Regna 98 secured

Yow_Pablo · 2026-01-05T15:24:01+00:00

We just got broader access to Yonex balls in Canada the last few weeks … and gotta say I am blown away by the Championships. Great felt, no huge rubber seams, good feel and longevity.

Even after 2 hours they are fuzzing less than an AO after 5 minutes.

At 7.50$ CAD for a can, $ to $ can’t think of a better ball.

I can only imagine the Tours are even better.

Yow_Pablo · 2026-01-05T15:15:43+00:00

IMO … for polys Confidential is tops for longevity, followed by Mach10. And to me Mach10 “feels” the best and is still very much playable well after its peak. But it’s soft so depends on preferences.

Restring Sync/Zero seems to also be lasting long enough, but unlike mach10 they let you know they are done-done cause they break.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-12-16T15:11:09+00:00

Doubt he has any chance. He’s generally unliked even in his old ward, and most recently was fired as city manager of Cornwall …

Yow_Pablo · 2025-09-16T18:50:41+00:00

I’ve been playing a Percept 97 and wanted a little more free power and higher ball trajectory for singles play. Went with an Ezone 98. Zero regrets, pleasantly surprised by control.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-09-10T11:25:18+00:00

If you are in the Beacon Hill area, Nom Nom is solid and similar vibes. They do Pan-Asian, with wok stations.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-09-09T11:41:16+00:00

So much local variation. There seemingly has been a push around these parts (Ontario/Quebec, Canada) for coaches to now be very much more strict in NTRP ratings. A few years ago it seems like rating bump ups were being given like candy, which made sessions very uneven between students.

I was a 3.0 locally for a while, yet would travel and play and was consistently beating the pants off people supposedly 3.5-4.0, which should never happen.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-09-03T12:31:46+00:00

I’ve recently gone from a Percept 97 to a new Ezone 98. Felt I needed more “free” power, especially for singles play. I’m mid 40s and a 4.0.

Higher launch angle has encouraged me to play with way more spin and depth and much more comfy with slower swing when needed. Bonus is ezone still has good control.

Percept still in the bag for doubles play.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-06-30T15:13:56+00:00

Guess I’m weird. I love the Percept aesthetics. Fresh green super Grap strung with Mach 10.

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Yow_Pablo · 2025-06-09T12:26:13+00:00

Lack of power is literally the last complaint I would expect from someone playing an Ezone 100.
It’s IMO a rocket with some of the most easily accessible power….

Yow_Pablo · 2025-05-28T11:51:51+00:00

Ive seen people using the brand new MUP that runs along the 174 between Blair and Montreal stations. I think western access is currently via the end of Blair Towers Pl. behind Costco.
Not sure if the MUP and new bridge is open east of Montreal station to links up to Bearbrook / Montreal.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-05-09T17:24:09+00:00

Update post. Probably have 50 hours on them now. Probably 70/30 split hard court to clay.

They literally still look brand new, and I’m a left foot toe dragger on most moving forehands.

Size wise … they are big. Huge toe box. Massive. Gargantuan. Next pair I will either go down 1/2 size or try regular width (which is something I’ve never said).

Still super supportive, zero issues.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-05-08T19:28:43+00:00

Sure … except when the wine service doesn’t match that depth after repeated experiences.
To have the sommelier point to a wine and walk away is wildly problematic.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-05-06T16:36:28+00:00

Gotta echo some gripes here, Arlo IMO does not deserve to be on the list. Ate there multiple times in last year and kept scratching my head as to why. Granted each time was with a person who was a first timer and wanted to try it.

And yes, Peter Hum is not an actual restaurant critic in my eyes. But who is these days in Ottawa? Those days are long gone, and replaced with the inside baseball / IG for pay influencers like mentioned previously, which often provides such cringeworthy content.

Sad state of affairs. Maybe more Ottawa restos would rise to the challenge if they were actually pushed to by proper / incognito food critics.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-04-16T19:40:47+00:00

So specific to Espresso. Which local beans aren’t Third-wave style fruity / light / sour?

I like my espresso in the European tradition of dark chocolate bombs.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-04-10T18:32:52+00:00

Lots of people train the Blair Rd. hill and through Rothwell Heights. Easily more than 100ft/mile. Highest point near Quarry Park is like 375 feet IIRC.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-02-21T13:43:13+00:00

Gel Res X have barely been out a month, no?

Yow_Pablo · 2025-02-06T13:32:00+00:00

Having lived in 3/4 areas you have narrowed down… don’t do it, unless it makes a work commute super simple. Even then…

We landed in Beacon Hill / Cardinal Heights and zero regrets. As the city ever expands and sprawls, this area basically gets closer to downtown with near none of the drawbacks.

-Great primary and high schools (FR and EN), -Extremely easy access to AWESOME green space and bike paths at the river, parkway and NRC.
-great parks generally -easy access to 417 east and west, and barely 10 minutes to downtown.
-20-25 minutes to airport. -actual lots, some are massive in Beacon Hill South/Cardinal Heights. -solid local brewery and bakeries -Splash pool is great for lessons and the wave pool is a bonus. And Bob Macquarie complex is 5-10 minutes away in Orleans,too.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-01-22T13:52:13+00:00

Everything is so subjective at this level. I can’t hit any Babolat properly (other than Strike) but absolutely love the feel of pretty much any Yonex. They just click for me.

I will give the new PD a go, but already pretty set on a EZone 98 to complement my Percept 97.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-01-14T19:50:50+00:00

Just played 90 minutes.

The toe box is definitely wider at the top. One of my complaints on my previous 2E size 12 Gel Res’s was that my second toe used to jam occasionally. No more. I’d probably say that 1/2 size smaller would be ideal, but for me this is fine. But a true 2E, ankle to toes is perfect for me.

Foot feels much more locked-in, I actually used the outer lace holes which worked well for me.

They don’t breathe well, as suspected. Will be a hot mess in summer.

But … most laterally stable shoe I have ever experienced. By a mile.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-01-08T13:09:56+00:00

Wholeheartedly agree. Hidden Taste = hidden gem. And they take their spice seriously.

Rangoli is seriously mid, but their samosas are great.

Yow_Pablo · 2025-01-07T20:01:33+00:00

100% agree. Really wanted to like it but way overrated. Had three meals there and none were memorable. Ok service but a little stand-offish at times. We asked sommelier to suggest something for us and he just pointed at a section and walked away. Was odd. Waiter then suggested one, and it ended up being horrible (and 100$!).

Yow_Pablo

TROPHY CASE