XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Xi98 was my fav back in the day! Every now and then when I dig mine out, I keep thinking, "why did I like this?!" My tastes must've evolved a lot.
Yonex players - what are you using?
- Thread starter TripleB
- Start date
dje31
Professional
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
I’m really interested in what your thoughts are on the differences between the xi and your current Ezone? The Xi is now very hard to find at reasonable prices in Aus. I have one beat up second hand xi that I just acquired. I’m liking it, but not sure if it is just the honeymoon scenario or not. Lol. It’s super crisp, which is nice, but it’s a lot less forgiving on the arm if not hitting super clean.
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XFactorer
Hall of Fame
The newest EZONE 98. Honestly, though, I'm ready to move on from it. Not that same EZONE as the Xi or DR magic, but it does still have the EZONE characteristics that makes it its own line.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
I think it's a lot more forgiving than the current line. It was definitely far less string sensitive compared to the current EZONE 98. I used PolyTour Spin at 45 lbs in my Xi 98. That gave me great power and spin. The string itself is super stiff, but in the wider Xi hoop, it's awesome. I haven't been able to use Spin in any other racquets.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
I’ve only tried ptp 1.2mm at 50/48 so far. Might have get some of the pt spin, thanks for that.
shapovalovnextgoat
Rookie
Never played with the Xi, but currently using the Ezone 98. It's a really nice racquet...until you hit the ball in that upper hoop. Vibrations galore.
Frans Bleker
Professional
Vcore 95 atm! Great stick!
rh310
Hall of Fame
I really like the DR98 (310) that's been discontinued for some time.
The way I have the VC95 set up, it's 12.0 oz and 4pts HL. Plays very fast and allows good power plus control. Because it's got some heft behind it, I find I've got a really good range of power.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Yup. Sums it up nicely.
Doubles
Legend
Anyone have an opinion on this?
Maybe Vcore Pro 97 or Duel G 97? I think Ezone and Vcore are a little more powerful than Blade 18x20. What are you looking for from a racket?
Sean from TW switched from the 2015 Blade 18x20 to the Vcore Pro 310 after the playtest. I think he has since moved onto the 93p 14x18, but you can hear his feedback from when he made the switch in the review:
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Doubles
Legend
Low power, crisp but not stiff feel, and perhaps a little more spin than the 18x20 Blade. The 16x19 Blade has always felt erratic to me, otherwise I’d probably just switch to that. I am demoing the 97 310 as well as the VCORE 98 and EZone 98
There are rumours VCP97 will get an update before US Open and get an 18x20 string pattern addition if you want to stick with that pattern.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Maybe some of the Dunlop Srixon CX200s (CX200 Tour 16x19, or the CX200 16x19), Volkl V-Feel 10 (320), Tecnifibre TFight 315 Ltd XTC (16x19), or the Tecnifibre ATP TFight 305 XTC (18x19), and finally (even though TW doesn't stock it anymore) the Pacific X Tour Pro 97 (16x20).
I think you’ll like the 97 310. It doesn’t hit like most 16x19’s I’ve tried, it has a much more controlled response imo.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Gamechanger
New User
In my Opinion, its hard to find a similar feeling Racket, especially when you play over a long time with the Blades. Me was trying nearly every Racket on the Market to find a better Blade as the 2015. But only because i have a OHBH. If i had a double handed Backhand i think i would never search for another Racket. In my Opinion, and as a Coach also it is one, if not the best allround Racket, especially for higher ranked players.
When you want to have a similar launch Angle as the Blade you must put many Lead at 12 o clock. Cause Dr, Ezone 98, Vcore pro all have higher launch Angle. The E Zone is stiffer then a Blade, Dr slightly softer, and Vcore about near the same, but all have lower SW and mass.
So you must tune any of these Rackets for your personal Preference, to come near the Blade Feeling, Mass, easy Depth and launch Angle. When you find your individual Set Up with any of theses three Yonex you can find perhaps an Upgrade, to one of the best allround Rackets ever, the Blade. But thats not an easy way..
Doubles
Legend
Assuming that I don't like the Yonny's and am still looking to move from the Blade I will add these to my list.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
roger presley
Hall of Fame
Vcore 95
Doubles
Legend
I don’t have the time to write a longer review, but I will after hitting all three sticks a little more. I have spent the last week demoing the EZONE 98, VCORE 98, and VCORE Pro 97 310.
While I wanted to like the 310, it’s sweetspot felt small, and the racquet was somewhat unforgiving. When you set up early and have plenty of racquet head speed it hits a great ball, but I’m playing less and less as I get further into my adult life, and when I simply don’t fee I’m playing well enough to maximize what this stick does well.
The VCORE 98 was my favorite racquet from the start. It feels similar to my Blade 98 but with slightly more spin and a higher launch angle from the open string pattern. I noticed that I consistently hit the ball deep in the court with solid spin, and my practice partners all noticed that my ball felt “heavy”.
The EZONE 98 swings great; it’s really whippet but has a ton of pop and spin galore that help you shape the ball. I also don’t know if I’ve ever served such a vicious kick as with this stick. The initial downsides have been feeling some slight pain in my forearm (which I’m sure is from wristing the ball too much given that the stick is light). I’ve since added 4 grams to 3 and 9 which has not only helped with producing a ball that kicks up high, but penetrates deep in the court.
Right now, one week isn’t enough time to decide if I like a stick enough to switch. That said, today i am playing a practice match with a friend that I normally go three sets with. Depending on the results from this practice match, it might be enough for me to justify buying an EZONE 98 and demoing it in a more long term fashion.
Also, Yonex QC is amazing. All three racquets were within a gram of their listed spec.
While I wanted to like the 310, it’s sweetspot felt small, and the racquet was somewhat unforgiving. When you set up early and have plenty of racquet head speed it hits a great ball, but I’m playing less and less as I get further into my adult life, and when I simply don’t fee I’m playing well enough to maximize what this stick does well.
The VCORE 98 was my favorite racquet from the start. It feels similar to my Blade 98 but with slightly more spin and a higher launch angle from the open string pattern. I noticed that I consistently hit the ball deep in the court with solid spin, and my practice partners all noticed that my ball felt “heavy”.
The EZONE 98 swings great; it’s really whippet but has a ton of pop and spin galore that help you shape the ball. I also don’t know if I’ve ever served such a vicious kick as with this stick. The initial downsides have been feeling some slight pain in my forearm (which I’m sure is from wristing the ball too much given that the stick is light). I’ve since added 4 grams to 3 and 9 which has not only helped with producing a ball that kicks up high, but penetrates deep in the court.
Right now, one week isn’t enough time to decide if I like a stick enough to switch. That said, today i am playing a practice match with a friend that I normally go three sets with. Depending on the results from this practice match, it might be enough for me to justify buying an EZONE 98 and demoing it in a more long term fashion.
Also, Yonex QC is amazing. All three racquets were within a gram of their listed spec.
All great frames... I have all 3 (although ive got the vcore pro 330)
Yonex truly is amazing, I was never planning to buy any yonex stuff but man they've really climbed up the chain. The paintjobs are stunning too, love them all. And jesus the quality control is just crazy. All my yonex frames have been right on spec...Amazing qc. The biggest problem is picking which frame to stick with after testing them all, Ive got 2 ezone 98s, 2 vcore 95s and 1 vcore pro 330. Wish I bought the vcore 95 though. The ezone 98 feels abit awkward on my backhand, really like the 98 on my backhand but the string pattern is very open and I feel more control with the vcore pro 330.
Will probably get a pair of 95s in the future though
Just had my first hit with this racquet:
https://www.tennisonly.com.au/Yonex_VCORE_SV_100/descpage-CSV1HP.html
Yonex Vcore SV 100+
strung it with Tecnifibre NRG2 @56lbs
It felt really good. Plenty of power with a really satisfying sweetspot feel.
its got a fairly high swingweight of 341 but it feels more maneuverable than that.
Really looking forward to hitting more with it. I think its going to be a really 'rewarding' stick to play with.
https://www.tennisonly.com.au/Yonex_VCORE_SV_100/descpage-CSV1HP.html
Yonex Vcore SV 100+
strung it with Tecnifibre NRG2 @56lbs
It felt really good. Plenty of power with a really satisfying sweetspot feel.
its got a fairly high swingweight of 341 but it feels more maneuverable than that.
Really looking forward to hitting more with it. I think its going to be a really 'rewarding' stick to play with.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
I'm up to 2 ezone 98's, 2 Vcore Pro 97 310's and 1 vcore 95. Looking to add another Vcore 95 and 1 ezone 98+ to try.
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
I've heard Yonex racquets can be more joint friendly than some other ones. If I am enjoying my RF97 but want to get a Yonex to replace it if my joints aren't happy with me, what's the recommendation? I am thinking either a V Core Pro 97 or V Core 95/98? It would make sense that if I'm trying to protect the joints I would use a lighter stick, but I've always felt more comfortable with a heavier stick. My old racquet was a Prince O3 Tour, but it just feels way too different from my RF97.
A lot of people say the 97 plays similar to the RF97 - only differences are the weight. My friend uses the prostaff and says my 97 is pretty comparable. But I suggest demoing.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
I picked up my Ai98 again to hit with it. Fluttery on off center hits, but it's better than the VCORE 98 for my wrist. New EZONE 98 is better for stability and power, though. Too bad I'm too lazy to change the grip. It's been sliding off and I haven't address it - I just put it aside and restrung an old racquet.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
New Yonex models coming soon... maybe wait for those. Alternatively, maybe try some Fischer VT models (95 or 98) that are around the same static weight and are also 16x20. They come in Constant Beam and also in Variable Beam versions, and I would suggest trying the constant first. They both play really nice, but the Constant Beam would be a more similar transition. Pacific (who bought the Fischer technology) also makes the BXT X Tour Pro 97, which is the same version of the Fischer racquets mentioned previously.
Hope that helps...
Tour_G
Semi-Pro
Ha, curious, I'm exactly like you. I'm using a 95 D but I don't have any further grommets set. Also have a TI Radical MP but I'm planning to sell it since I recently bought a Pro Tour 630.
I really like the 95 D but the only but huge downside for me is the feeling, to muted, to disconnected.
Radical MP is another story, a lot more feeling but clearly less power.
So, now, I'm waiting for the new V Cores, I'm sure one of them will be my next racquet, 16x19 or 18x20.... I'll see it.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
You could also try the Tecnifibre XTC 305 ATP racquet. It has a lower weight (305g Unstrung), a SW of around 329, stiffness of 65, yet is very stable and has a massive sweet spot.
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
Awesome, thanks. I've wanted to try a Tecnifibre for a long time. Will keep an eye out for one of those used.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
My pleasure. If you get it, let me know how you find it. Then you can also join the Tecnifibre Racquet thread.
Another of their racquets' that is awesome (but requires modification) is the 2013 TFight 315 Limited ATP 18x20 (or 16x19). These racquets are Tecnifibre's version of the legendary Head Pro Tour 630 and are in fact Pro Stock as they have a code underneath the grip pallet (PT965A). These have lower RAs then the subsequent models. The current iteration is the TFight XTC 315 LTD (both 18 and 16 Mains). They have a lower static weight (315g) and a lower SW.
I switched from a vcore XI 98 to a VCP97 (310) - way more arm friendlier I love the this magic wand.I'm curious to know if anyone can compare the comfort levels for arm pain suffers between VC95 and VC97 pro (310g)? I loved my VC98 until it destroyed my arm recently
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
Yea, I have been wanting to hit with more topspin, but my sprained wrists are holding me back, and I think I may try to get a racquet with lower SW. I will admit I saw the Yonex Galaxy Red/Black paintjobs, and I fell in love with the aesthetic... even though I'm a frame basher hah.
