Yonex adds another chapter to the EZONE 98! As with previous generations, this control-oriented stick combines spin-friendly targeting with raw speed. Like the 2015 DR version (a staff favorite), this 2022 update packs above average feel, comfort and stability for a light player's racquet. It also plays deceptively soft and forgiving considering that it has an RA stiffness north of 64. Granted, it lacks the mass-based power and plow-through of its heavier counterparts, but you'll appreciate the quick handling when scrambling on defense, hitting shots on the run or charging the net. For this update, Yonex adds 2G NAMD SPEED to the shaft, resulting in a more powerful response with better ball feedback. Yonex has also retooled the beam construction, adding a thicker, more convex cross section in the shaft (for stability) along with a thinner frame face (for a softer response). Other technologies include Yonex’s time-tested ISOMETRIC head shape, a unique design feature that makes Yonex racquets feel more generous and forgiving than conventionally shaped equivalents. Ultimately, this racquet’s raw speed and scalpel like targeting make it one of the most accessible player’s racquets on the market. The fact that it feels great at contact makes it hard to beat.
Previous Feedback
Comments: Really good racquet great for backhand especially and forehand is also very good.
From: Felix Turner, Victoria, 1/1/23
Comments: Switching from the Babolat Pure Drive 2021. The new EZONE is perfect for me (4.5 player). It's more maneuverable than the Babolat due to the fact that it's head light. And because it's head light, it allows me to accelerate through the strike zone very comfortably and when necessary without sacrificing power. That being said, I get very good pop with the EZONE. I did demo this racquet for about 3 months before pulling the trigger on purchasing. I chose this over the new Wilson Blade, which I also found to be very clean through the strike zone, but in the end, I found the EZONE to be better weight-balanced for my game.
From: Rgm - NY, United States. June 14, 2022
Comments: Great Racquet! I switched from the VCORE to the EZONE 98. This racquet gives me more power on my serves and pop on the volleys! Easy to play with the EZONE!
From: Rpr - CT, United States May 23, 2022
Comments: I am a serial racquet switcher and 4.5 baseliner with a one handed backhand. I have never been a fan of this line but my 44 year old body was looking for a bit more help than it was getting from Vcore Pros and Prince Phantom 93s and 97s (mostly for arm problems) I had been playing with previously. Maybe it's partly the weight in stock form, which feels ridiculously maneuverable, but I just keep nailing the sweet spot -- and how sweet it is! Full poly doesn't hurt my arm (at 48 lbs and softer ones like Poly Tour Pro and Hyper G Soft). This will be in my bag for a while and my search will go on hold for a long time I think! Bravo Yonex!
From: Kc - FL, United States May 14, 2022
Comments: Yonex continues to impress with this latest version of their EZONE 98. The 2022 updates, though subtle, are nonetheless substantive. The overall takeaway, for me, was it took an already winning recipe and addressed the key criticisms (lacking feel and stability). The improved dwell time upon impact definitely helped me feel more connected with my shots, and the increased stability and NAMD2 in the throat also stood out. The ball just feels like it comes off truer, with less deflection for better overall consistency. Though too light for my taste (current VCP 97H player), I can't wait to try the upcoming 98 Tour with the corrected balance! Overall, I'm very impressed with this latest version and it's perfect for the intermediate to advanced player looking for a solid 'modern' players' frame with improved feel and stability. One gets the sense that Yonex is making a concerted effort to listen to player feedback, and it shows in their updates for all three of their model lines. Their QA is the industry leader, and I am really impressed with their latest offerings as a whole.
From: Perry, 20/2/22
Comments: I have played with Babolat Pure Drives, Head Radicals, Wilson Blades, Yonex VCore Pros, etc. I currently owned a pair of the latest Pure Drives (2021). I have been looking and researching for an easy to play racquet, meaning using less effort with decent control. I am about a 3.5/4.0 level player. This racquet is amazing; it plays like a Pure Drive, but better. It's less stiff and has more controllable power, due to the 98 head size. It has plenty of power, but the key is controllable power. Each person is different, so I don't think a racquet that is good for one person is good for another. You have to try it out for yourself. You can demo it, but to me, demo-ing is useless as you don't usually get the strings or tension you want. And seriously, unless you demo a racquet for 6 months, there is no way you can definitively decide a racquet fits your playing style in a short period of time. That's just my 2 cents. By the way, Yonex has the highest quality control and no other brand comes close.
From: Tony W, 12/2/22
Comments: I'm 4.0 level, and I can say it's quite a demanding racket, you need to put a lot of effort to make this an exceptional weapon. If you are out of shape or don't really want to sweat I recommend trying the EZONE 100 as its so much easier to use. But if you are the one that grunts and make screech noises on the court with a proper full swing, this one is a great weapon in your hand.
From: Harry, Long Beach, 11/2/22
Comments: I'm a current DR 98 user. I'm a 4.0, 2 handed backhand player (not that this makes me anymore qualified to give advice). I was looking to possibly make a switch given the scarcity of quality DR frames on eBay. However, I can't recommend making a change if you are a DR fan. The new EZONE isn't a bad racquet. However, I find it lacking in all the areas that make the DR special. The control and feel aren't close to the same levels when comparing it to the DR. I lose the ability to hit completely out and feel comfortable where I'm placing the ball. You will, however, be able to more easily generate power, topspin, and pace with the new EZONE. Unmodified, the racquet is about 7 to 8 points lighter in swing weight as it compares to the DR. Obviously, you could add some tape to boost the swing weight. That being said, my two handed backhand suffers when playing with this frame as well as my slice (due to the swing weight). The DR is by no means a scalpel, but significantly better for both. I would recommend this racquet to anyone that wants access to bigger serves and more powerful ground strokes. If you like the feel of the new EZONE and can rein in the power, this might be for you. However, I won't be leaving my DR for this. I feel like this racquet (out of the the box) is better suited for a one handed backhand player as well.
From: John, 3/2/22
Comments: I am a strong 4.0 playing with a Wilson Clash Tour (Pro) for past few years. The Clash Tour has been great, but I've grown more aggressive at the net and want a racquet with more stability. I've tried a bunch of racquets (Yonex, Head, Tecnifibre, Babolat, etc) but hadn't found the one worth switching for until now. The new EZONE 98 is a great racquet for my all court style. And for some reason, this stick really suits my one handed backhand. Yes I wish it had a bit more weight and the handle wasn't oddly sized, but I'm ordering a couple of these to be my main racquet and will tweak to find my ideal setup. Highly recommend this racquet if you generate your own power and want a forgiving racquet that offers good feel.
From: Scott, 17/1/22
Comments: I am an intermediate to advanced player (3.5 — 4.0) I've been playing for about 5 years now and have a great feel for equipment. I can tell almost instantly the difference between racquets, weight and balance. I use a 2020 Yonex EZone 98 strung with Yonex PolyTour Rev 16L. I use a shock buster (long one) and Wilson Pro overgrip. I have to tell you, the difference between the 2020 vs 2022 was slight. I just demoed the 2022 ezone 98 and 100 racquets with a friend. It came strung with PolyTour Rev which is my current favorite string (approximately at 50lbs). First impressions, light hitting: it felt very similar to the 2021 VCore 98. Same type of sound when hitting the ball and similar control. This was the big difference for me vs the 2020. The 2020 for light hitting felt more solid. From the baseline: swinging full tilt, I noticed a tad more precision with the new 22 EZone; however, there was not much difference in feel or power between the two. I was surprised because when playing mini-tennis, I noticed a similar feel and sound as the 2021 VCore 98, but not from the baseline. Also in my demo was the 2022 EZone 100. I have to say it felt like I was cheating using this racquet. I had virtually no mis-hits, and the power was ridiculous. I'm not sure if it was as fun because I didn't feel like I was making any real effort. Like I didn't need to try to put the ball where I wanted. It just kind of went there with little effort. And the serves were just bombs. I did hit a few long because of the easy power, but I might use this racquet when I'm getting fatigued and need to finish a match. The sweet spot almost feels like an oversized racket compared to the 98. If you want precision with power go for the 2022 EZone 98, if you want easy tennis with little effort the 2022 EZone 100 is for you. I would recommend either of these racquets.
From: Acechester, 29/12/21