Ben Shelton's Racket: What He Uses And Why (2025)

Alright, tennis fans! Ever wondered what kind of weapon Ben Shelton wields on the court? You know, the one that helps him unleash those blistering serves and powerful groundstrokes? Well, you're in the right place. We're diving deep into Ben Shelton's racket of choice, exploring its specs, and understanding why it's such a good fit for his game. Let's get started!

Decoding Ben Shelton's Racket

So, what stick does Ben Shelton trust to deliver those incredible shots we all love to watch? Ben Shelton currently endorses and plays with the Yonex EZONE 98. This racket isn't just any ordinary piece of equipment; it's a finely tuned instrument designed for power, precision, and feel. The EZONE series is known for its larger sweet spot, thanks to Yonex's Isometric technology, which essentially makes the racket face more forgiving, even on off-center hits. For a player like Shelton, who goes for big shots, this forgiveness is crucial. It allows him to maintain a high level of aggression without sacrificing too much control. The EZONE 98 is a popular choice among tour players because it offers a blend of power and control that suits a wide range of playing styles. It's not just about raw power; it's about being able to direct that power effectively, and that's where the EZONE 98 shines. The racket's design also incorporates technologies to enhance comfort and reduce vibration, which is important for players who spend hours on the court practicing and competing. Furthermore, the EZONE 98's frame is constructed with high-quality materials that provide excellent stability and responsiveness. This allows Shelton to feel connected to the ball and make precise adjustments to his shots. The racket's balance and swingweight are also tailored to enhance maneuverability, allowing Shelton to react quickly to fast-paced rallies and generate racket head speed for powerful serves and groundstrokes. All these factors combine to make the Yonex EZONE 98 a perfect match for Ben Shelton's dynamic and aggressive playing style.

The Specs: Under the Hood

Let's break down the specifics of Ben Shelton's Yonex EZONE 98. While pros often customize their rackets, understanding the base specs gives us a solid foundation. Typically, the EZONE 98 has a head size of 98 square inches, offering a balance between power and control. The weight is around 11.3 ounces (320 grams) unstrung, which provides enough heft for stability and power without being too cumbersome to swing quickly. The balance point is usually around 6 pts HL (head light), which enhances maneuverability and allows for faster racket head speed. The string pattern is 16x19, which offers a good blend of spin potential and control. These specs, however, are just the starting point. Professional players like Shelton often add lead tape to specific areas of the racket to customize the weight and balance to their exact preferences. They might also use a heavier or lighter grip to further fine-tune the feel of the racket. String choice and tension also play a significant role in how the racket performs. Shelton likely experiments with different strings and tensions to find the optimal combination for his game and playing conditions. For example, he might use a stiffer string at a higher tension for more control on fast courts, or a softer string at a lower tension for more power and feel on slower courts. Understanding these specs helps us appreciate the level of detail and customization that goes into creating a racket that perfectly complements a player's individual style and strengths.

Why This Racket Works for Ben Shelton

So, why is the Yonex EZONE 98 such a great fit for Ben Shelton's game? It all comes down to complementing his strengths. Shelton is known for his explosive power and aggressive style. The EZONE 98 provides the necessary control to harness that power effectively. The slightly smaller head size compared to more forgiving rackets gives him the precision he needs to keep his shots inside the lines, even when he's going for broke. The racket's maneuverability is also crucial for Shelton's fast-paced game. He needs to be able to react quickly to incoming shots and generate racket head speed for his powerful serves and groundstrokes. The EZONE 98's head-light balance allows him to do just that. Furthermore, the racket's stability ensures that he can maintain control even when hitting the ball off-center or against heavy shots. This is especially important for a player like Shelton, who often finds himself in challenging positions on the court. The EZONE 98's ability to provide both power and control is what sets it apart. It allows Shelton to dictate play and put pressure on his opponents without sacrificing accuracy. In essence, the racket is an extension of his aggressive personality and allows him to play his best tennis. The confidence that Shelton has in his racket is also a crucial factor. Knowing that his racket can handle his power and provide the control he needs allows him to play with freedom and conviction. This mental aspect of the game is often overlooked, but it can make a significant difference in a player's performance.

Customization: The Pro Touch

Now, let's talk customization. While the stock Yonex EZONE 98 is a fantastic racket, pros like Ben Shelton rarely use it straight off the shelf. They fine-tune it to match their exact preferences. This often involves adding lead tape to strategic locations on the racket to adjust the weight and balance. For example, Shelton might add lead tape to the head of the racket to increase its power and stability, or to the handle to make it more head-light and maneuverable. The amount and placement of lead tape are highly personal and depend on the player's individual needs and preferences. Another common customization is the grip. Pros often use custom grips that are thicker or thinner than standard grips, and they may also add an overgrip for extra comfort and tackiness. Shelton likely uses a grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold, allowing him to maintain control of the racket even when sweating. String choice and tension are also critical customization factors. Shelton likely experiments with different strings and tensions to find the optimal combination for his game and playing conditions. He might use a stiffer string at a higher tension for more control on fast courts, or a softer string at a lower tension for more power and feel on slower courts. The specific strings and tensions that Shelton uses are often kept secret, as they can provide a competitive advantage. In addition to these common customizations, some pros also make more subtle adjustments to their rackets, such as adding a dampener to reduce vibration or using a custom stencil to personalize the string bed. The goal of all these customizations is to create a racket that feels like an extension of the player's arm and allows them to perform at their best.

Alternatives to Consider

Okay, so the Yonex EZONE 98 is Shelton's weapon of choice, but what if it's not quite right for you? Don't worry, there are plenty of other rackets out there that offer similar characteristics. If you're looking for a racket with a similar balance of power and control, you might consider the Wilson Blade 98, the Head Radical Pro, or the Babolat Pure Strike 98. These rackets all have a head size of around 98 square inches and offer a good blend of power, control, and feel. They are also popular choices among tour players and are known for their versatility. Another option is the Yonex VCORE 98, which is another popular racket from Yonex that offers a slightly different feel than the EZONE 98. The VCORE series is known for its spin potential, making it a good choice for players who like to hit with a lot of topspin. If you're looking for a racket with more power, you might consider the Babolat Pure Drive or the Wilson Clash 100. These rackets have larger head sizes and stiffer frames, which provide more power but can also be less forgiving on off-center hits. Ultimately, the best racket for you will depend on your individual playing style, preferences, and physical characteristics. It's always a good idea to demo several different rackets before making a purchase to see which one feels the most comfortable and performs the best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different string types and tensions as well, as this can significantly impact the way a racket plays.

Final Thoughts

Ben Shelton's choice of the Yonex EZONE 98 is a testament to the racket's versatility and performance. It perfectly complements his aggressive game style, providing the control he needs to harness his power. Remember, though, that what works for a pro might not necessarily work for you. Finding the right racket is a personal journey, so take the time to explore different options and find the one that feels like an extension of your arm. Happy hitting, guys! And keep an eye on Shelton – he's got a bright future ahead!