This the fourth Yonex racket I tested so far and third in a row in a short time. Therefore I have a good base for comparison. I definitely like Yonex tennis rackets but I also see some differences between different types. Here is my Yonex EZONE DR 100 tennis racket review.
Overall Rating
YONEX EZONE DR 100 | |
|---|---|
PROs | CONs |
PERFECT CONTROL OF THE BALL | NOT VERY STABLE |
VERY TOLERABLE TO ARM | LESS STIFF RACKET |
FOR INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS WILLING TO MOVE FROM SOFT RACKET | LOW POWER |
EASY TO SWING | |
What exactly did I test?
Let’s start with the technical specifications of racket I played with.
Racket: Yonex EZONE DR 100
Weight: 300 grams/10.6 ounces (without strings) 318 grams/11.2 ounces (with strings)
Length: 27 inches/685 millimeters
Head Size: 100 square inches/645 square centimeters
String pattern: 16 mains/19 crosses
String tension: 53 lbs/24 kg
Unstrung balance: 320 mm/1 in HL
Embedded technologies:
Nanometric DR – new carbon material developed by Yonex which provides better energy return.
Quake Shut Gel – embedded in the shaft improves the shock absorption.
Isometric Head – Yonex Isometric Head is technology patented by Yonex which increases the sweet spot by 7% comparing to conventional racket heads. [You can find out more about Isometric technology in our article about Yonex rackets]
Notable players using Yonex Rackets:
Stan Wawrinka, Steve Johnson, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Garcia
Design
Yonex EZONE DR has conventional black and blue color combination all over the frame. Just the letters DR are written in green. Ezone DR is not stern like Yonex VCORE DUEL G I tested before. It looks much better, however, it is still conservatively designed racket. Yonex Ezone DR will not catch the attention of others at the tennis club but still gives you pleasant feel. Yonex Ezone DR will nicely complete the full range of Yonex rackets. I would put Ezone DR somewhere in the middle between very conservative Vcore Duel G to very refreshing and modern Vcore Si.
Playing with Yonex EZONE DR 100 Tennis Racket
Playing different types of the same racket brands can be tricky sometimes. However, going from one Yonex racket to another was very easy. The transition took just a few minutes, a few serves and exchanges and you are in. If you are used to Isometric head shape you should not have any problem to change one Yonex racket to another.
Read the full list of our Tennis Racquet Reviews or Best Tennis Racket for Every Player Guide
Comfort – Feel
The Yonex Ezone DR 100 has 300 grams and belongs to rackets with average weight. The swing is easy and comfortable. Your arm, shoulder or elbow will not feel any extreme load, even when trying to play very aggressive tennis. And that is a pretty good thing for middle-aged players like me.
On opposite side, I felt a low stability with this racket when playing on the net. I start to call Yonex Ezone DR soft, but it was influenced that I moved from VCORE Duel G, which was pretty stiff.
Control – Accuracy
The control and accuracy was the main advantage of Yonex Ezone DR 100. Increased sweat spot (thanks to Isometric head shape) decreased the number of off-sweet spot hits and I was able to control the direction of my hits. Racket provides enough spin potential and gives you additional variability on the court. I already wrote, that swings went really easy with this racket, which helps if you are stuck in a long rally in the game.
Power – Strength
The power was the thing I missed with Ezone DR 100. I was not able to repeat the deep baseline powered shots I was used to playing with VCORE G Duel. Ezone is clearly not the power machine. You will have a problem to dictate the game and push opponent far behind the baseline. Even with maximum effort, I was not able to produce enough energy to play “boom-boom” tennis.
I was able to serve well with this racket, but my serves were far from the fastest I am able to produce. I know that with 300 grams racket you can not expect the miracle, but I expected a little bit more in terms of power.
Summary
Yonex Ezone DR 100 is an ideal tennis racket for an intermediate player who would like to make a step from less stiff racket to something stiffer. Player will keep the control on the ball and gain something on the power. However, the power will be limited. The stiffness is acceptable also for players who are prone to arm injuries.
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A similar Yonex racquet, since this one is not being sold any longer?
Stay with EZONE – try this YONEX EZONE – same 100 sq.inches head and same weight