you much.

That being said - DR98 is one of my all time favourite frames and I recommend it to everyone who's looking to switch to a modern frame with very good feel and performance.

Just my 0,02...

But the DR98 has a smaller headsize and is more flexible than my DR Lite, so more control right?

 

[joohan]

But the DR98 has a smaller headsize and is more flexible than my DR Lite, so more control right?

Yes, of course.

All I'm saying is that if something is off with timing or swingpath, you might not actually see much difference at all. I can't comment further since I don't know the differences in SW etc. If DR98 has higher SW, it might even pronounce whatever is happening with your current frame.

All in all...If you want to try a really good frame, DR98 is not a bad one to go with. If I was smarter, I would have stocked up on 5-6 DR98s (and grommets) and would be a happy camper for a decade or two. It really is a perfect modern allrounder (...in my book anyway).