[HELP] Racket recommendations high intermediate all court gravel player

[MR.bkebab]

Hey fellow tennis tennisnerds, I’m looking for a new stick and I’m sure that you tennis enthusiasts could help me with your thoughts and recomendations.
I’m sharing my racket journey to help you understand my situation:
-I played with a pure aero child model in well, my childhood. I liked aggressive baseline rallies the most.
-In my teens I desperately needed a new racket, because I had outgrown the racket and reached its ceiling. My mom got me a prestige mp 360+, because it was on sale (the new prestiges were about to get updated, hence the discount). You could imagine that I was struggling with the prestige. Now I’m at a point where I can use the racket up to a level where I can compete. However, there are days where every ball is either short or I can’t get enough spin and balls start flying. I.e. even when I go for winners and hit with the most racket speed, the ball won’t reach near the baseline. Or when upping the tempo in a rally, I lack spin and the ball goes out every time. Also the stick is unstable for me, volleying is a nightmare with this stick. My two handed backhand loves the prestige, I can dictate the rallies and I can hit anywhere I want. Thankfully, there are days where everything works out and then I’m very difficult to beat.
-Now in my adolesence I’m a high intermediate player and I train with the most talented players from my region. For the last 2 months I have borrowed the pure aero 2023 (100) from a friend and the help from the racket is much appreciated on my off-days. I like the racket and it’s kind of like going back home. However, the racket isn’t perfectly suited for me. Whereas the prestige lacked spin, the aero has too much power and when I try to play aggressive, balls tend to fly out. It also lacks control, I can’t dominate with my backhand anymore. And lastly the stick is killing my elbow and wrist (I use the same string in my prestige where I have no issues). I like the stability on volleys, it’s night and day compared with the prestige. Also the extra power does help a lot when playing defensively.
-I’m looking for a new stick: I play mostly on gravel and I’m kinda an all court player? I can grind rallies out, I can play aggressive from the baseline, I can play aggressive and finish at the net, my dropshots and slices are something I’m proud of and well my serve is lacking. I think I need something in between the prestige and aero that doesn’t kill my arms. I’m thinking of the new category called ”modern player rackets" where control and spin are mixed into a well rounded racket. Think of the pure aero 98, vcore 98, radical mp, etc.
I think of going for the vcore 98, since yonex quality control is better than other brands. What are your 2 cents? Anything is appreciated!
PS: should I go for vcore 98 v6 2021 at a discount or v7 2023?

Update: I played my first session with the ezone 98 with poly tour drive 23 kg. It was just what I was looking for!!!

 

[TwinCinema]

Sounds like you could use the Speed Pro. Stable, good power level, great control, solid at net for volleys, good baseline driver too. Nice on two-handed backhand..

If you do go with VCore, definitely use the 2023. Feel is improved. But I personally preferred the EZone 98 for Yonex modern player rackets.

 

[MR.bkebab]

Sounds like you could use the Speed Pro. Stable, good power level, great control, solid at net for volleys, good baseline driver too. Nice on two-handed backhand..

If you do go with VCore, definitely use the 2023. Feel is improved. But I personally preferred the EZone 98 for Yonex modern player rackets.

Thanks for the reply! I haven’t considered that one yet. It is a 18/20, so how is the spin? I was thinking of only including 16x19, other than that it sounds very fitting!
Now you’re making it even more complicated lol . I have thought of the ezone 98, how does it compare to the vcore? I think both are quite similair, one more suited for a flatter syle and the other for a more spinny style am I right?
PS: another reason I didn’t think of the speed is the 100 sq in headsize, I like the maneauverability of a 98.

 

[mhkeuns]

Hey fellow tennis tennisnerds, I’m looking for a new stick and I’m sure that you tennis enthusiasts could help me with your thoughts and recomendations.
I’m sharing my racket journey to help you understand my situation:
-I played with a pure aero child model in well, my childhood. I liked aggressive baseline rallies the most.
-In my teens I desperately needed a new racket, because I had outgrown the racket and reached its ceiling. My mom got me a prestige mp 360+, because it was on sale (the new prestiges were about to get updated, hence the discount). You could imagine that I was struggling with the prestige. Now I’m at a point where I can use the racket up to a level where I can compete. However, there are days where every ball is either short or I can’t get enough spin and balls start flying. I.e. even when I go for winners and hit with the most racket speed, the ball won’t reach near the baseline. Or when upping the tempo in a rally, I lack spin and the ball goes out every time. Also the stick is unstable for me, volleying is a nightmare with this stick. My two handed backhand loves the prestige, I can dictate the rallies and I can hit anywhere I want. Thankfully, there are days where everything works out and then I’m very difficult to beat.
-Now in my adolesence I’m a high intermediate player and I train with the most talented players from my region. For the last 2 months I have borrowed the pure aero 2023 (100) from a friend and the help from the racket is much appreciated on my off-days. I like the racket and it’s kind of like going back home. However, the racket isn’t perfectly suited for me. Whereas the prestige lacked spin, the aero has too much power and when I try to play aggressive, balls tend to fly out. It also lacks control, I can’t dominate with my backhand anymore. And lastly the stick is killing my elbow and wrist (I use the same string in my prestige where I have no issues). I like the stability on volleys, it’s night and day compared with the prestige. Also the extra power does help a lot when playing defensively.
-I’m looking for a new stick: I play mostly on gravel and I’m kinda an all court player? I can grind rallies out, I can play aggressive from the baseline, I can play aggressive and finish at the net, my dropshots and slices are something I’m proud of and well my serve is lacking. I think I need something in between the prestige and aero that doesn’t kill my arms. I’m thinking of the new category called ”modern player rackets" where control and spin are mixed into a well rounded racket. Think of the pure aero 98, vcore 98, radical mp, etc.
I think of going for the vcore 98, since yonex quality control is better than other brands. What are your 2 cents? Anything is appreciated!
PS: should I go for vcore 98 v6 2021 at a discount or v7 2023?

I would first recommend buying a racket that is on sale. As a recovering racketaholic, there are very little differences, if any, in any updates. Maybe there are some tweaks to the feel, balance and stiffness, but newer rackets won‘t magically help you win against better players. That said, there are rackets I play better with - control sticks like the Prestige Pro or CX 200 Tour. It’s really difficult to actually find which racket suits you the best. You may need some advice from a coach or people you play against and demo their rackets (*if demo programs aren’t available in your area), instead of just getting a racket that might not suit you the best.

From your explanation, 100” control oriented sticks (*with some power) will suit you the best. Head Speed Pro & MP, Gravity Pro & Tour, and Prince Textreme Tour 100P. Out of those, I find the 100P to be the most well rounded. If you‘d like even more arm-friendly 100” racket with more control, I really like the Prince Phantom 100 series rackets. I’ve heard great things for both Yonex Vcore 98 & 100 if you want more spin in your game.

Good luck.

 

[MR.bkebab]

I would first recommend buying a racket that is on sale. As a recovering racketaholic, there is very little difference, if any, in any updates. Maybe there are some tweaks to the feel, balance and stiffness, but newer rackets won‘t magically help you win against better players. That said, there are rackets I play better with - control sticks like the Prestige Pro or CX 200 Tour. It’s really difficult to actually find which racket suits you the best. You may need some advice from a coach or people you play against and demo their rackets (*if demo programs aren’t available in your area), instead of just getting a racket that might not suit you the best.

From your explanation, 100” control oriented sticks (*with some power) will suit you the best. Head Speed Pro & MP, Gravity Pro & Tour, and Prince Textreme Tour 100P. Out of those, I find the 100P to be the most well rounded. If you‘d like even more arm-friendly 100” racket with more control, I really like the Prince Phantom 100 series rackets. I’ve heard great things for both Yonex Vcore 98 & 100 if you want more spin in your game.

Good luck.

Thanks! That’s very insightful! I’m a bit too deep too then. I’ll definitely go for discounted ones and look at sites where second hand frames are sold. The speed is now recomended to me multiple times and the gravity is a good racket too. I need to have a look at mp vs pro then. I’m not familiar with prince rackets at all! If they’re similair then I’ll be lazy and just focus on the head rackets now

 

[TwinCinema]

Thanks for the reply! I haven’t considered that one yet. It is a 18/20, so how is the spin? I was thinking of only including 16x19, other than that it sounds very fitting!
Now you’re making it even more complicated lol . I have thought of the ezone 98, how does it compare to the vcore? I think both are quite similair, one more suited for a flatter syle and the other for a more spinny style am I right?
PS: another reason I didn’t think of the speed is the 100 sq in headsize, I like the maneauverability of a 98.

Speed Pro IS an 18x20 but that doesn't mean it can't provide spin. Just use a shaped, sharp string like Tour Bite, and with good mechanics you'll be able to spin the ball. Sure it isn't Shift or Aero-level spinny, but it isn't as flat as some other 18x20s like the Blade.

EZone will similarly provide access to spin, but its comparatively dense-ish 16x19 pattern still gives you better control than the VCore in my experience. Try to demo both of them if you can to see which one you like the feel of better.

As for 100 vs 98 on maneuverability, yes 98s are often more maneuverable but you're coming from a 100" Aero which you seemed to play okay with until it hurt your elbow and wrist. My dream racket is a 98-inch Speed Pro, and the closest I've found is a weighted-up Pure Strike VS which is what I'm maining these days. But my game is a bit different from yours so I don't know if the PSVS is for you. If you go back to Babolat, then try the Pure Strike 98 16x19. It's more comfortable than the Aero or Drive, has a great mix of power and control, and gives you more spin than the Speed Pro or the Prestige.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[socallefty]

How about the Gen 3 Pure Strikes that are on sale also? Good for aggressive players.

 

[MR.bkebab]

How about the Gen 3 Pure Strikes that are on sale also? Good for aggressive players.

Thanks for the suggestion! I have not looked into babolat much, since the aero hurt my elbows and wrists. How is the pure strike for you in terms of comfort?

 

[socallefty]

Thanks for the suggestion! I have not looked into babolat much, since the aero hurt my elbows and wrists. How is the pure strike for you in terms of comfort?

I use the Pure Strike Tour which is good for comfort with a VF of 139 Hz and RA stiffness in the mid-sixties. The Pure Aero typically has VFs over 150-155 Hz and is much stiffer - around 70 RA I believe. The Aero 98 (formerly VS) might be a more comfortable version than the 100 sq inch models that are more popular.

 

[MR.bkebab]

Speed Pro IS an 18x20 but that doesn't mean it can't provide spin. Just use a shaped, sharp string like Tour Bite, and with good mechanics you'll be able to spin the ball. Sure it isn't Shift or Aero-level spinny, but it isn't as flat as some other 18x20s like the Blade.

EZone will similarly provide access to spin, but its comparatively dense-ish 16x19 pattern still gives you better control than the VCore in my experience. Try to demo both of them if you can to see which one you like the feel of better.

As for 100 vs 98 on maneuverability, yes 98s are often more maneuverable but you're coming from a 100" Aero which you seemed to play okay with until it hurt your elbow and wrist. My dream racket is a 98-inch Speed Pro, and the closest I've found is a weighted-up Pure Strike VS which is what I'm maining these days. But my game is a bit different from yours so I don't know if the PSVS is for you. If you go back to Babolat, then try the Pure Strike 98 16x19. It's more comfortable than the Aero or Drive, has a great mix of power and control, and gives you more spin than the Speed Pro or the Prestige.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

Thanks for the reply. I see, the speed pro will defenitely have more spin than my prestige, so it will be fine I guess. My mechanics are not perfect, but they’re good enough for now. I get quite some spin on my prestige actually, it’s just on off-days or against lower level players that I hit too much out.
As for strings, I want to keep it cheap, since my parents won’t sponsor me for strings. I get alu power at my local store and that is what I’ll be using for the foreseeable future.

I’ve looked into demoing, that’s really not possible for me. It’s either not possible at all or so expensive that I could buy a second hand racket instead. I really enjoy the spin from the aero, that’s why I thought the vcore suited me better. But if they’re very similair then the extra control will just be a bonus on the ezone.

I would still consider myself a 98 player, I just borrowed the aero for fun and it helps quite a lot. But if I play good I play better with my prestige. So it’s somewhere in between. I don’t like swinging the aero actually, it feels off to me, it has to do with the 100 sq in. The spin is just as addicting as the prestige feel. I haven’t looked into the pure strike at all! OMG! There are already too many options now, what have I done?

 

[MR.bkebab]

I use the Pure Strike Tour which is good for comfort with a VF of 139 Hz amd RA stiffness in the mid-sixties. The Pure Aero typically has VFs over 150-155 Hz and is much stiffer - around 70 RA I believe. The Aero 98 (formerly VS) might be a more comfortable version than the 100 sq inch models that are more popular.

Ah I see. I’ve played with a pure strike from a friend of mine once. I played good. And it sounds much better than the aero 100. Maybe I need to look into the pure strike if it gets recommended multiple times. Thanks for the advice!

 

[socallefty]

As for strings, I want to keep it cheap, since my parents won’t sponsor me for strings. I get alu power at my local store and that is what I’ll be using for the foreseeable future.

ALU Power goes dead and can cause pain in most racquets within 5-10 hours. So, not a good string if you are on a budget. A soft poly like HyperG Soft plays good and is usable for 15-20 hours without pain.

 

[MR.bkebab]

ALU Power goes dead and can cause pain in most racquets within 5-10 hours. So, not a good string if you are on a budget. A soft poly like HyperG Soft plays good and is usable for 15-20 hours without pain.

Yeah true, alu power sucks once too much tension is lost. But for any other string I need to order online and then string it which will be double the cost. Or I need my parents or friends to drive me to a different city which is inconvenient. I could go restring more often instead of going for other strings if I have more money in my case.
The frame is also important (although not as much as some think), but with the same string and conditions my arm doesn’t hurt with my prestige...

 

[mauricem]

Extreme Tour is like an arm friendly Aero98. Slightly down on spin and power but better control and comfort. Still very spinny with enough RHS. Boom Pro might be another option but maybe more suited to baseline than all court.

 

[MR.bkebab]

Extreme Tour is like an arm friendly Aero98. Slightly down on spin and power but better control and comfort. Still very spinny with enough RHS. Boom Pro might be another option but maybe more suited to baseline than all court.

Thanks for the recommendations! I have considered both. But there is not really a way to differentiate them because I can’t demo. I read online that the tour is too much of a platform racket and that it needs customisation, which I won’t do. The boom pro is also a solid option, an advanced junior uses it at my club. The vcore 98 is still first choice, just because of quality control

 

[JFrijhoff]

If you’re leaning towards the Vcore 98, then I would go for it. It’s a great frame, and I think it can give you the blend you’re looking for. It’ll give you plenty of spin, but you can definitely flatten the ball as well. Poly your fire was one of my favorite strings in this frame, very comfortable combination.

 

[MR.bkebab]

If you’re leaning towards the Vcore 98, then I would go for it. It’s a great frame, and I think it can give you the blend you’re looking for. It’ll give you plenty of spin, but you can definitely flatten the ball as well. Poly your fire was one of my favorite strings in this frame, very comfortable combination.

Thanks for the validation! I’m also considering the blade 98 16x19 and radical mp. But I rather not risk off-spec frames, so yonex it will be. I’m also not completely sure yet if I would go with the ezone or vcore.

 

[JFrijhoff]

Thanks for the validation! I’m also considering the blade 98 16x19 and radical mp. But I rather not risk off-spec frames, so yonex it will be. I’m also not completely sure yet if I would go with the ezone or vcore.

No problem! If you’re thinking between eZone and Vcore, the Vcore was more comfortable for me to play with than the eZone. Radical MP also played well when I was dialed in, but a little less comfortable and little less forgiving than the Vcore. The blade (I played the v8), especially with the right string (I played with either 4G soft or Hyper-G, can’t remember which), was also very comfortable and very easy to hit with, definitely a very nice frame. But yeah, it’s a bit more of a lottery what you’ll get…

 

[MR.bkebab]

No problem! If you’re thinking between eZone and Vcore, the Vcore was more comfortable for me to play with than the eZone. Radical MP also played well when I was dialed in, but a little less comfortable and little less forgiving than the Vcore. The blade (I played the v8), especially with the right string (I played with either 4G soft or Hyper-G, can’t remember which), was also very comfortable and very easy to hit with, definitely a very nice frame. But yeah, it’s a bit more of a lottery what you’ll get…

Thanks! This is very helpful! What version of the vcore 98 did you use?

 

[JFrijhoff]

I’ve played most with the 2021 version, because a friend of mine has it, and shortly demoed the 2023 version as well (not with my string of choice), and played good as well. I actually first ended up with the 2023 Vcore 95 because I had such good control, feel, slice and OHB with it, but ultimately it was too demanding with the smaller head size when I wasn’t 100% focused (and hence a little uncomfortable as well). The 98 would have been a good compromise, but (at the moment at least ) I ended up with a head gravity MP (or tour, not sure yet), after a stint with a PK black ace pro.

 

[MR.bkebab]

That’s insightful. Sounds like the 2 models don’t differ that much. Hopefully I get responses on my second hand bids. I have a friend that uses a 95, but I figured as well that a 98 would be wiser.

 

[stapletonj]

1. get a used dropweight stringing machine
2. Order some strings online, 1 pack each
3. When you have found a string/tension combo you like, order a reel
4. Learn how to get 17 sets out of a reel by being careful as to how much string you really need

The $100 or so you spend on a dropweight and the cost of, say, 10 different packs of string, wil be about $200 -$300.
Once you get dialed in, a restring will cost you about $5 plus your labor. You will make up the cost in about 1 season.
(faster if you string for your teammates)

 

[JFrijhoff]

1. get a used dropweight stringing machine
2. Order some strings online, 1 pack each
3. When you have found a string/tension combo you like, order a reel
4. Learn how to get 17 sets out of a reel by being careful as to how much string you really need

The $100 or so you spend on a dropweight and the cost of, say, 10 different packs of string, wil be about $200 -$300.
Once you get dialed in, a restring will cost you about $5 plus your labor. You will make up the cost in about 1 season.
(faster if you string for your teammates)

Was that meant for this thread?

 

[stapletonj]

Yes. you were talking about your parents, alu power cost, sending rackets out of town for restringing the limited amount of $ your parents were willing to pay, etc.

Doing this will get you dialed in, and save your parents a considerable amount of $ over the long haul. It will also teach you somethign about tennis, and make you
popular with your teammates and coaches. racket cost is a 1 time thing, striinging cost is a continuing expense

 

[JFrijhoff]

Yes. you were talking about your parents, alu power cost, sending rackets out of town for restringing the limited amount of $ your parents were willing to pay, etc.

Doing this will get you dialed in, and save your parents a considerable amount of $ over the long haul. It will also teach you somethign about tennis, and make you
popular with your teammates and coaches. racket cost is a 1 time thing, striinging cost is a continuing expense

Oh sorry, that was OP, not me, indeed . Can only agree, just started stringing myself as well.

 

[MR.bkebab]

1. get a used dropweight stringing machine
2. Order some strings online, 1 pack each
3. When you have found a string/tension combo you like, order a reel
4. Learn how to get 17 sets out of a reel by being careful as to how much string you really need

The $100 or so you spend on a dropweight and the cost of, say, 10 different packs of string, wil be about $200 -$300.
Once you get dialed in, a restring will cost you about $5 plus your labor. You will make up the cost in about 1 season.
(faster if you string for your teammates)

Thanks for the advice! I had a quick look at the local resale sites but couldn’t find anything. Could you recommend some machines?

 

[stapletonj]

start with a drop weight. dont know where u are, but while there is nothing wrong with Klippermate and they are the cheapest, Gamma makes some really good stuff (I've had 2 and they were both solid)

go over to the stringing tips section of this forum and there are some experts who will help you. Also check the buy and sell section of this forum.

 

[MR.bkebab]

Sounds like you could use the Speed Pro. Stable, good power level, great control, solid at net for volleys, good baseline driver too. Nice on two-handed backhand..

If you do go with VCore, definitely use the 2023. Feel is improved. But I personally preferred the EZone 98 for Yonex modern player rackets.

Hey there, I just saw a review from karue sell. He has a long video about the ezone 98 and he told me the nuances I haven’t heard before. I’m now more on the ezone side lol. He said that the ezone 98 is for players who take full swings and love to to do that. Not for players who are more pushy and have a ‘atp forehand’ which is compacter (I don’t know if I explained it right). I LOVE swinging full and that’s what I enjoy most. My most common mistake is hitting out and karue said that the ezone is perfect for that type of players. He said that the vcore’s are more for wristy pushy strokes.

Do you think creating a new post on the forum about only ezone 98 vs vcore 98 would help me?

 

[TwinCinema]

Do you think creating a new post on the forum about only ezone 98 vs vcore 98 would help me?

There already is one!

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

Trying to decide between these 3 rackets. Really enjoy all of them, each with pros and cons. Ezone 98 - plush yet solid feel, not as much spin potential as vcore Vcore 98 - spin machine, but a bit harsher on my arm, especially on off center hits Vcore pro 97 - incredibly comfortable yet...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Just bump it with your question but also I think this thread is fine too. You’ll get people recommending both rackets because they’re both good, and it comes down to personal preference. I think for your game the EZone is the way to go.

 

[Underdog]

The market is packed with nice options and the aforementioned ones should be cool. Ezone, Aero 98, Radical MP, Pure Strike…
I’m in a 100” control racquet phase right now, so maybe there’s also good options there for you. A lot of deserved praise for 18x20 pattern Gravity Pro/Tour and Speed Pro.
I’m playing with a Gravity MP and I love it. People complain about it’s very low RA, but if you can adapt to it, the racquet is dreamy. Comfortable, spinny, controlled on rallies and powerful enough to finish points. I play with 10g in the handle, of course.
Another one you might consider is the Pro Staff X.

 

[Curtennis]

Thanks! That’s very insightful! I’m a bit too deep too then. I’ll definitely go for discounted ones and look at sites where second hand frames are sold. The speed is now recomended to me multiple times and the gravity is a good racket too. I need to have a look at mp vs pro then. I’m not familiar with prince rackets at all! If they’re similair then I’ll be lazy and just focus on the head rackets now

Older, discounted racquets are the way. If newer technology truly mattered pros would switch sticks. More pros use an old ass H22 than any other racquet. Nothing new going on with that bad boy.

 

[Underdog]

The market is packed with nice options and the aforementioned ones should be cool. Ezone, Aero 98, Radical MP, Pure Strike…
I’m in a 100” control racquet phase right now, so maybe there’s also good options there for you. A lot of deserved praise for 18x20 pattern Gravity Pro/Tour and Speed Pro.
I’m playing with a Gravity MP and I love it. People complain about it’s very low RA, but if you can adapt to it, the racquet is dreamy. Comfortable, spinny, controlled on rallies and powerful enough to finish points. I play with 10g in the handle, of course.
Another one you might consider is the Pro Staff X.

Maybe I should also include the Blade 100

 

[MR.bkebab]

The market is packed with nice options and the aforementioned ones should be cool. Ezone, Aero 98, Radical MP, Pure Strike…
I’m in a 100” control racquet phase right now, so maybe there’s also good options there for you. A lot of deserved praise for 18x20 pattern Gravity Pro/Tour and Speed Pro.
I’m playing with a Gravity MP and I love it. People complain about it’s very low RA, but if you can adapt to it, the racquet is dreamy. Comfortable, spinny, controlled on rallies and powerful enough to finish points. I play with 10g in the handle, of course.
Another one you might consider is the Pro Staff X.

Thanks for your advice! I had multiple people recommend these frames, so I should take it seriously. I’m already trying to trade a frame for the speed pro online (wish me luck). I think 100’s are just not for me, I’ve tried the pure aero 100 that is praised for aerodynamics and it still felt big and chunky.

 

[MR.bkebab]

Older, discounted racquets are the way. If newer technology truly mattered pros would switch sticks. More pros use an old ass H22 than any other racquet. Nothing new going on with that bad boy.

Good point! It was just with the vcore in my case there was a new mold and the beam was thicker, furthermore the string spacing was different. That sounds to me as a very different racket. This time it wasn’t just some weird technology that only ‘enhances’ the feel. Do you agree with that in my case?

 

[Curtennis]

Good point! It was just with the vcore in my case there was a new mold and the beam was thicker, furthermore the string spacing was different. That sounds to me as a very different racket. This time it wasn’t just some weird technology that only ‘enhances’ the feel. Do you agree with that in my case?

You can absolutely have preference to a newer model! I just don’t think any current new model is objectively better than it’s predecessor.

 

[MR.bkebab]

There already is one!

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

Trying to decide between these 3 rackets. Really enjoy all of them, each with pros and cons. Ezone 98 - plush yet solid feel, not as much spin potential as vcore Vcore 98 - spin machine, but a bit harsher on my arm, especially on off center hits Vcore pro 97 - incredibly comfortable yet...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Just bump it with your question but also I think this thread is fine too. You’ll get people recommending both rackets because they’re both good, and it comes down to personal preference. I think for your game the EZone is the way to go.

Thanks!!

I see that cheeky easy one lol. I know myself better, but it's crazy that your assumption was more accurate than what I was thinking with the vcore fitting me better.

I’m making things too complicated every time (but hey I know now that ezone > vcore for me). I have a friend who is number one ranked junior of my country and she uses the fx 500 tour. It is also a power/control racket 98 sq in. She keeps insisting that I take a look at dunlop and I keep brushing her off. Dunlop isn’t as popular and I don’t know enough about the frames. Do you know more about the fx 500 tour?

 

[MR.bkebab]

You can absolutely have preference to a newer model! I just don’t think any current new model is objectively better than it’s predecessor.

Yeah absolutely true! Objectively there is no difference I agree. But differences do matter for certain play styles.

 

[MR.bkebab]

There already is one!

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

Trying to decide between these 3 rackets. Really enjoy all of them, each with pros and cons. Ezone 98 - plush yet solid feel, not as much spin potential as vcore Vcore 98 - spin machine, but a bit harsher on my arm, especially on off center hits Vcore pro 97 - incredibly comfortable yet...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Just bump it with your question but also I think this thread is fine too. You’ll get people recommending both rackets because they’re both good, and it comes down to personal preference. I think for your game the EZone is the way to go.

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)

I’m not familiar with how quoting works. But here is the post there! Hopefull it gets some responses

 

[MR.bkebab]

I’m not familiar with how quoting works. But here is the post there! Hopefull it gets some responses

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.

 

[mauricem]

And lastly the stick is killing my elbow and wrist

More risk of elbow problems with Ezone 98 than Vcore especially as you don't want to mod racquets. The EZ98 felt stiff to me but marginally improved with some extra weight. I'd pick a Vcore 98 or Blade 98 over the EZ if you want to safeguard your arm. Lots of other options of course.

 

[Clarky75]

I am in the same boat as the OP, I have the PA 98, giving me some arm issues, like most Babolat do, I am looking at the Wilson BLade 98 V9 16x19, as I love the constant beam racquets and many 100 frames feel clunky to me also, but I grew up playing tennis in the 90s, so its what I am used too as well

Similarly I was looking at Yonex too as the QC is way better the Percept 100D was ok, but I think the Vcore 98 might be nice too

 

[TennisCJC]

Ezone 98 is a great frame. It is modern but has a thinner and softer throat. Good combo of power, control and comfort.

 

[MR.bkebab]

More risk of elbow problems with Ezone 98 than Vcore especially as you don't want to mod racquets. The EZ98 felt stiff to me but marginally improved with some extra weight. I'd pick a Vcore 98 or Blade 98 over the EZ if you want to safeguard your arm. Lots of other options of course.

Hmm good call. I’ll risk going with the ezone if it really fits my game better. I think the pure aero hurts me is because the frame is not arm friendly, but also because I subconsciously had to adjust my swings. I think with any 98 now I won’t have any issues, except with maybe the pure aero 98 lol

 

[MR.bkebab]

I am in the same boat as the OP, I have the PA 98, giving me some arm issues, like most Babolat do, I am looking at the Wilson BLade 98 V9 16x19, as I love the constant beam racquets and many 100 frames feel clunky to me also, but I grew up playing tennis in the 90s, so its what I am used too as well

Similarly I was looking at Yonex too as the QC is way better the Percept 100D was ok, but I think the Vcore 98 might be nice too

Hope you learned something here! The blade is a great stick and with the v9 now the older versions are discounted, so a good choice! The ezone and vcore are not as controlled as the blade from what I’ve read. So look into what you need most in your game

 

[MR.bkebab]

Ezone 98 is a great frame. It is modern but has a thinner and softer throat. Good combo of power, control and comfort.

Ikr! It’s just that I can’t demo frames so I won’t be able to pick between the two easily

 

[Underdog]

Thanks for your advice! I had multiple people recommend these frames, so I should take it seriously. I’m already trying to trade a frame for the speed pro online (wish me luck). I think 100’s are just not for me, I’ve tried the pure aero 100 that is praised for aerodynamics and it still felt big and chunky.

Fair to mention the Aero has a much thicker beam than the other ones I mentioned

 

[RF2017]

To be honest, the Dunlop cx 200 and 400s are also a good choice and you can still find some of those discounts for around $99. If you're still looking for something more Yonex related, I would actually recommend the ezone 98 more than the vcore due to the fact that, at least for me the vcore actually felt more powerful than the ezone which gave me more spin. A good option for strings would be tourna silver 7 tour, its around $10 on amazon and plays/feels relatively similar to alu but lasts a lot longer.

 

[TwinCinema]

@MR.bkebab Sounds like you went with the EZone 98? I think that’s a great choice and hope you’re enjoying it.

 

[MR.bkebab]

@MR.bkebab Sounds like you went with the EZone 98? I think that’s a great choice and hope you’re enjoying it.

Thanks for checking up on me! I did get the ez98 and it was what I was looking for! I had my first session with it yesterday and I was getting some crazy spin on it. With the prestige the balls would be flying. The balls bounced over my hitting partner lol. I was bullying him hitting those groundstrokes to his backhand

 

[RF2017]

@MR.bkebab What strings did you end up using in the ezone?