Recently switched from DR98 to Ezone 98 2022. In my experience the differences in specs can be felt in how the sticks play. DR (slightly heavier, higher swingweight, lower flex) feels relatively more plush, more stable, has more free power, and feels slower through the air. Ezone feels relatively faster through the air and more crisp on contact.
Yonex Ezone DR CLUB!!!!~~~!!!
- Thread starter shaneno
- Start date
This is a great comparison slchsu thank you very much
Fairhit
Hall of Fame
When did that happen? I used to read in this forum that 315 grams racquets were in desperate need of weight and somehow I missed when people here decided 315 is now heavy.
Myrko
Rookie
So I got my first Ezone DR 98 now to test it against the current Ezone 98 (2022) and also against the Regna 98. I hoped that the DR 98 would be somewhat of a blend of these 2, with a just slightly thinner beam than the 2022 Ezone but thicker and more easy power than the Regna.
My issue with the Regna 98 is that even with lead it seems somewhat underpowered, if I dont hit the sweet spot or are in defence. Balls come shorter more easily.
The 2022 Ezone 98 on the other hand sometimes seems to be a bit overpowered and lacks a bit feeling the ball for my taste.
Therefore I got the used DR 98 to see if it's in between.
Will have to hit the court yet, but from feeling the racket I sense that it is pretty solid and almost heavy feeling, especially against the current Ezone 98. The DR also feels a bit just like an older style racket, but that's to be expected. So from the feeling I'm not too optimistic now. But we'll see. I'll post after the first hit.
My issue with the Regna 98 is that even with lead it seems somewhat underpowered, if I dont hit the sweet spot or are in defence. Balls come shorter more easily.
The 2022 Ezone 98 on the other hand sometimes seems to be a bit overpowered and lacks a bit feeling the ball for my taste.
Therefore I got the used DR 98 to see if it's in between.
Will have to hit the court yet, but from feeling the racket I sense that it is pretty solid and almost heavy feeling, especially against the current Ezone 98. The DR also feels a bit just like an older style racket, but that's to be expected. So from the feeling I'm not too optimistic now. But we'll see. I'll post after the first hit.
Myrko
Rookie
Hit with it yesterday, unfortunately the strings seem to be either strung too low for me (like 18 kg or something) or they're just done/old. But the racket felt pretty good, I even think it felt better than the Ezone 98. I don't feel like adding any lead to it. Seems perfectly weighted. Enough plow. I have to string it up with a nice string.
What is your #1 pick for strings in the DR 98 now?
What is your #1 pick for strings in the DR 98 now?
Fairhit
Hall of Fame
I have to play with synthetic gut because of my arm but the DR98 is so complete that no matter the string, I always get good performance out of it, the only reason I don't play with it right now, is that I only have 1.
Myrko
Rookie
So for the optimal string for my DR98, my thinking is:
So far in other rackets my favorite are the 2 top Solinco strings, so I probably want to try these:
What would you suggest?
What are you using and liking in the DR98?
So far in other rackets my favorite are the 2 top Solinco strings, so I probably want to try these:
- Solinco Tour Bite Soft
- Solinco TourBite (best in softer frames)
- Solinco Hyper-G (best in stiffer frames)
- Grapplesnake Tour Sniper
- Tecnifibre Razor Code
- Yonex Poly Tour Pro (less likely)
- Babolat RPM Blast (but probably not)
What would you suggest?
What are you using and liking in the DR98?
john cheng
Rookie
I have enjoyed a couple of hybrid set-ups with my DR98 in the past:
-Babolat Blast Rough 17/ Wilson NXT 16 at 54#. Very crisp, nice pocketing, good power.
-Yonex PTP(black) 17/ Yonex 850(natural) 16 at 53#. More muted, gentler on the elbow, more solid feeling.
It's been > 2 years (dead poly) since I've restrung the DR's. I just pick it up and play once in a while with my lobster. Mostly play now with the Blue VCP 97 and 97 HD. And probably in the next few weeks dabble into the Regna.
john cheng
Rookie
I use mostly hybrid for my bum wristI saw many people using Tour Bite Soft in the DR98.
Could be the best first string to try?
Also I saw more Hybrids with this frame than with any other one, strange, why is that? Maybe people using the DR98 are really deep into gear optimization
john cheng
Rookie
DR to VCP 97/VCP 97D. Though I never really left the DR, still play with it off/on. Strings are old on the DR, need to get a re-string. Will keep a hybrid set-up.
VCP just more maneuverable, but DR is so solid all around.
Myrko
Rookie
Next question from a new DR98 user: Is there any real difference between the blue and the yellow DR98 (besides the looks)?
I know there is this video from Tennis Spin with both and the blue is heavier, but I think this just comes down to modifications on it. Harry also said he thinks he could make the yellow the same as the blue.
But from your experience, is there a real difference, or does it come down to specs through mods or quality control, when they're different.
I know there is this video from Tennis Spin with both and the blue is heavier, but I think this just comes down to modifications on it. Harry also said he thinks he could make the yellow the same as the blue.
But from your experience, is there a real difference, or does it come down to specs through mods or quality control, when they're different.
Fairhit
Hall of Fame
Supposedly they are the same but if you look into TW University, when looking for a frame or using the comparing tools, they differenciate both frames, their performance is not the same.
john cheng
Rookie
I have 3 yellow DRs (2x3/8th,1x1/4th) and 1 blue DR (3/8th). One of the yellow DR and blue strung with YPTP/850, and the other 2 yellow with Bab blast rough and NXT. Between the YPTP/850 (slightly more muted) and Babolat/NXT (seem a tad more crisp).
Now to answer your question between the blue and yellow DR- it seems that the blue one swing a point heavier, but at the same time feels flexier 9is=f that makes sense at all).
Honestly, at my level, I can play interchangeably between the ones strung the same with no discernible differences or issues during match play (doubles). Also, I like the color of the blue a bit more.
Myrko
Rookie
So I just had my first hit with the Yonex Ezone DR 98 (strung with Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.25 at 23kg).
From the first hit I felt right at home, it gives me lots of power but also enough precision. It does not feel as thick as the current Ezone 98 but has enough power and directional control to shoot winners.
It's also a lot of fun to hit with, just feels very plush but solid - confidence inspiring. I just feel very confident my hits get where I want them to be, even when I increase the pace.
I like it a lot, a real contender for my main racket now (the Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 ISO, which I also play later in this video).
From the first hit I felt right at home, it gives me lots of power but also enough precision. It does not feel as thick as the current Ezone 98 but has enough power and directional control to shoot winners.
It's also a lot of fun to hit with, just feels very plush but solid - confidence inspiring. I just feel very confident my hits get where I want them to be, even when I increase the pace.
I like it a lot, a real contender for my main racket now (the Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 ISO, which I also play later in this video).
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OslerWeber
New User
You’re just like me. Had been playing with the ISO 305 for the last few months, quite liked the high sw. Ezone 98 2020 before that.
But then got a chance to get 5 used DR98s. One yellow 4 blue. Loving them, decided to fully commit.
Strung the yellow with PTP yellow and the blue with tecnifibre red code.
Did not measure them but the blue seems a bit heavier.
Will keep trying strings but liked them both for different reasons. PTP was more lively, bit harder to control but better pocketing, easier serves and volleys. And red code was stiffer, deader, but better control against harder shots. Both at 52lbs.
Will probably stick with PTP, maybe at higher tensions, maybe the black one.
But then got a chance to get 5 used DR98s. One yellow 4 blue. Loving them, decided to fully commit.
Strung the yellow with PTP yellow and the blue with tecnifibre red code.
Did not measure them but the blue seems a bit heavier.
Will keep trying strings but liked them both for different reasons. PTP was more lively, bit harder to control but better pocketing, easier serves and volleys. And red code was stiffer, deader, but better control against harder shots. Both at 52lbs.
Will probably stick with PTP, maybe at higher tensions, maybe the black one.
Myrko
Rookie
I noticed that the DR 98 is not necessarily the best volley racket. While it is absolutely amazing from the baseline for it's power + control, I'm somehow not that great at the net with it. It doesnt feel as manoeuvrable at net and somehow I hit the frame a lot more with it or misplace volleys more easily with the DR 98 atm. That seems to be the biggest drawback of the racket, that potentially is holding me back from committing to it (over the T-Fight 305, which is slightly less powerful and controlled from the baseline but better at the net).
Would you all agree here?
How is your netplay with the DR 98? anything special to make it work?
Would you all agree here?
How is your netplay with the DR 98? anything special to make it work?
tsamo
Semi-Pro
My netplay with the DR98+ is exactly the same as it is with all my other rackets.
Subpar at best.
I am not a big fan of the volley shot, so it does not affect me that much but, my DR98+is one of the harder sticks to maneuver for volleys, although its extended length helps with my reach a little bit.
john cheng
Rookie
Agree here. The VCP 97HD and VCP 97 (blue) felt more of an all court racquet, great at netplay/volleys, doubles. But the DR is just a special racquet that has that solid feel to it. Every time I play with, I knew what I was missing from the VCP's.
Myrko
Rookie
I need an all court racket, since I do attack quite a lot to the net. Hmmm, too bad really. So hard to find a stick that excels at all areas, always seems to be a bit of a compromise... for instance the Regna 98 was the best volley racket for me. If I could combine baseline from DR 98 with netplay + serve of the Regna 98, I would be done ;-)
john cheng
Rookie
Agree about the fact that there's always a compromise. The thinner beamed VCP shines mostly all over the court but for me- DR rules the baseline. Any string set-up just feels good with the DR. Just very solid all around.
Last weekend during doubles I was playing with the VCP 97HD (gut/poly). It started to drizzle a bit. Switched to my other 97HD (full poly). My wrist began to twitch. So grabbed the DR (multi/poly), wrist quieted down, game was surprisingly good. Even the volleys were ticking. I just love playing with the DR.
Hope you find the right racquet for your game!!!
Edit: I also found out during this last outing with the DR. I can't be lazy with it when volleying. Have to connect really well otherwise it's going to shank. Maybe thicker beams are more prone to it? DR is certainly no serve and volley but if you nail it, it really feels good.
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OslerWeber
New User
I do know what you mean. I felt that too, especially on the bh volley.
Ezone 98 2020 was super easy to volley with, though the ball could fly. You had to place the racquet right and it would do the work.
The ISO 305 you have to do the work, the motion properly.
DR 98 is kind of a middle ground thats hard to find.
I think/hope its a matter of getting used to it , to the sweetspot.
Recently got a chance to hit with a dr98 strung with ypt strike and realized my dr's are a bit mushy strung with full yptp.
Since i have a full yptp reel left, i was thinking of trying it as a hybrid with a more shaped string.
Has anyone tried a hybrid of ypt spin together with the yptp?
Thought that might be the best of both worlds and make the dr98 feel more direct.
Since i have a full yptp reel left, i was thinking of trying it as a hybrid with a more shaped string.
Has anyone tried a hybrid of ypt spin together with the yptp?
Thought that might be the best of both worlds and make the dr98 feel more direct.
OslerWeber
New User
Please let me know after youve tried it.
Played friday, started with the yptp full bed, balls were flying, no control. I think it loses tension too fast.
Then switched to the one with red code and the control was back. Still too stiff but better, I had my confidence back.
Ive used ptspin in my ezone 2020 and liked it. Might try it next or this hybrid.
But more and more im concluding a crisp stiffer string is the way to go.
Any other suggestions ?
Thinking also in trying RS Lyon or Ice code
Played friday, started with the yptp full bed, balls were flying, no control. I think it loses tension too fast.
Then switched to the one with red code and the control was back. Still too stiff but better, I had my confidence back.
Ive used ptspin in my ezone 2020 and liked it. Might try it next or this hybrid.
But more and more im concluding a crisp stiffer string is the way to go.
Any other suggestions ?
Thinking also in trying RS Lyon or Ice code
How did it go with the different setups of PTP and PTS, and did you try them together as hybrid?I've for two Yonex EZone DR 98s, one is like and the other is blue. I remember back when they released it NEEDING the blue version too. Clearly I fell to their marketing strategy but luckily now I have two DRs and they play so well and have such a great reputation that I'm not even interested in 'upgrading' to any of the new EZones.
1. Does anyone have any stringing suggestions for these two stings:
Yonex PolyTour Pro 125 - yellow
Yonex PolyTour Spin 120
I'm going to put the yellow PTP string in the lime DR and the PTS in the blue DR.
I'm predominantly a baseliner, but I play doubles too. I put in ample amount of spin on my shots nowadays, but I used to play very flat so depending on what's coming at me, I can also flatten things out and like to play with slice too, just to give the opponent a variety of balls to deal with.
I currently have them strung with PTP yellow at 50lbs but I've been reading users stating to string the mains and crosses slightly different to get best results.
2. I've been reading users like to add lead to their DRs especially at 3 and 9 or at 12. What would people recommend for my game style? I feel I could probably cope with some extra weight as currently I just have them stock weight with an overgrip.
Cheers
If you're seeking a more headlight option, you could add a leather grip instead of lead. I know that is also a popular method to add weight to the dr
Myrko
Rookie
I played with it a little more and I get used to the volleys. Might give it a longer chance. It's a great racket all in all. Funny Yonex moved away from this.
Myrko
Rookie
Alright, so now I'm loving it. Forehand is amazing with it, same power and plow as with my older RF97s (which I switched away from last year), but of course the DR 98 is 20g lighter.
I also got used to the volleys and actually have really good touch with the DR 98 now. I'm loving Tour Bite Soft in it at 23kg.
The only thing is to control the power and not overshoot too much, I might string a bit higher than usual next time, which might help.
So I'm getting at least another one and play it as my main racket now.
I also got used to the volleys and actually have really good touch with the DR 98 now. I'm loving Tour Bite Soft in it at 23kg.
The only thing is to control the power and not overshoot too much, I might string a bit higher than usual next time, which might help.
So I'm getting at least another one and play it as my main racket now.
OslerWeber
New User
Any lead on it?
Myrko
Rookie
No lead on it so far. A bit tape at the bottom below the main grip, just because the buttcap is a tiny bit lose somehow.
The overall weight is 339g now with strings. I like how it feels and it seems a perfect weight atm, wouldnt add more, I dont need it for power for sure. That way it's still very manoeuvrable for me.
The overall weight is 339g now with strings. I like how it feels and it seems a perfect weight atm, wouldnt add more, I dont need it for power for sure. That way it's still very manoeuvrable for me.
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Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Within the last two years or so.
Myrko
Rookie
It is a bit funny... I'm currently playing the DR98, the oldest of all the rackets I tried, as my main racket, after trying the Wilson Pro Staff PS97 and RF97, Blade Pro v8, Yonex Regna 98, Current EZone 98 (2022), Babolat Pure Aero VS and Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 ISO, the oldest stick wins for me...
Myrko
Rookie
So I loved
- Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.25
Right now I'm having
- Tourna Silver 7 Tour 1.25
I will probably go to
- Solinco Tour Bite 1.25
the_faceless_player
Hall of Fame
Ugh just dusted mine off and put in fresh Confidential 16L @ 44. Thing has been absolutely singing on court and I'm so annoyed with myself for selling off all but 1 of my stash.
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Konik_1982
Rookie
Selling mine if you're interested...together with a spare set of grommets.
the_faceless_player
Hall of Fame
Unfortunately I'm paying out of pocket costs right now for an uninsured idiot hitting my car last week. Hoping I can clear out some frames I am not using and free up some fun money.
Konik_1982
Rookie
Understood sorry to hear about the car...**** happens. If you're up for this in the future maybe, hit me in the messages
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Any DR users try the Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98 and if so how did it compare? The DR was my favorite then I tried the Ezone Tour that aggravated my shoulder and following shoulder surgery I switched to PK Black Ace and Ki Q+ Tour 300. The PKs are good, but I still miss the plush, solid feel and balance of the DR.
tele
Hall of Fame
I have not tried the ATS 98 but have played with the ats 95, which should be pretty similar feel-wise to the ats 98. It had some of that dr stiff hoop/flexy throat feel(I would say it felt closer to the dr than the ezone 98 2017 model did, which I owned for a brief period), though I think the difference between the hoop and throat might be more dramatic with the dr 98. The ATS 95 was even more comfy than Dr 98 but had less power.
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the_faceless_player
Hall of Fame
Been wondering this my self since the similar racquet tool puts the ATS 98 as the #1 option. Seems like feedback is that they are very close with the Prince perhaps being a bit more lively w/ a slightly higher launch angle. TW's 25% off + $25 gift card promo makes them tempting now, especially as DR98s continue to dry up. I'd also spring for the matching service if I was buying since it sounds like the SW on the Prince's has historically been a bit erratic.
Racquet switching has not gone great for me so for now, I'm still hunting a DR98 in L3 that isn't insanely priced for its condition. Maybe I'll demo the Prince at some point and see if it could replace down the road.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
I was looking at the Prince textreme tour 98 as well literally last night hoping it would be more arm friendly for people with TE but with the same amount of power or even a bit more.
So what's really out there as alternative? Vcore 98 2023? Head auxetic gravity MP? I can't figure it out?
I wasn’t aware of the promo so based on your post I ordered one today!
oldcity
Rookie
I have a textreme tour 98 I’m trying out. The demo was fun but I’m pretty sure the poly was very low tension, 40# maybe. I tried a hybrid at 52# and the string bed felt pretty firm and low powered. Lots of net-cord shots. Played in 58f weather. I’ll probably try a full poly around 40 next. Might need some lead tape. Overall it’s comfortable to use but not yonex like. Head is more oval with longer mains and short crosses
the_faceless_player
Hall of Fame
Today I received the DR98 I swooped in and sniper-ed on an auction on the 'bay on Monday. Already swapped the butt cap for a Wilson for a bit more flare. Waiting on 1 more in the mail and then am hoping my 3 total will tide me over for a few more years.
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Fairhit
Hall of Fame
Waiting on Boom Pro to arrive.
