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

[geubes]

The grip size was an issue for me when going to Leather plus overgrip... However I discovered Kimony Techni Leather Replacement Grip, which is 0.8mm and 10g. More importantly when using a 0.5mm overgrip (like Head super soft) it takes the grip to 1.3mm, which reduces the overall width by 0.5 vs a standard 1.8mm synthetic. Long story short, it has reduced the grip to what feels like a standard grip 3. Only problem is the bevels are slightly more obvious, but I dont mind it. Feels great in the hand.

 

[AesBinz]

The grip size was an issue for me when going to Leather plus overgrip... However I discovered Kimony Techni Leather Replacement Grip, which is 0.8mm and 10g. More importantly when using a 0.5mm overgrip (like Head super soft) it takes the grip to 1.3mm, which reduces the overall width by 0.5 vs a standard 1.8mm synthetic. Long story short, it has reduced the grip to what feels like a standard grip 3. Only problem is the bevels are slightly more obvious, but I dont mind it. Feels great in the hand.

Is the yonex stock synthetic is 1.8mm? I may sound doubtful but I dunno, man I wish i have digital scale to measure it.

Btw, how did you apply the kimony leather? I ordered one but I believe the adhesive is separate to the leather itself. Did you apply it separately or stick it to leather then apply to racket as other leather?

 

[Phantasm]

I saw that thread too, but I do recheck the size and size by eye on the ruler, looks like 1mm to slight more than 1mm in thickness and that's with a cotton like substance on the middle that act as cushioning. Btw, my DR98 is the blue version and this is my 1st yonex stick so I have no idea about their stock grip previously. As in reference for Babolat's stock grip, it's more cushioned and thicker than the wilson leather grip, and based on the thread 1.90mm on babolat syntec pro for Pure Aero Tour compared to 1.6-1.7mm of wilson leather. I'm not sure about Babolat Syntec of my old APD GT 2010 but I know it's thicker than wilson. I change to leather usually to decrease the grip a little to compensate when I add overgrip, and also I like the firm feel of the leather on contact compared to smushy cushioned synthetic grip.

Did they any chance changed the grip? I don't see DR98's stock grip on the list but not sure if it's the same as the other model like VCore, Ai or Rdis on the list in the thread.

Sorry I meant stock grip size as in the size of the foam handle/mold under the actual grip tapes. The actual mold/handle is definitely slightly bigger with Yonex than other racket handles. This can be the reason why everything feels bigger with the yonex.

I personally like the Yonex molded handle and I can really feel the bevels which I like.

 

[geubes]

No the yonex one is thinner than a standard grip. never measured it but the handle thickness definitely grew. Same thing happened on my Vcore 89. I didnt even entertain using the stock grip after my last experience.

I tried using the adhesive backing, but it was messy and a waste of time, so i scrapped the backing, I grip upside down (being a left) which made it twice as hard to do.... So I went with no backing, attached finishing Tape to the bottom (around 1" on the grip 2"s stuck to the handle. Then wrapped. Its been on there for 2-3 months and hasn't moved). Also using an overgrip on-top wraps it into place.

 

[AesBinz]

I just installed back the stock yonex and it's really much thinner than wilson leather. How can I say it, DR98 L2 w/ stock grip + wilson overgrip = Pure Aero Tour L2 w/ wilson leather + wilson overgrip. DR98 L2 w/ wilson leather + wilson overgrip = APD GT 2010 L3 w/ wilson leather + wilson overgrip.

the handle w/o grip of yonex is messy, they didn't put adhesive tape to their grip, but it's like they paint a glue on the whole handle and slapped the grip. The glue looks like contact cement because it's light brownish in color, unlike to other replacement grip w/ adhesive that has transparent color. It took some effort to apply back the stock grip w/o any adhesive, you need to apply pressure the 1st overlap to maintain the position while pulling hard, it's like applying overgrip on handle w/o replacement grip, but a little slippery because of cotton cushioning.

Later will be my 1st play w/ lead tape on stock grip, hopefully it will be good. Current weight is 333g w/ overgrip, strung, 5g total lead (1g @12o'clock, 2g@9o'clock and 2g@3o'clock) and just almost the same weight as my old APD GT2010 strung, leather+overgrip 332g or 334g w/ sampras dampener.

 

[Allcourtguy]

Regarding the paint chipping issue.... I was previously using the original version of the DR98 and had chipping issues pretty quickly with them. I now have a couple of the DR98 Blues and have had them about 5 weeks, but haven't noticed any chipping yet like I did on the originals. I would think the blues would probably have the same problem but I haven't yet experienced it.

Curious if anyone with a DR98 blue has already seen the chipping occur.....

 

[donquijote]

Yonex grips seem to have gotten a bit larger with DR and SV lines. I'd say they are about the same as Babolat right now even with the thinner Yonex stock grip.

 

[AesBinz]

Yonex grips seem to have gotten a bit larger with DR and SV lines. I'd say they are about the same as Babolat right now even with the thinner Yonex stock grip.

I have some Babolat racket and I could say Yonex "feels" bigger because of the shape of the grip. Babolat may feel smaller for me because it's slimmer but longer, bevel 2 and 6 are longer so it's easier for me to position my forehand grip w/ index finger hooked diagonally for more comfortable swing in forehand stroke and feels giving you power because of that stable grip. The Yonex, DR98 in particular for me feels bulkier because of rounder shape and the bevel 2 and 6 are shorter, feels like 2, 4, 6 and 8 have equal size. This grip feels more comfortable on backhand and specally in volleys or slices as it's more maneuverable and easier to switch grip on the fly. Sometimes I'm just having problem trying to flat my forehand as I'm trying to secure the hook of my index finger on bevel 2-3 when using eastern grip but it's just that I'm so used to babolat grip for 6yrs, starting on APD GT 2010 to PAT last month before trying and switch to DR98.

 

[Readers]

I have some Babolat racket and I could say Yonex "feels" bigger because of the shape of the grip. Babolat may feel smaller for me because it's slimmer but longer, bevel 2 and 6 are longer so it's easier for me to position my forehand grip w/ index finger hooked diagonally for more comfortable swing in forehand stroke and feels giving you power because of that stable grip. The Yonex, DR98 in particular for me feels bulkier because of rounder shape and the bevel 2 and 6 are shorter, feels like 2, 4, 6 and 8 have equal size. This grip feels more comfortable on backhand and specally in volleys or slices as it's more maneuverable and easier to switch grip on the fly. Sometimes I'm just having problem trying to flat my forehand as I'm trying to secure the hook of my index finger on bevel 2-3 when using eastern grip but it's just that I'm so used to babolat grip for 6yrs, starting on APD GT 2010 to PAT last month before trying and switch to DR98.

Yonex grips seem to have gotten a bit larger with DR and SV lines. I'd say they are about the same as Babolat right now even with the thinner Yonex stock grip.

Side by side PS17 has bigger grip than SV98.

 

[AesBinz]

Side by side PS17 has bigger grip than SV98.

Wow, did Babolat increased their grip again? Looks like they are constantly increasing grip thru the time. Or maybe just the cushioning of the stock grip.

 

[Readers]

Wow, did Babolat increased their grip again? Looks like they are constantly increasing grip thru the time. Or maybe just the cushioning of the stock grip.

I had shock shield on both.

 

[smalahove]

Wow, did Babolat increased their grip again? Looks like they are constantly increasing grip thru the time. Or maybe just the cushioning of the stock grip.

One thing is for sure: the old Pure Strikes had the smallest grip sizes I've ever come across, but the feel was great The new PA/PAT sized grips are def bigger, and the Yonex's are more inline with those.

 

[donquijote]

Control on DR 98 is pretty sick. You just aim and shoot and the ball lands there.

 

[PhxRacket]

Been using a matched pair of DR100s for four months now. Have them dialed in. Pop, control, precision and I LOVE THEM! Extra weight in handle and hoop, plus multi has vibrations down to 0.

 

[chsu74]

Regarding the paint chipping issue.... I was previously using the original version of the DR98 and had chipping issues pretty quickly with them. I now have a couple of the DR98 Blues and have had them about 5 weeks, but haven't noticed any chipping yet like I did on the originals. I would think the blues would probably have the same problem but I haven't yet experienced it.

Curious if anyone with a DR98 blue has already seen the chipping occur.....

My blue DR chipped after 3 hrs of hitting. I thought it was a manufacturing defect. It does not affect the performance of the racquet. There will be a new racquet out in two years and we will move on.

 

[Crie]

Just wondering, but with the Ezone DR getting a sale this Cyber Monday, do you reckon they will be updating their Ezone Line-up soon? Like Jan-March soon?

 

[Phantasm]

Just wondering, but with the Ezone DR getting a sale this Cyber Monday, do you reckon they will be updating their Ezone Line-up soon? Like Jan-March soon?

the ezone dr came out in nov 2015 and yonex's product line is usually 2 years so there probably won't be a renewal till holiday season next year. No reason to really release a DR Blue if they're gonna replace the line in 6-7 months...

 

[Crie]

the ezone dr came out in nov 2015 and yonex's product line is usually 2 years so there probably won't be a renewal till holiday season next year. No reason to really release a DR Blue if they're gonna replace the line in 6-7 months...

Didn't the Ezone Ai come out in 2014, January? So wouldn't the new Ezone line be coming in June or July 2017?

 

[MarTennis]

Been using a matched pair of DR100s for four months now. Have them dialed in. Pop, control, precision and I LOVE THEM! Extra weight in handle and hoop, plus multi has vibrations down to 0.

How much in the handle and hoop, respectively?

Sent from my Z955A using Tapatalk

 

[PhxRacket]

I

How much in the handle and hoop, respectively?

Sent from my Z955A using Tapatalk

I am not sure as I had the customization done by TW after I purchased them, but her is the final product,
The final strung specs with overgrip & dampener in place are:
11.80 oz , 7HL, 322SW
I can go back through emails and get the numbers if you'd like.

 

[Raz78]

i havent bought another racket of the yonex dr 98 weight around 332g yet because im not happy with it, all my balls are flying to long or just drop dead , ive been playng around with leadtape result sometimes better sometimes don, now ive been to carefull and lost the selfconfidence when i hit the bal...

yesterday i played with my old dreamracket wilson pro staff 6.0 85 weight around 350g that ive been using for about 18 years its an amazing racket you can hit the ball and you know where the ball will go, serves are wonderful, but its really a heavy racket and demands on the player, you really need to go to the gym.

im thinking of giving it one last try and increase the weight to 340 somwhere... to see if that helps

my last string setup was really good its
babolat addiction on the crosses
and big banger on the mains
around 22kg /48 lbs on both

really good bite on the ball

if my above test not working im thinking of going to the yonex f93 and increase the weight a little bit.
and lift some more weight so i can play with my old dreamracket

 

[geubes]

i havent bought another racket of the yonex dr 98 weight around 332g yet because im not happy with it, all my balls are flying to long or just drop dead , ive been playng around with leadtape result sometimes better sometimes don, now ive been to carefull and lost the selfconfidence when i hit the bal...

yesterday i played with my old dreamracket wilson pro staff 6.0 85 weight around 350g that ive been using for about 18 years its an amazing racket you can hit the ball and you know where the ball will go, serves are wonderful, but its really a heavy racket and demands on the player, you really need to go to the gym.

im thinking of giving it one last try and increase the weight to 340 somwhere... to see if that helps

my last string setup was really good its
babolat addiction on the crosses
and big banger on the mains
around 22kg /48 lbs on both

really good bite on the ball

if my above test not working im thinking of going to the yonex f93 and increase the weight a little bit.
and lift some more weight so i can play with my old dreamracket

Try a tighter tension? I am at 52lbs Poly main and 55lbs Syn gut crosses. Coming from a 89 and 95 inch head, the tighter tension in the string bed to accommodate the increased head size gives you that hit the ball where you want feeling, especially with a hybrid string setup.

 

[CodyZzZ]

i havent bought another racket of the yonex dr 98 weight around 332g yet because im not happy with it, all my balls are flying to long or just drop dead , ive been playng around with leadtape result sometimes better sometimes don, now ive been to carefull and lost the selfconfidence when i hit the bal...

yesterday i played with my old dreamracket wilson pro staff 6.0 85 weight around 350g that ive been using for about 18 years its an amazing racket you can hit the ball and you know where the ball will go, serves are wonderful, but its really a heavy racket and demands on the player, you really need to go to the gym.

im thinking of giving it one last try and increase the weight to 340 somwhere... to see if that helps

my last string setup was really good its
babolat addiction on the crosses
and big banger on the mains
around 22kg /48 lbs on both

really good bite on the ball

if my above test not working im thinking of going to the yonex f93 and increase the weight a little bit.
and lift some more weight so i can play with my old dreamracket

As I've sadly declared in the ProStaff 90 Club, I've recently made a switch to the DR98, and I'm loving it. Having switched from the weighted up PS85 and PS90 recently (365g), I think the issue you're facing is the lack of stability with the DR98. At 98 sq in and 332g, I don't think it is surprising that you're having trouble controlling your shots. If you weight up your DR98 to match your PS85, I think you'll see improvement, just like I have, due to the familiar swingweight and added stability. Also worth noting that while I only put weight at 12 for my PS85/90, due to the larger headsize and relative lack of stability, I recommend some weight to 3&9 as well on the DR98. For me this is now 3g each at 3&9 and 6g at 12, for a total of 355g with TW leather + OG. Hope this helps!

 

[Q452]

Played with DR98 demo tonight for an hour. Came strung with poly tour pro in the low 50s, definitely didn't like the string. Spin was meh but the feel was terrible, trampoline-like and I felt no control. Probably should be strung higher.
I felt the launch angle was much too high, but I'm coming from the pure strike tour 18x20. The frame felt a bit too mushy, won't be playing with it again. Trying out the sv98 on Saturday, hopefully the extra cross string will bring down the launch angle some.

 

[Swan Song]

I heard from one of my sources that Yonex is coming out with the EZone DR Long next year.

 

[Tommy Haas]

A longbody EZONE DR? Maybe for Nishikori if he were to switch from Wilson or the WTA sponsored players.

 

[Crie]

I heard from one of my sources that Yonex is coming out with the EZone DR Long next year.

What sources?

 

[Swan Song]

What sources?

Someone pretty well connected with Yonex. Just wait.

 

[galapagos]

I heard from one of my sources that Yonex is coming out with the EZone DR Long next year.

You mean extended lenght or new design?

 

[Raz78]

As I've sadly declared in the ProStaff 90 Club, I've recently made a switch to the DR98, and I'm loving it. Having switched from the weighted up PS85 and PS90 recently (365g), I think the issue you're facing is the lack of stability with the DR98. At 98 sq in and 332g, I don't think it is surprising that you're having trouble controlling your shots. If you weight up your DR98 to match your PS85, I think you'll see improvement, just like I have, due to the familiar swingweight and added stability. Also worth noting that while I only put weight at 12 for my PS85/90, due to the larger headsize and relative lack of stability, I recommend some weight to 3&9 as well on the DR98. For me this is now 3g each at 3&9 and 6g at 12, for a total of 355g with TW leather + OG. Hope this helps!

ok thanks , i will try to make the racket much heavier, around 340-345g i played a second match with the PS85 and its a perfect racket so i will keep playing with it, but i will keep the dr 98 and try it with more weight and see what happens

 

[Swan Song]

You mean extended lenght or new design?

Extended length

 

[Crie]

Someone pretty well connected with Yonex. Just wait.

I can't beileve you. I need reliable evidence.

 

[Lex]

I'd buy the DR100 in XL.

I love the stock DR100 so far, have 3 of them. I think I've officially left the Head Fan Boy Club.

 

[Crie]

I have just played with the DR98 for about a week.

It is about 342 grams. The Swingweight is over 340, I don't know how much, just that its over 340. The balance is over 33mm.

Overall, I really like the racquet. It does everything really well. Groundstrokes with my one-hander are more stable than I thought it would be. I have never used the rectangle-head that is often associated with Yonex racquets and I am happy to say that I transitioned into it quite nicely. Because I was moving from a 95sq inch (burn fst 95) to this 98 one, I expected some loss in control, but for some reason I didn't. The lower "launch angle" as some people call it really exists, it gives the control of a smaller head size while giving the forgiveness of a 98sq inch racquet. Volleys were great, I got amazing feel out of these and touch shots were just as easy to do with this racquet as my 95. Feel in groundstrokes are soft, but if you have a crisp string like ALU Power in it, its a very satisfying blend of softness and liveliness.

I'h be happy to answer any questions!

 

[Kurt]

I have just played with the DR98 for about a week.

It is about 342 grams. The Swingweight is over 340, I don't know how much, just that its over 340. The balance is over 33mm.

Overall, I really like the racquet. It does everything really well. Groundstrokes with my one-hander are more stable than I thought it would be. I have never used the rectangle-head that is often associated with Yonex racquets and I am happy to say that I transitioned into it quite nicely. Because I was moving from a 95sq inch (burn fst 95) to this 98 one, I expected some loss in control, but for some reason I didn't. The lower "launch angle" as some people call it really exists, it gives the control of a smaller head size while giving the forgiveness of a 98sq inch racquet. Volleys were great, I got amazing feel out of these and touch shots were just as easy to do with this racquet as my 95. Feel in groundstrokes are soft, but if you have a crisp string like ALU Power in it, its a very satisfying blend of softness and liveliness.

I'h be happy to answer any questions!

How is your swingweight over 340? I have a couple and the local shop tested them to be around 305-310 on their RDC.

 

[Christian Andersson]

How is your swingweight over 340? I have a couple and the local shop tested them to be around 305-310 on their RDC.

Agree, I have two, they are 314g / 315g SW with overgrip. Pretty far from what TW review says. Weight is about 324g. Balance 32cm. I'm pretty satisfied, came from the AI 100. The 100 is more forgiving, larger sweetspot. But I hit better with the DR 98 because of the lower launch angle mentioned.

I had to lower tension about 5p in comparison to AI100. I find them to play good at around #48. I string myself on a constant pull (Wise 2086). Big difference compared to my previous crank machine. Same stiffness would have required probably at least #55.
Both Poly Tour Pro 1.25 and Kirschbaum Maxpower 1.25 I like at this tension. I could even go a bit lower I think.

Thinking about adding a bit of lead to 9 and 3. I think DR 98 twists a bit more compared to the AI 100 on off center hits.

I have also found that AI 100 is more comfortable even though it has higher stiffness. My arm felt the change to DR98. AI 100 is the most comfortable frame I have hit by far. Maybe AI 98 was more comfortable than the DR version.

 

[Kurt]

Agree, I have two, they are 314g / 315g SW with overgrip. Pretty far from what TW review says. Weight is about 324g. Balance 32cm. I'm pretty satisfied, came from the AI 100. The 100 is more forgiving, larger sweetspot. But I hit better with the DR 98 because of the lower launch angle mentioned.

I had to lower tension about 5p in comparison to AI100. I find them to play good at around #48. I string myself on a constant pull (Wise 2086). Big difference compared to my previous crank machine. Same stiffness would have required probably at least #55.
Both Poly Tour Pro 1.25 and Kirschbaum Maxpower 1.25 I like at this tension. I could even go a bit lower I think.

Thinking about adding a bit of lead to 9 and 3. I think DR 98 twists a bit more compared to the AI 100 on off center hits.

I have also found that AI 100 is more comfortable even though it has higher stiffness. My arm felt the change to DR98. AI 100 is the most comfortable frame I have hit by far. Maybe AI 98 was more comfortable than the DR version.

Seems like there is a wide range in weight and swingweight differences with the DR98? I have a couple DR98's: one with PTP 16L + overgrap + damper = 342.8g and another with PTF 17 + overgrap + damper = 335.7g. I had one strung previously with a hybrid setup + overgrap + damper = 337g.

I replaced the grip on the one with PTP with a Yonex Super Leather Tour Grip which I assume is the difference in weight from the stock grip? Tried a Tourna Leather Grip in an attempt to increase weight, but did not like it...too stiff and wooden feeling at the handle. I've been hitting with a couple of Duel G 97's 330 of late and find myself wanting to go back to them. I like the DR 98's, however the more I play and hit with the DG the more I seem to want to make the DR98 feel like the DG.

 

[donquijote]

Seems like there is a wide range in weight and swingweight differences with the DR98? I have a couple DR98's: one with PTP 16L + overgrap + damper = 342.8g and another with PTF 17 + overgrap + damper = 335.7g. I had one strung previously with a hybrid setup + overgrap + damper = 337g.

I replaced the grip on the one with PTP with a Yonex Super Leather Tour Grip which I assume is the difference in weight from the stock grip? Tried a Tourna Leather Grip in an attempt to increase weight, but did not like it...too stiff and wooden feeling at the handle. I've been hitting with a couple of Duel G 97's 330 of late and find myself wanting to go back to them. I like the DR 98's, however the more I play and hit with the DG the more I seem to want to make the DR98 feel like the DG.

Duel G 97 is only better if the player is a big hitter with full swing. DR 98 has similar control and plus relatively easier power. Suits better to most players in this board.

 

[CodyZzZ]

Seems like there is a wide range in weight and swingweight differences with the DR98? I have a couple DR98's: one with PTP 16L + overgrap + damper = 342.8g and another with PTF 17 + overgrap + damper = 335.7g. I had one strung previously with a hybrid setup + overgrap + damper = 337g.

I replaced the grip on the one with PTP with a Yonex Super Leather Tour Grip which I assume is the difference in weight from the stock grip? Tried a Tourna Leather Grip in an attempt to increase weight, but did not like it...too stiff and wooden feeling at the handle. I've been hitting with a couple of Duel G 97's 330 of late and find myself wanting to go back to them. I like the DR 98's, however the more I play and hit with the DG the more I seem to want to make the DR98 feel like the DG.

Mine was also off spec compared to TW. Static weight is good, but the strung balance was 8HL instead of listed 6HL, which led to a swingweight of only 310 instead of 324. Had to add quite a lot of weight (12g hoop, 10g handle, heavier Babolat Syntec Pro Grip + Yonex OG) to bring it to my 335-340 SW range. Nonetheless, a joy to play with.

 

[galapagos]

so the hype around yonex spec control is a myth? :< I bough dr 98- will come in a week, waiting for a blade 2015, will demo p17 on the run and im shaking coz it seems i might get a toy for a kids or hammer for Thor.

 

[Phantasm]

so the hype around yonex spec control is a myth? :< I bough dr 98- will come in a week, waiting for a blade 2015, will demo p17 on the run and im shaking coz it seems i might get a toy for a kids or hammer for Thor.

I think unstrung weight-wise, they're all very close. I think most people are using the TW method for SW calculation which can be fairly accurate but still be off with the slightest changes in variables compared to TW which I'm guessing uses an Babolat RDC.

I've found most Yonex rackets that TW measured for me before buying are a bit on the lighter side in regards to listed static specs on the sale page. (weight, balance, SW, etc) as I think is with most peoples' experience. I've never seen a Yonex with past the TW average listed specs, so you have some room to play around if you need more weight in the hoop or other areas.

My DR98 after a Kimony leather grip swap (5g), lead in the buttcap (5g), overgrip + damp (7-8g) is at 344 grams, so I'm close to the stock 326g listed strung weight. I'm not sure on the SW on mine but haven't needed to add any weight in the hoop for more stability or plow yet. YMMV.

Haven't played with the leather grip swap yet since I used it to shrink my grip since it felt a bit big with the standard synthetic and overgrip.

 

[Kurt]

so the hype around yonex spec control is a myth? :< I bough dr 98- will come in a week, waiting for a blade 2015, will demo p17 on the run and im shaking coz it seems i might get a toy for a kids or hammer for Thor.

I tried a Blade 98 18x20...after hitting with the DR98 and DG 97 330, I did not like it at all. Felt hollow and plastic..did not feel solid at all.

 

[rh310]

I think after last night, I've officially made the transition to the DR98. Babo PS17 begone! SV98, while great, just not a good in my case than the DR.

 

[donquijote]

I tried a Blade 98 18x20...after hitting with the DR98 and DG 97 330, I did not like it at all. Felt hollow and plastic..did not feel solid at all.

You probably didn't have the right string and tension, it's a very solid racquet. While DR 98 is a great racquet, Blade 98 18x20 is as good. Fantastic blend of of control and power IMO. I can create more power with Blade but DR 98 has better control. Choice depends on the person. Both can become nearly same as the other one by little customization.

 

[Kurt]

You probably didn't have the right string and tension, it's a very solid racquet. While DR 98 is a great racquet, Blade 98 18x20 is as good. Fantastic blend of of control and power IMO. I can create more power with Blade but DR 98 has better control. Choice depends on the person. Both can become nearly same as the other one by little customization.

It was strung with Hyper-G 16l @ 53lbs. Again, had a very "plastic" feel to it and did not impress at all compared to the DR98 which just feels much more comfortable and stable. The Blade was soft and seemed to have a lot of vibration...perhaps a bad racket?

 

[donquijote]

It was strung with Hyper-G 16l @ 53lbs. Again, had a very "plastic" feel to it and did not impress at all compared to the DR98 which just feels much more comfortable and stable. The Blade was soft and seemed to have a lot of vibration...perhaps a bad racket?

Did you have the same strings with DR98?
My experience is that Blade is more stable than DR98 but I give the edge to the Yonex overall. Wilson QC is not great and you might have had a lemon. If it was a demo racquet, I wouldn't trust it as the string is usually done and racquet can have issues because of over-usage. Buying used and trying with your own string in an unrushed fashion works better.

 

[Phantasm]

I haven't used a 18x20 blade but tried the Blade 16x19 CV w/ Lux Element which was a little head heavier static weight wise mostly in the head (almost even balance) as part of the TW playtest. I'd have to dig out the foam and add silicone to get enough weight in the handle which I didn't want to do to get it to a balance I'd like.

I think it's a personal preference thing as I'm used to frames much more headlight so I couldn't get used to it. The Blade was definitely powerful and comfortable but the DR98 is a more balanced frame imo - more control, enough free power , plenty stable, and no discomfort.

 

[Crie]

I put lead tape. A lot of tape. 5 inch strips for 2 layers. Gives decent SW, even with a 310 base

 

[KitC]

I came from Prostaff 97 (wonderful racquet). I bought a DR98 just by chance. My local shop had the old paint job on sale, they even threw in Alu Power, I asked for the Soft, strung at 50 lb. The DR is 5g lighter than the PS97 but it feels heavier, balance of the two are supposedly the same (310mm). My only gripe is one end of the grommet doesn't fit perfectly like the other end, there is an ever tiny gap between the tip of the grommet and the racquet.

I've hit with it for about 4 hours and I'm seriously considering getting 1 or 2 more. It's everything what it's said to be, comfort, control, power. I am also able to generate more spin than the PS97 too.

 

[mikeeeee]

I put lead tape. A lot of tape. 5 inch strips for 2 layers. Gives decent SW, even with a 310 base

It's funny how different everyone is. I found the 98 unusable with high swing weight. Leather grip + one 4 inch strip of lead at 9 and 3 for stability and it's perfect for me.

Also, Yonex grips have changed over the years. I have a few older frames with 1/4 grips and they are slightly smaller and "rounder" than the DR98 with 1/4. Not sure why they would do this, but it's not very convenient.