Yonex Ezone 8th Generation – the power update you’ve been waiting for?

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Yonex New Ezone Tennis Rackets released January 2025

Yonex has yet again raised the bar in the tennis world with the launch of the 8th Gen Ezone racket. Known for its precision engineering and player-focused innovations, the Ezone series has long been a favourite among recreational and professional players alike. Here, we delve into the technological improvements in the 8th generation rackets. We compare it to its predecessor, and highlight why this update is worth the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Technological Improvements in the Ezone 8th Gen range

1. Isometric Sweet Spot Expansion

The Yonex hallmark isometric design continues to evolve, with the Ezone 8th generation boasting an expanded sweet spot. This enhancement ensures better energy transfer and a more forgiving response on off-center hits, making it ideal for players seeking consistency and power in their shots.

2. 2G-Namd™ Speed Graphite

Building on the success of the 2G-Namd™ technology in previous models, the Ezone 8th generation introduces an optimised Speed Graphite layout. This advancement increases shaft flex and snapback, delivering explosive power while maintaining superior control and feel.

3. Shockless Grommets

The introduction of shockless grommets in the Ezone 8th generation reduces vibration at impact, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of arm fatigue during extended play. This feature caters to players prioritising playability and injury prevention.

4. Aero Shape Design

Yonex has refined the frame’s aerodynamic profile, resulting in reduced air resistance and improved swing speed. The new Aero Shape Design allows players to generate power effortlessly, making it a perfect fit for aggressive baseline players.

5. Liner Tech

The updated Liner Tech system optimises string alignment, creating more spin potential and energy return. This feature ensures better performance for players who rely on heavy topspin or slice.

Comparing the Ezone 8th Gen to the 7th

Power and Control

While the 7th generation was lauded for its blend of power and control, the 8th generation takes it a step further. The addition of optimized 2G-Namd™ Speed Graphite and expanded sweet spot enhances power output while maintaining precision, offering players a more dynamic range of play.

Comfort and Vibration Dampening

The 7th generation introduced Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM), which was effective in minimising harsh feedback. The 8th generation builds on this with shockless grommets, offering an even smoother playing experience, especially for those prone to tennis elbow or wrist strain.

Swing Speed and Manoeuvrability

The revamped Aero Shape Design in the 8th generation provides a noticeable improvement in swing speed compared to the 7th. Players transitioning from the earlier model will appreciate the increased manoeuvrability without compromising stability.

Spin Potential

Both generations deliver impressive spin capabilities, but the 8th generation’s enhanced Liner Tech system ensures more consistent string contact and energy return, resulting in greater spin production on demand.

Why should you upgrade to the 8th Gen Ezone?

If you’re a recreational player seeking a racket that combines power, comfort, and forgiveness, the 8th generation is a worthy investment. The expanded sweet spot and vibration-reducing technology make it user-friendly and enjoyable for all skill levels.

For intermediate and advanced players, the 8th generation’s improvements in swing speed, power, and spin make it a compelling upgrade. 

Conclusion

The Yonex Ezone 8th Generation represents a harmonious blend of innovation and traditional Ezone. By addressing player feedback and pushing the boundaries of racket technology, Yonex has delivered a racket that caters to a wide range of playing styles and preferences.

Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or competing at a high level, the Ezone 8th Generation is a racket that’s worth exploring. The Ezone 98 and Ezone 100 will be the first 2 available from the 8th Generation, with the 100L and 100SL arriving in the coming months.

Models in the Ezone 8th Gen range

2 models are in the range at the moment – more to follow!

Four young tennis players sporting the New Yonex Ezone 8th Generation tennis rackets

Wilson Wlabs Project Shift – Tennis Racket

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Massive Spin, Controllable Power

No racket has made this much of a splash in the industry before the official launch! Whenever Wilson tease they have been working on a brand new range of rackets, everyone listens… Welcome the Shift.

Made in the brand’s W Labs, this brand new concept is engineered with a perfect mix of classic bending and insane lateral bending for big spin, dwell time, power and control. The Shift will sit in-between the Blade and Clash with huge spin potential and controllable power. However, the traditional stiffness of the Shift is in line with the Ultra, but the lateral stiffness is more akin to the Clash. Built around the insight of maximum lateral bending and best in class torsional stability, Shift allows players to hit the ball consistently deep in the court with increased confidence and spin on each shot.

“The goal is to allow for controllable power to hit heavy balls deep in the court,” Michael Schaeffer, Wilson global product director says. “We feel that we have all of these levers to pull to create a racket with different bending profiles,” Schaeffer says. “We can use these measurements as specs the industry hasn’t measured to better target players for their playing type. We feel at Wilson we have unlocked additional specs the industry has never really measured.”

Models in the SHIFT range

2 models are in the range at the moment;

Shift 99/300, a 99 sq.inch head size weighing 300g

Shift 99/315, with the same head size, but weighing 315g.

The 99/300 features a 16×20 string pattern for a balance of control, spin, and power and the Shift 99/315 has an 18×20.

Shift 99/300Shift 99/315
Head Size99 sq.inch99 sq.inch
Weight300g315g
Balance31.5cm31.5cm
String Pattern16×2018×20

Limited Stock

We are 1 of only a select few retailers who have been chosen to stock the Project Shift frames with extremely limited stock available. The next drop will be available later in March and we do have demo’s in both models for you to test if you are interested!

Loving the look

As with all tennis rackets (and most things in life) the appearance of the Shift is an opinion splitter. For some, it’s perfect and they love the look of it but for others it’s not their cup of tea and it won’t be getting anywhere near their racket bag! Amongst the Withers Team we have the full mix of views – but everyone agrees that it stands out

Racket Strings & Stringing

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Babolat Pure Aero VS

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Babolat Pure Aero VS

Spin meets Precision.

The history of the Pure Aero VS

Have you ever heard of the Babolat Aero Storm? No?

Well, back in 2007, Babolat first introduced the Aero Storm into their range as a thinner, more controlled version of the Aero Pro Drive. This racket had a love/hate relationship with quite a few people, including some of us at the shop.

The New Pure Aero VS

Fast forward to now and the Aero Storm is now known as the Babolat Pure Aero VS. A more precise version of the Pure Aero. The spec does differ slightly to that of the Pure Aero:


Babolat Pure Aero VSBabolat Pure Aero
305g300g
98 sq.inch head size100 sq.inch head size
16 x 20 string pattern16 x 19 string pattern
31.5mm balance32.0mm balance
21mm/23mm/22mm cross section23mm/26mm/23mm cross section
Link to Pure Aero VS product pageLink to Pure Aero product page

The history of Babolat

Since 1875, Babolat’s quest has been to challenge the status quo by providing the perfect answers to the most engaged and passionate players. Through expertise based on observation of the game, Babolat developed a signature with a distinguished DNA: the VS.

The Benefits of the Pure Aero VS

The benefits of the Pure Aero VS are simple: Spin and Precision. Created to optimise your spin, Babolat developed the Pure Aero to maximise your chances to push your opponent back far away from the baseline. With the new pure Aero VS, they wanted to maintain your spin advantage while fine tuning it to incorporate a level of precision never achieved before. They have also totally revamped the Pure Aero VS geometry to develop a racket with the pinpoint precision you demand. Smaller head size, thinner beam and a new string pattern.

When we managed to get out on court before lockdown, we were able to test it out and the frame was incredible from start to finish. Better playability, more feel and enhanced control, but still keeping the spin and power characteristics of the Aero that we love!


Buy the Babolat Pure Aero VS

  • Babolat Pure Aero VS tennis racket leaning against net
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