Yonex DR 98 and Wilson PS 97 thoughts?

[TripleB]

I'm looking for a racquet slightly lighter than my Prince Original Graphite 93, with a larger head, and a bit more power.

Two of the ones I'm considering are the Wilson ProStaff 97 2014 model and the Yonex Ezone DR 98.

For anyone who has used both (or either) of these what are your thoughts on them (especially in terms of control, power, and spin)?

Thanks for any input!

TripleB

btw: thought about looking at the Pure Drive Tour and the Pure Aero Tour but was afraid the power of them (compared to my POG Mid) might be too over the top

 

[Filipinotennis]

I can't give any input on the yonex, but I'm currently using the Pro Staff 97. Similar to you, I was switching from a mid size racquet (PS 6.1 90) and I was in desperate need of a bigger head size.

I had to add some blue-tac to the buttcap and some lead on the hoop to get the static weight I was used to playing with but after doing it the racquet plays like a dream. There isn't too much a difference in power between this racquet and my previous one, but I do find myself spraying a little bit more than I used to. Though this can probably be attributed to me switching racquets just a month ago.

Getting a little bit more spin than my previous racquet, but nothing game changing. Where the racquet shines the most though is that I'm still keeping great feel like on my 90 but in a bigger head size. I'm also framing the ball much less so that's a huge improvement. Sorry I can't give insight on the yonex, but the prostaff 97 is a great racquet.

Edit: Forgot to mention I replaced the synthetic grip with a Wilson leather grip which made the racquet feel so much better

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[The Big Kahuna]

Love the Yonex DR 98 - a really versatile and balanced racket. I might also put the Prince Textreme TOUR and WARRIOR in that list for the same reasons. Not a fan of the Wilson.


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[TripleB]

After some searching of the forums I realized I tried the DR 98 back in May of 2016...from what I wrote I liked a lot of things about the racquet except for the lack of whipability I was wanting on my forehand (my weaker side), less spin potential compared to my POG Mid (causing problems on 2nd serves and heavy dippers in doubles), and a feel that was a bit muted which led to less than stellar touch shots.

So now it seems I'm going to try the Babolat Pure Drive Tour and the Prince Textreme Tour 100P (liked both the 100T and 95 Textreme, want to try something in between the two).

As far as the other two racquets to demo I'm trying to decide between the following: Babolat AeroPro Drive, Babolat Pure Aero Tour, Wilson PS 97 (old version), and trying the Yonex Ezone DR98 again.

Thanks for the input so far!!!

TripleB

 

[pfrischmann]

The Yonex is a cool stick but doesn't have the same pop as the PS-97 or stability. To be fair, the PS-97 is heavier. The yonex is a unique racquet though. It's not like anything else IMO.

 

[Anton]

I really think new PS97S is what you are looking for. It is more in keeping with a classic stick like POG, but has bigger head and is more whippy like you want

 

[loosegroove]

If you liked the DR98 except for a lack of "whipability", and you also like the 100T, then the 100P is a great demo option. It's not as stable as the DR98 though.

 

[ZirkusAffe]

I'm looking for a racquet slightly lighter than my Prince Original Graphite 93, with a larger head, and a bit more power.

Two of the ones I'm considering are the Wilson ProStaff 97 2014 model and the Yonex Ezone DR 98.

For anyone who has used both (or either) of these what are your thoughts on them (especially in terms of control, power, and spin)?

Thanks for any input!

TripleB

btw: thought about looking at the Pure Drive Tour and the Pure Aero Tour but was afraid the power of them (compared to my POG Mid) might be too over the top

pft.. both awesome! for me it would be a coin flip.
I'm way more aggressive with the PS97 on returns and from the baseline on rallies, all around and counterpunch I like the DR98 slightly more. BH Slice on the DR is awesome and touch. PS97 great plow and bigger first serves.
DR is slightly more muted... I think the PS97 @ 7-8 pts HL is easier to swing but the DR is right there. So probably if I HAD to pick I'd play singles with the PS97 and stick with the DR on Doubles... I'm staying Switzerland on this one. If had tried the DR98 plus maybe the gap would be there. same with the PS97s version, I like spin and when I tried the PS97s I think the strings were shot.

 

[ZirkusAffe]

After some searching of the forums I realized I tried the DR 98 back in May of 2016...from what I wrote I liked a lot of things about the racquet except for the lack of whipability I was wanting on my forehand (my weaker side), less spin potential compared to my POG Mid (causing problems on 2nd serves and heavy dippers in doubles), and a feel that was a bit muted which led to less than stellar touch shots.

So now it seems I'm going to try the Babolat Pure Drive Tour and the Prince Textreme Tour 100P (liked both the 100T and 95 Textreme, want to try something in between the two).

As far as the other two racquets to demo I'm trying to decide between the following: Babolat AeroPro Drive, Babolat Pure Aero Tour, Wilson PS 97 (old version), and trying the Yonex Ezone DR98 again.

Thanks for the input so far!!!

TripleB

I don't think you'll find much 'whip' in the PAT but it's fun to hit with.. if you're out front you'll put some serious revs on the ball, definitely you get some good dippers. When I struggle with serving I use my PAT it's just so simple to get good twist or kick with it.. I feel like I get away with more using it.. but it doesn't give much feedback. It's a different animal all together, it's worth using you won't get pushed around unless you can't handle an almost 12oz racquet late in a match. slower swing than the PS97 or DR for sure.. still fun to play with. PAT seems to have a higher launch angle, I also go through strings quicker, I'm ok with Cyclone 18's in it, there are better polys obviously but the $$ is right and I can still usually get 10-12 hrs with them.

 

[bkirk]

I personally haven't used the PS 97. I've used the DR 98 quite a bit.

A tennis buddy of mine who is exclusively a 4.0 singles player, has recently switched from the PS 97 to the DR 98

More control for him. Also he noted the inconsistent string bed.

 

[Sirius Black]

I personally haven't used the PS 97. I've used the DR 98 quite a bit.

A tennis buddy of mine who is exclusively a 4.0 singles player, has recently switched from the PS 97 to the DR 98

More control for him. Also he noted the inconsistent string bed.

I've only gotten this lack of control with the 97 when my strings lose tension. When freshly strung it is awesome.

 

[bkirk]

What isn't awesome freshly strung..?

Never was anything said about "lack of control".

 

[Sirius Black]

What isn't awesome freshly strung..?

Never was anything said about "lack of control".

I meant the inconsistent string bed

 

[bkirk]

I meant the inconsistent string bed

Roger that. It is possible that he was using strings for too long.

 

[counterpuncher]

Hey BBB,

as always looking forward to your thoughts on your new racquet hunt. I have almost all of those in my bag and you really can't go wrong with any of them, it's just come down to your personal preference. PS97 is my main choice, it's solid, powerful and a little crisper with the DR98 more muted and flexier. The 100P packs more a punch and I find suits a flatter game IMO. I have the Pure Aero out of the Babs, as I found this superior to the APD and the PD. The tour version were just too much for me to handle on my one hand back hand. The other one that I'll throw into the mix is the new Strike - Project One 7 that I've only hit with once, but I thought could be a possibility with more time and the correct set up for my game.

All of these are a significant jump in power of your POG 93, while I recall you didn't like the Response, another racquet which you may or may not have tried is the T Fight Ltd. I took this out after a long break and reminded myself of how well I played with (lightly leaded at 3, 9 & 12 for a 325sw), although the power was down on the others, it'd be a step up from the POG 93.

 

[2HBH-DTL]

I served a lot better with the DR98 when I demo'ed it and compared against the PS97 I was using at the time. The DR98 just did everything better than the PS97 IMO. it was lighter but it didn't get pushed around as much as i thought it would and felt very stable.

 

[Phantasm]

I've demo'd the PS97 older version and use the DR98 now. I wanted to like it being a long time 6.1 95 user but I could never really get myself to like it. It felt a bit clunky to me.

If you can get used to the oval beam on the DR98, it's very comfy, muted feel with a bit more free power while having enough control. I added a 3-4 grams under the buttcap just to have it be a bit more headlight.

 

[BretH]

I've demo'd the PS97 older version and use the DR98 now. I wanted to like it being a long time 6.1 95 user but I could never really get myself to like it. It felt a bit clunky to me.

If you can get used to the oval beam on the DR98, it's very comfy, muted feel with a bit more free power while having enough control. I added a 3-4 grams under the buttcap just to have it be a bit more headlight.

Pretty much the same here. Tried the PS97 with different strings, weights, grips and dampener and just never was happy with the feel of it.

Tried the Yonex Ai98 and didn't like it at first but nat gut mains, a couple fishing weights in the butt and a worm dampener made it into an entirely new racquet. It's my favorite now.