Yonex Ezone 98+ vs DR 98+

[MatthewH.]

I would love to hear any opinions from people who have experience with the newer Yonex Ezone 98+ or DR 98+. I thought I found the holy grail racket with the DR 98+ then I tried the Ezone 98+ because it's so hard to find the DR98+.

The DR 98+ is so soft and the feel is so nice but feels a little sluggish (the only knock on it)

Although the Ezone 98+ is noticeably stiffer (not incredibly stiffer) ... the power, control/spin and how fast it moved through the air blew me away. I played some of my best tennis with it especially on the serve and forehand. I’m on the fence still just because the soft feel of the DR 98+ and I play great with that one too!

Anyone else tried both or either that can share their take on them?

I added 3 grams in the handle and 4 grams at 3 and 9 on both.

 

[RaiderRed]

I'm a big proponent of buying a few of the same frame that you play really well with rather than jumping around to different racquets. I have never played with the Ezone 98+, so I can't give an opinion but I fell in love with the DR 98+.

Since you felt like you hit well with the Ezone 98+ I would go with it moving forward. That's not a knock towards the DR series, but just me telling you how difficult it was for me to find 2 more of them in new condition for a good price. I eventually had the last 2 shipped from Australia because it was near impossible to find in the states.

Go with the Ezone 98+ and stock up on several and enjoy your game.

 

[Anton]

I always pick a more effective racket for my game, even if it doesn't feel as nice...so long as it's doesn't feel completely horrible.

 

[Fairhit]

I always pick a more effective racket for my game, even if it doesn't feel as nice...so long as it's doesn't feel completely horrible.

Wow, that´s an aproach I guess, I always try to play with a racquet that feels nice and that I´m comfortable with, it have never crossed my mind to play with a results over feel racquet.

Let me ask you something, your results were so much different with a good feel racquet?

 

[Anton]

Wow, that´s an aproach I guess, I always try to play with a racquet that feels nice and that I´m comfortable with, it have never crossed my mind to play with a results over feel racquet.

Let me ask you something, your results were so much different with a good feel racquet?

If I was going strictly by feel I'd be playing with a TXP made in 1986 (600 Classic predecessor) or if I wanted something current Wilson Ultra Tour.

But I just can't play deep, big-spin game with those frames that I could with my weighted up DR98 Light. Proof is in the pudding and I simply win more with this setup.

 

[Fairhit]

If I was going strictly by feel I'd be playing with a TXP made in 1986 (600 Classic predecessor) or if I wanted something current Wilson Ultra Tour.

But I just can't play deep, big-spin game with those frames that I could with my weighted up DR98 Light. Proof is in the pudding and I simply win more with this setup.

You give something to think about, last week something similar crossed my mind, I thought about using a different frame, something that gives me more power or spin, something with a more put away setting but I dismissed the idea because I want to play the way I feel happy playing and that for me is a player´s frame.

I think it´s much different when you´re playing tournaments and not just having a good time with friends, I get your approach.

 

[rader023]

I have both. For control I use the DR 98+. When i want more pace on my serves and shots i will use the Ezone 98+, but my consistency goes down.

 

[mogo]

@MatthewH.

I used the Dr+ for a while mostly in doubles and found it to be flexy had great topspin and slice. I added weight to 12, 2 grams just for some power. I sold it because I was only hitting topspin and felt not so much power on ground strokes, but serves were awesome.

Decided to try the Ezone 98+. I feel it is heavier with the swingweight but packs a better punch with power. I added weight to 12 like the previous version another 2 grams at 3 and 9, seems to help drive the ball. I can hit flat or topspin and serves are really accurate. Dropshots and slice are good. IMO the Ezone 98+ is better for power hands down to the Dr. I can play aggressive with this stick but it is true that it is not as consistent at times. But my forehand has so much more pace that it really is noticeable and I actually feel it works for both singles and doubles. The only shot that I would say is not dialed in yet is the topspin backhand but I can get away with slicing and trying to setup a forehand. Overall the new version is growing on me the more I use it.

 

[Crocodile]

To me the DR range feels much better than the E Zone, I'm actually a little dissapointed in what they did to the E Zone. I hope the next range they go back to it. In fact the new V Core range now feels better than the stiff SV range.

 

[Crocodile]

To me the DR range feels much better than the E Zone, I'm actually a little dissapointed in what they did to the E Zone. I hope the next range they go back to it. In fact the new V Core range now feels better than the stiff SV range.

 

[Crocodile]

To me the DR range feels much better than the E Zone, I'm actually a little dissapointed in what they did to the E Zone. I hope the next range they go back to it. In fact the new V Core range now feels better than the stiff SV range.

 

[MatthewH.]

@MatthewH.

I used the Dr+ for a while mostly in doubles and found it to be flexy had great topspin and slice. I added weight to 12, 2 grams just for some power. I sold it because I was only hitting topspin and felt not so much power on ground strokes, but serves were awesome.

Decided to try the Ezone 98+. I feel it is heavier with the swingweight but packs a better punch with power. I added weight to 12 like the previous version another 2 grams at 3 and 9, seems to help drive the ball. I can hit flat or topspin and serves are really accurate. Dropshots and slice are good. IMO the Ezone 98+ is better for power hands down to the Dr. I can play aggressive with this stick but it is true that it is not as consistent at times. But my forehand has so much more pace that it really is noticeable and I actually feel it works for both singles and doubles. The only shot that I would say is not dialed in yet is the topspin backhand but I can get away with slicing and trying to setup a forehand. Overall the new version is growing on me the more I use it.

Funny I feel very similar about this frame, serves and forehand are huge but I don't hit my BH nearly as well. I play well with the Ezone but it is not quite as consistent. I was winning more matches with the DR98 but the serve and forehand were like 90 percent comparatively. Also I am starting to feel a little twinge in my right wrist with the Ezone + (I am a righty) which makes me concerned. DR98+ certainly feels better but I am still playing competitive tennis so I would choose the stick that I would win more with. I am still on the fence bc of the risk of injury with the Ezone so I may just stick to the DR98+. To me the Ezone just feels so much stiffer than the DR98 even though the RA is so similar.

 

[AMGF]

You should have bought more Dr+ while they were available. Not that many + frames are available so if you find one you like, go all in.

Never tried the new ezone+ But I have no intention of changing my Dr+. You can always tweak strings and lead to achieve the results you want. But it is pretty hard to change the feel of a frame. I spend a considerable amount of time and money to get a frame to play the way I want (especially trying different strings/tensions) that I don’t switch for the heck of it.

That being said, unless you hunt the classifieds daily for Dr+ (they do show up once in a while), you might as well just get the new ezone+. From what I read it is a similar product. But if you don’t like it, for whatever reason, don’t buy it. You’ll be looking to change again in no time.

 

[topspn]

You should have bought more Dr+ while they were available. Not that many + frames are available so if you find one you like, go all in.

Never tried the new ezone+ But I have no intention of changing my Dr+. You can always tweak strings and lead to achieve the results you want. But it is pretty hard to change the feel of a frame. I spend a considerable amount of time and money to get a frame to play the way I want (especially trying different strings/tensions) that I don’t switch for the heck of it.

That being said, unless you hunt the classifieds daily for Dr+ (they do show up once in a while), you might as well just get the new ezone+. From what I read it is a similar product. But if you don’t like it, for whatever reason, don’t buy it. You’ll be looking to change again in no time.

Didn’t you play with TC97+? You seemed quite enamored by it

 

[MatthewH.]

Didn’t you play with TC97+? You seemed quite enamored by it

Yeah used the TC97 regular length for awhile - never tried the extended... tried this one on a whim and really gelled with it. TC97 plus is an option tho down the road. The extra power on this Yonex has me hanging with some of the bigger hitters I play with.

 

[MatthewH.]

I've ended up sticking with the newer Ezone+. I dropped the tension a bit and it's comfortable enough. I find it easier to swing than the DR98+ and the power helps against some of the bigger hitters I play with. I do get less spin but I can hit a bunch more winners with the new Ezone+

 

[Sardines]

I would also consider the Vcore 98+. It's quite similar to the Ezone in feel, but gives better bite and power.

 

[MatthewH.]

Yah I'll give the Vcore 98+ a try. more spin/control would be nice and I think the Vcore is slightly more open

 

[Ufukozg]

Yah I'll give the Vcore 98+ a try. more spin/control would be nice and I think the Vcore is slightly more open

Please write your feedback when you try VC98+ (as a former DR98+ user). I am considering a new racket and I am a DR98+ user now. Since I can't demo it in my country I have to order it based on opinions of others in the similar situation as mine.

 

[MatthewH.]

so here are my thoughts -

I would say that the spin is a lot better and it has a dampened feel on the Vcore. Again I would not say the Ezone was uncomfortable but felt stiffer. I don’t think the Vcore is a lot more flexy but it definitely is more muted. I felt a lot more confident with the vcore to hit out due to the increase in spin. With the ezone I feel like I hit long more often. Volleys were better I’d say with vcore but that’s not a huge factor for my game. These rackets are almost interchangeable in my opinion other than the increase in spin. The ezone hits a flatter ball. That being said the Vcore power isn’t that much lower. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either. I haven’t really hit serves with the Vcore yet but if I can serve as well as I do with the ezone I will probably stick with the vcore because it is softer and the increase in spin/consistency. No pain after hitting with either of these fantastic rackets.

FYI I leaded up the Vcore with 2 grams on the bottom of the handle and 6 grams at 3/9. Strung with Ytex Square X mains at 48/Wilson Revolve at 45 and I’m at a 5.0 level

 

[MatthewH.]

Please write your feedback when you try VC98+ (as a former DR98+ user). I am considering a new racket and I am a DR98+ user now. Since I can't demo it in my country I have to order it based on opinions of others in the similar situation as mine.

The vcore is stiffer and doesn't flex the same way the DR98+ does. Not a bad thing just different. I'd say the power is higher with the vcore and control is better for me than the DR98+ because of the way it flexes. Hope this helps.

 

[Sardines]

FYI I leaded up the Vcore with 2 grams on the bottom of the handle and 6 grams at 3/9. Strung with Ytex Square X mains at 48/Wilson Revolve at 45 and I’m at a 5.0 level

Interesting. I put 1.5g each @ 9.30/2.30 and 1 gram @ 12 to get a swing weight of 350 with Volkl Cyclone 18L/PRCW18 at 48/44 +/- 1.5lbs depending on conditions. I counter balanced with a leather grip and over grip for +10g to 341g and 32.5cm (7.7pts) head light balance.

 

[MatthewH.]

Interesting. I put 1.5g each @ 9.30/2.30 and 1 gram @ 12 to get a swing weight of 350 with Volkl Cyclone 18L/PRCW18 at 48/44 +/- 1.5lbs depending on conditions. I counter balanced with a leather grip and over grip for +10g to 341g and 32.5cm (7.7pts) head light balance.

we have very similar specs - mines around 337 with damp. and overgrip.

 

[MatthewH.]

an update on the Vcore+. I really loved the racket with Square X mains and Revolve in the crosses. Unfortunately I was only getting 2.5 to 3 hours out of my string jobs. Tried a bunch of other strings including Tour bite and Max power but never got above 3 hours. Added a few more grams to the Ezone DR98+ around 10/2. Now I have about 7 inches of lead at 3/9 and weight is around 348 grams with two overgrips. the added weight made the DR+ more powerful on my last hit and really liked it. I get usually around 7 hours on the DR+ so I think I will stay with it. The control on the Ezone+ just wasn't quite there and the ball tended to fly on me.

 

[Sardines]

an update on the Vcore+. I really loved the racket with Square X mains and Revolve in the crosses. Unfortunately I was only getting 2.5 to 3 hours out of my string jobs. Tried a bunch of other strings including Tour bite and Max power but never got above 3 hours. Added a few more grams to the Ezone DR98+ around 10/2. Now I have about 7 inches of lead at 3/9 and weight is around 348 grams with two overgrips. the added weight made the DR+ more powerful on my last hit and really liked it. I get usually around 7 hours on the DR+ so I think I will stay with it. The control on the Ezone+ just wasn't quite there and the ball tended to fly on me.

If you want less weight on the hoop and more power, try putting 4g @ 12. Will give you the same swingweight but 4g less. That's IF you feel the stability of the racquet is to your taste.