Yonex EZONE 2020 AO

[kimguroo]

Yonex often releases radical changes to new version but Ezone AI saved Yonex tennis and Osaka still plays with it so Yonex should do conservative way to release new EZONE (just bring back AI with new paint job and fake technology hahahaha). Current Ezone which looks similar head shape to Kyrigios (XI), did not really sell well so they should just go back to the original version.

 

[shapovalovnextgoat]

Yonex often releases radical changes to new version but Ezone AI saved Yonex tennis and Osaka still plays with it so Yonex should do conservative way to release new EZONE (just bring back AI with new paint job and fake technology hahahaha). Current Ezone which looks similar head shape to Kyrigios (XI), did not really sell well so they should just go back to the original version.

What are you talking about? I see lots of Ezones amongst recreational players. Yonex, in general, has gained a ton of popularity in the last couple of years.

 

[kimguroo]

What are you talking about? I see lots of Ezones amongst recreational players. Yonex, in general, has gained a ton of popularity in the last couple of years.

I see more DR players than Ezone players.
there are many local tennis stores which stopped to sell Yonex rackets before Ezone XI then Ezone AI/DR lines saved Yonex and Local stores brought back Yonex rackets nowadays. Ezone XI to AI was a big change from Yonex and it's very commonly done by Yonex. AI to DR was a minimal change and Many people liked it. Unfortunately, changing DR to Ezone was bit too much in my opinion and less popular than AI/DR lines.
Ezone line is a little tricky to promote because Osaka uses AI and Kyrgios uses XI. both racket shapes are different. Current Ezone is similar to XI (more square shape) and AI/DR has more rounded shape. it will be interesting to see Yonex will keep current square shape or go back to more rounded shape like AI/DR.

 

[Babolix]

Do you have some news about the date when the new one will be released ?

 

[shapovalovnextgoat]

Do you have some news about the date when the new one will be released ?

Latest by Jan 2020

 

[Babolix]

Ok, thx !

 

[ron schaap]

I see more DR players than Ezone players.
there are many local tennis stores which stopped to sell Yonex rackets before Ezone XI then Ezone AI/DR lines saved Yonex and Local stores brought back Yonex rackets nowadays. Ezone XI to AI was a big change from Yonex and it's very commonly done by Yonex. AI to DR was a minimal change and Many people liked it. Unfortunately, changing DR to Ezone was bit too much in my opinion and less popular than AI/DR lines.
Ezone line is a little tricky to promote because Osaka uses AI and Kyrgios uses XI. both racket shapes are different. Current Ezone is similar to XI (more square shape) and AI/DR has more rounded shape. it will be interesting to see Yonex will keep current square shape or go back to more rounded shape like AI/DR.

Dont let us interfere in the marketing of tennis articles. The squarer shaped yonex racquets sell just as well with the Vcore line so there is really no problem. I think the DR 98 is maybe even too soft, so there are different opinions.

 

[HOT SHOT]

Dont let us interfere in the marketing of tennis articles. The squarer shaped yonex racquets sell just as well with the Vcore line so there is really no problem. I think the DR 98 is maybe even too soft, so there are different opinions.

Different strings can have an effect on softness and harshness

 

[gazz1]

Any updates?

 

[dje31]

Any updates?

Seriously, there's been an impressive embargo on info for this, considering how rumors, leaks, and insider data leaks among the interwebs. That, or it's a lump of turd and no one wants to bring attention to it.

 

[mscream]

Seriously, there's been an impressive embargo on info for this, considering how rumors, leaks, and insider data leaks among the interwebs. That, or it's a lump of turd and no one wants to bring attention to it.

Yes, they almost out-do Apple in terms of secrecy.

 

[Alexh22]

Current Ezone 98 user. All they need to do is reduce the jarring, board-like upper half of the stringbed, and you'll have a racquet that does everything a Babolat Pure Aero/Pure Drive does, with way more comfort and better control. Please Yonex, do not increase the stiffness more than it already is.

Exactly. They lost me after the DR. Why yonex. Why destroying the ezone line. Similar things happened to their VCORE reds: stiff like a board with no feel.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Exactly. They lost me after the DR. Why yonex. Why destroying the ezone line. Similar things happened to their VCORE reds: stiff like a board with no feel.

They might come back to the feel you like... you never know.

 

[mpournaras]

Exactly. They lost me after the DR. Why yonex. Why destroying the ezone line. Similar things happened to their VCORE reds: stiff like a board with no feel.

I disagree. The VCore reds have plenty of feel considering the type of frame that they are. A HUGE step in the right direction from the VCore SV line that preceded it. I suspect that is also why we see a TON of them at lower/mid tour level

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I disagree. The VCore reds have plenty of feel considering the type of frame that they are. A HUGE step in the right direction from the VCore SV line that preceded it. I suspect that is also why we see a TON of them at lower/mid tour level

I never said they were bad... or not moving in the right direction. I was responding to what the other person said about them and trying to give him hope.

 

[mpournaras]

I never said they were bad... or not moving in the right direction. I was responding to what the other person said about them and trying to give him hope.

whoops I quoted the wrong post. Corrected!

 

[XFactorer]

Seriously, there's been an impressive embargo on info for this, considering how rumors, leaks, and insider data leaks among the interwebs. That, or it's a lump of turd and no one wants to bring attention to it.

Your premise is that the racquet is due out soon. I argue that the racquet isn't coming out soon - so we haven't gotten any leaks.

What's your guys' sense on the time frame of the leaks? 6 months out and we start hearing things? 3 months out? We haven't really heard anything credible at this point, have we? OP just referenced "AO" as Australian Open as a possible time a new racquet could launch.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Your premise is that the racquet is due out soon. I argue that the racquet isn't coming out soon - so we haven't gotten any leaks.

What's your guys' sense on the time frame of the leaks? 6 months out and we start hearing things? 3 months out? We haven't really heard anything credible at this point, have we? OP just referenced "AO" as Australian Open as a possible time a new racquet could launch.

The reason that reference was made is that Yonex has a habit of releasing new gear for the Australian Open... and based on a 2-year cycle for models, the new one should drop for the 2020 AO. Since there has not been much info... it's all speculation.

 

[Znak]

I was trying some to do some sleuthing but only came up with the 100 sq in ltd edition in japan:

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I was trying some to do some sleuthing but only came up with the 100 sq in ltd edition in japan:

Fukky's will probably do a video on it sometime soon.

On a separate note, I noticed you using Gosen AK Pro CX in the Mains on your racquet. How do you find it? I have some of the AK Pro CX and the AK Control in the 17 gauge that I'm trying to decide whether to use in the mains. Thanks

 

[roger presley]

I disagree. The VCore reds have plenty of feel considering the type of frame that they are. A HUGE step in the right direction from the VCore SV line that preceded it. I suspect that is also why we see a TON of them at lower/mid tour level

Agree!

 

[Znak]

Fukky's will probably do a video on it sometime soon.

On a separate note, I noticed you using Gosen AK Pro CX in the Mains on your racquet. How do you find it? I have some of the AK Pro CX and the AK Control in the 17 gauge that I'm trying to decide whether to use in the mains. Thanks

Love it, it took me awhile of experimenting with many multi before I found home with AK (for now). Definitely brings some pop and power into the shots all the while being very comfortable and affordable. I enjoy a slightly stiffer string setup in the DR just so it's not overly soft/flexy. I did prefer it in a hybrid setup though. Would be great to hear your feedback on it when you try, I know @ByeByePoly tried it awhile back and enjoyed it as well if I recall correctly

 

[DJ-]

Source: Tennistaste.com

 

[DJ-]

translated

EZONE 98 also it becomes more sensitive to the impact, than the model 2017, but with greater overall mass. The dish is more solid, holding the ball in with more ease and offers a good power release, with a feeling of increased alertness in power, more free and more present at each speed. EZONE 98 shows a different management of the masses, which goes towards greater overall fullness, with a chassis less pointed towards the head and more balanced. The handle is more massive and the feeling is more reminiscent to that of a DR98 Previous EZONE 98, from which resumes, and improves, the dynamic qualities especially in offensive phase. What you hear is the feeling of impact imemdiatamente less dry and more welcoming, more alive, that is coupled with a migliroe spin management, very natural and more immediate in general. The back of the E-Zone 98, as well as the slice, are of absolute importance for the speed and complexity. Impressionanete, then, the change of speed on shots, the chassis reacts very lively and full-bodied.


Here, the images of the two demo frames, which, I remind you to be difinitivi in structure and technique but still the ultimate cosmetic there is no news. In blue, the Ezone 98 and in green, the 100.

 

[Crashbaby]

Source: Tennistaste.com

Finally some news! That’s a completely new head guard, I have the current 98 and that’s different. Thanks for posting this DJ!

 

[DJ-]

Finally some news! That’s a completely new head guard, I have the current 98 and that’s different.

True ! looks like a concotion of ezone and dr series.. if it plays like them two in one package could be interesting

 

[dje31]

Okay, if that would be the actual new PJ, and not just camo-preproduction demos, I'm on-board. Pretty sharp. Clean.

 

[Znak]

Sweeeeeet!!!

 

[25-TENNIS]

Source: Tennistaste.com

These look so cool!

 

[longtimelurker]

This looks clean and nice but the final paint may well be different.

 

[XFactorer]

So... are guessing the racquet will be out in the next 3-4 months? That's usually the time line between a 'leak' and the final production models going on sale, no?

 

[Znak]

Source: Tennistaste.com

Is it just me or does the buttcap look more flared than previous models? Also the throat beam looks thinner, but it could just be the PJ.

So... are guessing the racquet will be out in the next 3-4 months? That's usually the time line between a 'leak' and the final production models going on sale, no?

The person leaking these photos said for sure after AO, possibly around Indian Wells.

 

[XFactorer]

Is it just me or does the buttcap look more flared than previous models? Also the throat beam looks thinner, but it could just be the PJ.

The person leaking these photos said for sure after AO, possibly around Indian Wells.

Ugh. That means at the AO, the athletes will be using the next-gen PJ and it won't be on store shelves for another 3 months. That's usually the case for Yonex releases.

 

[XFactorer]

One positive I am seeing is it looks like they've stopped the practice of making you start the crosses on one particular side of the racquet. So maybe no more micro-offset layout for grommets? I'm fine with that. The geometries look too similar to the existing model, I'm just hoping they've dropped Hyper-MG. The Engrish translation also seems to indicate a bump up in weight and shifting it towards the handle a little? 310g again, please? And 325ish swingweight?

What are you guys hoping for?

 

[Jster]

This looks clean and nice but the final paint may well be different.

It is different.

 

[Jster]

One positive I am seeing is it looks like they've stopped the practice of making you start the crosses on one particular side of the racquet. So maybe no more micro-offset layout for grommets? I'm fine with that. The geometries look too similar to the existing model, I'm just hoping they've dropped Hyper-MG. The Engrish translation also seems to indicate a bump up in weight and shifting it towards the handle a little? 310g again, please? And 325ish swingweight?

What are you guys hoping for?

98 will be in low 310 sw.

 

[mscream]

One positive I am seeing is it looks like they've stopped the practice of making you start the crosses on one particular side of the racquet. So maybe no more micro-offset layout for grommets? I'm fine with that. The geometries look too similar to the existing model, I'm just hoping they've dropped Hyper-MG. The Engrish translation also seems to indicate a bump up in weight and shifting it towards the handle a little? 310g again, please? And 325ish swingweight?

What are you guys hoping for?

1. Going back to the DR98 phenotype, especially in terms of feel
2. Not making it more HL: SW >= 325
3. Flared buttcap

 

[Maverick13]

Those are beautiful! And the beam looks thinner. Yaaas!

 

[Znak]

98 will be in low 310 sw.

Oof I hope not

 

[XFactorer]

Those are beautiful! And the beam looks thinner. Yaaas!

Don't count on that being the final production PJ.

 

[Crocodile]

I have 2 prototypes with me, a 98 and a100. They are not the final paint job, they are matt black with a little green (100) and blue (98). I will be testing them this week and getting others to hit with them as well and get feedback. There are no specs on the frames.

 

[dje31]

Croc: that's too bad...from the pics, it looks like a deep midnight blue. Which would be a good branding theme for Yonex to adopt for the next few years:

VCore Std: black
VCore Pro: green
VCore SV: red
EZone: blue

 

[Notirouswithag]

I have 2 prototypes with me, a 98 and a100. They are not the final paint job, they are matt black with a little green (100) and blue (98). I will be testing them this week and getting others to hit with them as well and get feedback. There are no specs on the frames.

Id love to hear feedback, im waiting my turn to get my hands on the prototype from a friend also

 

[Deleted member 763366]

So sad they decided to keep going with the weird green, the old yellow ezone looked so cool...

 

[1HBHfanatic]

So sad they decided to keep going with the weird green, the old yellow ezone looked so cool...

I think they did this same thing with the DR line
i like the continuity of it, but im not sure what to make of this trend
poor design thought, imo

 

[XFactorer]

Croc: that's too bad...from the pics, it looks like a deep midnight blue. Which would be a good branding theme for Yonex to adopt for the next few years:

VCore Std: black
VCore Pro: green
VCore SV: red
EZone: blue

The Standard VCORE was traditionally a red-themed one. The first ones were candy-caned (red/white).
The EZONE line started as just black w/ silver accents. Then a little more white/orange decal with the xi range. The green was then carried in the ai and dr lines until the DR blue edition came out. I wouldn't mind a blue theme continuing for the EZONE.

What do you think about how all racquets in all lines of the Head and Wilson ones have the same paint pattern, just different colors to differentiate? Yonex isn't following that trend. Each of their lines has its own distinct design.

 

[dje31]

The Standard VCORE was traditionally a red-themed one. The first ones were candy-caned (red/white).
The EZONE line started as just black w/ silver accents. Then a little more white/orange decal with the xi range. The green was then carried in the ai and dr lines until the DR blue edition came out. I wouldn't mind a blue theme continuing for the EZONE.

What do you think about how all racquets in all lines of the Head and Wilson ones have the same paint pattern, just different colors to differentiate? Yonex isn't following that trend. Each of their lines has its own distinct design.

Well, from a branding and recognition standpoint, Wilson, HEAD, and Babolat follow that strategy, so that the public can, at a glance, quickly and easily identify the line being used (or purported to being, used via PJ). They're the big three in the industry. I don't think it would hurt, even just as a five-year strategy.

Yonex numbers are up in terms of endorsers, which up until recently was almost all female, as well as the numbers you see in the wild, so if that helps build the brand recognition, adoption, and loyalty, why not?

I used VCore standard as black as a recent trend, with the Galaxy black and Kerber, though yes, it's been historically more red-dominant. Maybe Kerber just hated the red. Black, while cool looking, tends to blend in too often, but also gives an impression of a stealth prototype. RGB (prime colors for light) would be fine by me. Yellow is Volkl's company color, but hardly seen on tour, with Babolat second with the Pure Aero.

 

[XFactorer]

Well, from a branding and recognition standpoint, Wilson, HEAD, and Babolat follow that strategy, so that the public can, at a glance, quickly and easily identify the line being used (or purported to being, used via PJ). They're the big three in the industry. I don't think it would hurt, even just as a five-year strategy.

Yonex numbers are up in terms of endorsers, which up until recently was almost all female, as well as the numbers you see in the wild, so if that helps build the brand recognition, adoption, and loyalty, why not?

I used VCore standard as black as a recent trend, with the Galaxy black and Kerber, though yes, it's been historically more red-dominant. Maybe Kerber just hated the red. Black, while cool looking, tends to blend in too often, but also gives an impression of a stealth prototype. RGB (prime colors for light) would be fine by me. Yellow is Volkl's company color, but hardly seen on tour, with Babolat second with the Pure Aero.

For the general public, I don't think they recognize a pro's racquet by the PJ. They only see the logo on the stringbed. We enthusiasts, though, we know. We can clock a PJ from our sofas! Yes, Yonex needs to build more brand recognition - that's for sure.

 

[Jster]

There will be at least 10% white involved for the final paintjob. Trust me

 

[XFactorer]

There will be at least 10% white involved for the final paintjob. Trust me

Matte or glossy?