1HBHfanatic
Legend
I feel your doubt alsoFirmer than current EZONE 98?
but I just got an update, that it feels more "solid"
maybe thats what they meant??!!
i def. try it..
Yonex EZONE 2020 AO
- Thread starter Vincent Wang-Bouchard
- Start date
but I just got an update, that it feels more "solid"
maybe thats what they meant??!!
i def. try it..
dje31
Professional
Well, in the pic he has both the 98 and the 100...and the 100 has always been stiffer than the 98. He didn't specify if it was one, the other, or both that felt firmer.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
And we don't know if the user is using the same strings and tension as the baseline, current EZONE Whatever (98 or 100).
1HBHfanatic
Legend
I hate to say it, but yonex I heading into the same firmer feeling as the babolats,,
they are not there yet, but they are getting very, very, very close..
thats why your seeing so many more people comparing yonex frames to babolat frames
they are not there yet, but they are getting very, very, very close..
thats why your seeing so many more people comparing yonex frames to babolat frames
prodigy_blast
New User
I'm not a Yonex fan so I've very limited experience with their rackets. Those comments, my previous post, were given from my University tennis team's players who using both current Ezone and DR. But I could confirm you that they're not as comfortable as DR.
TennisViking
Rookie
I had the DR 98 a few years back. For my skill level it was a bit too heavy. It did feel very nice though, not harsh at all. I tried the DR 100 as well but it was actually a bit too stiff.
They felt completely different.
Seems virtually all 300 gram racquets are super stiff and all have frames 23/26/23.........quite thick. Perhaps frames this light (300 gram) need the think frames to remain stable....?
I also had the Vcore 98 for a while, but again was just on the heavier side for my level. The racquet though had a nice feel and was not that stiff.
It sounds like the new Ezone 100 will be better than the last two versions.....Let's hope so
They felt completely different.
Seems virtually all 300 gram racquets are super stiff and all have frames 23/26/23.........quite thick. Perhaps frames this light (300 gram) need the think frames to remain stable....?
I also had the Vcore 98 for a while, but again was just on the heavier side for my level. The racquet though had a nice feel and was not that stiff.
It sounds like the new Ezone 100 will be better than the last two versions.....Let's hope so
t_pac
Semi-Pro
I had the DR 98 a few years back. For my skill level it was a bit too heavy. It did feel very nice though, not harsh at all. I tried the DR 100 as well but it was actually a bit too stiff.
They felt completely different.
Seems virtually all 300 gram racquets are super stiff and all have frames 23/26/23.........quite thick. Perhaps frames this light (300 gram) need the think frames to remain stable....?
I also had the Vcore 98 for a while, but again was just on the heavier side for my level. The racquet though had a nice feel and was not that stiff.
It sounds like the new Ezone 100 will be better than the last two versions.....Let's hope so
Could try the lighter (285g?) version of the DR98 or Ezone 98. Head do a 300g version of the gravity at 61ra.
The 2020 ProKennex Black Ace looks promising, both 300 and 285 versions with a 59ra and 21mm beam.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Disappointing to hear that it has not moved sufficiently enough towards the DR98... but also relieved as I won't feel like buying another racquet.
Znak
Hall of Fame
This is true! Bummer but on to the next
dje31
Professional
Two observations:
1. I've played the EZXi98 since they were on closeout and the EZAi was out. I demoed the Ai, which felt and played fine, but bought the Xi--without demoing, as the specs were close enough--since they were $100US each. Score!
I never felt that Xi was overly stiff, crisp, uncomfortable, over even overpowered. I tend to like softer, heavier frames, classic setup, but was also ready to admit my age, slowing down, not playing as often, so went to more of a tweener. Glad I did, as it just works for me. I also use thinner, softer strings, at pretty low tension. That said, I didn't find the current EZ98+ uncomfortable when I demoed it earlier this summer.
2. At the end of the video, the guy he's hitting against has a sketchy return of service. Pretty strong in rallies, but lots of spraying and into net on RoS.
Znak
Hall of Fame
Yeah Jonas is a decent hitter usually, I think he's taking some time off from an elbow and wrist injury, so it could be related to that.
Alexh22
Professional
the current EZ 98 is firm and crisp despite the Ra63 rating. But I agree to some of you have said that Yonex is really heading to the PureDrive direction. When I play it I think about it as a board as there isn't a lot of ball pocketing or feel.
Great to hear they made the 2020 proto more comfortable but I really wish I bought the DR to be honest.
Great to hear they made the 2020 proto more comfortable but I really wish I bought the DR to be honest.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Why dont you? Used dr98s not Very diffucult to find
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Really? In my country you can find rather easily from 60-80€
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Yes. Been playing with it since day 1. The rock hard upper hoop was a concern in the beginning since I was used to the DR98 feel. Two years in, it's no really an issue anymore. I don't notice it as much. And when I do mishit towards the upper hoop, the Hyper MG material does seem to keep the stability and power.
So, the DR hold-outs may hate this iteration just the same. But the EZ98 people might welcome the change.
I am prepared to welcome back some added feedback in the upper hoop as Brittany mentioned in the 'prototype' video. I hope that also translates to the 98 racquet, because she was speaking to her experience with the 100. @TWStaff, do you have more feedback?
dje31
Professional
Here's my kick at the cat:
My wife has the previous gen Pure Strike 16x19 (2nd gen, PO7). I've hit with it several times, just enough to remind me that it doesn't work for me. Pretty stiff feeling for my classic-ish strokes where I'm pressuring / hitting through the ball, as opposed to the modern brushing strokes.
I've been using the EZXi98 for several years now, which some folks say is stiff, but doesn't feel that way to me. I also use thin strings at relatively low tensions. Tried the EZ98+ recently, and found that, if my EZXi98s were lost, stolen, or broken, I could transition to it pretty easily.
Sidebar: Pure Strike is the softest, flexiest model in the Pure lineup, and, IMHO, is still too stiff. Haven't tried the new version. Really wish they'd bring back the Storm series, which, for my game and joints, was much more user friendly.
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mnttlrg
Professional
I am a power hitter and feel the exact opposite. The Gravity catapults ball out of bounds while the Ezone keeps everything in.
mnttlrg
Professional
I am a huge fan of the Ezone, but I have always been a little let down by the power it has on serves. Can anyone compare the serves for the new Ezone versus the previous Ezone?
To add to that, I think the Ezone feels a bit too flexy in the throat to me, which leads to great control but a bit of lacking in the winner-hitting department. How does the new Prototype compare in that area?
Thanks, all!
To add to that, I think the Ezone feels a bit too flexy in the throat to me, which leads to great control but a bit of lacking in the winner-hitting department. How does the new Prototype compare in that area?
Thanks, all!
downs_chris
Professional
I just saw the new ezone paint jobs in person and they are a REALLY nice blue...the rep wouldn't let me snap a photo, but they look nice...i think they should be out in some people's hands by early january...
also, he said there will be a blue version of the Yonex Poly Tour pro string...if anyone cares...haha
also, he said there will be a blue version of the Yonex Poly Tour pro string...if anyone cares...haha
Nick777
Semi-Pro
I care! Yptp blue, that will be nice at my dr98
Morequestionsthananswers
New User
That’s good to hear. Thanks for posting. Are they Blue, white, and black? Are they similar to a Babolat pure drive?
we should tactically stop feeding on this thread before someone(pichu) edit the 1st post on this thread to prove he has the photos.
we should make another thread.
@downs_chris is spot-on on the color as mentioned on the 4rd post on this thread but he missed out the 4 facts
1)PTP is coming out a new gauge 1.15mm too
2)The word "ezone" will be in white instead of grey
3)The number 98 and 100 will be in black , unlike the current series, lime colored numbers for lime pj , blue colored for blue pj.
4)There is a 105 headsize ezone.
we should make another thread.
@downs_chris is spot-on on the color as mentioned on the 4rd post on this thread but he missed out the 4 facts
1)PTP is coming out a new gauge 1.15mm too
2)The word "ezone" will be in white instead of grey
3)The number 98 and 100 will be in black , unlike the current series, lime colored numbers for lime pj , blue colored for blue pj.
4)There is a 105 headsize ezone.
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McLovin
Legend
...and now for the bad news...
According to that same rep (because I asked @downs_chris), no '+' versions! Boooo!
downs_chris
Professional
similar-ish to the pure drive...maybe somewhere between the pure drive, and the current yonex blue frames...
the "yonex" on the side didn't look to be a bright white or a grey - somewhere in between...
i don't remember what the 98 or 100 looked like...maybe it was black?
there are also some pops of this crimson / bright red for some text, that really look nice...
no more directional channel grommets (aka no starting point for the crosses)....
bottom line...it's pretty...the rep said yonex "listened" / "read" what people were saying about the ezone line - hence the move back to the more ai/dr head shape (slightly more rounded vs. the classic super flat rectangular yonex shape)...
Znak
Hall of Fame
If only they had it in them to deliver a DR2
Morequestionsthananswers
New User
Thanks again.
I have own(ed) the VCore Pro 97 330 and 310, EZone 98, black VCore 98 (in the order). I swap between the VCore 98 and EZone. Match racket seems to consistently be the VCore 98. They are both weighted at 10 & 2, sit at 5 points or 32.7 cm balance and weigh 340 gms (12oz) with overgrip and dampener. String with Cyclone Tour 17 @ 57lbs.
I’ll buy the new EZone the day it is released. Then check the tracking information non stop until it arrives at my doorstep. I get crazy and can’t wait until it arrives. What’s worse is that I’m a 43year old man. I clearly have problems and could use some psychological help.
Alexh22
Professional
What gave the Ezone disadvantage over vcore 98? Curious to know.
Morequestionsthananswers
New User
The EZone is more powerful and I have a tendency to over-swing. I keep more balls in the court with the VCore 98. If I’m playing/hitting well, the EZone is my weapon of choice. I prefer the feeling of the EZone. Just feel like I can swing out more freely with the VCore. I’m not a great player, low 4.0. That said, don’t trust anything I say...
onkystomper
Hall of Fame
Thought I would chime in with some thoughts after hitting with the Ezones..
The 98 IMO is def a better playing racket than the outgoing line. The sweetspot is opened up again more like the DR but the feeling is not as soft by any means. They play with better feel than the current EZONE 98 but my personal preference is for the DR feel. That being said, the new EZONE 98 will be more suited to a larger variety of players as depth and pace on the shot is easier to come by than with the DR and the sweetspot is bigger. It is also much easier to generate spin. The feel is somewhere between the XI 98 and the outgoing Ezone 98. In fact of all the EZONE 98 (i have used them all) I would say the feel is most similar to the XI.
The 98 IMO is def a better playing racket than the outgoing line. The sweetspot is opened up again more like the DR but the feeling is not as soft by any means. They play with better feel than the current EZONE 98 but my personal preference is for the DR feel. That being said, the new EZONE 98 will be more suited to a larger variety of players as depth and pace on the shot is easier to come by than with the DR and the sweetspot is bigger. It is also much easier to generate spin. The feel is somewhere between the XI 98 and the outgoing Ezone 98. In fact of all the EZONE 98 (i have used them all) I would say the feel is most similar to the XI.
The shade of blue is significantly darker
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Is the new ezone faster through the air compare to dr98?
Alexh22
Professional
Interesting review. I thought the current ez98 is the most similar to the XI even sharing the same headshape.
onkystomper
Hall of Fame
I would say it is more polarised so it whips more..
TBH I just came back from 2 more hours of hitting and the feel is growing on me more and more.. Def a lot of spin and plush in the middle.. off centre is stiffer..
onkystomper
Hall of Fame
Out of the DR and the AI maybe.. but I would say this is the most like it now. I used the XI for a long time.. and skipped the current iteration.. I would say there is a very strong chance I hang up the DR's for this one...
Nick777
Semi-Pro
DR also lacks some plow stock, hope the new ezone has better plow, i suppose is same beam thickness also?
onkystomper
Hall of Fame
Seems to be the same width beam yes.. more I use the more i like. Big upgrade to outgoing model. I do not think DR users will be too upset if they have to change either
Babolix
Rookie
I had the DR 98 a few years back. For my skill level it was a bit too heavy. It did feel very nice though, not harsh at all. I tried the DR 100 as well but it was actually a bit too stiff.
They felt completely different.
Seems virtually all 300 gram racquets are super stiff and all have frames 23/26/23.........quite thick. Perhaps frames this light (300 gram) need the think frames to remain stable....?
I also had the Vcore 98 for a while, but again was just on the heavier side for my level. The racquet though had a nice feel and was not that stiff.
It sounds like the new Ezone 100 will be better than the last two versions.....Let's hope so
If you're looking for a Yonex but less stiff than the DR, Vcore and Ezone and whead lighter but still stable, why don't you try the Vcore Pro 100 ? It sounds like it's right in your will house !
Edit : The Prince Beast 98 03 could be another solution for you. Solid but head light, small SW, spinny, plush feeling, good controlable power... I just don't like it on serve.
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TennisViking
Rookie
Thanks for the tip. Yes, it is indeed a racquet I have looked at but never tried. Should try to test it
Currently I play with a "Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro", unstrung 305 grams, and beam 23mm/20mm/23mm, swingweight 317. It plays really nicely and is very easy to swing with. Only thing is that I really have to swing quite hard to get the ball deep continously. If I relax even a little, the ball ends up short. On volleys also feels unstable, although that is a weak part of my game. But, I have been looking for something with just a bit more power and stability.....
I did try leadtape but did not work for me. Just felt strange. I would prefer a racquet that I really love without any lead tape.
So, I tried several tweeners, Pure Aero, Dunlop Revo CV 3.0, Yonex DR 100 etc, and they all seem to have lots of power but I loose control even though I string with Poly strings at around 24 kg. I can't hit "slow" and I really need to be able to swing freely as otherwise it messes up my game too much.
Every time I try a new 98 inch racquet, it then feels just a bit too heavy and cumbersome for me. I had Puire Strike 98, Yonex DR 98, Yonex Vcore 98......and they are fine hitting form the baseline, but given my level, they are just a bit too heavy.
Having now tried so many racquets, I am learning that:
- I don't like thick beams (like in tweeners 23mm/26mm/23mm
- I don't like the feel of too stiff racquets. Stiffness of 68-70 is too stiff for me. I loose the "feel" completely
- I need a racquet with swingweight around 317 - 322
So basically, looking for a racquet around 300 - 305 grams (unstrung" with a frame 21mm - 23mm but not thicker.....and stiffness around 63-66......
Based on what I have read, the new Yonex Ezone 98 could be interesting.....??
Nick777
Semi-Pro
You should try Prince textreme tour 100 16/18 thenThanks for the tip. Yes, it is indeed a racquet I have looked at but never tried. Should try to test it
Currently I play with a "Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro", unstrung 305 grams, and beam 23mm/20mm/23mm, swingweight 317. It plays really nicely and is very easy to swing with. Only thing is that I really have to swing quite hard to get the ball deep continously. If I relax even a little, the ball ends up short. On volleys also feels unstable, although that is a weak part of my game. But, I have been looking for something with just a bit more power and stability.....
I did try leadtape but did not work for me. Just felt strange. I would prefer a racquet that I really love without any lead tape.
So, I tried several tweeners, Pure Aero, Dunlop Revo CV 3.0, Yonex DR 100 etc, and they all seem to have lots of power but I loose control even though I string with Poly strings at around 24 kg. I can't hit "slow" and I really need to be able to swing freely as otherwise it messes up my game too much.
Every time I try a new 98 inch racquet, it then feels just a bit too heavy and cumbersome for me. I had Puire Strike 98, Yonex DR 98, Yonex Vcore 98......and they are fine hitting form the baseline, but given my level, they are just a bit too heavy.
Having now tried so many racquets, I am learning that:
- I don't like thick beams (like in tweeners 23mm/26mm/23mm
- I don't like the feel of too stiff racquets. Stiffness of 68-70 is too stiff for me. I loose the "feel" completely
- I need a racquet with swingweight around 317 - 322
So basically, looking for a racquet around 300 - 305 grams (unstrung" with a frame 21mm - 23mm but not thicker.....and stiffness around 63-66......
Based on what I have read, the new Yonex Ezone 98 could be interesting.....??
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the tip. Yes, it is indeed a racquet I have looked at but never tried. Should try to test it
Currently I play with a "Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro", unstrung 305 grams, and beam 23mm/20mm/23mm, swingweight 317. It plays really nicely and is very easy to swing with. Only thing is that I really have to swing quite hard to get the ball deep continously. If I relax even a little, the ball ends up short. On volleys also feels unstable, although that is a weak part of my game. But, I have been looking for something with just a bit more power and stability.....
I did try leadtape but did not work for me. Just felt strange. I would prefer a racquet that I really love without any lead tape.
So, I tried several tweeners, Pure Aero, Dunlop Revo CV 3.0, Yonex DR 100 etc, and they all seem to have lots of power but I loose control even though I string with Poly strings at around 24 kg. I can't hit "slow" and I really need to be able to swing freely as otherwise it messes up my game too much.
Every time I try a new 98 inch racquet, it then feels just a bit too heavy and cumbersome for me. I had Puire Strike 98, Yonex DR 98, Yonex Vcore 98......and they are fine hitting form the baseline, but given my level, they are just a bit too heavy.
Having now tried so many racquets, I am learning that:
- I don't like thick beams (like in tweeners 23mm/26mm/23mm
- I don't like the feel of too stiff racquets. Stiffness of 68-70 is too stiff for me. I loose the "feel" completely
- I need a racquet with swingweight around 317 - 322
So basically, looking for a racquet around 300 - 305 grams (unstrung" with a frame 21mm - 23mm but not thicker.....and stiffness around 63-66......
Based on what I have read, the new Yonex Ezone 98 could be interesting.....??
Maybe the 2015 Blade, Tecnifibre TFight 305 XTC, Tecnifibre TF40 305, 2020 Ezone 98, and Prince Phantom 97P... just to list a few. Hope that helps.
