Racquet Review: GAMMA RZR 98/98T
HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN.
LENGTH: 27 IN.
WEIGHT: 11 OZ. (98); 11.9 OZ. (98T)
BALANCE: 4 PTS. HL (98); 7 PTS. HL (98T)
SWINGWEIGHT: 310 (98); 328 (98T)
FLEXIBILITY: FLEXIBLE (98); FIRM (98T)
BEAM WIDTH: 22MM
STRING PATTERN: 16 X 18
IDEAL SWING: MEDIUM TO LONG (98); LONG (98T)
NTRP: 4.0+ (98); 4.5+ (98T)
The Pitch: The Gamma RZR was designed and developed with the help of the independent research group Black Racquet Labs. B.R.L. was assigned the daunting task of creating the world’s most aerodynamic racquet; Gamma claims they succeeded. To this end, the RZR 98 (pictured) and 98T are designed with a triangular beam shape as well as an angled throat and bumper, all meant to reduce wind drag and speed up your swing.
How It Tested: The RZR 98 and 98T offer excellent, controlled power for players with medium to long swings. The RZR 98, with its head-light balance and decent heft, was perfect for intermediate playtesters who play all-court games but spend most of their time swinging out on the baseline. Said one 4.0 baseliner with a two-handed backhand, “There was some vibration, especially on off-center hits. But the stick’s weight is just right, and it’s not terribly difficult to maneuver. The ball does fly off the strings.” Moreover, the 98’s reasonably thin beam width and flexible construction—relatively unique among racquets weighing in at 11 oz.—provided playtesters with a responsive feel, especially when volleying. “It felt softer at net, which was surprising,” said another 4.0 playtester, “Low volleys felt very stable. But it really lets you know when you miss the sweet spot.”
Players who preferred a more classic, weighty feel naturally gravitated toward the RZR 98T. Many flat hitters said that, because of its 12-ounce heft, the 98T held up nicely on the baseline and added extra stability and punch to volleys and overheads. However, one 4.5 playtester found that the 98T, while stable, was a bit “heavy on the arm.”
Bottom Line: For accomplished baseline players who grind—and can also volley—with precision.
More Racquet Reviews:
Babolat Pure Drive/Pure Drive Lite
Babolat Pure Drive 107
Donnay Pro One 16 x 19
Dunlop Biomimetic 700
GAMMA RZR 98/98T
HEAD YouTek IG Prestige (Pro, MP, Mid)
HEAD YouTek IG Radical (Pro, MP, OS)
HEAD YouTek IG Prestige S/Radical S
Prince EXO3 Rebel 95/98
Prince EXO Warrior 100
SOLINCO Tour 8
Völkl ORGANIX V1 (MP, OS)
Wilson Juice 100/108 BLX
Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 100 BLX
Wilson Steam 100 BLX
YONEX EZONE Xi 98/100
YONEX EZONE Xi 107
