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extreme tour vs ezone 98

Yonex EZONE 98

In-depth Review & Playtest + Video

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extreme tour vs ezone 98

By Jon Crim TennisCompanion

The Yonex EZONE series of tennis racquets have become a crowd favorite, which arguably reached a peak with the 2015 release of the EZONE DR 98 – one of the most popular models in recent years.

However, in 2020, Yonex takes another pass at the EZONE family with a refreshing update that remains true to the line yet incorporates a handful of refinements to appeal to long-time enthusiasts and first-time users.

In this guide, I’ll dive deep to provide a thorough analysis of the racquet, including its history, specs, and tech, while also putting the racquet through the paces in a playtest to share its pros and cons and help you determine if it’s a good fit for your game.

In 2022, the Yonex EZONE 98 remains my pick for one of the best tennis racquets on the market. Check out my guide for a full review of all my favorite, including how to approach buying a racquet.

Article Contents

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Video Review & Playtest

About the EZONE Series

Specs & Technologies

EZONE Series Models

Design & Aesthetics

Players Endorsing

Strings & Tension

Review & Playtest Notes

Summary & Takeaways

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Video Review & Playtest for the Yonex EZONE 98

As a companion to this article, I’ve recorded an in-depth review and playtest for the Yonex EZONE 98. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a visual walkthrough of the and if you’d like to see the racquet in action as part of my playtest to evaluate the frame.

For your reference, here are timestamps for various sections of the video, which you can jump to if specific parts interest you.

0:23 – Intro

0:35 – Specs 0:59 – Length, Head Size, String Pattern 1:11 – Weight & Swingweight 1:34 – Balance 1:45 – Stiffness 1:51 – Beam Width

2:11 – Technology 2:35 – Isometric Head Design 2:47 – Linear Tech Grommets 3:05 – Shockless Grommets 3:14 – M40X Carbon Fiber 3:26 – Oval Pressed Shaft (OPS) 3:38 – Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM)

3:50 – Design & Aesthetics 4:32 – Strings & Tension

5:19 – Playtest & Review 5:37 – Playtest Notes 5:44 – Groundstrokes 6:43 – Volleys 7:19 – Serves 7:47 – Returns 8:15 – Summary

9:02 – EZONE 98 vs. EZONE 98 DR

In this article, I dive more in-depth and cover some topics you won’t find in the video, so keep reading to learn more about the racquet.

About the Yonex EZONE Series

Yonex EZONE 98: About the Yonex EZONE Series

For years, Japanese company Yonex has been a staple in the racquet market, but they’ve often taken a backseat to other dominant players in the space like Wilson, Babolat, and Head.

However, in recent years, their popularity has soared, with racquets like the EZONE paving the way with broader appeal and strong endorsements from players like Stan Wawrinka, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and Angelique Kerber, to name a few.

The Yonex EZONE originally made its debut in August of 2010, and since then, there have been six generations, which include:

  • 2010 – Yonez EZONE*
  • 2012 – Yonex EZONE Xi
  • 2014 – Yonex EZONE Ai
  • 2015 – Yonex EZONE DR**
  • 2017 – Yonex EZONE**
  • 2020 – Yonex EZONE

*In 2012, Yonex introduced the first EZONE 98.

**Both these years offered a blue version of the racquet, i.e., the Yonex EZONE DR Blue and the Yonez EZONE 98 Blue, while the latest version for 2020 is only available in blue.

In 2015, the Yonex EZONE DR further cemented this line of racquets as a dominant force as one of the most popular releases, and it remains a measuring stick for comparing new models in this series.

Known for its all-around performance, moderate power, and spin-friendly characteristics, it’s an excellent frame that’s well-suited for a broad range of intermediate to advanced players.

Comparing Yonex Performance Racquets

Yonex offers four different series of tennis racquets, including the EZONE, VCORE Pro, VCORE, and ASTREL. Let’s take a quick look at what you can expect from each and how the EZONE fits into the lineup.

The VCORE PRO family of racquets from Yonex is the heaviest of the bunch, which seeks to deliver maximum control and stability.

The racquets feature characteristics that skew toward strong intermediate to advanced players, but they have a lighter option for those drawn to this line but aren’t ready to take on the extra weight.

The VCORE line is the younger sibling to the VCORE PRO series, which is lighter for added maneuverability and faster swings to enhance topspin.

The VCORE family also offers a thicker variable-width beam for a bit of added power without being too overbearing. Within the line, players have a handful of options, including different weights and head sizes and an extended length version.

The Yonex VCORE 98 is one of the most popular in the lineup.

The VCORE and EZONE lines have many similarities. However, what I’ve found distinguishes the two is topspin, power, and feel.

Although I’d give the edge in topspin and power to the VCORE, the EZONE offers plenty of both, but spin isn’t as pronounced, and it’s a bit less lively. As a result, the EZONE demands a bit more from a player to generate pace.

With regards to feel, I find the EZONE to offer a slightly more muted or control-oriented response and a more connected feel with the ball.

The ASTREL line of tennis racquets is the lightest from Yonex and provides excellent maneuverability. Their larger head sizes and thicker beams also help deliver effortless power, which works well for beginners and intermediate players.

Yonex EZONE 98 Specs & Technologies

Yonex EZONE 98 Specs: Specs & Technologies

The Yonex EZONE 98’s specs and performance characteristics fall into a category that many refer to as a modern player’s racquet, which seeks to balance power and control with moderate comfort.

Although useful for comparing different racquets, it’s important to note that specs don’t translate to feel, so if possible, I’d encourage you to try or demo a racquet before making your final buying decision.

Like the prior generation, the EZONE 98 comes in your standard length of 27 inches with a slightly smaller, more control-oriented head size of 98 square inches and a 16×19 string pattern .

The racquet’s unstrung weight falls at a maneuverable 10.8 ounces or 305 grams. Yonex typically has excellent quality control, and the racquet I reviewed weighs in at 10.69 ounces or 303 grams for a slight yet respectable variation.

Yonex EZONE 98 Specs: Weight

You can add 18 or so grams for the strung weight, which will depend on the gauge of the thickness of the strings you decide to use.

You’ll also find EZONE 98’s swingweight comes in at 317, and the frame offers a 9 pt HL balance at 31.5 cm unstrung, which drops to 6 pts HL at 32.4 cm with strings installed.

Yonex EZONE 98 Specs: Balance Measurement

As for its stiffness , or measure of the racquet’s flex, the EZONE 98 has a relatively arm-friendly RA rating of 64.

Yonex EZONE 98 Specs: Stiffness

Last but not least, the racquet has a variable width beam that’s 19mm at the throat, 24mm at three and nine o’clock on the racquet’s head, and 23mm at the top of the head.

Yonex EZONE 98 Specs: Beam at the Throat

Yonex EZONE 98 Technologies

The latest generation of the EZONE 98 offers a few familiar technologies while introducing a handful of noteworthy new features. Let’s take a look at each and the intention behind the tech.

Isometric Head Design

Yonex EZONE 98 Technology: Isometric Head Design

For starters, the racquet features the brand’s distinct Isometric or square-shaped head design, which according to Yonex, helps increase the size of the sweet spot by 7% compared to your standard round frame design.

Linear Tech Grommet System

Yonex EZONE 98 Technology: Linear Tech Grommet System

Next up, the racquet now offers a Linear Tech grommet system, which pairs nicely with the Isometric head shape by drilling many of the grommets straight through the frame instead of on an angle to improve power and comfort.

For reference, this is the same concept that Wilson uses, but they brand it as Parallel Drilling.

Shockless Grommets

Yonex EZONE 98 Technology: Shockless Grommets

This generation of the racquet also integrates Shockless Grommets at the head’s sides and bottom, intended to reduce shock and improve feel.

Torayca M40X

Yonex EZONE 98 Technology: M40X Carbon Fiber

In the racquet’s throat, you’ll find the frame now integrates a new-age carbon fiber called M40X, which exists to strike a balance between stability and flex for controllable power.

Oval Pressed Shaft (OPS)

Yonex EZONE 98 Technology: Oval Pressed Shaft (OPS)

Along with M40X in the throat, the frame maintains its oval pressed shaft, which rounds the corners of this section of the frame for optimal flex and increases dwell time to improve control and enhance spin.

Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM)

Yonex EZONE 98 Technology: Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDS)

Finally, the 2020 version of the EZONE 98 also features an updated dampening mesh that wraps the graphite in the handle to reduce vibration and improve comfort and feel.

Yonex EZONE Models

Yonex EZONE 98: EZONE Models

The EZONE series of tennis racquets are the most extensive line from Yonex with an impressive 15 racquets in total, which caters to kids and adults and all levels from beginner to advanced.

The EZONE 98 is the racquet I reviewed and one of their best-selling tennis racquets. With it’s 98 in² head, it falls under the control-oriented side of the lineup. Furthermore, it’s not the heaviest or the lightest in the series, making it an appealing option for a wide range of players.

EZONE 98 Tour

Players looking for a heavier version of the EZONE 98 for added stability will likely find what they’re looking for with the EZONE 98 Tour.

It’s 0.4 oz or 12 g heavier with a 4 pt HL balance, which is a two-point drop from the standard EZONE 98, so a bit of that extra weight makes its way toward the head of the racquet for added stability. Overall, the swingweight increases as a result from 317 to 330.

Beyond that, the EZONE Tour has a 2 pt drop in stiffness at 62 for a bit more comfort and control.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, players that find the EZONE 98 a bit too heavy may find the EZONE98L or lightweight version appealing.

It’s 0.7 oz or 19 g lighter and maintains the same stiffness at 64 and the same beam width. However, the balance shifts quite a bit from 6 pts HL for the EZONE 98 to 1 pt HL for the EZONE 98L.

This racquet is an excellent option for improving beginners through intermediate players looking for a lighter, more maneuverable option that swings fast to generate topspin.

Players looking for an extended length version of the EZONE 98 will find an excellent option with the EZONE 98+, which adds a half-inch to the racquet’s length for a bit more velocity behind your swings.

As a result of the extra length, the balance point shifts slightly from the standard model to 5 pts HL and the swingweight increases from 317 to 334. However, the stiffness and bream width remains the same.

Although the 98 in² version of the EZONE is a popular option, the first EZONE ever produced was a 100 in² back in 2010.

Continuing with that legacy, the EZONE 100 is an excellent option for players that aren’t ready to give up the added margin for error, spin, and extra pop that comes along with a slightly larger head size.

At 11.2 oz (318g), it’s only 0.1 oz or 2 grams lighter than the EZONE 98, but it has a 4pt HL balance, which results in a tad higher swingweight of 322. The racquet’s higher stiffness rating of 69 and its variable-width beam’s increased thickness results in a racquet that delivers more power.

At 10.6 oz (301g) strung, the EZONE 100L is a lightweight version of the standard EZONE 100. It has a 3 pt HL balance, a swingweight of 310, and a stiffness or RA rating of 68.

However, the beam width stays the same as the EZONE 100. Overall, this racquet is a worthy option for players interested in the EZONE 100 but aren’t ready to step up to its weight.

If you prefer extended-length racquets and you like the extra power and spin that comes with the larger 100 in² head size, then the EZONE 100+, which is a half-inch longer than the standard EZONE 100, might be right up your alley.

Compared to the EZONE 100, it’s 0.1 oz or 3 g lighter, has a reduced balance by 1 pt at 3 pts HL, and is also a touch stiffer by one point at 70. The beam width remains the same, but the extra length gives it 13 more points on the swingweight at 335 for even more power and spin.

Additional Models

Aside from the models we covered, Yonex also has the following racquets below that belong to the EZONE family.

  • EZONE 100SL: 9.5 oz (270g) / 100 in² head
  • EZONE 105: 9.7 oz (275g) / 105 in² head
  • EZONE 108: 9 oz (255g) / 108 in² head
  • EZONE Game: 9.5 oz (270g) / 98 in² head
  • EZONE Ace: 9.2 oz (260g) / 102 in² head
  • EZONE Feel: 8.8 oz (250g) / 102 in² head
  • EZONE 25: 25 in / 8.5 oz / 102 in² head
  • EZONE 26: 26 in / 8.8 oz / 102 in² head

As you can see, this is one of the most robust lines of tennis racquets on the market. It’s worth noting that every racquet from top to bottom is graphite, including the kid’s racquets at 25 and 26 inches.

Yonex EZONE 98 Design & Aesthetics

For the sixth-generation of the EZONE series, Yonex leaned in on the blue theme, so instead of black and blue from the previous model, you’ll find different shades of blue with a bit of shimmer if you look closely.

Yonex EZONE 98 Design: Shades of Blue

They also introduced a few super subtle orange details throughout the racquet’s head and maintained the logos’ silver highlight.

Yonex EZONE 98 Design: Orange Highlights

I’m not the biggest fan of the transformer esque geometric shapes, but it doesn’t look bad, and it’s a clean low-key design that works for me.

Yonex EZONE 98 Design: Transformer Shapes

For a dramatically different design, you might check out Naomi Osaka’s Limited Edition white and gold version, which was released not too long ago on September 17, 2020.

Players Endorsing the Yonex EZONE Series

Over the years, the Yonex EZONE series popularity has received endorsements from a wide range of players.

When Yonex first launched the racquet in 2010, Ana Ivanovic helped bring added popularity to the line. These days, Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka are the most prominent names using the line. Let’s take a look at some of the other players using this line of racquets as well.

As you review the list, keep in mind that many of these players use older models of the racquet, and virtually all have theirs customized .

Please note that players do change racquets periodically, so while I’ve done my best to showcase players using the EZONE series at the time of publishing, these may change over time.

If you spot a player who’s no longer using the racquet or a new player has begun to use it, feel free to drop a comment at the bottom of this guide and let me know. I’d be happy to update it for accuracy.

Yonex EZONE 98 Strings & Tension

Yonex EZONE 98 Strings & Tension

The recommended tension range for the Yonex EZONE 98 is 45 – 60 pounds (20.41 – 27.22 kg). For my playtest, I strung with 1.25 mm Poly Tour Pro at 52 lbs or 23.6 kg.

Yonex EZONE 98 Strings: PolyTour Pro 1.25

I’m a big fan of polyester tennis strings for their lower power and spin-friendly characteristics, and Poly Tour Pro is a typical pair with the EZONE 98. In part, because it’s a recommend string from Yonex, but mainly because Nick Kyrios endorses it.

Poly Tour Pro is a low powered tennis string that offers excellent control, durability, and solid tension maintenance for a poly, so it’s a reasonable starting point to get a feel for the racquet.

Yonex EZONE 98 Review & Playtest Notes

Yonex EZONE 98 Review & Playtest Notes

A racquet’s specs can help point you in the right direction, and the technology integrated into the frame is interesting to explore. However, the latter, in particular, is usually heavily laden with marketing.

As a result, the only real way to get a sense of a racquet’s performance is to experience it first hand, so I’ve put the racquet to the test to share my thoughts and experience with the racquet as a point of reference.

Below you’ll find my ratings for the Yonex EZONE 98 across a wide range of criteria, along with my playtest notes to help better understand why I felt the racquet deserved a particular rating.

Groundstrokes

Yonex EZONE 98 Playtest: Groundstrokes

On groundstrokes, the EZONE 98 is a fun frame to hit with, which swings easily for generating higher levels of racquet head speed, and translates to great topspin.

It won’t provide the highest level of spin, but I think it finds a middle ground that’s well suited for players with traditional grips that like to hit flat and through the ball while also appealing to those with modern grips who play with a lot of topspin.

One of my favorite parts about the racquet on groundstrokes is its power to control ratio. Its 98 square inch head and mid-range RA rating combined with a stiffer poly offer excellent control, but when you need the extra pace, the racquet responds incredibly well.

As for feel, the frame rides a fine line between moderate comfort and useful feedback that can translate to a more connected feel, so it’s not surprising many players report opposing thoughts on this front.

I wouldn’t expect most players to experience arm issues, but string selection and tension will undoubtedly play a role, so it warrants thoughtful consideration.

Yonex EZONE 98 Playtest: Volleys

Up at the net , I found the EZONE 98 to be precise without giving up too much of that lively response to redirect pace for a penetrating volley.

At 6pts head-light when strung, it’s highly maneuverable, but I did find that it translated to a bit of instability at times.

On the plus side, the lack of stability was offset to a small degree by the frame’s sizeable sweet spot, which I found to be somewhat forgiving when striking the ball off-center.

Overall, the racquet is a solid performer at net, which works well as is, but is also well-suited for a small bit of weight customization to improve stability.

Yonex EZONE 98 Playtest: Serves

On serve, I found the EZONE 98 to deliver a solid all-around performance. It swings fast and packs plenty of power when needed, but it’s not overbearing, so you can still pick your spots and serve with accuracy.

I would have loved a bit more action on my kick serve, but it’s plenty sufficient and on par with what I’d expect for the head size and string pattern.

All in all, I felt right at home serving with this racquet. Its response was predictable, which helped enhance confidence in my approach.

Yonex EZONE 98 Playtest: Returns

Finally, on returns, I found the EZONE 98 to handle exceptionally well. Once again, its head-light balance makes it a breeze to maneuver, and I enjoyed the frame’s precision, especially when combined with an abbreviated stroke.

For its weight, I felt it offered respectable stability on returns where there’s a bit of momentum behind the racquet. However, there’s a downside here for players facing bigger serves. Of course, players can address that with some minor customization.

Yonex EZONE 98 Summary & Takeaways

The best way I can sum up the Yonex EZONE 98 is well-balanced – it didn’t wow me in any particular area, but that’s arguably what makes it unique.

Often, you’ll find racquets leaning heavily in one direction to offer maximum spin, power, or comfort, which means you’ll typically give up something in another area.

However, the EZONE 98 delivers a steady performance across the board, so it’s a racquet that will adapt well to a wide range of player styles and works great for all-court play.

Ultimately, I think this racquet is perfectly well-suited for intermediate players. I’d expect more advanced players to gravitate toward the Tour model, but if you don’t mind customizing your racquet, then this frame is a perfect canvas for dialing in your ideal spec.

Yonex EZONE 98 vs. EZONE 98 DR

For many, the DR generation of the EZONE was a favorite, and it remains a measuring stick for comparing new models, so let’s do a quick comparison.

As you can see, there’s a bit of variation. The new frame is a tad lighter by 6 grams, but it maintains a 6pt HL strung balance, translating to a 7pt decrease in swingweight.

It also gets a slight tweak to the beam thickness around the throat and has a bit of added stiffness by 2 points.

They’re not too far off on paper, but I find the latest generation to swing a bit easier and offer a slightly more lively response, which translates to a small bump in power and overall a bit less stability.

With that said, I expect most players who were fans of the DR to gravitate to the Tour model, but it does feel different, so as always, I’d encourage you to demo it first.

Why I Love It

  • Controllable power
  • Maneuverability

As a quick refresher, here’s the string setup I used for my playest:

  • String: Yonex PolyTour Pro
  • Gauge: 1.25 mm (17 gauge)
  • Tension: 52 lbs (23.6 kg)

Considering Yonex recommends this string as a pair with the EZONE 98, it’s not surprising that it worked well, and I’m a big fan.

Overall, a poly would be my preferred type of string with this racquet because its lower power allows me to take larger cuts at the ball and better manage the pace. Also, because the racquet is 98 in², it helps to have a string that enhances spin, and poly does precisely that.

I found the string to maintain its tension well for a poly and its durability was above average for its gauge. Here are a few other polyester strings I’d recommend for use with this racquet:

  • Solinco Hyper G
  • Volkl Cyclone
  • Luxilon ALU Power
  • Solinco Confidential
  • Tecnifibre Ice Code

Another route worth exploring with the Yonex EZONE 98 is a hybrid string setup for a bit of added comfort and some extra power. Combining a poly with a multifilament tennis string would be an excellent option.

Bottom Line

The Yonex EZONE 98 is an incredibly well-rounded tennis racquet that is very well suited for intermediate tennis players. However, it will adapt well to a wide range of player styles and abilities, and I expect it to remain among the most popular tennis racquets for that reason.

Strong intermediates and advanced players will undoubtedly want a bit more weight for added stability, which can be achieved by customizing this racquet or moving up to the EZONE 98 Tour.

Wrapping Up

Finding the perfect racquet takes time, so it pays to do your research and, if possible, demo a racquet before you make a purchase.

To that end, I hope my review and playtest of the Yonex EZONE 98 helps give you a better sense of what to expect from this racquet.

If you have questions about anything I covered in my review, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. I’d be happy to help out!

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Yonex EZONE 98 Tour

This racket is one of the best we’ve tested. An all around winner.

extreme tour vs ezone 98

String Pattern

The number of strings running horizontally and vertically across the racket. A more dense pattern (18×20) offers more stability, while a more open pattern (16×19) offers more spin, power, and feel.

Racket Weight

Generally, beginners should stick to lightweight or medium rackets (less than 11oz). More advanced players, however, should choose medium or heavy rackets (more than 11oz). (Learn more)

Swing Weight

Swing weight is a calculated by using the racket’s weight and balance. The greater the swing weight, the more power a player will get. (Learn more)

Balance means where most of the weight is centered in the racket. Head heavy rackets (HH) offer more power, while head light (HL) rackets offer more maneuverability. (Learn more)

These are some of the characteristics of the racket you should pay attention when deciding whether this is the right racket for you or not. If you not quite sure what they mean, you can just use the "What is this?" feature in order to learn more.

The head size of the racket influences how easy it is to play with it. A large head size (over 98) makes it easier to make contact with the shots but offers little maneuverability – which is great for beginners.

Racket Length

Most rackets range from 27 to 29 inches. Longer rackets offer more power and reach, but are more difficult to maneuver. 

These numbers reflect the beam width at the head, shoulder, and handle. A larger beam usually means more power, but less maneuverability.

Choosing the right strings and the right string tension is just as important as choosing the right racket. Some rackets play better with higher tensions, while others require a lower tension. 

We've played with hundreds of rackets, so we like to be pretty thorough with our reviews. We were also told that we make the best Youtube racket reviews (yes, mostly by our moms), but also by this guy and some other cool people.

extreme tour vs ezone 98

Please feel free to reach out in case you have any questions related to this racket – we’ll be happy to answer them! In the meanwhile, here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

RACKET SUMMARY

Player reviews, other rackets.

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Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour

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Dunlop CX 200 Tour

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Head Extreme MP

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Head Speed MP

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Head Prestige MP

Roger Federer

Head Extreme Tour tennis racquet review

Here is my review of the Head Extreme Tour tennis racquet.

A racquet slightly control oriented, lively, top spin friendly, maneuverable and comfortable.

Test string: Head Lynx Tour , 22 Kg.

BUY AT TENNIS WAREHOUSE USA   BUY AT TENNIS WAREHOUSE EUROPE

Head Extreme Tour video review

Head Extreme Tour presentation

The Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour racquet is part of Head's Extreme line, which offers comfortable and powerful racquets that promote top spin.

The Extreme serie is close to the Instinct serie in terms of power, the MXGs are powerful and also top spin oriented, the Speed ??and Radical are intermediate and the Prestige are the least powerful.

The Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour is a new racquet in the Head Extreme range at the time I write this article.

Until then, the Head Extreme serie did not have a racquet with a 632 cm² head size and their weight did not exceed 300 grams.

This version results in a smaller head and a thinner profile, which make the Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour a top spin oriented racquet that gives more control than other racquets in this serie.

Technologies

  • Graphene 360+: provide resistance, flexibility, lightness, stability while keeping a reasonable weight,
  • Spin Shaft: reinforced handle to improve stability,
  • 360 Spin grommets: enlarged, funnel-shaped grommets  to promote movement of the strings and thus access to top spin and power.

Head Extreme Tour power level

Despite its average head size of 632 cm², the Head Extreme Tour delivers a nice dose of power.

In the category of tennis racquets with a 632 cm² head size, slightly "control" oriented, it is in my opinion one of the most powerful racquets.

On the forehand, I had very good power, on the backhand as well, I even sometimes lacked a little control on this stroke on strong hitting with little top spin.

Even on serve, which is a stroke where I generally lack power, I felt absolutely correct in terms of power.

Here is a comparison in terms of power with other similar racquets:

More power:

  • Head Extreme MP, Instinct, Gravity S, Radical S
  • Babolat Pure Drive, Pure Aero
  • Yonex VCore 100, Ezone 100
  • Wilson Burn, Ultra

Similar power:

  • Head Speed MP, Boom MP
  • Babolat Pure Drive VS

Less power:

  • Wilson Blade 98, Pro Staff, Clash
  • Head Radical MP, Gravity Pro/Tour/MP, Prestige, Speed Pro
  • Babolat Pure Strike, Pure Aero VS
  • Tecnifibre TFight 300, 305, TF 40
  • Yonex Vcore Pro, Ezone 98, Vcore 95

Head Extreme Tour and spins

The Head Extreme Tour, like the Head Extreme MP, is equipped with grommets whose shape is intended to facilitate power and access to top spin.

I had very good feelings on the backhand slice, in terms of feel and control.

As for top spin, I had excellent feelings from the baseline and serving, despite the head size a bit small.

The racquet provides very good access to top spin, although players who play with extreme top spin will certainly be even more comfortable with a 645 cm² head size frame.

For a racquet in this category, it is in my opinion one of the racquets that provides the best access to top spin.

Head Extreme Tour maneuverability and stability

The balance located at 31 cm and the swingweight of 318 allow the Head Extreme Tour to have exceptional handling.

In my test, I didn't feel like I was playing with an unstrung 305g racquet; I felt the racquet was lighter than other racquets of the same weight I have tested.

The stability is correct, however I would have preferred to have a little more weight in the head of the racquet to have more.

This is something that can be easily changed by adding some lead tape to the head of the racquet.

Head Extreme Tour comfort

I found the Head Extreme Tour to be very comfortable.

I also liked the tolerance of the racquet, which is really good for a racquet with this head size.

Summary of my Head Extreme Tour review

The Head Extreme Tour is a control oriented racquet that delivers a great dose of power at the same time.

Access to top spin is excellent considering the size of the head, the racquet is very maneuverable and comfortable.

Personally, I liked it a lot, I'd just have needed a bit more weight to feel the racquet more stable and have a bit more plow through.

Players I would advise the Head Extreme Tour

Considering the characteristics of the Head Extreme Tour, I would recommend it to tennis players:

  • from an intermediate to advanced level (I do not recommend for beginners),
  • who are looking for control and at the same time do not want a very hard racquet to play,
  • who are looking for a racquet with a good balance between power and control,
  • having an offensive and top spin game style, without using extreme top spin
  • who are looking for a racquet with a 632 cm² / 98 in² head size that offers good power and good access to top spin,
  • who are looking for a relatively flexible and comfortable racquet,
  • looking for a racquet that provides very good maneuverability.

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Vcore 98 (2021), 360+ radical pro, Blade 98 v7 or Extreme tour

  • Thread starter GermanBeast
  • Start date Feb 17, 2021

GermanBeast

  • Feb 17, 2021

Hi Forum, i am looking for a new racquet in 2021. I played with the IG radical pro a long time, but then wanted a racquet that plays easier. I switched to the pure strike third gen, because everything goes easier with it. But after the hooneymoon phase, I noticed that the feel is too muted and I missed the plush feel of the IG rad pro. What I am looking for? I am looking for a racquet that has the easy playability of the PS with a nice plush and comfortable feel like the IG rad pro. After Reading many reviews and feedbacks, I made the following list: -Blade 98 v7 16/19 -360+ radical pro -Vcore 98 2021, maybe with some lead -360+ Extreme Tour with lead What I don‘t like? -head size bigger than 98 sq.i -too thick beams, -closed string pattern like 18x20 What I have tested in the past? I tested some 100 sq.i, but realized that I doesn‘t like these frames -textreme Tour 100 310 -> was not bad but feels like a pan. -360+ Gravity Tour -> wasn‘t stable and too light -Vcore 98 red one (too light and brassy) -dr98 don‘t know why, but It feels not right for me. Touch was not the greatest Vcore pro 97 310 (no plow through and too head light) -phantom 100X 305 (feel was nice, but not enough control and plow through What do you think could ne the right racquet from my list or do you have some other recommendation? My play style is quite versatile. I like to open up the court with spin and finish the point at net or with a forehand drive. I play a OHB, but more slice than topspin. That I want to change. Greetings from Germany and sorry for my english  

Similar list to me love the PS but the gen 2 hurt my arm and gen3 18x20 is a bit too much swinweight for me to handle. Do yourself a favour and remove the bladev7 from this list, I own one and it is nothing like the PS and not a good racket in my eyes. I only bought it to play during winter when I tend to have arm issues. I would add the vcore95 and the 2020 Ezone98 to this list.  

Chezbeeno

Professional

I would maybe add the new Radical MP as well - a lot of folks seem to prefer the new MP over the Pro. Feedback for both seems quite positive, though.  

Hall of Fame

GermanBeast said: Greetings from Germany and sorry for my english Click to expand...
  • Feb 18, 2021

I've played with the Blade 98 v7 16x19 and the VCore 98 2021. I personally find the Blade 98 to have plush feel (probably due to low RA racket + thinner beam) and to be more control-oriented vs. the VCore 98. That said, the Blade 98 lacks a bit of stability and plays better with lead at 3 and 9. I prefer this more for an all court game, especially for slices and touch shots. This will probably be less powerful than your Pure Strike. The VCore 98 2021 has a bit more of a dampened/muted feeling, but more stability and power (higher RA + thicker beam) on ground strokes. I prefer this for a baseliner's game, especially if you hit with spin. Stability helps with serve too.  

1HBHfanatic

1HBHfanatic

thanks for your reply. The new radical mp could be an option, but then I would add 10 gr. or more of lead at 6 o'clock. Then should be the radical pro the better solution isn't it? The Yonex regna 98 sound interesting, but holy sh...t is it expensive and on top of that the whole importing process to Germany. I think, it is not worth this effort. @1HBHfanatic : I played for a few months with the youtek IG prestige pro. Great feel, super stable and also a really nice control, but it was too demanding for me. I had a lot of effort to get good pace and power to be consistent. I also played a few months with the RF. For the first 30-45 min it was the best I have ever hit, but after that it was like swinging piece of metal. The lighter PS version I also don't like. The string bed was really inconsistent and erratic. Could you compare the dampened and comfortable feel of the new vcore 98 with the Pure Strike 3gen or another racquet?  

@GermanBeast -the new graphene 360 + technology made all the head racquets lighter, faster and more comfortable -the prestige's are not as heavy and cumbersome to use anymore; i like them a lot now -some of the old/classic "purest" players who loved that heavy PRO feel of the prestige's might not like the update, -the 2020 prestige line has a new-school feel to it!!, slick, fast, and yet still solid!! -combine that with the head.lynx/tour ,(high power copolys of today) and you now have a very comfortable solid racquet -i've tried several of the head.MPs of the past, (2019, 2017, 2013) but i always felt the need to add lead in the 4 corners of the head!?, and more in the handle to make it feel good for me (10-12pt HL) -ill do the same to the new (2021) rad.mp to compare!?!, when i get to try it -but the MPs have been a bit "string sensitive" to me -softer strings imo work best for me on the MPs -i dont mess too much with babolats (not for me; stiffness too high for my arm), -based on my "limited" experience with the brief hits of the b.pure.strike: -the vcore98 has a bigger sweetspot in comparason to the babo.p.s., -the stiffness is noticeably lower ,(a bit) on the yonex racquets, IME !?!  

flipflap

Your post is quite recognizable (maybe this is a incorrect translation of a Dutch sentence). Maybe you are not looking for more plushness but more crisp? Because it sound that a lot of slightly plush racquet are too underpowered for you... I play a lot with the pure aero vs (the previous "storm" version), the new one is supposed to be more powerfull, 98inch with 16x20 strings. This weekend first time with the new speed mp, it's 100 but have read a lot of good things about it, add some lead here and there...  

topspn

Haven't tried VCORE or extreme, however blade V7 or radical pro, i'd take radical  

@1HBHfanatic : I read some reviews of the 360+ prestige pro. It seems that it has more power and an easier access to spin than the previous versions. Sounds like I have to give it try. Could be a good match for me. @flipflap : No, I am looking for a racquet with more plushness. It can be a little bit crisp, but not too stiff. The power level should be similar to the pure strike or a bit lower.  

You might want to check out the new technifibre tflight rs frames then. They are also in a similar spec range as what you listed above.  

Return_Ace

  • Feb 19, 2021

What's your definition of "too thick beams"? I think the Ezone Tour would be a good fit of your "like a Pure Strike but more plush/feel" (although admittedly comparing to the P17, not the 3rd Gen), not sure if the 24mm Beam at the head puts you off though (19mm at the throat however).  

With too thick beams I mean racquets with a beam at the head > 23mm, ideally would be <= 22mm. So, the 24mm of the EZONE tour is too thick for me.  

socallefty

What strings and tensions do you use? I use a Pure Strike Tour and the feel is good with poly strings strung at low tensions around 20-21 kg. The feel is more muted if you increase the tension above 24-25 kg or if you use softer strings. I recommend trying soft polys like HyperG or Cyclone Tour at low tensions first before you switch racquets. It also plays fantastic with a stiff poly like ALU Power at low tension, but you have to be willing to restring within 8 hours as it goes dead quickly.  

For the pure strike I used the Head lynx with a tension of 24/23 kg because the racquet is quiet stiff. Normally, I play the ALU power indoors with 25/24 kg and on clay 24/23 kg. I am not sure if it helps when I string at low tension, but I could try of course.  

Sounds like you should try to lower your tension with 1 to 2 kg.  

AgressivelyFrames

AgressivelyFrames

  • Feb 20, 2021

Could try the new Prestige tour , would certainly feel nice, just need to check the feel to see if it is to your liking. with a soft string and a rubber band dampener, who knows. The second pick can also be the old graphene 360 radical pro , with a soft string it also has potential I think. I'm not so sure the newest version has improved in the feel department. You can also try that new v6 blade 16x19 . the v7 blade seems to have a mixed response about its feel flex tech. for that reason, I'd also not go with the clash 98. Ezone 98 might work with some lead. same with the vcore 95 . ProKennex qtour pro 315 . that's about all I can find in terms of 98 sq in rackets with a decent feel. there are some 18x20s but you said you are looking for pure strike-like playability and these are all very user-friendly.  

  • Mar 14, 2021

Maybe, I have found my new racquet of choice. I had the chance to demoed the 360+ radical pro and Wilson blade 98 v7. The blade convinced me. It plays very similar to the pure strike 3rd gen, but with a much better feel and response. Spin, power and control are very close. The comfort is also next level than the PS. The only downside is the stability. It is not as solid as the PS or radical pro. I noticed it on volleys and my 1hbh. If I want to weight it up without changing balance, I have to add lead on 6 o'clock, right? Would adding 5 grams of lead making it a bit more stable?  

SinneGOAT

GermanBeast said: Maybe, I have found my new racquet of choice. I had the chance to demoed the 360+ radical pro and Wilson blade 98 v7. The blade convinced me. It plays very similar to the pure strike 3rd gen, but with a much better feel and response. Spin, power and control are very close. The comfort is also next level than the PS. The only downside is the stability. It is not as solid as the PS or radical pro. I noticed it on volleys and my 1hbh. If I want to weight it up without changing balance, I have to add lead on 6 o'clock, right? Would adding 5 grams of lead making it a bit more stable? Click to expand...

Agreed with SinneGoat. I have my blade with lead and 3 and 9, and counter balanced with some weight in the handle (lead, blue tac etc).  

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Yonex Ezone Review 2022: Compare the 98 & 100 Models, and Other Tennis Racquets

Will Boucek · May 18, 2024

When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product.  See our list of partners & how we get paid here . You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here .

The Yonex Ezone is one of the best tennis racquets for power on the market. Below, we’ll review the Yonex Ezone, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Ezone is right for you.

Review Summary & Ratings for the Yonex Ezone

Both professional and recreational tennis players have loved the Yonex Ezone tennis racquet since it first came out.

The Ezone’s power and feel suit competitive players, while the comfort and maneuverability of the racquet help juniors, beginners, and intermediate players learn and quickly improve their game. It is one of the best tennis racquets and best tennis racquets for power on the market today.

Yonex Ezone tennis racquet

See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Yonex Ezone below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.

Our Ratings for the Yonex Ezone

  • Groundstrokes: 9
  • Easy power on groundstrokes from the baseline
  • Great feel & comfort for a power-oriented racquet
  • Large sweet spot makes it more forgiving & increases spin
  • Good maneuverability
  • Excellent racquet for most skill levels & abilities
  • It lacks some stability at the net
  • Not the best racquet for returns against faster serves or volleys

Different Versions of the Yonex Ezone Tennis Racquet

The Yonex Ezone tennis racquet comes in several versions that vary in weight and size. Below is a list of the different Yonex Ezone racquets on the market today.

  • Yonex Ezone 98 2022
  • Yonex Ezone 100
  • Yonex Ezone 98 L
  • Yonex Ezone 98 +
  • Yonex Ezone 98 Tour

Yonex Ezone 100 2022 tennis racquet

We’ll review each version in more detail below.

Yonex Ezone Review: A Power-Oriented Racquet

The technical specs of the 2022 Ezone are similar to previous models. Below you can see the specifications, then you’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of each element.

Yonex Ezone 2022 Racquet Specifications

  • Weight: 11.4 oz. strung
  • Head Size: 98 square inches (also offered in 100 sq. in.)
  • Length: 27 inches
  • Stiffness:  65
  • Balance: 324.9 mm
  • String Pattern: 16 x 19

Yonex Ezone is made of graphite and weighs 11.4 ounces strung (323 g.) placing it on the heavy side among other top racquets.

With both 98 and 100 square inch head sizes available, there is a larger sweet spot making it a great option for all skill levels . The racquet is great for players looking to add controlled power from the baseline, making it one of the best tennis racquets for women .

Olivia Gadecki playing tennis with the Yonex Ezone

It is the standard 27 inches long with a balance point of 325 mm, making it head light and easy to swing.

The 65 stiffness rating is a bit more flexible than many racquets for club or recreational players. However, Yonex has implemented some new technologies for 2022 to help with stability.

Read our  guide on how to choose a tennis racquet .

Read about Yonex’s other choices in our Yonex racquet reviews .

Other Sellers: Amazon.com

3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations

The Ezone Excels in Several Areas

The Ezone series is probably best known for its easy power on groundstrokes and serves. It is hard to achieve this level of power while maintaining control, but the Ezone does it better than most other tennis racquets. Its unique frame allows players to hit hard and accurately even if the shot is slightly off-center.

The isometric design of the frame increases the sweet spot by approximately 7%. Compared to a conventional round frame, the square-shaped isometric racquet generates a larger sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the main and cross strings.

Overall, this racquet provides plenty of power while not sacrificing control for beginners to pros.

The Ezone suits advanced players looking for more spin, and beginners looking to learn topspin.

The Oval Pressed Shaft is designed to give players more spin, control, and feel. The shaft flexes at impact, increasing dwell time and minimizing vibrations. This means you’ll be able to feel the ball stay on the strings for a bit longer. The racquet isn’t hard on your elbow or shoulder either, providing minimal feedback.

For a similar racquet with even more spin consider the Yonex Vcore tennis racquet .

Despite being known for its ability to increase power, the Ezone does a good job of combining that power with added control in a comfortable racquet.

The technology helps absorb impact without sacrificing power, creating great comfort even on slight mishits . That’s one of the things that makes this racquet so special.

The racquet is even more comfortable to control if you opt for one of the lighter versions. You’ll lose a bit of power and stability on your shots, but the racquet will be easier to swing.

See our Yonex Percept tennis racquet review for an advanced tennis racquet with even better control and feel.

Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off .

The Ezone 2022, like previous versions, is easy to maneuver. The racquet weighs 11.4 ounces when strung. When you pair that with the frame design, you get a racquet that is aerodynamic, reduces drag, and responds well to every shot.

Those who prefer playing on the baseline will find this racquet easy to move and swing. Generating racquet head speed is a breeze and it is perfect for topsin or flat groundstrokes.

The main drawback of this racquet is that it doesn’t excel in any particular area but rather is a balanced racquet for several styles of play. Although it isn’t necessarily a weakness, its stability at the net can be underwhelming for some advanced players.

Still, the added power and spin to your serve and groundstrokes certainly make up for the marginal loss in stability at the net.

The Ezone is Great for Serves & Groundstrokes

The Ezone performs well on both groundstrokes and serves.

  • On groundstrokes,  the Ezone is easy to swing, and can provide power even on off-center shots.
  • On volleys,  the racquet lacks stability making it hard to play at the net. It can also feel unstable defending against fast-paced groundstrokes.
  • On returns,  the Ezone will generate good power to attack second serves. Defending against big servers will be a bit more difficult.
  • On serves,  this racquet performs well. It will maximize your power and spin so you can hit flat, slice, or kick serves with ease.

Overall, the Ezone is great for players who like to stay at the baseline and want to add power and spin to their shots.

Reviewing Other Versions of the Yonex Ezone

The other versions of the Ezone are better for players of a lower skill level.

The Best Alternatives to the Yonex Ezone

Here are a few similar tennis racquets to the Yonex Ezone to consider.

  • Babolat Pure Drive – The Pure Drive offers even more power than the Ezone, but with a bit less comfort and control.
  • Head Extreme – This tennis racquet is great for players who like to swing big and maximize power with spin. It is a little easier to handle than the Ezone but has slightly lower stability and control.
  • Wilson Ultra – The Wilson Ultra is a stiff racquet with explosive power. It doesn’t offer as much comfort as the Ezone but will provide better pop on groundstrokes and serves.
  • Dunlop FX 500 – This racquet has a similar level of power with a little more stability compared to the Ezone.

My Experience Playing with the Ezone 2022

I played with the Ezone 2022 several times. I tested both the 100 and 98 versions.

I found the Ezone to be one of my favorite racquets I’ve played with for hitting groundstrokes from the baseline. It had similar power to the Babolat Pure Drive, but I felt like I could control the ball better and hit with even more accuracy.

I also liked this racquet on my serve. It felt easy to swing and generate spin. However, I couldn’t get quite as much power as I can with some other power-based racquets.

The one area that I didn’t like about this racquet was on my transition volleys. I didn’t feel like I could control the ball well, and it sort of floated at times. Racquets like the Yonex Percept offer better stability and plow through which helps me with those shots, especially in doubles.

If I played mostly singles, I’d consider switching to the Ezone 98. Its overall balance and comfortable power made it one of my favorite racquets I’ve tested.

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About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

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Yonex EZONE 98

Yonex EZONE 98\Racquet

We will match or beat any posted overall price advertised in-store or online on in stock items.

Racquet Matching $20 per match. Get up to 3 racquets matched to the nearest specifications of each other. Learn More

Racquet Customization $30 per frame. You provide us with the exact specifications you would like for your racquets. Learn More

This racquet’s raw speed and spin-friendly targeting make it one of the most accessible player’s racquets on the market

Specifications, pros endorsing/using this racquet.

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Similar Racquets

Babolat Pure Drive 98 Racquet

Other Items to Consider

Yonex Super Grap Overgrip

Customer Reviews

Previous feedback  .

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, Fremont, CA, 2/20/22

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., Calabasas, CA, 2/12/22

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, CA, 2/11/22

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, 2/3/22

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, Corte Madera, CA, 1/17/22

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, NY, 12/29/21

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EZONE 98 TOUR

  • Description

Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review – First impressions

extreme tour vs ezone 98

The first part of the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review was published on Patreon a while ago. Here are my first impressions of this frame.

I polled people on my Instagram whether they wanted me to do the 2021 Pure Drive, the Tecnifibre Tfight RS 305, or the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review first. The Ezone Tour won by a landslide so it seems like the interest around this racquet is high, to say the least.

I can see why. The Yonex Ezone 98 Tour is a player frame with low stiffness, but still, some power and spin which is typical for the Ezone line of racquets.

If you are interested in the Yonex Ezone 98 (non-Tour), you can check my review here .

Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Specs

extreme tour vs ezone 98

You can check the official Yonex website for their listed unstrung specs of the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour. Mine were:

Mine was a bit under spec, I measured it unstrung at: 313.1 g, 31.5 cm balance, 292.5 SW

After adding Solinco Hyper-G Soft 1.25 at 53 lbs it measured: 330g, 32.5 cm balance, 325 SW.

Since my test racquets from All Things Tennis  was a grip 2, I added two overgrips to it as well. Getting the spec up to around 340g, 32 cm balance, and 330 SW with a heavy dampener. Perfect.

Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Tech

extreme tour vs ezone 98

How does it play?

The Yonex Ezone 98 Tour is comfortable, feels good and somewhat dampened, packs some power and spin, but with ample control. I liked it pretty much everywhere but struggled a bit with the weight and balance on my one-handed backhand. Not sure if it is beam design or something else, but it feels more natural on the two-hander. I will need more time to dial that stroke in for sure.

I do think it plays a tad heavier than its weight. Comparing it to a Pro Staff 97 that has a more head-light feel, this one feels more solid, offers better plow-through but it’s also more difficult to generate high swing speed.

At times it felt a bit too muted and it took me a while to “feel the ball” on touch shots, but I hope to shine more light on that in my complete review.

Overall, I am so far very happy with this frame. Solid, comfortable, just the right amount of pop and spin. I think a lot of advanced players will enjoy the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour.

More to come in my full-scale review!

Have you tried the Ezone Tour? 

Jonas Eriksson

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

Babolat Pure Drive 2021 – First impressions

Why not use multifilament strings, you may also like, tecnifibre tfx1 98 review, head prestige pro 16/19, wilson blade 100 review, why use heavier racquets, new prince phantom racquets, atp houston string tensions, tecnifibre tf-x1 v2, wilson blade 98 16/19 v9 review, the babolat pure drive celebrates 30 years, babolat pure strike 100 16/20 review.

Hi, Jonas. I’m switched from PS97 to Blade v7 16×19 about week ago. My Blade is 340 g. strung, 223 mm balance, sw 340. Actually on paper it’s huge sw for me. But on court, to my suprise, it feels very nice and light. But over all Blade little bit soft for me, espesially for forehand, right now I try to find right strings and tension. Yonex Ezone 98 tour is not represented in Russia. And It will be nice to compare both version of Yonex 98 and the Blade.

Did you get elbow pain of the Dunlop FX500?

Yes, sadly a bit :(

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IMAGES

  1. EZONE 98 vs Extreme Tour: One 98 to Rule Them All

    extreme tour vs ezone 98

  2. Kilimanjaro Neem een bad Hij tennis racquet head size comparison Hiel

    extreme tour vs ezone 98

  3. Yonex EZONE 98 Tour Racquet

    extreme tour vs ezone 98

  4. Dunlop FX 500 TOUR vs EZONE 98

    extreme tour vs ezone 98

  5. Yonex Ezone 98 Tour 2022 Review

    extreme tour vs ezone 98

  6. EZONE 98 Tour Review!

    extreme tour vs ezone 98

VIDEO

  1. Are Vcore and the Ezone the same racket?

  2. Be sure to watch the end Extreme Sports Children's Skateboarding Skateboarding Together Skateboardi

  3. Ezone Aqua Night🌊

  4. The S*** Pros Deal With on Tour

  5. Working As An EXTREME Tour Guide For A Day w/ @Brandonmartzz #shorts #nyc

  6. Dunlop FX 500 TOUR vs EZONE 98

COMMENTS

  1. Does anyone prefer the Ezone 98 over the Ezone 98 Tour?

    Zibenator said: To sum up. The Ezone 98 Tour gave much more uniform response across the whole stringbed in comparison to the regular Ezone 98 or leaded Ezone 98 and definitely softer but not due to lower RA but due to the heavy mass that stands well agains the flying ball. Original Ezone is not stiff in my opinion.

  2. One 98 To Rule Them All: Extreme Tour vs. EZONE 98

    One More Spec. According to TWU, the Extreme Tour boasts a twistweight of 14.31, over the EZONE 98's 14.03. This may seem like nothing, but every inch counts. This suggests that the Extreme Tour has slightly better torsional stability, a characteristic which may be further reinforced by a more torsionally rigid beam design.

  3. EZONE 98 vs Extreme Tour: One 98 to Rule Them All

    Beckett compares the Head Extreme Tour to the Yonex EZONE 98 to find out which one will give you the power to annihilate your opponents?Written Article: http...

  4. Ezone 98, 360+ Extreme Tour or other?

    Semi-Pro. Oct 16, 2021. #3. Extreme Tour no pop at all , Ezone 98 and Radical Mp suit your playstyle the best. Both super tight 16x19 patterns , with ezone 98 offering the lowest launch angle. Both very good pop with Radical Mp offering a tad more power. G.

  5. HEAD EXTREME TOUR 2022 vs. YONEX EZONE 98 2022 Tennis ...

    In this heavy weight class of 98 in2 rackets I'm comparing the great Head Extreme Tour 2022 Auxetic with also very great Yonex Ezone 98 2022. Both rackets ha...

  6. Head Extreme Tour Racquet Review

    Mark - "The Extreme Tour 2022 is very fast, comfortable and easy to swing from anywhere on the court. It is surprisingly stable for a racquet with an inertia number lower than 320. ... Mark - "The Yonex EZONE 98 exhibits a set of specs that are pretty comparable with this Extreme Tour 2022, as does the Dunlop CX 200 and the Volkl C10 EVO ...

  7. Yonex EZONE 98 Tour 2022 Racquet Review

    Dislikes. Mark - "The new EZONE 98 Tour is a racquet that I prefer more with about a 2-pound drop in string tension from my typical 53 pounds for a full bed of a polyester. Like the prior version, this update feels considerably firmer than the 62-64 RA would indicate." Chris - "I'm not keen on the balance. For my taste, there's too much weight in the middle of the racquet (near the balance ...

  8. HEAD EXTREME TOUR 2022 vs. YONEX EZONE 98 2022 Tennis Racket

    In this heavy weight class of 98 in2 rackets I'm comparing the great Head Extreme Tour 2022 Auxetic with also very great Yonex Ezone 98 2022. Both rackets have almost identical specs, but at the end of the day, they deliver a little bit different experience.

  9. Yonex Ezone 98 Review (2022)

    Yonex Ezone 98 Review (2022) written by Jonas Eriksson December 15, 2021. The new Ezones are revealed and can already be pre-ordered. Here is my Yonex Ezone 98 review (2022). An excellent update. Many pros enjoy the Ezone series. We have Naomi Osaka using the Ai 98, Nick Kyrgios using the Xi 98, Marton Fucsovics using the DR 98 and Lloyd Harris ...

  10. Yonex Ezone 98 Tour 2022 Review

    Yonex Ezone 98 Tour 2022 Review. I tested this racquet together with a few other players, and I think we're all in agreement overall. This is a great frame. It's more comfortable than the predecessor and has the same excellent control as the regular Ezone 98. However, Nikki and I discussed during our play-testing session (see the video ...

  11. Yonex EZONE 98 2020 [In-Depth Review & Playtest + Video]

    45-60 pounds / 20.41-27.22 kg. Like the prior generation, the EZONE 98 comes in your standard length of 27 inches with a slightly smaller, more control-oriented head size of 98 square inches and a 16×19 string pattern. The racquet's unstrung weight falls at a maneuverable 10.8 ounces or 305 grams.

  12. Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review

    The unstrung specs of the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour are: The spec of my demo from All Things Tennis were: 313.1 g, 31.5 cm balance, 292.5 SW. After adding Solinco Hyper-G Soft 1.25 at 53 lbs it measured: 330g, 32.5 cm balance, 325 SW. It felt a bit head-heavy for my taste and I ended up adding 4 grams of lead tape underneath the grip and an overgrip ...

  13. Why I use the Head Extreme Tour

    EZONE 98 vs. the Extreme Tour. The EZONE and the Extreme were neck and neck for me in almost every department. Power was pretty close, I'd say the EZONE is a bit more forgiving off centre, but the string on the Extreme is just a bit more consistent and offers a slightly lower launch angle. I felt very confident with all my shorts from the ...

  14. Yonex EZONE 98 Tour

    The regular EZONE 98 feels similar, but the extra weight of this one gives that extra mass behind the ball for control. Do you recommend this racket to weekend players? ... Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour . Dunlop CX 200 Tour . Wilson Blade 98 v7 . Babolat Pure Aero Tour . Yonex EZONE 98 Tour . Head Gravity MP . Head Extreme MP . Head Speed MP .

  15. Yonex EZONE 98 Racquet Review

    The new EZONE 98 builds on the success of the outgoing model by adding control and feel to an already top-notch racquet. For our team, it was all about subtlety this time around. Without any major changes to the specs, Yonex has refined the racquet rather than reimagining it. The most evident update was the combination of increased precision ...

  16. Head Extreme Tour

    Yonex Vcore Pro, Ezone 98, Vcore 95; Head Extreme Tour and spins. The Head Extreme Tour, like the Head Extreme MP, is equipped with grommets whose shape is intended to facilitate power and access to top spin. I had very good feelings on the backhand slice, in terms of feel and control.

  17. Vcore 98 (2021), 360+ radical pro, Blade 98 v7 or Extreme tour

    Feb 18, 2021. #6. I've played with the Blade 98 v7 16x19 and the VCore 98 2021. I personally find the Blade 98 to have plush feel (probably due to low RA racket + thinner beam) and to be more control-oriented vs. the VCore 98. That said, the Blade 98 lacks a bit of stability and plays better with lead at 3 and 9.

  18. Yonex Ezone Review: Compare 98, 100, & Other Racquets

    Stiffness:65. Balance: 324.9 mm. String Pattern: 16 x 19. Yonex Ezone is made of graphite and weighs 11.4 ounces strung (323 g.) placing it on the heavy side among other top racquets. With both 98 and 100 square inch head sizes available, there is a larger sweet spot making it a great option for all skill levels.

  19. 2022 Yonex EZONE 98

    Head Extreme Tour: 112. Babolat Pure Strike 100: 113. Head Radical MP: 115. Yonex EZONE 98 2020: 115. Stringbed Performance: Balanced Round 2. The stringbed on the EZONEE 98 is a real. It's a very nicely balanced 16x19 that feels tighter in the sweet spot and more open towards the extremities of the bed.

  20. Yonex Ezone 98 Review

    The Yonex Ezone 98 offers above-average power for the head size and pairs that with impressive comfort. I suffer from a stiff forearm and elbow niggles from time to time, but I had no such issues with the Ezone 98. The racquet is well-dampened (perhaps a bit too much for some players) and handles vibrations really well.

  21. Yonex EZONE 98 Racquet

    Yonex adds another chapter to the EZONE 98! As with previous generations, this control-oriented stick combines spin-friendly targeting with raw speed. ... Head Extreme Tour. Racquet. $199.00 $269.00 * 5.0. 13 Reviews. Clearance. Tecnifibre Tempo 298 Iga. Racquet $ 129.00 $229.00 ... but found that too stiff and powerful, and still have a Ezone ...

  22. EZONE 98 TOUR

    EZONE 98 TOUR. The 7th-generation EZONE series delivers easy power and an improved, comfortable feel. Now available in two colors, this series is suitable for a wide range of players, from juniors and recreational players to the top players in the world. For advanced players looking to dominate with more power and comfort.

  23. Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review

    2.7K The first part of the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review was published on Patreon a while ago. Here are my first impressions of this frame. I polled people on my Instagram whether they wanted me to do the 2021 Pure Drive, the Tecnifibre Tfight RS 305, or the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Review first. The Ezone Tour won by a landslide so it seems like the interest around this racquet is high, to say the least.