The Yonex EZONE 98 (2025) has quickly become one of the most talked-about rackets on the market — and for good reason. It’s solid, stable, and ridiculously well-balanced from all areas of the court. Whether you’re a college player, an aspiring pro, or a serious club competitor, this racket brings a level of confidence to your game that few others can match.

In this review, I’ll break down how the EZONE 98 performs across every category — groundstrokes, volleys, serves, control, comfort, and more — and explain why so many players are making the switch.

First Impressions: A True Player’s Frame

Right off the bat, the EZONE 98 feels more like a traditional player’s racket than the EZONE 100.

The 100 can feel a bit clunky and one-dimensional — great for flat hitters, but not as versatile. The 98, on the other hand, feels more maneuverable, more connected, and more customizable.

Even in stock form (no lead tape, no customization), the EZONE 98 feels stable and responsive. Yonex continues to set the bar high for quality control, meaning you’ll get a consistent feel no matter which frame you pick up.

Groundstrokes: Controlled Power With Tight Spin

Rating: 9/10

From the baseline, the launch angle is slightly lower than expected — but once you adjust, it delivers incredible tight spin and penetration through the court. It’s not a loopy, high-spin frame like the VCORE line, but it gives you the confidence to hit aggressive shots that stay in.

I was using Restring Sync at 50 lbs, which offers great control. If you’re looking for a little more pop, I’d recommend pairing the EZONE 98 with a softer poly or hybrid setup like Super Toro x Caviar or Restring Zero + Sync — both work beautifully in this frame.

Volleys: Surprisingly Solid at Net

Rating: 9/10

This was one of the biggest surprises of the test. The EZONE 98 feels incredibly stable on volleys — even against heavy hitters. There’s no “wobble” or flutter when blocking back pace, and it’s easy to stick volleys deep or carve off touch drop volleys.

It may not have quite the buttery connectedness of a Blade or Prestige, but it’s close — and the added stability makes it even more forgiving for fast exchanges.

Serves: Power + Accuracy Combo

Rating: 9/10

Flat serves feel explosive with this frame, even with a control-oriented string setup. I was able to hit spots consistently and generate plenty of pace. The kick serve stood out — especially on clay — with excellent bite and clearance. Slice serves were decent, but the kick was the real star here.

If you like a racket that rewards clean timing and gives you free pace without losing control, this one delivers.

Returns: Clean and Confident

Rating: 8/10

On returns, the EZONE 98 is solid and adaptable. You can chip, block, or go heavy topspin — all with predictable results. I’d love to test it against a bigger server on a fast hard court, but even without that, it felt composed and dependable under pressure.

Power: Controlled, Not Overwhelming

Rating: 7/10

The EZONE 98 sits in a sweet spot between control and power, but it’s definitely not a power monster. Compared to the EZONE 100 or 98 Tour, it’s slightly more reserved — which is a good thing for players who generate their own pace.

You can always add a bit of lead at 12 o’clock or switch to a livelier string to boost power if needed.

Control: Excellent Directional Precision

Rating: 8/10

This racket gives you the confidence to hit targets. The directional control is elite, and balls rarely fly long or wide. If anything, some shots landed a little shorter than expected — but that’s easy to fine-tune with strings or tension.

Overall, it strikes a perfect power-to-control balance, making it a top-tier choice for advanced intermediates and up.

Maneuverability: Effortless Swings

Rating: 9/10

No lag. No sluggishness. The EZONE 98 moves beautifully through the air, making it easy to change grips or whip the racket through contact. That translates to more confidence on fast exchanges, half-volleys, and on-the-run shots.

Stability: Rock-Solid for Its Weight

Rating: 8/10

One of the biggest improvements over the EZONE 100 is stability. The 98 doesn’t flutter or twist on contact. Whether at net or from the baseline, it holds firm — especially impressive considering this is the stock frame, no customization required.

Comfort: Arm-Friendly Feel

Rating: 9/10

With a 63 RA stiffness, the EZONE 98 is right in the comfort zone. Even with a firm poly like Sync at 50 lbs, there was no elbow or wrist discomfort. Players with arm issues can easily pair this with a softer poly or hybrid setup for an even smoother feel.

Touch & Feel: Surprisingly Connected

Rating: 8.5/10

Yonex nailed the feel here. You can hit soft drop volleys, dig out low balls, and feel exactly where the ball meets the strings. It’s not muted — it’s clean and honest. Compared to the EZONE 100, this frame offers way more touch and feedback.

Topspin: Good, Not Great

Rating: 7.5/10

If you’re after maximum spin, you may prefer the VCORE line. The EZONE 98 produces solid spin, but it’s more about controlled trajectory and depth than extreme RPMs. Still, for most modern baseliners, it’s plenty.

Slice: Smooth and Effective

Rating: 8.5/10

The slice feels fantastic — low, skidding, and easy to keep deep. Despite the isometric head shape, there’s no awkward float. It cuts through the ball cleanly, and with the right setup, it’s deadly on fast surfaces.

Final Verdict: One of the Best All-Around Frames of 2025

The Yonex EZONE 98 (2025) is one of the most balanced rackets I’ve tested this year. It’s not the most powerful or the spinniest — but it nails every core category: control, comfort, stability, and feel.

If you’re an intermediate to advanced player looking for a racket that adapts to your game — not the other way around — this is one you should demo. It’s no wonder so many players are switching to it.

Who It’s Best For:

• Intermediate to advanced players
• All-court players who value feel and precision
• Former EZONE or Blade users looking for a modern upgrade
• Players wanting stability without sacrificing comfort

Bottom line:

The 2025 EZONE 98 is an easy racket to trust. It’s smooth, consistent, and performs beautifully across all shot types — a rare find in today’s market.