WayneBretsky
Rookie
2021 vcore 98, RPM strung at 50lbs. I previously used a pure drive plus for 20 years and never had arm/elbow issues.
Help me decide: Ezone 98, vcore 98 or vcore pro 97
- Thread starter WayneBretsky
- Start date
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Very weird, I don’t think any yonex could cause arm damage to the extent that a Babolat has the potential to
I found the 2023 Vcore quite muted tbh more so than the Ezone. Interesting
I found the 2023 Vcore quite muted tbh more so than the Ezone. Interesting
WayneBretsky
Rookie
Well I am living, breathing proof of it!
brentzki
Rookie
I have extensively tried '21 '23 VCore 98's and the EZ98 and found that the new '23 VCore 98 is much softer and arm friendly this time around. I would at least try demo for 1-2 hours to see how it feels as I found it much more comfortable on the arm than the EZ98, which I think a couple others here also found. You might be missing out not trying all options. You might come to love it.
In short, the EZ98 is the better stick 9 times out of 10 for most players. Why? More stable in both stock and customized form, string bed is more consistent over a larger percentage of the face and, all else held equal (string, DT, strung spec) you almost always get a noticeably bigger ball with the same effort level. Control is arguable either way. Maneuverability goes to the VC95, but that's about the only clear-cut place where it's better. Mind you, this is coming from a previous avid VC95'er, having played the '15 SV, '18 and '21, as well as having heavily demo'd the current EZ98.
Ezone 98 is better than the Vcore 95 especially on serves and slice backhands IMO...control can be gained through string type/tension.
celito
Professional
It's a bit weird that the VC95 isn't better at slice BHs. But I guess what makes it good at giving some free top spin is the same reason it's not as good on the slice BH. The EZ98 is indeed fantastic on slice BH.
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
What bothers me the most about the ezone 98 2022 is that sometimes it doesn't seem to flow easily through the air, feeling kind of heavy and sluggish. I have the impression that it flows well in a certain movement position.
You're certainly right with that remark, as I noticed it on my OHBH especially, but having a bit of that thuddy, clubby sluggishness is the price you tend to pay for having such stability and solidness. It's always a trade-off. Still, for most players, figuring out how to adjust technique and/or customize the stick to offset those mechanical limits will usually result in better quality tennis in the long run, as opposed to using the less-potent frame just because it feels better through the air in stock form. But I get that we all have different priorities; not everyone is out to win at all costs -- some want that "feel" on every stroke, and I can respect that. After all, it's what steered me to a Prestige MP-L, when technically I should probably have an EZ98 in my hand, too.
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
Exactly. The fact of having a manageable racket at all times gives me confidence in executing the stroke. The ezone sometimes lacks this feeling. I even thought about adding weight to the cable to get more HL, but I think the question is more about aerodynamics than balance. That's why I was thinking of performing this test with the vcore 95 2023, but my caveat is how much more manageable it is.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
I've always been skeptical about aerodynamics having any meaningful impact on the way a racquet swings, unless we're talking extreme thickness (it's kind of like attributing slowing down when spinning in a chair and extending your arms to drag instead of conservation of angular momentum). I expect mass distribution has much more to do with what we customarily associate with drag or aerodynamics or "cutting through the air." That said, I do identify with what you're saying about the ezone, particularly on the 1HBH. Perhaps it's that the relatively thicker beam combined with the relatively razor thing throat throws off that balance that people usually have with more or less constant beams. I briefly tested the VC95 2023 and didn't love the feel enough to stick with it but it's definitely a super maneuverable racquet. I've lately been tempted to re-buy some 2021 VC95s... I know a lot of people hated how muted it was, but I thought it was such a fun, quirky feel, just a bit too demanding on off days.
Recoveringhobo
Rookie
I've played with the VC95s since the SV series and recently switched to the EZ98 in the past few months since I didn't like the direction of the new Vcores.
Control: VC >>> EZ. Power: EZ >>> VC. Stability: (mine are both weighted up) Slight edge to EZ. Launch angle: Higher in the EZ. Maneuverability: EZ >>> VC.
Ultimately, the EZ98 is still a tweener stick and it comes with all the benefits and compromises that comes with that type of racquet. Loss of control, loss of feel, bigger sweetspot, more power, more spin, etc. Ultimately, I'd say that if you have more of a traditional style of hitting through the ball and are a high level player: VC95. If you need the help and/or have a more modern "whippy" style: go Ezone.
I agree with you, another thing is that the VC95 is going to require more weight to hit the same ball as the EZ98. This is something people don't really think about when choosing frames...what is your final static weight preference...320 grams? 330 grams? 340 grams? etc...
If you don't like customizing or using a racket over 335 grams, go with the EZ98. The VC95 at 325 grams in stock form is just very anemic and low powered.
smboogie
Semi-Pro
Would like to know more about how you strung it etc. This racket is less stiff than my current PS Gen3 and I hear has great spin/control.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
careful saying that, there's a Yonex fan here that vehemently denies the VC95 needs weight
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
You rannnnnng? haha, I'll leave you all alone. However, we could have a VC95 showdown though, I'll bring a few stock users of the VC95 and they can face off against the few forum members who think it MUST have weight to play well. Karue isn't allowedcareful saying that, there's a Yonex fan here that vehemently denies the VC95 needs weight
. Then we could see once and for all.Carry on....
You know my position all started when someone called me insane and said no one on the planet at any level could ever play with the VC95 2021 without weight because it was unstable and c wouldn't handle hard hit balls. Later I found out that was an adult beginner not facing any hard balls.
ichaseballs
Professional
every stock racket under 310g needs MOAR weight
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
The ezone being more manageable than vcore 95 surprised me.
Recoveringhobo
Rookie
Woops that was a typo on my part. Meant VC >> EZ for maneuverability.
WayneBretsky
Rookie
RPM, 50lbs tension
For what it’s worth I played with a pure drive plus for 20 years, full poly, never arm problems
Anton
Legend
If you play well with VC98 then just put a bit of lead on it to improve comfort.
Torps
Semi-Pro
Why is the VCP100 not in the equation? The 100 and 97D are the best in that line. It’s pretty much a do everything frame with better feel and comfort than the EZ98. if you’re ok with the balance though
WayneBretsky
Rookie
I’m not interested in the 100 sq inch. I’d like to use a 97 or 98.
Torps
Semi-Pro
If you think the VC98 is harsh on off center hits maybe you need the 100 sq in.. this frame is cushy af. I’ve played it and the EZ98 with a pretty broad spectrum of stiffness of strings and it’s way more comfortable. Not demos, and both frames strung by myself on a eCP. Played 7 days straight a week ago and my arm felt great. If you’re hung up on rpm blast then good luck..
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What are your 2 cents between EZ98 and VC98?
WayneBretsky
Rookie
I switched to poly tour pro, it’s quite a bit softer. I didn’t realize how firm RPM was until I had arm pain. I used it in a pure drive plus for about 4-5 years with not issue, but I guess in the yonex frame it was an issue.
Torps
Semi-Pro
There’s other good options that split the difference depending on what you’re looking for. Confidential for one..
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
And who tested the vcore 95 2023, what did you think of the racket?
Torps
Semi-Pro
Both great frames, but at least for me, the VC98 does everything the EZ98 can do but better with the exception of blocking back hard incoming balls with a half swing. Still need to at least get some kind of decent swing on most balls. The sweet spot is higher up on the string bed too which was a slight adjustment. VC98 has more power, better feel and obv spin. More importantly, again for me, it’s allowed me to change to a round string which has made a big difference in my consistency during longer rallies. It’s easier to shape shots and control depth with the VCore. I’ve probably hit more winners in the last 4 weeks than the last 4 months coming from the EZ98. Leather grip on both and have tried all my fav strings with both frames at this point.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
great all around. lacks a little bit less pop compared to VC98 and VC100 but not by much. it is less forgiving but again not by much. I think side by side demoing I doubt you will really notice a huge difference, but over a long period of time the 95 might start to show whether or not it suits your game
Personally, VC95 has incredible spin potential, bit of a muted feel, great on serves , solid on groundstrokes (for me more so backhand), but
tough on flatter strokes, feels a bit flimsy when hitting through or attacking compared to my higher SW preferences
TLDR - great racket, could use some weight, might not be for everyone but is still surprisingly usable despite the 95 head size (VC98 might offer the same characteristics but much easier to use)
smboogie
Semi-Pro
Wow, I would say the strings are also the biggest contributor. Full poly is too much for my arm now so I have gone with a hybrid for years. Softens up the bed well, allows for the spin I like and is very playable.
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
I bought a vcore 95 2023 and put yellow poly tour pro 125 with 50 lbs to compare with my ezone 98 2022 which are with the same string configuration and lbs. I really have to agree with everything you said. Ezone has a much larger sweetspot, greater power and a greater launch angle. The vcore is much more accurate and more reliable for a faster swing, much more manageable and has greater precision and is also a racket that demands more from the player. In general, I really liked the vcore, as it allows me to have a more aggressive and consistent game, with less errors due to the extra power of the ezone.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
I probably would’ve lowered the string tension on the 95 to account for the small sq. in. headsize.
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
I will do this, I want to test with 45 and 47 lbs
WayneBretsky
Rookie
Update: after trying out both the Ezone 98 with lead at 3 and 9 o’clock and the vcore pro 97 310 and the 330 version, ive tentatively decided on the vcore pro 97H (330). Ezone was nice but not as stable, even with lead. The VCP 330 feel is so soft and comfortable in a very, very addictive way and as underpowered as the 310 may be, the 330 destroys the ball. Felt like I was generating a lot of spin and the balls were heavyyy. I did enjoy the Ezone, but the VCP97h feels like the right move for my game. Going to commit to a few weeks with it, will post another update then.
@WayneBretsky - Just know, that low flex, high dwell and deep pocketing of the '21 VCP's -- H included -- give you zero free lunch in terms of power. You need to get the racquet head moving early and quickly in order to apply it -- much like a Blade Pro, except the frame has maybe even less free power. That said, if you have the technique, brute strength and stamina, it could be workable. Interested to see how the H plays out for you.
PrinceYonex
Semi-Pro
I felt exactly this way a few years ago, with respect to the 2018 versions of these racquets. At the time, I settled on the vcp330 (blue and red). I moved away from them later, because they were perhaps a bit too hefty for me, but I still own two of them. Whenever I take one out on court, which I do from time to time, I absolutely love the combination of ball demolishing hammer with soft-flexy feel on contact. Also love the thin beam. Really amazing on volleys and on my backhand slice. I still sometimes wonder— if I just did a few more push ups everyday, maybe I could handle it for a full match?
WayneBretsky
Rookie
It definitely wasn’t a pure drive but I could get plenty of pop on the ball. I would say it’s muted feeling, but not incredibly low powered. Maybe the 310 version is lower powered?
Certainly not. But, like anything over 320g unstrung and mid 330's strung SW, you're not just going to give the frame a flick or a 3.0-ish half-swing and expect to get anything on the ball. You need good footwork, proper timing, excellent mechanics and a certain amount of brute strength and endurance in order to make the H do its thing. And if you want to compete with it, you need to be able to keep that up for hours at a time. Take that as you will.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
When I refer to a racket as low powered I usually refer to the inherent power that comes off the stiffness and response of stringbed (like that of Ezone FX500 Pure Drive etc)
97D 97H Speed Pro and rackets of the like that swing nicely and have good pop from the way they swing I’m not sure I can call them “powerful”
That is just how I perceive the term “low-powered”
97D 97H Speed Pro and rackets of the like that swing nicely and have good pop from the way they swing I’m not sure I can call them “powerful”
That is just how I perceive the term “low-powered”
Recoveringhobo
Rookie
Agree with the reliability. I can swing out on the VC95 and trust that the ball will stay in and go where I want it. With the EZ, there's always a little doubt in my mind whether I can keep the ball in. And I find because of that that I'm hitting LESS hard than I did with the VC. Consistency is underrated here IMO.
Outside of serve (and for some reason bh slice?) I find that my game is actually worse with the EZ. But the real reason I switched to the EZ was because of back pain and the EZ has helped with that because I don't have to take put as much effort in to each shot so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Brushy
New User
I own one. I played the ezone tour 2022 for quite awhile but if timing was slightly off, it didn’t work for me. I recently got the Vcore 95 2023 and here’s what I’ve gathered in the past few weeks of playing it.
- my serves or more accurate
- forehand with heavy topspin is better on Vcore and pushes my opponents back more.
- touch volleys and drop shots are easier.
- cross court short balls are easier to attack and I can hit sharp angles with a whippy stroke better
- comfort is amazing!
I have my Vcore with about 4 grams lead at 3/9. It’s weight strung is 335, swingweight at 324, balance is 7pt HL
Things is like about my ezone tour 22 better
More plow, more solid feel at impact. More penetrating drive for flatter shots.
My serve is heavier.
This is all due to the frame geometry and tighter string patter along with the weight and head balance.
Over time though the ezone tour can feel sluggish and it certainly doesn’t cut through the air as effortless as the Vcore 95.
The ezone tour though IMO is much better than standard ezone 98. Way more control.
The vcore95 though is just fun to play with! I’m hitting better and paying more attention to my shots. It’s making my technique better and I have to watch the ball closer.
I did notice that you have to hit in the upper hoop area on it so I end up Maki g sure how that I’m a little further distance from the ball. I think I’m going to try and add a little weight at 12 as well
leojramirez
Rookie
Been playing with the vcore98 23 since March and it wrecked my elbow. Haven't played much the last month because of it. Didn't even notice it was the racket until i hit the vcp97 310 today and it was night and day. I could not hit a backhand with the vcore because of the pain. I'm upset because my forehand is the dream with the vcore98 but I'm happy that i found out it was the racket. I'm surprised because its comfortable, more so that the 21.
Yes the vcp lacks a bit of power but at least in my case it lets me play without pain.
Yes the vcp lacks a bit of power but at least in my case it lets me play without pain.
basil J
Hall of Fame
I have a very tender shoulder and I have been using the vcore98 recently with a full bed of Multi @55#, no dampener and I find this frame very comfortable so far. I don't use poly strings too often, but with a 66RA, I would not put a full bed in this frame for the sake of my shoulder. I have a leather grip and some lead at 3:00 & 9:00 bringing it up to 11.8 oz and it plays very nicely overall. The ball will sail occasionally if I miss the sweet spot, but I have had no problem flattening out my shots when I need to and the spin potential is good but it becomes almost a necessity because of the high launch angle I get with my normal swing. Great serving frame. Never tried the Ezone and I have hit quite a bit with the Vcore pro310 and that is also a very nice frame with better feel but less power than the vcore. IMO you have to get out and try some different string & tension set ups and see how the frame reacts.
petetennis54
New User
I play the VCP at 335 grams and 7 pts head light. Wilson Revolve mains at 52# and Prince Premier Power crosses at 54#. Make it 2# lighter in the winter. The balance makes it easier to get the tip through on ohbo. Doesn't hit as hard as some frames (of equal weight) but does keep it in play and no arm issues playing four times a week.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
My thoughts as well
tophersuwita
Rookie
How about 97D vs VC95? I am allcourter playing with EZT 2022, really like it but I play doubles too. My Regna 100 is giving me elbow pain in doubles. I play with heavier racket but I heard VC95 is a masterpiece too
Brushy
New User
I went from Ezone 98 22 to the Ezone tour since it came out way later like august 2022. I then weighted up my ezone to match the static weight of the tour but kept it a bit more HL. As of now I have ezone at 343grs strung w 18g hybrid (Polytour rev main and gamma live wire pro on cross 50/52). Plays awesome.
The EZ tour just doesn’t swing through the air the same even though it’s weight is literally only 2 grams different and 1 point HL different.
So recently I picked up a couple new 2023 Vcore 95s. I love the feel, the spin, precision and how it swings through the air more than the Ezones. However I’m missing some fee out away power and my 1st serves aren’t bombs. But my attacking short ball shots, n the run topspin FH shots are better. 2hbh leaves a little to be desired no just don’t get the plow and depth that I do on Ezones. But fun factor is more w Vcore 95! Plus I can place serves on spots easier. Serving a slice up the T on the ad side! Couldn’t do that very well w ezone.
I ended up adding 4 grams at 9/3 and 2 grams at 12 on the Vcore. It plays better for me now. But it makes me work and watch the ball more precisely.
I’m just a 4.0 club player
