This racquet confuses me because I read some reviews that this racquet is comfortable, and some reviewers says that it is not
Yonex EZONE 2020 AO
- Thread starter Vincent Wang-Bouchard
- Start date
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
No it’s totally fine. Even the firmer v core 98 that plays like a brick is ok. My elbow is very sensitive. I tested the new more muted pure strike 2019 and I got elbow pain not sth serious but it would defitenly get worse if i continue playing with it. Not with ezone and in general never with a yonex. I didn’t have issues even with Yonex Si if you remember..... stiffer than any baboblast stick.
It probably depends what you're used to. For example, I've both the Ai/DR 98s which this new Ezone is supposed to be descendant of. Both of those were very comfortable frames with the DR98 being a bit more muted in terms of the feedback that I was getting on my shots. Not a bad thing but just different. I then switched to the VCore SV 98+ and those are quite stiff and not a plush/comfortable as the Ai/DR frames. I didn't mind because I wanted something with more feedback.
If someone is used to the plush feel of the Ai/DR type frames, they might think the new Ezone is not comfortable. If someone comes from Pure Drives and the early VCores like I currently play, I would expect them to think the new Ezone is more comfortable. Of course, you have have to take the type of string and string tension that each person might be using into consideration as well.
I had Ai 98, DR 98, Vcore Tour 97 310g, Phantom 100P Pro, Prestige Youtek IG MP, Angell TC100 63ra.
I have some shoulder isues so I'm looking for racquet around 300g with some power but comfortable, mission impossible
galahad
Rookie
Can I ask why decided to put that weight at 12, rather than 9 & 3...which is where I typically put mine..whats been the result of your adding this weight??
galahad
Rookie
I'm waiting to demo the Vcore pro 97 HD for that reason
mscream
Professional
Some overview of my opinion:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Build quality. It is immediately obvious that the quality of this racquet is higher than those from other manufacturers. Compared to Wilson or Tecnifibre, paint and general feel of the racquet is generally superior. | Yonex Buttcap. Lacking flare, which I think negatively affects playability. Wilson or Head are much better here. First thing I do with Yonex racquets is to install a different one. That's an area where Yonex could easily improve IMO. |
| QC. My demo was exactly on point in terms of specifications. Again, superior to almost any other manufacturer. No TW matching service tax necessary. | Lack of swing weight. I'm not sure what Yonex's thinking is for the lack of SW throughout their entire line up. Especially in the 98 inch versions of the EZONE and VCP lines. In my opinion, it negatively impacts the racquet. Wilson or Head are clearly ahead in terms of desirable racquet specifications. |
| Feel. A bit more crisp than and not as plush as the DR98 but still the traditional Yonex isometric feel. However, in stock form, it feels dampened, similar to the VCore 98. Extra weight changes the feel to become closer to the DR98, and to me the closest racquet on the market. The stiff hoop and sudden drop in power higher up in the string bed (EZONE 2018) is gone. | Lack of distinction between Yonex line ups. The differences between the new EZONE 98 and the VCore 98 and even possibly the VCP 310 are not that large. I think the various line ups should be much more opinionated in terms of specs and distinct from each other. |
| Comfort. Noticeably firmer than the DR98 in stock form; not flexing as much in the throat. Improves with increased weight at 12. However, still in the comfortable zone compared to other racquets on the market. No issue with stiffness. | |
| Spin. Sufficient spin, on par with other racquets in the same category. For me, spin is more the result of string set up and swing speed. | |
| Control vs. Power. Just the right balance for me - plenty of free power but correlates very well with my swing. |
mscream
Professional
I tried adding weight at 9 and 3 but for me it made the racquet sluggish, losing racquet head speed. For how I hit my forehand in particular, the negatives outweighed the advantages. With weight at 12, I get more swing weight with less weight on average of course, and for me that makes all the difference. With a full western grip and the way I hit it, I need only little acceleration and then the racquet just flies through the ball. As a summary, I get more head speed this way and with the extra SW more plough and more spin with less effort. I can only recommend trying it out, nothing to lose.
I didn't come up with this idea obviously, another TTW member posted this (he did it with his DR98s) in another thread a long time ago and I decided to try it out.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Don’t do this to me man, I’ve been grooving with my kblades and v7 blades!!!
mscream
Professional
I have two v7 blades 18x20 and like them a lot - the EZONE 2020 98 is different in that it has a Yonexy feel but otherwise it is just a lateral step between racquets, and the new EZONE requires a bit of customization until it plays nicely. So I would say there is no real reason to wanting to switch from blade to EZONE. I basically turn it into a Yonex blade to be honest.
Ifyourelucky
New User
I LOVED hitting with the racquet with the lead in this position... I put a little less than you (about a 1/2 inch) and was shocked at how much more control I had. I felt very connected to the ball. Thank you so much for this picture and information. I’m going to try it again tomorrow to see if I have a sophomore slump with the set up.
RandomAsian
Rookie
The paintjob?...
Obviously. As someone who isn't terribly familiar with the most recent Yonex rackets I was hoping for a more complete response. As I understand it, both last year and this year feature blue paint jobs. I am asking for specificity as to distinctive markings or labels found on this year's model that distinguish it from last year's model. I hit with one of the Ezone 98 frames briefly last year and don't recall the exact markings, I do recall that I didn't like that frame as much as the old DR. So, I want to be able to know for sure that when I get my hands on what I am told is the new frame that it is, in fact, the new frame, and not a recent frame that looks somewhat similar.
dje31
Professional
Visual cues
'18: Lots more black with blue contrast; more rectangular head shape, especially at 10-2.
'20: Two shades of blue, (almost) no black(?); more rounded at tip.
Thank you very much. Now from perusing some photos, it seems like the 2018 version has a black throat and the 2020 has a blue throat.
I really appreciate your response.
Maverick13
Semi-Pro
If the paintjob itself is too confusing to decipher, the 2020 model has VDM written in red on the throat. That’s the biggest dead giveaway besides black vs blue
RandomAsian
Rookie
Haha I’m just messing with you a little bit there However I think the paintjobs are very distinguishable, you could go to the Tennis Warehouse review videos or website, or even the Yonex website if you wanna make sure. I think you can ask your local sport store, they won’t lie since they obviously want to sell you the hot new ones, cheers!
Btw I just got mine yesterday and had a good session with it, imo Yonex is dominating the paintjob game, love the techy, futuristic embellishments!
Been hitting with it for a bit over a week now. Probably 15 or so sets and a couple hitting sessions.
Again I am coming from racquets with much bigger swing weights then this...Generally like 330 plus SW range. I have finally dialed this racquet in and its been a joy to hit with. Tons of power and plenty of spin. Really nice feel at impact.
Final setup that works for me:
Yonex Ezone 98
1/4 inch lead tape added at 10 and 2
2 inches on both sides of strings.
Added about .1oz of total weight and maybe 7-10 SW points. Can’t measure swing weight so its really based on feel and best estimates
17G Natural Gut mains at 50
18G RPM Blast Cross at 48
4.5 USTA Player
Aggressive Serve and volley game based on power and spin.
This setup for me is about as good as it gets. I was having arm issues with the Pure Drive Tour even though I loved that racquet more than most humans, I had to switch. I have been extremely happy that this setup above is about as close as I can come to the pure drive and ZERO arm fatigue or pain. Loving this setup.
Cheers and happy hitting
Again I am coming from racquets with much bigger swing weights then this...Generally like 330 plus SW range. I have finally dialed this racquet in and its been a joy to hit with. Tons of power and plenty of spin. Really nice feel at impact.
Final setup that works for me:
Yonex Ezone 98
1/4 inch lead tape added at 10 and 2
2 inches on both sides of strings.
Added about .1oz of total weight and maybe 7-10 SW points. Can’t measure swing weight so its really based on feel and best estimates
17G Natural Gut mains at 50
18G RPM Blast Cross at 48
4.5 USTA Player
Aggressive Serve and volley game based on power and spin.
This setup for me is about as good as it gets. I was having arm issues with the Pure Drive Tour even though I loved that racquet more than most humans, I had to switch. I have been extremely happy that this setup above is about as close as I can come to the pure drive and ZERO arm fatigue or pain. Loving this setup.
Cheers and happy hitting
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Ryanblessed
Semi-Pro
Hit with New Ezone 98, reminds me of G360 Radical Pro. It's firmer and crisper than what I expect, with dampener, it's more plush.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
So any reviews from previous gen ezone 98 users? Any difference or not really
naturallight
Semi-Pro
Tell me more! I thought the Aero 2019 was supposed to be easier on arm? Between new Ezone 100 and Aero 2019, which one is more flexy? More dampened?
I had to switch from a 2013 APD to the Xi98 due to shoulder pain. Thinking about giving the Ezone 100 or VCP 100 a whirl.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Everyone has a different take. I used the previous gen EZONE 98. The new one is softer (or less harsh) and more powerful. The feel is pretty much similar. Swings the same.
If you liked the DR/Ai, this isn't it. It's a stabler, lighter version with less flex, but still soft and comfortable. If you liked this previous EZONE, this is a better version of that.
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DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Babolat has truly made efforts to low vibrations but still i am not satisfied. PD18 gave me arm pain, and PA19 shoulder/back pain. Only PS19 was manageable. I didn’t have direct pain after 2-3 play tests but my hand was getting heavy specially on the forearm and it was stiff/soar which means i would defitenly get sth on the long run. VCP is buttery smooth but it’s a players stick with no free power at all..... don’t be afraid with ezone100 i got zero discomfort.....nothing at all. In my opinion go for the Clash 295gr if you are in the market for an arm friendly and overall good 100inch stick.....its the best among the line of Clash. And keep in mind that next month Head will release a more arm friendly Speed 360 MP.
OlivierJulienB
Rookie
Did you like it overall? How was spin, control, power? How different is it from Clash 100 and/or Clash Tour?
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Clash 98: control but no free power. It’s the softest of the three and i had issues getting pace. It’s so freaking plush that balls lagged on the stringbed. Unfortunately i couldn’t generate power on my shots or produce heavy balls. It’s one of my favorite sticks in terms of feel.... so buttery smooth.
Clash 100 Tour: it’s a scam. Cumbersome and a lot less maneuverable than the 295. You only get more stability and a little more control. But who would argue that 295 is not stable enough..... 295 is more stable than most 300gr sticks out there. Zero vibrations even on off center shots....whenever you hit the ball it always plays the same ball and giving you the same feel. With tour you also loose the free power/spin of the 295 which is a also a pure joy on serving....it just makes your life easier whereas tour is a lot more demanding without giving you any real benefits other than a more solid feel. If only there was a Clash 295 with a thinner beam like Speed MP it would be dope.
OlivierJulienB
Rookie
Thanks, and concerning EZone 100 ?
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
If i was on the market for a firm 100inch stick then my two favorites right now are current speed mp or pure strike 100 (2019 model). The beam of ezone100 is too thick for my liking
OlivierJulienB
Rookie
That means too powerful, not enough control ? How about feel and spin?If i was on the market for a firm 100inch stick then my two favorites right now are current speed mp or pure strike 100 (2019 model). The beam of ezone100 is too thick for my liking
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Ezone 100 is among best in terms of feel better than speed mp and close to pure strike. No it has a nice blend of power and control. It’s just me that i prefer thinner beams for my 1HB
stringtheory
Rookie
Where exactly did you put the lead tape? 25 inches from the butt cap? Interested to try this setup
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Interesting that some persons don't seem to understand that Ezone 98 and Ezone 100, whether the older "DR" version, or 2017 model or now the 2020 model......are completely different racquets. The 98 version is more about "control" with softer feel, and the 100 version is more about "power" and is always stiffer. Most 100 square inch racquets are "tweeners" and the Ezone 100 has the same thick beam that Pure Drive, Pure Aero etc all have in common.
These are two very different racquets. The Ezone 100 plays nothing like the Ezone 98. They are designed for completely different type of players.
Currently the Wilson Clash is probably the only 100 size racquet with a think beam that plays "soft". Virtually all other are stiff with think beams, bar perhaps Yonex VPro 100.
These are two very different racquets. The Ezone 100 plays nothing like the Ezone 98. They are designed for completely different type of players.
Currently the Wilson Clash is probably the only 100 size racquet with a think beam that plays "soft". Virtually all other are stiff with think beams, bar perhaps Yonex VPro 100.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Another interesting question is this: Why are there virtually no racquets in 100 size that plays like in this case Ezone 98.....i.e why do most "control" racquets have 98 inch or smaller head sizes.....? I would love to play the Ezone 98 in a 100 size as it would add a small bit of forgiveness. That is, maintaining the same "flex" like the 98 version but just in a 100 size.
you have the new
Dunlop SX300 Tour
Probably because you get a mix of something that is not great at anything.
But then again maybe its the future.
dje31
Professional
Look at some of the Prince Textreme Tour 100 and possibly Phantom models.
SX series has lower RA rating but dynamic stifness is like any other tweener around 68-69
You think that 2 inch will change anything? you won’t even be able to feel it in a blindtest.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Could well be. Reading reviews etc it seems 100 size racquets are seen as offering more forgiveness.
Personally I play bad with the typical 100 inch Tweeners as with the high stiffness I loose control. With many 98 inch racquets, especially when swing weight goes over 325 or so, I tend to be slightly late in tight match situations.
The ezone 98 sounds like an user friendly control racquet. Perhaps not for advanced players as swing weight is low but for intermediate players like me it could be a good option.
Yes but not because 2 inch more headsize but because of higher stiffness, wider beam, more open spacing..
For example Yonex VCore Pro 100 will not be more forgiving than VCore 98 or Ezone 98..
I started at the 10th grommet from top center and finished right before the 13th grommet. I just eye balled it out assuming I would try more or less weight etc and this worked great for me without wanting to try anything else. Did it on my second frame with same results.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
dang you just cost me like 400-600 bucks
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Heck, I cost myself $229. Bought it sight unseen. Figured since they removed the Hyper-G that it would be an improvement.
I did have a love/hate relationship with that stiff upper hoop. It did lend to stability and power on off center shots. But it was also a jarring, uncomfortable feeling at impact. However, I never experienced arm issues because of it. I demoed the new Aeros and the Clash in that time that I had the outgoing EZONE 98. They each caused arm/wrist discomfort. I've only hit with my new EZONE 98 once and so far so good.
I did have a love/hate relationship with that stiff upper hoop. It did lend to stability and power on off center shots. But it was also a jarring, uncomfortable feeling at impact. However, I never experienced arm issues because of it. I demoed the new Aeros and the Clash in that time that I had the outgoing EZONE 98. They each caused arm/wrist discomfort. I've only hit with my new EZONE 98 once and so far so good.
ProRadTour
Professional
Hit with my newly acquired Ezone 98 today, it's a really nice stick. Strung with YPTP 46/44, great feeling at impact. I have modded it with 5 grams at 12 and a leather grip. Swing-weight is at 329 strung now. Stock the swing-weight was at 310 strung, which is way too low for me. I wonder if this frame had a swing-weight in the mid 320's like the DR, I think the DR users would be pretty happy with it.
Both the current and previous model Ezone 98 respond really well with weight at 12.
Personally, I really like the response of the new model, it feels nicer/cleaner than the previous model and has more power and firmer/stable response than the DR. It's kind of like the best of both worlds for me personally.
Both the current and previous model Ezone 98 respond really well with weight at 12.
Personally, I really like the response of the new model, it feels nicer/cleaner than the previous model and has more power and firmer/stable response than the DR. It's kind of like the best of both worlds for me personally.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
The more I read about the 2020 Ezone 98, the more it sounds like my type of racquet.
Anyone has any other recommendations of easy to play with 98 inch racquets.? ... I.e ones that have swing weight max 325. I prefer 320 or so and then with lead tape I can tune it to my liking..
Whats the general take on beam width in this type of racquets? Seems usually 98 inch racquets seem to have beams around 21mm and the Ezone seem to have a far wider beam at 23/24/19. How much the beam with affect ease of use, stability, power etc?
Anyone has any other recommendations of easy to play with 98 inch racquets.? ... I.e ones that have swing weight max 325. I prefer 320 or so and then with lead tape I can tune it to my liking..
Whats the general take on beam width in this type of racquets? Seems usually 98 inch racquets seem to have beams around 21mm and the Ezone seem to have a far wider beam at 23/24/19. How much the beam with affect ease of use, stability, power etc?
Ifyourelucky
New User
I recently bought 2 new Ezone 98 VDM Deep Blue (305) on **** for a good price... The only problem is, they are missing the clear grommet plastic piece that does underneath the stringbed at the top of the throat. Does anyone know if I can buy a grommet for the previous Ezone 98 or Ezone DR 98 to replace the missing throat grommet piece that is missing on my 2 current model frames?
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Got my new 98 today, 302 grams with the plastic off the handle and 318mm balance. So a little light and a little head heavier than spec. Strung it up with ptp 1.2mm and a yonex dampener with Supergrap overgrip. Now weighs 327 grams. This is very light, raining here so no hitting.... I’m thinking it’s gonna need some lead tape to play anything like my xi98. My xi98’s vary between 2 and 4 grams over the specified 310 grams. So that’s 10 to 12 grams heavier. That’s a completely different class of racquet. Unless yonex has broken the laws of physics, this is looking like a platform stick. Not something that can be used stock. If a 305 gram 2020 Ezone only has a 317 swingweight, what would my underweight stick have?
Or do we pretend this is pro stock and praise the .... that there’s room to customise to a decent spec?
Or do we pretend this is pro stock and praise the .... that there’s room to customise to a decent spec?
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
I string my own racquets and have some 2018 grommets, I’ll check fitment of the throat piece on my next string job of the new 2020 version. Apologies, mightn’t be for about 3 weeks
