Plush and precise, this update combines quick handling with mindless accuracy and outstanding feel
With the 2025 version of the EZONE 98, Yonex delivers an irresistible combination of speed, comfort, and precision. Like the previous version, this racquet combines a control oriented 98in² head with a spin-friendly string pattern and stable beam construction. It's also remarkably fast, making it one of the most user-friendly racquets in its class. For 2025, the EZONE 98 comes with a lower RA stiffness, giving this already comfortable racquet an even more buttery feel. Yonex also overhauls the frame geometry, thickening the beam in the upper hoop to enhance power and stability, while adding a groove on the inner portion of the frame to help the racquet bend optimally through impact. To further enhance comfort, Yonex adds an ultra-thin natural fiber to the shaft (called Minolon) to dampen harsh vibrations. Yonex also continues with 2G NAMD SPEED, an advanced material innovation that helps the frame transfer more energy to the ball. The defining feature remains the ISOMETRIC head shape, giving the EZONE 98 an unmistakably more forgiving response than conventionally shaped equivalents. Ultimately, with its exceptional feel and ultra-easy shot placement, this impressive update from Yonex is hard to put down.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 320 | ||||
| Stiffness: 63 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23.8mm / 24.5mm / 19.5mm | ||||
| Composition: Minolon/2NAMD-Speed/HM Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Blue | ||||
| Grip Type: Synthetic | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 45-60 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Comfortable, but lacks spinThe EZONE 98 (2025) is definitely NOT a spin machine! It is an arm-friendly racquet with good control and decent power. I've been playing with it for a month now and am still struggling to get the topspin to make various shots that I used to make consistently with my Babolat Pure Aero VS (98 in). I'm using the same string setup, so the difference is in the racqiet. The lack of spin seems odd because the EZONE is a 16x19 string pattern and the Pure Aero VS is a 16x20, so you would think it might generate more spin. The Pure Aero is stiff and leaves my arm and wrist feeling sore after every match. This EZONE 98 is a huge improvement for the arm. No soreness at all. So I'm going to stick with the EZONE, but will be missing the spin. Might try thinner strings and less tension to see if I can get a bit more bite and spin out of it.
Good Balance of Power and ControlBeen a happy VCORE 98 2023 user but thought I'd try the EZone 98 2025. Bought one and strung it with Hyper G Soft at 50 lbs as I usually use. I'm a 4.0 player. After four days of play, I'd say that the new EZone 98 does have more power and with similarly good control. I'd estimate at least another 5% more power with the same swing. I hit a flatter forehand with moderate top spin and almost every hard drive was under control. Comfortable too. Easy depth with one handed backhands. Good punch with returns and volleys. But it really woke up my backhand slices. It generates a lot of spin and easy depth for deep low skidding balls. Adding side spin was effective. Lower launch angle too. Definitely more power on flat serves. Can help pick up a few more aces. Spin serves are good but the VCore 98 might be better there. The VCore 98 seems to have more feel but could be an adjustment thing that will happen in time. Anyone with developed strokes looking for a racquet with power and control might want to give the new EZone 98 2025 a try.
25 EZone 98 Makes Positive ChangeI like this new update from Ezone compared to previous versions, this has a very plush feel when you hit the ball. You get more precision over the previous models. AND the launch is gone or at least it’s less pronounced!! I was using the 2023 VCore 98 and 2023 EZone before that. There is definitely the elimination of the launch effect. The balls are clearing lower over the net but still penetrating deep enough.
You can generate your own spin at a good level but obviously you get more spin from the VCore with the launch. I was serving absolute bombs with this racquet. I liked the serving much more with this racket over my VCORE with shots that landing well in where I wanted it placed.
I feel because this vibration is so dampened you don’t need a shock absorber at all. Also, even though the stiffness is a little high or not considered in the stiffness category, you can get arm comfort from this racquet, due to the neck contour and interwoven minolon threads woven into the frame (very plush!). If you are a VCORE, Ezone, Pure Drive fan, you may just love this racquet. Best one yet…? I’m thinking. YES.
Best racquet in the WorldThe title says it all. I truly believe that this racquet does everything well and has no weaknesses. It maintains its DNA as a power racquet while also being super controllable. I own both the 2021 Pure Drive and the 2022 EZONE 98, and I demo'd the 2025 EZONE 98 & 100 as well as the 2025 Pure Drive 98 & 100, and I ended up buying the EZONE 98. Between the Pure Drives and the EZONEs, I served better and had better touch plus feel with the EZONEs, although the Pure Drives comparatively hit with a bit more spin. The EZONE 98 being whippier than the EZONE 100 helps the 98 on forehands and especially serves. The 98 is also noticeably more comfortable than the 100 with its lower stiffness. From precision to comfort to power to feel, the EZONE 98 has it all. I'm stringing my EZONE 98 with Polytour Rev 16L Purple at 52 pounds, but if you like a softer string then Polytour Pro is the way to go.
Went backwards with this oneI have had this racquet for a month now. I originally did a demo and convinced myself it was just as good as the previous one, but new. I was wrong. They have made it way too soft and it's extremely unforgiving unless you hit it perfectly each time. The power is down as it bends way too much and lost the pop when you launch with it. It's less stiff and in this case, that's not a good thing, in my opinion. Lost the real EZone feel I used to get with the old version. I am a 4.0 - 4.5 player so this is maybe suited for much better players who can use its full potential?
Game improvementI switched from the Yonex Vcore to the new Ezone 98, and oh boi it was worth it. The racquet is sneaky powerful while still having great feel and control. I have always struggled a bit with spin but I had no problems when I paired this racquet with Luxilon ALU Power Spin Rough. I found easy access to depth while not having a launch feeling, like I had experienced with the Vcore. I also felt improved ball pocketing and feel. This racquet is a modern DR98 truly. It’s so different and better than any thing else out there. I also find serving with this racquet very FUN. It’s just a joy to hit every time. Kick, flat, slice you name it. The racquet is also very stable, I found it to be good at the net. This paint job is also seriously bold from Yonex and I like it. Maybe it will catch peoples eye and get them to buy this racquet. #ezone4life
An Awesome Update from YonexThe New EZONE 98 feels like the DR 98 to me but has great feel and lots of power I was able to generate enough racquet head speed while hitting through the ball but overall great update from YONEX
ExcellentExcellent update. The Blue might not be for everyone but it is really cool in person. This racquet has more power than previous model while still maintaining great control on fast swings. This racquet performs best on quick fast swings, I wouldn't recommend this racquet for a player that is super controlled with a long swing path. This racquet is great for offense and defense on the run.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
GREAT UPDATEI have used the DR98, 2020 98 model, and the 2022 98 model. I was previously using the 2020 model over the 2022 model due to the better and more crisp feel but was always lacking stability especially with my one handed backhand. Since playing with the new 2025 model I can definitely say the stability is there and the feel is way better than 2022 model. Sweet spot is huge, the string bed is very consistent and not launchy. You can play flat or with topspin which makes this racquet really great as it is a true hybrid. Touch shots feel awesome as well. I am also someone who has tried Ezones with all different strings and while PolyTour Pro is usually the string used with this racquet. I actually prefer this racquet with Hyper-G 17 Soft or standard as it provides a great feel for this racquet with great spin and control and unreal on backhand slice.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Incredible Racquet!I started to play Ezone 98 from last version. Gen 7 is already an awesome racquet but the new updates make it even better! Gen 8 has everything that Gen 7 has: unlimited power on both groundstrokes and 1st serves, great control and maneuverability. The new tech makes Gen 8 more arm-friendly and has better pocketing than the previous gen. With slightly thicker beam, gen 8 is incredibly stable and you probably don't need any lead tapes on 3 and 9 like before. I also noticed the grip is a little bit different than the previous gen and I can feel the bevel better. It only has two negative points: the muted feel due to VDM, and easily cracked grommets. Hope Yonex can figure out the issues in the future updates.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Minomushi Magic!Like many, it was hard to imagine how Yonex could top the 2022 V.7 Ezone 98. From its wonderful and surprising combination of controllable power, malleability to varying playing styles, arm comfort, and all around fun to play with, Yonex seemingly reached new heights as well as global sales with the V.7. And if that weren’t enough, they dropped the gorgeous Aqua Midnight Black colorway two years later as icing on the cake. Short of a miraculous reissuing of the vaunted DR, this had to be as good as it gets right?... Not quite! While we were enjoying our V.7’s, Yonex was busy tinkering and figuring out how to improve on a proven winner. The V.8 has by and large answered that question. From its double take electric blue 90’s inspired paint job, Yonex clearly was signaling to us that they weren’t just going to settle on a simple retread. The subtle yet significant changes to the V.7 in sum create a more plush and stable ride. Nearly gone completely is any torsional deflection if hit outside of its generous sweet spot. Both myself and a few whom I playtested this 98 all agreed upon how steady it was even in stock form. It handles the toughest groundies, laser beam shots while up at net, and bombing serves with equal aplomb. It’s a 305g frame that plays & swings like a 310-315g one! As both a V.7 modified 305g as well the 315g Tour user, one could argue Yonex may have inadvertently sent the Tour to the back passenger seat. The gains in stability and solidness of feel found in the V.8 305g makes it an even more attractive option. It’s great bone stock yet there’s wiggle room for further customization whilst maintaining its improved stability and feel. That said, feel is highly subjective. With the continued used of VDM and 2G-NAMD-Speed, the muted trend carries over. What’s new however is Minomushi Magic aka MINOLON. Highly flexible yet strong silk-like fibers are interwoven into the layers of graphite in the shaft. This provides that added sensation of plushness which the V.7 lacks. The tighter spaced 16x19 does tend to naturally launch a tad lower on average. That said, with good technique one can easily tap into its spin potential. Though the V.8 is said to gain a touch of power, its improved predictability instills confidence to go after one’s shots with fewer surprises as well as maybe some unwanted hollowness and slight twisting on ball contact from V.7. Personally I think Yonex has done what many thought improbable. For those of you currently using and enjoying the V.7 who may be asking “do I need to upgrade to the V.8 now?!” The short answer is, it’s up to the individual. There’s enough good updates that you can argue for. One can just as easily argue the V.7 is quite close overall and still packs a sizeable punch. Not sure? Go try one out. Better yet, do a side by side comparison and see for yourself. I did just that and for me at least, it’s definitely worth making the switch.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
