Ben Shelton's Racket: What Does He Use? (2025 Update)

Hey tennis fans! Ever wondered what racket helps Ben Shelton deliver those killer serves and powerful groundstrokes? Well, you're in the right place. We're diving deep into the gear that this rising star trusts on the court. As of 2025, Shelton's equipment choices reflect a blend of power, control, and personal preference, all tailored to enhance his aggressive playing style. Knowing the specifics can give you insights into why he plays the way he does and maybe even influence your own equipment choices!

Unveiling Ben Shelton's Racket of Choice

So, what racket is Ben Shelton wielding out there? Ben Shelton is endorsed by Yonex and uses the Yonex EZONE 98. This racket isn't just any piece of equipment; it's a carefully selected tool designed to complement his strengths and support his on-court strategy. The EZONE 98 is known for its blend of power and control, making it a popular choice among professional players who like to dictate play. The head size of 98 square inches provides a generous sweet spot, offering forgiveness on off-center hits while still allowing for precise shot placement. This is crucial for Shelton, who often finds himself hitting big shots from various positions on the court. The racket's weight, typically around 11.3 ounces unstrung, gives him the stability he needs to handle the pace of professional tennis, while also allowing for quick racket head speed to generate spin and power. The balance point is usually slightly head-light, enhancing maneuverability and allowing him to react quickly at the net or when defending against powerful shots. The string pattern, usually 16x19, provides a good balance of spin potential and control, allowing Shelton to shape his shots effectively. With this string pattern he can generate the necessary topspin for aggressive baseline play, while also maintaining control over the ball's trajectory.

The Yonex EZONE 98 also incorporates several key technologies that enhance its performance. One notable feature is Yonex's Isometric technology, which expands the sweet spot by optimizing the intersection of the main and cross strings. This results in a more forgiving hitting surface, allowing Shelton to maintain consistency even on mishits. Additionally, the racket often includes vibration dampening materials in the handle and frame, reducing the impact shock and providing a more comfortable feel. This is particularly important for players like Shelton who generate a lot of power, as it helps to minimize the risk of injury and fatigue during long matches. Beyond the technical specifications, the EZONE 98's design and aesthetics also play a role in its appeal. The racket typically features a sleek and modern look, with bold colors and graphics that reflect its performance-oriented nature. This can be a subtle but important factor for players who want to feel confident and stylish on the court. It's not just about performance; it's also about making a statement and feeling good about your equipment. All these factors combine to make the Yonex EZONE 98 an excellent choice for Ben Shelton, perfectly aligning with his aggressive playing style and allowing him to compete at the highest level.

The Strings That Help Him Sing

Okay, so we know the racket, but what about the strings? Strings are super important. Ben Shelton doesn't just rely on the frame; his string choice is equally crucial for maximizing his performance. While specific string setups can change, he generally favors a combination that offers both power and control. Pros often experiment with different string types and tensions to find the perfect feel, and Shelton is no exception. Typically, you might see him using a hybrid string setup, combining a powerful polyester string for the mains with a softer, more responsive string for the crosses. This allows him to generate immense power and spin without sacrificing feel and control. The polyester string provides the durability and stiffness needed for aggressive hitting, while the softer string enhances the racket's responsiveness, providing better ball feedback and a more comfortable feel.

The tension at which Shelton strings his rackets is also a critical factor. Professional players often string their rackets tighter than recreational players to gain more control and precision. A higher tension can reduce the trampoline effect of the string bed, resulting in a more predictable ball trajectory. However, it can also decrease the sweet spot and make the racket feel less forgiving on off-center hits. Shelton likely experiments with his string tension based on playing conditions, opponent, and personal preference. He will adjust the tension slightly higher for matches where he anticipates needing more control, such as on fast courts or against opponents who hit with a lot of pace. Conversely, he might lower the tension slightly for matches where he wants more power and spin, such as on slower courts or against opponents who defend well. The specific strings he uses could include popular options like Yonex strings, or other high-performance brands known for their quality and consistency. Ultimately, Shelton's string setup is a carefully calibrated system designed to optimize his racket's performance and complement his aggressive playing style. It's a testament to the fact that every detail matters at the highest level of professional tennis, and even the seemingly small choice of strings can make a significant difference in a player's success.

Why This Racket Works for Ben Shelton

Let's break down why this particular setup is a winner for Ben Shelton. Shelton's game is characterized by explosive power, aggressive shot-making, and a willingness to take risks. His racket needs to support this style, providing the necessary power for his booming serve and groundstrokes, while also offering the control needed to keep the ball within the lines. The Yonex EZONE 98, with its combination of power, control, and maneuverability, fits this bill perfectly. The racket's head size and weight distribution allow him to generate tremendous racket head speed, translating into powerful shots that can overwhelm his opponents. At the same time, the racket's stability and string pattern provide the control he needs to maintain accuracy, even when hitting the ball with maximum force. Shelton's aggressive playing style often involves hitting the ball on the rise and taking the initiative in rallies. This requires a racket that is both responsive and forgiving, allowing him to react quickly to his opponent's shots and maintain consistency even when he's not perfectly balanced. The EZONE 98's Isometric technology and vibration dampening features contribute to this forgiveness, giving him the confidence to swing freely and go for his shots, even under pressure.

Moreover, Shelton's height and athleticism allow him to take full advantage of the racket's power potential. He has a long reach and excellent court coverage, enabling him to generate tremendous leverage on his shots. The EZONE 98's weight and balance complement his physical attributes, allowing him to maximize his power output without sacrificing control. In addition to his physical gifts, Shelton's mental toughness and competitive spirit also play a role in his success with this racket. He's not afraid to take risks and go for his shots, even in crucial moments of a match. The EZONE 98's blend of power and control gives him the confidence to play this way, knowing that he can rely on his equipment to perform when it matters most. Overall, the Yonex EZONE 98 is an ideal match for Ben Shelton's playing style, physical attributes, and mental approach to the game. It provides the power, control, and maneuverability he needs to compete at the highest level, while also complementing his aggressive shot-making and willingness to take risks.

Could This Racket Be Right for You?

Now, you might be thinking,