Yonex EZONE 98 2017: A Comprehensive Review

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Yonex EZONE 98 2017: A Deep Dive into Performance

Hey guys, let's talk about the Yonex EZONE 98 2017. This racquet has been a staple in the tennis world for a while, and for good reason! It's known for its blend of power, control, and feel, making it a favorite among intermediate to advanced players. In this detailed review, we'll break down everything you need to know about the EZONE 98 2017, from its specs and technology to how it performs on the court and who it's best suited for. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Understanding the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 Specifications

First things first, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the Yonex EZONE 98 2017's specifications. Understanding these details is crucial for determining if this racquet is the right fit for your game. The EZONE 98 2017 boasts a head size of 98 square inches, which, as the name suggests, offers a slightly smaller sweet spot compared to larger-headed racquets. This generally translates to more control and precision, allowing you to place the ball more accurately. The unstrung weight typically hovers around 11.3 ounces (320 grams), providing a solid feel and ample stability at impact. This weight contributes to the racquet's ability to drive the ball through the court with power and depth, making it suitable for players who like to dictate points from the baseline. The balance point is usually around 6 points head light, which enhances maneuverability and allows for quicker racquet head speed. This feature is particularly beneficial for generating topspin and whipping the racquet through the hitting zone. The string pattern is 16x19, a popular choice that balances spin potential and control. This open pattern allows for greater ball pocketing, contributing to enhanced feel and creating a higher launch angle, which is ideal for adding topspin to your shots and keeping the ball in play. The Yonex EZONE 98 2017 typically has a swing weight around 325, which indicates how difficult it is to swing the racquet. A higher swing weight contributes to power and stability, making it easier to generate pace and absorb the impact of the ball. The length is standard at 27 inches, which is the norm for most adult racquets. This length provides a good blend of reach and maneuverability. In essence, the specifications of the EZONE 98 2017 are geared towards players who seek a blend of power, control, and feel, making it a versatile option for various playing styles. It provides enough weight and balance to deal with the impacts of heavy hitting and helps to control the ball.

Grip and Technology Overview

The grip size is, of course, a critical aspect of racquet selection, and the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 comes in a variety of grip sizes to accommodate different hand sizes and preferences. Choosing the right grip size is crucial for comfort and control, as it directly impacts your ability to hold the racquet comfortably and generate optimal racquet head speed. The technology employed in this racquet is also worth exploring. Yonex is known for its innovative approach to racquet design, and the EZONE 98 2017 is no exception. This racquet utilizes Yonex's signature isometric head shape, which expands the sweet spot, providing more forgiveness on off-center hits. This feature is particularly beneficial for players who don't always hit the ball in the exact center of the racquet face, as it helps to maintain consistency and reduces the impact of mishits. The EZONE 98 2017 also incorporates the HYPER-MG technology, a graphite material used in the frame to enhance stability and improve the transfer of energy from the racquet to the ball. This, in turn, boosts power and feel, allowing for a more solid and responsive feel upon contact. Additionally, the racquet is designed with a unique frame shape to minimize air resistance, which in turn results in faster swing speeds, and as a result, more power and spin. This is the sweet spot of this racquet, where its design and technologies give it a distinct edge in performance.

On-Court Performance: Power, Control, and Feel

Now, let's get into the heart of the matter: how does the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 perform on the court? This racquet is designed to excel in several key areas, making it a well-rounded option for competitive players. In terms of power, the EZONE 98 2017 offers a solid blend of pop and control. The racquet's weight and balance contribute to its ability to generate power on groundstrokes and serves, allowing you to hit the ball with depth and pace. The 98-square-inch head size and the 16x19 string pattern provide a good balance between power and control, enabling you to dictate play from the baseline. Furthermore, the racquet provides excellent control. The smaller head size and dense string pattern enable you to place the ball accurately, giving you the ability to hit your targets with precision. The EZONE 98 2017 is also known for its outstanding feel. Yonex's technology, particularly HYPER-MG, enhances the racquet's responsiveness, providing excellent feedback on ball contact. This enables players to feel the ball better, which is helpful in judging depth, controlling spin, and ultimately increasing the feel. The racquet's feel encourages a more connected experience on the court, which is highly valued by many players. It also provides comfort and stability on off-center hits. The isometric head shape helps to expand the sweet spot, minimizing the impact of off-center hits and providing a more forgiving feel. The racquet's weight and balance also contribute to its stability, reducing twisting on impact and enhancing control. The string pattern also helps in creating a unique sense of control on the ball, allowing for impressive amounts of topspin. The combination of these features allows the player to achieve the desired effect. Overall, the on-court performance of the EZONE 98 2017 is impressive, offering a balance of power, control, and feel that makes it suitable for competitive players who are looking for a versatile racquet. It is a tool that allows players to perform at their best.

Groundstrokes and Serves

Let's get into the specifics of groundstrokes and serves when using the Yonex EZONE 98 2017. From the baseline, the EZONE 98 2017 shines. The racquet's weight, balance, and head size combine to give you excellent power and control. Groundstrokes feel solid, and you can generate good pace and depth with ease. The 16x19 string pattern facilitates easy access to topspin, enabling you to hit with heavy spin and control the ball's trajectory. This is particularly advantageous for players who like to hit with topspin to bring the ball down in the court. The racquet's maneuverability allows for quick racquet head speed, enabling you to effectively handle fast-paced rallies and change directions with ease. The sweet spot is also quite forgiving, which is helpful when you don't hit the ball in the center of the racquet face. It allows you to maintain control and still get a good result. On serves, the EZONE 98 2017 performs very well. The racquet's weight and balance help to generate power, allowing you to serve with pace and precision. The smaller head size and the string pattern provide excellent control, allowing you to place your serves accurately. The maneuverability of the racquet also enables you to generate a good amount of spin on your serves, helping you to add variety to your serve game. This feature is especially beneficial for players who like to serve with slice or kick, as the EZONE 98 2017 facilitates spin generation. In summary, the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 offers good performance on both groundstrokes and serves, making it a versatile option for all-around players. It provides a balance of power, control, and feel, allowing you to play aggressively from the baseline and serve with power and precision. The feel is something that cannot be ignored here; it allows players to get a good read on the ball.

Volleys and Overall Playability

What about the net game? The Yonex EZONE 98 2017 is also a great choice when playing at the net. The racquet's maneuverability and balance make it easy to handle volleys, allowing you to react quickly to the ball. The solid feel and stability of the racquet provide excellent feedback on contact, allowing you to place volleys with precision. The 98-square-inch head size also provides a good sweet spot for volleys, increasing the chances of making clean contact and generating power. Overall, the playability of the EZONE 98 2017 is impressive. It is easy to adapt to the racquet, and players typically find it comfortable to use from the first time they try it. The racquet's balance of power, control, and feel makes it versatile for a variety of playing styles. It provides good maneuverability, making it easy to generate racquet head speed and handle fast-paced rallies. The racquet's string pattern also offers easy access to spin, allowing you to add topspin, slice, and other types of spin to your shots. This is a testament to the way Yonex created this racquet. The forgiveness of the racquet and the overall feel make it a solid choice. The racquet is designed for players who want to perform at a higher level, and its features help them do so with ease. In the end, the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 is a well-rounded racquet that can be enjoyed by a lot of players. It is also an adaptable racquet that allows for a player's individual style to be seen on the court.

Who Should Play With the Yonex EZONE 98 2017?

So, who is the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 really for? This racquet is primarily designed for intermediate to advanced players who are seeking a blend of power, control, and feel. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Intermediate Players: This is a great choice for players who are looking to upgrade their racquet and take their game to the next level. The racquet's balance of power and control will help you develop your strokes and improve your consistency. The maneuverability also allows these players to progress and develop their skills on the court.
Advanced Players: Advanced players will appreciate the racquet's precision and feel. They can use the EZONE 98 2017 to generate power, control the ball, and hit with spin.
Players with a Versatile Playing Style: If you like to play an all-court game, the EZONE 98 2017 is a good option. It offers a blend of power, control, and feel, allowing you to play aggressively from the baseline, come to the net, and hit with spin. This is the perfect combination for players with a versatile playing style.
Players Who Want Good Feel: The EZONE 98 2017 is known for its excellent feel. If you value feedback and connection with the ball, this racquet will be a great fit. The feel and control make it a tool that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

Considerations and Alternatives

Before you decide, let's look at some considerations and alternatives to the Yonex EZONE 98 2017. One thing to keep in mind is that, compared to racquets with larger head sizes, the EZONE 98 2017 has a smaller sweet spot, so it may require more precise timing. If you are a beginner or a player who struggles with consistency, you may find a racquet with a larger head size to be more forgiving. If you're a player who needs more power or is not too concerned about control, you could look at other racquets that are designed for maximum power. It's really about matching the racquet to your game. If you're considering alternatives, some popular choices include the Babolat Pure Aero, the Wilson Pro Staff 97, and the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro. These racquets offer different characteristics, so it's essential to try them out before making a decision. Keep in mind that playing styles and personal preferences vary, so it is necessary to consider all of them. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the EZONE 98 2017 is right for you is to try it out for yourself. If you're fortunate enough, demo the racquet and see how it feels in your hand, if you like the balance, and if it improves your gameplay.

Final Verdict: Is the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 Worth It?

So, is the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 a good investment? The answer is a resounding yes, especially for the right player! This racquet is a solid choice for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a balance of power, control, and feel. Its versatility makes it suitable for all-court players and those who value precision and feel. The quality of the racquet, along with the technology behind it, makes this a great choice. If you are looking to take your game to the next level, or are looking for a racquet that can enhance your gameplay, then look no further. This racquet allows you to hit with power and precision. The overall balance and versatility make this racquet a great option. If you are in the market for a new racquet, the EZONE 98 2017 is certainly worth considering.

In conclusion, the Yonex EZONE 98 2017 is a fantastic racquet that offers a blend of power, control, and feel. Its versatility makes it a great option for a wide range of players. Be sure to try it out if you have the chance! Happy hitting, guys!