Curtennis
Hall of Fame
The only thing I can comment that would run counter to the popular narrative is that the Vcore 97D is not much lower powered if at all. The heft coming through the swing can create power to rival a stock ezone assuming equal swing speeds, but realistically the swing speeds should not be equal.
Otherwise everything else is exactly as you'd expect from a quick look at the stat page. Ezone easier to generate spin, easier to generate RHS, higher launch angle (but still not high), far and away easier to use on the run getting defensive style shots. VCP greater control, especially at the net. If you already get massive RHS, it can be a great tool, but for the vast majority of people Ezone is simply the better choice.
Ben Shelton switched from 320 HD to the 2022 Ezone 98. Kokkinakis plays it, Naomi does, Shapo at least considered it very seriously. So even at the pro level its a very competent racquet. Not sure any amateur looking to play at the absolute height of their potential game (unless so ingrained by years of familiarity) should use the VCP over the Ezone.
Otherwise everything else is exactly as you'd expect from a quick look at the stat page. Ezone easier to generate spin, easier to generate RHS, higher launch angle (but still not high), far and away easier to use on the run getting defensive style shots. VCP greater control, especially at the net. If you already get massive RHS, it can be a great tool, but for the vast majority of people Ezone is simply the better choice.
Ben Shelton switched from 320 HD to the 2022 Ezone 98. Kokkinakis plays it, Naomi does, Shapo at least considered it very seriously. So even at the pro level its a very competent racquet. Not sure any amateur looking to play at the absolute height of their potential game (unless so ingrained by years of familiarity) should use the VCP over the Ezone.
KC!
Hall of Fame
I’ve hit with them both and have two VCP D’s. The 2022 Ezone has a much higher launch angle, more spin and really good on serves. If I were to buy one I would add 2-3 grams at 10 & 2 and add over grip. I love the way it feels, just have a hard time keeping the ball between the lines against bigger hitters. The D has low launch angle with the 18x20. My two matched are 345 grams with over grip, 8 pts HL, 331SW. It absorbs heavy pace, big serves and slices are incredible with it. The Ezone is more powerful but you can definitely rip forehands by opponents with the D as well. The Ezone is very fun to play with and I still may buy a couple. But right now I feel more confident with the D for match play.
KC!
Hall of Fame
2022 Ezone 98 with 2 or 3 grams at 10 & 2, getting swing weight up to 326-328, I would say is a 8. If you’re strong and can generate the same kind of raquet speed with the D, it’s a 8 as well. The best standard length raquet I’ve ever served with is the 2021 Pure Drive, I would give it a 9. My friend has the 2022 Ezone 98+, it is a 10+
So ezone98 does not have a ton of pocketing flex. Balls comes off the stringbed fairly quick. It's all relative but it will be less pocketing vs something like a V7 blade etc.. against heavy hitters if you are trying to return their pace back with some interest you better nail the timing (contact zone) etc.. or else yeah you may hit long more often. Ez98 will defend you out of situations way easier though. So it's better to neutralize an attack and attack a neutral ball in my experience with ez98.
Ez98 serves like a beaaasttt
Torps
Semi-Pro
the EZ98 serves best when gripped way down pinky almost hanging off, so I can imagine the 98+ is the t!ts. Probably going to pick up the extended eventually, but I want to see what the new vcore offering looks like first.
Everyone commenting nailed it..
I have a 97D and EZ98 in my bag currently as my top two sticks with the EZ98 edging out the 97D most days. Both strung with grapplesnake tour m8 47/45. Playability is similar enough.. I added a leather grip on my EZ98 to get them closer spec wise. Launch angle, spin and power are slightly higher with the EZ98 and control is close enough to the 97D. 97D is more consistent shot to shot overall.. 97D handles pace better, feels better, and slices are next level, but it obv is demanding on off days.. Especially now that it's late in the season. EZ98 is still pretty good controlling a lot of pace if you proactively shorten your swing. The 97D is the better frame stock IMO, but you can get about 90% of the playability in a far easier to hit package in the Ez98. Still find it shocking no pro is using the 97D and plenty are using the EZ98(or it's predecessors).
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pico
Hall of Fame
did you customise your EZ98 beside the leather grip?
Torps
Semi-Pro
Just a oehms leather grip.. prob try a gram at 10 and 2 at some point off season.
