Yonex EZONE (2018)

dje31

Professional
Spoiler Alert :
When you demo the New Ezone, string at a significantly lower tension than you would normally on your DR, otherwise you'll miss the boat completely !!

I think you're spot-on with that, intuitively.

That, plus the demo string had the designation "D" for "Drive," to channel "Pure Drive," consciously or unconsciously...draw your own conclusions.
 
I think you're spot-on with that, intuitively.

That, plus the demo string had the designation "D" for "Drive," to channel "Pure Drive," consciously or unconsciously...draw your own conclusions.

Thanks dje31.
From experience, Yonex racquets play best with Yonex strings. PTP may not cut-it enough with this New Ezone and I just can't wait to get my hands on the PTGD to demo along with it .... Intuition and Experience say, Listen to Yonex; They know what they're doing ! :)
 

dje31

Professional
Maybe so, but I've used my Cyclone 19 / OGSM 17 hybrid for so long, on multiple racquets, not sure I'm up for deviation or experimentation.

But I'm a crusty old fart, so stay off my lawn!
 
Maybe so, but I've used my Cyclone 19 / OGSM 17 hybrid for so long, on multiple racquets, not sure I'm up for deviation or experimentation.

But I'm a crusty old fart, so stay off my lawn!

Old school. Old Dog. New Tricks ... Well understood.
However, Very clever use of string gauges on the mains vs the crosses also. I do same.
Much impressed and applauded
 

Toyo

Rookie
To All DR100 users :
I started my Ezone journey with the Ai98 years ago, but after 12 months of play, I found it too Noodley and the head much too Fluttery at the net. I decide to upscale to Ai100 for an improved stiffness and control at the net. I upgraded to DR100 which I'm happy with (no more fluttery head) ...
BUT ....
Given the increased hoop stiffness, will the New Ezone 100 be too stiff (with my current DR string setup) and therefore, should DR users think about downscaling to Ezone 98 for a more perfect update ??

I'm not a DR 100 user but currently using my old and trusted A! 100 ever since it came out. I've demoed the AI/DR 98 as well as the DR 100 and none of those rackets impressed my enough to make a wholesale change. I noticed you used the phrase "perfect update" in your search. I don't believe there is a "perfect" racket out there as every racket has it's pros and cons and suits different playing style and abilities. I'm quite happy with my AI 100 as the only downside I can find is it can use more pop on serves. But I believe a bit of lead tape and customization will solve that from remarks made by TW Jason.

Anyways, back to the search for the perfect update. The truth is there is no such thing as a "perfect update" and clever marketing have capitalized on that over and over again. You'll hear new technological terms like woofer, quake shut gel, cortex, graphene and on and on. But the truth is none of that stuff really makes a significant difference. Don't believe the hype and save your hard earned dollars.
 
I'm not a DR 100 user but currently using my old and trusted A! 100 ever since it came out. I've demoed the AI/DR 98 as well as the DR 100 and none of those rackets impressed my enough to make a wholesale change. I noticed you used the phrase "perfect update" in your search. I don't believe there is a "perfect" racket out there as every racket has it's pros and cons and suits different playing style and abilities. I'm quite happy with my AI 100 as the only downside I can find is it can use more pop on serves. But I believe a bit of lead tape and customization will solve that from remarks made by TW Jason.

Anyways, back to the search for the perfect update. The truth is there is no such thing as a "perfect update" and clever marketing have capitalized on that over and over again. You'll hear new technological terms like woofer, quake shut gel, cortex, graphene and on and on. But the truth is none of that stuff really makes a significant difference. Don't believe the hype and save your hard earned dollars.

Thanks Toyo but my point wasn't to find perfection .... lets take that word metaphorically rather than literally.
However, I do not agree that the technological innovations do not make any difference .... by definition alone, that wouldn't be true. Some may not like them, but they definitely make a difference. The Quake-Shut Gel from Yonex was the single most important innovation introduced in the Ezone Ai which set it apart and made it into a best seller. For some, it makes the racquet too muted and so they don't like it. To others who can go beyond that, their arms will thank them unreservedly. For me, the dampening effect allowed me to play with poly strings for the first time and take advantage of their spin potential without breaking my arm, which I did with countless other racquets. For that, I shall always be grateful to Yonex and their innovations.
 
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lwto

Hall of Fame
When the play testers keep yelping about how stiff the upper head is, is that code for how really stiff it is and it's going to blow my shoulders out?
 

NickJ

Professional
When the play testers keep yelping about how stiff the upper head is, is that code for how really stiff it is and it's going to blow my shoulders out?
This. The video review has really made me think now about ordering one. I moved from Pro Staffs for years because of an arm injury and just love the comfy-ness of my blue DR98. Now, with all the comments on stiffness etc, making me not want one.

Phantom anyone?? Or stock up on DRs??
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
This. The video review has really made me think now about ordering one. I moved from Pro Staffs for years because of an arm injury and just love the comfy-ness of my blue DR98. Now, with all the comments on stiffness etc, making me not want one.

Phantom anyone?? Or stock up on DRs??

If you read the Phantom thread I've been a vocal supporter of that racket. But you really need to demo if if you're considering it. It is very low powered! Even with around 20 grams of static weight, +20 SW, and strung 7lb lower than I would normally it is still has way less put away power than my Pure Strike. For comfort though there is nothing that can come close IMO.

I've got a EZONE 100 coming to try. I loved the DR100 when my wife tested it, but we ended up getting the DR98 just because of the recorded RA. Personally I don't like the flex of the DR98, and have never really felt connected to it when I've taken it for a swing. So the new EZONE actually sounds like it could have gone in the right direction for me personally. I think like Pro Kennex and Volkl rackets a good deal of the comfort of the EZONE range is down to tech, like grommets and Quake-Shut Gell.
 

NickJ

Professional
If you read the Phantom thread I've been a vocal supporter of that racket. But you really need to demo if if you're considering it. It is very low powered! Even with around 20 grams of static weight, +20 SW, and strung 7lb lower than I would normally it is still has way less put away power than my Pure Strike. For comfort though there is nothing that can come close IMO.

I've got a EZONE 100 coming to try. I loved the DR100 when my wife tested it, but we ended up getting the DR98 just because of the recorded RA. Personally I don't like the flex of the DR98, and have never really felt connected to it when I've taken it for a swing. So the new EZONE actually sounds like it could have gone in the right direction for me personally. I think like Pro Kennex and Volkl rackets a good deal of the comfort of the EZONE range is down to tech, like grommets and Quake-Shut Gell.
Thanks for the comments. I'm now mid 40's and as I've got older, my game has changed and so racket choice is very important. Now it is all about comfort for my aching body! Used Pro Staffs since my late teens and had a big serve (120mph+ regularly) but now with age I've lost the ability to generate power as much, and tennis these days is more about enjoying than winning. If I'm uncomfortable with a racket, I won't enjoy it, and the DR has been wondeful in the year or so since starting to use it. Just the TW review has put me off the new one.
I'd love to demo the Phantom but I may just take a punt and get one, and if I don't like it, it'll make a nice addition to my wall collection! Perhaps I should take a look at the Ezone 100, haven't watched the review yet . . .
 
Hate to break it to you, but Yonex isn't rocking the world with their strings selection.

There are plenty of better strings out there that work better with Yonex Frames than anything Yonex produces.

String selection is probably the most personal selection a player can make and the most obvious step on the "Customisation" road. For that reason, I specifically mentioned that the above remark is from my "Experience" and therefore my "Choice".
 
I really like rackets that you can string low..my arm actually loves it..
When I get mine I will start at 48 lbs..

I would start much lower and go up in tension.
The Japanese TennisProShop LAFINO playtesters strung PTP125 @40lbs and had no problem controlling the ball.
 

g4driver

Legend
String selection is probably the most personal selection a player can make and the most obvious step on the "Customisation" road. For that reason, I specifically mentioned that the above remark is from my "Experience" and therefore my "Choice".

Actually you didn't use the word "my" you just wrote "experience". I have no idea whose experience you happened to be writing about.

You could be 14 year old with very limited experience. Or you could be USRSA play-tester like Ken Rosenbourgh with a lot of data on Yonex frames with Yonex strings and Yonex frames with non-Yonex strings.

The experience and credibility of those two examples is vastly different.


Here is your quote:

Thanks dje31.
From experience, Yonex racquets play best with Yonex strings. PTP may not cut-it enough with this New Ezone and I just can't wait to get my hands on the PTGD to demo along with it .... Intuition and Experience say, Listen to Yonex; They know what they're doing ! :)
 
Actually you didn't use the word "my" you just wrote "experience". I have no idea whose experience you happened to be writing about.

You could be 14 year old with very limited experience. Or you could be USRSA play-tester like Ken Rosenbourgh with a lot of data on Yonex frames with Yonex strings and Yonex frames with non-Yonex strings.

The experience and credibility of those two examples is vastly different.


Here is your quote:

Oh My !!
I think I'm wise enough to know better :)
 
When the play testers keep yelping about how stiff the upper head is, is that code for how really stiff it is and it's going to blow my shoulders out?

Iwto,
I'm not sure if you ever used the Ai version but if you did, you would have noticed the material increase in hoop stiffness at the top of the frame of the DR iteration. Personally for me, that was an improvement given I hated the fluttery feel of the Ai hoop. However, even though the extra stiffness offered more stability, nevertheless I did find myself having to adjust string tension to reintroduce the comfort ... That wasn't a bad thing. I have found the Yonex Ezones to be the most string sensitive racquets I've ever played with and so I will be well prepared to tweek and tug when I take on the New Ezone. Further, the parallel drilling is an important addition which at the right tension, could make a significant contribution to comfort. So overall, I wouldn't be phased by the extra hoop reinforcement. Under the right conditions, it may offer a benefit and not a hindrance.
I would advise you respectfully, not to let the TW Review to put you off as I believe the biggest flaw in their assessment was indeed their tension choices.
 

CodyZzZ

Rookie
Spoiler Alert :
When you demo the New Ezone, string at a significantly lower tension than you would normally on your DR, otherwise you'll miss the boat completely !!
After watching the TW video and seeing a lot of mentions for "stiff(er)", it really isn't what I hoped for as well. I, like many of you, am keeping an eye out to see if an upgrade is required, but to your point Casius, I personally don't feel it is justified if we need to adjust string tension to compensate for the stiffer feel of the ezone, when I can play with my current preferred tension with the DR.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
After watching the TW video and seeing a lot of mentions for "stiff(er)", it really isn't what I hoped for as well. I, like many of you, am keeping an eye out to see if an upgrade is required, but to your point Casius, I personally don't feel it is justified if we need to adjust string tension to compensate for the stiffer feel of the ezone, when I can play with my current preferred tension with the DR.

I completely agree with you @CodyZzZ ... I have a slew of racquets that play awesome at my usual tension (50-53). I can drop down in the mid to high 40's just to see what it would be like...but I know they play well at my usual tension. Why would I get a racquet that is going to make me do gymnastics and have to bend over backwards just to possibly feel "right"... Furthermore, as @TW Staff (Brittany) has pointed out, unless you keep your testing parameters constant, you're not comparing apples with apples...
 
After watching the TW video and seeing a lot of mentions for "stiff(er)", it really isn't what I hoped for as well. I, like many of you, am keeping an eye out to see if an upgrade is required, but to your point Casius, I personally don't feel it is justified if we need to adjust string tension to compensate for the stiffer feel of the ezone, when I can play with my current preferred tension with the DR.

Cody,
I totally hear you and very much empathise.
The fact that your favourite string may not play as you prefer at lower tensions could well be a deal-breaker for most who rightly, would not want to start experimenting with string combinations again. Very expensive and time consuming, which I can personally attest to.
 
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TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I think I'll wait until I hear about a dozen reviews for this frame to decide on whether or not I want to buy one. While I agree with Casius in regards to the play testers using too high of tension during the play test "as I think they always do". I still can't pull the trigger just yet on a frame that's getting a crappy review from the play testers. I wish Andy was still around for this one. Even though he has always been bias towards Yonex frames, he always gave it to us straight. I could trust his judgment based on his abilities and knowledge of the sport. One thing that threw me off a bit was when Brittany said when she hit in the middle of the string bed with the new Ezone 98 the flex never changed from that of the DR. It was when she made contact in the upper hoop that it felt stiffer. I think every frame ever made would feel stiffer if contact was made in the upper hoop. People that consistently hit in the upper hoop are simply miss hitting the ball and should learn how to hit the right way. I'll be keeping my ears open to this one in the weeks to come. Too late in the season for me to change frames now anyway. Besides... the new PS CV is coming out in a few weeks. And the new Radicals are coming out in a few months.
 
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I completely agree with you @CodyZzZ ... I have a slew of racquets that play awesome at my usual tension (50-53). I can drop down in the mid to high 40's just to see what it would be like...but I know they play well at my usual tension. Why would I get a racquet that is going to make me do gymnastics and have to bend over backwards just to possibly feel "right"... Furthermore, as @TW Staff (Brittany) has pointed out, unless you keep your testing parameters constant, you're not comparing apples with apples...

If you get used to eating apples, and someone offers you an orange, the mistake is to bite into it rather than realise you need to peel it first.
And when there may well be a game changer, perhaps it's best to realise that Apples are not the only fruit.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
If you get used to eating apples, and someone offers you an orange, the mistake is to bite into it rather than realise you need to peel it first.

I understand what you're saying... however if I can immediately choose 20 racquets that play like a dream at my usual tension (with a variety of strings), why even bother getting a new racquet that I have to play guessing games with in order to find it comfortable and satisfactory... There is a very good reason the pros don't usually change their racquets once they have found the right one, at their desired specs...

I could say that I found some racquet very comfortable after I have wrapped it in bubble wrap, then dipped it in liquid rubber, then dropped the tension to 4 pounds, then changed my technique to a shot-put style, while closing my left eye... or I could just find a racquet that I play with very well just by stringing it up at my usual tension with a wide variety of strings being able to be used... job done... Just my opinion... I appreciate yours and hope the Ezone 98 is the racquet of your dreams... thankfully we don't all need to agree...
 

g4driver

Legend
Further, the parallel drilling is an important addition which at the right tension, could make a significant contribution to comfort. So overall, I wouldn't be phased by the extra hoop reinforcement. Under the right conditions, it may offer a benefit and not a hindrance.
I would advise you respectfully, not to let the TW Review to put you off as I believe the biggest flaw in their assessment was indeed their tension choices.

Wow, does that sounds awfully like marketing hype from a Yonex rep.

"Parallel drilling is an important addition" [emoji102] First, "Yonex frames play best with Yonex strings" and now this little gem. You're on a roll. [emoji23]

There was no flaw in the TW's reviews. They played the frames with their normal tensions and the frames felt stiffer in the upper hoop. They called a spade a spade. Their jobs aren't to sell a frame. Yonex recommends 45-60 on these frames like every frame I have strung by them. If Yonex recommend the frames only be strung 45-49, Yonex can make that call.

To criticize the player testers for not dropping the tension into the 40s is ridiculous and echoes the jaded feelings of an scorned teenager or a Yonex Rep who didn't like what the playtesters concluded.
 

Vapix

Rookie
As new Ezone 98 is lighter and has more power than ai/dr model, do you think it's easier to play with, less demanding?
 
Wow, does that sounds awfully like marketing hype from a Yonex rep.

"Parallel drilling is an important addition" [emoji102] First, "Yonex frames play best with Yonex strings" and now this little gem. You're on a roll. [emoji23]

There was no flaw in the TW's reviews. They played the frames with their normal tensions and the frames felt stiffer in the upper hoop. They called a spade a spade. Their jobs aren't to sell a frame. Yonex recommends 45-60 on these frames like every frame I have strung by them. If Yonex recommend the frames only be strung 45-49, Yonex can make that call.

To criticize the player testers for not dropping the tension into the 40s is ridiculous and echoes the jaded feelings of an scorned teenager or a Yonex Rep who didn't like what the playtesters concluded.

"Their jobs aren't to sell a frame." ....
I stopped reading after that.

No need to keep guessing who I am. I shall willingly confess :
I am a scientist, an engineer, a philosopher and a Lover :)
(And may I add, there's nothing Awful about me at all)

Besides, would a spotty 14 year old teenager or a Yonex rep for that matter ever have the intellect to write as eloquently, and have such a charismatic and charming a personality as I ?? What travesty is this ?? Apologise Sir. Apologise !! :)
 
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junk

Semi-Pro
@junk,

We haven't heard official word from Yonex when the DRs will be discontinued. However, the prices of the DR just dropped so I would expect the inevitable.

Brittany, TW

Brittany (@TW Staff),

Thanks for your responses. You mention that prices of the DR dropped but I still see the blue one at $199. Will the prices drop even more i.e. to match the green/lime ones at $159?

Thanks,
junk
 

Syfo-Dias

Professional
To criticize the player testers for not dropping the tension into the 40s is ridiculous and echoes the jaded feelings of an scorned teenager or a Yonex Rep who didn't like what the playtesters concluded.

If they were using a multi or natural gut, I'd agree. But considering they were using full poly, it's really not that ridiculous.
 
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West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
If they were using a multi or natural gut, I'd agree. But considering they were using full poly, it's really not that ridiculous.
The specs say 45-60. So 50's apparently isn't out of line. Or do you think Yonex doesn't know their own products? Also, this low tension trend is rather new, so TW sticking with the tensions they've used historically is a good thing for comparison to previous years.
 

mscream

Professional
In any case, having to drop tension by more than 5 kg, which right now is based on N=1, is a clear sign that the racquets are very different and as a result people are more inclined to wait for more reviews. If Yonex is convinced that tension should be 40 lbs then they should print it on the racquet and not 45-60. I'm sure most potential buyers don't watch Youtube videos in Japanese to figure out what they should do with their Yonex racquet. I'm going to demo the new EZONE 98 once it's available; if it's great than I have a new racquet, if it's not then I have saved money ;)
 

lwto

Hall of Fame
If you read the Phantom thread I've been a vocal supporter of that racket. But you really need to demo if if you're considering it. It is very low powered! Even with around 20 grams of static weight, +20 SW, and strung 7lb lower than I would normally it is still has way less put away power than my Pure Strike. For comfort though there is nothing that can come close IMO.

I've got a EZONE 100 coming to try. I loved the DR100 when my wife tested it, but we ended up getting the DR98 just because of the recorded RA. Personally I don't like the flex of the DR98, and have never really felt connected to it when I've taken it for a swing. So the new EZONE actually sounds like it could have gone in the right direction for me personally. I think like Pro Kennex and Volkl rackets a good deal of the comfort of the EZONE range is down to tech, like grommets and Quake-Shut Gell.

I've tried both, DR98, way to flexy for me, DR100 way to stiff, both racquets are on the polar extremes.
 

Syfo-Dias

Professional
If Yonex is convinced that tension should be 40 lbs then they should print it on the racquet and not 45-60.

Last time I checked 45 through 49 are numbers in the 40's. This isn't really rocket science guys. For a full bed of poly, no higher than 50 lbs. For a hybrid setup, around mid 50's. For a full bed of soft multi or natural gut, closer to 60 lbs.
 

g4driver

Legend
If they were using a multi or natural gut, I'd agree. But considering they were using full poly, it's really not that ridiculous.

Look at what they used in the previous Ai and DR playtest. The playtest of TW AI/DR/EZone lines were conducted with poly.

Same type of string for the playtest, full bed of poly in all for frames Ai 98/100 and DR 98/100, not gut and not multi, so it ridiculous to me to criticize these TW playtesters for using the same type of string in the middle of Yonex's recommend tension range just like they did in the previous playtests.

Bringing strings like Nautral Gut and multi into the playtest is a non factor. They didn't do that but they did make comparisons to the previous frames using full poly.

Specifically Andy mentions Lux Alu Power and Liz 4G rough as strings used in the AI 98 Playtest. Those aren't soft polys.

Brittany answered my question in another thread before the playtest videos were released stating she felt the Ezone 100 felt stiffer in the upper hoop to her compared to the DR100. I appreciate her honesty. She has played with the Ai 100 and DR 100 long enough to make that statement. I appreciate her feedback. I personally felt the DR100 was stiffer than I liked, so for her to tell me the Ezone plays stiffer to her is enough for me to know I would never put my normal poly strings in the frame. Natural gut/ Head Hawk would be a more logical choice since I have two frames strung with that setup and two with Cyclone Tour. My demo isn't a week or 3 days. I demo for 3 months purchasing one frame and seeing if I can transition to it. Certain frames are a no-go for me.

Hope this explains my reason for believing it is ridiculous to criticize the TW playtesters. Limiting variables like string type and keeping tension in the same range as previous playtest makes the Ezone play-test more useful to readers IMO.
 

mscream

Professional
It isn't bro science either and obviously depends on the player, racquet and string. In the DR98 I have played with anything between 44 and 55 depending on the poly string, with my preferred strings being in the low 50's after testing them at various tensions.
 

West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
Last time I checked 45 through 49 are numbers in the 40's. This isn't really rocket science guys. For a full bed of poly, no higher than 50 lbs. For a hybrid setup, around mid 50's. For a full bed of soft multi or natural gut, closer to 60 lbs.
You're entitled to that opinion and can keep replying with it to your heart's content.

But I've been around the sport a LONG time and I've never heard that the tension range is for different string materials. It's for different swing lengths and speeds and overall styles of play. And everyone I know, including the stringers for the pros who frequently train out here, start at or near the middle of the range with a new stick.
 

g4driver

Legend
I've tried both, DR98, way to flexy for me, DR100 way to stiff, both racquets are on the polar extremes.

You and I have this in common. Always looking for the 65-66 strung RDC RA Yonex or Babolat. Hard to find in a 98-100 inch frame.
 

Syfo-Dias

Professional
You're entitled to that opinion and can keep replying with it to your heart's content.

But I've been around the sport a LONG time and I've never heard that the tension range is for different string materials. It's for different swing lengths and speeds and overall styles of play. And everyone I know, including the stringers for the pros who frequently train out here, start at or near the middle of the range with a new stick.

I'm sure you're quite an expert, but anecdotal evidence still doesn't trump physics. Stiffer strings generally need to be strung at lower tensions than softer ones. There's a reason so many people are stringing fully poly at lower tensions these days. By the way, I'm wasn't criticizing TW reviewers at all. I was merely pointing out the fact that stringing full poly in the mid to upper 40's wasn't "ridiculous".
 

downs_chris

Professional
So I did get a chance to use the new EZONE 100 last night for a couple sets of doubles...i think the frame feels softer than the DR100..definitely more arm friendly - maybe it's what they did with the new grommet system? I think the added "power" they talk about in the review has to do with the more square shape of the head...i think the upper part of the frame has a bigger sweetspot, just due to the shape...my arm "feels" it a little with the DR100 - but the trade off is nice stability and pop...

I'm still kind of messing with the frame, and need to find the ideal setup...for the DR100 i bumped the tension down, but for the EZONE 100, I might bump it back up a little...closer to my AI100 tension...

I think the new frame has more spin potential...i notice the ball would jump a little higher off the court than the previous frames...or it could've been the excitement of using a new stick haha

but yeah, my initial hitting experience was pretty positive...coming from the dr/ai 100 frames, this new one is something i can just pick up and use right away...I'm hitting some more today with @McLovin and hopefully will post a more complete review some time this week...
 

whorng

Rookie
Here is what I have gathered watching from the sidelines...
The racquet is slightly stiffer, but the playtesters still seem to like it. With preference towards the plush DR.
What they did not mention is how stiff it is.
But people started making assumptions saying the stiffness WILL cause arm pain/blow out shoulders... Maybe my sarcasm meter is broken?
What is comes down to is string choice and on hand experience.

Most of us are still waiting for other forum members' experiences with the racquet. Or for demo availability.
One already mentioned their coach says the Ezone 98 is more comfortable than the DR 98.

There is too much to quote here especially from Casius_Juventus...
How can you expect the playtesters to know to use strings at 40 pounds??? Not sure if it was sarcasm...
That is well below the recommended tension and as TW already replied Yonex reps give them basic info.
Other members and TW have mentioned the consistency of using ~52 lbs in playtests.
Also how can you expect TW to watch the Japanese Yonex playtest video before doing their own playtests??? This is absurd! Are you serious? Are you are trolling?
Saying the TW playtesters' are dropping the ball and you are losing confidence in them since Andy left is so insulting...
They don't mention every single detail in their playtest videos. Could be using other strings and at other tensions for all we know.
O wait! They did use multiple strings and various tensions:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/playtesters-question.598129/#post-11561489
I like how Michelle asks you "Have you hit with the racquet at all?"
Please apologize to the TW playtesters.
Stop making these wild assumptions and irrational expectations.
I enjoy TW playtest videos and will continue to watch them.


TW hypes up the racquets in their Vlogs, because that is normal. Arn't we all excited to see what Yonex is bringing out next?
As for the Project One 7, it was hyped before release and it was a love fest during the playtest.
However many forum members hated the stiffness which was unexpected.
Already said it, but it comes down to strings and actual user experience. People have different preferences and body tolerances...
 
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A_Instead

Legend
I love TW playtests and play testers.. I value each of their views and comments as I can relate to most of them.. They are internet stars IMHO..
 

tribesmen

Professional
Total stupidity that racquets must be strung 40 lbs. I completely understand that some players like such a low tension, but quality racquets must be also OK with 55lbs+ (poly strings). If racquet is not capable to be good in range cca 45-55lbs then is not a good racquet.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
@junk,

We were just informed of the price drop yesterday for the lime green from Yonex. My guess is since the blue cosmetic were released later they will last a little longer before getting discounted.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 

G-Love

New User
@TW Staff

Thank you for your responses Brittany! In regards to your last post (#246), does that mean there will be an additional price drop for the lime green Yonex, or will it stay at $159 for the foreseeable future?

I appreciate the help!
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Here is what I have gathered watching from the sidelines...
The racquet is slightly stiffer, but the playtesters still seem to like it. With preference towards the plush DR.
What they did not mention is how stiff it is.
But people started making assumptions saying the stiffness WILL cause arm pain/blow out shoulders... Maybe my sarcasm meter is broken?
What is comes down to is string choice and on hand experience.
...
Most of us are still waiting for other forum members' experiences with the racquet. Or for demo availability.
One already mentioned their coach says the Ezone 98 is more comfortable than the DR 98.
...
Already said it, but it comes down to strings and actual user experience. People have different preferences and body tolerances...

Well put, @whorng. It's troubling there are wild opinions out there. I'm still going to demo this and write up a review of my own when I can. There are a lot of great and fair observations/opinions already from those who've actually experienced the racquet. Can't wait for my demos to come!
 
So I did get a chance to use the new EZONE 100 last night for a couple sets of doubles...i think the frame feels softer than the DR100..definitely more arm friendly - maybe it's what they did with the new grommet system? I think the added "power" they talk about in the review has to do with the more square shape of the head...i think the upper part of the frame has a bigger sweetspot, just due to the shape...my arm "feels" it a little with the DR100 - but the trade off is nice stability and pop...

I'm still kind of messing with the frame, and need to find the ideal setup...for the DR100 i bumped the tension down, but for the EZONE 100, I might bump it back up a little...closer to my AI100 tension...

I think the new frame has more spin potential...i notice the ball would jump a little higher off the court than the previous frames...or it could've been the excitement of using a new stick haha

but yeah, my initial hitting experience was pretty positive...coming from the dr/ai 100 frames, this new one is something i can just pick up and use right away...I'm hitting some more today with @McLovin and hopefully will post a more complete review some time this week...

downs_chris,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. Your initial experience with the racquet makes a lot of sense to me, regarding the new parallel drilling grommet system and the extended sweet spot. I am also very heartened by your experience of possible increased spin off the string bed.
Can I ask you what strings and tensions you played with?
Much appreciated and looking forward to reading your future reports.
 
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