ezone 22 tour 98 review

Yonex Ezone 98 2022 Review

The ezone is meant to suit all players – providing classic comfort with the signature yonex sweet-spot. but does it deliver, and how does it play overall find out in this playtest and review..

Over 2022, Yonex began updating one of their main racket lines – the Ezone. The weapon of choice for Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic, the Ezone is meant to be an all-around racket for all skill levels.

The Ezone is now in its 7th generation, providing plush comfort and effortless power. It can be a popular choice for club players due to its versatility, suiting most playing styles.

The New Ezone Rackets

From the Spring to the late Summer of 2022, Yonex released a new range of Ezone rackets with light, ultra-light and junior variants. The main ones were:

Recent developments in the construction of the Ezone include 2G-Namd 2 Speed graphite (carbon nanotubes in the throat of the racket), which give a softer feel and increased ball speed.

A new Aero Shape frame gives more flexibility, while a thicker beam maintains stability on contact.

Ezone Cosmetics

Compared with the 6 th generation of Ezones, the 7 th uses a darker pallet of blues as the primary colours, with a hint of shimmering turquoise to give it a classier look.

The lighter colours are cut with bold navy-blue lines as the turquoise fades towards the bottom of the frame. Small details like the fins at the base of the throat, and the angles around the frame, portend to speed and manoeuvrability, which we’ll get to later but give the racket a sharp, sword-like style.

I love the bright silver Yonex stamps that adorn the base of the frame and the butt cap with the brand’s signature green. Even the vibration-dampening mesh on the underside of the frame appears sleek, with a gently opaque cover that neatly covers the exposed strings.

The frame and throat have a matte feel that is nice to hold when volleying or changing grip, with no chance of slipping.

Altogether, the racket looks luxurious and precise. The main physical difference between Yonex rackets, in general, and other brands, is their “Isometric” or oval-shaped frames that are supposed to increase the sweet spot by up to 7%.

Specifications and Setup

As usual, excellent quality control from Yonex here, and when a racket comes out of their factory in Japan, it is invariable close to the target specs.

Where the Ezone 98 Fits Within the EZONE Range

The Ezone 98 racket for this playtest was strung with Yonex Poly Tour Rev , with a 1.30 mm gauge at 44 lbs.

First Impressions

Immediately noticeable was how plush and smooth the racket felt from the 2G-Namd 2 technology and dampening mesh.

Rallying from the back of the court was a dream, as my strokes were met with apparently little or no resistance while I made contact with the ball. This small change made me less drained as play went on since I was confident that I would not be tired from shot fatigue alone during lengthy exchanges.

The smoothness naturally encouraged me to follow through and make a complete stroke wherever possible. Yonex’s more prominent sweet spot from its Isometric frame also boosted confidence. Even if I didn’t make a full swing, enough power would come from the racket to keep me at the point without causing a shorter ball and making me vulnerable to my opponent’s attacks.

A slightly larger head size than what I was used to (95 in 2 ) meant that I lost some accuracy and initially found it challenging to aim for lines or take more risks. But as time went on and I got used to the racket, I was able to make more precise shots. For most players, I wouldn’t suspect a 98 in 2 would cause a significant difference from what they’re used to in terms of accurate directional control and placement.

I particularly appreciated the flared grip at the bottom of the handle. More often these days, whenever I peruse tennis shops and browse the gear, I find new releases of rackets that have straight handles instead of flared ones.

For me, the flared grip helps control, as I can feel more of which part of the racket I am holding onto and which bevel my knuckle is resting on. This not only helps me slot into the proper grip for my intended shot but also provides more friction between my hand and the handle for greater energy transfer.

I have found in the past that straight handles can slip out of position easily, so the maintenance from Yonex of this type of handle removed any doubt from my mind that I could easily misfire the ball out of court.

Full Ezone 98 Review

Groundstrokes

The large sweet spot again provided reliable access to power in my groundstrokes. The oval frame also offered a stable spring bed, where I felt comfortable enough to hit flatter shots and topspin. On the forehand side especially, the amount of topspin generated was significant, partly thanks to the fins or notches at the base of the throat and the angled frame.

Similar to the Babolat Aero, these features help reduce drag when swinging through the air, resulting in more incredible racket-head speeds, which in turn means more topspin. During most exchanges, I could generate a satisfying arc on the ball because the racket was so manoeuvrable when I was on or just behind the baseline and had sufficient time. But if I received a short ball and had to use a shorter takeback, the oval shape felt a little cumbersome as I tried to get the ball over the net.

The access to punchy, flat shots was welcome on the backhand side, especially when attempting a backhand down the line. While I had lost a little accuracy, a topspin crosscourt backhand groundstroke was easy enough to aim, clearing the net’s height.

One area where the Ezone excelled was slicing. The wide frame meant I had confidence in making enough contact with the ball to impart the necessary spin to keep it low on my opponent’s side of the court. The racket would produce a deep backhand slice even if I stretched to make the shot. The angles cut into the racket’s throat, made it even more evident where I was holding it, and facilitated an efficient grip change.

Due to the racket being head-light and the little extra weight I was used to (+10 g), my wrist began to ache after 2 hours of play. To be sure, the comfort of the string bed was still there, but I had to limit the power with which I hit a little to avoid further discomfort.

Nevertheless, a lighter head gave me considerable control over the racket when volleying, either punching the ball away for a winner or a Federer-like punch-slice volley that skidded to the surface on contact with the ground.

As with the groundstrokes and slices, even if I did not make complete contact, the racket’s sweet spot was forgiving and offered the necessary power to maintain dominance at the point. The feel was so smooth that part of me felt in the more delicate volleys and moments around the net; I didn’t have enough feedback for executing a drop-shot, for example. It was certainly doable, but the control I was used to was not there as much. A full volley was more straightforward to pull off than a gentle half volley in the forecourt.

On the return of serve, if I took a couple of steps behind the line and faced average ball speeds, the racket glided through the air and made a satisfying “thud”.

However, because of the lightness of the head, against faster-serving opponents, my shorter takeback did not produce the same result, and block returns often found themselves landing into the net.

I found many of my balls not making it over on the backhand side, especially where block returns are more common, especially with one-handed players. Either I would have to take a step back (giving more time to my opponent) to make a more leisurely return with topspin, or I would have to run around the ball and hit an inside-out forehand, which was not sustainable over time. My opponent would figure out what I was doing and aim for broader and wider angles when serving into the ad court.  

I can’t easily separate Kyrgios from his iconic Yonex racket when he’s serving, either being used to bomb down unreturnable aces or as an outlet for anger by hitting it into the ground.

Like his mix of serving styles, from flat, kick, slice and even reverse kick, the Yonex is a versatile instrument.

Not that I can yet do a reverse kick, but hitting down the “T” was a joy with flat serves, while again, the oval shape was wide enough to generate lots of spins when attempting a slice or kick serve.

Like the Head Prestige MP L I reviewed this time last year, the weight of the handle while I was in the trophy position, helped me sense precisely where the racket was when it was standing upright in my grasp and helped me angle the racket’s face to control where I wanted the ball to land accurately.

Who is this Racket For?

While the racket does indeed have some versatility, it does not outperform in every area. I would say the players who would get the most out of the racket would be sorted by playing style more than ability.

Any skill level would benefit from this racket – the smooth comfort and power are welcomed by all, especially if players suffer from or are prone to wrist, arm and shoulder injuries from repetitive strain.

However, the racket suits players who like to hit from behind the line and don’t come too far forward.

A measured groundstroke from any other racket with time for a full swing would turn into a powerful shot if executed by the Ezone.

Players who like to take the ball on the rise, come forward and have moments of gentle touch in the forecourt may feel the racket is lacking in some areas. But those elements are still not impossible to pull off.

Final Thoughts

I like the way the Ezone 98 initially plays. The easy access to power and its multiple offerings of topspin, flat and slice shots encourage tactical variation and experimentation from the baseline, vital for keeping matches interesting and your opponent on their toes.

The best feature has to be the comfort when hitting, as it feels so good to swing through the ball when you have time. But if you have to take a shorter swing or find yourself in the forecourt, the head’s wide shape can be challenging to manoeuvre.

The stable string bed makes for reliable hitting, and the large sweet spot also makes half-contacted shots turn out good, with enough power on the ball.

But, the strain on my wrist towards the end of play and the lack of touch regarding drop-shots made me wonder if the Ezone was the right racket for every situation.

• Sleek cosmetics
• Versatile racket
• Put strain on the wrist after prolonged play
• Lacks some control

Have you tried the EZONE 98 or other rackets in the EZONE line? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Yonex EZONE 98 2022 Review

Control - 7.5, manoeuvrability - 6.5, stability - 9, comfort - 9, touch/feel - 6, groundstrokes - 7.5, volleys - 7, returns - 6.5.

The Ezone 98 is brilliant at the basics, and is suitable for all-round playing styles. Most notably, it offers comfortable play. But it misses out on some of the finer moments in a match, like touches at the net, and flat backhand returns – perhaps necessary elements if facing a skilled player.

Alex Nulliah

Join 12k tennis fans who get our updates.

News, racket reviews, guides and more.

The Biggest Tennis Stadiums

Roger federer – talent, icon, hero, related articles.

Yonex Percept 100D Review

Andrey Rublev’s Racket

Yonex Percept 97D Review

Yonex Fusionrev 5 Review

A Really good read!

Fantastic read. Very insightful. Looking forward to more of Alex’s articles!

The best racket cosmetic of 2022 IMO. The paint job and colours looks brilliant on it.

Hi Alex, first of all thank you for your honest review. I am writing to ask you for advice: which 98 inch racket weighing between 305g and 315g do you think is the most complete for those who play one-handed backhands and mixed forehands (more rotations from the baseline and flat when entering the court)?

There is no such thing as a racket that is good for one-handed backhands or mixed forehands. What works well for one player might not work for another, so you need to demo them and see.

The key is finding a racket that you can accelerate equally fast on all planes of contact without fatiguing quickly; this can differ for all players and is more about physical strength than technique.

Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 3rd Gen Yonex VCORE 98 2023 Tecnifibre TF40 305 (16×19)

Would all be worth demoing if you want a 98 head.

What strings would you recommend? What did you test it with Poly only would you consider a hybrid

This was tested with Yonex Poly Tour Rev.

Strings are to personal taste, it can work with any string be it poly, synthetic, or hybrid. I like it with a gut poly hybrid. Currently, I am using it with a full bed of MSV Swift: https://www.perfect-tennis.com/msv-swift-review/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Check out my custom vibration dampener

Yonex EZONE 98

In-depth Review & Playtest + Video

We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more .

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

Click below to jump to a section

Tap below to jump to a section

Video Review & Playtest

About the EZONE Series

Specs & Technologies

EZONE Series Models

Design & Aesthetics

Players Endorsing

Strings & Tension

Review & Playtest Notes

Summary & Takeaways

New to tenniscompanion.

Create a free account and explore my latest videos below

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Home > Gear > Racquets > Yonex EZONE 98

Play Better Tennis

Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players

Discussion Boards Join the conversation with other members of the community.

5 Point Friday Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.

In-depth Resources Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game.

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Members Login
• yonex ezone 98 review

Yonex Ezone 98 Review

The last time we tried a Yonex racket, it was the Yonex VCore 95, which Lawrence really enjoyed, but I just couldn’t get on with.

I found the VCore’s head shape to be very odd indeed and spent most of my time with the racket shanking balls out the park.

So, I was pretty relieved to find the EZone 98 had a much more classical shape to it.

The EZone 98 weighs in at 305g unstrung, with a swing weight of 316g, which is a little lower than I would normally go for, but I was expecting to pick up some good racket head speed and hopefully have a fun play test.

Previous versions of the Ezone 98 have picked up really good reviews in the past, and it’s a racket that felt quite good when I tried it.

It was known for being spin friendly, but very comfortable to play with and providing nice touch, so I was excited to see what effects the new developments have had.

With the EZone 98, Yonex have introduced quite a bit of technology which should have stiffened up the frame a little bit.

An Isometric head shape has been introduced, which Yonex say increases the sweet spot, meaning more balls in the court for you!

Additionally, Micro Offset Layout has been added, which reduces the number of vibrations pinging through the racket, and also, Hyper MG, meaning less frame bending on impact.

These are all changes that in theory should suit me.

Custom Fittings

Discover your perfect racket and string combo!

I like playing with quite a stiff racket, and I believe that reducing vibrations is the direction racket manufacturers must take. (Think of all the injuries people get from tennis.)

A lot of people really disagree with me on this one as they love very responsive frames, and reducing vibrations, to many people, means dampening the feel.

With this knowledge in mind, I was expecting this newest Yonex EZone 98 to suit me a little better than the last version, but potentially put off those people who raved about the older versions.

As we started warming up in the service boxes, it was easy to notice the increased sweet spot on this racket, as everything seemed to come nicely out the middle of the strings.

This continued throughout the play test.

I would say that this racket’s greatest quality is its spin potential, which, coupled with good precision and fast maneuverability make it a great racket for anyone who loves to unleash “the force” on the ball.

I could see it suiting someone who likes a modern style racket that’s not too heavy and looks for easy spin and fast swing speed.

If you love the classic, heavier, control-orientated “Pro Staff-like” rackets then it’s probably not the one for you, but if you’re a fan of a power racket, keep reading…!

Grdounstrokes

8 out of 10

Groundstrokes – the area in which every modern racket is going to be most harshly judged in!

In theory, this racket should be best suited to an aggressive baseliner, who loves to rip through the ball and dominate points with a combination of power and spin.

That was certainly the feeling I got with this racket.

The 316g swing weight and an 8HL balance meant insane racket head speed, and I was whipping the racket back and forth with ease.

I was quite thankful for the added stability Yonex have added on impact, as that is something that I really like in a racket.

Everything about the hit felt sublime on my backhand. I felt I was generating good, kicking spin, and the contact felt comfortable with the increased sweet spot.

My only negative criticism on the backhand side was that I felt it was lacking a bit of plow through.

All this racket head speed was going into the ball and I was getting easy power and spin, but the lack of weight at the end of the swing coming through the ball meant I wasn’t hitting as heavy a ball as I’m used to…

This didn’t bode that well for the forehand side.

To be honest the  Yonex EZone 98  just isn’t set up for my forehand, personally.

I prefer a classic racket, with a big swing weight and limited spin and power potential.

Control is everything for me on this side, as I generate enough power and spin on that side naturally.

But when I judge this racket by what other people might like, I think it does do an unbelievably good job.

Personally, I like the slightly stiffer frame that the newest Yonex EZone 98 has brought in, and I think it can benefit a lot of people.

The old spec felt great, but it was a very much a racket where you don’t need to swing hard and the racket does a lot of the work for you.

The new version encourages you to take a little more responsibility for generating power whilst still giving you plenty of it.

I would see the Yonex EZone 98 in the hands of an aggressive baseliner across any level from beginner to reasonably advanced.

It has the power and easy spin to help out someone who is at the beginning of their tennis journey, but it also has the feel and precision for someone who is playing a much higher level.

The Ezone 98 will appeal to a wide variety of players, it just didn’t appeal to me!

But nevertheless, I think it is deserving of an 8 out of 10 on the groundstrokes.

7 out of 10

The Yonex Ezone 98’s reputation for great feel and comfort should make it a decent racket at the net for a racket that has quite a low swing weight and not too much stiffness.

The added stiffness in the newest version did make it a little bit more responsive at the net, but I would still class the Ezone 98 as firmly inside the groundstrokes category.

The biggest plus point with this racket at the net is the maneuverability, which allows you to get the racket into position quickly, ready to unload on the ball.

The  Ezone 98  maintains a good comfort level at the net, but it could do with some more stiffness in the frame, as I found the ball winning the collision against the racket at the net.

This meant I didn’t have the control I would have liked, and I didn’t find myself volleying particularly well with the EZone 98.

Again, different people like different feels at the net, but I don’t see this racket suiting someone who spends a lot of time at the net.

The EZone is certainly most effective in the hands of an aggressive baseliner who comes to the net for a single volley when the point is all but one.

For me it was a 7 out of 10 at the net, and the weakest part of this play test.

8.5 out of 10

The EZone 98 really surprised me on the serve, as I had great fun using its easy maneuverability to slam through the ball and target different areas of the court.

When you’re going for a flat serve, the Ezone 98 has plenty of juice to get you maximizing your MPH, but it is also brilliant at hitting with spin, and I was able to get great variety on my serve.

On my leftie serve out wide, the string pattern was open enough to give me plenty of opportunity to get the strings moving and creating spin, but without going over the top.

Sometimes with that serve you can have too much movement in the strings, and all you get is spin and no power, but that wasn’t the case with this racket.

Whether you’re looking for power or spin this racket is an excellent option on the serve.

It has a rare blend of power and spin that works exceptionally well on the serve, and I had great fun playing with it.

Again, it fits the mold of an aggressive baseliner’s racket.

I don’t see it as the racket for a big server like John Isner, because he generates all that power naturally, so he would want to maximize the control aspect of the racket for his serve.

But for someone who loves to attack the serve but has their main strengths in their groundstrokes, this is an ideal serving weapon.

I surprised myself to find that the best aspect of the  Yonex EZone 98  was on the serve.

It has a great set up for someone like me, who perhaps doesn’t get as much out of his serve as he should.

Lovely blend of power, control and spin gets this racket an 8.5 out of 10 on the serve.

For me, I quite liked the new additions to the Ezone 98. While personally, it’s not my kind of racket, I thought the EZone 98 benefited from a little extra stiffness and the new vibration combating technology.

This made for a comfortable player’s racket that had great maneuverability and good spin and power potential.

I can see however, why those people that loved the old version of this racket are a bit upset with the new version.

If you love a very involved, hectic feel on contact then you’re probably not going to like the slightly more control orientates feeling of the new version.

I do think however that this particular version is a step towards a slightly more advanced players racket.

It is still a very useable racket, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone at an intermediate level, but I think the new updates have made it more accessible to advanced players as well.

In my opinion, it is absolutely an aggressive baseliner’s racket that suits players who love to step into the court and hit through the ball with a lot of racket head speed.

You will benefit from a good combination of power and easy spin with the Yonex EZone 98, and it rewards players who go after the ball.

The EZone 98 backs up its baseliner credentials, with some serious power and spin on the serve, meaning it is an excellent option for anyone who is looking to boost their serve.

I felt like the speed of my serves was up a little with the EZone, and I was able to generate some really good spin to put my opponent under pressure.

The weakest part of this play test was at the net where the EZone didn’t feel quite as supreme as in did on the groundstrokes and serve.

But if you don’t spend too much time at the net then that is not a big issue. If you only visit the net once in a while to finish off the point, then the EZone 98 will do a decent enough job.

Overall, I liked the new updates to the Yonex EZone 98, as it brought the racket a little bit more into my range, however it’s still not the racket for me.

I think there are plenty of people who will have a great time with this racket though, and I can see why it was so hotly anticipated.

I gave the Yonex EZone 98 an 8 out of 10 overall.

It’s very comfortable and generates good spin, and I could see it suiting a lot of aggressive baseliners.

Is the Yonex Ezone 98 Right For Your Game? Find Out With a Custom Fitting!

Groundstrokes

Get the Yonex Ezone 98 for the Best Price from RacquetGuys!

41 Lessons · $49.00

Doubles Tactics

Supercharge Your Doubles With TheTennisBros.com

10 Lessons · $35.00

The Art of Volleying

Become clinical at the net with our in depth volleying walkthroughs!

35 Lessons · $49.00

Singles Tactics

Outsmart your opponent with superior tactics! Our strategies can be quickly implemented for instant results!

We save you time and money by doing the painful research process for you!

No more frustration in your game, due to your equipment failing you!

Start playing the best tennis of your life and win more matches!

Get Our Free Guide to Supercharging Your Tennis Equipment!

Sign up to receive your Free Guide to Supercharging Your Tennis Equipment , straight to your inbox!

Explore more

Aug 31, 2023 • Babolat Dunlop Head Prince Wilson Yonex

Men’s vs Women’s Tennis Rackets: What’s the Difference?

Is there really a difference between men’s and women’s rackets? This is a commonly asked question that doesn’t have a very clear answer. Whilst there aren’t specific rackets that are designed for men or women tennis players, there are some trends in both the men’s and women’s games that make…

Jul 10, 2023 • Ezone Vcore Yonex

Yonex Vcore vs Ezone: Which is the Best Racket?

Trying to compare the Yonex VCore and Ezone? Choosing the right racket can make a big difference to your game, so we’ve researched Yonex’s most popular racket models to give you the complete guide. Here’s our in-depth guide to the Yonex Vcore and Ezone models.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Tennis Tribe

Tennis Racquet & Gear Reviews, Doubles Lessons & News

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

Will Boucek · February 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.

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

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 .

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.

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.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FREE 20-page guide - Learn 3 doubles tactics to force errors and get more easy volleys! Download

Yonex Ezone 2022 Review – 100 or 98

I get a lot of questions for racquet comparisons. What racquets would you like to see compared? Here is my Yonex Ezone 2022 Review.

The idea with this Yonex Ezone 2022 Review was to give some more thoughts around the updated Ezone racquets, but also to compare the 100 vs the 98. It’s not always easy to know which one you should go for.

The verdict on my end is that they’re both very good. The specs are remarkably similar too. The 98 is slightly heavier (305g vs 300g) but the swing weigths are exactly the same. In the end, people should try and see what feels best, but there are some general things to take into consideration.

If you want to buy the Yonex Ezone 100 or 98, check out my affiliates: Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe or Tennis Only . The new Ezone 2022 racquets should be available right now. I get a small commission if you use my links at no extra cost to you.

For a more in-depth look at the Yonex Ezone 98, check out my review . You can also read or watch my Yonex Ezone 100 2022 review .

Yonex Ezone 2022 98 vs 100

A smaller head size racquet will generally offer more control and this is also the case with the new Ezones. The 98 is faster through the air thanks to the smaller head size and thinner beam profile, while the 100 is more powerful, more forgiving (easier to use) and a bit more spin-friendly.

Basically, with a bigger head size of the same racquet model, you pretty much get more of everything. I loved playing with both racquets and was happy to see that Yonex had reduced the stiffness of the 100. The lower stiffness gives you both more control and comfort. The power level of the Ezone 100 is still good and more than what most intermediate to advanced players need.

If like the Ezone 100, but want even more power, go for the upcoming Ezone 100 plus. Yonex always releases longer versions of their bestsellers VCORE and EZONE, so they should release a 98 plus and a 100 plus, which will give you more power thanks to the higher swing weight. You will lose manueverability though.

The Ezones of 2022 are a nice update from the 2020 version, which I also liked. This generation of Ezones offer better control, but still ease-of-use and playability for a wide range of players. I think these racquets are best suited to aggressive baseliners who go after the ball. If you want maximum topspin from a Yonex racquet – check out the VCORE racquets and for more control, the VCORE Pro is your Yonex racquet line of choice.

The Ezones are my favorite Yonex racquets though and the 98 would be my choice of the two for better control and a faster feel. But both frames are great choices for the attacking baseline player.

Jonas Eriksson

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

Australian Open 2022 Day 1 Summary

Do you remember pim-pim johansson, you may also like, 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, head boom pro 2024 review, head boom 2024, 11 comments.

How do you like the racquet compared to the Pure Drive? Pro and con?

I’m currently playing with Pure Drive. I find that to be a bit uncontrollable, I string it using vs gut/rpm blast from Babolat. I am intermediate player, i can hit forehands and backhands quite well when pace is not too high, still challenges with my serve. Would u recommend Ezone 98 or 100 over Gravity MP for me (which was previously your suggestion for intermediate players). I tried Blade 98 v8 but I would prefee something that is a bit easier to use. I read that Gravit MP is like “easy Blade” and I am afraid that Ezone 98 would be too hard to play and 100 would be too close to Pure Drive.

Ps. Thanks for you amazing content!

Hi Janne, I think you need to test a few racquets. The Ezone 100 is more controlled than the Pure Drive but still powerful. A low-powered 100 (Textreme Tour 100P or HEAD Speed MP is a good choice) or high-powered 98 like the Ezone 98 or Tecnifibre Tfight RS 300 could be the way to go.

Congrats on amazing content. You mention that stiffness was reduced on these versions, but still quite high (when you look at the numbers). You also mention that didn’t feel arm issues with them. Do these Yonex racquets have anything that allow it to be comfortable despite the relatively high stiff figures?

hello, i play with the ezone DR 98, do you recomend the change for this new one? what’s the difference? thanks

Once again excellent vlog, just ordered demos of ezone 100 and rafa aero to compare

which soft poly string would you recommend for the new EZONE 100, 2022, 300gr?

Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25 yellow at 52 lbs

Thank you for the review. Correct me if I am wrong, but when you wrote: “Basically, with a bigger head size of the same racquet model, you pretty much get more of everything.” Wouldn’t you agree that “you get more of everything” at the cost of control/precision?

yes, sorry if that was unclear, everything comes at a cost.

I’m a 45 year old competition level player (train with semi pros and I play ITF Masters Tour) and really love your analysis. I only began really understanding this game 10 years ago and your analysis has taken my understanding to a whole different level.

A friend of mine is testing out the 2022 Yonex 98 eZone 305g (7th gen) with HyperG Soft full bed 22 /19.8kg. He’s recently had arm issues (tennis elbow) as he came back to the sport after a 30 year hiatus and played with his old Volkl from the 90s. One day he played 3 straight hours (he’s my age) and after that he got tennis elbow. He is now very reluctant to try another racquet for fear of a relapse. I explained to him that having an arm friendly set up is not just about the racquet (although you need to target a frame that is not too stiff around 65-67 and a swing weight which is sub 320) as you also need to choose the right strings and even more importantly the right string tension.

Given the Yonex 98 eZone set up I have described above would you say he should give it a try? For full disclosure this was a racquet I was eying for myself but when I tried it it played a little differently to my Tfight 300 RS and decided to stick with the Tfight as for my game where I like to use spin particularly on the forehand side, the Tfight felt more natural with (for my game at least which is more all around) a more consistent feel.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• The Tennisnerd Guide to Gear
• Recommended Racquets
• Recommended Strings
• Recommended Bags
• Racquet Consultation
• Racquet Reviews
• The best tennis racquets for spin and control
• Racquets and strings for beginners and lower-level intermediates
• Arm Friendly Tennis Racquets
• The Best Spin Racquets
• The Best Racquets for Intermediate Players?
• The Best Advanced Player Racquets
• The Best Power Racquets
• Pro Stock Racquets
• Pro Player String Tensions
• String Reviews
• Stringing machines
• Arm-friendly Strings
• Top Ten Tennis Strings Right Now
• The lowest string tension on tour?
• What is the difference between multifilament and poly strings?
• My Top 3 Spin Strings
• My Top 3 Control Strings
• Tennis balls
• Shoe Reviews
• Tennis Tools
• Podcasts and Interviews
• Tennis coaching with Intuitive Tennis
• Travel Blog
• Buying Tennis Tickets
• Tennis Academies in Europe
• Betting Blog
• Italian Open Betting
• Best Tennis Betting Sites
• How to Bet on Tennis
• Live Betting Tennis
• Tennis Betting Odds Explained
• Betting Tips and Strategies
• Promotions and Bonuses
• ATP Masters 1000
• Betting Predictions
• ATP Rankings
• WTA Rankings
• Pickleball Blog
• Accessories
• College Tennis
• Contributors
• What People Say
• Advertising
• Tennis Friends
• In the Press

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Yonex EZONE 98 Review and Playtest

Read our review guidelines

• 25.0% 8.2 Power
• 25.0% 8.9 Control
• 20.0% 8.6 Topsin
• 10.0% 8.5 Maneuverability
• 5.0% 8.7 Touch
• 5.0% 8.6 Comfort
• 5.0% 8.3 Slice
• 5.0% 8.3 Stability
• 25.0% 8.7 Touch
• 15.0% 8.5 Maneuverability
• 15.0% 8.2 Power
• 8.0% 8.6 Comfort
• 7.0% 8.6 Topspin
• 3.0% 8.3 Slice
• 2.0% 8.3 Stability
• 22.0% 8.2 Power
• 20.0% 8.6 Topspin
• 20.0% 8.9 Control
• 10.0% 8.7 Touch
• 3.0% 8.3 Stability
• 30.0% 8.9 Control
• 22.0% 8.7 Touch
• 13.0% 8.6 Comfort
• 13.0% 8.2 Power
• 8.0% 8.6 Topspin
• 6.0% 8.3 Slice
• 3.0% 8.5 Maneuverability

It is safe to say the Yonex EZONE 98 series has been a fan favorite among both avid tennis players and proverbial professionals such as Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka. This collection, which started in 2010, is known for its flexibility and comfort. The series is filled with variants for players to find the build that hits that sweet spot, such as the EZONE DR 98. 

Groundstrokes: 8.5

Volleys: 8.6

Returns: 8.6

In 2021, this collection was updated with a new model that I’ve been enthused to try out and review, especially since the Yonex EZONE 98 2020 was such a charm. I’ll get straight to the meat here; it lived up to its reputation as a great experience on all fronts and was certainly an upgrade from its predecessor. Without a doubt, it’s something I’ll have a lot of fun using in the future. So, let’s get right to business!

Yonex EZONE 98 Specifications 

Groundstrokes – score: 8.5, volleys – score: 8.6, serve – score: 8.5, returns – score: 8.6, overall – score: 8.58, different models, yonex ezone 98 tour, yonex ezone 98 plus.

If I had to characterize them, the Yonex EZONE 98 specs aim to span the needs of a sizeable domain of passionate tennis players. Each swing aims to give you a bang for your buck with how it balances power with a sense of control and facile maneuverability. Overall, the racket aims for consistency and minimizes trade-offs. I’ll break down what the numbers mean for you here. 

The EZONE 98’s length stays at a rather conventional 27 inches (69 cm); it prioritizes control and precision by sacrificing a tiny head size of 98 square inches (632 cm2). 

It weighs 10.8 oz unstrung, which complements that maneuverability and makes it accessible to many. Its strung weight is 11.3 oz, but this largely depends on the strings you choose to use (I go for polyester here because I’d like spin and control in my play).

Its swing weight is at a respectable 317, which is a good middle ground. Its balance is at 9 pt HL at 12,4 inches unstrung, and 6 pts HL at 12,75 inches strung, absorbing shock at the frame. Thus Yonex tennis racket is light on the arm with a stiffness rating of 64. Its width beam shifts from a narrow 0,75 inches handle, wide 0,94 inches shoulder, and standard 0,9 inches at the head.

Finally, its standard 16×19 string pattern keeps control and spin balanced. 

Remember that specifications can serve as a guide, but your experience always takes priority, so always give the racket a try.

• Head size: 98 sq. in / 632.26 sq. cm
• Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
• Strung weight: 11.3 oz / 320 g
• Unstrung weight: 10.8 oz / 305 g
• Strung balance: 6pts HL / 12.75 inches
• Unstrung balance: 9pts HL / 12.4 inches
• Swingweight: 317
• Stiffness: 64
• Beamwidth: 0.9 inches / 0.95 inches / 0.75 Inches
• String pattern: 16×19

The racket’s feel was amazing to me here; more than anything, it’s fun. I could move around and maneuver myself while drawing a lot of power; it worked well in many positions and angles. I’d describe the feeling of using it as something very potent due to the balance and stability; there’s a lot you can try with it.

As an avid tennis player who’s played for years, the Yonex EZONE 98 felt like something special due to how I could work with it. It’s so comfortable on top of that too. 

When I went for a more relentless offense, it didn’t come at the expense of control which was satisfying; I felt like finetuning the ball on the court. The racket’s power showed most when I tried to play softer shots or defensive, though; I could maintain my momentum through them thanks to its responsiveness. 

Switching from forehand to backhand was smooth. The racket could be stable against some tedious hits from my opponents too. 

I love some spin in my hits, and that was satisfactory too. That sense of ease and power that was promised is aided by the compact string pattern and the slightly smaller head size. 

Overall, the Yonex EZONE 98 will enable you to use many styles of groundstrokes. It’s good for all levels, but it’ll help you find and develop a style you’re comfortable with if you’re between beginner and intermediate.

My netplay with the Yonex EZONE 98 left me in disbelief. I could consistently be accurate here, both in my control of guiding the ball and timing. The head lightness aided in that sense of control. 

I also loved the speed, and I could leverage it to play at my pace against big hitters. It largely held up against quicker exchanges, too, I could maintain my grip, and I’d say the feel is remarkable. 

But I would say I wished for maybe a tiny bit more balance when I tried to go for a fast playthrough, but nothing I couldn’t work around since I could receive on the racket’s sweet spot, which is plentiful. I think some tweaks to the tennis racket weight may help with this.

When I went for block volleys, the racket’s responsiveness aided me. The racket’s moderate weight made it serviceable here; it’s something that gives it that flexibility and accessibility. 

I responded pretty efficiently when I was pushed to go for swinging volleys, thanks to the power and airy swing the racket offered.

The performance was respectable, and the Yonex EZONE 98 certainly holds its own at the net. 

When serving, I felt this racket’s strengths come in handy, and it pretty much offered me everything I needed. There’s plenty of control and flexibility at my disposal that I can’t go too wrong with. 

I could get many easy points because of how effortless the racket felt to use; it could move with a lot of speed which let me execute powerful flats to strike the ball with impressive output.

I wouldn’t say it felt tedious, and I was offered great control that let me puncture the court in the places I intended. Even when it didn’t give me a free point, it helped me set the pace for the rest of the point. 

I could tap into spins when I wanted them, too, which helped throw my opponent off guard when it came to slices and kicks for which the precision and control were important; the string pattern mattered here. It’s a well-rounded racket, I’d say.

Confidence is important in service, so using a racket where I get consistent results feels good and reassuring, and the Yonex EZONE 98 is exactly that. 

The Yonex EZONE 98 was super in returning serves and packed a punch. Its maneuverability came in handy here, aided by its head lightness and slightly lower weight. I could easily make significant returns, as you would expect from these specs.

The stability was also notable for me; I didn’t lose my balance against serves too often, which let me pick up the pace for groundstrokes. But I would say the risk is noteworthy against big serves if you have the wrong technique, but it’s easily fixable.

Personally, my timing adjusted to the racket’s speed rather easily so I could respond accurately; I find it easy to adapt to and enjoy speed. There’s a sizeable sweet spot you can take use in your favor.

If you like to time yourself for slower, more controlled returns, then maybe a slightly heavier racket like the Tour model might also be worth trying, but most of my returns landed where I aimed.

There’s a fair amount of spin you can tap into aside from the impressive yields to take charge of the point. Predictably, this part of the playtest held up to the standards of the rest.

Yonex EZONE 98 certainly lived up to expectations and made it one of my favorite rackets to play with. Its identity is in how it is an all-in-one package in power, feel control, spin, and speed that you can’t go wrong by using it and do not have to worry about some major trade-off.

Groundstrokes and serves were arguably the highlights of this playtest session; I enjoyed the airiness and speed I could feel in both. Yet it performed well across all fields, getting nothing below an 8.5 which speaks volumes about its consistency with different play styles.

It’s user-friendly, and no matter what level you’re on, this racket will be useful and worth a try. I can see more intermediate and advanced players capitalizing on their balanced strengths to take control of the court with the liberties the 98 EZONE offers. 

I am impressed by this Yonex tennis racket’s design and how it manages to perform as well as it does. It is easy to be dull when you’re a jack of all trades but master of none, yet this is far from the case with the Yonex EZONE 98. 

Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the EZONE family that could easily win you over.

We loved what the EZONE 98 had to offer as a well-rounded racket, but if there are some specs you’re looking to specialize in, you may also want to look at alternate models in the EZONE line that should be similar with slight tweaks. 

There are 15 rackets in this family, but we will focus on the two you might want to look at most.

The Tour model of the EZONE 98 is a slightly heavier version of the original, which should give players a tweak in stability. Compared to the former, it weighs 0.4 ounces more, is two points less in head-lightness from the increased weight, and gains 13 more swing weight. The Tour also has 2 points lower in stiffness, giving you a better feel.

Groundstrokes: 8.6

Returns: 8.4

This model is arguably best for more advanced players as it’s a bit less easy to use and less maneuverable than the base Yonex EZONE 98 model. You may have some time adjusting, but it’s worth giving it a shot if you have trouble returning hard hitters or are one yourself; the balance and stability may favor your style well here. 

The EZONE 98 Plus is a longer version of the original, 27.5 inches in length. This should give you more speed, a more lenient sweet spot for more control, and more stability than before. 

Aside from the length, the main difference is the head lightness which is 1 point less, and the swing weight which is increased by 17.

Groundstrokes: 8.7

Volleys: 8.5

Returns: 8.1

This tennis racket is also best for intermediate and advanced players. You’ll find less maneuverability, but the strengths mentioned above can easily make up for it. This racket is good for those who enjoy aggressive offense in their tennis; it should also strengthen flat serves due to the combination between the higher contact point and power gains. 

So if these changes sound appealing, definitely give the plus model a try.

The Yonex EZONE 98 is the ideal jack of all trades, offering you good power, speed, control, comfort, and maneuverability. It doesn’t do much wrong; it’s a racket that works with any player or style but is best for intermediate players. 

This racket is a must-try and safe option if you’re unsure of what to use. But don’t let its well-roundedness convince you it pales against more specialist rackets, as this adaptability is precisely what makes it potent, and there’s a lot you can do with it.

If you’re a more advanced player, then the alternative EZONE models discussed, such as the EZONE 98 Plus and Tour models, may also be worth checking out, which depends on your preferences in power, control, and the parts of tennis play you want gains in. However, my personal favorite would be the original Yonex EZONE 98 for everything it offers.

Keep reading to find out who uses Yonex EZONE 98 and to find out more about this tennis racket.

Q: What is the difference between the Yonex EZONE 98 and 100?

The Yonex EZONE 100 has a slightly different head shape, which is longer and wider. The 100 is also a bit lighter, weighing only 9.9 ounces strung. Both rackets have the same length and string pattern.

Q: Who uses the Yonex EZONE 98?

Some well-known players who use this racket are: Garbiñe Muguruza, Madison Keys, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Naomi Osaka, Karen Khachanov, and Denis Shapovalov.

Q: What is the difference between Yonex EZONE and VCORE?

The main difference between these two series is that the Yonex VCORE has a bit more power and spin potential, while the EZONE is a bit more comfortable. The EZONE also has a bit more control and feel. 

Q: Is Yonex EZONE good?

Yes, the Yonex EZONE 98 is a great racket for intermediate and advanced players. It’s versatile and has a good mix of power, control, and comfort. Beginners may also find success with this racket if they are willing to put in the time to adjust to its slightly less forgiving nature.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it with your friends and family.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

I am Mario, a tennis player passionate about encouraging others to join the sport. Here at TennisRacketBall, we strive to set ourselves apart from other review sites by making an effort to purchase and test the products whenever possible. We do not allow ourselves to be bribed! We are 100% honest with our reviews even when manufacturers do not like it.

Disclosure: TennisRacketBall.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Compare Products

EZONE 98 TOUR

• Description