Vcore 98 User, I tried the Ezone 98...

[WayneBretsky]

and completely hated it. I've used the Vcore 98 for the past year after having used a pure drive plus for 20 years. I love the vcore but a friend recommended I try to Ezone, supposedly a pure drive-ish Yonex. Felt cheap and plastic, I just couldn't get a good groove with it. I know the Ezone is pretty popular on tour, so any Ezone lovers care to chime in? I am definitely staying with the vcore 98, great racket.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

It's a strange reaction, I prefer the VC95 to the 98, but I could use the Vcores and the Ezones interchangeably with no adjustment period and not hate them, they are cousins really. "cheap and plastic" is another odd reaction unless maybe you got a fake ezone, but I doubt that. Now, the Pure Drive Plus is a different animal. Also, I'd be reluctant to call an Ezone a Pure Drive Yonex, it's not a great comparison, but at the same time it is the closest thing to a Pure Drive Yonex makes, however it's still far from a Pure Drive. Confusing isn't it?

 

[Curtennis]

I’d say the Ezone is closer to a pure strike than a pure drive.

sorry you didn’t like it. Different strokes for different folks. That’s why there are hundreds of racquets to pick from.
vcore 98 is a fine racquet. Don’t force a switch if you don’t have to

 

[Tythox]

and completely hated it. I've used the Vcore 98 for the past year after having used a pure drive plus for 20 years. I love the vcore but a friend recommended I try to Ezone, supposedly a pure drive-ish Yonex. Felt cheap and plastic, I just couldn't get a good groove with it. I know the Ezone is pretty popular on tour, so any Ezone lovers care to chime in? I am definitely staying with the vcore 98, great racket.

Which strings did you use in the ezone?

 

[Tennisfever]

Had the Vcore 95, still have a pair of Vcore 100’s, love the Ezone 98. The Vcore 95 was too underpowered for me. The Vcore 100 is a great racquet but the Ezone 98 offers a tad more control and is better on volleys. Took a while to get used to the lower launch angle and what some people call a “muted” feel of the Ezone. If you don’t like it, don’t play with it.

 

[naturalexponent]

Agree with the above. There are plenty of good racquets, including the VC98. No need to force the EZ98 if you hate it, and there are plenty of people who would be happy to buy it on the classifieds. If the feel is what you hate, sounds like the way they muted it is not really for you. I find the EZ98 muting to be very different from the VC muting. I prefer the EZ feel. Racquet choice is more personal than ever given how many options are out there now!

 

[hadoken]

Most pros are probably using the older EZONE models which have more mass. I had both and the big difference is the flex at the throat. The VCORE feels just so much stiffer and uncomfy vs an EZONE which has easy power combined with a way more useable flex that people deem as 'muted'.

 

[Curtennis]

Most pros are probably using the older EZONE models which have more mass. I had both and the big difference is the flex at the throat. The VCORE feels just so much stiffer and uncomfy vs an EZONE which has easy power combined with a way more useable flex that people deem as 'muted'.

Many are using older one, but a shocking amount are using the new one. I can’t think of any racquet upgrade that came out in the last few years that has had this many pros use it.

 

[chylo]

Did you use the same strings in the Ezone as your VCore? I use the VCore 95 but I did demo the 2020 Ezone 98. It did not feel cheap nor plastic...

 

[Strayfire]

I have the opposite problem where I can't stand the Vcore 98 but am okay with using the Ezone 98.

My doubles partner actually stole my Vcore 98+, loves it but hates the Vcore 98.

Guess we all have different tastes.

 

[Yamin]

I thought the Vcore 98 was awful for people with compact strokes. The Ezone 98 doesn't have the issue. Full stroke on the vcore 98 sends my ball to the moon and back down. Ezone is much lower launch / more penetrating.

 

[Power Player]

The VC100 is more like a Pure Drive than an Ez98.

 

[AmericanTwist]

OP it seems you are more used to 66-68RA frames. The ezone is a 64-65RA frame so a bit softer. You will appreciate the ezone (or any softer frame) if you are returning big serves. I find it to be the most forgiving frame design where if you shank the ball off the frame it still generally goes in (at least for my strokes lol). I do like thin frames but for maneuverability but the ezone swings fast and is very forgiving. I like 62-66RA frames generally.

 

[TagUrIt]

I demoed the VCore 98 and 95 played w the 95 for almost a year. Demoed the Ezone 98 and kept it around as my “fun” racquet. I got tired of the demands of the VCore 95 and recently made the decision to go all in on the Ezone 98. Playing the EZ98 is effortless, I get to take full swings at the ball and still keep it the court. Serves and ground strokes are so powerful and literally easier to execute. I know the VCore 98 has its place for some ppl, it’s has a nice balance of spin, power and it’s a fine racquet. To each their own, however for me, the Ezone 98 just seems to do everything well and the key component for me it really is The EASY ONE.

 

[Wheelz]

Many are using older one, but a shocking amount are using the new one. I can’t think of any racquet upgrade that came out in the last few years that has had this many pros use it.

Agee’s, kind of telling that a few long time user of older generations are using the new one. Or that new yonex p’ayers are using the new model

 

[1HBHfanatic]

It's a strange reaction, I prefer the VC95 to the 98, but I could use the Vcores and the Ezones interchangeably with no adjustment period and not hate them, they are cousins really. "cheap and plastic" is another odd reaction unless maybe you got a fake ezone, but I doubt that. Now, the Pure Drive Plus is a different animal. Also, I'd be reluctant to call an Ezone a Pure Drive Yonex, it's not a great comparison, but at the same time it is the closest thing to a Pure Drive Yonex makes, however it's still far from a Pure Drive. Confusing isn't it?

-question
-how would the wilson.ULTRAs fair/compare in this pool of rackets??
-im thinking these are provably similar in alot of ways!?!?!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

-question
-how would the wilson.ULTRAs fair/compare in this pool of rackets??
-im thinking these are provably similar in alot of ways!?!?!

I haven't tried the Ultra in many years and forgot what it was like. Sorry, maybe someone else can chime in who has an opinion.

 

[chylo]

I demoed the VCore 98 and 95 played w the 95 for almost a year. Demoed the Ezone 98 and kept it around as my “fun” racquet. I got tired of the demands of the VCore 95 and recently made the decision to go all in on the Ezone 98. Playing the EZ98 is effortless, I get to take full swings at the ball and still keep it the court. Serves and ground strokes are so powerful and literally easier to execute. I know the VCore 98 has its place for some ppl, it’s has a nice balance of spin, power and it’s a fine racquet. To each their own, however for me, the Ezone 98 just seems to do everything well and the key component for me it really is The EASY ONE.

I'm currently in a similar situation with my VC95. I think I'd stick with the VC95 if I was 5 years+ younger. Are you using the 2020 or 2022 EZ98?

 

[Tan Tennis]

I’m the opposite. I played with vcore 100 and 98 and ended up sold all of them and intend not to go back to Yonex again on its muted feel. However, I demo Ezone 100 and 98 and I feel like I can play good with it. Good power, spin, and control.

 

[metadave]

I have played with Ezone 98, Vcore (98 +95), and Regna (98s). IMO the Ezone 98 needs a bit of weight added if coming from a VCore or Regna for similar feel, though it will never be same since its a different racket.

For me I added some at 10+2 and the handle (for HL balance). The Ezone Tour version is a better stock weight, but you don't get to choose where it goes, so if it works for your preferred balance its the one to get. Otherwise, get a regular and add weight to taste.

 

[Deleted member 295013]

And this is why I never refer a frame that I use, or have used, because feel is individual.. Great honesty to the author.

 

[TagUrIt]

I'm currently in a similar situation with my VC95. I think I'd stick with the VC95 if I was 5 years+ younger. Are you using the 2020 or 2022 EZ98?

I had the 2020 Ezone 100/98/98Tour gave up the 98 Tour bc of arm issues. Switched to the 2021 VCore 95 and now the 2022 Ezone. The new Ezone seems to be a lot more stable than the 2020 version. Absolutely no arm issues at all.

 

[Tythox]

For the vcore 98 users, which string have suited you the most?

 

[a.parenthetical]

For the vcore 98 users, which string have suited you the most?

I like mine with a full bed of PolyTour Pro at 50lbs. Plenty of power, no arm issues, excellent spin and control.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Many are using older one, but a shocking amount are using the new one. I can’t think of any racquet upgrade that came out in the last few years that has had this many pros use it.

Who says any are using the new ezone rather than just a paintjob for advertising?

 

[Curtennis]

Who says any are using the new ezone rather than just a paintjob for advertising?

Ben Shelton switched. Naomi Osaka switched. Shapo tried… but his problems are clearly beyond racquets right now.

Others too I’ve heard of. I’ll try to compile a list for you.

 

[Shankmeister-Chubs]

Ben Shelton switched. Naomi Osaka switched. Shapo tried… but his problems are clearly beyond racquets right now.

Others too I’ve heard of. I’ll try to compile a list for you.

Tommy Paul is using the new vcore 98, switched from a Blade (ish?) It's been revelatory for me, but still early days.

 

[Shankmeister-Chubs]

For the vcore 98 users, which string have suited you the most?

So far, my initial string is Tour Bite 18g at 53 lbs. The comfort and dampening of the racquet seem to suit it perfectly, I'm getting decent pop, control, and a nice sound. Sample of one, definitely curious to see what other strings are recommended.