2022 Gear Guide: Yonex Racquets—EZONE 98 and EZONE 100
“Is there an easier to use modern player’s frame from all areas of the court?”
Seven racquet companies, two frames from each. One is sure to be a perfect match for your game.
HOW WE TEST: Several samples were requested of every racquet reviewed. Each model was either strung with the manufacturer’s recommended string and tension, or such a string was provided, to optimize the frame’s performance. Racquets were then distributed to our playtesters located throughout the country. Each tester was encouraged to try a racquet for as long as it took to get a feel for its particular playing characteristics, including power, control, comfort, maneuverability and overall playability. In addition to forming their own opinions, they sought assessments from playing partners, students and customers. A special note of thanks to Kevin Brandt, Mitchell Case, James Golden, and Kin Roseborough for their valuable contributions.
Yonex
EZONE 98
- PRICE: $245 (Buy)
- HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN.
- LENGTH: 27 IN.
- WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ.
- BALANCE: 6 PTS. HL
- SWINGWEIGHT: 318
- RA RATING: 64
- BEAM WIDTH: 23.5 MM / 24.5 MM / 19.5 MM
- STRING PATTERN: 16X19
Player Profile:
Grip-It-And-Rip-It
Tester Quote:
“Is there an easier to use modern player’s frame from all areas of the court?”
How It Tested:
+ Continued the frame’s reputa-tion for having high playability and a low learning curve.
+ Shined on serves with equal measures targeting, spin and heat to set up aggressive ground strokes.
+ When compared to its prede-cessor, the softer response gave the frame better control and feel, while the slightly thicker beam enhanced stability.
- Excelled at higher gears, but some found muted and vague feedback when taking shorter or medium-paced swings.
EZONE 100
- PRICE: $245 (Buy)
- HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN.
- LENGTH: 27
- WEIGHT: 11.2
- BALANCE: 4 PTS. HL
- SWINGWEIGHT: 316
- RA RATING: 68
- BEAM WIDTH: 23.8 MM / 26.5 MM / 22.5 MM
- STRING PATTERN: 16X19
Player Profile:
Groundstroke Guru
Tester Quote:
“Controllable power and easy access to spin are a given—it’s an EZONE 100.”
How It Tested:
+ Stellar grades all around, espe-cially on the baseline—grinding, counterpunching or stepping inside the court to take control with pace.
+ The power level was on point—there to help if needed, but otherwise unobtrusive.
+ A joy to return serve with, whether attacking, blocking, chipping or lobbing.
- Could get bossed around by incoming traffic, most notably at net; 4.5+ players may need to add weight.