Tennis Archives

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

product review, Tennis, Tennis Rackets, Tennis Technology

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!

Yonex EZone 100 8th Gen (FRAME ONLY)

£240.00
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Yonex EZone 100L 8th Gen (FRAME ONLY)

£240.00
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Earth Day @ Withers Sports

News, Strings & Stringing, Tennis

Our Earth Day – A FREE restring!

Our Earth Day…to celebrate this years Earth Day (22nd April) we’re giving you the chance to have your racket restrung for FREE in Luxilons latest string…ECO POWER.

Luxilon Eco Power

Luxilon Eco Power is the first string on the market that is made from 100% recycled materials. It offers a durable, heavy duty construction that’s designed for power, spin and control whilst still being forgiving for those delicate drop shots. Being hexagonally shaped the string grips the ball on contact to create additional spin, ideal for the player who wants to level up their game and make a more sustainable choice!

FREE ECO POWER restring

You’ll have to be quick though, we only have 20 sets available and once they’re gone, they’re gone! To give you a little bit more of an opportunity to try this groundbreaking string we’ll be offering a FREE ECO POWER restring on both Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd April.

Wilson Triniti Pro

If that wasn’t enough, we’d also like to make sure you’ve got some fresh balls to try out your new strings with so we’ll also give you a tube of Wilson Triniti Pro. Another innovation in the world of tennis that is pushing the limit of sustainability.

Please note: Restrings cannot be reserved, you must drop off your racket on Friday 21st or Saturday 22nd, we may be unable to offer same day restring turnaround and we cannot substitute the string for another option.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd each year. The aim is to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970 and is now recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, with over 190 countries participating. On Earth Day, people all over the world engage in activities such as planting trees, cleaning up litter, and organizing events to educate and inspire action to protect the planet..

Wilson Wlabs Project Shift – Tennis Racket

product review, Tennis, Tennis Rackets, Tennis Technology

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;

Product on sale
Wilson Shift 99 Pro V1 (FRAME ONLY)

Original price was: £235.00.Current price is: £135.00.
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Product on sale
Wilson Shift 99L V1 (FRAME ONLY)

Original price was: £220.00.Current price is: £120.00.
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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 99/300	Shift 99/315
Head Size	99 sq.inch	99 sq.inch
Weight	300g	315g
Balance	31.5cm	31.5cm
String Pattern	16×20	18×20

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

The Barricade is back

Footwear, Tennis

Adidas Barricade returns to the shelves

The legendary shoe returns with the same fantastic durability and extreme cushioning, but with a brand new design and additional features. From park courts to Centre Court at Wimbledon, the Barricade has always remained a favourite.

When Adidas decided to discontinue the Barricade in 2018 and replace it with the SoleCourt range, retailers and players alike couldn’t believe it. 3 years later, Adidas made the call and the Barricade returned. “We have taken the shoe to the next level to ensure that players can move with control and confidence, without compromising on comfort and durability”.

New features include off centre lacing. The laces are connected to internal webbing so when you tighten them, the tongue perfectly moulds to the shape of your midfoot. Geofit Sensepods on the inside of the heel grip the back of your foot to improve the fit and eliminates heel slippage for those gruelling matches.

A bold Adidas logo can be found above the arch of the shoe and is made from a tough RPU for added abrasion resistance. A lightweight bounce cushioning provides enhanced comfort and flexibility.

Over 20 years on our shelves and still as popular as ever and a shoe that is synonymous with tennis.

The iconic shoe is back.

Product on sale
Adidas Barricade Grass Mens

Original price was: £130.00.Current price is: £110.00.
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K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 ‘took me by surprise’