Yonex EZONE 100 (300g) Racket Review
| Groundstrokes | 84 |
| Volleys | 85 |
| Serves | 82 |
| Returns | 87 |
| Power | 85 |
| Control | 80 |
| Maneuverability | 82 |
| Stability | 83 |
| Comfort | 80 |
| Touch/Feel | 83 |
| Topspin | 85 |
| Slice | 85 |
With the growing popularity of the EZONE line, Yonex hopes to hit another ace with the release of the Yonex EZONE 100 (300g). An update to the EZONE DR 100, this racket is loaded with new technologies and an updated Isometric head shape. Technologies such as Hyper-MG material in the upper hoop and shaft of the frame create a more powerful response. Additionally, Yonex retooled the grommet system with Micro Offset Layout technology and added Quake Shut Gel Air to the handle for better shock absorption. The TW playtesters couldn't wait to get onto the court to try the EZONE 100 (300g). Right off the bat, they found a stable feel and controllable power from the baseline and at the net. On returns, the playtesters were able to be aggressive thanks to the stability and spin potential. Most playtesters noted a stiffer feel when the ball hit just above the center of the stringbed. This resulted in a more powerful response and required an adjustment period for our team.
Upsides
- Spin friendly
- Powerful
- Easy to use
Downsides
- Stiffer feeling high in the stringbed
Bottom Line
Overall, the Yonex EZONE 100 (300g) is the perfect the high performance racket for players looking for a powerful, stable and spin-friendly response.
Ability
Intermediate to Advanced Level
Groundstrokes - Score: 84 / 100
The Yonex EZONE 100 (300g) is an impressive weapon from the baseline. Right off the bat, the TW playtesters found the racket easy to use with ample access to power and spin to create both groundstrokes landing deep in the court as well shorter, more angled groundstrokes to pull opponents of the court. However, all the playtesters noted a small difference in feel compared to the previous EZONE DR racket. Tiffani explained, "I did feel that the EZONE 100 (300g) had a stiffer feel just above the center of the stringbed, and it wasn't offering me the same level of feel that I'm used to getting from the EZONE line. However, when I hit lower in the stringbed I got a more familiar EZONE response. The lower I hit the more ball pocketing I got, and I enjoyed that feel."
Volleys - Score: 85 / 100
The TW playtesters found stability and a firm feel when hitting volleys with the EZONE 100 (300g). Playing both singles and doubles, the playtesters were able to test the racket in every situation. Brittany was most impressed, adding, "I had the ability to put away volleys with power and depth. I could also soften my hands and hit angled volleys or touch shots. I got to play doubles with this update and was impressed with the performance up at net. I won a couple of quick reflex volley exchanges, and this gave me the confidence to successfully hit riskier volleys."
Serves - Score: 82 / 100
There were some mixed reviews from the TW playtesters when it came to hitting serves with the Yonex EZONE 100 (300g). Two of the playtesters appreciated the power they received.Mark was a big fan, saying, "Besides the forehand, the serve was probably my favourite shot to hit with the EZONE 100 (300g). I feel that my serve has recently improved a little, and this particular racket catered to some of that progress. I would prefer a little extra weight, but overall I served very consistently with this racket." On the other hand, the other playtesters were left searching for easier power and better consistency.
Serve Returns - Score: 87 / 100
The solid feel and powerful response of the EZONE 100 (300g) had the TW playtesters returning serves with ease. They were able to start the point off on the offense thanks to versatility the racket offered. If they had to pick a small negative, they were wanting a little more stability on off centre shots. Jason summed it up by saying, "There was power and there was spin, and I felt like I could go cross court or pull the ball down the line. When I had to block a serve back it didn't take much effort to get the ball back with depth. The only real downside for me was the feel on off-centre shots. They felt slightly more jarring than with the DR or Ai models."
Overall - Score: 84 / 100
Dislikes:
Brittany - "Just a slightly different feel/result when hitting closer to the tip of the racket that took some getting used to. Also, it played a tad stiffer."
Jason - "The stiffer feel compared to the previous versions. It also doesn't feel like it swings quite as fast."
Tiffani - "The playability of the stringbed was uneven. The response felt stiffer than previous EZONE 100s."
Mark - "The only knock I can give the EZONE 100 (300g) is that after about an hour of play I felt like I wanted a little more weight on the racket. For the first hour I feel like I can do just about anything with the EZONE 100 (300g), but after that I struggle a little without the extra bit of weight that I'm used to. I would add some weight to it, but that’s more of a preference than a dislike."
Comparing it to other rackets they've used, our testers said:
Brittany - "Having playtested the last two iterations, I can safely say that anyone who loved playing with those rackets will be a fan of this update. While I still prefer the Ai 100, this update has many of the same characteristics -- the combination of power and control, the spin potential and the feel. Other rackets that are similar to the EZONE 100 (300g) are the Prince Textreme Tour 100P, the Babolat Pure Aero and the Volkl V-Sense 8 300g."
Jason - "The EZONE 100 (300g) is nearly identical to the previous models but with a stiffer feel (especially toward the tip). It also feels like the power potential has been kicked up a notch."
Tiffani - "The two differences that stand out to me from the two previous EZONE 100s are the feel at impact and the swing through the air. Even though the swingweight of the EZONE 100 (300g) measure lower than the Ai and DR models, it just feels more substantial to me at contact with the ball. The feel was also stiffer higher up in the stringbed compared to the Ai and DR models. I got used to the EZONE 100 (300g) after about five hours of hitting and found myself liking it more and more as I played with it, but I would still pick the EZONE DR 100+ as my favorite EZONE 100 racket."
Mark - "For me, the EZONE Xi 100 felt stiffer, and because it has a more open 16x18 pattern and a slightly lower overall weight and swing weight, it didn't feel as stable or as predictable as the EZONE 100 (300g). The EZONE Ai 100 featured a plusher and more predictable feel relative to the Xi 100. The DR 100 was very close to the overall weight and balance of its predecessor, but it did feel firmer, more muted and slightly livelier to me. As far as other rackets that compete for the same sort of player's attention, there certainly are more than a few. In the latest Babolat Pure Drive review Chris described the Pure Drive as being a great 1-2 shot frame. I feel the same way about the EZONE 100 (300g). I loved it on both my serve and my forehand. You also have to consider the VCORE SV 100, the Head Instinct MP and Speed MP, the Babolat Pure Aero and the Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail. They all have a similar combination of specs."
Playtester Profiles:
Brittany: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Yonex EZONE DR 100.
Jason: 4.0 baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently using a Babolat Pure Strike.
Tiffani: 4.0 level baseliner with a semi-western grip on the forehand and hits a two-handed backhand. Currently playing with the Prince Textreme Tour 100P.
Mark: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a one-handed backhand. He currently plays with the Wilson Blade CV SW104 Autograph.
Likes:
Brittany - "I still like the overall feel. The ease of use, the spin potential, the controllable power and manoeuvrability were all assets."
Jason - "Great blend of manoeuvrability, power, spin and control."
Tiffani - "The EZONE 100 (300g) felt more stable than previous versions, and it's still an easy racket for a baseliner to use."
Mark - "This update to an already proven racket recipe worked for me, especially with the EZONE 100 (300g) being stiffer toward the upper portion of the hoop. I often make contact in the upper part of a racket's string bed, and since this is pretty light racket for me that extra firmness made the frame feel more stable through contact with the ball."