Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Yonex EZONE Racquet 2022

[SupremeCourt]

To add onto this--I ended up buying a 2022 Ezone 98 a little while ago. I couldn't really make a decision between the rackets I was demoing and figured on paper the ezone should give me a little of everything. ( I was putting it against 2020tour, 97D, 97 310, older speeds and blades) First few sessions I was on the verge of regretting my decision. Didn't like how 'boardy' it felt with a hybrid set up I had strung at 54/52. Yet it felt too light in hand, which did give me a pretty fast swing, but some balls were sailing and others were dropping into the bottom of the net, and I had no control over my slice. It seemed like I almost had to go after every ball for it to go in...I think another poster mentioned this where just in warm up rallies or against beginners the racket just didn't gel.

Anyways, after trying a few other string setups I ended up just putting 2 grams at (maybe one or two grommets above) 3 and 9 and stringing up Volkl cyclone 17 at 50lbs and the results were much better for me. Really enjoyed the ball pocketing and my slice finally came around. I might experiment with some more weight at 12, in the throat and maybe under the grip, but despite how little weight I added it did make a difference for me. I am happy I stuck with it, but in an ideal world I wouldn't want to do as much tinkering...admittedly I still have a demo 97D which I'm switching between.

 

[iceman_dl6]

To add onto this--I ended up buying a 2022 Ezone 98 a little while ago. I couldn't really make a decision between the rackets I was demoing and figured on paper the ezone should give me a little of everything. ( I was putting it against 2020tour, 97D, 97 310, older speeds and blades) First few sessions I was on the verge of regretting my decision. Didn't like how 'boardy' it felt with a hybrid set up I had strung at 54/52. Yet it felt too light in hand, which did give me a pretty fast swing, but some balls were sailing and others were dropping into the bottom of the net, and I had no control over my slice. It seemed like I almost had to go after every ball for it to go in...I think another poster mentioned this where just in warm up rallies or against beginners the racket just didn't gel.

Anyways, after trying a few other string setups I ended up just putting 2 grams at (maybe one or two grommets above) 3 and 9 and stringing up Volkl cyclone 17 at 50lbs and the results were much better for me. Really enjoyed the ball pocketing and my slice finally came around. I might experiment with some more weight at 12, in the throat and maybe under the grip, but despite how little weight I added it did make a difference for me. I am happy I stuck with it, but in an ideal world I wouldn't want to do as much tinkering...admittedly I still have a demo 97D which I'm switching between.

Tinkering with mine too to get my ideal setup! Please let us know how it progresses!

 

[Grieeegoorr]

There seems to be a great deal of recommendation for a crisp string in the new Ezone 98, has anyone given syn gut or even Klip Legend a go in either full bed or hybrid?

 

[koolio]

There seems to be a great deal of recommendation for a crisp string in the new Ezone 98, has anyone given syn gut or even Klip Legend a go in either full bed or hybrid?

I put 6 hours on a demo with hybrid stringing with RPM 17 (mains) and Babolat synthetic gut. Tension: 52/56 pounds, and I really liked it…and ended up buying 2 sticks.

Since getting mine, I’ve done full bed of poly, but am trying a hybrid tonight (Confidential/Velocity) since I loved the way my demo played.

Prior was a 2019 Pure Aero strung full bed of RPM 17 (55 lbs).

 

[Grieeegoorr]

I put 6 hours on a demo with hybrid stringing with RPM 17 (mains) and Babolat synthetic gut. Tension: 52/56 pounds, and I really liked it…and ended up buying 2 sticks.

Since getting mine, I’ve done full bed of poly, but am trying a hybrid tonight (Confidential/Velocity) since I loved the way my demo played.

Prior was a 2019 Pure Aero strung full bed of RPM 17 (55 lbs).

Velocity is pretty muted, would you be better going for a synthetic gut cross if you want to find the magic of the demo?

 

[tennisandtennis]

Playing a 2022 EZONE 100 I got from a fellow member in the forums, strung with PTP and Livewire. Absolutely sick control, power and spin. I have owned the 2020 100 and the 98+ and this is by far my favorite of the bunch. My plan is to string up the 2020 and 2022 with the same setup and see which one I like more, to make sure it's not purely placebo effect.

 

[mikele]

Playing a 2022 EZONE 100 I got from a fellow member in the forums, strung with PTP and Livewire. Absolutely sick control, power and spin. I have owned the 2020 100 and the 98+ and this is by far my favorite of the bunch. My plan is to string up the 2020 and 2022 with the same setup and see which one I like more, to make sure it's not purely placebo effect.

Let us know your comparison, I've tested both recently and ended up buying the 2020 version

 

[koolio]

Velocity is pretty muted, would you be better going for a synthetic gut cross if you want to find the magic of the demo?

Good to know about Velocity, tonight will be my first time hitting with it. I was thinking the same thing about getting exact same setup as my demo. Will do that in the next few weeks.

Playing a 2022 EZONE 100 I got from a fellow member in the forums, strung with PTP and Livewire. Absolutely sick control, power and spin. I have owned the 2020 100 and the 98+ and this is by far my favorite of the bunch. My plan is to string up the 2020 and 2022 with the same setup and see which one I like more, to make sure it's not purely placebo effect.

I have a set of PTP and Livewire, will try this combo soon.

 

[Grieeegoorr]

Good to know about Velocity, tonight will be my first time hitting with it. I was thinking the same thing about getting exact same setup as my demo. Will do that in the next few weeks.

Let us know how the Velocity cross experiment goes, interested to know how it performs in the Ezone

 

[tennisandtennis]

Let us know your comparison, I've tested both recently and ended up buying the 2020 version

I am sure that it’s a matter of preference. I loved the 2020 as well. Probably just new racquet shine (and the new paint job is very cool).

 

[Skendarn]

How is the Ezone 100 compared to the Pure Aero 2019? I want to buy something new but i am quite happy with my current stick. Have some problem with the power though on my PA since i have to string it quite low because my elbow hurt a little if i string it too hard. The downside to this is that i tend to launch it big when the strings are not fresh.

 

[tennisandtennis]

How is the Ezone 100 compared to the Pure Aero 2019? I want to buy something new but i am quite happy with my current stick. Have some problem with the power though on my PA since i have to string it quite low because my elbow hurt a little if i string it too hard. The downside to this is that i tend to launch it big when the strings are not fresh.

I had (and sold) a Pure Aero, which is very similar to the VCORE 100, which I also own and enjoy playing with. The EZONE is like the Pure Drive (which I also owned, and sold), except friendlier on the arm and maybe a little less powerful. I think that it's a matter of preference.

What kind of strings are you using with the PA? RPM Blast? It's a common combination and people are surprised when at 65+ RA racquet wrecks their arm with a poly like RPM Blast.

I think the big issue with the VCORE/Pure Aero racquets is that people are surprised when they're launching the ball when hitting flat. They're designed to be hit with a ton of topspin, to redirect that power into rotational energy. If you're more a flat hitter, the EZONE and Pure Drive are far better for your purposes. Or you could try a Pure Strike and kiss your arm health goodbye.

 

[PMF]

Does anyone remember the weight difference (in grams) between the AC128EX replacement grip and the stock grip? I recently purchased the 2022 Ezone 98, and I’m still experimenting.

When I owned the 2020 version, I loved it with one gram of lead at 12:00, strung with a gut/poly hybrid, and supergrap overgrip. No other changes.

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Does anyone remember the weight difference (in grams) between the AC128EX replacement grip and the stock grip?

It's quite small. I once replaced a stock VCP HD grip with an AC128EX. The latter weighed 1.37 grams more when installed. Stock and AC128EX are exactly the same grips, stock is just glued to the handle, while AC128EX has an adhesive backing.

Do have to mention that I replace the Yonex stock grips with AC128EX grips because I like the base grip to be as flat as possible. The stock grips are wrapped in a way that there is a small groove at each overlap. So if all other things would be equal, that would probably make the ones I wrap a little bit heavier than ones that are not as flat.

 

[Skendarn]

I had (and sold) a Pure Aero, which is very similar to the VCORE 100, which I also own and enjoy playing with. The EZONE is like the Pure Drive (which I also owned, and sold), except friendlier on the arm and maybe a little less powerful. I think that it's a matter of preference.

What kind of strings are you using with the PA? RPM Blast? It's a common combination and people are surprised when at 65+ RA racquet wrecks their arm with a poly like RPM Blast.

I think the big issue with the VCORE/Pure Aero racquets is that people are surprised when they're launching the ball when hitting flat. They're designed to be hit with a ton of topspin, to redirect that power into rotational energy. If you're more a flat hitter, the EZONE and Pure Drive are far better for your purposes. Or you could try a Pure Strike and kiss your arm health goodbye.

I normally string it with Solinco Hyper G. If i string it at 23-24 i get some pain in my elbow if i play alot so since a year back i play with a 22 kg tension (like 49 lb). I really love the look of the Ezone. Should i get a 98 frame or 100 is the question. I have a solid forehand but quite flat and i mostly slice on the backhand. I am addicted to that free power from the Aero though.

 

[JackSockIsTheBest]

I normally string it with Solinco Hyper G. If i string it at 23-24 i get some pain in my elbow if i play alot so since a year back i play with a 22 kg tension (like 49 lb). I really love the look of the Ezone. Should i get a 98 frame or 100 is the question. I have a solid forehand but quite flat and i mostly slice on the backhand. I am addicted to that free power from the Aero though.

I have the 98 & quite a powerful but spin-oriented game & I'd recommend going for the 100 since you used to use the aero. (I did as well so I know what you mean ) And it has a bigger sweetspot so it'll help with mishits on those slices

 

[koolio]

I have the 98 & quite a powerful but spin-oriented game & I'd recommend going for the 100 since you used to use the aero. (I did as well so I know what you mean ) And it has a bigger sweetspot so it'll help with mishits on those slices

I also switched from the 2019 Pure Aero (actually, I've been hitting with the APD / Pure Aero since 2009) a couple of weeks ago. I went with the 98 bc I wanted a little more control and can also confirm it is less powerful than the Pure Aero. For me, I'm okay with it bc I feel like I can take bigger cuts at the ball while still having control.

So far, I'm liking the Ezone in a hybrid setup. With the Pure Aero, I was using a full bed of RPM Blast 17 (@ 55 - 58 lbs...yeah, crazy high tension) but with the Ezone I'm stringing around 52-53 lbs.

 

[JackSockIsTheBest]

I also switched from the 2019 Pure Aero (actually, I've been hitting with the APD / Pure Aero since 2009) a couple of weeks ago. I went with the 98 bc I wanted a little more control and can also confirm it is less powerful than the Pure Aero. For me, I'm okay with it bc I feel like I can take bigger cuts at the ball while still having control.

So far, I'm liking the Ezone in a hybrid setup. With the Pure Aero, I was using a full bed of RPM Blast 17 (@ 55 - 58 lbs...yeah, crazy high tension) but with the Ezone I'm stringing around 52-53 lbs.

Great to hear you're liking the Ezones as well

 

[tennisandtennis]

I normally string it with Solinco Hyper G. If i string it at 23-24 i get some pain in my elbow if i play alot so since a year back i play with a 22 kg tension (like 49 lb). I really love the look of the Ezone. Should i get a 98 frame or 100 is the question. I have a solid forehand but quite flat and i mostly slice on the backhand. I am addicted to that free power from the Aero though.

Hyper G is also an arm-wrecker. There's a soft variant out there.

 

[Grieeegoorr]

So far, I'm liking the Ezone in a hybrid setup.

What is the hybrid setup your are enjoying?

 

[TennisViking]

The new 100 Ezone(2022) has an RA of 67, and the new 98 Ezone has an RA of 64…where are you getting the 69 from?

The RA rating I got from having several racquets measured by Tennis Warehouse prior to buying. It said 69 and a few had 70.
This is obviously for the Ezone 100 and unstrung. Strung it is around 67

 

[koolio]

What is the hybrid setup your are enjoying?

Same as what I posted a couple of days ago: Confidential (16L) in the mains / Velocity (16) in crosses (52/55). Only played for 1.5 hours (doubles) and like it, but will experiment with other hybrid combos and full polys. This hybrid setup feels the same as the demo I had with RPM Blast (17) / Bab Synthetic Gut (16) in crosses. It does feel a bit muted (hell, I’ve been hitting with Pure Aero / APD with full RPM for so long everything will feel muted right? ).

Some hybrids I plan to try in the near future:

• Diadem Solstice Pro (16L) / Diadem Evolution 16 (got these for free from my local tennis shop to try and give them my review)
• Tour Bite (17) / Some nylon string…maybe LiveWire 16 since I got them with my Gamma stringing machine

Next full poly I plan to try is Poly Tour Pro (yellow) 16L, most likely at 53 lbs.

FWIW, I did not like full bed of Confidential at 54 lbs.

Any hybrid setup you have that you like or dislike?

 

[Grieeegoorr]

Any hybrid setup you have that you like or dislike?

My Ezone 98 is arriving in a couple of weeks, so I'm just trying to figure out what to string it up with. I'll definitely let you know what setups & how they perform once the experimentation begins

 

[iceman_dl6]

I’m curious to hear from those who customized their EZ98, what is their final static weight and how they like it.

My EZ98 with a babolat leather grip, 2 yonex supergrap overgrips and 1.5g of lead 1 grommet above 3&9 is 340g. The volleys, slices and stability improved noticeably! However, the spin potential suffered, and balls tend to launch a bit. Serves suffered because of the grip size increase due to the extra overgrip (maybe i’ll add lead at the handle instead of the extra overgrip)

 

[tennisandtennis]

I still don’t understand the purpose of a leather grip under an overgrip, except if you’re customizing the weight or trying to expose more bezel.

 

[easternforehand]

I still don’t understand the purpose of a leather grip under an overgrip, except if you’re customizing the weight or trying to expose more bezel.

I think you pretty much got it - feel + weight.

 

[djNEiGht]

I still don’t understand the purpose of a leather grip under an overgrip, except if you’re customizing the weight or trying to expose more bezel.

I think you pretty much got it - feel + weight.

I second this...any oppose???
move to close

 

[Crashbaby]

Leather base grip is firmer so it allows a more secure grip with a lighter grip pressure. If the grip is soft you have to squeeze harder to maintain head stability.
Thats a major benefit that doesn't get mentioned often.
Yes, move to close granted,

 

[Crashbaby]

I’m curious to hear from those who customized their EZ98, what is their final static weight and how they like it.

My EZ98 with a babolat leather grip, 2 yonex supergrap overgrips and 1.5g of lead 1 grommet above 3&9 is 340g. The volleys, slices and stability improved noticeably! However, the spin potential suffered, and balls tend to launch a bit. Serves suffered because of the grip size increase due to the extra overgrip (maybe i’ll add lead at the handle instead of the extra overgrip)

Same set up for me, but 2g at those positions and one over grip. If two over grips has increased the grip size compared to what you normally use, then yes spin may be reduced. Definitely try some lead instead of the second over grip.
Alternatively, you could try the moving the weight higher up. Weight at 12 will give max spin.

 

[Skendarn]

Played with my new Ezone 100 today. Loved it. Coming from a Pure Aero 2019 i like the feel of the Ezone more, especially slices feel better and are easier to hit. The power and launch angle are a bit lower but that is something i need to get used too. Serves and volleys felt nice.

 

[tennisandtennis]

Leather base grip is firmer so it allows a more secure grip with a lighter grip pressure. If the grip is soft you have to squeeze harder to maintain head stability.
Thats a major benefit that doesn't get mentioned often.
Yes, move to close granted,

Thanks for this. I sometimes have issues gripping on serves when my arm gets tired (my 405# deadlift does not do the job) so I’ll try a leather grip to see how it goes.

 

[iceman_dl6]

I’m curious to hear from those who customized their EZ98, what is their final static weight and how they like it.

My EZ98 with a babolat leather grip, 2 yonex supergrap overgrips and 1.5g of lead 1 grommet above 3&9 is 340g. The volleys, slices and stability improved noticeably! However, the spin potential suffered, and balls tend to launch a bit. Serves suffered because of the grip size increase due to the extra overgrip (maybe i’ll add lead at the handle instead of the extra overgrip)

I removed extra overgrip and right off the bat, the plushness and maneuverability is greatly reduced. I don’t know about you, but the annoyance about the 98 sq inch Yonex sticks is the awful off center response (especially in the lower part of the stringbed) which I also got in the 2018 VC98. I will try with 6g at 7 inches from the buttcap and see how it goes. So far, it’s not a racquet that I’m gelling with.

 

[dgoran]

I had (and sold) a Pure Aero, which is very similar to the VCORE 100, which I also own and enjoy playing with. The EZONE is like the Pure Drive (which I also owned, and sold), except friendlier on the arm and maybe a little less powerful. I think that it's a matter of preference.

What kind of strings are you using with the PA? RPM Blast? It's a common combination and people are surprised when at 65+ RA racquet wrecks their arm with a poly like RPM Blast.

I think the big issue with the VCORE/Pure Aero racquets is that people are surprised when they're launching the ball when hitting flat. They're designed to be hit with a ton of topspin, to redirect that power into rotational energy. If you're more a flat hitter, the EZONE and Pure Drive are far better for your purposes. Or you could try a Pure Strike and kiss your arm health goodbye.

Or they could just switch to new extreme mp and enjoy more comfort and no issues with hitting flat

 

[SupremeCourt]

Same as what I posted a couple of days ago: Confidential (16L) in the mains / Velocity (16) in crosses (52/55). Only played for 1.5 hours (doubles) and like it, but will experiment with other hybrid combos and full polys. This hybrid setup feels the same as the demo I had with RPM Blast (17) / Bab Synthetic Gut (16) in crosses. It does feel a bit muted (hell, I’ve been hitting with Pure Aero / APD with full RPM for so long everything will feel muted right? ).

Some hybrids I plan to try in the near future:

• Diadem Solstice Pro (16L) / Diadem Evolution 16 (got these for free from my local tennis shop to try and give them my review)
• Tour Bite (17) / Some nylon string…maybe LiveWire 16 since I got them with my Gamma stringing machine

Next full poly I plan to try is Poly Tour Pro (yellow) 16L, most likely at 53 lbs.

FWIW, I did not like full bed of Confidential at 54 lbs.

Any hybrid setup you have that you like or dislike?

I have experience playing a couple of poly/ multi hybrids. My demo came strung with PTP @53 and Head Velocity @55 I didn't mind this set up, and found the velocity was able to slide nicely against the PTP--longevity was decent, but I felt like the string bed did feel a bit tight in the frame. Another set up I tried was Hyper G @51 and Multi feel @53. I really didn't like this set up at all...for one the obvious, multi feel frayed like crazy as the hyper G sawed through it. Overall with the poly/multi set ups I feel like they lacked both feel and control. Maybe it was the tension but the 16 gauge multis felt too boardy. Although I mainly crossed the multi to ensure my arm remained in tact, I found nearly equal comfort stringing a poly at a lower tension. The power I was getting wasn't really substantially more than when I switched to a full poly either. Maybe stringing a multi in the mains would be a different story but I think that would lead to the ezone being slightly unwieldy. I'd say my experience with poly/multi was pretty lukewarm, and have found it works better in other frames. (note I did play with the hybrid set ups prior to adding weight to this frame) My next string job will be with full PT Rev, or PT fire in the crosses with hyper G mains.

 

[SupremeCourt]

I removed extra overgrip and right off the bat, the plushness and maneuverability is greatly reduced. I don’t know about you, but the annoyance about the 98 sq inch Yonex sticks is the awful off center response (especially in the lower part of the stringbed) which I also got in the 2018 VC98. I will try with 6g at 7 inches from the buttcap and see how it goes. So far, it’s not a racquet that I’m gelling with.

I didn't think much of this at first, but upon reading your comment I have a similar experience with off centre hits in the lower part of the string bed as well. Don't really know how else to describe it other than '****ty'...it's a forgiving frame overall but if I don't get out of the way and hit a ball lower on the frame I feel like the ball instantly dies and I get very little feedback ( okay I know I should be moving my feet a little faster! but I even found my blade more forgiving in this regard)

 

[iceman_dl6]

I didn't think much of this at first, but upon reading your comment I have a similar experience with off centre hits in the lower part of the string bed as well. Don't really know how else to describe it other than '****ty'...it's a forgiving frame overall but if I don't get out of the way and hit a ball lower on the frame I feel like the ball instantly dies and I get very little feedback ( okay I know I should be moving my feet a little faster! but I even found my blade more forgiving in this regard)

That’s exactly it!

 

[koolio]

I have experience playing a couple of poly/ multi hybrids. My demo came strung with PTP @53 and Head Velocity @55 I didn't mind this set up, and found the velocity was able to slide nicely against the PTP--longevity was decent, but I felt like the string bed did feel a bit tight in the frame. Another set up I tried was Hyper G @51 and Multi feel @53. I really didn't like this set up at all...for one the obvious, multi feel frayed like crazy as the hyper G sawed through it. Overall with the poly/multi set ups I feel like they lacked both feel and control. Maybe it was the tension but the 16 gauge multis felt too boardy. Although I mainly crossed the multi to ensure my arm remained in tact, I found nearly equal comfort stringing a poly at a lower tension. The power I was getting wasn't really substantially more than when I switched to a full poly either. Maybe stringing a multi in the mains would be a different story but I think that would lead to the ezone being slightly unwieldy. I'd say my experience with poly/multi was pretty lukewarm, and have found it works better in other frames. (note I did play with the hybrid set ups prior to adding weight to this frame) My next string job will be with full PT Rev, or PT fire in the crosses with hyper G mains.

Thanks for your comments on your setups. Curious to hear how your hybrid polys workout and at what tension.

I’m going to string my second racquet this weekend with full bed PTP at 53 and see how that goes.

I have a set of Poly Tour Strike that I plan to try at some point, and have read good things about Poly Tour Rev…

 

[SupremeCourt]

Thanks for your comments on your setups. Curious to hear how your hybrid polys workout and at what tension.

I’m going to string my second racquet this weekend with full bed PTP at 53 and see how that goes.

I have a set of Poly Tour Strike that I plan to try at some point, and have read good things about Poly Tour Rev…

after the hybirds I strung up with Cyclone 17@50 and found the frame to perform better overall for my game. I think I’m going to stick to polys for now… Keep us posted !

 

[iceman_dl6]

For those struggling with stability, volleys or ”guiding” the ball, try some weight at the top of the handle (below the throat). I added 6g there, it now plays quite stable, whippy and I don’t need to swing like a madman to get good depth. My final setup now: babolat leather grip, 1 yonex supergrap og, 6g top of handle, 1.5g at 1 grommet above 3 & 9. The deadspot in the lower hoop although still there, is much less noticeable with this setup. Spin is still decent despite the increase in twistweight since only 1 overgrip was used. I know that someone in this forum was struggling during a hit with lower level players with lower paced balls. I too had that issue stock form, but with this setup, I had no issues.

 

[Maverick13]

For those struggling with stability, volleys or ”guiding” the ball, try some weight at the top of the handle (below the throat). I added 6g there, it now plays quite stable, whippy and I don’t need to swing like a madman to get good depth. My final setup now: babolat leather grip, 1 yonex supergrap og, 6g top of handle, 1.5g at 1 grommet above 3 & 9. The deadspot in the lower hoop although still there, is much less noticeable with this setup. Spin is still decent despite the increase in twistweight since only 1 overgrip was used. I know that someone in this forum was struggling during a hit with lower level players with lower paced balls. I too had that issue stock form, but with this setup, I had no issues.

6g at the top of the handle along with leather, what’s your balance now?

 

[AKB]

Anyone want a pair of very lightly used 2022 98s in 4 3/8ths? Just DM me and we can discuss. Chicago pick up would be ideal but happy to ship them out.

I bought them to try them out against my 2020s out of sheer curiosity and found myself slapping the ball with the new sticks. Sticking with the 2020 because of the flexier throat while dealing with the occasional errantly launched ball.

Found the 2022 version super solid, truly a jack of all trades players frame. IMO 2020 is whippier and suits OHBs better.

 

[galahad]

Anyone want a pair of very lightly used 2022 98s in 4 3/8ths? Just DM me and we can discuss. Chicago pick up would be ideal but happy to ship them out.

I bought them to try them out against my 2020s out of sheer curiosity and found myself slapping the ball with the new sticks. Sticking with the 2020 because of the flexier throat while dealing with the occasional errantly launched ball.

Found the 2022 version super solid, truly a jack of all trades players frame. IMO 2020 is whippier and suits OHBs better.

DM’d you - I’m in NY, so you’d have to ship

 

[PBODY99]

Thanks for this. I sometimes have issues gripping on serves when my arm gets tired (my 405# deadlift does not do the job) so I’ll try a leather grip to see how it goes.

I started with leather & just like the firm feel.

 

[om panda]

Anyone have compared Ezone 100 2022 with Head Speed MP 2022?

Which one has more control, less power, lower launch angle, and easier to hit flat shot?

 

[tennisandtennis]

Anyone have compared Ezone 100 2022 with Head Speed MP 2022?

Which one has more control, less power, lower launch angle, and easier to hit flat shot?

You should demo both of them. Should be a matter of preference. But I would recommend the EZONE 98 if control is what you're after. 98 Tour should be out this summer, which will give you more stability and even less free power.

 

[bigdaddy]

I have both racquets and bought both using the Tennis Warehouse matching service where all specs are measured. My Vcore had a stiffness rating of 68 and my new Ezone (2022 model) has a 69 stiffness rating (both unstrung). I think they feel pretty similar with regards to comfort. I also have the 2020 version of the Ezone 100 and that one is definitely not as comfortable.

I really like the 2022 model of the Ezone 100. Very nice racquet. Will buy another one and sell my Vcore 100 as does not suit me as well.

I am playing good with the vcore 100 but the ezone got a great review. How’s the new ezone working out.

 

[koolio]

Quick update on my stringing experiences (Ezone 98): I've played with a few strings (have a ton more on my list) and my fave so far has been Diadem Solstice Power 16L / Evolution 16 (crosses) at 50/52 lbs. Super comfortable, good spin (more than Solinco Confidential / Velocity), good feel and power. I did notice it opened up / loosened a bit after 1.5 hours of doubles and there was a bit more power but controllable. Now, I did pop the Evolution cross at hour 7 of play but, I'd def recommend trying this hybrid.

Right now, my racquets are strung with:

• Tier One Tour Status (17) / Ghostwire (17) strung at 50/48. Played 1.5 hours of dubs so far. It's a nice setup but tension is a tad low for my taste. Next try will be 52/50.
• Mayami Big Spin (17) at 50 lbs. Played 1.5 hours of dubs and also really nice and comfortable string.

Some strings on my shelf that I plan to try:

• The other Mayami polys (Tour Hex, Hepta Power, Magic Twist, Hit Pro); I bought the starter pack.
• Tier One polys (Tour Status in full bed, Firewire Boost, and Black Knight)
• Solinco Tour Bite and Hyper G
• Volkl Cyclone Tour 16
• Head Lynx Tour 17

 

[Farhaan Rahman]

Yonex refers to its EZONE frame as The Easy One. Yes, it's a play on its name, but it's just as indicative of its performance.

 

[NRMM]

So much useful information and yet can’t get decide myself… currently playing with an Ezone 98+ (2020) with VS 17 and MP 18 at 56/53 lbs. I like the power and stability, the extended length may help with reach which also may help with my double handed backhand and forehand. Overall I’m happy but more recently I’ve noticed that (now that I’m over 45 yrs old) the Ezone 98+ is not being very forgiving, I tend to miss bit more often, at the net I’m getting less sharp and precise volleys, sometimes going long, sometimes even dying on off-centre shots. And backhand returns of serve are clearly not as good when I played with Blades 102/104… It seems to me that manoeuvrability is taking its tool (340 SW), not helping with forgiveness.. I play mostly local leagues, my game is very much based on high paced shots, coming out of the extended length, the gut on the mains and the fact that I can generate loads of power with the 2 double handed backhand and forehand.

So I’m considering now the Ezone 100 sacrificing the added reach and power of the 98+ in favour of a more consistent play, better manoeuvrability and predictability, a racquet that helps me more, which the 2022 Ezone 100 seems to deliver, based on all the reviews. Would that be a fair assessment?

my big dilema would be the string setup.. as I’ve been using gut/stiff poly to tame the power down… would you guys suggest I keep the same gut/poly setup or go for a non-too harsh full bed poly (which I had experience with a few years ago.. strike ? ptp ? pt spin?) or a multifilament like Rexis - since the 100 would be lower powered than the current 98+ that I have? Or maybe an hybrid of strike/rexis? And tensions too… your guidance would be very much appreciated… as I don’t want to put at risk the core of my game: aggressive powerful play, mostly flat, some help from the string when I have to generate some spin, some help on serve too as I’m not that tall (5’5).. getting back that effective out away volleys when I previously played with the Blades, which I lost a bit with perhaps the reduced head size of the 98+

 

[ericykchan]

There are some serious words about the Ezone 98...

a fair WARNING to tennis players | Yonex EZone 98 2022 Tennis Racket Review - YouTube