Shapovalov's current strings and mold?

[cjh777]

I understand he is using a 18/20 Ezone 98, but besides the string pattern, what commercial racquet is it closest to? Is he still using protour strike strings? I know he was having them strung at low at 46 lbs in his SV 95.

 

[Hawks9451]

Closest thing to an 18x20 ezone 98 is a retail 16x19 ezone 98. The part you're meant to hit with is pretty dense already. Shapo's custom looks like they drilled more holes to fill out the sides.

 

[Julian.Peter]

Inthink there is no other 98 18x20 power racket. Regular Ezone 98 should be the closest. Maybe strung a little tighter with a thicker gauge.

 

[Trip]

Inthink there is no other 98 18x20 power racket.

Closest thing would be the Strike 98 18x20. Not quite as powerful per unit swing weight, but close.

 

[cjh777]

Thanks for the replies. I understand there is no Yonex Ezone 98 18x20. Was more curious whether his racquet was closer to the 2022 Ezone 98 or the newest 2025 iteration (string pattern aside, obviously.) Am also curious if anyone knows if he is still using Poly Tour Strike 1.25? And the tension? Only string and tension listed is Poly Tour Strike at 46 lbs, but that was in his old SV 95.

 

[Trip]

Most intel, per the main thread on his frame, indicates he's using the 2022 mold and layup (with the custom 18x20 pattern).

 

[SirCraigoryy]

Thanks for the replies. I understand there is no Yonex Ezone 98 18x20. Was more curious whether his racquet was closer to the 2022 Ezone 98 or the newest 2025 iteration (string pattern aside, obviously.) Am also curious if anyone knows if he is still using Poly Tour Strike 1.25? And the tension? Only string and tension listed is Poly Tour Strike at 46 lbs, but that was in his old SV 95.

I’d say he’s probably still with PT Strike 1.25 since he used Luxilon ALU Power 1.25 at 55lbs in a Six.One 95 18x20 as a junior and PT Strike Black 1.25 at 46lbs in his VCORE 95 except his current PT Strike is now silver. As far as tension goes I would say he’s probably still on the lower side since that’s the current trend and it would help with some spin generation in the dense 18x20 ezone.

 

[aus89]

Most intel, per the main thread on his frame, indicates he's using the 2022 mold and layup (with the custom 18x20 pattern).

He was using the Ezone previously and came back with the 18x20 at the end of last year with the old paint and new paint update this year - so very likely its the 22 Ezone rather than the new one as he wasn't using a blackout etc... for it to be the new one (and the headcap is the giveaway with the new ezones as it doesn't have the ezone letters that its the 22)

 

[lulo]

I thought he's using the 100 18x20 not a 98?

 

[Down_the_line]

I thought he's using the 100 18x20 not a 98?

That would be quite something for a player to go from a 95 to 100.

 

[Julian.Peter]

Closest thing would be the Strike 98 18x20. Not quite as powerful per unit swing weight, but close.

Strike 18x20 could also be close, but I think regular Ezone 98 will be closer as it has way more power than the Strike 98 even at lower swing weight from my experience. Ezine 16x19 is also more powerful than strike 16x19 while being way more controlled and launching lower. So I think with the drop in power if the Strike 98 18x20, the Ezine 18x20 will be a good step ahead the strike in terms of power. Anyway, you are right regarding the Strike 18x20 being very powerful for an 18x20 and adjustments regarding power and launch etc can be made easily with string setups.