The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) receives a glowing review, showcasing subtle yet significant improvements over its 2020 predecessor. Maintaining its popular 98 square inch head size and 305-gram unstrung weight, this update boasts a striking new light blue aesthetic. This review delves into the on-court performance, exploring the balance of power and control that defines the Ezone line. The author details their experience with various string setups and assesses the racket's strengths and weaknesses, offering valuable insights for advanced players considering this model.This in-depth analysis examines the racket's feel, stability, and sweet spot, noting the enhanced performance thanks to a subtly thicker beam and increased stiffness. The reviewer addresses both the advantages and potential drawbacks, such as the lower swing weight, offering customization suggestions to optimize the racket for individual playing styles. Ultimately, the review provides a comprehensive assessment of the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022), helping readers decide if it's the right choice for their game.
Pros And Cons
- Generous sweet spot
- Good control and power balance
- Improved stability compared to the 2020 version
- Good feel and connection
- Rewards aggressive swings
- Plays well in stock form
- Encourages aggressive tennis
- Good quality control
- Swing weight is quite low, may need added weight for optimal serve pace
- Slightly thicker beam and stiffer than previous version (though reviewer found this to be an improvement)
- Yonex grips are quite flat, potentially detracting from feel for those used to other brands
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Racket Specifications and Initial Impressions
The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is an update to the popular 2020 version, boasting largely unchanged specs: 305 grams unstrung weight, a 98 square inch head size, and a 16x19 string pattern. The new paint job features a striking light blue, a welcome aesthetic change. Initial impressions suggest a subtle yet impactful upgrade; it maintains the key features that made its predecessor a success.
The racket arrived within the specified weight and balance point, a testament to Yonex's quality control. The VDM mesh, known for its dampening effect, provided comfortable play throughout my two-week testing period. Despite some players reporting discomfort with the Ezone line, I experienced none.
Power and Control Balance
The Ezone line is marketed as a blend of power and control. The 98 model embodies this perfectly; unlike the 100, which leans more towards power, the 98 strikes a superior balance. It offers sufficient power for aggressive shots without compromising control.
I initially strung the racket with Yonex Polytour Pro at 54 pounds, later lowering it to 51 pounds for a better feel and power balance. The Polytour Pro offered good playability and durability, though I found an even better combination with a hybrid setup using a different poly in the mains.
Playing Experience and Feel
The Ezone 98 (2022) features the signature generous sweet spot of the Ezone series. Compared to previous versions, I found less need for customization. The subtle thickening of the beam and increased stiffness (RA65) initially seemed counterintuitive to my preferences, but ultimately enhanced stability.
The racket offered a nice, connected feel, allowing for precise shot placement, especially on forehands. The dwell time was excellent, facilitating well-controlled drop shots and slices. While the swing weight is a bit low, the racket's performance on full swings and aggressive shots is exceptional.
Serve and Customization
The lower swing weight (318) might be a drawback for players needing more mass for powerful serves. However, this can easily be addressed through customization by adding weight. Even with the lower swing weight, I found serving accuracy to be excellent.
The Yonex grip, though unique and flat, is a matter of personal preference. Some players might find it less comfortable than grips with a more pronounced bulge. It's advisable to demo the racket before purchase to assess grip comfort.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is a noticeable improvement over the 2020 version. Minor changes significantly enhance stability without sacrificing feel, and it plays exceptionally well in its stock form. It encourages aggressive, all-court tennis with its generous sweet spot and controlled power.
For advanced players, this racket is a strong contender. With the right customization, it can become a fantastic platform for high-level play. While a demo is highly recommended, this racket is a truly exceptional all-around package.