The Yonex Ezone 98 (2022) and the Babolat Pure Aero 98 (2023) were two of the top selling rackets in 2023, due in no small part to the endorsement of these rackets by Nick Kyrgios (Yonex) and Carlos Alcaraz (Babolat).
On paper, they look similar. In practice, they offer very different on-court experiences.
This comparison breaks down the specs, playing characteristics, and who each racket suits best.
Racket Overview
Yonex Ezone 98 (2022)
The Ezone 98 is known for its blend of controllable power and crisp feel. Yonex uses HM Graphite with 2G-NAMD SPEED material to improve snapback and responsiveness.
It’s a racket that rewards clean ball strikers but still provides accessible power compared to more control-oriented 98s.
Babolat Pure Aero 98 (2023)
The Pure Aero 98 is a more control-focused evolution of the classic Aero line. With a tighter 16×20 string pattern and higher swingweight, it delivers heavier ball penetration and increased stability.
It feels more demanding but offers excellent directional control and plow-through.
Technical Specifications
Below is a comparison of the technical specifications* of the Yonex Ezone 98 (2022 version) and Babolat Pure Aero 98 (2023 version), which you can use to get a better idea as to which may be a better suit for your game.
Summary of Differences: The Ezone 98 has a lower swing weight (318 vs 327), a more open string pattern (16 x 19 vs 16 x 20), and a thinner beam width (23.5mm / 24.5mm / 19.5mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 22mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (98in), racket length (27in), balance (6 pts HL), strung weight (11.4oz), and frame stiffness (65).
| Specification | Ezone 98 | Pure Aero 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2022 | 2023 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Colors: | Blue | Black and Yellow |
| Composition: | HM Graphite/2G-NAMD SPEED | Graphite |
| Head Size (sq cm) | 632.26cm | 632.26cm |
| Head Size (sq in) | 98in | 98in |
| Length (cm) | 68.58cm | 68.58cm |
| Length (in) | 27in | 27in |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 | 16 x 20 |
| HL or HH1 | HL | HL |
| Strung Balance (cm) | 32.49cm | 32.49cm |
| Strung Balance (pts) | 6 pts HL | 6 pts HL |
| Strung Weight (grams) | 323g | 323g |
| Strung Weight (ounces) | 11.4oz | 11.4oz |
| Swing Weight | 318 | 327 |
| Unstrung Weight (grams) | 305g | 305g |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces) | 10.8oz | 10.8oz |
| Frame Stiffness | 65 | 65 |
| Beam Width (mm) | 23.5mm / 24.5mm / 19.5mm | 21mm / 23mm / 22mm |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
*Please be aware that the technical specs outlined above are based on averages and if you buy one of these rackets they may have slightly different specs due to quality control issues at the manufacturers.
On-Court Performance Comparison
Power → Ezone 98
The lower swingweight and more open string pattern make it easier to generate pace. It feels more explosive off the baseline.
Control → Pure Aero 98
The tighter 16×20 pattern and higher swingweight give it superior directional accuracy and depth control.
Spin → Slight Edge: Ezone 98
Despite the Aero name, the Ezone’s more open pattern makes spin easier to access for most players. The Pure Aero produces heavier spin when swung aggressively, but it requires more racket head speed.
Stability & Plow-Through → Pure Aero 98
The higher swingweight gives it a heavier, more solid feel against big hitters.
Comfort → Slight Edge: Pure Aero 98
Neither frame is especially arm-friendly, but the Aero feels marginally more muted. The Ezone can feel firmer and more direct on off-center hits.
Head-to-Head Summary
The Ezone 98 wins in terms of power and spin, whereas the Pure Aero 98 wins in terms of control and arm friendliness.
In terms of comfort, neither racket is especially arm friendly but I would say the Ezone 98 is slightly less comfortable to play with.
| H2H | Ezone 98 | Pure Aero 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | | – |
| Arm Friendliness | – | |
Who Should Use Each Racket?
Both rackets are best used by advanced tennis players as they are relatively heavy tennis rackets that require good technique to get the most out of them.
If you are a beginner or intermediate player and you still want to get one of these rackets, then the Ezone 98 is the slightly better choice as it is easier to generate power with it.
| Player Level | Ezone 98 | Pure Aero 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners |  | |
| Intermediates | | |
| Advanced Players |  | |
Choose the Ezone 98 if:
- You want easier power from a 98 sq in frame
- You prefer a slightly quicker swing feel
- You generate medium racket head speed
- You like a crisp, connected response
Choose the Pure Aero 98 if:
- You swing fast and hit aggressively
- You want maximum control from the baseline
- You value stability against heavy hitters
- You prefer a slightly more dampened feel
Pro Player Endorsements
The Pure Aero 98 is endorsed by some of the top male players on tour, including Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The Ezone 98 is another popular racket with tennis pros like Nick Kyrgios, Ben Shelton, and Jessica Pegula endorsing it.
Final Verdict
Although they share identical headline specs (98 sq in, 305g, 6 pts HL), these rackets feel very different:
- Ezone 98 → More accessible power, easier spin, slightly faster through the air.
- Pure Aero 98 → More control, more stability, heavier ball when swung aggressively.
For most club players, the Ezone 98 will feel easier to use. For stronger hitters who want a heavier, more controlled response, the Pure Aero 98 is the better fit.
Where can you buy these rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops like Tennis Warehouse, Racquet Guys, and Tennis-Point.