Need help finding balance between net play and baseline — Blade 98 v8 vs Ezone 98

[hecsls]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been playing for a while with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) and really enjoyed the easy spin and depth from the baseline, but I always felt I needed more control and stability at the net. Recently, I switched to a Wilson Blade 98 v8 16x19 and absolutely loved how solid it feels on volleys and how stable it is against heavy shots.

The issue is that, despite the amazing control, I’m missing the spin and baseline rally comfort I had with the Ezone. I’ve already experimented with different string tensions but still haven’t found the sweet spot.

I’m currently using Solinco Hyper-G strings.

I’d love recommendations on:

• Other racquets that combine the net stability of the Blade with the baseline ease of the Ezone
• Lead tape customization to improve spin on the Blade or stability on the Ezone
• String setups that could help balance these characteristics

Thanks a lot for your help!

 

[Leen]

Solinco white out v2.

 

[esgee48]

Balance spec of the Blade vs Ezone? Try that first cuz you can't change string spacing. You may just have to compromise cuz I feel the Blade just has less power than the Ezone.

 

[Fly3Bills]

It's tough to help unless you have specs to compare. SW can very greatly on these racquets and could make a significant difference in what you are feeling.

 

[jj4545]

Ezone has higher stiffness and thicker beam, meaning more free power.
For blade add some weight, 2-3gr at 12 or 3 and 9 and same amount in butt cap to keep same balance. Tension lower than ezone

 

[Donmikan]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been playing for a while with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) and really enjoyed the easy spin and depth from the baseline, but I always felt I needed more control and stability at the net. Recently, I switched to a Wilson Blade 98 v8 16x19 and absolutely loved how solid it feels on volleys and how stable it is against heavy shots.

The issue is that, despite the amazing control, I’m missing the spin and baseline rally comfort I had with the Ezone. I’ve already experimented with different string tensions but still haven’t found the sweet spot.

I’m currently using Solinco Hyper-G strings.

I’d love recommendations on:

• Other racquets that combine the net stability of the Blade with the baseline ease of the Ezone
• Lead tape customization to improve spin on the Blade or stability on the Ezone
• String setups that could help balance these characteristics

Thanks a lot for your help!

Add weight at 12 on the blade (4 grams) and at 3 and 9 on the Ezone. (6 grams)

Do not add weight to the handle!

 

[Trip]

@hecsls - Before looking at other frames, I would try customizing the EZ98 for added stability, plow and a slightly more head-light balance, by adding the following:

1) Strike Zone Weight, by bracketing the hitting area with lead tape on each side of the hoop, at roughly 9:30 up to 11:00 and 2:30 up to 1:00, approaching the isometric upper "corners" of the frame. Doing this will add swing weight, hitting weight and twist weight, all in one go, boosting plow-through, power and lateral stability. I would add weight in small 1-2g increments, building to the point where the level of stability, plow-through and power feel adequate, but also not so much that the amount of added weight impedes your mechanics and/or racquet head speed too much.

2) Handle Weight, most easily and effectively done by swapping out the Yonex stock base grip (usually about 14-15g installed) with a more dense synthetic like a Gamma Hi-Tech or a lighter leather grip, like a TW 1.3mm, usually 19-23g grams installed – this will counterbalance the add hoop weight, plus a little bit more, making the racquet easier to initially pivot (great for net play) and also boost recoil weight (ie. counter-collision weight), which will add even more stability through contact.

All of that will significantly improve the EZ98, with only 7-12g of added static weight, most of which will be in the handle (less noticeable there), and ideally you'll get a best-of-all-worlds setup, with a Blade-like level of solidness up at net, but also higher power/depth from the baseline per unit hitting weight than the Blade would provide.

Try all of that, and see how it goes. If you have any questions, feel free.

 

[Lack]

I recommend Yonex Percept 100.
Open pattern and large sweetspot like the ezone and straight beam feel like the blade. It has the power you need from the baseline and stability at the net.