Yonex EZONE 2020 AO
- Thread starter Vincent Wang-Bouchard
- Start date
Lozannois
Rookie
Not that good... I tried again the ezone 100 today and control is lacking... Then I took back my blade v7 18x20... Unbeatable! Still the king! Rock solid!
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Yea, although if you look at the individual scores there’s one really low score that brought the overall average down. But even feedback on the forum has been less than stellar thus far, certainly not a big hit right away like the DR was.
I just got into Yonex frames in the last year, so I missed out on the DR. I’ve been on the lookout for one for awhile now, and ended up getting a new one from the big auction site last week. Hated paying close to retail for a frame that’s 2 generations old, but I guess it’s the cost of being a holic
Strung it up last night and will use it in doubles league play tonight, excited to see if it lives up to the hype!ok so you took 2 totally different racquets with different spin patterns, beams, head sizes and you expect them to play similar? They fall into 2 worlds of racquets. It is like comparing Babolat PD with any old Head Radical Tour...
topspn
Legend
Yes, you’re comparing apples and oranges, of course they’re different
meowmix808
New User
Muahhahaha. I got my used Blade 98 and Blade custom within the last two months but now I got a prototype 2020 UWU
meowmix808
New User
^ This. I love my two Blade 98 v7's but even if you were comparing it to the same size Ezone 98 they wouldnt even compare lol. Even the Blade 16x19 feels NOTHING like the Ezone 98.
I'm taking my Ezone 98 out for the first time today and would never even hope for it to even a bit similar to my Blades. Completely different rackets.
Wow, surprised how lukewarm this is. Wonder if the 100 will be better.
It is becuase it is worldwide. If you check Michelle and Chris scores they are pretty high around 83-85 mark. And Michelle rarely scores any frame above 8.
TennisViking
Rookie
It just goes to show how individual opinions are. I would say that some of the tester´s level is higher than the average tennis player who don´t play competitive tennis. Once your level is high enough, you probablly won´t prefer a racquet such as the Ezone 98.
Personally I have owned the Pure Stike 98, Vcore 98 and loads of tweeners (100 inch)., The Vcore 98 was not at all for me and it had great review scores. The Pure Strike 98 was actually really nice but a bit too stiff for me. And the various 100 inch tweeners are just lacking in control unless I string up with poly at 57 pounds +. I tried the Blade 98 as well, and for me it just doesn´t feel right. Too high swingweight for me.
It seems that the main reason the Ezone 98 (2020) scores low or gets mixed opinions is due to the low swing weight; something which probably suits intermediate players better. It´s pretty easy to add a few grams of leadtape to a racquett so that should solve it.
For me, the perfect racquet would be like last years Pure Strike 98 (305 grams) but with a slightly lower stiffness rating. It was a very balanced racquet and easy to play with. Any advice?
Next week I will receivea demo racquet of the Ezone 98 through Tennis Warehouse. I am really looing forward to it.
Personally I have owned the Pure Stike 98, Vcore 98 and loads of tweeners (100 inch)., The Vcore 98 was not at all for me and it had great review scores. The Pure Strike 98 was actually really nice but a bit too stiff for me. And the various 100 inch tweeners are just lacking in control unless I string up with poly at 57 pounds +. I tried the Blade 98 as well, and for me it just doesn´t feel right. Too high swingweight for me.
It seems that the main reason the Ezone 98 (2020) scores low or gets mixed opinions is due to the low swing weight; something which probably suits intermediate players better. It´s pretty easy to add a few grams of leadtape to a racquett so that should solve it.
For me, the perfect racquet would be like last years Pure Strike 98 (305 grams) but with a slightly lower stiffness rating. It was a very balanced racquet and easy to play with. Any advice?
Next week I will receivea demo racquet of the Ezone 98 through Tennis Warehouse. I am really looing forward to it.
meowmix808
New User
I agree with everything you said but the swing weight. I feel like when you buy any Ezone you should be expecting that swing weight that corresponds with a whippy racket.
I just got my Ezone 98 because I'd like to switch between my Blade and Ezone, hitting with a whippy racket once in a while is a blast. Also its the best all black racket ever. Better looking than the all black Pro Staffs XD
I dont the think the ratings are that bad though. For me the 2020 Ezone feels better than the version that just stopped production. I demoed the previous version from ************** (only company that will let demos get shipped to Hawaii) and borrowed my buddies DR. I bought the 2020 Ezone without trying it and loved hitting with it today. Literally took it out of the shipping box today and headed to the courts.
But yeah you are right, individual opinions can be misleading since its an opinion.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
For me the perfect racquet would be: project one 98 16x19 with the more plush/soft feel of the 2019 model. The main problem with 2019 is that babolat went up on swing weights (even the 100version is cumbersome) matching the SW of Blades with no f.... reason. Project one was already a solid stick.... still i don’t find it arm friendly (2019) for my taste.
What was that didn’t you like on the V Core 98 ? The harsh feel on contact ?
TennisViking
Rookie
Hello
Vcore 98 for me felt strange. The launch angle was too high and it felt like I had to really hit with perfect topspin to keep the ball in. The 2018 pure strike 98 and my current Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro seem to have slightly tighter string pattern in the middle. Not sure if that is why, but with those I don't have to worry about hitting loopy shots. The VCore 98 just did not feel natural to me.
Like you, I would have been keen on the new Pure Strike 98 but the put the swing weight up quite a lot. For some good, but not for me. Always better a bit lower and then simply add leadtape if one wants.
Anyway, no racquet is perfect
Master7804
New User
Anybody tried Tecnifibre tf40 305? Some said its softer pure strike..
McLovin
Legend
Watched the video review this morning.
I like the 'around the world' review...going from the US to Europe to Australia. Sorry if I'm late to the party on this format, but its pretty cool nonetheless.
Yes, but there will be one more model coming out, together with the plus version, might be even better the ezone dr 98 310g.
Mark this post #672 of this thread
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tdhawks
Professional
When?
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I have played both the 98 and 100 Ezone 2020s so I can tell you they are very different... Background I am a hard-hitting 5.0, heavy spin, one-handed backhand, big serve. Racket history - PS 85 many years, then k6.1 90, blade 93, RF97... then I got tired at 40 of needing to work so hard... tried a bunch settled on the Pure Drive Tour because I played so well with it and didn't have to struggle as much over a few sets. Decided to switch a month or so ago because that racket (despite playing well with it) hurt my wrist quite a bit on longer sessions. So I wanted something more comfortable but played with some power. Decided to buy an Ezone 98 2020. Just hated it... no power whatsoever, had a very difficult time generation spin, and serves were weak. It was a fight, all my balls landed short. Realizing lead wasn't going to help I returned it for the Ezone 100 2020. Problems solved. Great power, no wrist pain, great spin (can feel the strings grab the ball). It absolutely does not feel light, and my playing partners and I hit hard. Stability is not an issue stock. I put a leather grip on it because I like it a little more headlight and to make it flare more on the bottom for my backhand. I hope this helps. I absolutely love this racket, have hit for about 20-25h with it. Looks fantastic too although this shouldn't matter...
justin
justin
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I know he doesn't play with the actual Ezone 98 2020 but an Ezone Xi98, however, I'm pretty sure Nick Kyrigios is a high-level player. Osaka plays with a DR98 (I believe)... I'd say she's a pretty high-level player.
Let's not even go that high... I know many players that play at a high level who love the Ezone DR98, and let's face it the current Ezone 98 2020 is the same racquet minus 5g of weight and differing opinions on feel and stiffness (which is highly personal).
I haven't tried the 2020 Ezone 98, but the DR98 is/was a fabulous racquet that I would include in my personal "Greatest Racquets" Collection. It would sit alongside the PT630, RT630, Angell TC95, Wilson 6.1 95, Volkl C10 Pro, my Pro Stock Blade 98, and several old-school Prestige racquets both MP and Mid... just to name a few.
But then that's just my opinion, and that's why we're all different.
dje31
Professional
meowmix808
New User
You also see the Ezone 98 very often used in the Futures and Challenger tournaments. They are all at least 5.0.
TennisViking
Rookie
Usually professionals have their own racquets with a paint job made to look like the production model. Very few pros play with racquets as light as 305 grams (unstrung). Their racquets of pro's are usually too heavy for most other players.
Still, my point was more that of all Yonex racquets, the Ezone line in general is not the line best suited to advanced players. For those, there is the VCore Pro and VCore racquets.
Alexh22
Professional
But the 2018 came close to his XI. Are they gonna really repaint it ?Ezone 98 Pro? NK Autograph?
Znak
Hall of Fame
How far out are we expecting this drop?
meowmix808
New User
Lol. You know that most of these pros use custom resin handles, putty, and tape to alter their racket. Whats stopping literally any consumer from doing the exact same. Even custom resin handles are affordable now.
Are you saying that the Wilson Blade v7 is too light for advanced players because Tsitsipas uses a previous generation Blade which was almost identical in weight but he put putty in the handle?
Even the Vcore is light compared to the specs that were released on Wawrinkas racket. Like almost 20g or something.
Pros like Gasquet use a racket that top out around 340g strung. Even Nadal was using 330g-340g for years.
TennisViking
Rookie
That was my whole point that very few dvanced player will play with a 305 gram racquet in stock form. Of course virtually all advanced players customise their racquets.
TennisViking
Rookie
And of course anyone can customizer their racquet. Something I would moat likely do as well should I buy the new Ezone 98..
nopeEzone 98 Pro? NK Autograph?
When Robert & Lynette 's son gets dirty shoes after a practice session
Hint : Lynette is a south african
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
You do realise that the 305g is unstrung... right?
Then add 30g for string and an overgrip and you have 340g strung... which is what @meowmix808 was telling you was the weight of some Pros racquets. I'm not quite getting what you're trying to argue.
Finally, how good a racquet is is not something that is determined by weight. It could weigh 370g and play and feel like garbage, and on the other end of the spectrum, it could feel great and play great with 290g and then be modified to a higher weight because of someone's preferences.
Just because the Ezone 98 is 305g unstrung doesn't make it not good enough for advanced players.
TennisViking
Rookie
No one is arguing here, merely saying that of all Yonex racquets lines, perhaps Ezone is not really the one best suited for really advanced players. Therefore it is perhaps not fair to expect it to play like a racquet designed for more advanced players.
Most poly strings weight around 18-20 grams.
Anyway, I look forward to testing the new Ezone 98 next week. My level is decent but I don't consider myself nowhere near to advanced and the racquet might really suit me
Peace and happy tennis to everyone
Most poly strings weight around 18-20 grams.
Anyway, I look forward to testing the new Ezone 98 next week. My level is decent but I don't consider myself nowhere near to advanced and the racquet might really suit me
Peace and happy tennis to everyone
dje31
Professional
Well, TennisViking, the Babolat Pure Drive started out as essentially a granny stick. Then it was embraced by plethora of pros, journeymen, up-and-comers, and juniors.
The BPD pretty much defined the modern game, for better or worse, and in so doing, it's what defined the tweener category.
That said, the Ezone line, especially the 100 models, is pretty much the Yonex equivalent, albeit much more joint friendly.
The BPD pretty much defined the modern game, for better or worse, and in so doing, it's what defined the tweener category.
That said, the Ezone line, especially the 100 models, is pretty much the Yonex equivalent, albeit much more joint friendly.
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
Most of the 4.5-5.0 players (out of college) and all of the top juniors in my area are using tweener frames - Pure Drives and Aeros, Clash, eZone, Vcore - while most of the college players (like 8 out of 10) use the Blade. If you're not playing every day it's just silly to struggle with a 13 oz old school players racket. I was using a Blade 93 a few years ago and I remember losing constantly in tournaments to guys with Pure Aeros and fighting shanks, needing to swing harder... then got an RF97 liked it but my shoulder was taking a beating... the point is use what makes tennis fun and doesn't ruin your body...
mscream
Professional
The only way they could get close to the DR98 would be by matching its SW and tinker with the throat to give it the magic wand feel of the DR. Sounds a bit odd to me, having an EZone 2020 "HG" version, which basically would be admitting that the specs of the EZone 98 were a mistake. There is no history AFAIK that there has ever been another 98 model in the EZone line (not including < 305 g versions)...
mscream
Professional
That's what I see in my area as well. With younger players, there seems to be a trend to go for lower static weight but higher SW. Essentially the Blade phenotype. Most racquets I see are Blades, PDs and PAs. I think the EZone 98 could be used by advanced players, but I don't think in stock form.
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
Agree static weight like 300-310 with a SW like 320-330 seems to be the sweetspot for most players nowadays, myself included. Stiff or not this seems to work. 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.
what do you mean like PD? It is nowhere as stiff or brassy
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
It has a similar playability. Side by side power and spin are virtually the same. The EZone is a lot more comfortable, and I feel the ball more. Like on a heavy topspin forehand I can feel the “brush”. So you are right doesn’t have that super stiff feel. It’s a great racket. I guess I couldve looked at some similar frames but this one solved my problem of PD-like performance without wrist pain...
TennisViking
Rookie
I believe "ustinhaughtmd" is referring to the new Ezone 100, nor the 98 version..That's why the comparing of playability and power with the Pure Drive.
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
Yes the 100. The 98 2020 I had was a whole different racket. Not similar at all.
TennisViking
Rookie
Thanks. May I ask what strings and at what tension you used in the 98 and the 100?
Any chance ould be related to that?
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
Both were strung with Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 @48 lbs. I’ve been using that string and tension for a while, and was using it in my Pure Drive Tour previously.
TennisViking
Rookie
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.
