Prince Original Graphite ( POG ) Mid and OS versions

scottatuofm

New User
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum so please take it easy on me :)

I know there has been much talk about the mid and O/S versions of the POG on the forum but there isn't one definitive post which clears everything up.
I was wondering if people knowledgeable on the subject could post each version of the mid and O/S with pictures of side/top/cover (if possible) or description of each detail so whenever we need to refer to it for purchases, clarification or authentication we can do it.

I will give a beginning run down and please let me know if I'm on the right track.

First the OS

POG 1 = Tear dropped shaped head single line with no grommets/no bumper and no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1978

POG 2 = Tear dropped shaped head, single line with grommets/no bumper no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1980?

POG 3 = Normal shaped head, single line with grommets and bumper, printing on side is "graphite series 110" top has no printing front is Prince/Graphite. Printed stringing weight is 70-80 - Circa 1983

POG 3.5 = Same as 3 but side says "graphite 110", String weight 60-75
Circa ?

POG 4 = Norm head, 4 line with grommets/bumper, printing on side is "graphite 110", top is "110" , side sticker says "series 110" front is Prince/Prince- , Printed stringing weight is 60-75 - Circa 1987

POG 4.5 = Same as POG 4 but top is printed "oversize", side is "graphite oversize" , front is Prince/Prince, printed stringing weight is 50-60 -
Circa > 1987 (any ideas?)

POG 5 = Straight shaft-Not sure of OS had straight shaft?

POG 6 = Tour

From what I've heard on the forum the two 4 stripe versions are identical except for their printing; I assume this is also true for POG 3 and 3.5. Can someone please tell me if this is true?

On what version does the POG mid start, POG 3? And what are the versions/half-versions of the mid?

It will be great to get a neat and organized resource for all the POG lovers out there. I've searched around and there is no place that gives a complete (or even partial) detailed description/history with pictures of the POG mid and OS.

I look forward to hearing from you guys and about the venerable POG.

Thanks,

Scott
 

Don T.

New User
Not sure if you want to include the '84 POG Series 125 in this list.

prince1.jpg


prince2.jpg


prince3.jpg


prince6.jpg
 

scottatuofm

New User
Pog

Thanks for the pics. I was kind of hoping to keep the discussion limited to what are the most frequently sought after and traditional POG's, i.e. the OS 110/107 and Mid 90/93. And also limit it to the graphite I. Maybe we could start a different thread for the graphite II and the other off shoots and/or relatives of the traditional POG. It's already complicated enough without adding all the other ones :).

When all the pics/details are submitted and there is a consensus about the accuracy maybe it can be re-posted on a new thread as the "official" guide/history of the POG; so then if anyone did a search online the page would come up and all of the information would be on a single site/page. In a way, it would be a WIKI like article about the POG but on TW's site. That was at least what I was thinking. Not sure what the final result will be though.

Thanks
Scott
 

scottatuofm

New User
And I'm not sure if my original post is 100% correct. I'm hoping people can correct me in the spots where I"m wrong, like a wiki article. So maybe just copy the original or create a new list and fix the mistakes you see and then re-post the whole thing. I'm hoping to have the list first and then each version's pictures starting from POG 1 to 6 for OS and then the Mid or vice versa. Or maybe OS and Mid versions pictures could be posted together if they match up after POG 2 or so.
 

jimbo333

Hall of Fame
I know hardly anything about POGs so this is all really interesting for me!

It's amazing that headsizes were 90, 110 and 125. So basically a Mid and two oversizes. So no Mid-Plus at all!

I'd certainly like to see some more photos:)
 
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Don't Let It Bounce

Hall of Fame
I know hardly anything about POGs so this is all really interesting for me!

It's amazing that headsizes were 90, 107 and 125. So basically a Mid and two oversizes. So no Mid-Plus at all!

I'd certainly like to see some more photos:)
The definition of "mid", "mid-plus", etc., has changed over the years (as I'm sure you know) and Prince at one point did call the 90 (which was really a 93) a "mid-plus". There's never been a POG that would be called a MP now, though.

OP, that racquet did appear first at the time of the POG3 described above. I don't know enough about it to describe versions and subversions*, but I'd expect production changes of the Series 110 and Series 90 frames to be parallel.

I found and saved a thread here on TT that described four versions of the four-stripe (POG4) rather than two. If no one posts a link soon, I'll get the info off my other computer and post it.

* Actually, almost every attempt to capitalize on the Graphite reputation in a more modern line (Graphite II, Triple Threat, NXG, EX03) has been accused of "subverting" the good name of the Prince Graphite, but I guess that's not the same thing, is it?
 
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jimbo333

Hall of Fame
Does anyone know which versions Agassi and Chang used please?

I thought it was the 4th version mentioned above, did they both use that?
 

jaydubbs15

New User
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum so please take it easy on me :)

I know there has been much talk about the mid and O/S versions of the POG on the forum but there isn't one definitive post which clears everything up.
I was wondering if people knowledgeable on the subject could post each version of the mid and O/S with pictures of side/top/cover (if possible) or description of each detail so whenever we need to refer to it for purchases, clarification or authentication we can do it.

I will give a beginning run down and please let me know if I'm on the right track.

First the OS

POG 1 = Tear dropped shaped head single line with no grommets/no bumper and no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1978

POG 2 = Tear dropped shaped head, single line with grommets/no bumper no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1980?

POG 3 = Normal shaped head, single line with grommets and bumper, printing on side is "graphite series 110" top has no printing front is Prince/Graphite. Printed stringing weight is 70-80 - Circa 1983

POG 3.5 = Same as 3 but side says "graphite 110", String weight 60-75
Circa ?

POG 4 = Norm head, 4 line with grommets/bumper, printing on side is "graphite 110", top is "110" , side sticker says "series 110" front is Prince/Prince- , Printed stringing weight is 60-75 - Circa 1987

POG 4.5 = Same as POG 4 but top is printed "oversize", side is "graphite oversize" , front is Prince/Prince, printed stringing weight is 50-60 -
Circa > 1987 (any ideas?)

POG 5 = Straight shaft-Not sure of OS had straight shaft?

POG 6 = Tour

From what I've heard on the forum the two 4 stripe versions are identical except for their printing; I assume this is also true for POG 3 and 3.5. Can someone please tell me if this is true?

On what version does the POG mid start, POG 3? And what are the versions/half-versions of the mid?

It will be great to get a neat and organized resource for all the POG lovers out there. I've searched around and there is no place that gives a complete (or even partial) detailed description/history with pictures of the POG mid and OS.

I look forward to hearing from you guys and about the venerable POG.

Thanks,

Scott

Great thread!

It's amazing how yester-year's racquets become today's classics. I still remember admiring the oversized Prince graphite racquet at the local tennis shop during a summer when I was in college '83 to '87 and spent a lot of my summer job dough getting it. What distinguished this POG from others is the smooth hoop and matte finish. I think it was one of the 110 sq. inch versions, and I remember it feeling heavy. I was able to generate ridiculous amounts of spin from this racquet! I wish I still had it! I hope POG owners would be willing to post pics of their racquets so we can match the pics to the POG version and year.
 

MichaelChang

Hall of Fame
Some minor corrections: I have POG2 and it uses individual grommets, prints 1976. So POG1 and 2 gonna be out at 1976 or ealier.

Also I have seen pictures of both Agassi and Chang, with the POG4 (4 stripe). I have also seen picture of Agassi with POG 3.
 

scottatuofm

New User
Yes, I have the POG 2 also but there is no sticker so I didn't know the year. Since POG 2 has individual grommets I'm assuming they switched to strip grommets on POG 3 ???

Since no design/styling things were changed from POG 1 to 2 (just the adding of grommets) is it possible POG 1 was 1976 and POG 2 came a year or two later but the year printed on racket wasn't changed because it was almost identical? Then when a new design came, POG 3, they changed year to 1983?

Question for you MichaelChang, all of my individual grommets are bent/broken and completely stuck in the holes. I've tried a needle nose to change their shape and push them out but no luck. Any suggestions on how to get them out because it's making the racket unusable?

Thanks
 

Don't Let It Bounce

Hall of Fame
Some minor corrections: I have POG2 and it uses individual grommets, prints 1976. So POG1 and 2 gonna be out at 1976 or ealier.
I'm 90% certain that the date on that racquet would be for either the Prince patent on oversize racquets or the copyright on the name "Prince" for a tennis racquet. I don't think the first Prince Graphite was yet out in 1976.

Also I have seen pictures of both Agassi and Chang, with the POG4 (4 stripe). I have also seen picture of Agassi with POG 3.
That's how I remember it, too.
 

struggle

Legend
I'm 90% certain that the date on that racquet would be for either the Prince patent on oversize racquets or the copyright on the name "Prince" for a tennis racquet. I don't think the first Prince Graphite was yet out in 1976.

That's how I remember it, too.

yep, the Prince Classic came out in 1976.
 

jaydubbs15

New User
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum so please take it easy on me :)

I know there has been much talk about the mid and O/S versions of the POG on the forum but there isn't one definitive post which clears everything up.
I was wondering if people knowledgeable on the subject could post each version of the mid and O/S with pictures of side/top/cover (if possible) or description of each detail so whenever we need to refer to it for purchases, clarification or authentication we can do it.

I will give a beginning run down and please let me know if I'm on the right track.

First the OS

POG 1 = Tear dropped shaped head single line with no grommets/no bumper and no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1978

POG 2 = Tear dropped shaped head, single line with grommets/no bumper no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1980?

POG 3 = Normal shaped head, single line with grommets and bumper, printing on side is "graphite series 110" top has no printing front is Prince/Graphite. Printed stringing weight is 70-80 - Circa 1983

POG 3.5 = Same as 3 but side says "graphite 110", String weight 60-75
Circa ?

POG 4 = Norm head, 4 line with grommets/bumper, printing on side is "graphite 110", top is "110" , side sticker says "series 110" front is Prince/Prince- , Printed stringing weight is 60-75 - Circa 1987

POG 4.5 = Same as POG 4 but top is printed "oversize", side is "graphite oversize" , front is Prince/Prince, printed stringing weight is 50-60 -
Circa > 1987 (any ideas?)

POG 5 = Straight shaft-Not sure of OS had straight shaft?

POG 6 = Tour

From what I've heard on the forum the two 4 stripe versions are identical except for their printing; I assume this is also true for POG 3 and 3.5. Can someone please tell me if this is true?

On what version does the POG mid start, POG 3? And what are the versions/half-versions of the mid?

It will be great to get a neat and organized resource for all the POG lovers out there. I've searched around and there is no place that gives a complete (or even partial) detailed description/history with pictures of the POG mid and OS.

I look forward to hearing from you guys and about the venerable POG.

Thanks,

Scott


I'm not sure that my Prince Graphite OS racquet fit into any of those categories. Mine was bumper-less and grommet-less and had no stripes on it. It had a heavy dark green cover and a brown leather grip.
 

jimbo333

Hall of Fame
I've jusy found what seems to be POG one stripe 110 and is grommetless. No printing just has sticker on side that does not give year for US patent, but gives 1979 for Canada patent and 1977 for South Africa patent, any ideas how this one fits in?
 

Pwned

Hall of Fame
Got the same one^ plus a 1 stripe with grommets, a new mid tour, and a Precision 730 cut down to 27.5. Thinking about adding a longbody too but am really playing well with the mid.
 

jaydubbs15

New User
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum so please take it easy on me :)

I know there has been much talk about the mid and O/S versions of the POG on the forum but there isn't one definitive post which clears everything up.
I was wondering if people knowledgeable on the subject could post each version of the mid and O/S with pictures of side/top/cover (if possible) or description of each detail so whenever we need to refer to it for purchases, clarification or authentication we can do it.

I will give a beginning run down and please let me know if I'm on the right track.

First the OS

POG 1 = Tear dropped shaped head single line with no grommets/no bumper and no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1978

POG 2 = Tear dropped shaped head, single line with grommets/no bumper no printing on top or side or racket (possibly just sticker) except for Prince/graphite- circa 1980?

POG 3 = Normal shaped head, single line with grommets and bumper, printing on side is "graphite series 110" top has no printing front is Prince/Graphite. Printed stringing weight is 70-80 - Circa 1983

POG 3.5 = Same as 3 but side says "graphite 110", String weight 60-75
Circa ?

POG 4 = Norm head, 4 line with grommets/bumper, printing on side is "graphite 110", top is "110" , side sticker says "series 110" front is Prince/Prince- , Printed stringing weight is 60-75 - Circa 1987

POG 4.5 = Same as POG 4 but top is printed "oversize", side is "graphite oversize" , front is Prince/Prince, printed stringing weight is 50-60 -
Circa > 1987 (any ideas?)

POG 5 = Straight shaft-Not sure of OS had straight shaft?

POG 6 = Tour

From what I've heard on the forum the two 4 stripe versions are identical except for their printing; I assume this is also true for POG 3 and 3.5. Can someone please tell me if this is true?

On what version does the POG mid start, POG 3? And what are the versions/half-versions of the mid?

It will be great to get a neat and organized resource for all the POG lovers out there. I've searched around and there is no place that gives a complete (or even partial) detailed description/history with pictures of the POG mid and OS.

I look forward to hearing from you guys and about the venerable POG.

Thanks,

Scott

Is it possible that one of the POG's didn't have a cross-bar? I may be mistaken, but I have a fuzzy recollection that my POG didn't have one.
 

123ten

New User

jimbo333

Hall of Fame
I've jusy found what seems to be POG one stripe 110 and is grommetless. No printing just has sticker on side that does not give year for US patent, but gives 1979 for Canada patent and 1977 for South Africa patent, any ideas how this one fits in?

Which POG is this then please?
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I've jusy found what seems to be POG one stripe 110 and is grommetless. No printing just has sticker on side that does not give year for US patent, but gives 1979 for Canada patent and 1977 for South Africa patent, any ideas how this one fits in?

sounds like it's a 1st generation POG. if i'm not mistaken, only the 1st generation POGs were grommetless. i think the POG that followed the grommetless was a one stripe w/ individual grommets. then came the one stripe w/ a grommet strip w/ integrated bumper guard. i think the 1 stripe w/ grommet strip was the final version before Prince switched to the 4 stripe model.
 
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jimbo333

Hall of Fame
sounds like it's a 1st generation POG. if i'm not mistaken, only the 1st generation POGs were grommetless. i think the POG that followed the grommetless was a one stripe w/ individual grommets. then came the one stripe w/ a grommet strip w/ integrated bumper guard. i think the 1 stripe w/ grommet strip was the final version before Prince switched to the 4 stripe model.

Yes, but the sticker doesn't say 1976, like other grommetless POGS, that's why I asked:)
 

GS

Professional
I thought the POG mid's head was too small, and the oversized was too big. So when TW started selling POG Longbodies with a 100 sq in head, I took a chance and got one, then chopped it down to a 27-1/2" length. It's the best stick I've ever owned. I immediately bought two more. Thanks, TW!!
 
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Pwned

Hall of Fame
I thought the POG mid's head was too small, and the oversized was too big. So when TW started selling POG Longbodies with a 100 sq in head, I took a chance and got one, then chopped it down to a 27-1/2" length. It's the best stick I've ever owned. I immediately bought two more. Thanks, TW!!

I started out using the OS last year and just recently got a mid. The first time out was rough but after that it has been great. Feels much more maneuverable. I'd really like to try a longbody at 27.5. I just wish it was 14x18 too.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I started out using the OS last year and just recently got a mid. The first time out was rough but after that it has been great. Feels much more maneuverable...

this pretty much mirrors my experience. started out w/ the OS and then tried the mid. the mid with its smaller racquet face forces you to concentrate on the ball. but once i got used to it, everything was good. i find the mid is more maneuverable when hitting a 1HBH.
 

Pwned

Hall of Fame
this pretty much mirrors my experience. started out w/ the OS and then tried the mid. the mid with its smaller racquet face forces you to concentrate on the ball. but once i got used to it, everything was good. i find the mid is more maneuverable when hitting a 1HBH.
No doubt. I was tempted to put some lead on mine because I was so used to the plow through of my 12.9ounce OS. But I haven't had any troubles with instability in the mid and love the maneuverability as is and don't want to mess with that.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
No doubt. I was tempted to put some lead on mine because I was so used to the plow through of my 12.9ounce OS. But I haven't had any troubles with instability in the mid and love the maneuverability as is and don't want to mess with that.

same here :)
 

GS

Professional
The POG mid is the 2nd best racquet I ever had. But I play alittle better with the Longbody's 100 sq in head. Its head is alittle flexible, but lead tape at the 3 and 9 o'clock spots really helps.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
The POG mid is the 2nd best racquet I ever had. But I play alittle better with the Longbody's 100 sq in head. Its head is alittle flexible, but lead tape at the 3 and 9 o'clock spots really helps.

interesting...this is the michael chang longbody graphite you're referring to, right? if so, i demo'd the racquet when i came out and did find it to be more flexy. i preferred the POG over it in stock trim. never was able to get used to LB racquets. since it was a demo racquet, i couldn't modify it.
 

Pwned

Hall of Fame
interesting...this is the michael chang longbody graphite you're referring to, right? if so, i demo'd the racquet when i came out and did find it to be more flexy. i preferred the POG over it in stock trim. never was able to get used to LB racquets. since it was a demo racquet, i couldn't modify it.

I think he is referring to the Prince Graphite Longbody here on tenniswarehouse:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-PGLB.html

Get one used on here and cut it down to 27.5! Forgot to mention the one I bought used on here is already cut down. The Precision 730 at 28inches I tried felt too long, wasn't working. 27.5 was easy to adjust to though.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I think he is referring to the Prince Graphite Longbody here on tenniswarehouse:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-PGLB.html

Get one used on here and cut it down to 27.5! Forgot to mention the one I bought used on here is already cut down. The Precision 730 at 28inches I tried felt too long, wasn't working. 27.5 was easy to adjust to though.

ahh! thanks for clarifying for me. cool. i couldn't adjust to a 28" length either. will be interested in hearing what you have to say about yours since my experiences w/ the POGs seem to mirror yours.
 

Pwned

Hall of Fame
ahh! thanks for clarifying for me. cool. i couldn't adjust to a 28" length either. will be interested in hearing what you have to say about yours since my experiences w/ the POGs seem to mirror yours.

The one I bought is pretty much 27". I may add .5" later but will have to play with it a bit to see. Strung it up with a hybrid of Genesis Typhoon and OG sheep at 50. The racquet is very light and needs quite a bit of lead. I'll let you know how it hits once I get a chance.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
^^
thanks! the fact that it's so light is probably a good thing...i've got so many sticks as it is, i should just play w/ what i have, be happy and work on my game. :)
 

Pwned

Hall of Fame
^^
thanks! the fact that it's so light is probably a good thing...i've got so many sticks as it is, i should just play w/ what i have, be happy and work on my game. :)

I should too! I think I will be set with racquets now. But I've said that before.......
 

T3NN15

Rookie
I had the POG 1 through POG 4.5. I traded the POG 2, and sold all of my POG 4's and 4.5's. I only kept the single green-striped versions because I really liked the simple cosmetics.

By the way, I felt the POG 3.5 played similar to the POG 4 and 4.5.

I still have my POG 4.5 full cover autographed by Michael Chang with "Jesus Loves You" and signature, that I might list for sale, soon.

Thanks for posting this thread. Great info.
 

subban

Rookie
My first racquet was the Prince Comp Graphite 1984. It was awesome then and its awesome now. I used it when I was little and I could get some pace on the ball. I just recently got into Tennis as an adult and the club pro who I take lessons from told me it was old junk and too get rid of it. He recommended the Prince TT Scream. I wished I did'nt listen to him and throw it away. The racquet still goes $130. Even though the TT Scream is good, the POG is a great racquet. It generates a lot of pace, is'nt too heavy and not too stiff that you lose control.
 

Pwned

Hall of Fame
^^
thanks! the fact that it's so light is probably a good thing...i've got so many sticks as it is, i should just play w/ what i have, be happy and work on my game. :)

Just thought I'd let you know; I didn't like the LB as much. Much prefer the mid. Now I have to get rid of that and find some more mids...
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Just thought I'd let you know; I didn't like the LB as much. Much prefer the mid. Now I have to get rid of that and find some more mids...

thanks for the update. i appreciate it. i figured that might be the case when i saw it in the classifieds.
 
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