Yonex Ezone AI 98 vs DR 98 Differences?

[stylez_911]

Hey Everyone,

I currently own the DR 98 and love it, but I hear some great things about the AI 98 as well and am considering grabbing one as an alternate/backup racquet to pull out once in a while.

I have never hit with the AI 98 and I don't have access to demo it, but I have a great appreciation for soft/flexy frames and have seen/heard that the AI iteration is even softer than the DR.

From what I hear, many prefer the AI over the DR for that reason and I was hoping anyone that owns or has played with both (switched from AI to DR) can chime in on how the racquets feel/play.

The AI 98's are very hard to find available anywhere brand new, especially in L3 Grip, but I have the chance to grab an L2 and would buy it before they all disappear forever.

Another note, does anyone here know of any retailers that ship who have L3 available?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Hansen]

if you like the dr 98 there is no reason to buy the ai 98. i like flexy frames but prefer the dr 98. the ai 98 has less power, a lower launch angle and flexes more in the throat which results in a disconnected feel.

 

[Moonarse]

I've played with the xi 98, the ai 98 and the dr 98. Don't get me wrong, I love YY frames, but this Ezone line just feels wierd.

I only play with flexible frames (sub 60) but I never felt this Ezone line as flexy. For me they feel "pilowy", muted, no feel at all. I can never know where the balls are heading, I cant feel them on my strings, and I've tried every new one that showed up. The TT reviews went bananas, just like the Project17, but I just couldn't dial in.

 

[CopolyX]

the above is pretty much spot on...not a big difference...
but it is your hands...
backups are best being the same, but hey ..it is your game...
AIs are out there, just takes a hunt..or get one with low mileage and only swung on Sundays..

 

[stylez_911]

if you like the dr 98 there is no reason to buy the ai 98. i like flexy frames but prefer the dr 98. the ai 98 has less power, a lower launch angle and flexes more in the throat which results in a disconnected feel.

Thanks very much for your input on this! I appreciate you providing your take on the differences, and given you like flexy frames and prefer the DR, I think maybe i'll just settle with my DR for now. Thanks again!

 

[stylez_911]

I've played with the xi 98, the ai 98 and the dr 98. Don't get me wrong, I love YY frames, but this Ezone line just feels wierd.

I only play with flexible frames (sub 60) but I never felt this Ezone line as flexy. For me they feel "pilowy", muted, no feel at all. I can never know where the balls are heading, I cant feel them on my strings, and I've tried every new one that showed up. The TT reviews went bananas, just like the Project17, but I just couldn't dial in.

Thanks for your thoughts! I agree that the Ezone line is like playing with a very cushy pillow. That is actually what I love most about it, and I for one don't mind that it mutes the feedback of the frame/strings. I appreciate your take on this, thanks

 

[stylez_911]

the above is pretty much spot on...not a big difference...
but it is your hands...
backups are best being the same, but hey ..it is your game...
AIs are out there, just takes a hunt..or get one with low mileage and only swung on Sundays..

Haha - that's true.... I think i'm just going to stick with the DR for the time being. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Tommy Haas]

if you like the dr 98 there is no reason to buy the ai 98. i like flexy frames but prefer the dr 98. the ai 98 has less power, a lower launch angle and flexes more in the throat which results in a disconnected feel.

Those are exactly the reasons why I like the Ai98 more than the DR98. I prefer a flexible throat and lower launch angle. I think both frames feel disconnected due to an over abundance of shock dampening features of the EZONEs.

 

[Chotobaka]

Those are exactly the reasons why I like the Ai98 more than the DR98. I prefer a flexible throat and lower launch angle. I think both frames feel disconnected due to an over abundance of shock dampening features of the EZONEs.

Have you played the Xi? I feel it has even more of the throat flex and low launch angle qualities you like in the Ai. Just a rock solid stick that delivers exactly what you put into it.

 

[bageldog]

The DR is 1/8 inch longer because of the Sony buttcap, and even when I switched the buttcap off, it still had a noticeably less maneuverable feel, not sure why since tw specs has them very close

 

[skeeter]

Have you played the Xi? I feel it has even more of the throat flex and low launch angle qualities you like in the Ai. Just a rock solid stick that delivers exactly what you put into it.

I have both the Xi and the DR and like them equally for different reasons. As Chotobaka notes, the Xi is rock solid and to me a bit more crisp than the DR. It has a lower launch angle, likely do to the fact that it's a 16x20. When I really feel energetic and want to swing out, it's my go to stick because of the control; also serves better for me. But, sometimes, I just like the cushiness of the DR, the more spin potential, and the softer feel; but it's still a solid racquet. I tend to use the DR for doubles and the Xi for singles.

 

[QiZ]

I prefer the ai. The ai feels thinner and I get a faster swing speed with it, like there is less air resistance when you go through the air. While the dr feels like you're swinging against the wind and the frame feels hollow.