Yonex & Head racket help!

[HPTennis]

Looking for some racket help as demoing in the UK has become very difficult!

I’m an aggressive baseliner with a single handed backhand, typically hitting a flatter ball rather than heavy top spin. Have played for 15+ years, and am currently at a 5.0.

I’m coming from a Wilson Blade 98 but find the frame quite underpowered and dead outside of the sweet spot (and fancied a change!).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following based on specs: Yonex EZone 98 tour, Head Radical Pro 23 and Head Prestige Pro 21. Those specs being a 98 square inch head, 320+ grams strung weight, a HL balance, a thin(ish) beam, a swingweight of 320+ and an RA <65.

I was wondering if anyone has played with several of these and could give their thoughts on a comparison? Or potentially other rackets in that range I haven't thought of?

Many thanks!

 

[vsbabolat]

Looking for some racket help as demoing in the UK has become very difficult!

I’m an aggressive baseliner with a single handed backhand, typically hitting a flatter ball rather than heavy top spin. Have played for 15+ years, and am currently at a 5.0.

I’m coming from a Wilson Blade 98 but find the frame quite underpowered and dead outside of the sweet spot (and fancied a change!).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following based on specs: Yonex EZone 98 tour, Head Radical Pro 23 and Head Prestige Pro 21. Those specs being a 98 square inch head, 320+ grams strung weight, a HL balance, a thin(ish) beam, a swingweight of 320+ and an RA <65.

I was wondering if anyone has played with several of these and could give their thoughts on a comparison? Or potentially other rackets in that range I haven't thought of?

Many thanks!

I haven’t hit with the Ezone 98 but have played the Radical Pro and Prestige Pro. My preference is for the Prestige Pro for its plush feel and great control.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

The Tour is great but is NOT HL just like the Blades aren't really, but the regular ezone 98 might surprise you. You will need to give it a solid 3 months though, not try it and dismiss it after a weekend. It will be slightly lighter, but the balance is good for 1 handers . Also VC95.

 

[jdx2112]

Looking for some racket help as demoing in the UK has become very difficult!

I’m an aggressive baseliner with a single handed backhand, typically hitting a flatter ball rather than heavy top spin. Have played for 15+ years, and am currently at a 5.0.

I’m coming from a Wilson Blade 98 but find the frame quite underpowered and dead outside of the sweet spot (and fancied a change!).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following based on specs: Yonex EZone 98 tour, Head Radical Pro 23 and Head Prestige Pro 21. Those specs being a 98 square inch head, 320+ grams strung weight, a HL balance, a thin(ish) beam, a swingweight of 320+ and an RA <65.

I was wondering if anyone has played with several of these and could give their thoughts on a comparison? Or potentially other rackets in that range I haven't thought of?

Many thanks!

I think one spec you are missing here, which would eliminate the Ezone, is beam width. As a Blade v8 user that is dabbling with other sticks, I find racquets with beam thickness greater than 23mm to feel quite fat and slow through the air. Say what you will about the Blade, it's not a slow racquet to swing, particularly on serve. Not sure the Radical Pro or the Prestige are inherently more powerful than the Blade, other than that they are heavier, but you may want to consider the Radical MP Auxeti and the PA98...

 

[fundrazer]

Could always wait for next iteration of the Blade to see if it delivers what you're looking for. Also, if you're playing 18x20 Blade, maybe 16x19 could be the ticket for you.

Not sure why you'd consider Prestige line if you feel like Blade line is underpowered. Might think to suggest trying Speed Pro instead.

 

[jimmy8]

Looking for some racket help as demoing in the UK has become very difficult!

I’m an aggressive baseliner with a single handed backhand, typically hitting a flatter ball rather than heavy top spin. Have played for 15+ years, and am currently at a 5.0.

I’m coming from a Wilson Blade 98 but find the frame quite underpowered and dead outside of the sweet spot (and fancied a change!).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following based on specs: Yonex EZone 98 tour, Head Radical Pro 23 and Head Prestige Pro 21. Those specs being a 98 square inch head, 320+ grams strung weight, a HL balance, a thin(ish) beam, a swingweight of 320+ and an RA <65.

I was wondering if anyone has played with several of these and could give their thoughts on a comparison? Or potentially other rackets in that range I haven't thought of?

Many thanks!

I don't know if you would like the 18x20 of the prestige pro.

If you think blade is underpowered, then you should try extreme tour and boom pro.

 

[tomkowy]

Looking for some racket help as demoing in the UK has become very difficult!

I’m an aggressive baseliner with a single handed backhand, typically hitting a flatter ball rather than heavy top spin. Have played for 15+ years, and am currently at a 5.0.

I’m coming from a Wilson Blade 98 but find the frame quite underpowered and dead outside of the sweet spot (and fancied a change!).

I’ve narrowed it down to the following based on specs: Yonex EZone 98 tour, Head Radical Pro 23 and Head Prestige Pro 21. Those specs being a 98 square inch head, 320+ grams strung weight, a HL balance, a thin(ish) beam, a swingweight of 320+ and an RA <65.

I was wondering if anyone has played with several of these and could give their thoughts on a comparison? Or potentially other rackets in that range I haven't thought of?

Many thanks!

Prestige Pro will not have more power than the Blade 98 for sure.

 

[uk_skippy]

Where in the UK are you? Maybe I can help with demo's ;-)

 

[jdx2112]

Could always wait for next iteration of the Blade to see if it delivers what you're looking for. Also, if you're playing 18x20 Blade, maybe 16x19 could be the ticket for you.

Not sure why you'd consider Prestige line if you feel like Blade line is underpowered. Might think to suggest trying Speed Pro instead.

Speed Pro is nice, but maybe a bit difficult for a ohbh?

 

[J-Wildcard]

I recently tried the Radical Pro and wasn't sure where it fits in. For me I was expecting it to be a bit easier to use than the Prestige Pro as the previous version were. I would say it was a more demanding stick than I expected. The Prestige series since the mould change has become easier to handle and more forgiving but doesn't have the same response anymore. The string spacing is wider which many 16/19 users would actually prefer as most of Heads line has gone down the route over the years after 18/20 was very tight traditionally in that central section. I still haven't been able to try a Blade V8 which I have heard is good after not being a fan of the v5 & V6 due to their stiffness and head heavy balance.
A lot seem to enjoy the ezone 98 and I have hit with an ezone a few times and found it way overpowered, in my opinion when going big. I am looking to try and get a discounted Yonex Vcore pro 97D now they are about to end the current line with the new version out on a couple of weeks. That may be worth a consideration. I see you mention frames being underpowered, if you are looking for more free power the the ezone and Speed Pro in the Head line are probably worth considering. Just beware that the free power comes at the cost of less control when going bigger, the frames are often wider beamed. A good option may be the Gravity Pro as it hits bigger than the prestige and easier, I just found the maneuverability a bit off what I like when at the net and last minute adjustments otherwise the sweetspot was very generous and forgiving.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-the head.radical=wilson.blades, but radicals are a bit tighter!!, might be what you are looking for
-its a very nice racquet, i have the 2021 and 2023!
-i do like the blades abit more, since i can spin and be a tad bit more creative with spin shots with it
-the ezone.tour is nice, but i think you need to wait for the 2023 y.vcore.98.TOUR coming soon
-that i.think/i.hope will be a nice surprice to all the 1hbh players

 

[jdx2112]

-the head.radical=wilson.blades, but radicals are a bit tighter!!, might be what you are looking for
-its a very nice racquet, i have the 2021 and 2023!
-i do like the blades abit more, since i can spin and be a tad bit more creative with spin shots with it
-the ezone.tour is nice, but i think you need to wait for the 2023 y.vcore.98.TOUR coming soon
-that i.think/i.hope will be a nice surprice to all the 1hbh players

agreed. the blade offers more dwell time on the strings than the Radical, which is why it imparts more spin...or gives you more time to shape the ball...

 

[HPTennis]

Apologies that I went awol on this one - changed laptops and have just logged back in!

The Tour is great but is NOT HL just like the Blades aren't really, but the regular ezone 98 might surprise you. You will need to give it a solid 3 months though, not try it and dismiss it after a weekend. It will be slightly lighter, but the balance is good for 1 handers . Also VC95.

I hit with a friends Ezone 98 and I can't definitely see it isn't HL and it felt quite sluggish to me, I understand what you said about 3 months but that wasn't an option unfortunately!

I think one spec you are missing here, which would eliminate the Ezone, is beam width. As a Blade v8 user that is dabbling with other sticks, I find racquets with beam thickness greater than 23mm to feel quite fat and slow through the air. Say what you will about the Blade, it's not a slow racquet to swing, particularly on serve. Not sure the Radical Pro or the Prestige are inherently more powerful than the Blade, other than that they are heavier, but you may want to consider the Radical MP Auxeti and the PA98...

You know you're definitely right! Beam width is very important and I do much prefer a thin beam, especially with the one-hander and slice! So that certainly does reduced the potential list down somewhat...

I don't know if you would like the 18x20 of the prestige pro.

If you think blade is underpowered, then you should try extreme tour and boom pro.

So after this, I did in fact buy the prestige pro and... It's very underpowered and feels heavy in the hand, especially after a few hours and with the one-hander and on serve - at 320g I think it's too heavy for me and with what feels like a small sweet spot, quite unforgiving. I have already had a boom pro in the past and didn't like it at all - feels like a wannabe Babolat to me, stiff, hollow and tinny...

Where in the UK are you? Maybe I can help with demo's ;-)

I am in Sussex, my demoing thus far consists of buying the racket and then selling it on **** for a loss! (speaking of which, I have a Head Boom Pro & Head Prestige Pro for sale as above haha)

I recently tried the Radical Pro and wasn't sure where it fits in. For me I was expecting it to be a bit easier to use than the Prestige Pro as the previous version were. I would say it was a more demanding stick than I expected. The Prestige series since the mould change has become easier to handle and more forgiving but doesn't have the same response anymore. The string spacing is wider which many 16/19 users would actually prefer as most of Heads line has gone down the route over the years after 18/20 was very tight traditionally in that central section. I still haven't been able to try a Blade V8 which I have heard is good after not being a fan of the v5 & V6 due to their stiffness and head heavy balance.
A lot seem to enjoy the ezone 98 and I have hit with an ezone a few times and found it way overpowered, in my opinion when going big. I am looking to try and get a discounted Yonex Vcore pro 97D now they are about to end the current line with the new version out on a couple of weeks. That may be worth a consideration. I see you mention frames being underpowered, if you are looking for more free power the the ezone and Speed Pro in the Head line are probably worth considering. Just beware that the free power comes at the cost of less control when going bigger, the frames are often wider beamed. A good option may be the Gravity Pro as it hits bigger than the prestige and easier, I just found the maneuverability a bit off what I like when at the net and last minute adjustments otherwise the sweetspot was very generous and forgiving.

Thanks for this, all useful info! I like the look of the Speed specs, apart from the beam and the Gravity is also interesting but I have heard issues with manoeuvrability - especially with the one handed backhand! Let me know how you get on with the Yonex VCore pro if you go for it

-the head.radical=wilson.blades, but radicals are a bit tighter!!, might be what you are looking for
-its a very nice racquet, i have the 2021 and 2023!
-i do like the blades abit more, since i can spin and be a tad bit more creative with spin shots with it
-the ezone.tour is nice, but i think you need to wait for the 2023 y.vcore.98.TOUR coming soon
-that i.think/i.hope will be a nice surprice to all the 1hbh players

Yes I would definitely like to try the radical! When is the new Vcore coming??


I am now looking at the Prince Phantom 100P - I already have a Textreme Tour Pro 310 and like it a lot, and this Phantom looks like a lighter Prestige with similar specs otherwise!

 

[uk_skippy]

Sussex is a big place; East or West? Im in Havant, which is near border with W Sussex; and do demos

 

[J-Wildcard]

Is there much between the yonex vcore pro 97d and the prestige pro 2021? I heard not, both very low powered control frames. I've got a few 360+ Prestige mp frames, probably not much in it to change. To either of the above. I prefer a 95 to be honest to the newer 98 frames head have done. More reward for good hitting, a bit more controlled power too. Slightly harder to achieve which is why a lot like the updated versions as easier to access.

 

[uk_skippy]

Is there much between the yonex vcore pro 97d and the prestige pro 2021? I heard not, both very low powered control frames. I've got a few 360+ Prestige mp frames, probably not much in it to change. To either of the above. I prefer a 95 to be honest to the newer 98 frames head have done. More reward for good hitting, a bit more controlled power too. Slightly harder to achieve which is why a lot like the updated versions as easier to access.

I also have the 360+ Prestige MP; and did hit with the Vcore Pro 97D. I liked the yonex, but I prefer having the TK82 shaped handle on my Prestige. The Yonex grip shape doesnt work for me so I stick with the 360+. I dont like the Prestige Pro '21; tried it a few times and much prefer the aforementioned 360+. Will give the new Prestige a hit when it comes out

 

[J-Wildcard]

I also have the 360+ Prestige MP; and did hit with the Vcore Pro 97D. I liked the yonex, but I prefer having the TK82 shaped handle on my Prestige. The Yonex grip shape doesnt work for me so I stick with the 360+. I dont like the Prestige Pro '21; tried it a few times and much prefer the aforementioned 360+. Will give the new Prestige a hit when it comes out

Interesting to hear your thoughts as they are what u always feel when moving away from Head. I was lucky enough to be playing on a nice private grass court today which was hard work but I think that I may need to change the pallets on my prestige to the S versions. My to to DNA shots jus aren't coming off and I think the squarer grips is to blame. As you say with yonex you have the sizing difference as well. As shape. I have always played grip 3 head with standard grip then overgrip on top. I was looking at the prestige pro as they are very cheap now but in all honesty I will probably get a used one in the future very cheap as I know the 360+ mp were very cheap last year and a lot seemed to be be selling and moving on. I would be tempted to try a mid 360+ I think I prefer a smaller head size still when feeling good. I still have a pro tour 2.0 to crack open too but just warming up with the bigger head currently.

 

[AmericanTwist]

At the 5.0 level OP you should be able to make power with any frame... especially with the v5 and v6...

Back to your issue have you tried different strings and tensions? Added lead? I would do these things first before buying another frame. Those blades are good frames.

 

[HPTennis]

Sussex is a big place; East or West? Im in Havant, which is near border with W Sussex; and do demos

West! I'm not too far from you - I have just bought the Phantom 100P though, so depending on how that goes I'll get back in touch! Thank you

 

[HPTennis]

At the 5.0 level OP you should be able to make power with any frame... especially with the v5 and v6...

Back to your issue have you tried different strings and tensions? Added lead? I would do these things first before buying another frame. Those blades are good frames.

I don't know whether it's sacrilege in the Tennis Talk forums but Wilson's QC is all over the place, the finish is terrible quality (paint chipping, grommets splitting, bumper coming off) - certainly inferior to Yonex/Head rackets I've used. I think they're popular because Wilson's marketing team are the best, not the frames The blade wasn't for me after three restrings at various different strings/tensions and I had no inclination to pursue any other Wilson frames really! At the end of the day, my coach could probably beat me with a frying pan so it's all much of a muchness - just my two cents

 

[tophersuwita]

How about Prestige MP? Isn't it more similar to Blade 18? I feel that its plow even similar to my Blade Pro, albeit less but maneuverable