Yonex EZONE 2020 AO

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Has anybody else noticed super good string life with the 20 ezones compared to most 16x19s? The spacing is fairly middle of the road, but I've got this gut/poly job with about 30 hours on it that I topspin the heck out of and its still not that close to breaking.

Maybe the modified isometric shape does a good job of distributing the impact more to the outer mains? Wasn't a Yonex person before getting the 20 EZ but man does it keep impressing me.
Hit the Ezone Tour and the Blade Pro side by side today. Both strung with Tour Bite 1.20 at 50 lb. The EZT outperformed the BP in every category. I think the softness of the throat and shaft of the EZT help with string longevity since the frame absorbs a lot of the ball impact which seems to put less strain on the strings. Well done Yonex.
 

Dansan

Semi-Pro
Hit the Ezone Tour and the Blade Pro side by side today. Both strung with Tour Bite 1.20 at 50 lb. The EZT outperformed the BP in every category. I think the softness of the throat and shaft of the EZT help with string longevity since the frame absorbs a lot of the ball impact which seems to put less strain on the strings. Well done Yonex.

My ezone 98 has two small strips of lead at 12 oclock, leather grip and og, 4g yonex dampener....weighs exactly 340g with everything loaded up and is right at 32cm balance. I've been playing my best tennis ever with this setup, but I'm temped to try the Tour. If I don't end up putting the leather grip and lead on, I'd likely be under 340g with the tour...would just need to see what the balance point is once string/og/dampener is on. I'm curious to give it a try....would maybe provide me with a similarly stable setup at a lower static weight by maybe 5-7 more grams.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
My ezone 98 has two small strips of lead at 12 oclock, leather grip and og, 4g yonex dampener....weighs exactly 340g with everything loaded up and is right at 32cm balance. I've been playing my best tennis ever with this setup, but I'm temped to try the Tour. If I don't end up putting the leather grip and lead on, I'd likely be under 340g with the tour...would just need to see what the balance point is once string/og/dampener is on. I'm curious to give it a try....would maybe provide me with a similarly stable setup at a lower static weight by maybe 5-7 more grams.
The difference in feel is minimal between the standard and Tour. Both have that solid, muted, and comfortable Yonex feedback. However, the response is very different due to the different flex profile.

The throat and shaft on the Tour are noticeable more flexible which gives me more confidence to swing out and drive the ball. Also the hoop on the Tour feels less stiff/brassy so I can use a stiffer/tighter string bed. You may also be pleasantly surprised how much control and plow/stability the Tour gives you.

One thing to note is the 32 cm stock balance on the Tour is not for everyone. It works for me because it is what I am used to but it is definitely noticeable. That may be something to consider since it looks like with a leather grip you may be dropping the stock balance of the standard 98 to closer to 31 cm.

Coming from 300-305 grams sticks I was initially weary of the 315 gram stock weight of the Tour but surprisingly it has not been an issue for me so far. The Tour swings really fast and does not give me the sensation of the head lagging like some other lighter/polarized sticks do.

My pair of Tours is 312 gram, 32 cm, 300 SW unstrung. For all the geeks out there (myself included) that is an MgR/I of 20.9 which seems to work well for me. Hats off to Yonex engineering and manufacturing because the QC/build quality of these 2020 Ezones are top notch.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
The difference in feel is minimal between the standard and Tour. Both have that solid, muted, and comfortable Yonex feedback. However, the response is very different due to the different flex profile.

The throat and shaft on the Tour are noticeable more flexible which gives me more confidence to swing out and drive the ball. Also the hoop on the Tour feels less stiff/brassy so I can use a stiffer/tighter string bed. You may also be pleasantly surprised how much control and plow/stability the Tour gives you.

One thing to note is the 32 cm stock balance on the Tour is not for everyone. It works for me because it is what I am used to but it is definitely noticeable. That may be something to consider since it looks like with a leather grip you may be dropping the stock balance of the standard 98 to closer to 31 cm.

Coming from 300-305 grams sticks I was initially weary of the 315 gram stock weight of the Tour but surprisingly it has not been an issue for me so far. The Tour swings really fast and does not give me the sensation of the head lagging like some other lighter/polarized sticks do.

My pair of Tours is 312 gram, 32 cm, 300 SW unstrung. For all the geeks out there (myself included) that is an MgR/I of 20.9 which seems to work well for me. Hats off to Yonex engineering and manufacturing because the QC/build quality of these 2020 Ezones are top notch.
Was that comparaison made with same or similar specs ? I found the regular ezone to take weight well, made it smooth. Same for the extended version.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Was that comparaison made with same or similar specs ? I found the regular ezone to take weight well, made it smooth. Same for the extended version.
For the standard 98 I added 2-3 grams of lead to the tip (spread evenly) to get roughly 305 gram, 31.5 cm, 288-290 SW unstrung. I did not add any weight to my Ezone Tour which is 312 gram, 32 cm, 300 SW unstrung. It certainly is possible to match the standard 98 to the Tour but the response will be a little different due to the stiffer layup. Not a huge difference but noticeable, to me.
 

AKB

Rookie
Anyone else here still struggling with the stiff upper hoop on the 2020 version? The input on this thread got me four months of pain-free play time but I'm starting to have the same pain I did before I added 2 grams between 10-2. The pain is above my elbow and below where the bicep begins, assuming it's tendon related. I am able to massage it away but it's concerning. What drew me to the 2020 version was the 6 HL balance, starting to think I need to go back to 4 HL if I stick with the 300/305 gram range. There just isn't enough mass in the upper hoop at 305 grams and 6 HL for how I'm serving with it AKA hitting the top third of the sweet spot. Any ideas? Considering 3-4 grams between 10-2, any idea if that will make a significant difference? I'll also report back after I test it out with more weight however that is a week away.
 
Anyone else here still struggling with the stiff upper hoop on the 2020 version? The input on this thread got me four months of pain-free play time but I'm starting to have the same pain I did before I added 2 grams between 10-2. The pain is above my elbow and below where the bicep begins, assuming it's tendon related. I am able to massage it away but it's concerning. What drew me to the 2020 version was the 6 HL balance, starting to think I need to go back to 4 HL if I stick with the 300/305 gram range. There just isn't enough mass in the upper hoop at 305 grams and 6 HL for how I'm serving with it AKA hitting the top third of the sweet spot. Any ideas? Considering 3-4 grams between 10-2, any idea if that will make a significant difference? I'll also report back after I test it out with more weight however that is a week away.

Do you use the 100 or 98 version? Which string do you use on your EZone? VDM is usually makes the VCore Pro and EZone feel great.
Regarding the service, it's different compared to others, yes. I could feel it first hand when testing Yonex racquets for the first time, but as always you are getting used to it after serving some balls. As a side note, I used Wilson racquets before.
 

408tennisguy

Semi-Pro
Anyone else here still struggling with the stiff upper hoop on the 2020 version? The input on this thread got me four months of pain-free play time but I'm starting to have the same pain I did before I added 2 grams between 10-2. The pain is above my elbow and below where the bicep begins, assuming it's tendon related. I am able to massage it away but it's concerning. What drew me to the 2020 version was the 6 HL balance, starting to think I need to go back to 4 HL if I stick with the 300/305 gram range. There just isn't enough mass in the upper hoop at 305 grams and 6 HL for how I'm serving with it AKA hitting the top third of the sweet spot. Any ideas? Considering 3-4 grams between 10-2, any idea if that will make a significant difference? I'll also report back after I test it out with more weight however that is a week away.

I have this same exact injury after trying out the Ezone 98 Tour for a couple days. I ended up selling them. I am still injured from it after 3 weeks from the date of sale. Tailweighting it with a Leather grip somewhat helped but the damage was already done. You can try the leather grip option if you want.
 

AKB

Rookie
Do you use the 100 or 98 version? Which string do you use on your EZone? VDM is usually makes the VCore Pro and EZone feel great.
Regarding the service, it's different compared to others, yes. I could feel it first hand when testing Yonex racquets for the first time, but as always you are getting used to it after serving some balls. As a side note, I used Wilson racquets before.

98 with WC Silverstring at 42 lbs. Funny that you mention a different experience while serving, I can’t exactly figure out why it’s different. It’s also been hard to dial in the first serve, the second has been fairly easy.
 

AKB

Rookie
I have this same exact injury after trying out the Ezone 98 Tour for a couple days. I ended up selling them. I am still injured from it after 3 weeks from the date of sale. Tailweighting it with a Leather grip somewhat helped but the damage was already done. You can try the leather grip option if you want.

Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll give it a shot.
 

mike1027

New User
What's the recommended approach to using an overgrip on the 2020 Ezone 100? Do you just slap on an overgrip on top of the base grip, or do you replace the stock base grip first? I was reading a lively discussion on this thread from May 2020 and the go-to seems to be to replace the stock base grip straight away.
 

topspn

Legend
What's the recommended approach to using an overgrip on the 2020 Ezone 100? Do you just slap on an overgrip on top of the base grip, or do you replace the stock base grip first? I was reading a lively discussion on this thread from May 2020 and the go-to seems to be to replace the stock base grip straight away.
Yep, its just too big
 

408tennisguy

Semi-Pro
What's the recommended approach to using an overgrip on the 2020 Ezone 100? Do you just slap on an overgrip on top of the base grip, or do you replace the stock base grip first? I was reading a lively discussion on this thread from May 2020 and the go-to seems to be to replace the stock base grip straight away.
i replaced the original with wilson featherthin or prince resithin
 

topspn

Legend
Oh, isn't it standard practice to put an overgrip on top.of the replacement grip?

I usually change the grip to a leather grip then an OG over it. I like the feel of the bevels that way. It adds weight to the handle though. So just saying if grip is big then change to a a skinny one then OG. Overall will reduce drip size
 

mike1027

New User
So I went to my local tennis store to check out the Ezone 100L. Unfortunately, the largest grip they had was L2 (4-1/4). If I change the stock base grip and get an overgrip, will this fit me?

fcc61l.jpg



For reference, this is my current Babolat grip size L3 (4-3/8). I also measured the actual grip size with the overgrip and it came to 4-6/8".
5hMImu.jpg
 

kblades

Semi-Pro
So I went to my local tennis store to check out the Ezone 100L. Unfortunately, the largest grip they had was L2 (4-1/4). If I change the stock base grip and get an overgrip, will this fit me?

fcc61l.jpg



For reference, this is my current Babolat grip size L3 (4-3/8). I also measured the actual grip size with the overgrip and it came to 4-6/8".
5hMImu.jpg

Yonex grips with their stock grip measure 1/16” larger from my experience having owned and measured Vcore pro’s, Ezones, and Vcores. Since their stock grip is extremely thin, replacing it with most replacement grips will add around another 1/16” and bring it up to the next standard size. Then depending on how thick of an over grip you use, it will increase it even more.
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
I remove my yonex grips and as long you choose a really thin replacement like a Babolat syntec team or skin feel, you will retain the same size. If leather, it must be 1.3mm thick or else you will increase the grip. Going from Babolat g3 to yonex g2 should be sweet and allow you to use an even greater variety. Using a g3 in Babolat and going down to g1 when using yonex is massive overkill. Hopes this gives some clarity. If you like your current Bab g3, then the yonex g2 will definitely not be too big.
 

Khoiifish

New User
Yonex grips with their stock grip measure 1/16” larger from my experience having owned and measured Vcore pro’s, Ezones, and Vcores. Since their stock grip is extremely thin, replacing it with most replacement grips will add around another 1/16” and bring it up to the next standard size. Then depending on how thick of an over grip you use, it will increase it even more.
I just bought a yonex grip size 2, I'm most comfortable with a grip 2 Wilson. Do you happen to know how thick the yonex stock replacement grips are ? I'm looking to match it as best as I can with my Wilson grip size.
 

kblades

Semi-Pro
I just bought a yonex grip size 2, I'm most comfortable with a grip 2 Wilson. Do you happen to know how thick the yonex stock replacement grips are ? I'm looking to match it as best as I can with my Wilson grip size.
I can’t remember the exact thickness, I’ve seen it posted on here in different threads. I would suggest using the thinnest grip possible though as the stock Yonex grip is paper thin. Babolat Skin Feel used to be my preferred grip, but they are no longer making them. The last time I replaced one of my Yonex grips, I used the Tourna Pro Thin.
 
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Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
Personal preference, but in that photo the grip looks a little large. You will find the yonex with a replacement grip will end up being in between sizes and you may end up absolutely loving it. I moved from g4 to g3 and using a replacement grip on my yonex sticks and love the grip being a “g3.5”. Sometimes you discover the perfect size by experimenting a little. :)
 

mike1027

New User
Personal preference, but in that photo the grip looks a little large. You will find the yonex with a replacement grip will end up being in between sizes and you may end up absolutely loving it. I moved from g4 to g3 and using a replacement grip on my yonex sticks and love the grip being a “g3.5”. Sometimes you discover the perfect size by experimenting a little. :)

Really, you reckon it's too large? My index finger fits snuggly in the gap so I always thought that meant a perfect fit :)

Thanks for your comments regarding changing the replacement grip and ending up in-between sizes. Can I ask what replacement grip did you use?
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
It’s textbook I suppose and if you like that size then stick with it. :)
In that case, any 1.6mm thick synthetic grip (and above) or 1.5 mm leather will increase the size on a yonex.
I’m using 1.5mm leather grips at present to get that in between size. Just on the subject of leather, I need a 1.3mm if I want to maintain the original size on my yonex’s.
Or a Babolat skin feel pulled really tight also maintains size if going synthetic.
 

richdvng

Rookie
Coming from a VCP97 (310) - gonna try the Ezone 98 Tour this week. Expecting a lot of differences, but any comments from others who made a similar switch?
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Coming from a VCP97 (310) - gonna try the Ezone 98 Tour this week. Expecting a lot of differences, but any comments from others who made a similar switch?
How did you like it? The tour does feel heavier than the 310, but is way more stable. Edit: OK I see your posts on 98 tour thread!
 
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Roquestil

Semi-Pro
Since early 2020 I have tried to switch to a 305 g racquet which I can customize.
I have bought and sold the following racquets: Head PT2 > Ezone 98 Tour > Blade v7 18x20 (which I currently use and love).

I sold the Ezone Tour (in L3, important info) because It didnt feel right. Fastforward 4 month after selling that racquet, I got to hit with a friends Ezone Tour in L2 with a double OG wrap around the buttcap and I realized that was the problem, the L3 handle was too big and more importantly the handle just felt strange. Didn´t notice that until now.

Anyway, I bought the Standard Ezone 98 and not the Tour since I tested and compared both (Standard Ezone 98 modded) and for me it was the same. So went with the Ezone 98 in L2 because I cant customize it without going overboard on specs.

¿What would you guys recommend to make a slight improvement and make it stable? I have no experience or knowledge adding lead. Thats why I got the Blades but I preffer the Crisper feel of the Ezone. Should I keep the balance or adjust it more head light? My strung weight sweetspot is around 335-338 grams
 

Roquestil

Semi-Pro
2 grams at 10 & 2 (each) or 3 grams at 12 for the Ezone 98?
Finding this racquet just a tad bit unstable so can also go for 3 & 9.

Currenty have 10 grams of extra weight at the handle (new replacement grip + overgrip) and aslo using a Yonex Dampener which i might switch to a 2 gram one.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
2 grams at 10 & 2 (each) or 3 grams at 12 for the Ezone 98?
Finding this racquet just a tad bit unstable so can also go for 3 & 9.

Currenty have 10 grams of extra weight at the handle (new replacement grip + overgrip) and aslo using a Yonex Dampener which i might switch to a 2 gram one.
I would go with 4 grams @ 3/9.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
So I went to my local tennis store to check out the Ezone 100L. Unfortunately, the largest grip they had was L2 (4-1/4). If I change the stock base grip and get an overgrip, will this fit me?

fcc61l.jpg



For reference, this is my current Babolat grip size L3 (4-3/8). I also measured the actual grip size with the overgrip and it came to 4-6/8".
5hMImu.jpg
Hi to me the 4 1/4 fits better your hand. The 4 3/8 looks way too big. It's probably more comfortable for you or maybe you got used to it but have you ever thought about playing for a bit with a smaller grip? In my racquets grip, the medium finger is about 5-7 mm or 1/4 of inch distant from my palm.
 

n80aoag

Professional
The past few Ezone generations have had a blue and green paintjob each year. Anyone know if the 2020 Ezones will come out in green models in the future?
 

dje31

Professional
My uninformed but reasonable guess is that for branding and visual recognition, for the short term, Ezones will be blue, VCore Pro will be green, and VCore SV will be red.
 
have been using my 2020 Ezone 98 with Hyperg 16L at 53 lbs and it is playing very well. I’m thinking about adding a little lead tape in the upper hoop for a little extra stability. In your guys experience what is the best setup you have found? I’m thinking about starting with 2g at 10 and 2, but wondering exactly what cross string to start the lead tape.
 

AKB

Rookie
Update on attempts to play pain free with the Ezone 98. Lead tape at 10/2 fixed my problem completely as previously mentioned a while back in this thread. Swingweight of 325 with 2 grams added gets rid of the vibration from the top hoop. Assuming that's why the new Vcore defaults to 325, the high modulus CF used for stiffness for a 305 gram weight will vibrate a bit and needs more mass to dampen it.

Sticking with it and buying more, love how forgiving it is. I demoed a few rackets while trying to switch away and I'm not sure I can play with a round head shape anymore.
 
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