Help me decide: Ezone 98, vcore 98 or vcore pro 97

[Yurifi]

using now Ezone 100 300g 2022 for a week, freshly strung (Signum Pro Tornado at 24/23kg), and the racket is amazing. great feel, great control, and just the right amount of power for my kind of play (4.0-4.5 counterpuncher) ... but ... I feel there is a bit of golfers elbow creeping into my elbow now ... don't know if it's amount of play in the last couple of days or the racket, because I just love it ... played with vibration dampener, took it out yesterday, maybe that's the case (it does feel somewhat stiffer with the dampener, which is quite surprising to me ...)
have to get one of the Ezone 98's for a quick test, to see, if they are really a bit softer (RA67 vs RA64 per specs) ...
funfact: I also have Wilson ProStaff RF97A, and it actually feels less stiff than the Ezone (RA 67 vs. RA68) ...

 

[Trip]

it does feel somewhat stiffer with the dampener, which is quite surprising to me ...

Not surprising at all. Think about it. Dampeners shorten the length and travel of however many center mains you attach them to, effectively making your string bed more firm, even if only slightly.

In that vein, I think you'll find the EZ98 to feel maybe a bit less firm overall, but it has a tighter, denser string bed than the 100, which at equivalent dynamic tension will feel more firm on impact, so you're somewhat trading string bed stiffness for RA stiffness.

 

[Pooschnikens]

VCore 98 '23 is very plush and arm friendly IMO. What demo strings were in it? Were they dead? I found the VCore 98 better on the arm than the EZ98 IMO.

That said I owned the EZ98 for a brief stint and now own the VCore 98 and I think the VCore 98 does pretty much everything but a bit better, besides serving and returning. The EZ98 is probs better in that department.

A friend of mine, college player and current teaching pro, said he loves the vcore 95. I was using 2021 vcores, I’ve heard the 2023s are a bit softer but I’m not willing to risk my arm again lol

The V7 VC 95 is the most flexible in the lineup. Some would argue almost too soft. That said, it’s such a fun racket to hit with! The updates from the V6, primarily the change in hoop geometry coupled with their new silicone oil infused grommets at the 12 & 6 positions to enhance greater snap back gives it a decided edge over its predecessor. The 95 plays more like a 97 tbh but with the 16x20 pattern, it adds a quality of better directional control while still having that spin potential on tap. You feel like you can place the ball anywhere on the court! It does however compel you to swing through your shots. It doesn’t have the natural plough that a 315-330g frame does. Most who opt for this racket invariably add some weight to help with getting the swing weight up a notch. Some lead placed at the 11 & 1 positions will do the job while not requiring as much weight to do so. Surprisingly stable at net even in stock form but against bigger hitters, the consensus is more weight is essential in the hoop to better carve and kick up serves, counter, redirect, and punch away volleys with conviction. Just frees up one’s swing to let you go for it and not worry about hitting the back fence. Quite liberating actually!

If 95 feels a bit too small, then I’d certainly suggest you try out the soon to release VCore 98 tour! Much more substantive compared to the standard 305g. At 315g with 320mm balance, it’s specs are near identical to the Ezone 98 tour yet doesn’t feel as hoop forward as the Ezone does. Still plenty quick and maneuverable yet that added element of solid, non-hollow feeling stability really shines! Just handles heavy balls with so much more confidence and easier to flatten the ball out when needed. The launch angle, though still quite high, seems a bit more predictable vs the 305g. Definitely a more generous and livelier string bed vs the VC 95 but elements of directional control are there with this tour. In a way it seems to bridge the divide a bit between the VCore and VCore Pro/ Percept lines. Definitely give it a go!

 

[terminator97]

Try the Ezone 98 TOUR,,, 2022

Tried one and loved it, sold my VCP's to buy a second...

Switch between that and a VCORE 95.. (same weight leaded)

VCORE 95 when I need a scalpel and 2022 Ezone TOUR when I want power...

 

[tophersuwita]

Try the Ezone 98 TOUR,,, 2022

Tried one and loved it, sold my VCP's to buy a second...

Switch between that and a VCORE 95.. (same weight leaded)

VCORE 95 when I need a scalpel and 2022 Ezone TOUR when I want power...

These 2 are my main rackets but I will give up VC95. I really don't know why my forehand is very inconsistent with it. I used Sampras ProStaff 88 so it is not the head size. I already tried adding lead but it only helped a bit.

 

[Trip]

I will give up VC95. I really don't know why my forehand is very inconsistent with it.

Because you have to be noticeably more precise and properly spaced with the VC95, versus the likes of an EZ98/Tour, even a VCP/Percept 97/D. The latter string beds are just more consistent across a higher percentage of string bed area, and as a result will produce more a consistent ball, on average, over time. It just is what it is.

 

[Fpoisson94]

Amigos, tengo una inquietud sobre la vcore 98 del 2023. La siento algo difícil de maniobrar por el lado del derecho, me cuesta empujarla, algo que no me pasaba con la vcore 98 del 2018, esto se debe a la rigidez (RA) más baja en este modelo respecto a los anteriores?

Si cambio a la versión del 2021 ¿debiese de ser más maniobrable y poderosa?
A diferencia de modelos anteriores encontré a la ezone 98 actual más rígida y potente. Buen spin igual?

Espero puedan ayudarme

 

[MR.bkebab]

Trying to decide between these 3 rackets. Really enjoy all of them, each with pros and cons.

Hey Wayne! I have lowered all my options to the vcore 98 and ezone 98.
I just saw a video from karue sell that is 18min! that explained the nuances between the two frames. It was eye opening. Forget the concept for more spin vcore and flatter hitting ezone. That misses an important detail, which made me think the vcore would suit me better. If your technique is more full swings and you like going for shots: go for the ezone. If your main issue is hitting long: go for ezone. If you have a wristy/pushy forehand (karue calls it an ‘atp forehand’) go for the vcore. If you need more HELP with power and spin go for vcore.
BOTH frames have power and spin it is just how you achieve that and what suits you. Shelton and Ruud are both heavy topspin players, the ezone flat and vcore spin concept doesn’t work here. Both players do however hit with full swings. The vcore gives more help, so this logically suits lower levels of players. Buuuut anything works, as long as you can get the ball back on a good spot. Mannarino has the ‘atp forehand’ to an extreme extend, for him the vcore would suit him better (the pure aero is more similair to the vcore too).

These are my 2 cents and I hope it helps you out! I was going for the vcore, but now I see that the ezone is suited for my style.
Any response is appreciated on this idea of this concept on these frames. Although an atp player like karue is trustworthy.

Links:
Karue’s Ezone 98 review (covering Vcore 98 also)
My TW forum post for finding a racket (Have a look! I got sent here too discuss this though more)

 

[MR.bkebab]

Any response is appreciated on this idea of this concept on these frames.

I already found a mistake in my theory. Beckett: “When I think about how certain racquets suit a certain type of swing, to me its more about the racquet's weight distribution. These Yonex's have a very neutral weight distribution. They weight the same, have the same balance, swingweights and twistweights, so the way they behave as you swing them is quite similar. Like I would call Tommy Paul a full swing player and Ben Shelton a wristy player, but that doesn't necessarily line up with the comments of Karue. It's more about how the frames behave on contact. The VCORE is more forgiving, feels softer and loops the ball more effectively, so it works better for a guy like Tommy who works the points a little more patiently. Ben needs big control and a lot of predictability, so the stiffer frame and tighter pattern means that the racquet behaves more consistently on contact, sacrificing some forgiveness.”

Now I’m back at the drawing bord…
I love aggressive playing, but I like counter punching also

 

[bobeeto]

Hey Wayne! I have lowered all my options to the vcore 98 and ezone 98.
I just saw a video from karue sell that is 18min! that explained the nuances between the two frames. It was eye opening. Forget the concept for more spin vcore and flatter hitting ezone. That misses an important detail, which made me think the vcore would suit me better. If your technique is more full swings and you like going for shots: go for the ezone. If your main issue is hitting long: go for ezone. If you have a wristy/pushy forehand (karue calls it an ‘atp forehand’) go for the vcore. If you need more HELP with power and spin go for vcore.
BOTH frames have power and spin it is just how you achieve that and what suits you. Shelton and Ruud are both heavy topspin players, the ezone flat and vcore spin concept doesn’t work here. Both players do however hit with full swings. The vcore gives more help, so this logically suits lower levels of players. Buuuut anything works, as long as you can get the ball back on a good spot. Mannarino has the ‘atp forehand’ to an extreme extend, for him the vcore would suit him better (the pure aero is more similair to the vcore too).

These are my 2 cents and I hope it helps you out! I was going for the vcore, but now I see that the ezone is suited for my style.
Any response is appreciated on this idea of this concept on these frames. Although an atp player like karue is trustworthy.

Links:
Karue’s Ezone 98 review (covering Vcore 98 also)
My TW forum post for finding a racket (Have a look! I got sent here too discuss this though more)

Not to throw a wrench in the decision, but I just watched Tommy Paul rip the felt off the ball during his practice and match. His ball has less loop, and MOVES through the court. I think the vcore can help lift a flat stroke for what it’s worth

 

[MR.bkebab]

It's more than just spin potential tbh. It's more so how the racquet swings through the air. I personally think the beam on the VC98 swings much better for those who brush the ball and follow through with the tip of the racquet, vs EZ98 which I think swings better flatter strokes. I think this also correlates with how the EZ98 cuts through the air on those flat 1st bombs with how the beam is designed, which I think people rave about how good the EZ98 is for serving.

The VC98 is going to be better if you hit with spin on every shot than the EZ98 as you're likely to have more safety and security of the ball dipping in with higher launch angle. I personally always hit with spin, it just comes down to how much penetration vs spin I choose to put on the ball. Which is why I gravitate towards the VC98 more as it accommodates my playstyle better.

I think it ultimately comes down to how they hit the ball and how it feels vs. "spin potential"

Hey what would you recommend in my case? I hit all my shots with topspin. But I’m not the nishioka type player who hits with immense spin and launch angle. I like to hit through the court with still lots of spin. I just don’t get the flat hitting argument since almost nobody plays with an continental forehand these days. I think both frames would work in my case, that’s why I can’t decide between the two

 

[MR.bkebab]

Not to throw a wrench in the decision, but I just watched Tommy Paul rip the felt off the ball during his practice and match. His ball has less loop, and MOVES through the court. I think the vcore can help lift a flat stroke for what it’s worth

AAAHHH You’re absolutely right and I knew that Paul plays like that. The frames are very similair I think, it’s just that I can’t demo them. You can play through the court with both frames and you could loop the ball with both frames.

 

[MR.bkebab]

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.

Could you explain which frame is for what type of game style? I think vcore for more defensive play and ezone for aggressive. Am I right?

 

[MR.bkebab]

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.

Do you know how it is with vcore 98 vs ezone 98? Could you replace the vc95 with ezone 98 and the ezone with the vcore 98 in your argument?

 

[MR.bkebab]

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.

Woah, I thought the ezone could do anything the vcore could and vice versa. I was going for the ezone since the stringbed was more dense, so more control. Are you a heavy topspin player? How karue sell put it is that the ezone would be for more aggressive players, so in my head the ezone would get more winners

 

[bobeeto]

AAAHHH You’re absolutely right and I knew that Paul plays like that. The frames are very similair I think, it’s just that I can’t demo them. You can play through the court with both frames and you could loop the ball with both frames.

In my opinion the major difference is the feeling on impact, where the vcore is pretty plush & muted, where the Ezone is solid & muted. Found myself missing to the net with the Ezone and long with the vcore. Matter of taste for the ball feel I think

 

[MR.bkebab]

In my opinion the major difference is the feeling on impact, where the vcore is pretty plush & muted, where the Ezone is solid & muted. Found myself missing to the net with the Ezone and long with the vcore. Matter of taste for the ball feel I think

Tysm with the help! I barely hit the net since I can create my own shape and pace. I do hit long a lot especially when swinging fully (which is horrible, who wants to swing slower?) Your description is similar to karue’s. Ezone will be my pick then