Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Racket Review
| Groundstrokes | 84 |
| Volleys | 80 |
| Serves | 89 |
| Returns | 80 |
| Power | 87 |
| Control | 81 |
| Maneuverability | 86 |
| Stability | 78 |
| Comfort | 79 |
| Touch/Feel | 76 |
| Topspin | 87 |
| Slice | 78 |
First launched in 2012, the EZONE 98 has persisted through three different generations (designated by the acronyms Xi, Ai and DR respectively). The 2017 version of the EZONE 98 faces an uphill battle, and not just because Yonex failed to give it a fancy two-letter code. It comes on the heels of the EZONE DR 98, which was an exceptionally responsive and uniquely forgiving modern player's racket -- think Babolat Pure Drive, but softer and with better ball pocketing at impact. According to our playtest team, this update is not as plush as the DR version. It felt decidedly firmer, especially at the tip of the racket where the feedback was a little "boardy." On the upside, the majority of our team was able to play very effective tennis with the EZONE 98 (305g). Although there were some minor issues with control, the EZONE 98 (305g) proved more powerful and spin friendly than the previous generation, which made it a tad more dangerous on full swings. Our playtesters' highest score was awarded for serves, where this stick whipped powerfully through contact to yield impressive targeting. Ultimately, the new EZONE 98 (305g) is not for everyone. Some players are likely to prefer the softer, more muted feel of the DR, while others will definitely appreciate the firmer and more powerful response provided by this update.
Upsides
- More power
- Added spin
Downsides
- Stiff feeling in upper hoop
Bottom Line
With its crisper feel and spin-friendly precision, the EZONE 98 (305g) continues to be a one of the best options for the player who wants a maneuverable and user-friendly player's racket.
Ability
Intermediate to Advanced Level
Groundstrokes - Score: 84 / 100
Our team had some issues with the feel of the EZONE 98 (305g) from the backcourt, and there were some familiar calls for more weight and plough through. However, the majority of our crew had success with this stick on groundstrokes. They were able to generate racket head speed that resulted in easy power and spin. Chris said, "This racket offered a very crisp and precise feel from the baseline. Compared to the EZONE DR 98 that it replaces, I found more pop and a firmer feel, but less ball pocketing and control/feel. It felt like the ball was getting in and out of the stringbed quicker -- not VCORE SV 98 quick, but crisper and quicker than the DR 98. Either way, I played well with this racket. My groundstrokes felt solid, I hit with plenty of pace and was very happy with the topspin I could generate. My slice backhand also felt pretty dialed in when I was driving the ball deep. I didn't get the soft and plush feel I enjoy from the DR 98 on drop shots, but I was still able to find my targets. The EZONE 98 (305g) also felt firmer and less forgiving toward the upper hoop."
Volleys - Score: 80 / 100
Our playtesters were very impressed by the EZONE 98 (305g) at net. Granted, there were some familiar complaints about the feel, but this racket's raw speed and user-friendly playability won the day. All of the playtesters appreciated the manoeuvrability, which translated to more points won at net by putaway volley. Hannah was impressed, adding, "Effortless is the word that describes my experience volleying with the new Yonex EZONE 98 (305g). At net the sweetspot was responsive, crisp and precise. I never found myself craving more stability, and at the same time it was so manoeuvrable in my hands. During points I had complete trust in this racket when I transitioned to the net, and I found it easy to close out points."
Serves - Score: 89 / 100
Our team gave the EZONE 98 (305) an outstanding score for serve. The easy acceleration translated seamlessly into power, and the spin-friendly precision brought the ball down on target. Let's just say Troy was impressed. He said, "My flat first serves were coming in hot with the Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) in my hand. Because this racket is so light and fast I found a big boost in racket-head speed, and I was finding a few extra MPHs on my first serves. Even with that boost in power, I still had enough control to paint the corners of the service box and keep my opponent out of rhythm. I found easy access to spin on my second serves. On my topspin and kick serves this racket helped me get the ball jumping above my opponent's shoulders. When I was hitting big first-serve aces this racket had me feeling a bit like Nick Kyrgios... -30 MPH!"
Serve Returns - Score: 80 / 100
Our team had mixed opinions about the EZONE 98 (305g) on returns. As with groundstrokes, there were some problems with the feel coupled with cries for more stability and plough through. However, this racket's speed, power and spin proved hard to resist. TW playtester Michelle had the most success when shifting into attack mode. She explained, "For the most part, I was returning well with the EZONE 98 (305g). I could swing out and attack returns. If I was swinging fast enough I didn't have the erratic feel at the top of the hoop, but I also wasn't completely confident with the racket in my hands. It was quick, but I would have liked a little more plough through. I really enjoyed returning with it when I was moving forward because I was able to attack and use angles well to start the point off offensively."
Overall - Score: 82 / 100
Dislikes:
Troy - "Due to the firm feel of this racket I would definitely go with a softer co-poly string to help soften up the response. I was craving more plough through and stability on my groundstrokes, but especially on my volleys."
Chris - "The EZONE 98 (305g) lacks the magical feel and plush response I loved in the DR 98. It's also a tad too firm toward the upper hoop for my liking."
Hannah - "I had a hard time dialing in accuracy during points from the baseline. I was overhitting slightly, found the feel to be stiffer than the previous version and experienced a drop in consistency."
Michelle - "The upper hoop felt stiff, and I felt like I was missing the sweetspot."
Comparing it to other rackets they've used, our testers said:
Troy - "The performance of the EZONE 98 (305g) was very similar to the Yonex EZONE DR 98. This update has a firmer feel to it, though. Although it has been a while, I recall the Yonex EZONE Xi 98 having a very similar feel to this new update. Compared to other modern player’s rackets, such as the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 racket, the EZONE 98 (305g) has better control and more manoeuvrability."
Chris - "For me, this update brings the EZONE 98 lineage closer to the VCORE SV 98. The firmer, crisper response of the EZONE 98 reminded me of the VCORE SV 98 and Babolat Pure Aero rackets. Like those models, this racket is also well suited to cranking big serves and groundstrokes."
Hannah - "I think that the stiffer feel of this update will surprise longtime EZONE 98 fans. With that being said, the performance is spot on and the improvements allow for bigger shots, more power and the same above average performance from all areas of the court. Despite the slightly different feel of this racket, it is still so easy to use and still provides an effortless experience. With the specs right in my preferred range, I think anyone who likes this offering should also try out the Babolat Pure Strike and the the Yonex VCORE SV 98. For players who really enjoy the idea of added power and trajectory, the Babolat Pure Drive is also comparable."
Michelle - "Comparing the EZONE 98 (305g) directly to the DR 98 -- the shape is a bit more elongated, the feel is stiffer and it seemed a bit more powerful. It has all the components of a modern racket, but I personally prefer the DR 98. I thought Troy was spot on when I heard him describe the EZONE 98 (305g) as a blend of the Wilson Blade 98 and a Babolat Pure Aero -- a lot of power and some control blended together in a racket that also hits a heavy ball."
Playtester Profiles:
Troy: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a full Western Forehand and a two-handed backhand. Troy currently plays with a Wilson Six.One 95 18x20.
Chris: 4.5 all-court player currently using the Yonex EZONE DR 98+. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.
Hannah: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 (Project One7).
Michelle: Open level baseline player with a semi-western forehand and a two handed backhand. She currently plays with the Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph.
Likes:
Troy - "A nice blend of modern power and spin, with control that you would get from a racket with a more classic feel. I was getting a bit more pop off the stringbed compared to the EZONE DR 98."
Chris - "Great spin and some nice power made the EZONE 98 (305g) a fun racket to hit with from the baseline and on serves."
Hannah - "Increased power and access to spin and depth compared to the previous version. In general, I found above average performance from all areas of the court."
Michelle - "Loved it on serves -- especially when hitting flat first serves. Good blend of power, control and spin."