"TRIPLE T - TennisTraveller Tests" series continues with two tennis rackets. Specifically, two rackets that are among the bestsellers at our partner Tennis Warehouses Europe: the YONEX Ezone 100 and the Babolat Pure Drive. These two rackets can be classified as power rackets. Even though both rackets have the same weight and head size, they are quite different. You can find out exactly where the differences lie and what we discovered while playing in our review.
The Yonex Ezone 100 (300g) and the Babolat Pure Drive are the two giants in the segment of modern power rackets.
Head size: 645 cm²
Length: 68.5 cm
Weight (unstrung): 300 g
Balance: 33 cm (head-heavy)
Swing weight: 315 g
Frame stiffness: 68 g
Frame thickness: 24.5 mm / 26.5 mm / 23 mm
Material: Minolon / 2G-NAMD SPEED / HM Graphite
String pattern: 16 mains / 19 crosses
String tension: 20-27 kg
Head size: 100 in² / 645 cm²
Length: 68.5 cm
Weight (unstrung): 300 g
Balance: 33 cm
Swing weight: 317 g
Frame stiffness: 69 g
Frame thickness: 23 mm / 26 mm / 23 mm
Material: Graphite
String pattern: 16 mains / 19 crosses
String tension: 20 - 24 kg
1. Power vs. Control
Babolat Pure Drive: It's the definition of "simple power." Thanks to its very stiff frame, almost no energy is absorbed, but rather transferred directly to the ball. This results in tremendous ball acceleration, but with imprecise technique, it can cause the ball to "sail."
Yonex Ezone 100: It also offers massive power, but feels more controlled. The ball seems to stay in the string bed for a fraction of a second longer (pocketing), which allows for more precise placement.
2. Comfort and arm protection
Babolat Pure Drive: Known for its stiffness. Although Babolat has improved vibrations with new technologies (like SWX Pure Feel), it remains a stiff racquet. Players with tennis elbow problems should be cautious.
Yonex Ezone 100: Yonex is generally considered the more comfortable choice. The isometric head shape enlarges the sweet spot (the area where you make optimal contact with the ball), and the vibration dampening in the handle is excellent. It is significantly more forgiving of sloppy shots.
3. Spin potential
Babolat Pure Drive: The relatively open string pattern and fast frame acceleration make it very easy to generate spin to maintain power on the court.
Yonex Ezone 100: Also offers excellent spin, but feels more linear. While the Pure Drive often produces a higher bounce, the Ezone's trajectory is usually somewhat flatter and more controlled.
Which racket suits you best?
Choose the Babolat Pure Drive if... you're looking for maximum power support, like to hit aggressively, and love a classic, crisp rebound at impact. It's perfect for players who win games with brute force.
If you're looking for maximum power support, like to serve aggressively, and love a classic, crisp rebound at impact, then I personally much prefer the Yonex Ezone 100. In my opinion, it's a perfectly balanced racket that offers power without sacrificing comfort and a certain degree of control. It's a bit more refined than its counterpart from Babolat. Thanks to its larger sweet spot and, in my view, better arm protection, it's my favorite in this racket comparison.
MORE RACKETS AT TENNIS WAREHOUSE EUROPE
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