New Warrior 100 & 100 Pro

[JackB1]

Reviews and pages are up at TW:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Warrior_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PW1H.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Warrior_100_Pro_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PW1HP.html

I am surprised at the lack of excitement over these 2 new releases? The prior Warrior 100 was an excellent racquet and now they have a slightly heavier Warrior Pro with NORMAL GROMMETS!!! I also like the new black and red paint schemes. They both got pretty favorable reviews from the TW crew. I am very anxious to test out the Pro. The specs are right in my wheelhouse:


Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645.16 sq. cm.
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320.35g
Balance: 13.06in / 33.17cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight: 323
Stiffness: 65
Beam Width: 24mm / 25.5mm / 22.5mm /
Composition: Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stroke Style: Medium-Full
Swing Speed: Medium-Fast

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Jack, I'm pretty excited about the warrior pro as well. Like you said, right in the wheelhouse and I'm interested to see how these new pro models feel. It's been too long since they've made a normal grommetted modern racket!

 

[Power Player]

Warrior Pro looks awesome. It has real grommets, so that right there is huge. Should compare nicely to the Speed MP.

 

[JackB1]

Warrior Pro looks awesome. It has real grommets, so that right there is huge. Should compare nicely to the Speed MP.

Got nice reviews too!

I have to say I am pretty happy with either my Speed MP or APD13 right now, when trying to win a match. But I cannot deny that am always curious about new racquets that have similar specs. It's not a "search for the one", but more a curiosity to see what they have to offer? I can definitely play my best tennis right now with either the Speed or APD...no doubt. I am trying to be a more "sensible" racquetaholic these days I have found my sweet spot for specs and never venture outside of that. It makes trying other racquets and going back to your #1 very easy. I am not going to mess up my consistency and can still have some fun at the same time. Sure, playing with ONE SAME EXACT MODEL exclusively would be ideal if you were only interested in winning every match, but I have found other things more important, like footwork, shot selection, mental game and dissecting my opponent's game.

 

[DustinW]

I will definitely try out the Warrior Pro. I was a bit disappointed that out of the 13 new Prince frames (not counting classics and premier), the Warrior is the only line with stiffness above 60. Not all of us enjoy playing with a wet noodle.

I enjoyed the O3 White but not the EXO3 Warrior, so I'm interested about the new Warrior Pro. I've been hitting the Bio 500T for quite some time now, and I just picked up a Volkl x8 315 (old version) to play with. So I'm sure with my racquetaholic tendencies, the Warrior Pro will make it in my bag sometime soon.

 

[El Diablo]

Excitement??? Nothing very different here from the last iteration, Warrior Pro review suggested you can't control the ball if you swing hard, and that slightly off center hits are not very pleasant. Excitement?

 

[JackB1]

Excitement??? Nothing very different here from the last iteration, Warrior Pro review suggested you can't control the ball if you swing hard, and that slightly off center hits are not very pleasant. Excitement?

Do you know many racquet that ARE pleasant on off-center hits?

I have learned my lesson before from taking the playtesters comments as the final word. I have had times where I felt opposite of what they did and vice versa. Use their comments as a general guideline only and try for yourself.

 

[El Diablo]

^^ No sensible person takes the review as final word, but when several reviewers cite the same issue, as in this case, there's probably something to it and it's probably more pronounced than with other racquets. Beyond that, what's "exciting" about these essentially repainted warhorse racquets??

 

[Bartelby]

The Prince has produced far too many children and they all look too much alike.

 

[JackB1]

^^ No sensible person takes the review as final word, but when several reviewers cite the same issue, as in this case, there's probably something to it and it's probably more pronounced than with other racquets. Beyond that, what's "exciting" about these essentially repainted warhorse racquets??

OK, so you're not excited about it. The Warior Pro is an entirely new model with new specs and no O-ports. Not a repaint as you say.

 

[BlueB]

Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645.16 sq. cm.
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320.35g
Balance: 13.06in / 33.17cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight: 323
Stiffness: 65
Beam Width: 24mm / 25.5mm / 22.5mm /
Composition: Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stroke Style: Medium-Full
Swing Speed: Medium-Fast

These are pretty much the specs of my wife's TT Turbo Shark MP. We only added 2g of lead on 3/9 and 2 overgrips.

 

[El Diablo]

^^ exactly what I was trying to convey; these racquets all look like racquets we've seen before, from a Prince that seems to be trying not to spend too much to put product on the shelves.

 

[JackB1]

^^ exactly what I was trying to convey; these racquets all look like racquets we've seen before, from a Prince that seems to be trying not to spend too much to put product on the shelves.

So who couldn't you say that about? Who's putting out racquets that we HAVEN'T seen before?

 

[El Diablo]

^^ EXACTLY!!! THANK YOU!!! It all makes you wonder why SOME people demo everything that comes along if we've seen them all before!

 

[Doubles]

So who couldn't you say that about? Who's putting out racquets that we HAVEN'T seen before?

HEAD......

 

[jonestim]

Of the 16 racquets TW lists in the first two sections of their page - "2014 Prince" and "ESP" - we have seen 6 of the 16 before. Three are have regular grommets and seven are ESP frames. That's a pretty high percentage of racquets we haven't seen before.

 

[BlueB]

^^ exactly what I was trying to convey; these racquets all look like racquets we've seen before, from a Prince that seems to be trying not to spend too much to put product on the shelves.

Not what I was trying to say. I actually wanted to comment that it is similar to something I'm familliar with, that plays great.

 

[srvnvly]

I'm not normally a Prince guy, but the Pro's specs look too awesome to not demo.

Also, the Power Map info, particularly the twistweight of 15.44, is impressive!

 

[JackB1]

^^ EXACTLY!!! THANK YOU!!! It all makes you wonder why SOME people demo everything that comes along if we've seen them all before!

It makes me wonder why you are commenting in this thread?

After all, isn't everything just a hoop, handle & strings?

 

[JackB1]

HEAD......

Like which model for example?

 

[Torres]

Don't tell me that you now want a Warrior? As well as that Yonex Ai 98?

And in addition to the Speed MP, AeroPro, Volkl V1 and Blade 104 that you have already?

 

[mhkeuns]

Don't tell me that you now want a Warrior? As well as that Yonex Ai 98?

And in addition to the Speed MP, AeroPro, Volkl V1 and Blade 104 that you have already?

Why? I just bought a Volkl Power Bridge 10 today because I love the way it looked. No other particular reason. I think most tennis players are racquet-holics... I don't think anyone here is trying to find the magic wand. It's just so nice... seeing those beautiful racquets... in my hand.

Which racquet do you use? Why do you like it? Maybe I will get that one too. Some of us are just like that, I think. We are all just having fun.

 

[JackB1]

Don't tell me that you now want a Warrior? As well as that Yonex Ai 98?

And in addition to the Speed MP, AeroPro, Volkl V1 and Blade 104 that you have already?

Torres, what are you gonna do???

Actually I am always curious about new racquets coming out that fall in my spec range. Sorry, but that probably won't change anytime soon. But I am happy now with my APD/Speed. The V1 and Blade are bye bye a while ago. But don't worry...I promise to hit 500 groundstrokes per day!

BTW, I do want to do another video of my one hand backhand again. You will be very proud of how much it has improved!

 

[JackB1]

Why? I just bought a Volkl Power Bridge 10 today because I love the way it looked. No other particular reason. I think most tennis players are racquet-holics... I don't think anyone here is trying to find the magic wand. It's just so nice... seeing those beautiful racquets... in my hand.

Which racquet do you use? Why do you like it? Maybe I will get that one too. Some of us are just like that, I think. We are all just having fun.

No! No fun of any kind!!!!!

 

[mhkeuns]

No! No fun of any kind!!!!!

LMAO!!! That's funny.

 

[El Diablo]

^^ MOST tennis players are racquet-holics?? I play with a dozen or more players regularly and I don't think a single one has changed racquets for years. Certainly none of them knows the specs of the racquet. Talk to recreational and even fairly skilled players and you'll find most have no idea about the racquet. Even a guy I know who's in the top 5 nationally of one of the USTA father-son doubles rankings couldn't tell me anything about the stick he uses.

 

[mhkeuns]

^^ MOST tennis players are racquet-holics?? I play with a dozen or more players regularly and I don't think a single one has changed racquets for years. Certainly none of them knows the specs of the racquet. Talk to recreational and even fairly skilled players and you'll find most have no idea about the racquet. Even a guy I know who's in the top 5 nationally of one of the USTA father-son doubles rankings couldn't tell me anything about the stick he uses.

Well, I guess it's just me and my hitting partners. One guy picked up two of the limited edition Prince Spectrum Comp Midsize in yellow. He was a happy man, though he really didn't play too well with it. I didn't change my choice of stick, which was the Pro Staff St. Vincent version, for nearly twenty years..., but I regret not trying out different racquets.

I guess you can play with something you love to play with and stick with it. Me, I like trying out different racquets. Today, I played with the APD 2013 version and the Formula 100. Tomorrow, I will be bring the Pacific X Force and the IG Prestige MP. Just having fun with nice sticks.

 

[danbrenner]

Like which model for example?

Those sticks look "tripindicular". I am excited for both. Pro and non pro. Have you demod either the pog 100? And or the savage banana spin? By the way what movie is "tripindicular" from. Lets see how good h are. And no google please.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

^^ MOST tennis players are racquet-holics?? I play with a dozen or more players regularly and I don't think a single one has changed racquets for years. Certainly none of them knows the specs of the racquet. Talk to recreational and even fairly skilled players and you'll find most have no idea about the racquet. Even a guy I know who's in the top 5 nationally of one of the USTA father-son doubles rankings couldn't tell me anything about the stick he uses.

All I hear is blah blah blah I'm a dirty tramp. (Guess what movie)

 

[BigM]

Don't tell me that you now want a Warrior? As well as that Yonex Ai 98?

And in addition to the Speed MP, AeroPro, Volkl V1 and Blade 104 that you have already?

Yep he does. And so what? Jack loves messing with frames. He's a rackoholic! I used get frustrated at all of this stuff and wonder how can people do this to themselves but then I realized it doesn't effect me in anyway. Just don't take anything they say seriously in regards to reviews and let them have their fun. It's quite funny.

 

[JackB1]

Yep he does. And so what? Jack loves messing with frames. He's a rackoholic! I used get frustrated at all of this stuff and wonder how can people do this to themselves but then I realized it doesn't effect me in anyway. Just don't take anything they say seriously in regards to reviews and let them have their fun. It's quite funny.

Why can't people that try lots of racquets have their reviews taken seriously? Isn't that what the TW playtesters do?

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Deleted.....

 

[JackB1]

Hey man, I'm pretty sure he was backing you up lol.

You're probably right. I guess I was wrong.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Just trying to keep the peace...lol.

Jack, what rackets are on your horizons mostly?

 

[JackB1]

Just trying to keep the peace...lol.

Jack, what rackets are on your horizons mostly?

Thanks for having my back

Only racquets on my watch list are the Ezone AI 100 and the Warrior Pro. Pretty happy with the APD or GSpeed MP. Either one let's me play my best.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Thanks for having my back

Only racquets on my watch list are the Ezone AI 98 and the Warrior Pro. Pretty happy with the APD or GSpeed MP. Either one let's me play my best.

I would be looking at the yonex, but I don't think I can handle the head shape. I frame the ball too much and it causes me arm issues. However, I thought you would look at the 100 instead...

Warrior pro looks nice. Probably similar to pure drive power, so it may be a bit more than what you like.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I know I'm getting off topic, but I felt like mentioning this.

Last time I went to my club, my pro asked me why I am using a babolat...I told her that I liked the power and spin. You know what she says? "For you, you should try something with less power. Something a bit more flexible, because you already hit the ball pretty hard. You need to start placing it."

Hmm.

 

[JackB1]

I would be looking at the yonex, but I don't think I can handle the head shape. I frame the ball too much and it causes me arm issues. However, I thought you would look at the 100 instead...

Warrior pro looks nice. Probably similar to pure drive power, so it may be a bit more than what you like.

Yes the Ai 100. My mistake.

 

[JackB1]

I know I'm getting off topic, but I felt like mentioning this.

Last time I went to my club, my pro asked me why I am using a babolat...I told her that I liked the power and spin. You know what she says? "For you, you should try something with less power. Something a bit more flexible, because you already hit the ball pretty hard. You need to start placing it."

Hmm.

Placement wins over power all day long at our level Mike.
Your Pro is wise.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Yes the Ai 100. My mistake.

ahah! I know your racket preferences all too well!!

Placement wins over power all day long at our level Mike.
Your Pro is wise.

You're quite right! So I am kinda looking at frames with the same weight as the PDR so I don't have to change my timing...it's back to the drawing board for me. Any thoughts Jack?

 

[mhkeuns]

I know I'm getting off topic, but I felt like mentioning this.

Last time I went to my club, my pro asked me why I am using a babolat...I told her that I liked the power and spin. You know what she says? "For you, you should try something with less power. Something a bit more flexible, because you already hit the ball pretty hard. You need to start placing it."

Hmm.

That's exactly what my club pro said about my game..., but isn't it fun to hit hard? If I really want control in my game, I bring out the Prestige or other player's sticks. However, hitting with the powerful all around stick like the APD with heavy spin is pure fun.
Of course I like to win, but I''d rather enjoy the game. I also enjoy playing the low percentage tennis sometimes... Not a good way to play if I only wanted to win, but we like to laugh and have fun.

 

[mhkeuns]

ahah! I know your racket preferences all too well!!



You're quite right! So I am kinda looking at frames with the same weight as the PDR so I don't have to change my timing...it's back to the drawing board for me. Any thoughts Jack?

To me Formula 100 is a awesome PDR back up or replacement. I'm really loving it right now. I got rid of my Pure Drive after playing with the F100.

 

[JackB1]

ahah! I know your racket preferences all too well!!

You're quite right! So I am kinda looking at frames with the same weight as the PDR so I don't have to change my timing...it's back to the drawing board for me. Any thoughts Jack?

Prince EXO Tour 100 or the XForce Pro would be perfect replacements Mike.

or you could try upping the tension and/or using a more controlling string?

 

[Anton]

To me Formula 100 is a awesome PDR back up or replacement. I'm really loving it right now. I got rid of my Pure Drive after playing with the F100.

Let me just bring up why Warrior Pro caught my eye - it has very close specs (plus overgrip, thicker poly and some lead at 12) of APD Nadal. I can't find anymore APD originals and new APDs are simply too stiff to play with.

Specs are not everything and the review comments about uneven stringbed response are troubling, but still I'll try to get my hands on a demo of this one.

 

[JackB1]

What's interesting is that on the Prince website, they have the Warrior 100 and the Pro having same exact specs all around, with the only difference being the grommets or OPorts. TW has the Pro as being heavier in static and sw???

 

[Power Player]

I think that teacher gave bad advice. I play a guy with a pure drive who hits perfectly placed balls just fine. I feel like you can do about anything with that stick and unless it bothers your arm, would be a waste of time to switch. It is one of the best modern racquets in tennis, it is light, so you can customize it if need be, and the better you get, the more you can utilize the power in a more controlling way.

I have never heard of a coach saying someone has too much power and suggesting a new racquet…lol. Thats just not common advice.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

That's exactly what my club pro said about my game..., but isn't it fun to hit hard? If I really want control in my game, I bring out the Prestige or other player's sticks. However, hitting with the powerful all around stick like the APD with heavy spin is pure fun.
Of course I like to win, but I''d rather enjoy the game. I also enjoy playing the low percentage tennis sometimes... Not a good way to play if I only wanted to win, but we like to laugh and have fun.

Oh yeah, I love ripping big forehands

To me Formula 100 is a awesome PDR back up or replacement. I'm really loving it right now. I got rid of my Pure Drive after playing with the F100.

Well if I was going for a tweener replacement I would probably go with something cheaper.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Prince EXO Tour 100 or the XForce Pro would be perfect replacements Mike.

or you could try upping the tension and/or using a more controlling string?

Well the only way it seems to tame the power is to use full poly, and I have yet to find a poly that doesn't hurt my arm when in the PDR. It's like kryptonite lol.

The tour 100 is an option, however I don't really care for pacific rackets anymore. Like the other guy said, the name of the game is to have fun and that's exactly what I'm gonna do when trying out rackets this year.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I think that teacher gave bad advice. I play a guy with a pure drive who hits perfectly placed balls just fine. I feel like you can do about anything with that stick and unless it bothers your arm, would be a waste of time to switch. It is one of the best modern racquets in tennis, it is light, so you can customize it if need be, and the better you get, the more you can utilize the power in a more controlling way.

I have never heard of a coach saying someone has too much power and suggesting a new racquet…lol. Thats just not common advice.

You probably still have me blocked, but hopefully not.

I know what you mean. Most pros tell you to forget about the gear, and that's why I thought I'd mention what she said. I thought it was rather odd, but I wondered if she was right or not. It could have something to do with them just getting their new prince sticks in stock...but I'd like to think that its just coincidence.

I'm shopping around for a new racket anyway, and hopefully I can find a pair that I like that aren't too much cash.

ANYWAY, back to discussion about the warrior

Why I the world did they make the warrior pro and the tour 100 pro the same weight and SW??

 

[JackB1]

I think that teacher gave bad advice. I play a guy with a pure drive who hits perfectly placed balls just fine. I feel like you can do about anything with that stick and unless it bothers your arm, would be a waste of time to switch. It is one of the best modern racquets in tennis, it is light, so you can customize it if need be, and the better you get, the more you can utilize the power in a more controlling way.

I have never heard of a coach saying someone has too much power and suggesting a new racquet…lol. Thats just not common advice.

I am guessing Mike's Pro wants him to keep his swingspeed the same but with the added control of a more flexible racquet, he will make fewer UE's by hitting long. I agree you can "place" shots with any racquet, but maybe his Pro saw something while watching him play that we really don't know.