Playing with a 2020 Ezone 100 and 98+ at the same time?

[dilshan]

Dear members,
I currently own a 2020 ezone 100 and like every aspect about it with the exception of having too much free power at times. I was on the lookout for a 98 tour (for stability + control + less free power) but got an amazing deal for a 98+ and therefore bought it. I am planning to use both rackets in turn when practicing and when playing singles/doubles matches. The only modifications I have done is to add a leather grip + overgrip to each racket to increase head light points. My plan is to use the 100 and 98 in turn for each practice session, the 100 for doubles (since I will mostly be playing from the baseline as my partner prefers to be closer to the net + the fact that the usable court area is bigger and having more free power on the racket will be helpful) and the 98+ for singles (since I need to transition to all-court playing in a singles scenario).

Would appreciate your valuable thoughts on this. Is what I am doing ok or will it hamper my game/skills?

 

[n80aoag]

I would suggest using one or the other to maximize your potential. I'd imagine you'd have a lot of mishits or otherwise routine shots being missed due to adjusting between different lengths and head sizes. Not to mention swing weight variances. While you may be fine playing with both, you could really get the muscle memory and timing down on one model and just stick with it. Having played with both a DR100 and 2020 98+, I had to adjust between the two (took me about 3 weeks to gel with the 98+) and it was difficult to switch frequently.

 

[Lorenn]

It depends on you and how competitive you are... I personally find switching between racquets non-problematic. Others will tell you you can only play with matching racquets, in seventy five degree weather during daylight hours with a fresh can of US open balls...Normally each racquet feels different in my hands and I adapt accordingly. I can play at a reasonably high level with most racquets. Occassionaly one will be a little bit of a challenge to understand. Normally I have two main racquets in my bag. Main racquet I will use for most competitive play and another slightly easier to use racquet with a little extra pop so I can shorten my strokes a little.

My main concern is the length change. Moving the sweet spot too much can cause issues. Another sign it will be difficult for you is if you must play with one one type of ball. Nothing wrong with a preference, but if you refuse to play with anything but...

 

[dilshan]

I would suggest using one or the other to maximize your potential. I'd imagine you'd have a lot of mishits or otherwise routine shots being missed due to adjusting between different lengths and head sizes. Not to mention swing weight variances. While you may be fine playing with both, you could really get the muscle memory and timing down on one model and just stick with it. Having played with both a DR100 and 2020 98+, I had to adjust between the two (took me about 3 weeks to gel with the 98+) and it was difficult to switch frequently.

Thank you @n80aoag for your feedback. btw which racket do you prefer. The DR100 or the 98+?

 

[dilshan]

It depends on you and how competitive you are... I personally find switching between racquets non-problematic. Others will tell you you can only play with matching racquets, in seventy five degree weather during daylight hours with a fresh can of US open balls...Normally each racquet feels different in my hands and I adapt accordingly. I can play at a reasonably high level with most racquets. Occassionaly one will be a little bit of a challenge to understand. Normally I have two main racquets in my bag. Main racquet I will use for most competitive play and another slightly easier to use racquet with a little extra pop so I can shorten my strokes a little.

My main concern is the length change. Moving the sweet spot too much can cause issues. Another sign it will be difficult for you is if you must play with one one type of ball. Nothing wrong with a preference, but if you refuse to play with anything but...

Hi @Lorenn Thank you for your feedback. I feel a bit encouraged now to try both out. According to your feedback it seems like the 100 is better for non-competitive play and the 98+ for competitive play. Well noted on the extra length since that might be a challenge. With regard to the balls, right now this is what i am using Wilson Tour Premier 2 for practice, which has plenty of bounce. Usually for tournaments, the organizers use Prince Tour balls but I prefer the Wilson.

 

[n80aoag]

Thank you @n80aoag for your feedback. btw which racket do you prefer. The DR100 or the 98+?

2020 98+ is my racquet of choice. DR100 was too boardy and my shots sailed long. It was stiffer and more powerful than I prefer, but I know plenty of great club players using it with great success. I just prefer the power and plow of the 98+ with the added control of the 98 head size and relatively tighter 16x19.