Yonex EZONE 2020 AO

I think that’s just a yonex stringing team sticker in the throat, they are the official stringers at the AO normally. The racquet is a not a Yonex. A quick search on this goddess will reveal all :). Camilla Georgie hits the skin off the ball ;)

Ps. She shouldn’t be in this Ezone thread....please move to a hot player thread!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: SME
Played with the new EZONE 98 today - came strung with what looked like 1.25 Hurricane Pro Tour :cry: higher than my usual tension. Weight with overgrip was 325 g, so pretty much on spec. With that string the SW felt higher than 317. Will restring with something better.

So far I would say that the feel has improved compared to the 2018 version, somewhere between the DR98 and the EZONE 98. Actually something between the DR98 and the Vcore 98 would be more accurate. Not as flexy in the throat as the DR98 but also not the stiff feel in the hoop like the 2018 EZONE (or the lack of power higher up in the stringbed like the VCPs). More powerful than the VCP310 but still a good blend between power and control. I also prefer the feel of this compared to the VCP line. Based on the racquet I never felt that it lacked control - however I'm used to playing with more blade-like specs (SW 330-335) and the lower SW definitely requires an adjustment (faster swing). I suspect the lack of mass in the hoop contributes to the perceived control or lack thereof depending on the playing style. I will restring it with my preferred 1.20 gauge string and add some weight to the hoop (3-4 g) - that is similar my DR98 setup. In stock form, I probably would rather stick to my 2019 blades. However, I think weight in the hoop will transform this racquet. In my opinion, they should have aimed for an SW similar to the DR98 (~324) which is much more appropriate for an 98 inch racquet. Also, the differences between the EZONE2020, VCP310, VCore 98 are not that large - I wish the lines would be more opinionated and distinct from each other.
 
mscream said:
Played with the new EZONE 98 today - came strung with what looked like 1.25 Hurricane Pro Tour :cry: higher than my usual tension. Weight with overgrip was 325 g, so pretty much on spec. With that string the SW felt higher than 317. Will restring with something better.

So far I would say that the feel has improved compared to the 2018 version, somewhere between the DR98 and the EZONE 98. Actually something between the DR98 and the Vcore 98 would be more accurate. Not as flexy in the throat as the DR98 but also not the stiff feel in the hoop like the 2018 EZONE (or the lack of power higher up in the stringbed like the VCPs). More powerful than the VCP310 but still a good blend between power and control. I also prefer the feel of this compared to the VCP line. Based on the racquet I never felt that it lacked control - however I'm used to playing with more blade-like specs (SW 330-335) and the lower SW definitely requires an adjustment (faster swing). I suspect the lack of mass in the hoop contributes to the perceived control or lack thereof depending on the playing style. I will restring it with my preferred 1.20 gauge string and add some weight to the hoop (3-4 g) - that is similar my DR98 setup. In stock form, I probably would rather stick to my 2019 blades. However, I think weight in the hoop will transform this racquet. In my opinion, they should have aimed for an SW similar to the DR98 (~324) which is much more appropriate for an 98 inch racquet. Also, the differences between the EZONE2020, VCP310, VCore 98 are not that large - I wish the lines would be more opinionated and distinct from each other.
Click to expand...
Can you comment on the grip size? Recent ezones seem to run slightly large, similar to Wilson or Babolat. Is that the case with this version?
 
gutfeeling said:
Can you comment on the grip size? Recent ezones seem to run slightly large, similar to Wilson or Babolat. Is that the case with this version?
Click to expand...

I did not notice any difference compared to the DR98 in terms of grip size, and the buttcap seems to be same as well (not much flare).
 
I just received my 2020 Ezone 98, and played doubles with it today. The unstrung weight on mine was right on spec at 305g, and I got it strung with VS Touch 16g at 53 pds in the mains, and YPTP 17g at 50 pds in the crosses. The paint job and decals on this frame are fantastic, and you can clearly see the high level of craftsmanship.

Unfortunately, the racquet didn't play the way I thought it would. I immediately thought of a Vcore 98, only slightly softer. It's definitely more powerful than my DR or Blade, so I had trouble controlling my ground strokes, especially when running up for approach shots. I enjoyed serving with it, and volleys were Ok. I actually put it down after 30 minutes, because my doubles partner was getting frustrated with my over hitting. ;)

To be fair, I need to spend a little more time with this racquet, and will provide more feedback after that. But my initial thoughts are this frame is better suited for someone with a western-forehand-grip and hits with Nadal-like topspin, and not an eastern guy like myself. Not horrible. Just not what I thought. For reference, my skill level is 4.0 USTA.
 
Last edited:
Any more comparisons to the current Ezone 98 and Vcore 98? Anyone added some weight? Busting to hear more about this new stick!
The Aussies on the play test loved it, but didn’t commit to switching from the current Ezone?? Does that infer its just different to the current model or is maybe lacking in some areas and better in others? Sounds like feel is improved but did control drop off a little?
 
So to follow up on my post from the last page....

Really liking the 98 Ezone. The touch and feel are amazing and the power and spin has really surprised me. I am used to a much bigger swing weight so I knew I would need to add some lead.


I added about .1oz total at 9 and 2 to the frame and I think I have it dialed in for a swing weight that works for me. This frame has plenty of power and spin and more than enough spin and power to keep the ball deep on defense.

Anyone looking for an all around frame with a good combo of power/spin with a really plush feel this is the one. Couldn’t be happier.
 
gutfeeling said:
Can you comment on the grip size? Recent ezones seem to run slightly large, similar to Wilson or Babolat. Is that the case with this version?
Click to expand...
Just came across this. I use a 4 3/8 Wilson grip and a 4 1/4 Babolat grip. The new Ezone 100 is a 4 1/4 for me.
 
I have the Wilson Blade v7 as well - in both racquets I have L3, to me the Yonex one is more squarish whereas Wilson is more rectangular. That’s an area IMO where Yonex could really improve; I much prefer the Head and Wilson grip shape + buttcaps. In all my DR98s I replaced the buttcap with a Wilson one to add more flare to the end of the handle. The Yonex stock replacement grips are quite thin, which might explain the difference in perceived grip size.
 
Played today again but this with with Ytex Square-X at 50/48 and 4 g at 12 (0.25 g/inch strips), rubber band as dampener. This is now much closer to the specs of my DR98s and also very similar to the blades in terms of SW, so nothing really outrageous (strung SW ~328-330 I would say).

Far better now than stock - a bit of bias of course but I thought that this is now much closer to my DR98s in terms of feel. With the lower tension, different string and extra lead, the VCore-ish feel has disappeared. It feels more crisp than the DR98 and does not have quite the plush hollow feel of the latter. Comfortable though and importantly for me, I always felt connected to the ball. I thought as if the extra lead in the hoop made it flex a bit more in the throat compared to stock form, although not as much as the DR98 which I always felt absorbs a lot of power through the throat (giving it that plush feel). I definitely felt as if I could use the racquets interchangeably. In terms of power level, with my style of play (full western FH) I did not notice any apparent differences.

In stock form I would not use the EZONE 98 to be honest (would rather take a Blade 98 v7). DR98 in stock form was more playable. With the 317 SW it feels artificially crippled, which negatively affects its feel, comfort and playability. However, with little customization it is the most similar racquet to my DR98s available on the market. So far I'm very confident that I will make the switch.
 
I’ve just caved.... new Ezone inbound! I have being using the xi and and 2018 of late. The XI is pretty special, although can be a little stiff sometimes. 2018 is a good racquet, doesn’t have feel/connection like the XI though, hoping this new one with some lead will have all the best Ezone qualities rolled into one?
Anyone out there played them all?
 
jklos said:
I've hit with it 3 times and I'm likely to switch to it. Power is good... Easy power... Not quite Pure Drive level but probably Pure Aero level at least. Control was great for a tweener as well. I never found myself to be over hitting and i could locate my shots pretty well with it. Spin was awesome. Probably why it was easy to keep the ball in play. Feel was ok for it's weight. Felt stable but not as plush as my Vcore 98 or my old Pro Staff 97 (non CV). Still it felt great for a tweener type racquet. I was pretty impressed with it. I'm going back to my Vcore for now but will likely switch to it in the next few weeks.
Click to expand...
When you say tweener, at 305 grams, it is super light...tweeners are 10-20 grams heavier, no??
 
I played yonex ezone dr100 and ezone 100 (2018), and Ezone dr 100 was a little bit longer than the ezone 100 (2018). Also, dr100 has a more round handle near the throat of the racket. Can anyone compare these rackets with the new ezone 100 2020? Thank you
 
I got to hit with new EZONE 98 on Friday. Yes, definitely more power than the outgoing model. Softer in the stringbed, especially up to. I shanked a lot, but never noticed that cringe-worth stiff upper hoop ('cause there wasn't that issue in the new model). Not crazy flex in the throat like the RDX models. I need more time and multiple string set ups to have a better idea of what I like and don't like about the racquet. I definitely don't regret blindly buying it (at least not yet).
 
If anybody is interested, I bought a Yonex Ezone98 2020 in 1/4 grip to test and although I really liked it... I decided it wasn't for me. I only used it for one hitting session but got a good feel for it.
I actually really liked the power level. Comfort was great but almost felt Too plush for me. (I'm just used to hitting with stuff babolats lately) I could've used a touch more spin but I probably strung it 2lbs too high which would've helped out. The main issue for me was when hitting hard I could feel the throat flex and sometimes the tip of the racquet flex. That flex produced some great shots and helped with control on drop volleys off hard hit balls. But the change in response compared to a Pure Drive was just too drastic for me to change mid season.

Anyway, the 4 hour old racquet is listed in the classifieds.
 
Can those who already bought the new EZONEs comment on the actual specs of the racquets they have, meaning in terms of QC?
 
mscream said:
Played today again but this with with Ytex Square-X at 50/48 and 4 g at 12 (0.25 g/inch strips), rubber band as dampener. This is now much closer to the specs of my DR98s and also very similar to the blades in terms of SW, so nothing really outrageous (strung SW ~328-330 I would say).

Far better now than stock - a bit of bias of course but I thought that this is now much closer to my DR98s in terms of feel. With the lower tension, different string and extra lead, the VCore-ish feel has disappeared. It feels more crisp than the DR98 and does not have quite the plush hollow feel of the latter. Comfortable though and importantly for me, I always felt connected to the ball. I thought as if the extra lead in the hoop made it flex a bit more in the throat compared to stock form, although not as much as the DR98 which I always felt absorbs a lot of power through the throat (giving it that plush feel). I definitely felt as if I could use the racquets interchangeably. In terms of power level, with my style of play (full western FH) I did not notice any apparent differences.

In stock form I would not use the EZONE 98 to be honest (would rather take a Blade 98 v7). DR98 in stock form was more playable. With the 317 SW it feels artificially crippled, which negatively affects its feel, comfort and playability. However, with little customization it is the most similar racquet to my DR98s available on the market. So far I'm very confident that I will make the switch.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for posting this. I tried the same thing, 4 grams of lead at 12 o'clock, and cant believe how much of a difference it made. It plays like a completely different racquet now :). Approach shots and ground strokes staying in, even with my eastern-forehand-grip! No arm discomfort either. A DR with more juice!

The lead looks hideous though, as I didn't do a very good job putting it on. Lots of kinks and crooked spots, etc. I might ask our stringer at my local pro shop to put it on.
 
datsveryinterestin said:
If anybody is interested, I bought a Yonex Ezone98 2020 in 1/4 grip to test and although I really liked it... I decided it wasn't for me. I only used it for one hitting session but got a good feel for it.
I actually really liked the power level. Comfort was great but almost felt Too plush for me. (I'm just used to hitting with stuff babolats lately) I could've used a touch more spin but I probably strung it 2lbs too high which would've helped out. The main issue for me was when hitting hard I could feel the throat flex and sometimes the tip of the racquet flex. That flex produced some great shots and helped with control on drop volleys off hard hit balls. But the change in response compared to a Pure Drive was just too drastic for me to change mid season.

Anyway, the 4 hour old racquet is listed in the classifieds.
Click to expand...
I think the new EZone 100 would have be better for you (more comparable to Pure Drive, also in terms of flex).
Why did you buy Ezone 98?
 
OlivierJulienB said:
I think the new EZone 100 would have be better for you (more comparable to Pure Drive, also in terms of flex).
Why did you buy Ezone 98?
Click to expand...

I used to use the Xi98 and the DR98. I go back and forth between wanting easy power and spin and then wishing I had pinpoint control, quick maneuverability, and more control on volleys and slices, etc. I almost switched to the Ezone98+ last year and definitely played the best tennis of my life with it one day.. but the honeymoon wore off.
Then I got swept up in Alex Bolt's match vs Thiem at the AO and decided I had to try the Ezone98 2020.
(Bolt also used Pure Drive many years ago so pros must go through similar power vs control dilemma too)
Anyway, I've never got on well with Yonex 100s but ive always like their mids and 98s.

I'm done with demoing and buying for now. Just going to use my PD+ cannons because they're easy to use and I get good results.

 
datsveryinterestin said:
I used to use the Xi98 and the DR98. I go back and forth between wanting easy power and spin and then wishing I had pinpoint control, quick maneuverability, and more control on volleys and slices, etc. I almost switched to the Ezone98+ last year and definitely played the best tennis of my life with it one day.. but the honeymoon wore off.
Then I got swept up in Alex Bolt's match vs Thiem at the AO and decided I had to try the Ezone98 2020.
(Bolt also used Pure Drive many years ago so pros must go through similar power vs control dilemma too)
Anyway, I've never got on well with Yonex 100s but ive always like their mids and 98s.

I'm done with demoing and buying for now. Just going to use my PD+ cannons because they're easy to use and I get good results.
Click to expand...
If you like PD you should try Ezone 100 not 98. It is similar but less power, more control, less stiffness. It is more user friendly more controlled racquet than Babolat. And with better quality. 98 is really flexy almost dead feeling with much less power and harder to use.
 
fox said:
If you like PD you should try Ezone 100 not 98. It is similar but less power, more control, less stiffness. It is more user friendly more controlled racquet than Babolat. And with better quality. 98 is really flexy almost dead feeling with much less power and harder to use.
Click to expand...

I agree the ezone100 is much closer to a PD. My buddy has a new one so I'll try his. The Ezone982020 is actually just powerful enough that I COULD use it even though I'm mid 40s. It's a great modern players racquet.
Until my elbow starts bothering me, I'm just going to keep using the PD+ and play short matches using super aggressive serve and forehand. If the shots go out.. I get to the beer cooler faster!!
 
It's actually around +12 points, which brings it to the same SW as a blade v7 16x19 (I have the 18x20 version, which has a lower static weight and a higher SW compared to the EZONE with 4g in the hoop). In my DR98s I use 3 g to bring it to a similar SW. Coincidentally, I had the VCP330 but decided to sell them because I play better with a lower static weight and more polarized towards the hoop. That's the difference with experience and seeing what works and what doesn't. The VCP330 plays nothing like it.
 
mscream said:
Played today again but this with with Ytex Square-X at 50/48 and 4 g at 12 (0.25 g/inch strips), rubber band as dampener. This is now much closer to the specs of my DR98s and also very similar to the blades in terms of SW, so nothing really outrageous (strung SW ~328-330 I would say).

Far better now than stock - a bit of bias of course but I thought that this is now much closer to my DR98s in terms of feel. With the lower tension, different string and extra lead, the VCore-ish feel has disappeared. It feels more crisp than the DR98 and does not have quite the plush hollow feel of the latter. Comfortable though and importantly for me, I always felt connected to the ball. I thought as if the extra lead in the hoop made it flex a bit more in the throat compared to stock form, although not as much as the DR98 which I always felt absorbs a lot of power through the throat (giving it that plush feel). I definitely felt as if I could use the racquets interchangeably. In terms of power level, with my style of play (full western FH) I did not notice any apparent differences.

In stock form I would not use the EZONE 98 to be honest (would rather take a Blade 98 v7). DR98 in stock form was more playable. With the 317 SW it feels artificially crippled, which negatively affects its feel, comfort and playability. However, with little customization it is the most similar racquet to my DR98s available on the market. So far I'm very confident that I will make the switch.
Click to expand...
What do you mean "artificially crippled"??
 
mscream said:
It's actually around +12 points, which brings it to the same SW as a blade v7 16x19 (I have the 18x20 version, which has a lower static weight and a higher SW compared to the EZONE with 4g in the hoop). In my DR98s I use 3 g to bring it to a similar SW. Coincidentally, I had the VCP330 but decided to sell them because I play better with a lower static weight and more polarized towards the hoop. That's the difference with experience and seeing what works and what doesn't. The VCP330 plays nothing like it.
Click to expand...
I began using Yonex with the RD7 a million years ago....have used many since, RDx500, and the vcore line...and then wanted a little more easy access to power so switched to the Yellow DR98. But I'm actually looking for a little less power...tried the VCP310, and found it a little stiff...I tested the ezone - and found it a good balance..are you settled on the new ezone, with the weighting you describe?
 
Yes, ideally I would keep using the DR98 but that’s no possible - the blade v7 and the customized EZONE 2020 are the closest to my ideal racquet and preferred specs and feel. I already have two blades but will get the EZONE as well. I really like both but I’m probably a bit more biased towards the Yonex feel.

For those considering the EZONE I would highly recommend demoing the blade v7 16 x 19 as well (with advertised specs) to compare. That will also highlight what I mean by crippled by an SW of only 317. Really depends on playing style as well of course, but somebody else higher up in this thread had a positive experience as well with increasing SW.
 
mscream said:
Yes, ideally I would keep using the DR98 but that’s no possible - the blade v7 and the customized EZONE 2020 are the closest to my ideal racquet and preferred specs and feel. I already have two blades but will get the EZONE as well. I really like both but I’m probably a bit more biased towards the Yonex feel.

For those considering the EZONE I would highly recommend demoing the blade v7 16 x 19 as well (with advertised specs) to compare. That will also highlight what I mean by crippled by an SW of only 317. Really depends on playing style as well of course, but somebody else higher up in this thread had a positive experience as well with increasing SW.
Click to expand...
Exactly the same situation for me but with 2 blades v7 18x20 + leather grips and 1 Ezone 100 2020 + leather grip + 2gr lead at 3&9. It plays like bomb !!

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
 
mscream said:
Yes, ideally I would keep using the DR98 but that’s no possible - the blade v7 and the customized EZONE 2020 are the closest to my ideal racquet and preferred specs and feel. I already have two blades but will get the EZONE as well. I really like both but I’m probably a bit more biased towards the Yonex feel.

For those considering the EZONE I would highly recommend demoing the blade v7 16 x 19 as well (with advertised specs) to compare. That will also highlight what I mean by crippled by an SW of only 317. Really depends on playing style as well of course, but somebody else higher up in this thread had a positive experience as well with increasing SW.
Click to expand...
thanks for the feedback. I'm unclear why you couldn't continue top use the DR98? there are plenty to be found here, and on eeee....baye
 
It's 8 inch/strip (0.25 g/inch), 4 g in total. The way I hit the ball, it gives me a lot more plow through whilst still being very fast to swing. I would say even faster, because the tip really accelerates through the ball. As a result of this I get more depth, control and spin with less effort. And more comfort as well. The only downside is that strings certainly do not last very long but for me that's an acceptable trade-off. With a western FH grip, I would highly recommend trying it out with the new EZONE. It basically transforms the EZONE into a blade 98-like racquet, which may or may not be someone's cup of tea.
 
I've only been having an issue with the plow through and the power... It isn'
mscream said:
It's 8 inch/strip (0.25 g/inch), 4 g in total. The way I hit the ball, it gives me a lot more plow through whilst still being very fast to swing. I would say even faster, because the tip really accelerates through the ball. As a result of this I get more depth, control and spin with less effort. And more comfort as well. The only downside is that strings certainly do not last very long but for me that's an acceptable trade-off. With a western FH grip, I would highly recommend trying it out with the new EZONE. It basically transforms the EZONE into a blade 98-like racquet, which may or may not be someone's cup of tea.
Click to expand...
t heav
mscream said:
It's 8 inch/strip (0.25 g/inch), 4 g in total. The way I hit the ball, it gives me a lot more plow through whilst still being very fast to swing. I would say even faster, because the tip really accelerates through the ball. As a result of this I get more depth, control and spin with less effort. And more comfort as well. The only downside is that strings certainly do not last very long but for me that's an acceptable trade-off. With a western FH grip, I would highly recommend trying it out with the new EZONE. It basically transforms the EZONE into a blade 98-like racquet, which may or may not be someone's cup of tea.
Click to expand...
I've only had an issue with not enough plow through but with having too much power. I'll try your set up to see if it helps. I love the stability and feel. It's one of the most comfortable racquets I've ever played with.
 
Ifyourelucky said:
I've only been having an issue with the plow through and the power... It isn'

t heav

I've only had an issue with not enough plow through but with having too much power. I'll try your set up to see if it helps. I love the stability and feel. It's one of the most comfortable racquets I've ever played with.
Click to expand...
98 or 100?
 
Just tested 100 version. I was a 2 years dedicated user of dr100/dr98. Testers feedback is totally wrong. This racquet has no dr elements. No flex at the throat at all..... it’s just a little little little bit softer version of the previous ezone100 with a little bit more control.... if your game is with flatter shots then it becomes a rocket launcher. I ve tested all new Yonex racquets. V core pro line is still king in the terms of feel/feedback. Ezone 2020 has decent feel like pure strike 2020 line and better feel than the even more firm v core 98. Dr users stay with what you already have. This is not a plush stick.
 
DJTaurus said:
Just tested 100 version. I was a 2 years dedicated user of dr100/dr98. Testers feedback is totally wrong. This racquet has no dr elements. No flex at the throat at all..... it’s just a little little little bit softer version of the previous ezone100 with a little bit more control.... if your game is with flatter shots then it becomes a rocket launcher. I ve tested all new Yonex racquets. V core pro line is still king in the terms of feel/feedback. Ezone 2020 has decent feel like pure strike 2020 line and better feel than the even more firm v core 98. Dr users stay with what you already have. This is not a plush stick.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback!

I was hoping that 100 version will be comfortable :(
 
lima said:
Thanks for the feedback!

I was hoping that 100 version will be comfortable :(
Click to expand...

Sorry you misunderstood me. Ezone 100 is still more comfortable than pure aero/pure strike 2019 versions. No pain/soar/fatigue on my arm/elbow. It’s totally fine. I only wrote that it plays firm on ball contact like previous ezone. This racquet has nothing in common with DR line and i don’t know why TW testers mentioned it on their review. Dr/Ai/Xi versions are still the king.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
2020 Yonex Ezone 100 way too stiff
Replies
25
Views
6K
n8dawg6
n8dawg6
S
Yonex EZONE 98+
Replies
0
Views
503
SteveXtreme1978
S
T
matching yonex ezone 98 2023 to ezone dr 98
Replies
2
Views
430
tele
tele
P
Has anyone tried the 2020 Ezone yet?
Replies
24
Views
3K
B-Line
B-Line
lulo
Switching from Ezone 98 Tour 2020 Recommendation?
Replies
26
Views
2K
lulo
lulo
Back
Top