Yonex Ezone +

[Jason Skolnick]

Hi All, I am contemplating a change to the Yonex Ezone from the Wilson Burn FST. Have tried the 98, 100 and 98 Tour. I am a bit between the 98 and the 100: 98 is not quite stable enough (particularly at new) and does not quite have enough power while with the 100 I lose bit too much control on groundstrokes (although serve and volleys are great). I think the 98 + may be a great compromise. Has anyone had a chance to play the 98 +. There are only a small handful of reviews that I can find online. I am getting the plus demo in a couple of days, but am thinking it will add the stability and power needed, while maintaining an advantage in control against the 100. Would love to hear your thoughts. I am a 4 - 4.5 player with an all around game. Play a bunch of doubles so serve and volleys are important. Like to hit with power from the baseline, especially on the forward side. One handed backhand - about half slice and half topspin. I have tried a whole slew of racquets from a variety of brands and really like the Yonex. Thanks.

 

[AMGF]

Maybe I should write a thorough review of the Ezone98+, but it's a fantastic frame. I switched to it even though I didn't want to.

Anyway, to your question, the EZ98+ will provide everything your asking: power, stability and better control than 100. Here's how I view each of these characteristics:
-power, I hit my fastest flat serve average ever with it and was only 1mph below my max top speed ever which was the Prince Beasner. I hit some of my best 2hbh ever with that frame. Power on flat strokes is great.
-Stability, is very good. Is it as stable as the VCPro 330g or RF97, not quite. But not far. The advantage is a bit more maneuverability so in my opinion it's a very good compromise. I also play double and it's great at the net for sure.
-control, it's a 8main in the throat 16x19. So not as control oriented as a 18x20, but better than 6main in the throat 16x19. Again great compromise.

I like this frame more than my old VC98+ because it is more comfortable and is much more stable. I like it better than my old DR98+ because it is as comfortable but has more power and stability. Finally I love that my best shots are better (serves, volleys and slice) but it made my weaker shots (flat bh and return of serves) much better than any frame before.

I didn't want to love this frame. I wanted to go back to 27in (more choices), I wanted to change brand as I have been playing with Yonex for 4 years and wanted to move to something else. So I did try the Ezone98+ just so I could scrath it off the list (especially because the 2018 Ezone98+ was a move in the wrong direction compared to the Dr98+) but man, this is such a great frame. I'm not surprised that the Tour is getting rave reviews as it is very similar to the EZ98+ but used weight instead of length to improve on the ezone.

My personnal EZ98+ have leather grip, 2 g at 2 and 10, gut/poly, weighs 343g, 32.6cm, 346sw.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

AMGF - thank you so much. That is incredibly helpful and now makes the wait two more days to get the demos (from Tennis Warehouse) all that much more difficult. I will certainly report back after the demo period as there really are not too many reviews out there. I have tried a bunch of rackets: Clash 100, Blade 98 (16x19), Babolat Pure Aero and Drive (for some reason I simply don't get along with Babolat), VCore, Head Extreme Tour and a handful of others. Never played Yonex before. Like I mentioned, I could learn to live with any of the Ezone frames, honestly. Pros and cons for my game with each, but the power, control, and comfort (a massive increase from the Burn) are all superior. I am hoping the 98+ is the goldilocks.

 

[hadoken]

What is interesting is that a lot more Ezone tours are on the For Sale section than the 98+...I actually just ordered a 98+ to replace my dr98s so we will see how it goes. I like the dr98s very much - just looking for a little more power that I hope to get with the 98+

 

[AMGF]

What is interesting is that a lot more Ezone tours are on the For Sale section than the 98+...I actually just ordered a 98+ to replace my dr98s so we will see how it goes. I like the dr98s very much - just looking for a little more power that I hope to get with the 98+

I’m curious to see your impressions. I think Yonex realized that they went the wrong way with the 2018 Ezone and get the new one back on the Dr track but gave it a bit more tw making it both more stable and powerful. A great decision in my opinion.

I wonder why there are quite a bit of Tour in the classifieds. Maybe the weight is just a bit high for some. Idk.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

When I tried the tour it was heavy, but not a burden for me. It was incredibly stable returning groundstrokes and volleys that had great pace. It never moved a millimeter in my hand while at net. I just found, for me, it lacked power and pop. Especially on my serve. I am by no means a tour player, but I can hit a pretty hard ball. I liked it, and as said above, could certainly learn to use it. But, not sure my elbow and shoulder would hold up over long matches or hitting sessions with how hard I needed to swing at the baseline and serving. Some of this may have to do with playing outdoors in the cool New England fall, where everything is a bit deadened.

 

[Yamin]

I haven't tried the Tour, but the 98+ was my favorite compared to the rest of the lineup. If I had a two handed backhand I would have made the switch. I found it difficult to maneuver for 1 handed backhand when any wrist action could help. Blade 104 is my current favorite extended racket.

 

[pacman-tennis]

I can confirm this. I had the same experience when testing the 98 compared to the 100.

I am a bit between the 98 and the 100: 98 is not quite stable enough (particularly at new) and does not quite have enough power while with the 100 I lose bit too much control on groundstrokes (although serve and volleys are great).

 

[pacman-tennis]

That would be a great review and very helpful to the community. How strong is your game so that you can handle 343g static weight?

Maybe I should write a thorough review of the Ezone98+, but it's a fantastic frame. I switched to it even though I didn't want to.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

Just got the demo of the 98+. Will be trying out first over the weekend and into next week. Will report back.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

AMGF - would love to see a review. Thanks so much.

 

[AMGF]

That would be a great review and very helpful to the community. How strong is your game so that you can handle 343g static weight?

I’ve been playing for 35 years and I started at 10yo with wooden stick. Then in my teen I played with classic 6.1 which is 365g and 347sw stock (still have it). I don’t think my 343g EZ98+ feel heavy.

It really depends on what you learn to play with. Today kids start with short stick and or ultra light frames so by the time they’re adults they still play with lightweight frames.

Here I am swinging my old vc98+ same specs as my ez98+ (344g, 344sw). Not the best vid it was a request from a forum member that wanted to see my swing.

My own 11yo son swinging his Wilson Blade (317g, 334sw):

 

[Jason Skolnick]

Loved the Classic 6.1. Played with it for years, and years, and years.

 

[AMGF]

Loved the Classic 6.1. Played with it for years, and years, and years.

Sweet frame! When I decided to change my vc98+ I did a big demo fest and put it in the bunch. It still is a great frame. But I’m using a whippy swing now and this is not a good frame for that. It’s more of a crush every shot flat type of frame. And boy does it crush the ball when you want to.

 

[AMGF]

Maybe I should write a thorough review of the Ezone98+, but it's a fantastic frame. I switched to it even though I didn't want to.

Anyway, to your question, the EZ98+ will provide everything your asking: power, stability and better control than 100. Here's how I view each of these characteristics:
-power, I hit my fastest flat serve average ever with it and was only 1mph below my max top speed ever which was the Prince Beasner. I hit some of my best 2hbh ever with that frame. Power on flat strokes is great.
-Stability, is very good. Is it as stable as the VCPro 330g or RF97, not quite. But not far. The advantage is a bit more maneuverability so in my opinion it's a very good compromise. I also play double and it's great at the net for sure.
-control, it's a 8main in the throat 16x19. So not as control oriented as a 18x20, but better than 6main in the throat 16x19. Again great compromise.

I like this frame more than my old VC98+ because it is more comfortable and is much more stable. I like it better than my old DR98+ because it is as comfortable but has more power and stability. Finally I love that my best shots are better (serves, volleys and slice) but it made my weaker shots (flat bh and return of serves) much better than any frame before.

I didn't want to love this frame. I wanted to go back to 27in (more choices), I wanted to change brand as I have been playing with Yonex for 4 years and wanted to move to something else. So I did try the Ezone98+ just so I could scrath it off the list (especially because the 2018 Ezone98+ was a move in the wrong direction compared to the Dr98+) but man, this is such a great frame. I'm not surprised that the Tour is getting rave reviews as it is very similar to the EZ98+ but used weight instead of length to improve on the ezone.

My personnal EZ98+ have leather grip, 2 g at 2 and 10, gut/poly, weighs 343g, 32.6cm, 346sw.

Just wanted to update this post. Today I hit a new max speed flat serve at 119mph on the radar. Besting all frames I ever hit with by a good margin. It was no fluke as I backed it with a couple 118mph. Still by the feel of it, I didn't think I hit that hard. It felt like nothing. With the Beasner, it makes a cracking sound and you can feel it through the frame that it was hit hard. I'm just amazed with this new Ezone98+, excellent power and very comfortable. I'm using lux gut and rpm blast rough. It'll be hard to play with anything else now.

If you can swing it, you should give it a good demo.

 

[Phantasm]

I think I'm on the fence right now about making the permanent switch to the ezone 98+ too. Used the Dr98 Standard length for a long time before dabbling with h22/blade pros.

Being not a very tall guy, the extra half inch does give me a bit more pace on the serve which I like. Then on groundstrokes, doing less is more for me with it. I get the same pop and speed on the ground if i keep my backswing nice and compact which I've been focus on fixing a lot lately cuase I tend to pull my arm back and have a loopy backswing and if I do that with extended length, I contact a bit late. On backhand, the isometric headshape seems to help make better contact on the sweetspot.

Only real qualms I have with it is like @AMGF, I have less choices since i like trying racquets LOL. Also, I'm struggling a bit on my serve returns which I pride myself in. I've only had it for a week and 2.5 outings so far so hopefully with more reps I can really get it dialed in.

My specs are 340gm, 32cm Balance Point and 336-337 SW. A little lead at 3/9 + leather grip + lead under the buttcap with Poly Tour Pro which has been my go to string for all my dr98s but I might try Hyper G so I get a bit more bite and spin on the ball since the new ezones pattern is slightly more open than the dr98.

 

[Wheelz]

I think I'm on the fence right now about making the permanent switch to the ezone 98+ too. Used the Dr98 Standard length for a long time before dabbling with h22/blade pros.

Being not a very tall guy, the extra half inch does give me a bit more pace on the serve which I like.

Ha, I wonder if all small guys should consider the extended side of things ! I am barely 5'7 and athletic. I do like to hit with power, but I am just wondering if I'll struggle on defense compared to a lighter racquet or if it's just a matter of adjusting, like you said (compact strokes etc).

 

[pacman-tennis]

Ha, I wonder if all small guys should consider the extended side of things ! I am barely 5'7 and athletic. I do like to hit with power, but I am just wondering if I'll struggle on defense compared to a lighter racquet or if it's just a matter of adjusting, like you said (compact strokes etc).

I'm piggybacking here. I also think spin generation might be harder due to the maneuverability disadvantage.

 

[Phantasm]

Ha, I wonder if all small guys should consider the extended side of things ! I am barely 5'7 and athletic. I do like to hit with power, but I am just wondering if I'll struggle on defense compared to a lighter racquet or if it's just a matter of adjusting, like you said (compact strokes etc).

Yeah I'm a similar height and fairly athletic as well. I'm still getting used the the extended length but I'll think it'll help my game in the long run. Other than returns, , I don't really notice a struggle in defense if I'm running down balls. I'm struggling more on being offensive and keeping it dialed in on shorter balls (think I'm trying to be over compact and elbows too close to the body causing open racket face and not enough racket drop)

Schwartzman is 170cm, barely 5'7" and he's in the top 10 using extended length so there must be some secret sauce in the extra length. I think he uses like 27.75" but close enough.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

Hit with the 98+ and 100 today for the first time. Side by side. This is simply my experience and observations. Many of these things are probably a me thing and not a racquet thing. Want to have a couple of more sessions to make a final decision. I am 47. Between a 4 and 4.5 player. Like to hit hard from the baseline. One handed backhand. Like to play doubles so serve and volleys are important as well.
1. 98 Tour was too heavy for me and did not provide enough power. I felt that it would be too much wear on my arm having to swing so hard to generate power. Did not provide enough power on my serve.
2. 98 was not heavy enough. The main drawback were lack of stability. Playing net against a hard hitting opponent the 98 was not stable enough. It would twist a bit in my hand. Otherwise, nice overall racquet, but a bit under-powered for my liking.
3. It came down to 100 vs 98+
Pros for the 98+: It was a really nice stable racquet with great feel. I could absolutely crush my forehand from anywhere on the court. First serves were about as powerful as I have ever hit AND I could generate really nice spin on second serves.
Cons for the 98+: I could just not center up my backhand. Would only hit the sweet spot about 25% of the time. Probably due to lack of familiarity with a longer racquet. But, it was a pretty big drawback for me. Also, a tad heavy which made maneuverability more difficult at net and while chasing down balls. Very stable at the net but did not have the pop of the 100.
Pros for the 100: Super stable and comfortable racquet. Great on first serve, albeit just a tad behind the 98+. Great on forehand. Very similar, although just a very small tad behind the 98+ especially when generating (lack of generation from the 100) spin on the forehand. Much better for me on the backhand. Slice and topspin were much, much more consistent. Maneuverability led to significantly better net play and the ability to flick the racquet out while lunging when chasing down balls. More power, by a good margin, at net.
Cons for the 100: I could not generate spin on my second serve. I will have to play around a bit to get a consistent second serve.
Conclusion: based on one hitting session, and I may change my mind after a few more outings, I am leaning towards the 100 (with a more spin oriented string then the poly that is what came with the demo). The slightest disadvantage on the forehand and first serve, are more than made up for by maneuverability, backhand (slice and topspin) and net play. And, the 100 being lighter was just overall a more comfortable racquet for me. I am hoping that by playing a bit with strings and tension I can solve the spin and second serve issue.
Would love to hear others thoughts.

 

[AMGF]

Hit with the 98+ and 100 today for the first time. Side by side. This is simply my experience and observations. Many of these things are probably a me thing and not a racquet thing. Want to have a couple of more sessions to make a final decision. I am 47. Between a 4 and 4.5 player. Like to hit hard from the baseline. One handed backhand. Like to play doubles so serve and volleys are important as well.
1. 98 Tour was too heavy for me and did not provide enough power. I felt that it would be too much wear on my arm having to swing so hard to generate power. Did not provide enough power on my serve.
2. 98 was not heavy enough. The main drawback were lack of stability. Playing net against a hard hitting opponent the 98 was not stable enough. It would twist a bit in my hand. Otherwise, nice overall racquet, but a bit under-powered for my liking.
3. It came down to 100 vs 98+
Pros for the 98+: It was a really nice stable racquet with great feel. I could absolutely crush my forehand from anywhere on the court. First serves were about as powerful as I have ever hit AND I could generate really nice spin on second serves.
Cons for the 98+: I could just not center up my backhand. Would only hit the sweet spot about 25% of the time. Probably due to lack of familiarity with a longer racquet. But, it was a pretty big drawback for me. Also, a tad heavy which made maneuverability more difficult at net and while chasing down balls. Very stable at the net but did not have the pop of the 100.
Pros for the 100: Super stable and comfortable racquet. Great on first serve, albeit just a tad behind the 98+. Great on forehand. Very similar, although just a very small tad behind the 98+ especially when generating (lack of generation from the 100) spin on the forehand. Much better for me on the backhand. Slice and topspin were much, much more consistent. Maneuverability led to significantly better net play and the ability to flick the racquet out while lunging when chasing down balls. More power, by a good margin, at net.
Cons for the 100: I could not generate spin on my second serve. I will have to play around a bit to get a consistent second serve.
Conclusion: based on one hitting session, and I may change my mind after a few more outings, I am leaning towards the 100 (with a more spin oriented string then the poly that is what came with the demo). The slightest disadvantage on the forehand and first serve, are more than made up for by maneuverability, backhand (slice and topspin) and net play. And, the 100 being lighter was just overall a more comfortable racquet for me. I am hoping that by playing a bit with strings and tension I can solve the spin and second serve issue.
Would love to hear others thoughts.

Ez98+ stock for me was not HL enough. Added a leather grip and it really made it shine. You say you have a one hand bh, usually more HL frames work better for ohbh. Leather grip should help. If it's a demo just add 10g of putty in the handle of stick lead underneath the overgrip and give it a go. I didn't try the 100 so I can't comment on this one.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

Ez98+ stock for me was not HL enough. Added a leather grip and it really made it shine. You say you have a one hand bh, usually more HL frames work better for ohbh. Leather grip should help. If it's a demo just add 10g of putty in the handle of stick lead underneath the overgrip and give it a go. I didn't try the 100 so I can't comment on this one.

Thank you so much. I have never really done any customization so forgive my perhaps stupid question: is a leather grip the same as an overgrip? The backhand issue was not necessarily swinging the racquet through the strike zone. It was centering up the ball in the sweet spot. Was not making solid contact. Could certainly be the weighting you mention, or just my lack of experience with a longer racquet and muscle memory trying to get the racquet head in the wrong place - a half inch too far away. I will throw on the over grip before next hitting session Thursday morning. Thank you for the advice.

 

[AmericanTwist]

leather grip only comes as a replacement grip. People often put overgrips over the leather for better grip and feel, but leather will give a better feel vs a synthetic replacement grip. Swing earlier for topspin else slice the ball back. Recognize you can't always hit a topspin backhand with a one hander on every shot like you can with a two hander...

 

[Jason Skolnick]

I liked the slice with the 98+, but liked it more with the 100. The lighter weight but still stable racquet felt good to me on BH slices from the baseline and slice approach shots. The mishits on the topspin BH were mishits where I would hit the topspin 100 out of 100 times.

 

[Power Player]

Just wanted to update this post. Today I hit a new max speed flat serve at 119mph on the radar. Besting all frames I ever hit with by a good margin. It was no fluke as I backed it with a couple 118mph. Still by the feel of it, I didn't think I hit that hard. It felt like nothing. With the Beasner, it makes a cracking sound and you can feel it through the frame that it was hit hard. I'm just amazed with this new Ezone98+, excellent power and very comfortable. I'm using lux gut and rpm blast rough. It'll be hard to play with anything else now.

If you can swing it, you should give it a good demo.

i hit with this frame briefly tonight and was very impressed. It feels fantastic- very plush and soft. Im currently using the 100 and love it. Definitely intrigued with this one though. The feel was excellent and ill have to hit with it a little more to see how it goes, but it swung pretty fast.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

i hit with this frame briefly tonight and was very impressed. It feels fantastic- very plush and soft. Im currently using the 100 and love it. Definitely intrigued with this one though. The feel was excellent and ill have to hit with it a little more to see how it goes, but it swung pretty fast.

Power Player - would love to hear your thoughts on how the 98+ and 100 compare. I am deciding between the two frames. I can easily see myself with either racquet.

 

[Power Player]

Power Player - would love to hear your thoughts on how the 98+ and 100 compare. I am deciding between the two frames. I can easily see myself with either racquet.

I need to get more time with the 98+ because I really liked it. The 100 is very easy to use and its easy to generate a ton of racquet head speed with it. Has decent plow and supports flat or heavy spin style hitting. Feel is great for a stiff frame, but the 98+ feels exceptional to me- soft and classic with a lot of plow. The only negative I can find about the 100 is that I tend to kill poly strings in it before 6 hours since the pattern is a bit more open.

The thing I need to figure out is if the 98+ gets tiring over time or if the SW is manageable. I used the v7 Blade for a year and I love it, but it can drain your energy towards the end of a match. I suspect the 98+ should be easier to use and allow me to keep up the racquet head speed the entire time. I dont want a frame that slows my swing down too much, but I did not get the impression that would happen in my limited time with the 98+.

@AMGF is probably the poster here with the most time on this frame, but maybe some others can chime in.

 

[Wheelz]

Tried briefly again the 98+ yesterday, indoors. Things my opponent said a few times out loud "damn why am i so late with my timing today"... maybe the + factor ? In any case it seemed to hit a nice heavy ball. Ill try it again today but outdoors where its cold and probably slower balls and continue to test.

 

[AMGF]

I need to get more time with the 98+ because I really liked it. The 100 is very easy to use and its easy to generate a ton of racquet head speed with it. Has decent plow and supports flat or heavy spin style hitting. Feel is great for a stiff frame, but the 98+ feels exceptional to me- soft and classic with a lot of plow. The only negative I can find about the 100 is that I tend to kill poly strings in it before 6 hours since the pattern is a bit more open.

The thing I need to figure out is if the 98+ gets tiring over time or if the SW is manageable. I used the v7 Blade for a year and I love it, but it can drain your energy towards the end of a match. I suspect the 98+ should be easier to use and allow me to keep up the racquet head speed the entire time. I dont want a frame that slows my swing down too much, but I did not get the impression that would happen in my limited time with the 98+.

@AMGF is probably the poster here with the most time on this frame, but maybe some others can chime in.

Everyone is different but I personally added leather grips and lead to my Ezones so no I don’t believe I’ll get tired with them. That’s a point I like actually from the new Ezone98+, Yonex didn’t push the specs too far and left some room for customization. The VC98+ I used prior to my switch were 340 stock and had low 13.5 TW so any weight to help stabilizing the frame cranked the SW up in the high 340s to 350s. I feel the EZ98+ stock TW of 14.2 to be a good balance between stable and maneuverable. So I only added a bit of lead to raise the sw over 340. But it’s still totally playable stock.

Stock sw and weight is very manageable for anyone that has good enough technique and is not arming the ball. I think Yonex nailed it with the new Ezone, it’s better in my opinion, than the praised DR. If Yonex had originally replaced the DR with this one I think people would not miss the old DR at all. But the previous Ezone was stiff and people that loved the DR kinda moved to other frames and will not try this one thinking it’s not much different. They should have called it something like the Ezone DR2.0 or something like that. Just so previous DR lovers give it a try.

 

[Power Player]

Everyone is different but I personally added leather grips and lead to my Ezones so no I don’t believe I’ll get tired with them. That’s a point I like actually from the new Ezone98+, Yonex didn’t push the specs too far and left some room for customization. The VC98+ I used prior to my switch were 340 stock and had low 13.5 TW so any weight to help stabilizing the frame cranked the SW up in the high 340s to 350s. I feel the EZ98+ stock TW of 14.2 to be a good balance between stable and maneuverable. So I only added a bit of lead to raise the sw over 340. But it’s still totally playable stock.

Stock sw and weight is very manageable for anyone that has good enough technique and is not arming the ball. I think Yonex nailed it with the new Ezone, it’s better in my opinion, than the praised DR. If Yonex had originally replaced the DR with this one I think people would not miss the old DR at all. But the previous Ezone was stiff and people that loved the DR kinda moved to other frames and will not try this one thinking it’s not much different. They should have called it something like the Ezone DR2.0 or something like that. Just so previous DR lovers give it a try.

Yeah I agree, the feel is reminiscent of the DR for sure. It grabbed me very quickly. I tried the 100+ and my 100 with the 98+ and the 98+ had really good feel. I have an ultra tour in my bag so I have a good reference for that.

I just got a 98+ from TW because I do think I should play well with it and not have many issues. The higher Sw of the extended frames doesn't feel like it does on a standard to me. Not sure why, but I am sure its just due to the physics of the longer handle.

Anyway, ill post impressions and compare directly to the 100. Probably will make the comparison over the course of 4-6 weeks and see how it goes with both.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

Another hitting and playing session this morning against a very, very good player and strong baseline player. I had previously played this same opponent a few weeks ago with the 98 tour, so this was a great comparison. Long story short, just placed an order for the 98+. I know this is different than where I was leaning before, but following are the reasons:
The forehand with the 98+ is just ridiculous. I got pushed around when I was using the tour (which felt heavier and lacked the pop of both the 98+ and 100). But, with the 98+ I was able to go on offense the second I got a forehand. I had a fantastic number of ripped crosscourt forehand winners. The racquet was incredibly comfortable, stable, massive power with excellent control. I was able to play fantastic offense while still not worrying about hitting long.
Serve was fantastic. I took a couple of tiebreakers that we played. Out of about 14 service points between the two tie breaks had a couple of aces, no double faults, and a really dangerous and high kicking second serve. I was simply not able to control the 100 on my second serve. Having not to worry about going for it on the first serve because I knew I was going to get the second serve in was great.
Service returns were a really pleasant surprise with 98+. Incredibly stable. Felt really good to swing away on forehand returns and crush second serve returns. The stability and weight of the racquet helped me when blocking back backhand returns.
Backhand was still a bit problematic. But, was better than before. I was still late sometimes winding up the longer and heavier racquet. I played around with choking up a tiny bit on the one handed backhand to offset the length of the racquet and this was a pretty good temporary solution. With the 100 I had trouble controlling the backhand power or getting quite enough topspin so ended up hitting a lot of balls long. Slight edge to the 100 though.
Volleys were solid, but still prefer the 100. The 100 was lighter, more maneuverable but still managed more pop. Definite edge to the 100.
Overall, decided on the 98+ for the forehand and serve which were significantly superior for me with the 98+, the service return which was better with the 98+. These factors overcame slight underperformance (which I will adapt to) at net and on the backhand.

 

[Power Player]

Another hitting and playing session this morning against a very, very good player and strong baseline player. I had previously played this same opponent a few weeks ago with the 98 tour, so this was a great comparison. Long story short, just placed an order for the 98+. I know this is different than where I was leaning before, but following are the reasons:
The forehand with the 98+ is just ridiculous. I got pushed around when I was using the tour (which felt heavier and lacked the pop of both the 98+ and 100). But, with the 98+ I was able to go on offense the second I got a forehand. I had a fantastic number of ripped crosscourt forehand winners. The racquet was incredibly comfortable, stable, massive power with excellent control. I was able to play fantastic offense while still not worrying about hitting long.
Serve was fantastic. I took a couple of tiebreakers that we played. Out of about 14 service points between the two tie breaks had a couple of aces, no double faults, and a really dangerous and high kicking second serve. I was simply not able to control the 100 on my second serve. Having not to worry about going for it on the first serve because I knew I was going to get the second serve in was great.
Service returns were a really pleasant surprise with 98+. Incredibly stable. Felt really good to swing away on forehand returns and crush second serve returns. The stability and weight of the racquet helped me when blocking back backhand returns.
Backhand was still a bit problematic. But, was better than before. I was still late sometimes winding up the longer and heavier racquet. I played around with choking up a tiny bit on the one handed backhand to offset the length of the racquet and this was a pretty good temporary solution. With the 100 I had trouble controlling the backhand power or getting quite enough topspin so ended up hitting a lot of balls long. Slight edge to the 100 though.
Volleys were solid, but still prefer the 100. The 100 was lighter, more maneuverable but still managed more pop. Definite edge to the 100.
Overall, decided on the 98+ for the forehand and serve which were significantly superior for me with the 98+, the service return which was better with the 98+. These factors overcame slight underperformance (which I will adapt to) at net and on the backhand.

Awesome. I just got my +in and will string it up. So I will be able to log court time (weather looks rough though) with it and use my strings..etc. Everything you are saying sounds extremely favorable to how I like to play.

 

[Jason Skolnick]

Awesome. I just got my +in and will string it up. So I will be able to log court time (weather looks rough though) with it and use my strings..etc. Everything you are saying sounds extremely favorable to how I like to play.

When you get a chance to play would love to hear your thoughts. What string will you be using?

 

[Power Player]

When you get a chance to play would love to hear your thoughts. What string will you be using?

for sure. My go to is silver 7 tour. 1.25

 

[AMGF]

Another hitting and playing session this morning against a very, very good player and strong baseline player. I had previously played this same opponent a few weeks ago with the 98 tour, so this was a great comparison. Long story short, just placed an order for the 98+. I know this is different than where I was leaning before, but following are the reasons:
The forehand with the 98+ is just ridiculous. I got pushed around when I was using the tour (which felt heavier and lacked the pop of both the 98+ and 100). But, with the 98+ I was able to go on offense the second I got a forehand. I had a fantastic number of ripped crosscourt forehand winners. The racquet was incredibly comfortable, stable, massive power with excellent control. I was able to play fantastic offense while still not worrying about hitting long.
Serve was fantastic. I took a couple of tiebreakers that we played. Out of about 14 service points between the two tie breaks had a couple of aces, no double faults, and a really dangerous and high kicking second serve. I was simply not able to control the 100 on my second serve. Having not to worry about going for it on the first serve because I knew I was going to get the second serve in was great.
Service returns were a really pleasant surprise with 98+. Incredibly stable. Felt really good to swing away on forehand returns and crush second serve returns. The stability and weight of the racquet helped me when blocking back backhand returns.
Backhand was still a bit problematic. But, was better than before. I was still late sometimes winding up the longer and heavier racquet. I played around with choking up a tiny bit on the one handed backhand to offset the length of the racquet and this was a pretty good temporary solution. With the 100 I had trouble controlling the backhand power or getting quite enough topspin so ended up hitting a lot of balls long. Slight edge to the 100 though.
Volleys were solid, but still prefer the 100. The 100 was lighter, more maneuverable but still managed more pop. Definite edge to the 100.
Overall, decided on the 98+ for the forehand and serve which were significantly superior for me with the 98+, the service return which was better with the 98+. These factors overcame slight underperformance (which I will adapt to) at net and on the backhand.

Pretty much in line with my own impressions. The only difference is the backhand, I hit nasty flat bh with the Ezone98+. I got dialed in immediatly, so much I was hitting better backhand with the ez98+ the first session with it than with my 2 yo VC98+. I'm sure once you get dialed in, you'll get the same power and control on your bh as you get on the forehand.

I don't know why the forum is mostly ignoring this frame as it is fantastic.

 

[Alien]

Hi all

Currently I use the VC98+. Playing almost everyday, sometimes double session, probably at a high 4.5 or 5.0 level (different continent, just guessing). I add 5g of lead at 10 and 2, plus a long dampener and overgrip, a rather heavy stick that let me rip forehands and serves.

I have 3 of them, I was considering buying a 4th stick but suddenly after my increase in number of trainings my elbow has started to bother. Not impending but it is there.

I would like to hear about anyone comparing VC98+ which I love with the Ez98+, particularly in terms of spin production and heaviness, serves. Given I add lead, stability is not an issue.

Trying to decide on adding a new VC98+ before they disappear or moving to Ez98+ which seems to be gentle on the elbow.

Not easy to demo here.

Thanks in advance!

 

[AMGF]

Hi all

Currently I use the VC98+. Playing almost everyday, sometimes double session, probably at a high 4.5 or 5.0 level (different continent, just guessing). I add 5g of lead at 10 and 2, plus a long dampener and overgrip, a rather heavy stick that let me rip forehands and serves.

I have 3 of them, I was considering buying a 4th stick but suddenly after my increase in number of trainings my elbow has started to bother. Not impending but it is there.

I would like to hear about anyone comparing VC98+ which I love with the Ez98+, particularly in terms of spin production and heaviness, serves. Given I add lead, stability is not an issue.

Trying to decide on adding a new VC98+ before they disappear or moving to Ez98+ which seems to be gentle on the elbow.

Not easy to demo here.

Thanks in advance!

Impossible for us to help you compare the Ez98+ to your modded VC98+.

Spin: a small nudge to the VC
Heaviness: The frame with the higher SW wins as spin is similar.
Serve: I hit faster serves with the EZ

You wonder if the EZ+ would be a good switch because your elbow starts to bother. The EZ+ is more comfortable and the hoop is definitely not as stiff as on the VC+. It flexes a bit in the throat like the DR did. It is more comfortable.

 

[Alien]

Thanks. You are right but I assume I will also add lead to anything I buy.

I know or assume Ez will be easier on my arm.

The question was really on spin production (it is my game, exclusively clay courts down here) and I take your opinion is that they are close.

Tempting.

 

[AMGF]

Thanks. You are right but I assume I will also add lead to anything I buy.

I know or assume Ez will be easier on my arm.

The question was really on spin production (it is my game, exclusively clay courts down here) and I take your opinion is that they are close.

Tempting.

I think spin is a bit better on VC. I don’t think it is a big difference though, not enough to discard Ez for sure.

 

[n80aoag]

Thanks to this thread I missed out on the used Ezone + for sale by TW that I had been eyeing. It was a B grade in used quality but my used history with TW often were nicer than their rating description portrayed

 

[hadoken]

I don't know why the forum is mostly ignoring this frame as it is fantastic.

Yah it's a little odd because the older DR98+ was super well rated

 

[stealthfighter69]

Impossible for us to help you compare the Ez98+ to your modded VC98+.

Spin: a small nudge to the VC
Heaviness: The frame with the higher SW wins as spin is similar.
Serve: I hit faster serves with the EZ

You wonder if the EZ+ would be a good switch because your elbow starts to bother. The EZ+ is more comfortable and the hoop is definitely not as stiff as on the VC+. It flexes a bit in the throat like the DR did. It is more comfortable.

What about manuevrability between the Ezone 98+ and 100+ and PA+?

 

[AMGF]

What about manuevrability between the Ezone 98+ and 100+ and PA+?

PA+ is so light and lowish sw that it is more maneuverable. I didn’t try the ez100+.

 

[Power Player]

What about manuevrability between the Ezone 98+ and 100+ and PA+?

Ive tried all 3, the only thing is the PA+ I used (used for a year) was the 2016.

PA comes through really fast - its 5 grams lighter.
Ezone 98+ is not far behind though. It has a natural swing to it. Not sure how to describe it, but its super easy to swing the 98+ fast and never lose control of it.
100+ is definitley the most sluggish. Higher SW, larger head and more HH balance contributes there. I have the regular 100 and love it, but I prefer the 98+ when it comes to the XLs.

 

[Power Player]

I posted my initial review of the 98+ here if anyone is interested. I’m really impressed with the frame.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/diary-of-a-racketaholic.347887/post-14801114

 

[Jason Skolnick]

I posted my initial review of the 98+ here if anyone is interested. I’m really impressed with the frame.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/diary-of-a-racketaholic.347887/post-14801114

PP - I read the full review on the other thread. I agree pretty much with everything you said. The forehand and serve feels like cheating they are so good. You mentioned it in the review about the spin on the serve. I felt so confident in my second serve, with a huge kick, that I had no problem really going for a first serve. Never had to worry about a double fault.

 

[Power Player]

PP - I read the full review on the other thread. I agree pretty much with everything you said. The forehand and serve feels like cheating they are so good. You mentioned it in the review about the spin on the serve. I felt so confident in my second serve, with a huge kick, that I had no problem really going for a first serve. Never had to worry about a double fault.

Yeah its really a fun frame. I am looking forward to more time with it. The forehands are indeed ridiculous.

 

[AMGF]

Yeah its really a fun frame. I am looking forward to more time with it. The forehands are indeed ridiculous.

I played doubles a couple weeks ago. I decided to do a slap fh as I returned a 1st serve. Pretty sure my fh return was faster than his serve.

This frame let’s you take chances and rewards you with awesomeness.

 

[AMGF]

Today this happened! I love this racquet!

https://flic.kr/p/2k4h1s9

 

[Jason Skolnick]

That is awesome. My new frames are set up and ready to go for my doubles match this afternoon.