Yonex EZONE 2020 AO
- Thread starter Vincent Wang-Bouchard
- Start date
dje31
Professional
I've been playing the Xi98 for quite a while now, and when I demoed the 18EZ98+, they were almost identical for me, in virtually all aspects.
Can't comment on the DR or '20.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
From recollection, DR98 > Xi98 > EZONE 98 2018 > EZONE 98 2020 (most powerful)
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I added a leather grip because I like a head light balance for my OHBH and I like the feel. Also I wanted to flare the bottom of the handle a little more Yonex handles dont have much of one.
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
i think the angle is similar, at least i didn't notice a big difference
because of his knees, robert son will not be playing "are gi".
new model will be out by are gi
CodyZzZ
Rookie
For me, same. But I matched the specs to my DR and used the same strings & tension.
AverageForehand
Rookie
Soo Did you modify your 2020 ezone with lead to match your stock DR98? May I ask what lead placement worked best for you on the 2020 ezone?
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Wou
Correct?
Ok so most powerful: is Ezone 98 2020, followed by the Ezone 98 2018 (stiffer) then, XI 98 and the last is the DR98.
Correct?
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Yes, but I bet someone else will have a differing opinion. I've strung all of them at 45 lbs as my main tension. PolyTour Pro is my standard string for 2020 and the DR. PolyTour Fire for the 2018 EZONE. PolyTour Spin for the XI98.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thanks!
I used PTP as well at the same tension so i belive you know what you are saying.
If someone has a different opinion on it and wants to contribute here he is welcome...the more the better
mscream
Professional
I agree, I couldn’t notice any noticeable difference with the same string setup (and matched specs).
CodyZzZ
Rookie
I modded mine way heavier, so I didn't modify my 2020 Ezone to match stock DR as they are quite similar in stock. But if you want to do this, somewhere around 2g at 12 and 3g at handle should do the trick, given their stock differences of ~5g static and ~7SW. But check your specs to be sure.
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
I’m not a seasoned play tester, so I can’t give a review like the pros at TW. I’ll say this I have the 100 and I like how forgiving the frame is. It’s not harsh or stiff at all. I swing this racquet so much faster than any other. There’s so much more shape when I strike the ball as well from both wings. I don’t play with dampeners anymore and with this racquet you really don’t need it anyway. I think you’re going love playing it. I have mine strung with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 16L at 57lbs.
I have one strung with the new blue and two with the flash yellow. I have to be honest and say the yellow is more livelier.
Edit: So make that a total of (4) 2020 Ezone 100’s. Just ordered the 4th one and took advantage of the TW demo program discount. They knock off $25 from the racquet brand you demoed. I had a $42 dollar credit so all and all about $160 for a brand new EZONE 100. Okay that’s it I’m done!
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TennisViking
Rookie
I read the review scores of the new Yonex Ezone 100. Sounds like the testers really liked it.
What I don't understand is that how can the Ezone 100 score higher on "control" than the Ezone 98......? And also on "touch/feel". Sure it is only a small difference, but one would think
that a 98 inch frame should have far more control and touch/feel as well compared to a 100 inch "tweener" racquet.
Or perhaps they are comparing the Ezone 100 against other similar 100 inch racquets...?
What I don't understand is that how can the Ezone 100 score higher on "control" than the Ezone 98......? And also on "touch/feel". Sure it is only a small difference, but one would think
that a 98 inch frame should have far more control and touch/feel as well compared to a 100 inch "tweener" racquet.
Or perhaps they are comparing the Ezone 100 against other similar 100 inch racquets...?
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I owned and played the 98 and the 100 Ezone 2020 with the exact string setup so I can help here. The 98 definitely has more control and a softer feel. I consider "touch" to be the ability to hit slower balls, such as dropshots, etc. and they are both about equal in that area. The biggest difference in the two I felt was the power level, especially outside the sweetspot, and the spin level. It was difficult to generate my level of spin with the 98, easy with the 100. The 98's pattern is very dense in the middle. The 100 has a lot more power, outside the sweetspot even, and that makes it easier to use than even the DR100, which I own, which has low power outside the sweetspot (but comfortable). I am an advanced, spin-heavy, powerful hitter and I really like the 100. It feels like home. I can't help but think it feels like the old Pro Staff 6.1 Classic a little... I had to fight the 98 quite a bit. If you are a flat hitter who likes to craft points the 98 would be better. Both are great on volleys, the the 98 having more control, the 100 more punch/power. The 100 has a lot of spin so it is an adjustment on serve they seem to drop faster so I have to hit more into the court, with the 98 I had to focus more on brushing up because it was hard to generate spin. They are very different rackets for sure. Another note - the 100 in stock form is stable for hard/heavy rallies - I don't feel like it needs any weight. The 98 is just a tad too light, and needs a little weight in the hoop if you are a hard hitter. Probably about 3-5 grams not much more.
Maverick13
Semi-Pro
Do we know for sure whether there is going to be a 98+ model or not?
Hansen
Professional
the 98 has such a low swingweight, that all you need is a xtp buttcap to get a extended 98 (with a still manageable swingweight imo)
TennisViking
Rookie
Hi, thanks for sharing. It sounds like the Ezone 100 has quite a few fans. I guess I have to demo it to try for myself.
The Ezone 98 seems to get very mixed feedback. So far I haven't seen anyone mentioning anything negative about the Ezone 100.
guardian2002
New User
I think so, that is the way I would review. Same for cars, not a fair comparison between a SUV and a coupe. Also, the reviewers on the EZ100 playtest tended to be players favouring tweener frames. My take on the EZ100 is that it is a great, more comfortable, more controllable alternative to the more powerful PA and PD. But it feels alot less controlled and plush than the EZ98. The EZ98 is a modern players frame that is a good platform for customization given its low stock specs. But it cannot compare in terms of control or comfort to the more traditional less powerful player frames like the Prestige, Gravity or Phantoms.
OlivierJulienB
Rookie
Great! Can you compare it with other tweeners you played with (Babolat...)?
McLovin
Legend
Except...the XTP butt cap adds at least 5g on its own. Then, you need to buy 1 grip size smaller as you’ll have to ‘backfill’ the remainder of the bare handle w/ an overgrip to compensate for the ridge where the XTP cap extends into the handle, adding another 5g.
Now you’ve made it at least a few points HL, so you will likely need to add some lead in the hoop to balance it out.
Better if Yonex releases a ‘+’ version w/ 305g static weight.
I got the same stated specs on my three racquets. Top-notch racquets!!
I'm excited from all the discussions. Bought a used 2020 Ezone 98 on you-know-where to test out, but also hear a lot of good things about the 100" version. Anyone tried both? what's your take on which one you prefer and why?
I'm a 3.0-3.5 guy, 27 years old and getting back to the game.
I'm a 3.0-3.5 guy, 27 years old and getting back to the game.
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
I’m a 4.0 and tried both, they are amazing racquets, however I gravitated towards the 100 more. I personally think the 100 would have been a better way to go, but you already have the 98. You can try to grow into the racquet, but I’d you find that your game is suffering, you might need the forgiveness of the 100.
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I’ve played a lot of racquets, and the Ezone 100 2020 is one of the best ones in recent memory. They really got it right.
Can’t wait to try mine.
Can anyone compare yonex ezone 100 2018 and 2020? If you look at the characteristics of twu, the new racket in all characteristics is worse than the previous generation. Which racket is more stable and how do they swing in the air? Now I play dr100. Are there any advantages to the new racquets compared to the dr100?
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I compared the two in an earlier post. The Dr and Ezone 100 2020 are similar if not flat out identical when exactly hitting the sweetspot. Outside the sweetspot the DR is low-powered and comfortable, the Ezone 2020 is higher powered outside the sweetspot and harsher, but not uncomfortable by any means. I prefered the Ezone 2020 because I played better with it when hit outside the sweetspot. They both swing similarly, and during play I couldn’t tell a difference. Spin was the same.
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I added a leather grip just so I could make more of a flare because I have a OHBH. Swings easy a plows fine even with hard rallies. It is so easy to maneuver and serves so well I didn’t feel the need for weight in the hoop. The racket weighs 10g heavier unstrung now, so 310g. Still feels substantial, doesnt feel like an “L” racket...
I'm interested in this one. Please report back
topspn
Legend
!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
Using the 98 for the past couple of weeks. Settled on the following:
- Leather grip
- 1.75" of lead at 10&2, 6.5" total
- Overall weight 340g and 341g for the 2 I've modded. Balance unknown. 3rd one remains stock and unused
- String setup: TBD. Currently have Hyper G 16 at 52lbs in it. Not my ideal choice and also strung higher than my usual tension (48lbs) but it's ok. Power level is pretty high, so not sure what new setup will be given 16g poly above my normal is already quite powerful
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
I owned both, and the 100 is definitely more stable and has more plow in stock form. The 98 needs lead.
guardian2002
New User
I think you should give the EZ100 a go, definitely more forgiving than the EZ98. The EZ98 is a better players racquet having less intrinsic power and forgiveness from a beam that is less stiff and stable, smaller sweetspot/ face and tighter stringbed. The EZ98 has better feel and precision (e.g. when hitting short angle passing shots) and to me feels less clunky in hand than the EZ100.
RandomAsian
Rookie
So I’ve had my Ezone 98 for a while now I think I’ve found a setup I really like......Hyper-G 1.25 at 21,5 kilos with 2,4 grams (my little Kobe tribute) of lead at 12.
Initially tried Yonex Poly tour pro and Rpm Blast 1.20, PTP felt very comfortable but a bit too much power whereas rpm blast was just weird, didn’t like the string. I didn’t want to increase the swingweight a whole lot so didn’t add that much lead. The racket does lack that “Oomph” feeling in stock form, the lead actually brought my swing speed up a bit, feels just a little heftier but was still maneuverable enough. Also Hyper-G really allowed my to swing out, really love the spin. I like to hang around the baseline with topspin shots and the racket plays great and suits my style. Although I must say the feel upon contact isn’t the most comfortable but I’m ok with it. I’d say it’s medium comfy, medium plush, medium crisp / clean.
Overall it’s not too demanding but you do have to generate some of your own power (which I prefer), I’d say it has “controllable power”. Also I added a Tourna Power Cap to add that flare, now holding the racket feels right at home.
Initially tried Yonex Poly tour pro and Rpm Blast 1.20, PTP felt very comfortable but a bit too much power whereas rpm blast was just weird, didn’t like the string. I didn’t want to increase the swingweight a whole lot so didn’t add that much lead. The racket does lack that “Oomph” feeling in stock form, the lead actually brought my swing speed up a bit, feels just a little heftier but was still maneuverable enough. Also Hyper-G really allowed my to swing out, really love the spin. I like to hang around the baseline with topspin shots and the racket plays great and suits my style. Although I must say the feel upon contact isn’t the most comfortable but I’m ok with it. I’d say it’s medium comfy, medium plush, medium crisp / clean.
Overall it’s not too demanding but you do have to generate some of your own power (which I prefer), I’d say it has “controllable power”. Also I added a Tourna Power Cap to add that flare, now holding the racket feels right at home.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
My 98 just came in. Weight 304 grams and swing weight 277 (both unstrung with plastic on handle). So it doesn’t surprise me that a lot of posters here have had success adding weight at the tip. 3-6 grams at the tip should bump swing weight by 10-20 points which will help the racquet be a little less anemic than stock form.
Initial impression is that the craftsmanship and frame geometry on this version are both beautiful. Also the 4 3/8 grip feels slightly large, kind of like a Wilson or Babolat, but the buttcap has no flare.
Initial impression is that the craftsmanship and frame geometry on this version are both beautiful. Also the 4 3/8 grip feels slightly large, kind of like a Wilson or Babolat, but the buttcap has no flare.
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