Over the past two weeks, Stephan has thoroughly enjoyed testing the new Yonex EZONE 98 2025 for us! Stephan’s current racket (although he has plenty of them!) is the Yonex Percept 100D. This review includes, among other things, a comparison with that racket and earlier EZONE 98 versions, including the illustrious DR edition.
Tester
Player name: Stephan Couzijn
Level: 6/6
Player type: 49-year-old all-court player, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat shots
Own racket: Yonex Percept 100D
Player’s racket history: Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Dunlop Aerogel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95, Wilson Juice Pro, Yonex Ezone DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Gravity MP, Wilson Pro Staff 97, Yonex Vcore 98, Head Extreme Tour, Wilson Pro Staff X, Yonex Percept 100D.
Yonex Ezone 98 2025 Review: The evolution of a classic
As a devoted Yonex fan, I can’t wait to test the new Yonex Ezone 98 2025. This is the 8th generation of Yonex’s best-selling line, and this update brings a significant improvement in stability and power. The Ezone series has long been a favorite among tennis players looking for a balance of power, control, and stability, and the 2025 edition takes these qualities to the next level.
Compared with the previous version, the new Ezone 98 has a slightly wider and thicker upper hoop, which provides greater stability on contact. You notice this right away during the first rallies from the baseline: the racket feels solid, even with a strung swingweight of 320 and Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25 strings. Ezone DR 98 players who were used to adding weight to the newer generations will find this version solid right out of the box.
Despite still being lighter than the Ezone DR 98, I didn’t feel the need to add weight. Perhaps that’s due to the new layup, which uses a material called Minolon (a material derived from bagworm cocoons, similar to silk). It makes off-center shots feel more comfortable: the racket feels less jarring and the ball stays in the air longer. These subtle tweaks to the frame’s shape and composition, characteristic of Yonex, provide greater stability and power.
Specifications and performance from the baseline
The Yonex Ezone 98 2025 has a swingweight of 320 (strung) and a head shape typical of Yonex: the isometric shape, which enlarges the sweet spot. The racket offers an excellent balance of power and control, as well as above-average stability for a 98 sq. in. head size. This makes the Ezone 98 ideal for intermediate to advanced players who play aggressively.
While the Ezone 98 doesn’t offer the highest power level of rackets such as the Babolat Pure Drive 98, it has a great balance of power and control. The Pure Drive 98 offers more power, but lacks the dampening and feel of the Ezone 98. Other comparable 98 sq. in. rackets, such as the Wilson Blade 98 and Babolat Pure Strike, offer less power but more spin; the Ezone 98 is somewhat more stable on hard, flat shots.
Choosing between the 98 and the 100 comes down to whether a player prefers more power or control. The 98 offers a more controlled playing experience, while the 100 provides more pop, especially on serves and groundstrokes. Mike tested the Ezone 100 and was very impressed by its power, which he was just able to keep under control. The result was incredibly flat and hard-hit backhands and forehands. So if you need extra help generating enough power, the Ezone 100 may be a better option. That said, I find this new version of the Ezone 98 more powerful than its predecessor.
The new Ezone 98 is easy to play with and offers enough control and power to generate powerful shots from the baseline. This racket gives you the confidence to hit hard with a lower launch angle, making it ideal for players with flatter strokes. What’s more, it feels comfortable all over the court, thanks to its generous sweet spot and improved stability.
Comparison with the previous generation(s)
Compared with the previous generation of the Ezone 98, the new version is an improvement in several areas. The now-classic Ezone 98 DR was praised for its balance of flex and power, and for many players it was the ideal racket. The latest Ezone 98 feels slightly less stiff than its predecessor, while retaining the power we’ve come to expect from the post-DR 98 series. The extra power the Ezone 98 offers compared with the Ezone DR makes it suitable for players who want a slightly stiffer frame without sacrificing feel.
What stands out is the softer touch compared with earlier versions of the Ezone 98, while the racket retains its power and control. The new version has just a little extra power and stiffness that the older DR version lacked, without changing the overall playing characteristics. To me, this is a racket that once again delivers the “Yonex experience,” with an improved feel for control and stability.
Serve and volleys
Serving with the new Ezone 98 is excellent. I quickly noticed that I had a little more power than with my old DR version, while control remained excellent. Even on powerful shots, the ball stays well within the lines, and kick and slice serves are effortless. This also makes the Ezone 98 a very versatile racket for serving.
At the net, the racket feels very stable. It handles hard-hit balls well and feels comfortable at impact. The generous sweet spot makes the racket easy to maneuver even at the net, with excellent control on touch volleys and the stability to keep powerful volleys under control.
Conclusion – Yonex Ezone 98 2025: the bottom line
The Yonex Ezone 98 2025 is a solid update to the previous generation. It offers an excellent combination of stability, power, and control without sacrificing feel or comfort. The improvements to the frame and layup have strengthened the racket while preserving its signature characteristics. It still feels like a racket for players looking for more power, with enough control to produce precise shots.
For players looking for a racket that’s easy to swing, balances power and control well, and offers a solid feel without being too stiff, the new Ezone 98 is an excellent choice. It performs well from the baseline, on serve, and at the net. If you’re a fan of earlier Ezone versions, you’re sure to enjoy the improvements this new version brings. The Yonex Ezone 98 definitely earns our recommendation!
