Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion Z3: the firm flagship shoe most buyers overlook
Eclipsion Z3 sits next to the marquee 65 Z3 and Aerus Z2 in Yonex's lineup but feels like neither. Here is who it is actually for.
Overview
At full price you queue for Power Cushion 65Z3; under seven hundred yuan for Power Cushion Eclipsion Z3 you couldn't care less. The point is it still delivers ultra-light breathability, 65-series wrap comfort, and match performance closer to what people loved in the first Comfort Z generation. One-piece outsole extending to the lateral upper is all about stability and firmness. People used to call Power Cushion Eclipsion Z3 Yonex's least good-looking top flagship — then Yonex listened and dropped fresh white-gold, pink-purple, and sky-blue colourways. Turns out looks matter. New-colour Power Cushion Eclipsion Z3 matches old-colour specs. Single size 42 (270 mm) weighs 351 g. Standard 3E width last; JP version also available. Tech: Power Cushion+, Power Graphite bridge plate, one-piece mid-to-outsole connection, stiff lateral TPU against rollover — same as the first two Eclipsion Z generations.
On-foot feel
What sets this apart from other Yonex shoes is very strong, firm arch support, with the bridge's shaped carbon plate extending to the outer forefoot edge. Feel is firmer than typical Yonex — at first even abruptly stiff, partly because I have flat feet and notice arch support more. Being Yonex, comfort is still there. Last wrap is just right. I also like the black-white-red JP version; it does not look wide on foot, but for pure comfort the newest 65Z4 is still king. Breathability holds even in hot summer — large one-piece sandwich mesh plus open grille at the midsole bridge means no obvious stuffiness. Lateral shell reinforcement gives stretch, protection, and airflow together.
Match performance
As a top flagship, Power Cushion Eclipsion Z3 launch speed matches the 65 series. Cushion feel is not the soft bounce of thick foam, but Power Cushion+ is enough for my lighter weight. Outsole plus firm lateral shell deliver near-maximum lateral stability — underfoot the word is steady. Heavy-weight players I've asked say the cushioning ceiling is high: stable rebound regardless of body mass. I've worn this a long time — my most trusted match boot. Wear intensity goes without saying. I repurchase because upper stability is genuinely strong, basically continuing first-gen Comfort Z one-piece levels. Heat-fused upper is more durable than gen two — welded hard-shell armour vibes.
Shortcomings
Grip: versus traditional honeycomb hexagons, the cross-paddle-blade outsole hates sweat and water on court. After many tests, wood floors beat traditional vinyl mats — somewhat court-picky. Blame Yonex's home market where composite halls with wood floors dominate. Stock insole does not look flagship-grade. I paid for a supercritical insole — like a blood transfusion for the shoe. Worth it early and mid-life.
Summary
Power Cushion Eclipsion Z3, focused on cushioning protection and stability, is perfect as a competition shoe. Like Astrox 88D Pro, it stays my tournament first choice — steady confidence for extreme retrieves and opportunistic attacks. Good launch speed; recommended for heavy players who want competition and protection. New colours look even better.