Yonex Ezone 98 (2022)
About the Brand
Yonex Co., Ltd. is a Japanese sports equipment manufacturing company. In 1946, Yonex was founded in a snow-covered village in Niigata, Japan, by Mr. Minoru Yoneyama, who was born in 1924 and died in 2019 in Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan.
Yonex produces equipment and apparel for tennis, badminton, golf, and running. Yonex manufactures and commercialises equipment for badminton, tennis (rackets, shuttlecocks, balls, bags), and golf (clubs, bags). Yonex also produces athletic shoes and a wide range of apparel that includes T-shirts, jackets, skirts, shorts, hoodies, leggings, and hats.
In 1957, Yoneyama began to make badminton rackets for other brands. By 1961, the first Yoneyama-branded racquet was introduced, and within another two years, an export company was created for worldwide distribution. After that, the company began to make aluminium badminton racquets.
In 1969, it was found that the same technology could be applied to the tennis racket, which the company introduced in 1971. The company began to experiment with graphite shafts for both types of rackets and found that these would also be useful for golf clubs.
In 1982 Yonex came out with the new Oversized Tennis Racquet in the REX-Series with the R-7 and R-10 racquets. At that time, Martina Navratilova played with the R-7 and was very successful. One year later, the New Series Rexking was developed with the R-22. Navratilova subsequently used the White RQ 180 Widebody Frame until the early 1990s.
Yonex sponsors the All England Open Badminton Championships and is a partner of the Badminton World Federation, which organises the World Championships.
In 2021, Yonex will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Yonex Officially Sponsors some World’s Leading Tennis Players like Anna Kournikova, Ana Ivanovic, Angelique Kerber, Carolina Wozniacki, Daniela Hantuchova, David Nalbandian, Elena Dementivia, Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrgios, Stan Wawarinka, Martina Hingis, Martina Navratilova, Mary Pierce, Monica Seles and many more.
Description
Yonex Ezone 98 (2022), a navy-blue base with a premium gradient fading into mint and sky blue, is the seventh generation racquet from Yonex.
Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is the racquet preferred by four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, Nick Kyrgios, and many more.
This updated Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) offers the ultimate in feel, control, and stability. This 7th-generation Ezone 98 (2022) is composed for power and comfort.
Compared to the previous version of Ezone 98 (2020) this updated Ezone 98 (2022) has lil bit more control rather than the power and more plush feeling.
The latest generation is meticulously crafted with innovative 2G-Namd*2 Speed graphite, which is integrated in the throat of the racquet for increased ball speed and improved feel. Namd is a technology developed by Nitta Co., Ltd. to uniformly disperse carbon nanotubes in carbon fibre composites.
Yonex’s signature Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM), shockless grommets, and 2G-Namd Speed help eliminate unwanted vibrations by 5.9%*1 for a softer feeling at impact.
(2022) Ezone 98 has improved feel with an upgraded Aero Shape Frame Design and Liner Tech, resulting in 16%*1 more flexibility.
To ensure racquet stability is not sacrificed, a thicker beam width and new shaft design add power and reduce unwanted racquet torque on off-centred shots.
This Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) remains one of the most user-friendly and player-oriented rackets.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 inch / 632.26 cm |
| Length: 27 inch / 68.58 cm |
| Strung Weight: 323 gm /11.4 oz |
| Balance: 12.79 inch / 32.49 cm / 6 pts HL |
| Beam Width: 23.5 mm / 24.5 mm / 19.5 mm |
| Composition: 2G-NAMD Speed / HM Graphite |
| Grip Type: Yonex Synthetic |
| Power Level: Low-Medium |
| Swingweight: 318 |
| Stiffness: 65 |
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full |
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast |
| String Tension: 45-60 Pounds |
String Pattern: |
Technology
Pro Using or Used This Racquet
Overall Performance
Control
Compared to the older version Ezone 98 of 2020, the new Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) has slightly better control.
I was expecting more control or more mass to help slow the racquet down a bit, and for that I have to adjust my string of choice to maximise the control.
Feel
The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) offered great touch and feel all around because the isometric shape of the frame made the racquet more forgiving. I find maximum feel on groundstrokes, drop volleys.
At net, the racquet has stable enough to allow me to relax my hand on grip which giving me the joy and feel. Indeed, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is the racquet that gives you the most comfort and feel.
Groundstrokes
On Groundstrokes, this updated Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is more controlled racquet than the previous version so you can get more confidence to hit the ball without getting much unforced errors from baseline.
The Ezone 98 felt very forgiving from the baseline. The racquet is very easy to maneuver.
The Ezone 98 (2022) offered a very soft touch and feel, which made it very comfortable to play with.
With this newest version, it is a bit plusher and softer at impact. People who love to hit groundstrokes with a lot of pace will notice that their overall setup feels very smooth.
Maneuverability
In terms of maneuverability, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) met my expectations. At 6pts head-light when strung, it’s highly maneuverable. Racquet headlight balance makes it easily maneuverable.
The easy maneuverability of this stick can get your hands through the ball easily and quickly, allowing you to hit the ball forward. I like the maneuverability of the racquet at the net and the quick response on the ball.
Power
Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) has easy access to power, making it a fun racquet to play either in singles or doubles. It swings fast and gives plenty of power when needed. I found ample power with the racquet from the baseline.
Returns
On returns, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) has to be one of the most forgiving player’s racquets. With this racquet, both when placing the ball and when returning an aggressive serve, you’ll feel confident.
You can swing hard and keep the ball flat, low, and deep on returns. It has a fun way to start the point on offense. The increased control compared to the Yonex Ezone 98 (2020) gave you confidence in hitting your targets and striking a weak opponent’s serve.
Again, maneuverability is the biggest key to this racquet.
Serves
For serves, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is such an easy racquet. Racquet maneuverability makes it very easy to serve.
It has ample pace to get the ball moving nicely through the court. It is a good choice of racquet for slice serves, too.
It produced a consistent ball with good spin. You’ll definitely feel pretty dialled into your targets with this racquet.
You can access spin and power as well. Power is easy to access on flatter first serves, and Spin has combine available for kicks and slice serves too.
Slices
I enjoy hitting slices with the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) which is such a fun and I got ample pace too. I loved hitting some driving slices. At the end, I had very little margin for error. I could get into trouble if I tried to drive my backhand slice too much, so instead I played a steadier slice with a bit of float to it.
Stability
Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) has stability against big hitters and big servers too.
It has the stability to tame the ball in court. I have experience the estimable stability on returns. Some players may be find that lack of little bit stability.
I would suggest that, for improving the stability of the racquet, you can do the weight customization as per your requirements.
TopSpin
Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is very easy to generate spin. I was amazed by the amount of spin this racquet offers for a 16×19 string pattern. A good amount of spin was available for kicks and slice serves too. Maybe its not provided you the enough level of spin with traditional grip and but when you try out with modern grip then it will not displeased for spin.
Volleys
At the net, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is really stable for its weight and very maneuverable on volleys. It is super easy to position this racquet on volleys.
Yonex added some extra beam width in this racquet, which increased the stability at net without loosing the maneuverability.
It moves quickly through the air and has enough stability to absorb the power and give me the control I need.
Overall
On the whole, the Yonex Ezone 98 felt very forgiving from the baseline. The racquet is very easy to maneuver.
On Serves, Power has easy to access on flatter first serves and Spin has combine available for kicks and slice serves too.
On the net, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is really stable for its weight and very maneuverable on volleys. It is super easy to position this racquet on volleys.
On Returns, This updated version compared to the Yonex EZzone 98 (2020) has slightly better control, which gives you more confidence in hitting your targets and striking the opponent’s weak serve.
The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) has utmost control, adequate spin, a quick response, and plenty of feel, and it all came in an easy-to-swing package.
Final Opinion: The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is a very well-balanced tennis racquet. Intermediates, advanced, and professional players will undoubtedly prefer this racquet.
Percentage Chart
Control
Feel
Groundstrokes
Maneuverability
Power
Returns
Serves
Stability
Slices
Volleys
Topspin
Over-all
Like
- Large Sweetspot
- Controllable Power
- Manueuverability
- Top Spin
Dislike
- No-one
Who's This Racquet For
However, the 2022 edition of the Ezone 98 (305 g) is going to be a suitable choice for intermediate and advanced players who are looking to maximise racquet power, maneuverability, and feel.
The Ezone 98 (2022) is a racquet that will adapt well to a wide range of player styles and works great for all-court play.
Finally, the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) is a very well-balanced racquet that is a perfect example of maximum spin, a large sweet spot, great comfort, and ease of maneuverability.
Who's This Racquet Not For
Probably, the Ezone 98 (2022) is the racquet which is usually upto the bench mark in all-court play test but people who are found of heavier racquet then you have to customize weight of the racquet otherwise we strongly suggest this yonex ezone 98 2022 will not be disappointment choice of racquet for your suitable game style.
(Other Yonex Ezone (2022) Variants)
Yonez Ezone 98 Tour
Yonex Ezone 98 Tour is one of the heaviest unstrung weight racquets in the Ezone 2022 series. It has a 315-gram (11.1-ounce) unstrung weight, which is 15 gram heavier than the Ezone 98 (2022).
Overall, the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour is designed for players who prefer a heavier, more control-oriented racquet.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Yonez Ezone 98 Plus
Yonex Ezone 98 (+) 2022 is the half (0.5) inch extended length racquet than the standard Ezone 98 (2022), With its extended 27.5″ length, this racquet has more pop and plow through. Because of the extended length, this racquet has a slightly higher swing weight, but otherwise all specifications will be the same as the standard Ezone 98 (2022).
The Ezone 98 Plus is the best option for big hitters who are looking to play an aggressive game.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Yonez Ezone 98 L
Yonex Ezone 98 Tour is a lighter unstrung weight racquet version of its big brother Ezone 98 (2022). It has a 285-gram (10.1oz ) unstrung weight, which is 25 gram lighter than the Ezone 98 (2022).
The Ezone 98L has a more head-light balance, which can make it easier to maneuver (easy to swing).
This racquet is best suited for beginner to intermediate players.
Yonez Ezone 100
Yonex Ezone 100 (2022) is a 2 square inch smaller head size and slightly lighter unstrung weight racquet, than the Ezone 98 (2022).
The larger head size of the Ezone 100 provides a larger sweet spot, which can be more forgiving on off-center shots.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Yonez Ezone 100 Plus
Yonex Ezone 100 (+) 2022 is the half (0.5) inch extended length racquet than the standard Ezone 100 (2022), With its extended 27.5″ length, Overall, this racquet has more pop and plow through. because of the extended length. The Yonex Ezone 100 Plus is a slightly more powerful and stable racquet than the Ezone 100.
This racquet is best suited for intermediate to advanced players.
Yonez Ezone 100 L
Yonex Ezone 100 L 2022 is a lighter unstrung weight racquet version of its big brother Ezone 100 (2022). It has a 285-gram (10.1oz ) unstrung weight, which is 20 gram lighter than the Ezone 100 (2022).
The Ezone 100 L has a more head-light balance, which can make it easier to maneuver (easy to swing) than Ezone 100.
This racquet is best suited for beginner to intermediate players.
Yonez Ezone 100 SL
Yonex Ezone 100 SL 2022 is a lightest unstrung weight racquet version in the Ezone 100 (2022) variants. It has a 275 gm. ( 9.5oz ) unstrung weight, which is 30 gram lighter than the Ezone 100 (2022).
The Ezone 100 SL has a more head-light balance, making it a better choice for players who are looking for a more comfortable and maneuverable racquet.
This racquet is best suited for beginner to intermediate players.
Yonez Ezone 105
The Yonex Ezone 105 has a 5 to 7-inch larger head than the standard Ezone 98 or Ezone 100. the larger head size of the Ezone 105, which provides a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving feel. Players who are looking for a more lightweight and maneuverable option that will allow them to hit with more power and spin should go for the Yonex Ezone 105.
This racquet is best suited for beginners or older players.
Yonez Ezone 110
Yonex Ezone 110 has the largest head size and lightest unstrung weight in the Yonex Ezone (2022). This racquet is designed for players who are looking for a large sweet spot, are more forgiving on off-center hits, and are very easy to swing.
This racquet is best suited for beginners or older players.
