Yonex Ezone 98 (305g) Customization

[Richboi]

I got the racquet a year ago but after hitting with it, wanted more plow through. So I decided to add about 2 grams of lead tape on 3, 9 and 12 of the head and also a Wilson leather grip, which made it more solid for me. I’m curious to see what other EZONE user’s like their set up to be.

I’m about a 4.5-5.0 all around player. Recently I have tweaked my stroke a bit and feel like I want more racquet head speed. I’m debating whether to take off the lead from the racquet head or not.

 

[RobS]

After playing it stock for a short period, I added a total of 5g at 3 and 9. That only lasted 1 session. I then experimented with 2.5g at 12. Ultimately, I found that stock gave me the best results as I value racquet head speed over a little added plow through for my game style. I just didn't like how the racquet played and swing with added weight. This stick has good power, good enough stability and excellent comfort in stock form. In my opinion, it's best suited for a player that relies on high racquet head speed as opposed to pure mass.

 

[Richboi]

After playing it stock for a short period, I added a total of 5g at 3 and 9. That only lasted 1 session. I then experimented with 2.5g at 12. Ultimately, I found that stock gave me the best results as I value racquet head speed over a little added plow through for my game style. I just didn't like how the racquet played and swing with added weight. This stick has good power, good enough stability and excellent comfort in stock form. In my opinion, it's best suited for a player that relies on high racquet head speed as opposed to pure mass.

im planning on removing lead tape for my next hitting session. Any thoughts in how the leather grip would affect it if I left it on?

 

[tennis347]

im planning on removing lead tape for my next hitting session. Any thoughts in how the leather grip would affect it if I left it on?

The leather grip will make the racquet more headlight. It will still give you some added plow with the mass in the handle if you like a very headlight balance. I personally agree with Rob S that the racquet will play better in stock form. IMO a lot of the newer modern racquets play better in stock form due to get to easier racquet head speed.

 

[Richboi]

The leather grip will make the racquet more headlight. It will still give you some added plow with the mass in the handle if you like a very headlight balance. I personally agree with Rob S that the racquet will play better in stock form. IMO a lot of the newer modern racquets play better in stock form due to get to easier racquet head speed.

Got it, I’ll give it a try next time. What Are your thoughts on putting lead at 6? I read that it doesn’t affect the balance, but how does it really feel exactly. I do like the extra bit of weight on the racquet. Thanks for the input!

 

[tennis347]

Got it, I’ll give it a try next time. What Are your thoughts on putting lead at 6? I read that it doesn’t affect the balance, but how does it really feel exactly. I do like the extra bit of weight on the racquet. Thanks for the input!

I never tried adding weight at 6. I agree that adding weight at 6 will have little effect on the balance and swing weight. I have also added weight to my racquets over the years in but have cut back considerably. I realize the importance of being able to get good racquet head speed and maneuverability over a little extra power with added weight. I just string my racquets at a lower tension to get more power and easier depth on my shots.

 

[Richboi]

I never tried adding weight at 6. I agree that adding weight at 6 will have little effect on the balance and swing weight. I have also added weight to my racquets over the years in but have cut back considerably. I realize the importance of being able to get good racquet head speed and maneuverability over a little extra power with added weight. I just string my racquets at a lower tension to get more power and easier depth on my shots.

Good point. My game has evolved and I feel I put more wrist action into my shot now (in a good way) so more racquet head speed sounds pretty good lol. I hit thru the ball a lot so removing the lead might be a plus for me.

 

[AlpineCadet]

I just bought the 98 plus and trying out a hybrid string job with a leather grip. It played faster than I expected with a bit more feel and power on ground strokes and touch volleying. I think the added length gave me more spin and power (leverage) on the ball and was hitting some random winners. I also believe the leather grip tamed the swingweight number by making the frame more headlight. I am seriously amazed with this frame since using 27 inch frames.

 

[Richboi]

I just bought the 98 plus and trying out a hybrid string job with a leather grip. It played faster than I expected with a bit more feel and power on ground strokes and touch volleying. I think the added length gave me more spin and power (leverage) on the ball and was hitting some random winners. I also believe the leather grip tamed the swingweight number by making the frame more headlight. I am seriously amazed with this frame since using 27 inch frames.

I have friends who got the 98 plus and say they love it. What’s ur hybrid setup? I had some leftover RPM and some synth gut that i put together, but hated instantly. I haven’t given it a try the plus frame though. Have you play tested the regular one?

 

[AlpineCadet]

Your friends loved it as well? What strings and tension?

 

[RobS]

im planning on removing lead tape for my next hitting session. Any thoughts in how the leather grip would affect it if I left it on?

I haven't tried a leather grip on the Ezone 98. I generally favor leather grips but I liked the way the stock 98 felt in my hands in terms of weight and balance. At 31.5cm unstrung, it's a little more headlight than typical for a racquet of it's weight. Leather grip is going to add around 10g and drop your unstrung balance down to around 30.8cm. That's very headlight for this type and weight of racquet. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Ultimately, it's really just a feel preference.

 

[Richboi]

Your friends loved it as well? What strings and tension?

I believe they string it at high 40’s full poly. Like hyper g or cyclone. I recommend 17 gauge though if you go full poly

 

[Richboi]

I haven't tried a leather grip on the Ezone 98. I generally favor leather grips but I liked the way the stock 98 felt in my hands in terms of weight and balance. At 31.5cm unstrung, it's a little more headlight than typical for a racquet of it's weight. Leather grip is going to add around 10g and drop your unstrung balance down to around 30.8cm. That's very headlight for this type and weight of racquet. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Ultimately, it's really just a feel preference.

And what would be the best weight/location to place the lead at to balance off the leather grip without changing much of the balance at stock? I do like a little bit of weight on the racquet but also want it to be less head heavy as I have it now. Maybe just put it on 12?