Ezone 100: is it actually arm friendly?
- Thread starter BBM
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
ALL Ezone rackets from Yonex are arm friendly. they aimed at market with tennis elbows and they did a great job
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-yonex has a interesting concept with this line, the EZONE and the DR
-yonex is getting very close to the babolat feel with their high stiffness , seeking control, and their trying to dampen the throat
-they are getting stiffer, in the upper headarea of the racquet, but the throat and the handle material is dampening more with different concepts and materials
-im not sure if this is working EVERYTIME, as some models are better than others, but the new ezone is nice
-the throat area of the new 2020 yonex.ezone is very comfortable, pair that with 100" head and it becomes unique comfortable racquet
-i got to hit with it a bit, and felt good, i guess this is their answer to be competitive with the wilson.CLASH
-a few months back, i hit with the lime green ezone, i like that alot more than the DR blue version,, but i think i like the new 2020 ezone best
-yonex is getting very close to the babolat feel with their high stiffness , seeking control, and their trying to dampen the throat
-they are getting stiffer, in the upper headarea of the racquet, but the throat and the handle material is dampening more with different concepts and materials
-im not sure if this is working EVERYTIME, as some models are better than others, but the new ezone is nice
-the throat area of the new 2020 yonex.ezone is very comfortable, pair that with 100" head and it becomes unique comfortable racquet
-i got to hit with it a bit, and felt good, i guess this is their answer to be competitive with the wilson.CLASH
-a few months back, i hit with the lime green ezone, i like that alot more than the DR blue version,, but i think i like the new 2020 ezone best
1HBHfanatic
Legend
@A_Instead
-kinda agree "babolat being standard",, i would say they have their own signature
-i think yonex is trying different things and getting close to babolat by happenstance, but i think they know equally as many % of tennis players dont like babolat for that same reason
-if the wilson clash has shown 1 thing, is that club players and pro players preffer different racquets at the different levels of play
-comfort in my racquets needs to be at the top
-i do like the inovation SOME companies try!!, others seem to just copy, UNTIL they find something unique for themselves
-kinda agree "babolat being standard",, i would say they have their own signature
-i think yonex is trying different things and getting close to babolat by happenstance, but i think they know equally as many % of tennis players dont like babolat for that same reason
-if the wilson clash has shown 1 thing, is that club players and pro players preffer different racquets at the different levels of play
-comfort in my racquets needs to be at the top
-i do like the inovation SOME companies try!!, others seem to just copy, UNTIL they find something unique for themselves
How can one tell where the stiffness comes from? I don't think I've ever noticed this difference...
Also, what's the effect of having a flexible head/hoop vs throat?
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
Why did you like the 2018 and 2020 better? Are they better in performance, feel, comfort? I'm currently playing with a DR Lite (with lead 300g, so almost same as DR100), so would like to know if it suits my game better.
That's what I want to know also. Usually the numbers don't lie. Stiff racquet can "feel" soft, but the stiffness is still there
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-the 2020 version is better tech, no doubt about that, it just dampens the vibration better IMO,
-the 2018 is a bit muddy waters to me, i really am not sure
-the
-i do remember trying this racquet with caution, friend of mine was going through tennis elbow more from switching to this (2018) frame
-but plz try for yourself, as i just tested these models briefly, and these were "my limited", impressions of these line of racquets
-btw, lead and tension/strings can have a big impact on the feel of these sticks, tinker, and youll find your "golde lock zone"
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1HBHfanatic
Legend
-CORRECTION
-looks like i got my versions confused!! my bad, so many racquets
-i think i got these correct now, plz correct me if im wrong!!??!!
-the y.ezone.DR is from 2015, this is the racquet i liked (i found comfortable)
-the y.ezone is from 2017, this is the racquet i did not like as much (bad update IMO)
-the y.ezone is from 2019, this is the new one (2020) and i like a fair amount (good compromise with new tech)
-looks like i got my versions confused!! my bad, so many racquets
-i think i got these correct now, plz correct me if im wrong!!??!!
-the y.ezone.DR is from 2015, this is the racquet i liked (i found comfortable)
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
And how do you find the power, control and spin of the 2020 in comparison with the DR?
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-in the video, they (TW, i concur), describe the string pattern of the NEW ezone "2020"(2019), a bit tighter-pattern in the middle, thus more control, less power "typically"
-spin tends to like/favor more open patterns!, also more open = more power "typically"
-but that said, if a racket feels better to you, youll swing better with it, and any minor differences in spin/control between 2x similar frames, wont be as noticeable
-these 2x rackets are soo close (spec wise, frame thickness, pattern), i could not call it without more extensive play, or side by side testing
-all i can say is "i liked the feel", of the 2019 better than the 2017 version!
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
My short experience with an ezone 100 (dr) is stay low tension if doing full poly.
It can be a bit "shocky" otherwise.
Thinking gut/poly is where I will end up with it.
It can be a bit "shocky" otherwise.
Thinking gut/poly is where I will end up with it.
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
I guess vibration frequency doesn't indicate the comfort well. My DR100 has vibration frequency of 158, but it is really comfortable.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
I have slapped a leather grip and weight in the head on my ezone 100. No discomfort at all in spite of the high RA. Easy to play frame and very forgiving hitting yet a tame launch angle and surprising control for its power and head size. It is not too open of a patten in the middle. I’m stringing it with confidential @53lbs
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Hmm..so I have 70RA TC100s for instance I string up with full poly @54lbs. Also have a new FS Nova that also plays comfortable for a higher RA frame. I’d say the Ezone 100 may be a smidge less plush but I have not felt any ill effects or wrist, forearm, elbow or anywhere really.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-are you both getting these numbers from somewhere? or do you have something to measure with
-i like this notion of a vibration meter
-tnx
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I think vibration frequency is a good (but not the only) proxy for frame stiffness/comfort. The new yonex ezone 100 has a higher (150+) frequency yet maintains arm-friendliness, likely due to the VDM dampening tech. I thought the new ezone 98 played stiffer/crisper than its 64 RA would indicate, which is validated by its 149 vibration frequency. Previous versions of the ezone 98 were low 140s.
The new v7 Blades are in the low 130s and those are universally regarded as soft even though their RA is 62.
I wouldn't call the ezone 100 arm friendly at 69 stiffness. I play with aero pro and pure drive and I don't have any arm issues but I wouldn't call them arm friendly at their rated stiffness. I'm not saying you will be hurt but if comfort and joint safety is your priority, I think there are better choices out there.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I have tried the DR 98 and the extended version a while back. The extended version definitely felt more flexible IMO. I wouldn't say these frames were overly stiff to today's standards but the upper hoop played a bit too firm for my taste and arm. These frames had a 64 RA.
If the Ezone 100 has a 69 RA, I would say it's quite stiff and would not be a frame for players with any sort of arm problems. IMO the most arm friendly racquets I have played with are the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 and the Angell K7 Red. It comes down to personal preference regarding feel and whether the user has any arm problems. Definitely not saying that the Ezone is not good frame just wouldn't consider it high on the list for being arm friendly.
If the Ezone 100 has a 69 RA, I would say it's quite stiff and would not be a frame for players with any sort of arm problems. IMO the most arm friendly racquets I have played with are the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 and the Angell K7 Red. It comes down to personal preference regarding feel and whether the user has any arm problems. Definitely not saying that the Ezone is not good frame just wouldn't consider it high on the list for being arm friendly.
I have a very sensitive elbow its a little sore and stuff the next day after playing with most rackets, but since I got my first ezone 100+ few months ago my elbow
isn't sore or stiff at all the next day. Don't know how it's made but its super awesome for my arm.
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
Had never used silicone in the handle of a racket before, but gave it a go on my 100 and it really does "clean" up the feel, imho.
Did use blutak first to determine the desired weight before commiting to silicone as its kinda not reversible.
Did use blutak first to determine the desired weight before commiting to silicone as its kinda not reversible.
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
Which 100 do you use? 2018 or 2020?
naturallight
Semi-Pro
I demo'd the 2020 Ezone 100 vs the 2019 Bab PA. Despite the higher stiffness and higher vibration, the Ezone indeed felt more comfortable. Ezone was strung with PTP, Bab I believe Blast Rough. Bab had a lot more control.
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
Well it was actually the DR, which is supposed to be close to the 2020.
Just had a longer hit with it and the silicone wasn't the perfect solution I had hoped. The elbow felt better but my hand was feeling shock. Might consider a double OG approach to alleviate.
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
I play with a DR Lite (with lead 300g), but I don't feel any painful vibrations.
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
63 ra. Different animal.
For the regular 100, the stock grip is very thin, light and brittle. Replacing it with a more standard synthetic grip could be the fastest way to make it more comfortable. Personally finding a prince durapro to feel a lot better on it.
25-TENNIS
Semi-Pro
The DR lite is 69Ra. Not sure if it is the same, but I didn't like the stock grip either.
Babolix
Rookie
Despite it high stiffness rating, the Ezone 100 2020 is really confortable. I had arms problems in the past (with some babs, espacially the pure strike) and none with the ezone 100 (2020). The 98 is plusher but not as easy and fun to play.
Now I'm just lookin for the best string/tension to put in. What's yours ?
Now I'm just lookin for the best string/tension to put in. What's yours ?
Babolix
Rookie
Yes. Nowadays, we can't just look at the stiffness rating cause there are so much tech incorporated in the frames. So some 65RA without dampening tech or materials inside the frame could be more aggressive on the arms than some 69/70ra with it to absorbe the vib. (Note : the SW should also be mentioned when talking about pain, mostly for shoulders)
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
When I first transitioned over to Yonex from a Wilson Clash Tour, I had the 2020 Ezone 100. I must have gone through at least 10 different strings before finally setting up with Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 55lbs. I would say this is the best fit for me, but the strings are only good for about 10-12 hours. I have my own stringing machine, so restringing isn’t an issue. I would highly recommend PTP, but only if you have access to restringing. Otherwise try a different type of string, that has a longer lifespan. After the 100, I went to the 2020 98 and now the Tour,
Babolix
Rookie
Thanks. Poly tour pro is a good string, espacially for yonex frames. For the moment, I'm going with Head Experimental (Lynx tour) and its champagne colour. What I read sounds like a regular lynx with more bite, control and tension maintenance + Weird colour. We ll see !
Ruvi the Kruv
Rookie
I had DR EZONE 100 and sold it. But not becuse the discomfort. It's amazingly comofortable for a racquet at this RA! Still, copoly at high tensions will kill your arm with any racquet...
Ares2323
Rookie
The Lynx tour is a completely different string to the Lynx. Yes it has more rotation but less power and not as comfortable as the Lynx.Thanks. Poly tour pro is a good string, espacially for yonex frames. For the moment, I'm going with Head Experimental (Lynx tour) and its champagne colour. What I read sounds like a regular lynx with more bite, control and tension maintenance + Weird colour. We ll see !
Definitely not arm friendly for me. I had to stop using one after 5 minutes yesterday and it was strung with a softer string... I've been seeing a lot of conflicting results when it comes to comfort. I think Feeling arm friendly and being arm friendly are two different things.
If you have actual arm issues, I would strongly recommend against using this. If you're a player that occasionally has some pain here and there you'll be fine.
If you have actual arm issues, I would strongly recommend against using this. If you're a player that occasionally has some pain here and there you'll be fine.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Mine is very comfortable. Been comparing it to babolats and also my ultra tour. I use the same string in all of them, which is full poly silver 7 tour ( a stiff string).
expected the s7t to be stiff like it was in the babs, but it feels fantastic.
the 100 is a stiff frame but yonex has made high ra frames in the past that never bugged my arm and felt great on contact. The 100 is another one like that.
expected the s7t to be stiff like it was in the babs, but it feels fantastic.
the 100 is a stiff frame but yonex has made high ra frames in the past that never bugged my arm and felt great on contact. The 100 is another one like that.
Babolix
Rookie
I hurt my arms on the new speed MP 360+ with lynx on it. No hurt, injury or problem on the ezone with PTstrike even @55lbs. Maybe it depends of bodies, type of strokes or else but for me the MX40 + VDM + ezone conception make it a real arm friendly frame when talking about solidness at impact. For those who like noodles, clash are really more naturally soft because of the low RA (55) and big thickness. But between, if there is no dampening technology, every frame can be dangerous with a poly inside. Even the thin gravity can cause arm problems. The ezone absorbs a lot of bad things but if you put bigbanger alu or Tourbite @60lbs, yes, it will hurt !
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