The regular 2 year cycle for the ezone is almost up.

2016 - Ezone DR
2018 - Ezone (5th gen)
2020 - Ezone (6th gen)

Meaning that the new ezone should arrive in 2022. Most probably early in the year. A few reps have said that the new ezones might arrive at the 2022 AO which would follow last year's pattern. feel free to use this thread to share info and talk!
 

ryushen21

Legend
My DR100 (white/gray/lime) is an awesome sleeper of a racquet. Punches well above its weight class and has a great feel. I let go of my 2020 EZs in favor of the 21 VCores because the feel and response is better.
 
My DR100 (white/gray/lime) is an awesome sleeper of a racquet. Punches well above its weight class and has a great feel. I let go of my 2020 EZs in favor of the 21 VCores because the feel and response is better.

The 21 VCores r amazing frames. I have the DR 98 in Blue/Black but I prefer my 2020 EZone 100s. I find I need the easy power more from the 100 because of my level of play.
 

Strayfire

Rookie
I expect Yonex to port over Flexforce/Flexfuse to the Ezone line and make a softer Ezone 98.

One of the chief complaints against the Ezone Tour was arm problems.

If Yonex can maintain power levels, but also increase flex, then the 2022 Ezone could be a much bigger hit.

I know everyone and their dog wants DR98 back but Yonex doesn't seem to re-release classics.
 

HelenCH

Rookie
They did something to the current iteration of Ezone that it feels stiffer. I never experienced that harsh feeling at the top of string bed with Ezone 2018, and once I switched to it, it cured my TE, I didn't even have to play with multifilament strings.YPTP and Ezone 98, it was gone after 10 months. But I do sometimes feel discomfort in my wrist if I hit many volleys with the current Ezone 98. Didn't feel it with the previous version. So I would say to me the weight is perfect, balance is perfect, SW could be slightly higher, but it's not crucial, but they could lower stiffness just a touch. And Yonex QC is amazing. My 2018 were 1 gram apart, and my 2020 are absolutely identical (apparently not the case with Chinese-made Ezone L). That alone makes me very reluctant to even consider other brands. Because I can try one racket and who knows what the second one will play like.
 

MikhailT

Rookie
My 2018 were 1 gram apart, and my 2020 are absolutely identical (apparently not the case with Chinese-made Ezone L).
Hmm which L's are Chinese-made? My 2020 98L says it's made in Japan. And yeah mine two are also 1g and 0.1mm of balance apart
 

Strayfire

Rookie
Hmm which L's are Chinese-made? My 2020 98L says it's made in Japan. And yeah mine two are also 1g and 0.1mm of balance apart

Probably means Ezone Ace 102. $99 on TW. Made in China. Prestrung.

If the buttcap says Japan, it's made in Japan. If the buttcap logo is just the Yonex logo it could be made in China.
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Interesting......I thought they update in 3 year cycles. I currently play with the Ezone 100 (2020 version) and also the Vcore 100 (2021 version). Both really good racquets although I slightly prefer the launch angle (less loopy) of the Ezone 100. However, I do prefer the slightly less stiff feel of the Vcore 100.....but then again, I prefer the power level of the Ezone 100.

Perhaps a new Ezone 100 with just slightly softer feel could hit the sweet spot for me. The Ezone 100 does have a lot of power which is really useful for intermediate level players. I can definitely see that the Vcore 100 has less power even though it is also a powerful "tweener" racquet.
 

fox

Professional
Interesting......I thought they update in 3 year cycles. I currently play with the Ezone 100 (2020 version) and also the Vcore 100 (2021 version). Both really good racquets although I slightly prefer the launch angle (less loopy) of the Ezone 100. However, I do prefer the slightly less stiff feel of the Vcore 100.....but then again, I prefer the power level of the Ezone 100.

Perhaps a new Ezone 100 with just slightly softer feel could hit the sweet spot for me. The Ezone 100 does have a lot of power which is really useful for intermediate level players. I can definitely see that the Vcore 100 has less power even though it is also a powerful "tweener" racquet.
But that's just last edition of both lines. In previous lines VCore line was stiffer and more powerful than EZone. So if they're going to follow the pattern, EZone should be a bit softer now but who knows :)
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Speaking of comfort.....is it even possible to make a "comfortable" tweener racquet, such as Ezone 100, Pure Drive etc etc ? I switched away from poly strings and now use Head Velocity MLT (multifilament) which really made a big difference to the comfort level of the Ezone 100. The power of the current Ezone 100 is quite ideal for my level although I could accept slightly less power if comfort was improved. Unfortunately my level is not high enough to play at my best level with the Ezone 98 or similar racquets. I can rally pretty well with them but in match play I need the added power and ease of play of the Ezone 100.

Just not sure dampening"technologies" actually make stiff and light racquets more comfortable over the long run......

I remember the TennisNerd.net initially really liked the Dunlop FX 500 (300 gram tweener) but later said that his elbow really did not like it once he had played more with it. That racquet is really stiff and has plenty of "dampening tech". Many other have similar experiences with the newest Pure Drive even though also has plenty of "dampening tech".

My guess is that the next Ezone´s will have the same "Flex Fuse" as the newest VcorePro which in theory should make it more comfortable. Then again, more flex would mean less power I guess......?
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Just out on curiosity, what would be the “wish list “ of changes to the coming 2022 Ezone line ?

Ezone 98
Ezone 98 Tour
Ezone 100
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
My wish list for the Ezone 100 would be to improve comfort ….if that is possible for this type of stiff tweener racquet. It is fairly comfortable with multi strings.
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Seems that regarding the Ezone 98, a lot of players would love to have the DR 98 back.
The DR 98 was however a 310 gram racquet and it seems most brand seem to always offer their "bread and butter" 98 inch racquet in 305 grams (Blade 98, Pure Strike 98 etc).

Perhaps Yonex could just improve the Ezone 98 Tour and make it more appealing to all those who long for the DR 98......

Then again, a forum population might not represent the general tennis population....?
 

fox

Professional
My wish list for the Ezone 100 would be to improve comfort ….if that is possible for this type of stiff tweener racquet. It is fairly comfortable with multi strings.
Comfort was already improved. The only thing they could do it now to improve it is make it less stiffer. But then it would be quite absurd to have a tweener frame with RA 64 so I hope they won’t go down.
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Wonder what would happen to racquet like the Ezone 100 with a stiffness down to 64? Would it loose stability altogether.....? Power would for sure go down.....

I have never tried so can't say but I guess there is a reason why all tweener racquets are stiff......
 

fox

Professional
I mean usually players using such frame want power, stability, forgiveness. So if they go down on stiffness this much it will become more of a older players frame than really a tweener. More like Instinct MP racquet. I prefer crisp feel so won’t like it for sure.
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Sure. I guess lower stiffness then also increase the need for higher weight to create more stability and power........Which again demands a higher level from the player.
Seems many older players swear by the comfort of the "classic" Volkl V1 which is a very light and quite stiff racquet. I have used a Volkl racquet before (V1 sense Pro) which was quite comfortable. Perhaps there is something to the Volkl way of reducing vibrations....?
The Ezone 100 is near perfect for my level. I get great power and it is neither too light nor too heavy for me. But, even with multi strings it does feel very stiff from time to time. I wish there was a way to improve comfort while still keeping the rest as is......perhaps wishful thinking?
 

Maverick13

Semi-Pro
Seems that regarding the Ezone 98, a lot of players would love to have the DR 98 back.
The DR 98 was however a 310 gram racquet and it seems most brand seem to always offer their "bread and butter" 98 inch racquet in 305 grams (Blade 98, Pure Strike 98 etc).

Perhaps Yonex could just improve the Ezone 98 Tour and make it more appealing to all those who long for the DR 98......

Then again, a forum population might not represent the general tennis population....?

That was the point. The Ezone Tour was supposed to be similar to the DR but it’s nothing like it, that’s why everyone is still pushing for it.
 

ryushen21

Legend
My wish list for the Ezone 100 would be to improve comfort ….if that is possible for this type of stiff tweener racquet. It is fairly comfortable with multi strings.
Full poly and mid 40s tension make this frame comfortable with controllable power.

Wonder what would happen to racquet like the Ezone 100 with a stiffness down to 64? Would it loose stability altogether.....? Power would for sure go down.....

I have never tried so can't say but I guess there is a reason why all tweener racquets are stiff......
Then it wouldn't be an EZone.
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Speaking of the Ezone 98 (2018 and 2020 versions, i.e. 305 gram unstrung); I demoed it twice but still felt I played better with the Ezone 100. Could have been the strings as they were quite tight poly strings. Would be interesting to try it with multi strings around 23-24 kg or perhaps some soft and powerful poly at 21-23 kg.....

Anyway, I hear many say that the Ezone 98 is one of the most user friendly 98 head size racquets. Perhaps this is due to the rather thick beam compared to other similar racquets such as the Blade 98?
 

nyc

Hall of Fame
Never tried the DR, but I must say the 2020 Ezone is an amazingly user friendly stick. It has no exceptional qualities, but does everything really well, and has no faults.

It's like a really, really good vanilla ice cream.

I was looking for similar comfort and control to the Blade V8, with a touch more power, and I think the Ezone 98 has it.
 
Oh well, we all DR98 fans must be frothing at the mouth every time Yonex releases a new gen of Ezone 98s, but sadly, I think they won't br going back to route. Still, one can only hope, maybe they'll surprise us. Like Maverick said above, make the Tour 310gr, get back to 62 RA, bump back the SW to 325-330 range, and now we're talking.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Never tried the DR, but I must say the 2020 Ezone is an amazingly user friendly stick. It has no exceptional qualities, but does everything really well, and has no faults.

It's like a really, really good vanilla ice cream.

I was looking for similar comfort and control to the Blade V8, with a touch more power, and I think the Ezone 98 has it.
agree. very good all-arounder
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
the Ezone Tour is too stiff for me.

I did love the Ezone 98 for a good four months, even bought a second, which is a curse for me.

But, if you like the Ezone 98, and you want to scratch an itch..... try out the pro staff 100 v13. it's a 98, not a 100 :) 64 RA. when compared with the EZ98.... little better feel and net game, and better on 1st and 2nd serve. groundies feel amazing. better for 2hbh. QC is all over the place, so be warned and buy smart. VERY similar power level IMO. Maybe even better in the upper section of the bed, than the EZ... it's an egg shape hoop and is quite close to the Ezone 98 overall, shape and size-wise. Good access to spin. Not a string eater.
 

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
Looks ported lol
It is just the light playing with the bright strings and dark grommies. Would be sick though. Monfils actually used a ported Rebel frame which is wild to me coming from the Prestige

casper-ruud-of-norway-celebrates-in-his-match-against-lloyd-harris-of-picture-id1349188271
 

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
Monfils has had quite a repertoire of frames over the years huh?
They were the epitome of same same but different hah. Prestige, REbel, H19... I had 2 16/19 ported Rebel pro stocks that I ditched. I miss them but I need to remember what works best for my game long term
 

SinneGOAT

Legend
They were the epitome of same same but different hah. Prestige, REbel, H19... I had 2 16/19 ported Rebel pro stocks that I ditched. I miss them but I need to remember what works best for my game long term
While it’s fun to play with those racquets with amazing feel like a prestige, they don’t work for my game at tournaments or against good players. Racquets with more free power and lighter weights help me more. Thankfully, the ezone fits this category.
 

Alexh22

Professional
Briefly saw the new Ezone today. both the 98 and the 100. January Launch. didnt get too deep into it but looks like they thickened up the beam in the throat of the 98. slightly different shape in the throat area as well. The paintjob is like a navy/teal/blue/Black iridescent look. pretty sweet.
interesting. Hope to See them soon.
 

nyc

Hall of Fame
Briefly saw the new Ezone today. both the 98 and the 100. January Launch. didnt get too deep into it but looks like they thickened up the beam in the throat of the 98. slightly different shape in the throat area as well. The paintjob is like a navy/teal/blue/Black iridescent look. pretty sweet.
Did you get a glimpse of the specs?
 

AKB

Rookie
Standard 305 is roughly 317-320SW and 6pt HL. Two grams at 10/2 ups it to 325SW and 5pt HL, it's damn close to a DR98 at that point.
 

dkmura

Professional
I wonder if sales of the 2020 EZ98 Tour will justify the costs of changing the layup and construction of a new EZ Tour? Also wondering if Yonex has any pros who prefer using this heavier and slightly softer model on tour?
 

nyc

Hall of Fame
Standard 305 is roughly 317-320SW and 6pt HL. Two grams at 10/2 ups it to 325SW and 5pt HL, it's damn close to a DR98 at that point.
I just switched to the Ezone and missing the solidity and putaway power I had on my prestige pros. Added 2 grams at 3 and 9, which bumped SW from 315 to 321, and static from 329 to 333. Should be a good compromise for my deteriorating body.
 

AKB

Rookie
I just switched to the Ezone and missing the solidity and putaway power I had on my prestige pros. Added 2 grams at 3 and 9, which bumped SW from 315 to 321, and static from 329 to 333. Should be a good compromise for my deteriorating body.

It should be a boom stick with that weight setup. If you haven't tried 10/2, don't miss out on it. I tried 9/3 and 10/2, preferred 10/2. The groundstrokes had way more oomph.
 
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