Yonex Racquet Search - Ezone 98, Ezone 98 Tour, VCORE Pro 97 330, VCORE Pro 97 310

TSK804

New User
Hey Everyone! I'm on the hunt for a new racquet and was hoping for some input from the TW forum community.

For reference, I'm a 30 year old male - all court 4.0 who used a Semi-Western FH, 2H Backhand, and decent flat / kick serves. I've used old Wilson KFactor Six.One 95's (12.5 oz) for a long time but am looking for something a little more modern.

My ideal racquet would be something 97-98 headsize, 11.9 oz to 12.2 oz (337 g - 345 g) strung, and 6-9 points HL. I've been demoing Yonex racquets and really love the way they feel.

I've narrowed it down to the following options.

-Ezone 98: add leather grip and lead tape
-Ezone 98 Tour: add leather grip
-VCORE Pro 97H: Add leather grip (Specs are very similar to what I've been using.)
-VCORE Pro 97: Add leather grip and lead tape

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences?
 
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janelgreo

Professional
VCore 97 330/310 I'm guessing you mean the VCore Pro's. Anyways, You might as well throw in the VCore Pro 97H in the mix as well as it's the same specs as the 330 but less stiff.

I'm actually in the same spec range as you but an attacker, more eastern forehand and one handed backhand.
I purchased the following racquets which just came in today to test out for extended periods of time: Pure Strike Tour, Gravity Pro, RF97 v13, Prestige Tour 2021, TFight 305 RS, VCore Pro 97D, and VCP 97H.
These are basically all the racquets that are within your spec range, minus 2-3.

But if you want to stick to Yonex, I'd throw in the H just to see how you like it compared to the 330.
 

TSK804

New User
Hey, sorry I should have been more detailed. I meant the VCORE Pro 97 and the VCORE Pro 97H. I also am looking for an open string pattern which is why I didn't include the VCORE Pro 97D. Let me know what you think of the 97H!

I've hit with the Ezone 98 and VCORE Pro 97 and found both to be way too light for my taste so both would require leather grip and lead tape.
 

janelgreo

Professional
Not afraid of the 95's as it's what I've used for over a decade. I actually hit with that one recently and didn't care for it.

I was using the VCore 95 asl well, for two months as my main stick before I left it behind and started this search. I had to add a leather grip and lead it up to 350g to even enjoy using it. I used 95 heads all my life too, just way too light for my liking.

Hey, sorry I should have been more detailed. I meant the VCORE Pro 97 and the VCORE Pro 97H. I also am looking for an open string pattern which is why I didn't include the VCORE Pro 97D. Let me know what you think of the 97H!

I've hit with the Ezone 98 and VCORE Pro 97 and found both to be way too light for my taste so both would require leather grip and lead tape.

Gotcha, yes the VCore Pro 330 is the older generation. Anyways, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the H as well and I'll definitely share mine! I swung it a few times in the house and the weight distribution is nice, can't wait to hit with it.
 

Artanis

Semi-Pro
You may add Pure Strike VS to the list. More control oriented than simple PS, but more powerful than VcorePro97 310
But if you really want a Yonex, I would just forget about 310 version (too soft and low SW) and go straight to 330 one.
 

TSK804

New User
You may add Pure Strike VS to the list. More control oriented than simple PS, but more powerful than VcorePro97 310
But if you really want a Yonex, I would just forget about 310 version (too soft and low SW) and go straight to 330 one.

I thought about leaving the VCP 97 310g off the list because its just so far off from what I want and would need a lot of tinkering. Same with the standard ezone 98 but figured I would include them anyway. I would say the Ezone Tour and the VCP Pro 97H 330 are what I'm most leaning towards. I'm really curious how these would compare as they're such a different style of racquet. I'm trying to get my hands on them to demo but am having a hard time getting a hold of one.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
I've been pulling out my EZ tours more recently as the hot weather forces me to keep points shorter.

Just such a solid stick. I put 5 grams of tack in the handle and an overgrip, so the total weight ends up being 342 grams/ 7 pts HL (very manageable)

There was this rumor that the EZ tour was hard on the elbow, but with my gut/poly stringbed, I've never had a hint of problem.
 

bnjkn

Professional
VCore 97 330/310 I'm guessing you mean the VCore Pro's. Anyways, You might as well throw in the VCore Pro 97H in the mix as well as it's the same specs as the 330 but less stiff.

I'm actually in the same spec range as you but an attacker, more eastern forehand and one handed backhand.
I purchased the following racquets which just came in today to test out for extended periods of time: Pure Strike Tour, Gravity Pro, RF97 v13, Prestige Tour 2021, TFight 305 RS, VCore Pro 97D, and VCP 97H.
These are basically all the racquets that are within your spec range, minus 2-3.

But if you want to stick to Yonex, I'd throw in the H just to see how you like it compared to the 330.
Nice. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all those, but especially the Prestige Tour 2021!
 

TSK804

New User
I've been pulling out my EZ tours more recently as the hot weather forces me to keep points shorter.

Just such a solid stick. I put 5 grams of tack in the handle and an overgrip, so the total weight ends up being 342 grams/ 7 pts HL (very manageable)

There was this rumor that the EZ tour was hard on the elbow, but with my gut/poly stringbed, I've never had a hint of problem.
Thanks for the input. Do you feel like that set up gives you good control?
 

dkmura

Professional
As a EZ98T user, my only suggestion is to test, test, test. I had the opportunity to try the 2022 EZ98/EZ100, VC97H and a few others recently, and still like my current racquet. Suggestions from others are helpful TO A POINT, but the true test is WHAT YOU THINK AND FEEL. If you're physically strong enough, the EZ98T can fit you well. Remember that there'll be a new EZ98T out later this summer as well.
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
As an all courter what thoughts do you have on frames that are more flexible vs ones less so? More flexible racquets will give you more control and spin...but less power. I leaded up a few vcp 310s to 355-360g as my main sticks but I switch to a 65ra frame once I'm tired sometimes. I love the control I get from the vcp 310s.
 

TSK804

New User
The flex is honestly what is attracting me to the VCP’s. I really love the feeling of being able to swing freely without having to dial back my strokes. My Wilsons are 69 flex I believe so these Yonex’s feel like butter. I’m also not 20 anymore and I feel the effects of that stiffness now.
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
I have a buddy that plays with the 60RA version (current). When strung with natgut it gives amazing spin. I play with an older blue/orange version with 64RA (less spin, more power). Why not get a few different frames and play with them for awhile? Add leather and lead.

Also, I second the poster who suggested Prince racquets. They are easy to play with and I still have a few Textreme Tour 100s in my bag. Having said this I prefer more closed patterns. So I string the princes with 15L gauge tighter than usual.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I have a buddy that plays with the 60RA version (current). When strung with natgut it gives amazing spin. I play with an older blue/orange version with 64RA (less spin, more power). Why not get a few different frames and play with them for awhile? Add leather and lead.

Also, I second the poster who suggested Prince racquets. They are easy to play with and I still have a few Textreme Tour 100s in my bag. Having said this I prefer more closed patterns. So I string the princes with 15L gauge tighter than usual.

Stiffness (RA) has some affect on spin but yes it would definitely affect power. Pure Aero is 67 RA and is used by the king of top spin. It mainly comes down to string pattern, technique, and strings themselves. You can counter the stiffness of the racquet by stringing looser, especially for polys which are stiff already.

You could have a low 60’s RA 16x19 that probably can generate more power than a mid 60’s RA 18x20. Spin wise a 16x19 will always generate more spin than an 18x20 no matter the RA. And to the extreme a western grip will generate more spin no matter what lol.
 

TSK804

New User
I’ll also add that I’ve been dealing with some tennis elbow. I guess this is probably because of my stiff racquet and Luxilon strung at 55. Another reason I’m looking for a softer racquet and a different string set up.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I’ll also add that I’ve been dealing with some tennis elbow. I guess this is probably because of my stiff racquet and Luxilon strung at 55. Another reason I’m looking for a softer racquet and a different string set up.

You said Luxilon Strings, that's a known culprit. If you don't mind the extra power it'll give you I'd try stringing under 50 or even go hybrid. Probably best to try that route before going through a racquet journey and spending way more money. Unless you're set on switching.
 

TSK804

New User
You said Luxilon Strings, that's a known culprit. If you don't mind the extra power it'll give you I'd try stringing under 50 or even go hybrid. Probably best to try that route before going through a racquet journey and spending way more money. Unless you're set on switching.
I was thinking the same thing. My racquet is actually getting strung today with Poly in the Mains and Multi in the crosses at 48 lbs. I really hope I can find a way to keep poly in the mains and still keep my elbow feeling good.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I was thinking the same thing. My racquet is actually getting strung today with Poly in the Mains and Multi in the crosses at 48 lbs. I really hope I can find a way to keep poly in the mains and still keep my elbow feeling good.

Sweet, let us know how it goes! Having a half bed of poly with multi and lowering the tension to 48 should make a noticeable difference all around. You may have to reevaluate your strokes a bit though so don't get discouraged and work with it. As long as your elbow feels good, you can always adjust your game.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
I was thinking the same thing. My racquet is actually getting strung today with Poly in the Mains and Multi in the crosses at 48 lbs. I really hope I can find a way to keep poly in the mains and still keep my elbow feeling good.

Sounds like we play a similar game and I also played Wilson 6.1 frames for a long time before my elbow finally said no more. If you're looking for similar/more control and less/same power, then I'd stick with the VCore Pro line. They will be more elbow friendly than the EZones. I played the EZone DR 98 for awhile too – it was a big, big change – but I couldn't play it with full bed of poly without my elbow flaring. I then almost switched to EZone Tour but again my elbow couldn't handle full poly. I'm about two weeks into playing the VCore Pro 97 310 and I've been able to use a full bed of soft poly in there with no elbow issues so far.
 

Deki

Rookie
EZT with leather grip plays really well, much better than in the stock form. Easier to manoeuvre, nice comfy feel, strung with Alu power 1.25. Total weight is 346g with sw of 332! In my bag is also 6.1 and YTIG Prestige Pro.
 

TSK804

New User
Sounds like we play a similar game and I also played Wilson 6.1 frames for a long time before my elbow finally said no more. If you're looking for similar/more control and less/same power, then I'd stick with the VCore Pro line. They will be more elbow friendly than the EZones. I played the EZone DR 98 for awhile too – it was a big, big change – but I couldn't play it with full bed of poly without my elbow flaring. I then almost switched to EZone Tour but again my elbow couldn't handle full poly. I'm about two weeks into playing the VCore Pro 97 310 and I've been able to use a full bed of soft poly in there with no elbow issues so far.
I actually played with the VCORE Pro 97 310 and enjoyed it but thought it could really use some lead tape. I wish they made the 320g version with the same 16x19 string pattern as the 310. The VCORE Pro 97H is very similar specs wise to what I use now. I'm sure I would love it but my elbow and wrist need something a little lighter. As far as full poly goes - I'm experimenting with a hybrid poly-multifilament set up to see if that helps.
 

TSK804

New User
EZT with leather grip plays really well, much better than in the stock form. Easier to manoeuvre, nice comfy feel, strung with Alu power 1.25. Total weight is 346g with sw of 332! In my bag is also 6.1 and YTIG Prestige Pro.
That's great to hear.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
I actually played with the VCORE Pro 97 310 and enjoyed it but thought it could really use some lead tape. I wish they made the 320g version with the same 16x19 string pattern as the 310. The VCORE Pro 97H is very similar specs wise to what I use now. I'm sure I would love it but my elbow and wrist need something a little lighter. As far as full poly goes - I'm experimenting with a hybrid poly-multifilament set up to see if that helps.

I added a gram at 12 before playing today and that really seemed to help. With an OG, that brought me up to 333g / 11.75oz and 12.375in / 9 pts HL. I might put another gram at 10/2 next time and see if it maintains that easy whip or not. The gram at 12 really helped punch up serves today while still keeping maneuverability.
 

ryohazuki222

Professional
Hey Everyone! I'm on the hunt for a new racquet and was hoping for some input from the TW forum community.

For reference, I'm a 30 year old male - all court 4.0 who used a Semi-Western FH, 2H Backhand, and decent flat / kick serves. I've used old Wilson KFactor Six.One 95's (12.5 oz) for a long time but am looking for something a little more modern.

My ideal racquet would be something 97-98 headsize, 11.9 oz to 12.2 oz (337 g - 345 g) strung, and 6-9 points HL. I've been demoing Yonex racquets and really love the way they feel.

I've narrowed it down to the following options.

-Ezone 98: add leather grip and lead tape
-Ezone 98 Tour: add leather grip
-VCORE Pro 97H: Add leather grip (Specs are very similar to what I've been using.)
-VCORE Pro 97: Add leather grip and lead tape

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences?

you said a little more modern but that’s really subjective.

we have similar racket backgrounds. I not too long ago did a similar racket update. My feedback fwiw:

1- 97h if you don’t want to tinker. Best out of the box stick.
2- 98T if your ok tinkering a little. But the new one is coming out in august so if it were me I’d wait and either get old Gen cheaper or new gen.
3- 97/98 are definitely options if you’re ok tinkering a lot.

97s would be like a new version of what you’re already used to. 98s would be like new tech altogether.

both are worth trying. In the end I found a heavily modified (+20g) ezone 98 gave me much more in terms of enjoyment and results without sacrificing anything. I suspect your personal preferences in stiffness might put you in one camp or another.
 
I have both the current ezone 98 and VCP 97 310. Both with a leather grip, over grip, dampener and a couple grams of lead at 10/2 put them right around 345g and 7-8 pt HL. If you don't like the leather grip firmness, just add some weight to the handle. If by "modern" you are meaning a thicker beam, more spin, more power frame then go with the ezone, but the VCP is no slouch though. I think the VCP is going to be closer to your current stick but must softer. In terms of comparison of the 2, here are my thoughts:

As mentioned above the ezone has easier access to spin and power. My groundstrokes with it dip and jump more without effort. I did have some problems with balls flying with the ezone from time to time. The VCP has better directional control and feels much more stable and solid on volleys. Both are comfortable but the VCP is more so. The ezone is more plush but still crisper due to the increased stiffness. I had some arm discomfort after playing with the ezone for extended periods with all poly but would likely be fine now that I've rehabbed it a ton. I have since switched to the new Prince ATS tour 98 to try to find a middle ground between the VCP 97 and Ezone 98

Maybe buy 1 of each used so you can extended test them out with string and weight setups to your liking?
 
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