Today Stephan compares two top frames from Yonex: the VCORE Duel G 97 310 and the EZONE DR 98 310 . Both rackets have similar specifications, but play quite differently. Read on to find out how they perform!
Specifications
- Blade size: 97 sq/inch
- Weight: 310 gr
- Balance: 31.0 cm
- Stringing system: 16/20
- Length: 27 inches
- RA (stiffness): 64
US. Specifications Yonex EZONE DR 98 310:
Tester:
Baseline:
The Yonex EZONE DR 98 is Stephan's personal favorite. This racket offers a fantastic combination of control, power and feel, thanks to the large sweetspot and flexible frame (RA 62). The headlight balance makes the racket easy to maneuver, and from the baseline it feels stable and solid. In addition to power, the EZONE DR 98 also offers a lot of feel, which is especially noticeable with slice balls.
The VCORE Duel G 97 310 on the other hand, despite the same weight, feels lighter thanks to the narrow box beam frame. It offers a bit more precision and control, but less free power than the EZONE. The VCORE feels stiffer than its RA value of 64 suggests, which makes the frame more massive. Both rackets offer sufficient length in strokes, but with the EZONE it was a bit easier. On returns, the EZONE offered a bit more stability and body than the VCORE.
Service: Serving with the Yonex EZONE DR 98 is excellent. The Yonex EZONE DR 98 is one of the first frames with which I can produce a really heavy kick serve. Whether it is due to the large sweet spot or the isometric shape of the racket head is not clear to me. The fact is that it works and I am very happy with it. The same applies to the VCORE Duel G 97 310, where it is noticeable that the EZONE gives more free power than the VCORE. On the other hand, the slice serve with the VCORE Duel G 97 310 can be hit much sharper. Both rackets have sufficient weight to be able to hit hard.
Net: The EZONE is a very maneuverable racket, making it easy to hit volleys. The weight also allows for hard volleys. The VCORE racket is also quick to move at the net. I think that the narrow frame of the VCORE allows for more precise volleys than the EZONE. Volleys with feeling can be played well with both rackets.
Power: The Yonex EZONE DR 98 clearly offers a bit more power than the VCORE Duel G 97. Due to the relatively low weight of the VCORE you can create a lot of racket head speed but that is also necessary to be able to hit really heavy balls. That is considerably easier with the EZONE. A bit more weight would have given the VCORE Duel G 97 of 310 grams more power.
Control: Both rackets are evenly matched in terms of control. Both play stable on every spot on the court. I am inclined to call the Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 310 the most stable, especially if you use your slice backhand a lot.
Comfort/Arm friendliness: The EZONE feels comfortable and did not give me any arm problems. The VCORE felt a little less comfortable, perhaps due to the slightly higher flex rating and the more compact frame.
Overall impression: The Yonex EZONE DR 98 310 is clearly my favorite. A wonderful all-round racket with a unique mix of power, control and feel. The Yonex EZONE DR 98 can be compared to the new Babolat Pure Aero frames but with a much more refined feel and more control. In my opinion, the Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 310 falls into the range of forgiving control frames such as the Prince Textreme Tour 100P and the Wilson Pro Staff 97. Where the VCORE I think sits exactly between these two frames. The Yonex EZONE DR 98 is a frame for players who are looking for a modern playing feel with a lot of feel and control. The EZONE is actually a Babolat Pure Aero Tour with much more feel and more control and only with slightly less power. In addition, the EZONE is a very arm-friendly racket compared to the stiffer frames of the Babolat Pure Aero line. The Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 (310 gr) is interesting for players who can generate enough power themselves but cannot play with the 330 gram variant. The Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 (310 gr) has a classic box beam frame that offers a lot of control in addition to the unique Yonex playing feel. In short, players who are looking for something extra in addition to control and feel, should try out this lighter brother of the Wawrinka racket.