Yonex

EZONE 98 review

The easiest-playing 98. Accessible power and comfort around a forgiving sweet spot.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 98 100: 100
Weight 305g 100: 300g
Pattern 16×19 100: 16×19
Stiffness 63 RA 100: 68 RA
Swingwt 320 100: 315
Balance HL 100: HL
Full specsEZONE 98 · EZONE 100
EZONE 98EZONE 100
Head size98 sq in100 sq in
Weight (unstrung)305 g300 g
Weight (strung)323 g318 g
Swingweight320315
Stiffness63 RA68 RA
String pattern16×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Easy depth and comfort, with the control a competitive game needs.

    Performance

    EZONE 98 EZONE 100

    Playtest

    Easy depth, still controlled.
    Full notes

    Between a control frame and a power stick: push through a forehand and the ball dives with little effort, without ever feeling uncontrollable. Off-centre balls still go where you aim.

    + Pros

    • Easy depth for a 98
    • Forgiving isometric sweet spot
    • Comfortable, arm-friendly response
    • Fast to swing and serve with

    − Cons

    • Muted feel costs some touch
    • Not for true beginners
    • Heavy hitters may add lead
    • Less spin-friendly than the VCORE

    String for

    50–52 lbs 22.5–23.5 kg Soft poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Yonex Poly Tour Pro

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Yonex Poly Tour Pro Soft poly · Yonex pairing Soft, muted and tension-stable.
      50–52 lbs 22.5–23.5 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Solinco Hyper-G Spin poly Maximum bite; cut it out early.
      48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Luxilon ALU Power Control poly Surgical control; drop 2–3 lbs.
      50–54 lbs 22.5–24.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Jessica PegulaAggressive Baseline
      WTA #3 · Luxilon Alu PowerA consistent all-court game, stable and comfortable through long rallies.
    • Ben SheltonFlat Hitter
      ATP #4 · Yonex Poly Tour Strike · 24.5 kgA massive serve and fast forehand patterns, with control on defence.
    • Casper RuudAggressive Baseline
      ATP #17 · Yonex Poly Tour Pro / Yonex Poly Tour Spin (hybrid) · 24.5 kg

    Also on tour Naomi Osaka, Kimberly Birrell, Arthur Gea, Daniel Altmaier, Rinky Hijikata, Taylor Townsend, Luca Nardi, Olga Danilovic

    Verdict: 8.3

    The easiest-playing 98 sq in frame on the market: accessible power and comfort around a forgiving sweet spot, without giving up control. More free power: EZONE 100. More topspin: VCORE 98.

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    FAQ

    Is the Yonex EZONE 98 good for beginners?

    Not really; it suits 4.0+ players. The EZONE 100 (300g) or 100L (285g) swing easier.

    EZONE 98 vs EZONE 100: which should I buy?

    The 98 if you have a full, fast swing and want control. The 100 for more free power and a bigger sweet spot.

    Is the Yonex EZONE 98 good for tennis elbow?

    It is one of the more comfortable power-class frames: moderate stiffness and VDM. Use a soft poly or hybrid in the low 50s.

    What is the best string and tension for the Yonex EZONE 98?

    Poly Tour Pro at 50–52 lbs. Lower or hybrid for comfort, firmer for control, Hyper-G for spin.

    Is the Yonex EZONE 98 good for doubles?

    Yes: forgiving, easy depth and comfortable at net.

    Did the 2025 EZONE 98 change from the previous generation?

    Refinements for a slightly more connected, stable feel. Retail specs (98 sq in, 305g, 16×19) are unchanged.