Yonex Ezone DR CLUB!!!!~~~!!!

[AMGF]

It sure do! What a shame that this nice line of racket is dropped.
Also very strange how they acted when it come to the extended Dr+ which received fantastic reviews but were very short lived and hardly not shipped at all to europa.
If they can't keep a successful racket line "alive", evolving mostly "cosmetically" (for commercial reasons) they will lose loyal customers.
Why would any serious tennis player who is about to change racket select a one that they know not will be available in the shops with a year or two?

The DR+ racquet was not available in Canada either. But I bought a used one to demo. Liked it, then I bought a pair from TW and another used one from the forum classifieds. When you like a frame, stock up on it because rcquet lines get "updated" every two years. In the case of the DR+, that frame came out close to a year after the DR. You needed to act fast.

Why doesn't Yonex sell extended frames to Canada/Europe? I don't know. I assume they think the market is too small. But maybe it has to do with production. Anyone close to Yonex knows?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

The DR+ racquet was not available in Canada either. But I bought a used one to demo. Liked it, then I bought a pair from TW and another used one from the forum classifieds. When you like a frame, stock up on it because rcquet lines get "updated" every two years. In the case of the DR+, that frame came out close to a year after the DR. You needed to act fast.

Why doesn't Yonex sell extended frames to Canada/Europe? I don't know. I assume they think the market is too small. But maybe it has to do with production. Anyone close to Yonex knows?

They sold them in Australia, so I think it's not the market size but what the importer thinks will sell. There is probably a minimum order size and if they think they won't be able to sell that many they don't order them... just a guess though.

 

[acintya]

i would love to play a Dr 100 with the beam width of a Dr 98.why the F are they not the same?

 

[AGEE]

Usually play with alu power @ 52 in my dr98. Tried cyclone 17g @ 52 this week, played like for about 2 hrs. Feels great, hardly any difference from alu. May be a tad crisper, and liked it. Looks like this is a better bang for the buck! Keeping my fingers crossed on the durability.

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[Fireball]

i would love to play a Dr 100 with the beam width of a Dr 98.why the F are they not the same?

Because they are two completely different rackets and the beam construction is the main difference between them. The difference in head size is almost irrelevant in comparison to the difference in the beam.

 

[tallsandwich]

Hey guys, anybody know where I can get a DR 98(310g) in 4 1/8"? Need a backup and its hard to find that grip size. Thanks for any help.

 

[elsk]

Today after much adulation I have finally joined the DR 98 Club!

It all started with a demo nearly 2 years ago...
Demoed the DR alongside the Babolat Pure Strike and decided to go with the PS due to it's seductive power.
PS killed my wrist so had to drop it.
Picked up the RF97 which felt great at first but then over the course of a year caused shoulder/back issues to the point where I could not play so had to drop that too.
Demoed many rackets since the RF but nothing satisfied me, anything that felt great gave me some sort of pain, anything that didn't feel great wasn't worth playing with!
Eventually I purchased a second hand Ai98 and found a poly string setup that was playable and pain free.
Decided I had to get my hands on the DR 98 to unlock more responsiveness and power that everyone seems to be talking about.
Found a retailer that had one in stock with my grip size and jumped at the chance, turns out it was an error and they did not have the item
Scoured **** daily and finally found a second hand barely used racket, Success!

Racket came with a Pro's Pro overgrip and Wilson air replacement grip installed, removed both along with the strings and my racket came in at 301g so I applied a babolat skin feel replacement grip and the racket now comes in at 317 unstrung, wow that's quite a bit more than the unstrung spec, I guess the babolat replacement grip is quite a bit heavier than the Yonex synthetic which is currently not available for purchase anywhere near me.

Going to string the racket up later and will then decide if I want to add any lead to alter the balance.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Today after much adulation I have finally joined the DR 98 Club!

It all started with a demo nearly 2 years ago...
Demoed the DR alongside the Babolat Pure Strike and decided to go with the PS due to it's seductive power.
PS killed my wrist so had to drop it.
Picked up the RF97 which felt great at first but then over the course of a year caused shoulder/back issues to the point where I could not play so had to drop that too.
Demoed many rackets since the RF but nothing satisfied me, anything that felt great gave me some sort of pain, anything that didn't feel great wasn't worth playing with!
Eventually I purchased a second hand Ai98 and found a poly string setup that was playable and pain free.
Decided I had to get my hands on the DR 98 to unlock more responsiveness and power that everyone seems to be talking about.
Found a retailer that had one in stock with my grip size and jumped at the chance, turns out it was an error and they did not have the item
Scoured **** daily and finally found a second hand barely used racket, Success!

Racket came with a Pro's Pro overgrip and Wilson air replacement grip installed, removed both along with the strings and my racket came in at 301g so I applied a babolat skin feel replacement grip and the racket now comes in at 317 unstrung, wow that's quite a bit more than the unstrung spec, I guess the babolat replacement grip is quite a bit heavier than the Yonex synthetic which is currently not available for purchase anywhere near me.

Going to string the racket up later and will then decide if I want to add any lead to alter the balance.

Welcome to the club... it's a great racquet and I hope it provides you with everything you are looking for.

 

[Jalee]

Welcome to the club... it's a great racquet and I hope it provides you with everything you are looking for.

Nice find. It took me several months to find 2 DR98+ and i will never look back. My want to use a hybrid set up if you don't already. I use a fully poly bed and have not had any issues personally but know once you have a tennis related injury they take a long time to heal. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Jalee]

Hey guys, anybody know where I can get a DR 98(310g) in 4 1/8"? Need a backup and its hard to find that grip size. Thanks for any help.

you might have some luck on the bay or on the forums here. I have seen a few but it has been a while as these sold quickly and people seem to love them and not sale. Plus the newest version wasn't as highly rated and doesn't have the same glow.

 

[Nick777]

Today after much adulation I have finally joined the DR 98 Club!

It all started with a demo nearly 2 years ago...
Demoed the DR alongside the Babolat Pure Strike and decided to go with the PS due to it's seductive power.
PS killed my wrist so had to drop it.
Picked up the RF97 which felt great at first but then over the course of a year caused shoulder/back issues to the point where I could not play so had to drop that too.
Demoed many rackets since the RF but nothing satisfied me, anything that felt great gave me some sort of pain, anything that didn't feel great wasn't worth playing with!
Eventually I purchased a second hand Ai98 and found a poly string setup that was playable and pain free.
Decided I had to get my hands on the DR 98 to unlock more responsiveness and power that everyone seems to be talking about.
Found a retailer that had one in stock with my grip size and jumped at the chance, turns out it was an error and they did not have the item
Scoured **** daily and finally found a second hand barely used racket, Success!

Racket came with a Pro's Pro overgrip and Wilson air replacement grip installed, removed both along with the strings and my racket came in at 301g so I applied a babolat skin feel replacement grip and the racket now comes in at 317 unstrung, wow that's quite a bit more than the unstrung spec, I guess the babolat replacement grip is quite a bit heavier than the Yonex synthetic which is currently not available for purchase anywhere near me.

Going to string the racket up later and will then decide if I want to add any lead to alter the balance.

Yonex synthetic weight 11-12gr on the racket, Very Light. I know use Prince resi pro replacement which is not Very heavy, install really tight and trimmed, kimony overgrip(Very good quality) plus 0.5gr at 12, strung with 1.25 poly and static weight 332 gr

 

[Puyo]

Tired of breaking multifilament hybrids, I went back to a poly full bed. I put Kirschbaum Max Power at 51 lbs and now I use the DR98 310 gr without vibration dampener. Fantastic performance. Excellent feel and control.

 

[Jouke]

What is the concensus on Dr98 vs Ezone 98? How noticeable are the differences? I have read about the stiffer Ezone hoop, does that hold any advantages?

I strongly prefer the Ezone graphics over the Dr98. Any reason not to go for the ezone and pick up a used dr on the bay?

 

[georosario]

What is the concensus on Dr98 vs Ezone 98? How noticeable are the differences? I have read about the stiffer Ezone hoop, does that hold any advantages?

I strongly prefer the Ezone graphics over the Dr98. Any reason not to go for the ezone and pick up a used dr on the bay?

Been asking myself the same cuestion with dr98+ vs ezone 98+ because its impossible to get another dr98+ in my country. For what i've heard the differences are less noticable in the plus version than between the regular version

 

[Jalee]

Been asking myself the same cuestion with dr98+ vs ezone 98+ because its impossible to get another dr98+ in my country. For what i've heard the differences are less noticable in the plus version than between the regular version

I would honestly give the new vcore series a demo before I decided on the Dr/Ezone. The reviews have all be positive from the 95-98-100 also the 98 & 100 come in extended lengths and the specs are similar enough you could throw a hybrid in and crush balls while getting the control of the smaller beam width. Just my 2cents.

 

[RichVentura]

Moved to new thread

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/replacement-for-discontinued-dr-98-ezone-98-modified.632296/

 

[Tsongham]

Since they don't sell anymore original DR98 rackets, i noticed there's ezone DR98 285gr for sale in markets. How and where i should add weight on that racket without changing balance etc.? I would like to add 15-20gr more weight.

 

[Nick777]

Since they don't sell anymore original DR98 rackets, i noticed there's ezone DR98 285gr for sale in markets. How and where i should add weight on that racket without changing balance etc.? I would like to add 15-20gr more weight.

You can look on ****, used or New ones, there are plenty..

 

[Tsongham]

You can look on ****, used or New ones, there are plenty..

Not in Europe. Especially if finding grip 2.

 

[Nick777]

Not in Europe. Especially if finding grip 2.

Grip 2 is rare True but grip 3 is easy to find especially in my country

 

[Jalee]

Since they don't sell anymore original DR98 rackets, i noticed there's ezone DR98 285gr for sale in markets. How and where i should add weight on that racket without changing balance etc.? I would like to add 15-20gr more weight.

If you know your preferred specs and can measure the balance and swingweight you can use the chart on TWU to guide you where to add the weight. I would still play with it first for a few hours to make sure it is necessary. I have played around with weight/set ups for a few years and know where I like my range and I didn't have to add anything to my DR98+ except a leather grip and I'm even now considering going back to a standard grip.

 

[Tsongham]

I bought DR98 285gr and it need little more weight. So leathergrip might be good idea, but i think it needs some weight to the hoop. Do i put 8grams to 12o'clock or 4 + 4 grams 9, o'clock and 3 o'clock?

 

[Jalee]

I bought DR98 285gr and it need little more weight. So leathergrip might be good idea, but i think it needs some weight to the hoop. Do i put 8grams to 12o'clock or 4 + 4 grams 9, o'clock and 3 o'clock?

If you are looking for more stability I would go with 9-3 but if you are looking for straight power I would go 12. Start small and I have always had better luck with small amounts at 9-12-3 than a straight shot at 12 because it can make the hoop less stable. Again this is just from my experience but I do it in stages. 1st: leather grip, hit a while then see what you might need in the hoop. The leather grip will change the balance too so that might not be something you want to do first as I said in my post above I'm thinking of switching back to a standard grip to move my balance back closer to center.

 

[TennisCJC]

I bought DR98 285gr and it need little more weight. So leathergrip might be good idea, but i think it needs some weight to the hoop. Do i put 8grams to 12o'clock or 4 + 4 grams 9, o'clock and 3 o'clock?

8 grams at 12o'c will add about 24 sw units, 8 grams total at 9 and 3o'c will add about 16 sw units. both are a pretty big upgraded but I would caution about adding 8g at 12o'c unless you've done this in the past as that's a big difference. add 2g add noon or 4g at 9/3 and then play test. 9 and 3o'c give you a stable feel, wider sweetspot and a feeling of driving through the ball. Noon will feel powerful with less weight added but not quite as stable especially on off center hits.

You can also mix with say 2g total at noon and 4g total at 9/3o'c. I mix fairly frequently.

Best to try a few setup and see which you like best. But, if I were forced to recommend a single option, I would try 2g at noon and 3g or 4g at 9/3o'c. That should make a pretty big difference in power, plow and stability. You might want to offset with handle weight to maintain balance too.

 

[Tsongham]

Thanks all your answers, especially @TennisCJC. I'll try my racket fixing with your advices.

 

[Anton]

I bought DR98 285gr and it need little more weight. So leathergrip might be good idea, but i think it needs some weight to the hoop. Do i put 8grams to 12o'clock or 4 + 4 grams 9, o'clock and 3 o'clock?

Don't skip lead on the throat.

My setup after much testing -
3grams @ V throat
5grams @ 3+9
~2 grams @ 12 (adjusted depending on specific frame)

And from there play around with extra weight on the handle (you can use heavy rubber bands) untill you figure out how much and where you need to put under the grip to get the right swing dynamic.


Personally I don't like leather - stiffens the feel. Instead I use firm synthetic grips like Babolat Skinfeel or Gamma RZR, which still add weight compared to thin stock grip and you can add lead from there.

 

[Anton]

Been playing a new stringjob in my DR98 Light for the winter that is working out very good:

Cyclone 17 mains (shaped for grip)
ProLine II 17 cross (slick for slide)

Tensions (constant pull machine, add 5% if lockout):

Mains: 50lb center, (-1) second main, (-2) for rest (47,45,43...etc).
Crosses: 45lb top cross (use starting tool, not starting knot), 40 second cross, (+2) from here to 50lbs and keep stringing 50lb through 12th cross, -1 from there, 42lb on 18th, 45 for 19th.

 

[AGEE]

I would honestly give the new vcore series a demo before I decided on the Dr/Ezone. The reviews have all be positive from the 95-98-100 also the 98 & 100 come in extended lengths and the specs are similar enough you could throw a hybrid in and crush balls while getting the control of the smaller beam width. Just my 2cents.

Have been using dr98 for the past 3 years, in-between would demo new yonex launches. Recently tried vcore98. Nothing comes close to dr98. My setup is full bed if poly, either alu power or cyclone 17 @ 52lbs! Like cyclone a tad better!

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[Nick777]

Have been using dr98 for the past 3 years, in-between would demo new yonex launches. Recently tried vcore98. Nothing comes close to dr98. My setup is full bed if poly, either alu power or cyclone 17 @ 52lbs! Like cyclone a tad better!

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What you didnt like at New vcore 98 compare to dr?

 

[AGEE]

What you didnt like at New vcore 98 compare to dr?

Couldn't get the control and feel of dr98.

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[25-TENNIS]

Hi! Does someone know if the Yonex DR98 Lite (270g) is as armfriendly and powerful as Yonex DR98 (285g)?

 

[Nick777]

Couldn't get the control and feel of dr98.

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Agree but better maneuverability and power from vcore 98

 

[mimo]

Have been using dr98 for the past 3 years, in-between would demo new yonex launches. Recently tried vcore98. Nothing comes close to dr98. My setup is full bed if poly, either alu power or cyclone 17 @ 52lbs! Like cyclone a tad better!

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I also love the feel of the DR98s. I've demoed a few racquets looking to see if they bring any noticeable advantage to my game but keep going back to these. Great blend of comfort and control, could use a little more power. Have you added any lead to yours?

 

[AGEE]

Agree but better maneuverability and power from vcore 98

Yeah, sometime wish dr98 had a little bit more power especially on SHBH..May be i should improve my technique! But definitely not finding anything short on maneuverability!

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[AGEE]

I also love the feel of the DR98s. I've demoed a few racquets looking to see if they bring any noticeable advantage to my game but keep going back to these. Great blend of comfort and control, could use a little more power. Have you added any lead to yours?

Nope, but have tried before and thought it affected my swing. Probably will give it a shot again after the holiday season. Yeah, can't agree more ongoing back to dr98.

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[Nick777]

Yeah, sometime wish dr98 had a little bit more power especially on SHBH..May be i should improve my technique! But definitely not finding anything short on maneuverability!

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I find a lot of power on my ohbh! Forehand because of lack of plow i am not very satisfied but recently i noticed that lower the tension 1 kg does the trick, playing at 22kg yptp or hybrid and power is very good especially with 0.5gr lead at 12 o'clock, dont want to decrease maneuverability with lot of lead, i think its a matter of technique and strength, exersise more if you are not already!

 

[AGEE]

I find a lot of power on my ohbh! Forehand because of lack of plow i am not very satisfied but recently i noticed that lower the tension 1 kg does the trick, playing at 22kg yptp or hybrid and power is very good especially with 0.5gr lead at 12 o'clock, dont want to decrease maneuverability with lot of lead, i think its a matter of technique and strength, exersise more if you are not already!

From various forums, looks like 48lbs with a poly is the magic number for dr98!

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[AGEE]

From various forums, looks like 48lbs with a poly is the magic number for dr98!

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BTW, whats your hybrid setup and tension? Thanks?!

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[Nick777]

From various forums, looks like 48lbs with a poly is the magic number for dr98!

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Yes thats right! Even lower if you have good technique, 48/46,took me three years to find out always strung at 50 or 52 and the magic wasnt there..

 

[Nick777]

BTW, whats your hybrid setup and tension? Thanks?!

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Usually string FB yptp at 48 but during the winter i prefer hybrid isospeed control classic /yptp 49/48. I also don't like Dr with stiff strings

 

[mscream]

My favourite setup on my DR98s is 3g of lead at 12, installing a different butt cap (Wilson) for the flare and a different replacement grip. Tension usually 48/46 for most polys. The lead in the hoop vastly improves the racquet for my style: +power +penetration +spin.

 

[Fairhit]

Sooo, I think that probably someone already touch on the subject but I would like to bring it up again.

How you compare the new Ezone 98 with the DR 98, i´ve looked everywhere and can´t seem to find any so i´m thinking that maybe i should get the new one but reading the TW review it somehow seems like a step back, so i would like to know if the Ezone 98 can be a decent replacement or should I look somewhere else?

Also, it is too mucho to bring a 275 g Ezone DR98 to 310? if it can be done with elegance, the performance will be similar to the dr98 310g? or is this just a unattainable dream?

Sorry about the mispelling.

 

[25-TENNIS]

The DR 98 (285) / DR 100 (285).

Which one of these rackets has more power and is more armfriendly?

 

[Jalee]

The DR 98 (285) / DR 100 (285).

Which one of these rackets has more power and is more armfriendly?

DR100 will have more power based of the head size alone but the RA is going to be higher which also adds power. Comfort can really be dialed in with your string set up unless you are hell bent on using a full bed of poly at a higher tension. IMO a yonex 98 play like a 100 in any other brand due to the head shape tech. If you have arm issues I recommend trying hybrid set ups or lower tensions and stick to racquets with an RA in the lower 60's because it drops a little strung so a 63RA will play like a 59-60RA.

 

[Jalee]

Sooo, I think that probably someone already touch on the subject but I would like to bring it up again.

How you compare the new Ezone 98 with the DR 98, i´ve looked everywhere and can´t seem to find any so i´m thinking that maybe i should get the new one but reading the TW review it somehow seems like a step back, so i would like to know if the Ezone 98 can be a decent replacement or should I look somewhere else?

Also, it is too mucho to bring a 275 g Ezone DR98 to 310? if it can be done with elegance, the performance will be similar to the dr98 310g? or is this just a unattainable dream?

Sorry about the mispelling.

I have seen what you are asking about somewhere but can't find the link either. Basically the DR98 and the Ezone 98 are close but not exactly the same. If you have never hit the DR I'm sure the Ezone would work for you but to the playtesters who switched to it that makes for a more difficult comparison. Racquets are very personal.

As for bringing a 275g ezone up to 310 it can be done but it would dramatically effect the feel of the racquet due to the amount of lead/tungsten tape you have have to add to beef it up and keep the balance the same. The biggest issue would be swingweight. Not saying it can't be done but it wouldn't hit like a stock 310 no matter how you did it.

 

[Fairhit]

I have seen what you are asking about somewhere but can't find the link either. Basically the DR98 and the Ezone 98 are close but not exactly the same. If you have never hit the DR I'm sure the Ezone would work for you but to the playtesters who switched to it that makes for a more difficult comparison. Racquets are very personal.

As for bringing a 275g ezone up to 310 it can be done but it would dramatically effect the feel of the racquet due to the amount of lead/tungsten tape you have have to add to beef it up and keep the balance the same. The biggest issue would be swingweight. Not saying it can't be done but it wouldn't hit like a stock 310 no matter how you did it.

I have played with the DR 98 and it´s everything they say it is, power and control, it has been an awesome experience and unfortunately the one i have i was pretty sure was the last one available in my country, you can´t find them even used ones but i´m glad to inform you all that i just found (this time for real) the absolute last one in my country so i´m going to buy it so i don´t have to experiment with so much lead tape.

 

[Jalee]

I have played with the DR 98 and it´s everything they say it is, power and control, it has been an awesome experience and unfortunately the one i have i was pretty sure was the last one available in my country, you can´t find them even used ones but i´m glad to inform you all that i just found (this time for real) the absolute last one in my country so i´m going to buy it so i don´t have to experiment with so much lead tape.

Not sure what country you are in but you can always check the for sale forum here as they are randomly popping up now that newer models are coming out. It took me months to find 2 DR98+ and weren't here until recently. I have 3 now so I'm set for a long time!

 

[AGEE]

Not sure what country you are in but you can always check the for sale forum here as they are randomly popping up now that newer models are coming out. It took me months to find 2 DR98+ and weren't here until recently. I have 3 now so I'm set for a long time!

There are better chances if you look around the pro shops in your local tennis clubs. I had picked one few months ago, L3 trip size blue dr98. And they had few more then. Also ordered couple of bumper grommets in TW.



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[aaron_h27]

I've been enjoying a full bed of luxilon natural gut in my DR 98. No dampener needed

I'm playing around with tensions but low 60s is where I'm at now.

 

[Fairhit]

It is really a tweener? I feel like its more of a player's frame with a little bit of power.