Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
I currently am playing with both the Speed Pro and the Ezone 98+. Going back and forth isn't too difficult because of the similar launch angle. One thing I've noticed with the E98+ is even though the launch angle might be slightly higher... it's not as versatile to shaping shots. The launch is pretty locked in off the E98+ and I have a harder time varying my shot shape and height over the net. With the Speed Pro I find it much easier to go from a hard flat net skimmer to a rolling heavy topspin ball. It probably just requires more time from me to understand how to get the variation I want out of the E98+ since I haven't had time to really practice with it... just play matches.Nice! How long have you been using the Speed Pro? What leave do you play at? Anything that makes you tempted to go back to ezone 98+ or look for other options?
This is making want to seriously try the speed pro lol
Groundstrokes
- Speed Pro can give you any shot and has a great blend of power, control, spin and touch. Hard flat & fast, heavy looping spin, skidding slices... if you have the skills it will do anything you ask with no fuss and is pretty forgiving while still being precise.
- E98+ gives easier power and spin... but is a little less flexible in terms of shot variety (trajectory over the net). I have a much harder time varying my shots and spins. I can hit it well... fast and with spin... but my shot shape tends to have a lot less variation despite my attempt to vary it more. Might be the extra swing weight and/or power... or the way the frame flexes, but shots tend to be more linear in flight despite good spin. Every once in a while I can get a nice arcing ball that really jumps up off the court, but that seems much harder to achieve with the E98+. Speed Pro flexes more in the hoop so maybe that gives me the extra dwell time I use to play with height. E98+ hoop is much stiffer... and it seems I have to be more purposeful about really taking less of the ball (brush) to get an arcing topspin shot... as the ball comes off the string so much quicker.
Volleys
Both are great at net, but the extra reach of the E98+ helps and it has really nice touch. Speed Pro has better touch and better stability, but both volley really well.
Serve
Speed Pro is much improved on serve, but the E98+ is a clear winner here. The E98+ is an awesome serving stick with easy power, spin and directional control. Speed Pro provides better weight of shot on the serve, but you'll have to work harder to get the same results as the E98+. I hit more aces and unreturnable serves with the E98+. Speed Pro does have a little more precision for placement.
I'm tempted by the E98+ cuz it's so easy to serve with, the lighter weight and easy power is nice as I get older/lazier, and the extra reach helps. Speed Pro is more comfortable and is so good at everything that it's still my top pick.