New racket suggestion for Ezone 98 2022 user

[haben]

Hi all, been looking for a new racket to replace my Ezone 98 2022, a little bit about my playstyle:

- 4.0 to 4.5 on a good day
- extreme semi-western grip (borderline western haha), 2 handed backhand
- all court player with variety of shots (heavy topspin on baseline, flat on approach shots, alternating with slices to approach the net)
- I prefer to generate power with a fast racket head speed with a whippy forehand, but my backhand is quite a flat swing.

My current Ezone setup:
- strung weight of 333gr (added another layer of thick overgrip on the buttcap to make it more flared)
- Solinco Confidential 17g on 52lbs
- Haven't measured swingweight or balance but I believe the balance should be even more headlight compared with stock since I have another layer of overgrip.

Currently some parts of my game is suffering, mostly on my flat serves where it goes long. It's an issue that I only have on the Ezone since I used to play with a stock Auxetic Radical MP and had barely any issue of my flat serves going long. I also feel 333gr is too heavy for me as defensive shots like slices are hard for me to execute.

I'm looking for these characteristics on my new racket:
- power level between the Radical MP and the Ezone 98
- similar launch angle with the Ezone 98
- more control compared with the Ezone 98, I need the confidence the ball with not sail long with my groundstrokes/serves when I really put down the hammer
- easy to modulate spin (I can alternate heavy topspin and flat shots comfortably)
- definitely something with a better feel compared to the Ezone

All suggestions are welcome, including in any changes in my current setup (string, tension, customization, etc.). Thanks!

 

[Asquared]

I think the best fit for what you described is the Percept 100D. More control for sure. Modulating spin not quite as easy, but you can fix that with string that is more spin friendly than Confidential.

I would also consider the Pure Aero 98, there are some similarities like the aerodynamic throat. You don’t gain as much control as you do with the 100D though.

My two rackets are the Ezone 98 and a Gravity Pro. I find the launch angle similar on the 2, but I go GPro when I am hitting against a hard hitter and need more control and heft (to counteract hard hit shots) in my game. Ezone maybe works better for me when I am the harder hitter.

 

[haben]

I think the best fit for what you described is the Percept 100D. More control for sure. Modulating spin not quite as easy, but you can fix that with string that is more spin friendly than Confidential.

I would also consider the Pure Aero 98, there are some similarities like the aerodynamic throat. You don’t gain as much control as you do with the 100D though.

My two rackets are the Ezone 98 and a Gravity Pro. I find the launch angle similar on the 2, but I go GPro when I am hitting against a hard hitter and need more control and heft (to counteract hard hit shots) in my game. Ezone maybe works better for me when I am the harder hitter.

Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely try to demo these rackets out.

Considering Aero 98 has a higher launch angle, how easy it is to hit a flat shot with the Aero?

 

[Honza]

I went from the Ezone 98 to the Head Extreme Pro.
A little bit less power, but more spin and control.
It might suit your whipy style.

The 100D is a very nice frame, but saw 3 or 4 of them crack in the throat out of nowhere (there is a thread about it here). The few hits i had with it were pretty cool, but i couldnt trust it.

I played the aero 98 for a few months before the Ezone and it is very demanding. The sweet spot is small and missing it hurt my arm. When you are in the zone like Carlos, it can be fantastic.

 

[Trip]

@haben - So before looking at new frames, what about further customization or stringing adjustments? If that extra over grip wrapped at the base of the handle is something you can't see yourself playing without, then that limits your ability to reproportion weight, but even so, maybe a lighter base grip (Wilson Feather Thin, etc.) could be worth a try. Beyond that, you could also look to lighten the racquet face and lower the swing weight, by moving to thinner-gauge/lighter poly, a non-poly/poly hybrid or maybe even full-bed minimal or non-poly. All of that put together could help make it easier to snap down overhead on your serves, to tighten the departure angle and reign in the depth. Also, although Confidential and other shaped poly's have their benefits, the extra amount of static grip from the edges can also be a limiting crutch, preventing players from being able to more finely modulate spin, more so from their technique. Moving to a more round-shaped string would allow more of the former, in addition to providing a more consistent launch angle and even more reliable trajectory the more purely flat you hit. Lastly, although Confidential is moderately crisp, you might even be able to coax even a bit more feel out of even more crisp strings, such as Tour Bite (or similar), crisp synthetics (ex: TF Multifeel Black), natural gut, or some hybrid of those.

All of that said, presuming you've pushed as far as you can go with all of the above and feel it's still not enough, then, as long as you can handle the lower sweet spot, I think your best bet would be a Tecnifibre TFight 305S, purchased via matching service for unstrung SW of 287-290 (if you just purchase blindly, you have a pretty decent chance of getting too high a SW, which for what you're looking for will pretty much be a lemon). A copy with 287-290sw will probably also be a 1-3g under spec on static weight, which also works in your favor. Beyond that, with an extreme SW forehand, you will probably need to morph the grip shape to more of a standard octagonal shape, which can be done easily enough by adding material to bevels 3 and 7 on the grip pallet (best done with pre-glued 1/2"-wide veneer banding, which is light and easy/consistent to apply – example on @m@zon). Apply that below the base grip, then re-wrap grip, apply your two over grips and for starters, string with your normal Confidential 1.20, but in the low-mid 40's, then optimize string setup from there.

Honorable mention: Wilson Shift 99 (non-Pro), customized with a tiny bit of hoop lead - IMHO, you're right on the border of being able to use the Shift as it was intended (swipe-y, aggressive strokes, 4.5+ level). That said, the dual flex is not for everyone, especially those who's stroke shape and/or racquet face angle often pass through both planes of flex in a single motion (which is many of us). That's where it derives so much of its inconsistency from (don't believe me, search enough reviews and you'll see). Plus, the 23.5mm 99" may feel/behave more like a 100" than you may want, and it will feel at least a certain amount muted than you desire. And it can be punishingly uncomfortable if hit too often purely flat from face-on. I know that seems like a lot of cons, but the main plus is that if it works well enough for your stroke style overall, it could be deadly, as there's nothing else really like it on the market. But, being such a niche fit, it will probably require a longer-than-normal evaluation process to really figure out if it will work for you, or not. If you don't have that kind of time/patience, understandable, and you may just be better offer sticking with something conventional with a singular, more predictable flex profile, like the 305S.

As for other suggestions, which I would probably pass on:
- Percept 100D - while slightly better in feel, nowhere near as connected as the 305S, nor will it be as quick-handling as you probably want - I know @Farbio and others who've gone 100D -> 305S will back me up on that
- PA98 - Agree with @Honza - If you're used to EZ98-level string bed behavior and like to modulate between flat and arc, plus even more precision, the PA98 is probably not the right call

Hope you found some of that useful. Any questions, feel free.

 

[SavvyStringer]

Hi all, been looking for a new racket to replace my Ezone 98 2022, a little bit about my playstyle:

- 4.0 to 4.5 on a good day
- extreme semi-western grip (borderline western haha), 2 handed backhand
- all court player with variety of shots (heavy topspin on baseline, flat on approach shots, alternating with slices to approach the net)
- I prefer to generate power with a fast racket head speed with a whippy forehand, but my backhand is quite a flat swing.

My current Ezone setup:
- strung weight of 333gr (added another layer of thick overgrip on the buttcap to make it more flared)
- Solinco Confidential 17g on 52lbs
- Haven't measured swingweight or balance but I believe the balance should be even more headlight compared with stock since I have another layer of overgrip.

Currently some parts of my game is suffering, mostly on my flat serves where it goes long. It's an issue that I only have on the Ezone since I used to play with a stock Auxetic Radical MP and had barely any issue of my flat serves going long. I also feel 333gr is too heavy for me as defensive shots like slices are hard for me to execute.

I'm looking for these characteristics on my new racket:
- power level between the Radical MP and the Ezone 98
- similar launch angle with the Ezone 98
- more control compared with the Ezone 98, I need the confidence the ball with not sail long with my groundstrokes/serves when I really put down the hammer
- easy to modulate spin (I can alternate heavy topspin and flat shots comfortably)
- definitely something with a better feel compared to the Ezone

All suggestions are welcome, including in any changes in my current setup (string, tension, customization, etc.). Thanks!

Tried a Vcore 98?

 

[_FrankTheTank_]

My vote is (as recommended by Trip) the 305s. Whippy, speedy forehand gives you good amount of spin, very good on flat approch shots, decnet at the net, slice decent, versetaily.
If your flat backhand is ok for you and you can use it well and don't need more lift from the racket than the ezone already provides, it should be good on backhand as well.

It basicly checks all the boxes from my expirience that you mentioned. PA98 is also a good racket and more geared to allcourt than i'd thought given it's baseline abilities, but the feel isn't good and it mainly wants to play a specific kind of ball from the baseline (arc modulation is easier/more natural with the 305s).

 

[Asquared]

Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely try to demo these rackets out.

Considering Aero 98 has a higher launch angle, how easy it is to hit a flat shot with the Aero?

I had no problems hitting flat with the Aero 98 (though I did with the Aero 100). I don’t think the Aero 98 launch angle was that high for me / it was pretty ideal and I dig the 16x20 string pattern. It does get great spin and I found to get the most out of it, I needed to really swing out almost all the time - hitting through the court but also finishing over my head to leverage that spin. My average ground stroke MPH was probably higher than with any other racket, but in the end it was a little too stiff for me and swinging out like that all the time meant that if I missed by a little I could be a little wild with control for stretches. Super fun racket though, give it a try, it might really work for your stroke.

 

[SlapBackhands]

TF40 305 16x19 could be a good option as it seems to check off your desirable characteristics. Only thing is that the TF grip shape might be an issue.

You could also just increase the tension by a couple of pounds to see if that improves control.

Other options include: Blade 98 16x19, Diadem Elevate, Prince ATS 98, Extreme Pro/Speed Pro

Or you could go back your Radical MP?

 

[haben]

So before looking at new frames, what about further customization or stringing adjustments? If that extra over grip wrapped at the base of the handle is something you can't see yourself playing without, then that limits your ability to reproportion weight, but even so, maybe a lighter base grip (Wilson Feather Thin, etc.) could be worth a try. Beyond that, you could also look to lighten the racquet face and lower the swing weight, by moving to thinner-gauge/lighter poly, a non-poly/poly hybrid or maybe even full-bed minimal or non-poly. All of that put together could help make it easier to snap down overhead on your serves, to tighten the departure angle and reign in the depth. Also, although Confidential and other shaped poly's have their benefits, the extra amount of static grip from the edges can also be a limiting crutch, preventing players from being able to more finely modulate spin, more so from their technique. Moving to a more round-shaped string would allow more of the former, in addition to providing a more consistent launch angle and even more reliable trajectory the more purely flat you hit. Lastly, although Confidential is moderately crisp, you might even be able to coax even a bit more feel out of even more crisp strings, such as Tour Bite (or similar), crisp synthetics (ex: TF Multifeel Black), natural gut, or some hybrid of those.

All of that said, presuming you've pushed as far as you can go with all of the above and feel it's still not enough, then, as long as you can handle the lower sweet spot, I think your best bet would be a Tecnifibre TFight 305S, purchased via matching service for unstrung SW of 287-290 (if you just purchase blindly, you have a pretty decent chance of getting too high a SW, which for what you're looking for will pretty much be a lemon). A copy with 287-290sw will probably also be a 1-3g under spec on static weight, which also works in your favor. Beyond that, with an extreme SW forehand, you will probably need to morph the grip shape to more of a standard octagonal shape, which can be done easily enough by adding material to bevels 3 and 7 on the grip pallet (best done with pre-glued 1/2"-wide veneer banding, which is light and easy/consistent to apply – example on @m@zon). Apply that below the base grip, then re-wrap grip, apply your two over grips and for starters, string with your normal Confidential 1.20, but in the low-mid 40's, then optimize string setup from there.

Honorable mention: Wilson Shift 99 (non-Pro), customized with a tiny bit of hoop lead - IMHO, you're right on the border of being able to use the Shift as it was intended (swipe-y, aggressive strokes, 4.5+ level). That said, the dual flex is not for everyone, especially those who's stroke shape and/or racquet face angle often pass through both planes of flex in a single motion (which is many of us). That's where it derives so much of its inconsistency from (don't believe me, search enough reviews and you'll see). Plus, the 23.5mm 99" may feel/behave more like a 100" than you may want, and it will feel at least a certain amount muted than you desire. And it can be punishingly uncomfortable if hit too often purely flat from face-on. I know that seems like a lot of cons, but the main plus is that if it works well enough for your stroke style overall, it could be deadly, as there's nothing else really like it on the market. But, being such a niche fit, it will probably require a longer-than-normal evaluation process to really figure out if it will work for you, or not. If you don't have that kind of time/patience, understandable, and you may just be better offer sticking with something conventional with a singular, more predictable flex profile, like the 305S.

As for other suggestions, which I would probably pass on:
- Percept 100D - while slightly better in feel, nowhere near as connected as the 305S, nor will it be as quick-handling as you probably want - I know @Farbio and others who've gone 100D -> 305S will back me up on that
- PA98 - Agree with @Honza - If you're used to EZ98-level string bed behavior and like to modulate between flat and arc, plus even more precision, the PA98 is probably not the right call

Hope you found some of that useful. Any questions, feel free.

Thank you for your insights, will try to modify my current racket first. I'm also interested in demo-ing the TFight 305s, however no store in my vicinity provides demo to the racket and it's also sold out

Wilson Shift could be an interesting demo though, will put them on my list of rackets to demo.

 

[haben]

Tried a Vcore 98?

I have, and felt that the stringbed is not as consistent as the Ezone, which is why I chose Ezone over the Vcore in the first place.

 

[haben]

TF40 305 16x19 could be a good option as it seems to check off your desirable characteristics. Only thing is that the TF grip shape might be an issue.

You could also just increase the tension by a couple of pounds to see if that improves control.

Other options include: Blade 98 16x19, Diadem Elevate, Prince ATS 98, Extreme Pro/Speed Pro

Or you could go back your Radical MP?

Thank you for the suggestion, what are the main differences between the TFight 305s and the TF40 305 in terms of the characteristics that I've mentioned above?

I'm planning to try to increase my tension to 55lb on my next stringing, will update you on how it feels with the tighter tension.

I have tried the Blade 98 and the Speed Pro, I didn't quite gel with the Blade as it has a short grip and my two hander backhand is not comfortable with such grip. I love the Speed but just couldn't handle the swingweight (my wrist was hurting when serving with the speed). I moved away from the Radical MP as I can't execute my offensive shots (flat approach shots) as good as when I'm using the Ezone, which ends up with me playing longer, grindy points. Spin generation is also an issue on Radical MP as getting depth was not as easy as the Ezone when using a heavy topspin shot.

 

[Alcawrath]

I had no problems hitting flat with the Aero 98 (though I did with the Aero 100). I don’t think the Aero 98 launch angle was that high for me / it was pretty ideal and I dig the 16x20 string pattern. It does get great spin and I found to get the most out of it, I needed to really swing out almost all the time - hitting through the court but also finishing over my head to leverage that spin. My average ground stroke MPH was probably higher than with any other racket, but in the end it was a little too stiff for me and swinging out like that all the time meant that if I missed by a little I could be a little wild with control for stretches. Super fun racket though, give it a try, it might really work for your stroke.

While the Aero 98 can hit flat, idk if it'll be what the OP is looking for. The PA98 demands heavy spin groundstrokes to control the ball unlike the Ezone. Definitely worth a try, but it doesn't seem like it fits the bill.

 

[SavvyStringer]

I have, and felt that the stringbed is not as consistent as the Ezone, which is why I chose Ezone over the Vcore in the first place.

Agree with that. The launch angle on average is higher but a little harder to actually create the same stroke twice. Doesn't seem like anyone has suggested the new gravity MP. I think it could work, particularly if you like the head grip shape.

 

[Asquared]

While the Aero 98 can hit flat, idk if it'll be what the OP is looking for. The PA98 demands heavy spin groundstrokes to control the ball unlike the Ezone. Definitely worth a try, but it doesn't seem like it fits the bill.

Fair point, but if OP has a near-Western forehand, he probably naturally has more spin in his stroke than I do, even if he is hitting what he considers to be flat. This is where I think we can all describe our impressions all day long, but the only way to really know is for the OP to try it himself.

 

[Curtennis]

Sounds like you need to just fix your serve and you’re set. Not sure I’ve ever heard any majority say the Ezone 98 is a bad serving racquet.

Take some serves from the service line instead of baseline and get used to snapping down

I also have an extreme SW bordering on west. I play a heavy all court game. And I lead mine up with 3g at 12. Flare my butt cap with OG as well.

It ain’t the racquet. It’s us.

 

[SlapBackhands]

Thank you for the suggestion, what are the main differences between the TFight 305s and the TF40 305 in terms of the characteristics that I've mentioned above?

I'm planning to try to increase my tension to 55lb on my next stringing, will update you on how it feels with the tighter tension.

I have tried the Blade 98 and the Speed Pro, I didn't quite gel with the Blade as it has a short grip and my two hander backhand is not comfortable with such grip. I love the Speed but just couldn't handle the swingweight (my wrist was hurting when serving with the speed). I moved away from the Radical MP as I can't execute my offensive shots (flat approach shots) as good as when I'm using the Ezone, which ends up with me playing longer, grindy points. Spin generation is also an issue on Radical MP as getting depth was not as easy as the Ezone when using a heavy topspin shot.

305s will feel more firm and crisp cause of the layup and 18 mains. TF40 will be more plush and softer in my experience. I prefer the 305s as I am more used to a crisper feel since I've been using mainly the pure aeros/apds and now main the 2021 Vcore 98.

Have you tried adding some weight the Radical MP or dropping the tension? Either one would be able to assist greater depth. Anyways, a higher tension in the Ezone 98 might improve control and thus your confidence in it.

 

[PhantomStriker]

Put the Head Boom Pro on your list. It ticks all the boxes you mentioned.

 

[AmericanTwist]

I'm looking for these characteristics on my new racket:
- power level between the Radical MP and the Ezone 98
- similar launch angle with the Ezone 98
- more control compared with the Ezone 98, I need the confidence the ball with not sail long with my groundstrokes/serves when I really put down the hammer
- easy to modulate spin (I can alternate heavy topspin and flat shots comfortably)
- definitely something with a better feel compared to the Ezone

First, customize your frame and tweak string selection and tension. If you still want to demo frames generally, a better feeling frame is softer so your last wish opposes the power level wish. You can add spin just by using shaped poly. You can string tighter to lower the power level.