Yonex EZONE 98 (2017): A Deep Dive Review

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey tennis enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017), a racquet that has earned its stripes on courts worldwide. This stick, known for its blend of power, precision, and feel, has been a favorite among intermediate to advanced players. We'll break down everything you need to know about this racquet, from its specifications and playability to who it might be best suited for. So, grab your water bottle, and let's get started!

Unveiling the Specs: What Makes the EZONE 98 (2017) Tick?

Before we jump into the fun stuff, let's get the technical details out of the way. The Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) boasts some key specifications that contribute to its performance. Understanding these specs is crucial for gauging whether this racquet aligns with your playing style and needs. Here's a quick rundown:

  • Head Size: 98 square inches. This is where the "98" in the name comes from. The smaller head size provides a more controlled hitting surface, enhancing precision. It's not the most forgiving, but it rewards clean contact.
  • Weight: Unstrung, the racquet typically weighs around 11.3 ounces (320 grams). This weight provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability. It's heavy enough to absorb the impact of powerful shots but light enough to swing quickly.
  • Balance: Usually around 6 points head light. This balance contributes to the racquet's maneuverability and helps generate racquet head speed, crucial for topspin and fast swings. It puts more weight in the handle, making it easier to control.
  • Length: Standard length of 27 inches. Nothing unusual here, but worth noting. This is the standard length for most adult racquets.
  • Swingweight: Typically around 325. Swingweight is a measure of how "heavy" the racquet feels when you swing it. A swingweight of 325 is on the higher end, which contributes to its power potential and stability, but can also make it slightly more demanding for players who prefer a lighter feel.
  • Beam Width: The beam width is around 21mm/21mm/20mm. A thinner beam, like the EZONE 98, is known for providing better feel and control. This makes it easier to feel the ball off the strings and direct your shots. This contributes to the racquet's overall feel and control characteristics.
  • String Pattern: 16x19. This is a fairly open string pattern, which enhances spin potential and provides a more lively feel. This pattern allows the strings to move more, increasing the ball's bite and adding topspin to your shots. This open string pattern is one of the key factors that makes this racquet so appealing to many players.

So, what do these specs mean in practice? The Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) is designed for players who want a blend of power, control, and feel. The 98-square-inch head size offers precision, while the weight and balance provide stability and maneuverability. The open string pattern adds spin potential, making it ideal for players who like to hit with topspin and control their shots. Now that we have covered the key specs, let’s dig further into the performance.

Playability and Performance: How Does the EZONE 98 (2017) Perform on Court?

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! How does the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) actually play? Well, in a nutshell, it's a fantastic racquet for players who can handle its demands. It excels in several areas:

  • Power: Despite the relatively small head size, the EZONE 98 (2017) offers good power. The weight and balance help generate racquet head speed, and the string pattern contributes to the ball's pop off the strings. This means you can hit powerful groundstrokes and serve with authority.
  • Control: This is where the EZONE 98 (2017) truly shines. The 98-square-inch head size and thinner beam provide excellent control. You can place the ball precisely where you want it, making it easier to dictate points. If you are someone who likes to hit to the lines and control the pace, this is a great racquet.
  • Feel: Yonex is known for its excellent feel, and the EZONE 98 (2017) is no exception. The racquet provides great feedback, allowing you to feel the ball on your strings and make adjustments accordingly. This feel is crucial for touch shots, volleys, and drop shots. The feel is often praised by players transitioning from other brands.
  • Spin: The 16x19 string pattern is a spin-friendly setup. You can generate ample topspin and slice, allowing you to control the ball's trajectory and make it dip inside the lines. This is a great racquet for modern players who rely on spin to dictate points and move their opponents around the court.
  • Stability: The weight and balance provide excellent stability. The racquet feels solid on contact, even when facing powerful shots. This stability inspires confidence and allows you to swing freely, knowing the racquet will hold up. This makes it perfect for players who love to rally and go for aggressive shots.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The EZONE 98 (2017) can be challenging for some players:

  • Sweet Spot: The sweet spot is relatively small compared to larger-headed racquets. Off-center hits will result in reduced power and feel. This makes it crucial to have good technique and a consistent contact point. If your technique is not as refined, this might not be the best racquet to start with.
  • Maneuverability: While the racquet is relatively maneuverable, the higher swingweight can make it slightly slower than lighter racquets. This might be a disadvantage when reacting quickly at the net or returning fast serves. This does mean players with a shorter, more compact swing might have to adjust.
  • Demands: The racquet demands a certain level of skill and fitness. It rewards clean contact and a sound technique. Players who are still developing their technique might find it less forgiving than racquets with larger head sizes.

Overall, the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) is a high-performing racquet that provides a blend of power, control, and feel. It is best suited for players with good technique who are looking for a racquet that can help them take their game to the next level. The ability to control shots and generate spin is unmatched by most racquets. Now, let’s get into who exactly might benefit from using the EZONE 98 (2017).

Who Is the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) Best Suited For? A Player Profile

So, who should consider picking up the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017)? This racquet is designed for a specific type of player. Let's break down the ideal player profile:

  • Skill Level: The EZONE 98 (2017) is best suited for intermediate to advanced players. Beginners might find it too demanding due to the smaller head size and weight. If you’re a beginner, it might be challenging to control the ball's direction consistently. It’s also important to have a solid and consistent technique to fully benefit from the racquet's features.
  • Playing Style: This racquet shines for players who have an aggressive, all-court game. If you enjoy hitting groundstrokes with pace and spin, serving with power, and coming to the net, this racquet is a great option. It’s perfect for players who like to dictate points and control the game from the baseline. Players who like to move their opponent around with spin and control their shots will find the EZONE 98 (2017) a valuable asset.
  • Technique: The EZONE 98 (2017) rewards players with good technique and a consistent contact point. If you have a clean swing and can consistently hit the sweet spot, you will unlock the racquet's full potential. The racquet's smaller head size means that off-center hits will result in a loss of power and feel. If your technique is still developing, you might want to consider a more forgiving racquet.
  • Physical Attributes: While not a necessity, a decent level of fitness will help you handle the racquet's weight and swingweight. The racquet’s higher swingweight can make it a little less maneuverable, especially when you are tired. Having the physical stamina will make your game more consistent and increase your shot quality. Having good wrist strength and forearm strength is a plus to help with generating racquet head speed and topspin.

In essence, the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) is ideal for players who:

  • Have a solid technique and can consistently hit the sweet spot.
  • Prefer an aggressive, all-court style of play.
  • Want a racquet that offers a blend of power, control, and feel.
  • Are looking for excellent spin potential.

If this sounds like you, then the EZONE 98 (2017) might be your perfect match! Now that we have covered the key attributes of the target players, let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of this racquet.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Like any racquet, the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Advantages:

  • Excellent Control: The 98-square-inch head size and thin beam provide exceptional control, allowing you to place the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Good Power: Despite the smaller head size, the racquet generates good power, thanks to its weight and balance.
  • Great Feel: The racquet offers exceptional feel, allowing you to feel the ball on the strings and make adjustments accordingly. This feel is crucial for touch shots and volleys.
  • Spin Potential: The 16x19 string pattern enhances spin potential, allowing you to hit heavy topspin and slice shots.
  • Stability: The weight and balance provide excellent stability, even when facing powerful shots. This inspires confidence and allows you to swing freely.
  • Maneuverability: Although the swingweight is on the higher side, it is still very maneuverable. This means you can generate racquet head speed and create angles that can surprise your opponent.

Disadvantages:

  • Smaller Sweet Spot: The smaller head size means the sweet spot is smaller, making off-center hits less forgiving.
  • Demanding: The racquet demands a certain level of skill and technique. Beginners might find it challenging to control.
  • Maneuverability: Although it is maneuverable, some players may find it slightly less maneuverable than lighter racquets, especially when reacting quickly at the net.
  • Not Ideal for Everyone: The EZONE 98 (2017) is not the best choice for players who are still developing their technique or who prefer a more forgiving racquet.

Understanding these pros and cons will help you decide if this racquet is the right fit. Consider your skill level, playing style, and preferences before making a decision. If you value precision, feel, and spin, and if you have good technique, the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) could be a game-changer. Let’s talk about the strings that will best compliment this racquet.

Stringing Recommendations: Maximizing Performance

Choosing the right strings is crucial for maximizing the performance of your Yonex EZONE 98 (2017). The strings you choose can significantly impact the racquet's feel, power, and control. Here are some recommendations:

  • For Control and Feel: A high-quality co-polyester string or a hybrid with a co-poly in the mains and a softer string (such as multifilament) in the crosses is a great choice. These string types offer excellent control, feel, and durability. They allow you to feel the ball and place your shots more accurately. This option provides a good balance between power, control, and feel.
  • For Power and Spin: If you're looking for more power and spin, consider a softer co-polyester string or a textured string. These strings offer more power potential and enhance spin generation. If you already generate a lot of power and spin, this may not be a good option as you may lose control.
  • String Tension: The string tension you choose will also impact the racquet's performance. For the EZONE 98 (2017), a tension in the mid-range (around 50-55 pounds) is usually a good starting point. This range provides a good balance of power, control, and feel. You can adjust the tension based on your preference and playing style. Higher tensions provide more control but reduce power, while lower tensions increase power but reduce control. The best advice is to experiment.
  • String Type Considerations:
    • Polyester Strings: These are a favorite because they provide great control, spin, and durability. They tend to have a firmer feel.
    • Multifilament Strings: Offer a softer feel and more power, making them great for players looking for more comfort or feel. They can break easier.
    • Natural Gut: Provides the best feel and power, but are expensive and not very durable. Great for players that want the best of both worlds, but not for beginners.

Ultimately, the best string for you will depend on your individual preferences and playing style. Experimenting with different string types and tensions is key to finding the perfect setup for your EZONE 98 (2017). Don't be afraid to try different combinations until you find what works best. There is no one-size-fits-all here.

Comparison with Other Racquets: How Does the EZONE 98 (2017) Stack Up?

How does the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) compare to other popular racquets on the market? Let's take a quick look:

  • Compared to the Babolat Pure Aero: The Pure Aero is known for its extreme spin and power. The EZONE 98 (2017) offers more control and feel, while the Pure Aero prioritizes power and spin. If you like hitting heavy topspin, the Pure Aero is still a great option, but the EZONE 98 (2017) provides a more balanced approach.
  • Compared to the Wilson Pro Staff 97: The Pro Staff 97 is known for its traditional feel and control. The EZONE 98 (2017) offers more power and spin potential, while the Pro Staff 97 prioritizes feel and precision. If you prefer a more classic feel, the Pro Staff is a good choice, but the EZONE 98 (2017) provides more modern performance characteristics.
  • Compared to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro: The Speed Pro is known for its versatility and speed. The EZONE 98 (2017) offers more feel and control, while the Speed Pro provides a more user-friendly experience. The Speed Pro tends to be more maneuverable, while the EZONE 98 (2017) has more heft and stability. Both of them are great options and the decision depends on what the player is looking for.

Ultimately, the best racquet for you will depend on your individual preferences and playing style. Consider your skill level, playing style, and preferences before making a decision. If you like precision, feel, and spin, and if you have good technique, the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) could be your perfect match. Test out as many racquets as possible to see what fits your game best. You can never go wrong doing that!

Conclusion: Is the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) the Right Racquet for You?

So, after all this, is the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) the right racquet for you? Here's a quick recap:

  • Who It's For: Intermediate to advanced players with good technique and an aggressive, all-court game. The racquet is best suited for players who enjoy hitting with pace and spin and who want a racquet that offers a blend of power, control, and feel.
  • What It Offers: Excellent control, good power, great feel, spin potential, and stability.
  • Things to Consider: The smaller sweet spot, demanding nature, and potential for reduced maneuverability.

If you're looking for a racquet that can help you take your game to the next level, the Yonex EZONE 98 (2017) is definitely worth considering. It's a versatile racquet that can suit a wide range of playing styles, provided you have the technique to handle it. The EZONE 98 (2017) is a terrific choice for many players. Ultimately, the best way to know if it's right for you is to demo it and see how it feels on the court.

Happy hitting, and may your shots always land inside the lines!