Maverick13
Semi-Pro
Has anyone had any success with leather grips? I’m struggling with getting the the weight right
Yonex EZONE 2020 AO
- Thread starter Vincent Wang-Bouchard
- Start date
AJvR
Rookie
I have ordered a 98L which will be extended to 27,5 inch, 310 g static weight, 31,5 cm balance, 290 SW (unstrung specs). Very much looking forward to hit with it, I never played with a Yonex before.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
That sounds awesome, excited to hear how that hits.
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
You mean as a way to add weight?
Sure, or their are plenty of heavier synthetics compared to the stock grip, which is only like 11-12 grams.
bleno567
Professional
Where is that info coming from?
bleno567
Professional
How do you intend to do the extension?
mscream
Professional
still waiting for that one @Jster
treat it like whisky. takes time to age. hehehehehehehehehe
Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
Compare that to the specs of the Blade 98 16x19 v7.0 which are all over the place:
Interesting. My current racket is the same blade v7 18x20 with a leather grip and 2 OG. Can you compare for me the amount of free power and spin level blade vs ezone?
AJvR
Rookie
Outsourced with the tuning option.
mscream
Professional
I had a Babolat leather grip on my 98 for a while but thought that it didn’t add anything to my game compared to just using a skin feel grip. Personally I think it plays great with just lead at the tip
mscream
Professional
Hopefully not 18 years
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I will try haha. Both frames weigh roughly 329 grams strung with 1.25 poly and wilson pro overgrip. The v7 blade is 335 sw and 33.3 cm balance. Ezone 98 is 320 sw and 32.5 cm balance. I love the soft, muted, and "rubbery" feel of the v7 blade. The ezone 98 is crisper because it has a firmer hoop, but still very muted. The blade hits a bigger/heavier ball so long as you can maneuver/swing it with sufficient racquet head speed, which is not always the easiest when you are on the run or tired during a physical match. The blade has a more linear trajectory and relatively lower launch angle and spin. The ezone may not feel as good, to me, but makes everything a little bit easier at 320 sw without a noticeable drop off in stability.
thanks. what you said about the blade I can agree in all aspects. I played last days first time after 2 months lockdow with it. man my muscle in shoulder are sore... this racket really needs a lot of power from your body and especially for me 1BH this racket demands too much for me. Thats why the Ezone sounds like a good alternative
I am really looking forward to trying this mystery racquet, especially since I don't have my 2020 Ezone 98 anymore.
I was literally the first person at my club to get one in January, and after a little bit of tinkering, I was really starting to gel with it. But one of my buddies wanted it so much for himself & his son, I just let him take it over. That was just before the lockdown in March, and I haven't played since.Before the lockdown I tried quite a few sessions with each of the 2020 Ezone 100 & 98, as well as the equivalents in the Vcore and Vcore pro range & also the blade v7 16x19, amongst others
I set out this time looking for a more flexible frame and the control of an 18x20 or a 98”, and after many demos of many sticks almost bought the Gravity Tour ... but then was loaned the Ezone 100 alongside it .... which kinda put the cat amongst the pigeons as they are so different in many ways, and yet both great. I tried the Ezone and Vcore 98s next hoping one of them would hit the sweet spot between the gravity and the Ez100, but no....,
Anyhow, here’s my 2c on the Vcore 98 and Ezones, and the Blade as people have been asking to compare them in this thread (for ref I use a Yonex Dual G100 with PTP1.20 at 46lbs.):-
Ezone 98 is more plush / flexible and controlled than Vcore 98. Vcore is more spin and powerful and slightly more stable at net. They feel similar to swing. Vcore felt like a 98” version of my Dual G so I liked it but it didn’t do much for me that was preferable (other than a better paint job!). Liked the Ezone 98 a lot and it’s as others have described it here. Personally I wanted a bit more spin and stability and played better with its 100” brother. Blade was good too but the Ezone 98 was better in all aspects than the blade apart from its head light balance meant it is a little bit less stable on blocked shots - eg when caught late on the SHBH - easily fixed with some weight in the head. Preferred both Yonex 98s to the blade. The Ezone 100 was a surprise though - although obviously stiffer it is still plush and for me more arm friendly than the blade (blade caused some wrist pain - maybe because of the head heaviness ). Stable on all returns, at net and when caught late. Swings really fast. Even more effective than the others on serves. Able to pull off blazing topspin winners from six feet behind the baseline but with an accuracy which shocked me, and seems to be able to deliver flatter shots well too. Much more control than for example a Clash Tour or Head Extreme. It’s a bit less whippy than the Ezone or Vcore 98 but more so than the blade. The EZ98 could do almost what the 100 could but with a bit less effectiveness, and a bit more comfort. The Vcore 98 had less control for me than the Ezones.
Am a little suspicious of the EZ100’s high stiffness ratings though, BUT it’s still very comfy - more than any babolats for instance.
So still undecided ..., and then we had the lockdown and no more tennis [emoji853]
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I set out this time looking for a more flexible frame and the control of an 18x20 or a 98”, and after many demos of many sticks almost bought the Gravity Tour ... but then was loaned the Ezone 100 alongside it .... which kinda put the cat amongst the pigeons as they are so different in many ways, and yet both great. I tried the Ezone and Vcore 98s next hoping one of them would hit the sweet spot between the gravity and the Ez100, but no....,
Anyhow, here’s my 2c on the Vcore 98 and Ezones, and the Blade as people have been asking to compare them in this thread (for ref I use a Yonex Dual G100 with PTP1.20 at 46lbs.):-
Ezone 98 is more plush / flexible and controlled than Vcore 98. Vcore is more spin and powerful and slightly more stable at net. They feel similar to swing. Vcore felt like a 98” version of my Dual G so I liked it but it didn’t do much for me that was preferable (other than a better paint job!). Liked the Ezone 98 a lot and it’s as others have described it here. Personally I wanted a bit more spin and stability and played better with its 100” brother. Blade was good too but the Ezone 98 was better in all aspects than the blade apart from its head light balance meant it is a little bit less stable on blocked shots - eg when caught late on the SHBH - easily fixed with some weight in the head. Preferred both Yonex 98s to the blade. The Ezone 100 was a surprise though - although obviously stiffer it is still plush and for me more arm friendly than the blade (blade caused some wrist pain - maybe because of the head heaviness ). Stable on all returns, at net and when caught late. Swings really fast. Even more effective than the others on serves. Able to pull off blazing topspin winners from six feet behind the baseline but with an accuracy which shocked me, and seems to be able to deliver flatter shots well too. Much more control than for example a Clash Tour or Head Extreme. It’s a bit less whippy than the Ezone or Vcore 98 but more so than the blade. The EZ98 could do almost what the 100 could but with a bit less effectiveness, and a bit more comfort. The Vcore 98 had less control for me than the Ezones.
Am a little suspicious of the EZ100’s high stiffness ratings though, BUT it’s still very comfy - more than any babolats for instance.
So still undecided ..., and then we had the lockdown and no more tennis [emoji853]
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AJvR
Rookie
I just switched to a 100L as they had no 98L on stock that could be modified to a 290 SW, for the 100L they had.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Love how Yonex is offering frames that play really well as is stock and also versatile enough to be used as platforms for further customization. The weight and softness of the ezone line crushes the goal of creating a relatively light, stable, and comfortable frame with power on tap as needed and a nice predictable response. Well done Yonex.
FIRETennis
Professional
Anyone hit side by side with the Blade 98 v7 16x19 and the new EZONE 98?
I have a friend who works at yonex, the important thing is that if there will be a version +
McLovin
Legend
Here’s hoping you’re right...
Schmetterball
New User
To me the Ezone felt like a toy compared to the Blade. It's easier to use but it's not as solid and powerful. It just feels too whippy and lacking mass in the head. Maybe that could be changed with lead as others have mentioned in here.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Completely different racquets. There's also a chance there was a 20+ swing weight point difference between the frames you were playing. Maybe you can elaborate what "felt like a toy" means to you.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I only played the 98 head size for the 2018 and 2020. Both were approximately 320 swing weight and similar weight and balance. The 2018 was less stable and had a firmer, less muted response. The 2020 has higher twist weight which makes it slightly less maneuverable. The head geometry of the 2018 is more square, similar to the xi 98 which is the frame Kyrgios actually uses. I said this in a separate thread - I feel like I am splitting hairs. If I had to purchase a heavily discounted 2018 vs a full price 2020, I think I would be happy with the 2018.
jackcrawford
Professional
I thought the EZONE 100L was an excellent light frame - strung with something like Head Lynx, weighs 11 ounces with OG and dampener, crisp but comfortable and excellent stability for the weight.
Ash Tennis
Professional
So is it still coming out in may? Also I heard from someone else that there are going to be small tweaks to the racket itself. I don’t know if that’s true or not.
Ash Tennis
Professional
Or will the release date be pushed back?
PierreMBK
Rookie
You have the 2018 version or brand new 2020 ? Cause I have the Ezone 100L 2018 and recently tried the 2020 and found it more more powerful, with higher SW, a bit less manoeuvrable but really stable and powerful for this category of racquets. Definitely one of the best lightweight frame, champion in his category (285g unstrung, 100 square inches racquet) in term of stability, power, comfort, crispness and overall categories. Better than my old Pure Drive Team IMHO, in term of feel and precision also but less manoeuvrable.
The only things is the balance 32,5 unstrung instead of 32 compared to the Ezone 100 300g. Maybe with some added weight in the handle it would be perfect? [emoji38]
I was also interested in the more weighted version, standard version of 100 and 98, that's why I asked the difference between 2018 and 2020 versions, cause we can find big discount in the 2018 version now, even 2020 in TWE [emoji16][emoji106]
@gutfeeling thanks for your feedback!
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Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
Yup.
Wilson ruined the Blade with the v7 version. Strange rubbery / CV type feel to it with far too much of a weight distribution concentrated at the tip. It just isn't a Blade. Thin beamed racquets need a balanced distribution of mass not everything shifted to 12 o'clock. 2015 was the best iteration of the Blade line IMO, with the KBlade not far behind. Throw in Wilson's wildly variable specs and you could end up with a right lemon.
EZ98 2020 is the better racquet than the v7 Blade by a mile and it takes well small lead tweaks to suit individual preferences.
They’re both good. V7 Blade is much more head heavy in balance so feels like it has more plough and sometimes stability. It’s more connected feeling than the CV blade. But, the Ezone 98 2020 has a more even, consistent feel of the string bed, and is quicker to swing, so spin and power come easier and I had no problem returning hard shots. It serves better too. It’s also more comfortable. I didn’t try adding a little weight that others here have suggested but I would think that would work well and give it the extra “meat” of a blade if that’s desired. Other than that the difference is mainly the grip and buttcap shape and the usual difference between the traditional shape of the head on the blade and the Yonex one. I’m ok with both but I think Yonex shape generally imparts a more even feel than a traditional shape does. Also the Yonex will be rather more likely to meet the advertised specs. For what it’s worth I could say similar things comparing the blade to the Vcore Pro97 310 too but the blade has more control than that one (except volleys - the Vcore pro 97 was the best of these three in that area for me).
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FIRETennis
Professional
Dansan
Semi-Pro
I've got a few options: Full bed of Yonex PTP 1.25 at 53/51 lbs , Kirschbaum Max Power 1.25 at about 52/50ish lbs, or a synthetic gut/poly hybrid at around 56/53 lbs (Gosen OG sheep micro vs max power) What do you guys think ?
I may try it without adding or changing anything except OG and dampener first, and then try with a leather grip and with a couple grams of lead in the hoop to experiment.
Other frames I'm currently trying out: V7 blade 16x19, Angell TC95 16x19. The TC95 is the frame I am most intruiged by at the moment because it's got versatility, power, and spin - but can be a bit demanding. Very unique frame nonetheless that I can't part with. But yeah, looking for a real deal gamer at this point that has some versatility and more forgiveness
When you finish the trials give feedback between the Blade v7 and the yonex.
I have a Blade V7 but considering this new Yonex very much
McLovin
Legend
I think whatever string/tension you normally use. Don't change too much at first. Start with your 'normal' setup, and adjust accordingly. This way you'll at least have a baseline to work from.
Sure, it may be a bit more expensive (especially if you don't have your own stringing machine), but it will definitely help you dial in what works best. Otherwise, you're just blindly throwing darts at the board.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Max Power + Ezone 98 = firm string + firm hoop. Not sure what kind of machine you are using, but on my Babolat Sensor constant pull anything above 46 lbs feels harsh with that combo.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I've hit the TC95 going on three years now, mostly the 18x20 and really love the frame, but a little extra forgiveness would help. I'd be interested to hear a comparison of the TC95 and your EZONE 98 from a comfort, control, and launch angle standpoint. My son hits the VCORE 98 305, and I really like that frame, but the launch angle is a little high for me. I prefer tighter 16x19s, 16x20s, and 18x20.
Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
Yeah Max Power is a stiff, low powered string. No idea why they gave it the name that they did. Wouldn't be the sort of string I would pick for this racquet, but each to their own.
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gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I hit the Blade v7 16x19 and 18x20 extensively before choosing the 18x20. I actually liked the "rubbery" feel. The 16x19 put nice action on the ball and was pretty maneuverable at the listed spec with a 325-330 swing weight. I ultimately chose the 18x20 because it was more stable and had more plow even though it was a little more demanding. At the listed spec the 18x20 was 335 swing weight and significantly more head heavy.
The 2020 Ezone 98 is more stable than the 16x19 v7 Blade, it has a more linear response, the hoop is firmer, and it is as or more maneuverable in my opinion. Here is a pic which shows the string spacing which is pretty similar for both in that they are relatively dense for 16x19 patterns.
Ash Tennis
Professional
At first I liked the paint job of the 2018 ezone, but now the new paint job is kind of growing on me!
Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
That's like getting married and then after a couple of months, thinking about hooking up with some new women...
What doubts are having about the Blade?
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Dansan
Semi-Pro
Went with yonex PTP 1.25 at 53/50 lbs on my constant pull. Max Power I've never used in a full bed, only paired it with gut or SG mains to soften things up, so I avoided a full bed here and just went with a more straightforward and widely used string-job for the first time. Gonna try to hit the courts today.
For those asking about the TC95, I have the 16x19 version which has a pretty open pattern and high angle, very comfortable at 63 RA. The 2020 ezone 98 I expect to have a lower launch angle than both the TC95 and the Vcore98 since it looks to be a little more of a closed 16x19.
What is your recommended string(s) to try with this 2020 EZ100? So far I'm having YPTP 1.30 (52M / 49X) on it and feel a bit too much power/not good control. @TagUrIt is also using the frame and suggesting Hyper-G so I will try that next, but I'm also looking for more poly options with good tension maintenance + good control + affordable (I don't have a stringing machine)
McLovin
Legend
You say that like its a bad thing...
FIRETennis
Professional
Max Power is very stiff ~ 4G like. I am not sure how it would play in that frame. I used it as a cross with natural gut in a Pure Aero Tour and that felt stiff so I cannot imagine a full bed. Stiffer than 4G as a cross even!
Andy from TW did a Babolat VS Touch playtest way back with this DR98 with I believe Tour Bite in the crosses. He said that was absolutely the best spin/feel/power combo he ever played with (at the time).
If I pull the trigger on the EZONE 98 2020 I'd definitely try the guy/poly combo. It has to be tried at least once in life. It actually lasts way longer than full bed poly and can end up costing the same in the long run.
