I have been able to demo the Speedport Black and the Speedport Tour. I was able to control the ball more with the Speedport Black which may have been because it is stiffer or perhaps the strings were tighter. Does anyone have any experience with the O3 Hybrid Tour? On paper it looks like it may be more similar to traditional rackets (which I am using now - Prince Graphite II). I am looking for a racket with similar response but better for the arm and shoulder. Thanks for any input.
Speedport Black vs. Speedport Tour vs. O3 Hybrid Tour
- Thread starter OneHander
- Start date
GRANITECHIEF
Hall of Fame
Haven't tried the speed port black or tour but the Hybrid Tour is awesome. Good controllable power.
GRANITECHIEF
Hall of Fame
I would have to say responsive and lively. Definitely some pop off the sweet spot. I play with a FXP Rad Mid which is lighter and not at powerful. My step son, who is actually playing in the dubs final of a level 1 Boys 12's national in North Carolina as i type, is playing with the 03 Hy Tour. When i was warming up for a practice match against a dude who played his first year of D1 for U North Colorado in Kauai a couple weeks ago, i used his racket. I would hit balls that felt like they would fly long and the massive spin dropped the ball down onto the court like a meteor. Serves were very heavy as well, once again massive spin. I could definitely play with that racket after an adjustment period for the weight difference. I won the match by the way, switched back to my racket and ended up 6-2,4-1 when i missed an easy volley and the dude (who is a Safin clone) started painting lines and drilling wicked shots. I lost the 2nd set 7-5 and was down a break when the dude fell out of his tree and started playing like a human again. Got the break back and broke at 5-5 and served out the 7-5 win. Good battle in the tropical heat.
My boy used to have 03 tour mids and all three cracked in the top of the hoop. Those big holes don't leave a lot of meat left over and that is a definite advantage that the Hybrid tour has with the standard holes on the top. Incidentally, i sent back the 03's and just received 3 brand new ones courtesy of Prince. Now the question is what to do with them since the boy is playing with the HyTours now.
My boy used to have 03 tour mids and all three cracked in the top of the hoop. Those big holes don't leave a lot of meat left over and that is a definite advantage that the Hybrid tour has with the standard holes on the top. Incidentally, i sent back the 03's and just received 3 brand new ones courtesy of Prince. Now the question is what to do with them since the boy is playing with the HyTours now.
Thunderbrat
New User
Hybid Tour has Pop
I just mentioned on another post that the hybrid tour seems to be more powerful then you'd expect. Prince lists it as a 775 on their power level and I was told it was the racket Prince hoped Blake would go for so it's definitely a player type racket, but I find the power level to be closer to 900-950 based on ratings of other prince rackets.
Still it has great fell and control and is the only mid/mid-plus racket I've hit well with. I'm usually into more oversize Prince rackets in the 900 power level range.
-Thunderbrat
I just mentioned on another post that the hybrid tour seems to be more powerful then you'd expect. Prince lists it as a 775 on their power level and I was told it was the racket Prince hoped Blake would go for so it's definitely a player type racket, but I find the power level to be closer to 900-950 based on ratings of other prince rackets.
Still it has great fell and control and is the only mid/mid-plus racket I've hit well with. I'm usually into more oversize Prince rackets in the 900 power level range.
-Thunderbrat
SportsJacket
New User
You're probably right, according to the racquet finder on tennis.com, the 03 Hybrid Tour is more powerful than the 03 Tour MP.
Bottle Rocket
Hall of Fame
The Hybrid Tour is one of the most responsive, most lively, and most powerful frames that I have ever used. It is also one of my favorites.
Here is a comparison I wrote a few months back comparing it with a very familiar frame->
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=114133&highlight=
The bottom line is that it is a powerful frame. When really trying to flatten shots out, sometimes the response becomes unpredictable. I think the TW review on this racket is very accurate, as are most of the user reviews on this forum. It is a great racket if you hit with decent top spin off of both wings and shouldn't be overlooked.
I haven't hit with any of the Speedport frames, but the difference between the HT and 03 Tour is significant. They don't share much in common when it comes to power, feel, and swingweight. What they do share is great manueverability, comfort, and spin potential.
Here is a comparison I wrote a few months back comparing it with a very familiar frame->
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=114133&highlight=
The bottom line is that it is a powerful frame. When really trying to flatten shots out, sometimes the response becomes unpredictable. I think the TW review on this racket is very accurate, as are most of the user reviews on this forum. It is a great racket if you hit with decent top spin off of both wings and shouldn't be overlooked.
I haven't hit with any of the Speedport frames, but the difference between the HT and 03 Tour is significant. They don't share much in common when it comes to power, feel, and swingweight. What they do share is great manueverability, comfort, and spin potential.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
O3 Hybrid tour 16x18 is a good frame. Lively, responsive, good spin, good control.
If you can get your hands on an 18x20 though. My lord!
Little less power, more feel, greater control!! I FINALLY got my 2nd frame after a long wait.
If you can get your hands on an 18x20 though. My lord!
Little less power, more feel, greater control!! I FINALLY got my 2nd frame after a long wait.
Thank you to everyone who responded. I tend to hit with a slice backhand and overall hit with less topspin that most. I am an all court player and am quite comfortable at net. On that basis, is the O3 Hybrid Tour going to be difficult to control. I will demo it but am trying to gauge input against what I have already experienced with the Speedport Black and Speedport Tour. Thanks.
Schills
Rookie
I'm not sure I've ever seen you hit with topspin
I haven't even seen this racket, but based on what I know of your game and what the others say, the 18 x 20 sounds like its the one you'd want. I'd venture to say that you'd find the 16 x 19 lacking control otherwise, relative to your current setup. . . stiff racket strung at the max tension with really stiff strings. Of course, the 18 x 20 is probably a b**ch to find. . . . . .
Bottle Rocket
Hall of Fame
If you don't hit with top spin or heavy top spin, I can't imagine any reason why you would like the Hybrid Tour 16x18. I haven't played the version with the tighter string pattern, but it is very hard to find, and you're not going to be able to demo. I still wouldn't think it would be so great for a flatter style.
With that said, I am not so sure any of those Prince rackets really compliment that style of play...
What is your current racket and what is your level of play?
With that said, I am not so sure any of those Prince rackets really compliment that style of play...
What is your current racket and what is your level of play?
My current rackets are Prince Graphite II which I have had for a long time. I have always liked the stiffness and the racket response. My level is 5.0-5.5. While I still like the racket, I felt it was time to go with something new and perhaps more forgiving on my arm and shoulder. I have played with Prince for the last 16 years and was looking at Prince first. On paper, the Speedport Black, Speedport Tour, and Hybrid Tour seemed to make sense in terms of stiffness and weight. I have played with the Black and the Tour with the Black feeling significantly better than the Tour. But, I still have to string both of them with my string at my tension. Unfortunately I have not been able to demo the Hybrid Tour. I am not sure what it is about the Hybrid Tour that makes it bad for someone who hits slice, flat, and a little topspin on the backhand and a little topspin and flat on the forehand. I serve and volley 50% of the time and tend to crack my serve. Input is appreciated.
My current setup is 14X20 in a racket that has a stiffness value less than any of the new ones. The only difference is the head size which is 95, the same as the Hybrid Tour.
I'm not sure I've ever seen you hit with topspin
Can anyone comment on the stiffness ratings for the new rackets? I see values from 60 to 73 but when you go to the individual manufacturers sites, a 65 rating is in the same category as a 70 which they characterize as firm. The reason I am asking is that I am looking at both the Speedport Black and the Speedport Tour and they have different stiffness ratings. My current racket (Prince Graphite II - old) feels stiff but in terms of stiffness ratings isn't as high as the two Speedport rackets. I like stiff rackets, strung tight. I can hit out and have control. Also, from manufacturer to manufacturer, is the stiffness rating consistent? Is a 67 in one manufacturer truly the same as a 67 in another? Thanks for the help.
abenguyen
Hall of Fame
O3 Hybrid tour 16x18 is a good frame. Lively, responsive, good spin, good control.
If you can get your hands on an 18x20 though. My lord!
Little less power, more feel, greater control!! I FINALLY got my 2nd frame after a long wait.
where'd you get your 18x20s from? i thought they only come in 16x18, but the son of the coach at my high school is sponsored by prince and he got some 18x20s so just wondering
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
Where there you go. Your best bet is to befriend the coach and ask him to get you a few sticks. It'll be easier since the son actually uses it and you'll probably get them cheaper than I got mine.
abenguyen
Hall of Fame
o i was just wondering. i don't have interest in it. i've never found one prince racquet that i liked
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to string the Speedport Tour or Black correctly? I have had problems with the crosses and the inserted grommets. I think it has something to do with how the racket is actually placed in the stringing machine and which side is the short side in terms of the string. I am missing something, even after going to the Prince site, and would appreciate the help.
I just strung a Speedport Black this morning (with the string inserts). It was even easier than the O3 Tour's in my opinion. Email me at adoubs@gmail.com if you have specific questions.
uh-oh ! I just demoed BOTH of the new SpeedPorts !!
...yep...I just got off the court ....I only got to hit for about 30 minutes with each...and, yes...I have a 'problem' ... I'll have ONE OF EACH, please !! To 'me' they play similar...but....the black IS a little 'whippier' ...and the Tour does seem to have a little more control and stability...BUT....that's NOT to say that the Black isn't stable or controlled...THAT'S the quandary !! I play the ad-court in doubles...and I will tell you that my returns overall were just 'better' ....and I have a pretty decent return as it is !! I'm leaning more towards the Tour (what I will probably always call the SpeedPort ORANGE...and it looks GREAT!!!). On top of my enthusiasm...they were both strung at mid-tension with stock synthetic withOUT the 'inserts' ...so I'd say that I can only make either one play even BETTER !! I'm pretty excited about them...I was NOT expecting to like either ONE of them that much!! The Black plays like a beefier/more solid White...while the 'Orange' plays very unique...a little like the 03 Tour Mid...but better...better feel...better control....better spin...better volley...BETTER... My only concern is how I will handle them after a couple hours of hard 'work' and multi-shot hard-played reaction volley exchanges at the net (I really didn't get too much of that this morning). I did do a little 2 shot/approach shot/volley drill with both...again...both were very nice...to me...they both play better than ANY OTHER 03 YET....period !!
...yep...I just got off the court ....I only got to hit for about 30 minutes with each...and, yes...I have a 'problem' ... I'll have ONE OF EACH, please !! To 'me' they play similar...but....the black IS a little 'whippier' ...and the Tour does seem to have a little more control and stability...BUT....that's NOT to say that the Black isn't stable or controlled...THAT'S the quandary !! I play the ad-court in doubles...and I will tell you that my returns overall were just 'better' ....and I have a pretty decent return as it is !! I'm leaning more towards the Tour (what I will probably always call the SpeedPort ORANGE...and it looks GREAT!!!). On top of my enthusiasm...they were both strung at mid-tension with stock synthetic withOUT the 'inserts' ...so I'd say that I can only make either one play even BETTER !! I'm pretty excited about them...I was NOT expecting to like either ONE of them that much!! The Black plays like a beefier/more solid White...while the 'Orange' plays very unique...a little like the 03 Tour Mid...but better...better feel...better control....better spin...better volley...BETTER... My only concern is how I will handle them after a couple hours of hard 'work' and multi-shot hard-played reaction volley exchanges at the net (I really didn't get too much of that this morning). I did do a little 2 shot/approach shot/volley drill with both...again...both were very nice...to me...they both play better than ANY OTHER 03 YET....period !!
LoveThisGame
Professional
Indeed, indeed!
I got my demos yesterday, strung them last night w/o the inserts (after some thought and conversation) and played with them this morning ... doubles unfortunately, not singles yet. The Black is already out for demo.
I finally had a chance to demo the O3 Hybrid Tour. It seems to have much more power than the listed power rating and felt unusually head heavy. Much more so than the Speedport Black or the Speedport Tour. Volleys felt very good and the groundstrokes felt very good on the arm. I hit a couple of overheads and they were good also. I did not get a chance to serve with it but suspect that there would be some good pop because of the weight. With the O ports at 3 and 9, the racket is very responsive like more traditional rackets but with more power.
My only concern would be return of serve. With the head heavy feel I am not sure how maneuverable the racket would be on service returns.
In general I am fairly impressed with the racket but worry about the weight. It feels heavier than my current racket which is a Prince Graphite II (yes I know, an old racket).
My only concern would be return of serve. With the head heavy feel I am not sure how maneuverable the racket would be on service returns.
In general I am fairly impressed with the racket but worry about the weight. It feels heavier than my current racket which is a Prince Graphite II (yes I know, an old racket).
counterpunchingrules
Rookie
are you using the special tool the racquets should come with? im not sure actually if the demos come with it, but if you purchase one, it comes with a different set of grommets as well as a tool to help you string them
dizneeland
New User
Hit with the Speedport Black yesterday both with and without stringholes. I played 4 sets - the 1st with the ports, the final 3 with the stringholes.
My normal racquet (and only racquet I've ever had in my 14 year tennis life) is the Wilson ProStaff Classic 6.1.
Both setups of the black felt great. I was a little worried about the thickness of the beam, but it didn't prove to be a problem.
Like someone said above, it did seem a little "whippy," as in my service motion didn't feel as fluid, but that would just be a matter of time until I got used to the speed and weight.
Overall, though, I felt like the racquet gave me more control, more power, and more kick on my serve that the 6.1. I'm not sure if I really like the stringholes better or if I just played with that setup better because I was warmed up.
Tonight I plan to play with both versions of the Speedport Tour.
My normal racquet (and only racquet I've ever had in my 14 year tennis life) is the Wilson ProStaff Classic 6.1.
Both setups of the black felt great. I was a little worried about the thickness of the beam, but it didn't prove to be a problem.
Like someone said above, it did seem a little "whippy," as in my service motion didn't feel as fluid, but that would just be a matter of time until I got used to the speed and weight.
Overall, though, I felt like the racquet gave me more control, more power, and more kick on my serve that the 6.1. I'm not sure if I really like the stringholes better or if I just played with that setup better because I was warmed up.
Tonight I plan to play with both versions of the Speedport Tour.
drpepper4590
New User
i hit with the 16x18 and i didn't like it but hten when i put a sampras dampener on it and strung it tight with a hybrid poly, duraflex and that took a lot of the power issues away for me
Richie Rich
Legend
it might be hard to search for but a couple people on these boards have detailed instructions (and videos i think) on how to string the o3 racquets. try and see what you come up with. i've seen them but can't remember which forum (racquets, stringing, stringing machines) so i apologize.
LafayetteHitter
Hall of Fame
For those of you that have a Hybrid Tour can you tell me if it is black with orange or black with red? Just curious as I have one coming to try out and if it is red I might try out some of the red poly strings that are available. If it's orange I will just stick with Pro Poly Plasma.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
It is closer to red than orange more of a mahogany color --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahogany_(color)
I would go with the red poly strings if you must co-ordinate. Some white poly might look good in there also, as it will match the eyelet outlines on the inside of the hoop o-ports.
I would go with the red poly strings if you must co-ordinate. Some white poly might look good in there also, as it will match the eyelet outlines on the inside of the hoop o-ports.
Old_Crow
Rookie
More toward the gold-orange end. My wife plays the Hybrid Tour with natural gut and SPPP. It looks very good.
BiGGieStuFF
Hall of Fame
Closer to orange than red. Looks great with SPPP.
Here is a shot of one of my 16x18 with orange SPPP. Which is actually for sale by the way
