Yonex EZONE 98 2025 Tennis Racquet Review: could this replace your favorite EZONE from the past?! 😉

[@EGchristian]

Had the chance to play with it for half an hour and it indeed has a hint of that magical DR feel.

[@hybrid11theory75]

True BS! All I heard from trusted sources it's even more dampened than the outgoing one... nice try!

[@rogersliu1200]

I am playing the DR98. still find it harsh LOL

[@tophersuwita]

Yep agree that DR is overrated. The stiff hoop and flexy throat increase swing effort, really hurts my wrist

[@EGchristian]

⁠@hybrid11theory75 I tried one strung with Lynx Tour mains & Poly Tour Strike crosses. String choices can have a huge impact on feel.

[@SilverBloodedOne]

Loving the new format, guys! Great vid!

[@nikhilakalia9692]

Just got myself one of these, switching from a pro staff v13, and this is by far one of the best rackets i have played with. Such a nice softer feel to it!

[@nicholasmorre7371]

I love my 2022 Ezone 98, I just always wished it was a bit softer. Sounds like Yonex granted my wish with the new model! Very much looking forward to trying this.

[@tombradyandme]

Hi - When can I demo the new Ezone 98 tour?

[@tenniswarehouse]

That racquet won't launch until later in February, so don't think demos will be ready for a few weeks. Michelle, TW

[@johnnacke]

TW Michele : If you had to choose either a V8 Ezone 98, a V8 Ezone 100 or a V3 Clash Pro to take to match play , which one would it be?Best, John

[@jonathanchen1026]

The fact that every new Ezone review always talks about how it feels like the DR98 should tell you something 🙈

[@nicks8060]

Of course they want to chase that feel, but they’re obviously also trying to make it significantly more user friendly than the dr98. They are chasing both

[@hybrid11theory75]

U have to understand they're also salesman. They will say anything to shine light on new products to make sure ppl buy into it... I can't find much value in these reviews anymore since they're repeating themselves with every video, saying the same things over and over and trying to sell you each and every new iteration. They're always talk way too positive about most aspects ppl want to hear... it's not reliable!!

[@tenniswarehouse]

Demo it and see for yourself! Maybe it actually is a good racquet and there isn't anything to complain about here?! 😇 Michelle, TW

[@t2dev]

​@@tenniswarehouse thanks Michelle. I've recently demoed 10 different racquets from TW. One suggestion, please offer non stiff poly options (ie multi) for those that feel polys are too harsh. At the end of demo 10 I started developing tennis elbow and now on a two month rest. Still searching for my unicorn from my old 95 ProStaff. Choices down to Blade or this ezone 98. I'm more of a flat hitter, OHBH that likes less pingy and harsh racquets. Not Clash, please.

[@Tennis410]

I play with wilson blade v9 98 16 x 19, how do you compare them? Is it go give it a try to switch? I am basseline hitter

[@tenniswarehouse]

The feel is going to be a bit different between the 2 racquets with the Blade having a thinner beam and I would say more feel, while the Ezone pockets the ball a bit more, is a bit more of a muted feel. I would say the Ezone 98 plays a bit more lively than the Blade which I find has more control. If you are looking for a little more power and pop, the Ezone 98 would be worth a demo to see if it could be a good switch! Michelle, TW

[@seaneckhart9914]

When is the 2022 version gonna be on sale?

[@goldencalf5144]

I could never understand the appeal of the Exone/DR 98. Mushy feel on the stringbed, but no power to make up for it. Played like an undervpowerred Pure Drive.

[@EGchristian]

Can’t disagree more 😂 to each their own I guess. So personal are racquet tastes.

[@EGchristian]

To clarify, I love the addictive flexy feel of the DR and the sweetspot is so explosive to me.

[@wilsoch]

I actually agree. I played with the DR98 for a couple of years, and I still don't understand the mythology around that frame.

[@vineethgovind318]

how does it compare to the new ezone 100 in terms of launch angle,spin and control?thanks

[@tenniswarehouse]

More control with the 98, I would say fairly noticeable in my opinion. Also a bit lower launch angle with the 98 (slightly smaller head makes for a bit tighter string spacing), and although I liked hitting spin with both racquets, the 100 makes it easier to grab the ball and it gives it a higher launch angle. Troy, TW

[@zulugula5494]

Will it be in stock on 1/10/2025 or will there be any delays? I mean both TW USA and TW Europe. Beautifully situated court btw.

[@tenniswarehouse]

They are ready to go NOW in the states :) www.tennis-warehouse.com/Yonex_EZONE_2025/catpage-YAIRAC.html And on the Central Coast of California! Michelle, TW

[@zulugula5494]

​@@tenniswarehouseThank You for your answer Michelle🙂

[@austin1123]

Will there be a Tour version?

[@tenniswarehouse]

Yes there will, stay tuned!

[@martelltellezchristianmija6096]

​@@tenniswarehouseDo you know when will be available?

[@medianera2008]

Would you customize the Ezone 98? (Lead (which position?) Leather)? Regards from Germany.

[@tenniswarehouse]

What are you looking to get out of a customization? The EZONE Tour 98 might be of interest to you as it will be a heavier version with a heftier swing, but it won't launch for a few weeks. Michelle, TW

[@tenniswarehouse]

It could definitely be worth a shot, as I mentioned in my comments. I think a leather grip and a bit of weight at 3/9 or 2/10 o'clock could be fun to try. The EZONE 98 Tour has a beefier swingweight, so if you want something in between the two specs, then the 98 might be the way to go, with some slight modifications. Troy, TW

[@carlosgomezenriquez283]

Hope SW is indeed 320 average

[@tjsheftick3732]

My friends 98 is 290 unstrung so that’ll be ~320 ballpark depending on your string gauge.

[@carlosgomezenriquez283]

@tjsheftick3732 290 unstrung is great. As long as it doesn't go as low as 277 average with the Aqua Night version

[@tjsheftick3732]

@@carlosgomezenriquez283 oh yeah his aqua nights are all 310 sw strung 🤮

[@johnnacke]

TW TROY: I have my search down to either the new Ezone 98 or the 100. here is my dilemma. Coming from the Shift… I like the whippy feel, BUT, I need more pop. 98 is more whippy; 100 has more pop. tough decision. John

[@tenniswarehouse]

I am just a big fan of the 98, so it's going to be hard not to be biased towards that. But if it's the added power that you seek, then go with the 100, both playtesters Jason and Brittany are loving the new EZONE 100, and it is quite easy to maneuver. Or you might even go with the 100 and add five grams to the handle and that would make it even more headlight, and not add much if anything to swingweight. Troy, TW

[@kevingolden1966]

Hi, always enjoy the racquet reviews TW puts out! I’ve been using the Wilson Clash 98 v2, switched from the Blade 98 v8 due to golfers elbow. I’m still having inner elbow problems even after making a few slight form corrections with the forehand and serve, and changing to a softer string Wilson NXT soft 🫤 Wondering if this new Ezone 98 might be more “arm-friendly”? I was a former mediocre 5.0 collegiate player, mostly flat strokes and a OHB. Since 2020 I have been trying to make a comeback, after a 20 year retirement. I’ve thought about trying the new Clash Pro, but usually 100 sized hoops feel clunky to me. Any suggestions?

[@tenniswarehouse]

Both racquets you are considering are 2 I really like and both I find to be really arm friendly. The Clash, as you know just has that great pocketing (this 3rd version is improved with feel and more similar to the 1st gen) and we all found the EZONE 98 to be arm friendly but just were missing a little mass behind the ball but could work out ideal with a OHBH! If you have a chance to demo both side by side, I would suggest that! Michelle, TW

[@kevingolden1966]

@ Ty Michelle! 🙂

[@markhibbitt1269]

I use the Wilson Clash 98 V2 when I am having elbow issues. I think it is a very underrated racket. It has plenty of comfort and control. Sadly no 98 in the new V3 range. Just purchased the new Ezone and will be using it from next week onwards. I used the previous version for 2 years and always loved playing with it so looking forward to hitting with this new version!!

[@markhibbitt1269]

Ps Wilson NXT string is a very sensible choice for your elbow!

[@markhibbitt1269]

​@@tenniswarehousejust to add there is no 98 inch version in the V3 Clash range.

[@brunis_m]

Blade 100 player here. Not much I don’t like about it, but always wanted to try an ezone. Maybe could benefit from a little more power and spin, but not too much. Is the safest path 98 or 100? Can’t demo where I’m at 😢

[@tenniswarehouse]

If you want the added power go 100, and I think coming from the Blade 100 that would be the easiest transition. The EZONE 98 is a bit more precise, but not sure if it will be enough of a power boost. Troy, TW

[@t2dev]

How does it compare comfort/shock, control and power to new Blade 98 16x19 and Blade 100. I'm more flat hitter, OHBH, using multi NXT Power 18. I like racquets in the muted, less pingy, quiet side. Thanks for any info.

[@tenniswarehouse]

Definitely packs a bit more punch, or provides a bit easier power than the Blade 98 16x19. I would say comfort is fairly close, slightly firmer than the Blade 98, but is well dampened and has pretty good pocketing, even though the Blade 98 has a more traditional straight beam design. The Blade 100 is a bit more forgiving with the headsize, but maybe not as precise feeling as the EZONE 98. Troy, TW

[@t2dev]

Thank you, Troy. Troy to the rescue once again! I felt the same with the 100, ball was jumpy and sometimes unpredictable. Coming from ps95 it definitely was less accurate where you put the ball. 98 was more precise. But I liked it with a little more power. Also, I noticed with the Blades is if you miss that sweet spot the ball just "dies." This ezone 98 seems to be the compromise I was looking for.

[@johnnacke]

TW: Troy, I’ve been playing with a Shift Prototype 99, but I am developing a bit of elbow sensitivity so I’m looking around. According to a few tennis pros, the Shift doesn’t match my stroke style: OHB, mostly flat, some top, medium racket head speed, great touch, compact/ horizontal (mostly) strokes, 4.0. However, I really liked the feel of the Shift and its weight balance… very whippy and maneuverable . The ezone 100 and Clash Pro V3 were recommended… I know the Ezone 100 has power, but is it clunky compared to the 98… Which one would be a better match for me IYO. Best, John

[@tenniswarehouse]

Have you considered this EZONE 98 as an option. Nice and whippy and you gain some of the precision and a bit more feel than the EZONE 100. The Clash Pro is definitely a good option for comfort on the arms, in my opinion, however it does have an average swingweight around 327. I thought it was pretty maneuverable but not sure how that would feel for you in terms of maneuverability. I am big fan of how this new EZONE 98 feels and plays. I might end up with the plus version since that is what I have been using, but the 98 is a great option for those looking for something whippy. Troy, TW

[@johnnacke]

@ Troy, really appreciate your input. Is there a big power difference between the 100 and 98? Best, John

[@cirocarrotta9794]

Hello guy, comparate a vcore 98 2023?power e feel?

[@tenniswarehouse]

One of the main things I notice when playing with the two, is the shape of the hoop and the string spacing. The VCORE 98 is a bit wider up at the top of the hoop, and the string spacing is a bit more open, or spread apart. So I find easier access to spin and a higher launch angle on groundstrokes with the VCORE 98, so lots of topsin and makes it easy to hit heavy high arcing shots. The EZONE 98 is also pretty good for spin (not quite as much as the VCORE 98) but I tend to find better connection and a more predictable shot when hitting flatter shots and slice. I also prefer the EZONE 98 slightly more on volleys. When it comes to power, they are pretty close, however I feel like I can generate a bit easier power with the EZONE 98, and still feel like I have good command over the ball when hitting flat (if needing to), whereas I get plenty of power from the VCORE 98, but sometimes when hitting hard, with a flatter trajectory, I worry about the ball flying on me; so a little less predictable on flatter strokes for me but great for heavy topspin. Troy, TW

[@megustasonia]

TTTTTRRROOOOOYYYYYYYYYYYYY !

[@hybrid11theory75]

They talk mostly around the things ppl want to hear, better feel, more control, DR like.... it feels forced and just a salesman blah... sry ;)

[@ThomasThomas-cf2jp]

Is the RA really lower?

[@tjsheftick3732]

Yes

[@danschannel169]

Ezone 98 2020 - The best Ezone 👌🏼

[@darkjedi60]

I’ll wait till they do the blackout version, what were they thinking regarding the colourway 😂

[@s41magazine37]

The previous Ezone was very unstable at the net. I used it for 18 months before switching to the new Speed MP. The Speed MP with a leather grip is the GOAT.

[@ptannous27]

Color is a big miss. Looks very cheap and girly lol..

[@tjsheftick3732]

Yo momma

[@ptannous27]

@ lol ok weirdo

[@user-be5qg7mr1s]

its look childish, 2022 was fire

[@hd0911]

Michelle and Brittany are the best players on the team. Oak needs tennis lessons. He’s so athletic but needs fundamentals. Troy needs movement drills. And Chris is still the OG.

[@penmoney11]

criminal not to mention the actual best playtesters in Zsófi and Ana

[@masoodrazaq]

Troy has pretty good form. Oak is very chaotic! The ladies are the most lethal players on court.