Yonex EZONE 2020 AO

Have you tried the previous Ezone 100 or the Ezone DR 100?i tried the DR 100 and to me it was too much of a Tweener racquet with too much power. Curious to see how this new 100 compares? Just looking at specs, stiffness and beam etc, I would guess they should play fairly similarly.
I played the EZone 100 2020 side by side with the EZone DR 100 today... when I hit the center of the sweetspot they felt exactly the same... its when you hit off-center they were different. Off-center the EZome 2020 had way more power and was crisper/less plush. The DR was comfortable outside the sweetspot but had way less power. I preferred the 2020 version by a mile. Played much better with it...
 
The EZone 98 just isnt stiff enough to have such a low SW but would feel brassy if stiffer. The EZone 100 doesnt seem to have any of those problems and plays like my Pure Drives.
It sounds like the feel of mp suits you better than mids. Got any mid size rackets that you've enjoyed or is it just the Ezone 98 that feels funky to you? I feel like the last two Ezones have been like mint ice cream. Either you love it or you dont XD

Btw I strung my Ezone 98 with Spin G at a fairly high tension and it feels amazing. Maybe that would do the trick for you too. The Spin G is really stiff string if you looking to make it a bit more boardy. If thats too stiff maybe the Tour Strike.
I just strung my Blade 98 18.20 with String Project Magic and that stuff is awesome. I might slap a set on my Ezone even though its a pretty pillowy string.
 
It sounds like the feel of mp suits you better than mids. Got any mid size rackets that you've enjoyed or is it just the Ezone 98 that feels funky to you? I feel like the last two Ezones have been like mint ice cream. Either you love it or you dont XD

Btw I strung my Ezone 98 with Spin G at a fairly high tension and it feels amazing. Maybe that would do the trick for you too. The Spin G is really stiff string if you looking to make it a bit more boardy. If thats too stiff maybe the Tour Strike.
I just strung my Blade 98 18.20 with String Project Magic and that stuff is awesome. I might slap a set on my Ezone even though its a pretty pillowy string.
I’d be interested in using a hybrid string with the 98 too. I love my old Pro Staff 85 - it has more power than the Ezone 98 no joke...
 
I played the EZone 100 2020 side by side with the EZone DR 100 today... when I hit the center of the sweetspot they felt exactly the same... its when you hit off-center they were different. Off-center the EZome 2020 had way more power and was crisper/less plush. The DR was comfortable outside the sweetspot but had way less power. I preferred the 2020 version by a mile. Played much better with it...
Nice. I think those two are different weights too right? I tried my buddy's DR 98 while demoing the last generation Ezone 98 and I actually liked the newer one better. Now the 2020 version has come out and I'm loving it. I wouldve slapped a very tiny bit of tape on the head though if I had bought that previous generation Ezone.

Just wondering but do you prefer a lower sw?
 
I’d be interested in using a hybrid string with the 98 too. I love my old Pro Staff 85 - it has more power than the Ezone 98 no joke...
I was actually using hybrid gut poly with my ps85 and my ncode tour 90 for a little while in high school but its SO humid here that I had to stop using gut. It felt like it'd get heavier as days would go by.
There is a dude on eb_Ythat sells a gut set that I actually liked. He has a normal one and a "premium" one with more rotations when making the string. It wasnt bad for the $25 or so that it costed.
 
Nice. I think those two are different weights too right? I tried my buddy's DR 98 while demoing the last generation Ezone 98 and I actually liked the newer one better. Now the 2020 version has come out and I'm loving it. I wouldve slapped a very tiny bit of tape on the head though if I had bought that previous generation Ezone.

Just wondering but do you prefer a lower sw?
I guess it depends... if it is a flexible racket the SW needs to be higher otherwise shots are weak... if it is a lower SW it needs to be stiffer for power and stability. I just know that side by side the 100 version played better than the 98... thats hard-hitting 5.0 singles play...
 
I was actually using hybrid gut poly with my ps85 and my ncode tour 90 for a little while in high school but its SO humid here that I had to stop using gut. It felt like it'd get heavier as days would go by.
There is a dude on eb_Ythat sells a gut set that I actually liked. He has a normal one and a "premium" one with more rotations when making the string. It wasnt bad for the $25 or so that it costed.
I wish they would resurrect the k 6.1 90 but make it 93 sq in. but the same heavy weight 16x18... that would be great too!
 
I wish they would resurrect the k 6.1 90 but make it 93 sq in. but the same heavy weight 16x18... that would be great too!
You dont like the newest Pro Staff? The one without countervail felt pretty good to me. I guess the head is a bit bigger than what you are looking for.
 
You dont like the newest Pro Staff? The one without countervail felt pretty good to me. I guess the head is a bit bigger than what you are looking for.
Side by side they dont feel the same, maybe its the box beam makes the older ones feel faster... my friend got hold of a pro staff blx 95 from like 8 years ago, that is a great racket. He changed to that from his RF97... not the k factor one but the one federer used just bigger...
 
I’ve played four sets using the 2020 EZONE 98. I’ve lost all four sets. After the first set of each match I switched back to my DR, won that set, and switched back to the demo.

I matched the specs of the EZONE 98 to my DR’s and to me it feels sluggish. I removed all the tape from the hoop and it still felt the same way. I just couldn’t dial in any shot whatsoever with it.

I really wanted to like this racquet but at the end of the day, it’s not worth tinkering with anymore with the results I’ve gotten so far.
 
It looks like there are much better feedbacks with EZone 100 than EZone 98. Good news, I am more comfortable with 100 racquets and did'nt have the opportunity to test the new EZones.
 
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I’ve played four sets using the 2020 EZONE 98. I’ve lost all four sets. After the first set of each match I switched back to my DR, won that set, and switched back to the demo.

I matched the specs of the EZONE 98 to my DR’s and to me it feels sluggish. I removed all the tape from the hoop and it still felt the same way. I just couldn’t dial in any shot whatsoever with it.

I really wanted to like this racquet but at the end of the day, it’s not worth tinkering with anymore with the results I’ve gotten so far.
Just to mention that you should not test any racquet this way. You will always play with old racquet better than with new one as you are used to it. Go to practice session with new one few times and then see...
 
Just to mention that you should not test any racquet this way. You will always play with old racquet better than with new one as you are used to it. Go to practice session with new one few times and then see...

Touché.

I should have mentioned I did do this earlier in the week on two separate occasions. Was hoping it would carry over into match play...

Going to try the 18’ release and see how that plays compared to the DR.
 
It looks like there are much better feedbacks with EZone 100 than EZone 98. Good news, I am more comfortable with 100 racquets and did'nt have the opportunity to test the new EZones.

You guys that havent tried the rackets yet should really just demo both the rackets :D Tennis Warehouse and T Express have great demo programs!
T Express didnt even care that I cut the strings off two of my demos then strung them at a tension that I like with a string that I like so I could get an actual demo experience.
 
One thing that might explain the big difference between the 98 and 100 is that the string pattern in the 98 is a lot denser than the 100... it has 8 grommet holes in the bottom part of the hoop (bridge?) and the 100 has 6... the center of the string bed looks dense on the 98...
 
Big disappointment - I was hoping that this the EZONE 2020 would revert back to the Ezone DR 98. Below is the TW review of the DR 98 (control = 88). So Yonex instead of improving on the DR98, they went in another direction. So it looks like the VCore has the better options Pro97 310 or 97 HD. Also looking at the Babolat pure strike 16x19. Not sure what rackets out there that play similar then the DR 98.

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/YDR98/YDR98Review.html
Power83
Comfort85
Touch/Feel86
Serves87
Groundstrokes88
Returns84
Slice80
Topspin85
Volleys85
Overall88
 
Big disappointment - I was hoping that this the EZONE 2020 would revert back to the Ezone DR 98. Below is the TW review of the DR 98 (control = 88). So Yonex instead of improving on the DR98, they went in another direction. So it looks like the VCore has the better options Pro97 310 or 97 HD. Also looking at the Babolat pure strike 16x19. Not sure what rackets out there that play similar then the DR 98.

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/YDR98/YDR98Review.html
Power83
Comfort85
Touch/Feel86
Serves87
Groundstrokes88
Returns84
Slice80
Topspin85
Volleys85
Overall88
Numbers only tell half of the story. How it feels in your hand is different. The new EZONE plays most like the DR98. The Pure Strike (current generation) is super stiff feeling and you don't get the plush comfort of the DR. The VCORE Pro line has different frame geometries so it will swing differently and give you different feedback. I'd recommend you try the new EZONE with the new VCORE Pros for a better comparison. I do believe you are sacrificing some control with the new EZONE compared to the DR iteration, but the evolution is going in a direction that I think is appropriate and keeps the EZONE line separate from the VCORE line.
 
Pls can someone compare the ezone 98 vs vcore 98 i don't know what to pick up
Assuming you mean the current generation of each...

Power: EZONE
Control: VCORE
Spin: VCORE
Comfort: EZONE

Do you have specific questions? I'd recommend you try a demo. You can only gather so much data from online without direct experience with each racquet.
 
I’ve never played with the DR line of Yonex racquets. I’ve been demoing the 2018 and 2020 Yonex Ezone 100’s and 98. I got a LOT of court time this week to try out all the demos. During one of my matches I played half the time with the 2018 Ezone 100 and half the time with the 2020 version. I just seem to like the feel and the way the 2020 version played. I served an ace against my buddy and he asked what racquet are you using now? I answered the 2020 version. He said that’s the one you should go with. You play much better with that one.
 
Tried the 2020 EZ98 and EZ100 - BTW loving the blue.

EZ100 is a great tweener frame - good alternative to the PD or PA. Flexpoint between the usual suspects in the tweener class is slightly different for the EZ100 so it feels more comfortable. That said, I feel like it needs to be strung lower for a little more power - certainly doesn't have the explosive power of the Babs. PTP125 felt boardy to me.

EZ98 is an interesting frame. It feels alot more comfortable than the previous model and is pretty stable and forgiving. Full bed PTP125 (not sure of tension but certainly felt lower than what was in the EZ100) felt comfortable. Plenty of easy power and surprisingly solid for such a light frame. Could be a good platform frame someone who likes the flexi feel and power of a PS97 or Gravity.
 
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Tried the 2020 EZ98 and EZ100 - BTW loving the blue.

EZ100 is a great tweener frame - good alternative to the PD or PA. Flexpoint between the usual suspects in the tweener class is slightly different for the EZ100 so it feels more comfortable. That said, I feel like it needs to be strung lower for a little more power - certainly doesn't have the explosive power of the Babs. PTP125 felt boardy to me.

EZ98 is an interesting frame. It feels alot more comfortable than the previous model (never played with the DR98) and is pretty stable and forgiving. Full bed PTP125 (not sure of tension but certainly felt lower than what was in the EZ100) felt comfortable. Plenty of easy power and surprisingly solid for such a light frame. Could be a good platform frame someone who likes the flexi feel and power of a PS97 or Gravity.
How does EZ100 compare to PD/PA?
 
I like the Tennis Warehouse reviews and as there aren't too many websites out there to read about reviews, they are a decent starting point to research about tennis racquets. But, sometimes the scoring does seem odd. I was looking at the review for Babolat Pure Drive VS: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/PDVS/PDVSReview.html

The Babolat Pure Strike VS has a swingweight of 317, i.e. more or less identical to the Ezone 98 (2020). Still, the Babolat doesn't get critized at all about it's low swingweight and scores amazing points across the board with the only exeption being "comfort".

Just looking at the specs for the new Ezone 98 (2020), with its thicker beam and 5 grams more static weight, it doesn't sound logical that it scores so much lower on "stability" and "slices" for example. Sure, there is a differnece in stiffness but still sounds strange.

I know, by testing oneself is the only way to know. But, just curious......some racquets do receive VERY good scores which seems strange as specs are sometimes very similar.
 
Yup nothing beats trying the frames out for yourself. EZ100 is alot more comfortable than the PD which feels stiff and hollow to me. Somewhat comparable to the PA - but less easy spin and power. Also feel like that it a more controlled frame but that may just be the strings and tension being a little high.

Agree that EZ98 is alot more stable than the TW review scores. No complaints for me even on off-center hits. Not sure if it makes sense but I always felt like the less stiff (don't like the VC series) Yonex frames have large sweetspots and flex in all the right places. The EZ98 feels alot less hollow and stiff to me compared to the PDVS. I felt like the PDVS had a small sweetspot as well, lots of shock when I missed and not particularly stable on half-volleys where you want the frame to do the work.
 
I remember when the project one 7 was released, it also received extremely high review scores. Sure, the racquet is nice but to receive 90 in almost all aspects sounded strange.

One would think that mostly a racquet's performance (excluding the impact of strings) is all about physics: weight, balance, swingweight and stiffness. Sure, some racquets feel different but the "performance" for sure must be all about physcis. Therefore, how come some racquets receive so positive scores and reviews while others that seem very similar receive far lower scores.......?
 
I remember when the project one 7 was released, it also received extremely high review scores. Sure, the racquet is nice but to receive 90 in almost all aspects sounded strange.

One would think that mostly a racquet's performance (excluding the impact of strings) is all about physics: weight, balance, swingweight and stiffness. Sure, some racquets feel different but the "performance" for sure must be all about physcis. Therefore, how come some racquets receive so positive scores and reviews while others that seem very similar receive far lower scores.......?

I think TW should standardize the scoring system, take power level as an example, some racquets received words like "abundant power", "plenty of power" and got a 78 score in power? It's absurd...
The score doesn't mean anything for people who can demo racquets, but for those who can not demo, TW reviews are very informative
 
TW reviews scores are subjective and one should not compare just scores of 2 racquets. There are different playtesters in each review so what would be the point of that?

If you check TW scores for Ezone 98 they are lower, yes, but TW USA scored it almost as high as DR 98. That is why I don't like these international reviews...
 
Pls can someone compare the ezone 98 vs vcore 98 i don't know what to pick up
Demo them dude. If you live in the mainland 48 states use Tennis Warehouse. If not use T Express. I live in Hawaii and got to demo 4 rackets from T Express.

Big disappointment - I was hoping that this the EZONE 2020 would revert back to the Ezone DR 98. Below is the TW review of the DR 98 (control = 88). So Yonex instead of improving on the DR98, they went in another direction. So it looks like the VCore has the better options Pro97 310 or 97 HD. Also looking at the Babolat pure strike 16x19. Not sure what rackets out there that play similar then the DR 98.
Its all subjective. I like the 2020 Ezone 98 better than the DR98, but I still like my Blades better than my Ezone.
 
TW reviews scores are subjective and one should not compare just scores of 2 racquets. There are different playtesters in each review so what would be the point of that?

If you check TW scores for Ezone 98 they are lower, yes, but TW USA scored it almost as high as DR 98. That is why I don't like these international reviews...

Personal feeling is subjective, but the numbers could be absolute. For example, when scoring power level, you can take pure drive as a reference point...
when I read the ezone 98 2020 written review, it's very confusing...
 
Personal feeling is subjective, but the numbers could be absolute. For example, when scoring power level, you can take pure drive as a reference point...
when I read the ezone 98 2020 written review, it's very confusing...
But how can they be absolute when 2 different people test them. Just go and test racquets yourself this is only way to have what you want.
 
Personal feeling is subjective, but the numbers could be absolute. For example, when scoring power level, you can take pure drive as a reference point...
when I read the ezone 98 2020 written review, it's very confusing...
Yeah but where are those numbers coming from? I dont know where they get their numbers from not sure if it was ever explained in a video or an article. What if they are just putting numerical values to their personal feeling lol. Tbh I dont think the chart they put down is that bad. I love my Ezone 98 and would not say that their scoring is bad but a 78 can mean pretty good to one person and awful to another.

I bought the Pro Staff and Prestige on eBaheyyyyy for less than $100 because of the reviews I read online and realized I didnt like those rackets so I demoed 4 rackets and that solved all my problems. People in the 48 states should get free demo shipping. I live in the middle of the ocean and I only had to sacrifice $30 to get demos. I think demoing is just the best choice if its available to you.
Now I have to sell the Pro Staff and Prestige. If I had just demod from the start I wouldve saved $100
 
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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?
Hi there, just cut my strings out. The 2018 Ezone 98 throat grommet clear piece is not a perfect fit over the grommet in the 2020 frame, it is close. The hole spacing is a little different and the inner rubber grommet doesn’t want to seat properly in the cavity in the clear piece, It would work but not ideal.
Next, I tried the xi98 throat grommet as a whole(both inner and outer parts) and it is an almost perfect fit and is what I would buy and be happy to use. It’s the same in design with a really soft inner rubber grommet and a harder outer plastic cap just like the other Ezone’s. Both the grommet and out plastic piece are black. The outer plastic piece is a fraction taller. Looks good installed and being black is a good match to the surrounding dark blue grommets. Invisible even. Hope this helps. I know it’s frustrating with yonex that the grommets are not available at racquet release.
 
It looks like they made a change to the twistweight of the frame for 2020, it went from 13.39 TW (2018 version) to 14.27 (2020 version) which would explain the lack of control that's a pretty big bump in TW.
 
Personal feeling is subjective, but the numbers could be absolute. For example, when scoring power level, you can take pure drive as a reference point...
when I read the ezone 98 2020 written review, it's very confusing...
So you may not be looking for a "review." A review is personal opinion. You want measurements of a racquet. TW University is for that.
 
It looks like they made a change to the twistweight of the frame for 2020, it went from 13.39 TW (2018 version) to 14.27 (2020 version) which would explain the lack of control that's a pretty big bump in TW.

Therefore the 2020 should be more stable than the previous. When I hit with both yesterday, I thought the previous felt more stable at the net. However, my hitting partner stated I hit a deeper, heavier ball with the 2020. I generally have a whippy, heavy spin stroke.
 
Therefore the 2020 should be more stable than the previous. When I hit with both yesterday, I thought the previous felt more stable at the net. However, my hitting partner stated I hit a deeper, heavier ball with the 2020. I generally have a whippy, heavy spin stroke.
I too get that feedback of a deeper, heavier ball.

But I'm starting to think my 45 lb tension is sending things long. So I might switch it up with a deader string.

What should I try next in my 2020 EZONE? PolyTour Spin? PolyTour Pro? A Luxilon, but at 50? 52?
 
I too get that feedback of a deeper, heavier ball.

But I'm starting to think my 45 lb tension is sending things long. So I might switch it up with a deader string.

What should I try next in my 2020 EZONE? PolyTour Spin? PolyTour Pro? A Luxilon, but at 50? 52?
Solinco Confidential at 49 lbs. 17G. Done.
 
Therefore the 2020 should be more stable than the previous. When I hit with both yesterday, I thought the previous felt more stable at the net. However, my hitting partner stated I hit a deeper, heavier ball with the 2020. I generally have a whippy, heavy spin stroke.
Now find me a racket that will help me with my footwork, reflexes and preparation and I’ll be set!

I moved to the DR last year from an older generation Pure Drive due to arm issues. I enjoy the DR after having built the grip up as I prefer a 5/8 and only found 1/2. I’ve not liked the successor Ezone 98 variations until the 2020. It’s been easy for me to enjoy the new frame.
 
Strung up the Ezone 98, changed the grip for a leather one and the weight is now 335g. We'll see how it plays, since my previous 2016 AI98 was only 325g.

This one def feels heavy in the grip.
 
I too get that feedback of a deeper, heavier ball.

But I'm starting to think my 45 lb tension is sending things long. So I might switch it up with a deader string.

What should I try next in my 2020 EZONE? PolyTour Spin? PolyTour Pro? A Luxilon, but at 50? 52?

Poly tour pro 1.15. Usual tension +2 lbs
 
I too get that feedback of a deeper, heavier ball.

But I'm starting to think my 45 lb tension is sending things long. So I might switch it up with a deader string.

What should I try next in my 2020 EZONE? PolyTour Spin? PolyTour Pro? A Luxilon, but at 50? 52?

For those of you that claim you are hitting a deeper heavier ball with the new Ezone 98, what do you attribute it to? The new version is the same static weight as the previous iteration, and the swing weight and stiffness based on TW’s measurement is within 1, so I’m having a hard time understanding how one could produce a noticeable heavier ball than the other?
 
I had been a long time DR 98 user since the blue one came out, and really enjoyed the comfort and feel of it. I recently switched to the 2020 Ezone 98, but I did not try the previous generation due to "stiff" reviews, so no comments on that. But feel free to ask me anything about this one vs the DR 98.

So I recently leaded one of my two new 2020 Ezones to my specs (350 static, 335 SW, 8HL) and tested it out for 3 hours playing singles. I could honestly say by the fifth hit, I forgot I was using a new racket. The transition felt very seamless from the DR, although I have to admit it did feel a tiny bit crispier than the DR 98, surprisingly to my liking. It felt like I had the comfort and feel of my trusty DR, but with a slight increase in liveliness which to me meant better responsiveness and control. I couldn't tell whether this meant that it is stiffer, but the plushy feel of the DR 98 is still mostly there (mostly). Yonex QC shines again by being just a few units off static and swing weight when strung. I suggest for those who could choose to select the head heaviest ones at the shop. Even at stock, 317 SW is way too low but that's just me.

Like many, I had literally been waiting for years for something that was basically a DR98 but newer, has a nicer paint job, and a reason for the wife to stare at me disapprovingly. This did it for me. If anyone is interested in a pair of used Blue DR98 G3s let me know because I am switching to these bad boys!
 
I had been a long time DR 98 user since the blue one came out, and really enjoyed the comfort and feel of it. I recently switched to the 2020 Ezone 98, but I did not try the previous generation due to "stiff" reviews, so no comments on that. But feel free to ask me anything about this one vs the DR 98.

So I recently leaded one of my two new 2020 Ezones to my specs (350 static, 335 SW, 8HL) and tested it out for 3 hours playing singles. I could honestly say by the fifth hit, I forgot I was using a new racket. The transition felt very seamless from the DR, although I have to admit it did feel a tiny bit crispier than the DR 98, surprisingly to my liking. It felt like I had the comfort and feel of my trusty DR, but with a slight increase in liveliness which to me meant better responsiveness and control. I couldn't tell whether this meant that it is stiffer, but the plushy feel of the DR 98 is still mostly there (mostly). Yonex QC shines again by being just a few units off static and swing weight when strung. I suggest for those who could choose to select the head heaviest ones at the shop. Even at stock, 317 SW is way too low but that's just me.

Like many, I had literally been waiting for years for something that was basically a DR98 but newer, has a nicer paint job, and a reason for the wife to stare at me disapprovingly. This did it for me. If anyone is interested in a pair of used Blue DR98 G3s let me know because I am switching to these bad boys!


Best part of this - Your wife staring at you disapproving as I know that feeling as too well. Love it.

When I leaded up mine to match my DR's, it was off. It felt very sluggish, which was very disappointing as I wanted to love the new stick. What I did was take half the weight I used to match the DR off, and changed the placement with the other half from 8 inches up to underneath the handle. It weighs in at 331g, which is roughly 5g less than what I am accustomed to, and the balance is almost spot on, 8 HL.

I actually enjoyed playing with this new setup better than my slightly heavier and higher SW DR's. I didn't like the new one at all at the beginning but once I moved some weight around, it was night and day. I think the SW is a little low, but I am hitting a heavier and deeper ball now with this lighter setup than my old sticks so until I need to beef it up, it'll stay as is.
 
I know it’s a personal preference, I want add weight to my EZONE 100. On my last racquet I did 3/9/12 o’clock. I was thinking of just doing 10 and 2 with this one. Anyone else add weight and at what positions on the racquet?
 
For those of you that claim you are hitting a deeper heavier ball with the new Ezone 98, what do you attribute it to? The new version is the same static weight as the previous iteration, and the swing weight and stiffness based on TW’s measurement is within 1, so I’m having a hard time understanding how one could produce a noticeable heavier ball than the other?
Longer mains and new materials in the frame would be my main guess.
 
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