The Yonex Ezone 98 2025 is the latest iteration of a popular tennis racket, boasting significant improvements in comfort without sacrificing power. This review delves into the performance of this updated model, focusing on the impact of Yonex's new Milon technology. Maintaining the familiar 98 square inch head size, 16x19 string pattern, and 305g unstrung weight, the Ezone 98 2025 aims to address previous criticisms regarding stiffness while retaining the powerful feel players have come to expect. We'll examine how effectively this goal is achieved across a range of strokes, from powerful serves to delicate drop shots.This in-depth analysis will assess the racket's performance in key areas including control, power, feel, and spin. We'll discuss the noticeable difference in comfort provided by the Milon technology and explore whether this enhanced comfort compromises the precision and feedback crucial for high-level play. Ultimately, this review aims to determine whether the Yonex Ezone 98 2025 succeeds in its ambition of creating a comfortable powerhouse racket suitable for a wide range of players and playing styles.
Pros And Cons
- Good stability
- More comfortable than previous generation
- Easy to use for various shots (slice, drop, etc.)
- Great for flat serves
- Powerful
- Less control than the seventh generation
- Spin is not a standout feature
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Specs and Technology
The Yonex Ezone 98 2025 retains its predecessor's specifications: a 98 square inch head size, a 16x19 string pattern, and a 305g unstrung weight. The key update is Yonex's new 'Milon' technology, designed to enhance comfort without sacrificing performance. This addresses feedback from players who found the previous generation too stiff.
This technology aims to provide a more forgiving feel, making the racket less jarring on the arm. The manufacturer hoped to maintain the powerful feel players loved while mitigating the discomfort associated with extended play.
On-Court Performance
On the court, the Ezone 98 2025 delivered impressive stability, exceeding expectations given its enhanced comfort. The reviewer noted that the comfortable feel didn't compromise the racket's ability to maintain control, especially during powerful shots.
The racket performed well across various strokes, from serves and volleys to slices and drop shots. While the feel is different from previous generations, players should adjust quickly to the enhanced comfort without significantly sacrificing control and power.
Detailed Performance Breakdown
Serves: The racket excels with flat serves, providing excellent power and control. Slice and kick serves were also deemed effective.
Volleys: Performance at the net is similarly strong, maintaining control and power during volleys. Overall, the versatility of the racket allows for effective play in all areas of the court.
Feel and Comfort
The most significant change is the enhanced comfort. The reviewer initially worried about muted feel due to the increased comfort but found that removing the dampener significantly improved the feel.
The 'Milon' technology delivers a more comfortable experience without completely sacrificing feedback. The racket provides a good balance between comfort and feel, allowing the player to easily sense the ball’s impact on the strings.
Rating and Conclusion
Control: 7.5/10 - While not as outstanding as previous generations, the 305g weight provides solid control. Power: 9.5/10 - A significant strength, achieving comparable power to the previous generation despite increased flexibility. Feel: 8.5/10 - Very comfortable and forgiving, though removing the dampener is recommended by the reviewer to improve feedback. Spin: 7.5/10 - Adequate spin, but not a standout feature; other rackets offer better spin generation.
Overall, the Yonex Ezone 98 2025 is a versatile and comfortable racket suitable for various playing styles. The improved comfort is a significant upgrade. While control and spin aren't its strongest attributes, its power and forgiving feel make it a solid choice for many players. The improved comfort is a major plus, but players should experiment with the dampener to find their preferred feel.