Help choosing a racket: more control, depth and better volleys

[hecsls]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

 

[hdjs94]

The blade, radical, and percept will give you even less depth than the ezone 98. probably lower launch angle than the ezone, but the power is lower so not sure if those are the rackets you are looking for.
the pure strike is not a bad idea from what you want. its quite stable, but just have to make sure the specs are just right because they are a bit heavier on the swingweight side which makes it a little less maneuverable at the net.

honestly a pure drive 98 isn't a bad idea for what you're trying. little more depth, lower launch angle. not as mushy as the ezone.
I think trying any rackets with a tighter string pattern like 18x20 kinda fits the bill of what you want for more control and a lower launch angle. the only thing is that usually entails lower power/ easy depth as I mentioned with the blade,100d, and radical. its not ALWAYS the case but its pretty consistent with like 90% of rackets.

naturally something in the middle is not a bad idea, like the 18 x19 tfight 305s. fits exactly the bill from what you seem to want. more control, less spin, lower launch angle, amazing stability, solid feel compared to the ezone. there's a reason why the tfight got so popular recently and I highly encourage you to try it out.

I personally tried and played with the pure strike and 100d and the 305s actually kind of plays right in between those two rackets with great balance!

 

[AgressiveBaseliner89]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

Мay be Blade 98 v9 18x20 or even Blade PRO 18x20 will be right choice for you.

 

[hecsls]

The blade, radical, and percept will give you even less depth than the ezone 98. probably lower launch angle than the ezone, but the power is lower so not sure if those are the rackets you are looking for.
the pure strike is not a bad idea from what you want. its quite stable, but just have to make sure the specs are just right because they are a bit heavier on the swingweight side which makes it a little less maneuverable at the net.

honestly a pure drive 98 isn't a bad idea for what you're trying. little more depth, lower launch angle. not as mushy as the ezone.
I think trying any rackets with a tighter string pattern like 18x20 kinda fits the bill of what you want for more control and a lower launch angle. the only thing is that usually entails lower power/ easy depth as I mentioned with the blade,100d, and radical. its not ALWAYS the case but its pretty consistent with like 90% of rackets.

naturally something in the middle is not a bad idea, like the 18 x19 tfight 305s. fits exactly the bill from what you seem to want. more control, less spin, lower launch angle, amazing stability, solid feel compared to the ezone. there's a reason why the tfight got so popular recently and I highly encourage you to try it out.

I personally tried and played with the pure strike and 100d and the 305s actually kind of plays right in between those two rackets with great balance!

Actually, I feel the Ezone pretty soft. It doesn’t feel solid enough to handle fast and heavy shots at the net, and I don’t feel that connected to the ball. When I hit with spin, it makes the ball spin even more, causing it to lift — the ball tends to go higher instead of staying flatter like I want.

 

[Donmikan]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

You cant have it all from a racket, keep using your Ezone. You will improve and have all the atributes you are looking for in a racket right now, but then you will start to play even better players and everything will go full cycle...

 

[hecsls]

You cant have it all from a racket, keep using your Ezone. You will improve and have all the atributes you are looking for in a racket right now, but then you will start to play even better players and everything will go full cycle...

Actually, I feel the Ezone pretty soft. It doesn’t feel solid enough to handle fast and heavy shots at the net, and I don’t feel that connected to the ball. When I hit with spin, it makes the ball spin even more, causing it to lift — the ball tends to go higher instead of staying flatter like I want.


I’m still thinking about what to do and testing different rackets to see if I can find something that solves these issues. I’ve also been considering the Pure Aero 98 and VCore 98, but I’m not sure if they would help with this problem or actually make it worse. Still trying to figure it out.

 

[hdjs94]

Actually, I feel the Ezone pretty soft. It doesn’t feel solid enough to handle fast and heavy shots at the net, and I don’t feel that connected to the ball. When I hit with spin, it makes the ball spin even more, causing it to lift — the ball tends to go higher instead of staying flatter like I want.


I’m still thinking about what to do and testing different rackets to see if I can find something that solves these issues. I’ve also been considering the Pure Aero 98 and VCore 98, but I’m not sure if they would help with this problem or actually make it worse. Still trying to figure it out.

yes the ezone is mushy and soft

the pure aero 98 and Vcore 98 do not help your problem.

as I mentioned. the pure drive 98 and Tfight 305s seem to be your best bet for what you are looking for.

 

[JK208]

What about adding weight to the Ezone? It should solve the depth and stability on volleys issues. Control may come back with 2g at 3 and 9, as you don’t need to swing out on every shot to get the same depth.

 

[hecsls]

yes the ezone is mushy and soft

the pure aero 98 and Vcore 98 do not help your problem.

as I mentioned. the pure drive 98 and Tfight 305s seem to be your best bet for what you are looking for.

Thank you very much! I’ll try these rackets and come back to share if they solve what I’m looking for. Are both of them more stable and solid than the Ezone, especially at the net?

 

[hecsls]

What about adding weight to the Ezone? It should solve the depth and stability on volleys issues. Control may come back with 2g at 3 and 9, as you don’t need to swing out on every shot to get the same depth.

I’ve already added weight at 3 and 9 o’clock and also in the handle. It definitely improved the feel and stability, but I still feel like something is missing.

 

[Donmikan]

Actually, I feel the Ezone pretty soft. It doesn’t feel solid enough to handle fast and heavy shots at the net, and I don’t feel that connected to the ball. When I hit with spin, it makes the ball spin even more, causing it to lift — the ball tends to go higher instead of staying flatter like I want.


I’m still thinking about what to do and testing different rackets to see if I can find something that solves these issues. I’ve also been considering the Pure Aero 98 and VCore 98, but I’m not sure if they would help with this problem or actually make it worse. Still trying to figure it out.

If you insist on a new racket, i prefer going by numbers instead of names: find something with high twistweight, (look up briffidi twistweight thread here) and something with maybe higher swingweight if you really want higher control and predictability, but these perks come usually at the cost of manouverability. Also try to at least stay at 305g, if you cant find anything lighter that fits the bill. Of the top of my head, i think the TF Iso 305 and Bab Pure Strike 18x20 v3 (both are previous models) have this kind of specs. And you can find them for cheaper 2nd hand.

 

[JK208]

Thank you very much! I’ll try these rackets and come back to share if they solve what I’m looking for. Are both of them more stable and solid than the Ezone, especially at the net?

The 305 is definitely more stable/solid than the Ezone, but I’m not sure that the PD is. The PD feels pretty hollow and not as solid. At the net, I can’t comment as much, but the lower SW of the PD will definitely hurt the stability at the net. The PD is also a bit too inconsistent for my liking, and honestly, is a worse version of the EZ 100, which has a higher twistweight and is more solid than the EZ98, but this comes at the expense of control (unless you’d like to overhaul your string setup as well).

One other experiment you could try is using 1.30 strings (maybe lynx tour, M8 or Tour Sniper) along with the added weight- 1.3 gives a more solid feel, and all of these will boost stability and give a bit more depth behind the ball.

 

[Tranqville]

Honestly, the only racquet that is:

1. Built for heavy topspin baseline game
2. Has connected feel
2. Has good volleys
3. Comfortable

that comes to mind is Head Extreme Pro.

 

[JK208]

Honestly, the only racquet that is:

1. Built for heavy topspin baseline game
2. Has connected feel
2. Has good volleys
3. Comfortable

that comes to mind is Head Extreme Pro.

Great suggestion- only thing I would say is that the depth may be compromised, but that can be fixed with a different swing path

 

[tele]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

have you considered changing your string setup and adding weight at 12?

 

[hecsls]

I’ve added 3g in the handle and 2g total at 3 and 9 o’clock. I haven’t tried adding weight at 12 yet. I’ve also experimented with string tension between 47 and 52 lbs.

 

[SinneGOAT]

Pure strike 98 16/19 2024 or 2020 100%. The stability and meatier swingweight are incredible for volleys and has better access to spin than its competition while still having good control.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

I’d say try a speed MP. Even balance. 325-330 SW.
Should be able to generate good top spin.

 

[tele]

I’ve added 3g in the handle and 2g total at 3 and 9 o’clock. I haven’t tried adding weight at 12 yet. I’ve also experimented with string tension between 47 and 52 lbs.

3-4g at 12 will give a clear boost in power/depth/solidity IME. Are you using poly? If so, have you considered gut (or other non-poly) mains?

 

[mmazzini1]

Мay be Blade 98 v9 18x20 or even Blade PRO 18x20 will be right choice for you.

For someone who plays with a lot of spin?? i think those 2 are the one he should not consider....

I will try something easier than a Yonex 98. May be even OS, but definitely 100, spin oriented frame. Radical and Blade cannot stay in the same sentence of the word spin. Then of course, spin is technique, but those racquets wont help to generate it

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

So if your shots are already sitting up : I wouldn’t pick a blade, percept 100D or even a radical MP.
If you’re struggling with depth on an Ezone, I’m more curious to how you’re hitting the ball.

They call it the “Easy one” for a reason. Now I haven’t played nor experimented with the new one. But the 2020 was easy to use. Quite a dense drill pattern for a 16x19. I did add about 5 grams from 11 til 1 when testing. Really played well but I chose an xtc 305 over it bc i hit more flat and loved an even balance.

If you’re a natural spin oriented player and looking for more depth, I’d say go to a 100 sq inch frame. Why try to flatten it out if your strength is spin?

But first I’d try a different string set up with the Ezone. Looser tension? Shaped poly? Hybrid?

Depth could easily be improved by mechanics.

 

[AmericanTwist]

Nice post OP. I suggest stiffening up the string bed a bit for lower launch angle. Add weight to the frame for more stability.

For other frames, Blade v8 or v9 with 60ra is a great frame. But the Ezone 98 is also a great frame. Does everything well with more power. Percept 100D also a solid choice better for returns. Try modding your frame first before switching. Your frame is 65ra? You can try frame 59-64ra frames. For softer frames one needs to add weight.

 

[JK208]

So if your shots are already sitting up : I wouldn’t pick a blade, percept 100D or even a radical MP.
If you’re struggling with depth on an Ezone, I’m more curious to how you’re hitting the ball.

They call it the “Easy one” for a reason. Now I haven’t played nor experimented with the new one. But the 2020 was easy to use. Quite a dense drill pattern for a 16x19. I did add about 5 grams from 11 til 1 when testing. Really played well but I chose an xtc 305 over it bc i hit more flat and loved an even balance.

If you’re a natural spin oriented player and looking for more depth, I’d say go to a 100 sq inch frame. Why try to flatten it out if your strength is spin?

But first I’d try a different string set up with the Ezone. Looser tension? Shaped poly? Hybrid?

Depth could easily be improved by mechanics.

I'd agree with this. Probably wouldn't go shaped (leads to more spin and less depth), but instead I'd go for a thicker string at a slightly lower tension

 

[time_fly]

To get good spin, more forgiveness for doubles, and easier power I'm thinking a 100" frame that focuses on stability, has 16 mains, but has the strings spaced a bit more densely in the middle. The complaint that the OP is getting too much spin with the ball landing short suggests something with a combination of higher launch angle and/or higher swing weight to get more depth and court penetration.

A few thoughts:
1. Yonex Percept 100, if you want to continue with Yonex but try a different model. This is part of their "control line" but offers the most spin and pop from the string bed of all the Percepts.
2. Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P, a very open 18x20 that still produces good spin but offers control and stability as well and shouldn't need extra weight. The 310g version could also work, but it might not have the control you want.
3. Head Gravity MP. Solid, stable for the weight, a bit sluggish but hits like a hammer. Consider tail-weighting it. You could also try the new Tour if you want to stick with something more like an EZone spec-wise.
4. Pro Staff X. Versus the other options, this one focuses on weight-based power and stability. The Pro Staff is the classic "controlled power" attacking racquet, and the X is the most stable and forgiving version.

 

[fuzz nation]

I’ve added 3g in the handle and 2g total at 3 and 9 o’clock. I haven’t tried adding weight at 12 yet. I’ve also experimented with string tension between 47 and 52 lbs.

When I do any tuning with my own racquets, I get improved stability along with extra inherent power by adding lead tape at 3/9 o'clock, but I don't place it up at 12 o'clock. I prefer a more stable (twist resistant) head through contact from everywhere on the court and the 3/9 o'clock placement is most effective for helping me get more of that. That's just me...

You may need to do some experiments with adding extra weight to your handle to get a racquet balance that's makes your heavier layout seem comfortably maneuverable for you. I recommend not paying attention to specific numbers. Just keep tweaking until you get that balance that makes the racquet move naturally for you - it may require a lot more than 3 grams to get there, but you'll likely know it when you feel it.

If you go too far with trying to re-balance your racquet, it will probably seem twitchy and unpredictable when you swing it around. That's the best way that I can describe it when it happened for me. The trade-off is tricky though - racquets need more head-light balance as their static weights increase, but what feels right for each of us is hard to quantify.

Based on what you're describing, I'm thinking that you could look for some feedback on the Head Prestige MP with the 18x19 pattern and maybe even the Prince Phantom 100X.

 

[GabeFSU]

I experienced discomfort from Ezone98, which I attribute to swinging too fast + mechanics. Personally, I think a slightly higher swingweight could help your comfort, stability and depth. Most '22 ezone98s were reported to have low SW vs published.
If you are definitely trying new sticks I agree that the Tfight 305s seems to fit what you want.
I also think the Head Boom Pro may give you what you want and more forgiving than TF 305s.

As mentioned above, string setups play a huge role, so if you like the feel and vibe of any racket you can get lower/higher launch angle and spin from round/shaped polys, string size and type.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

When I do any tuning with my own racquets, I get improved stability along with extra inherent power by adding lead tape at 3/9 o'clock, but I don't place it up at 12 o'clock. I prefer a more stable (twist resistant) head through contact from everywhere on the court and the 3/9 o'clock placement is most effective for helping me get more of that. That's just me...

You may need to do some experiments with adding extra weight to your handle to get a racquet balance that's makes your heavier layout seem comfortably maneuverable for you. I recommend not paying attention to specific numbers. Just keep tweaking until you get that balance that makes the racquet move naturally for you - it may require a lot more than 3 grams to get there, but you'll likely know it when you feel it.

If you go too far with trying to re-balance your racquet, it will probably seem twitchy and unpredictable when you swing it around. That's the best way that I can describe it when it happened for me. The trade-off is tricky though - racquets need more head-light balance as their static weights increase, but what feels right for each of us is hard to quantify.

Based on what you're describing, I'm thinking that you could look for some feedback on the Head Prestige MP with the 18x19 pattern and maybe even the Prince Phantom 100X.

If OP is concerned with depth from an Ezone 98 : the prestige MP is not for them either.

 

[socallefty]

Pure strike 98 16/19 2024 or 2020 100%. The stability and meatier swingweight are incredible for volleys and has better access to spin than its competition while still having good control.

If you are open to old Gen 3 Strikes, consider the Strike Tour over the standard version. The Tour has similar maneuverability since it is more headlight, but more stability and power due to increased mass.

 

[raloid]

I feel the same way you're describing with my Ezone. It's a bazooka sometimes and I'm struggling to tame the power. Plus I need something more stable, especially for volleys. I've been eyeing the Radical MP (23, or 21 - the 25 paintjob is awful)

 

[jimmy8]

Honestly, the only racquet that is:

1. Built for heavy topspin baseline game
2. Has connected feel
2. Has good volleys
3. Comfortable

that comes to mind is Head Extreme Pro.

I second this. This should work great for what you want. And it's really cool looking. I wish I had one. Why don't I have one? I applied to do the Tennis Warehouse playtest on this, but I didn't get picked. I need to buy one ASAP.

 

[jbdbackfan]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

Try the Prince Tour 100 (310). More control than the frames you listed and found great depth while maintaining the spin.

 

[Chairman3]

Non-priority order

1. Pure Drive 98 (2025) - The power and spin you love but with more control (16x20), maneuverability and all‐court playability.

2. Speed Pro - excellent baseline racquet, really nice controllable power and spin. Maneuverability could be slightly better for volleys but very stable at net.

3. Solinco Whiteout - I'd recommend the 18x20 as it has really good controllable, predictable power. Nice and maneuverable but very solid feeling. I've heard the v2 16x19 has more control and tighter pattern so maybe that option could be better for you if you're afraid to go for a dense pattern.

 

[Frankc]

practice

 

[hdjs94]

id bet my money that the OP was generated by chatgpt the way it uses bullets and how the spacing is so wide. XD

 

[JK208]

id bet my money that the OP was generated by chatgpt the way it uses bullets and how the spacing is so wide. XD

The em dash is pretty noticeable too, but the rest of the writing seems human.

Anyways… I’ll just provide my help anyways because we never know if it’s someone who needs help writing or used it to translate from another language

 

[Tranqville]

I second this. This should work great for what you want. And it's really cool looking. I wish I had one. Why don't I have one? I applied to do the Tennis Warehouse playtest on this, but I didn't get picked. I need to buy one ASAP.

Nice short new review at timestamp:

 

[hecsls]

I feel the same way you're describing with my Ezone. It's a bazooka sometimes and I'm struggling to tame the power. Plus I need something more stable, especially for volleys. I've been eyeing the Radical MP (23, or 21 - the 25 paintjob is awful)

Have you tested the Radical or any other one? Which way did you go?

I’m testing the Blade v8 98 16x19. Excellent at the net, but I’m feeling it’s lacking a bit of spin from the baseline. Maybe I need to add some weight or look for another racquet that’s somewhere in between the two.

 

[raloid]

I’ve only tested the radical pro, which I really liked (I was making a lot less errors, especially hitting deep) but I started feeling some tennis elbow so I stopped. Back with the ezone, playing with strings and tension although I still haven’t dialed it in yet. I want to love it, and not go through another racquet search, but I’m tired of hitting out so much. I’m a 4.5/5.0 player.

 

[Lack]

Yonex Ezone is already very comfortable and has tons of power. Most of the complaints I hear from players using Ezone is that their balls go out too much. I suggest hitting through the ball and tone down your wiper swing, it will help your shots go deeper.
The other suggestion is to try Percept. It is a very stable racquet and might help with your volleys.

 

[antony]

Non-priority order

1. Pure Drive 98 (2025) - The power and spin you love but with more control (16x20), maneuverability and all‐court playability.

2. Speed Pro - excellent baseline racquet, really nice controllable power and spin. Maneuverability could be slightly better for volleys but very stable at net.

3. Solinco Whiteout - I'd recommend the 18x20 as it has really good controllable, predictable power. Nice and maneuverable but very solid feeling. I've heard the v2 16x19 has more control and tighter pattern so maybe that option could be better for you if you're afraid to go for a dense pattern.

your thoughts on PD98 vs Ultra Pro 99?

 

[EggSalad]

Hi everyone! I really need your help choosing my next racket, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.





I’m an intermediate to advanced level player. My main style is baseline-oriented — I like to play heavy topspin from the back, building points with consistency, but I also come to the net often to finish the point when I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of doubles too, so I’m also looking for something that helps with quick reactions, stability, and precise volleys.





I currently play with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022). While I like the power and forgiveness, I’ve been feeling that:

• The ball tends to come out with too much spin and not enough depth.
• I need to swing harder than I’d like to get the ball to really penetrate the court.
• My shots sometimes sit up too much, especially on faster courts.
• At the net, the racket feels a bit too soft, not as firm and solid as I’d like on volleys and quick exchanges.

I naturally generate a lot of topspin from my technique and swing mechanics, so I’m wondering if I should stick with a spin-friendly racket or go for something that helps flatten the ball a bit more, with more depth, control, and a lower trajectory.





I also sometimes experience minor shoulder discomfort, nothing serious, but it makes me cautious about going for something with too much swingweight or stiffness.





Rackets I’m currently considering are:

• Blade 98 (v8 or v9)
• Pure Strike 98 (2020 or the new 2025)
• Radical MP (2023 or new 2025)
• Yonex Percept 100D

Basically, I’m looking for something that gives me:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots).
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.
• Good balance between control, comfort

Any feedback about these rackets compared to the Ezone 98 would be amazing — both from the baseline and at the net. Also open to other suggestions I might not be considering.





Thank you very much in advance!

I would recommend hitting the Pure Strike 97. It checks the boxes for what you are looking for. FYI that it’ll need 1-3g of lead at 12 most likely.

 

[Chairman3]

your thoughts on PD98 vs Ultra Pro 99?

PD98 for all court
UP99 for primarily baseline. It can do other things but if you rely on alot of touch there are better racquets.

PD98 also hits with more spin unless you put a shaped string in the UP99 then it hits with a bit more.
Power level is pretty similar.
PD98 is just more versatile overall and swings a bit faster.

 

[Jsummers1]

Sounds like you may want to check out the 100sq versions of rackets you listed (if available), they generally give more depth and easier to volley. For control, see if they have a tighter string bed version, e.g. 18x20 or 16x20. This combination of may work out nicely.

 

[calbear2000]

Like others have said here, before moving to a new racket I'd try tweaking your current one.

Want more stability and plow? Add some weight at 3 and 9. Experiment with putting more at 12. This will help from the baseline as well as the net on volleys.

Want less spin and more shots through the court? Try a different string. If you're using a shaped poly, try rounded. Or try a hybrid with multifilament.

Want more free power so you don't have to swing as hard? Lower your tension. Start with 2 pounds but don't be afraid to go lower. In combination with the weight you've added, you'll definitely get more power because of the increased swingweight.

Start with a little weight. Try some different strings. Make small tweaks and see if it starts feeling better on the court. Adding weight will change your balance so it might affect the timing of your shots, which is why you'll want to start with a little. Also, strings can really vary in how they feel and how they shape your ball because they vary in shape and stiffness. Even going from a stiff 4 sided poly to a soft 8 sided poly can be a big difference if your stroke naturally lends itself to spin.

 

[Shroud]

I’ve added 3g in the handle and 2g total at 3 and 9 o’clock. I haven’t tried adding weight at 12 yet. I’ve also experimented with string tension between 47 and 52 lbs.

IME 3@9 is the default location but its not the best at least for what you are looking for. 12 is not good either. do 11 and 1. Also add more in the handle. So you can do the 2g at 1 and 11 oclock but add more like 10g to the handle or to the top of the handle if its easier. Also go up in tension and or string gauge and tension the crosses about 5lbs more than the mains. So something like 47/52. And once you make those changes slowing increase the weight at 11@1 and in the handle to you get too much and back off.

All that should help with:

• More control and depth from the baseline (less spin launch, more penetrating shots)- Higher swingweight will give more depth, higher tension will give less launch
• A firmer, more stable feeling on volleys, especially for doubles.- Higher sw and more weight in the handle will increase racquet stability and increase maneuverability for the volley
• Good balance between control, comfort- added handle weight and increased sw will def help in comfort department though higher tensions might lower comfort while increasing control. Need to tweak tension for the best balance.

 

[antony]

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[Winners or Errors]

I’m with the 18x20 recommendations. The challenge there may be the change in serve spin and trajectory. You’re going to need to experiment a bit.