Xavier Malisse's Prince experimental racket (Pics)

Equijet · 07-08-2009, 10:26 PM

Specifications : Grip 3, unstrung weight 315g, unstrung balance point 31.5, Length 71cm / 28 inches. Enjoy!

xerolimit · 07-08-2009, 10:54 PM

so what kind of racket is it??

crism54 · 07-08-2009, 11:25 PM

a simple tour diablo extended. I play now whith it

Automatix · 07-09-2009, 12:12 AM

Don't you find it odd that so many players use extended frames yet most players frames sold to us are standard length?

PBODY99 · 08-01-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automatix

Don't you find it odd that so many players use extended frames yet most players frames sold to us are standard length?

For some reason, the companies want to get the swing weight and static weight as low as possible for too many frames. The 29 inch 9.0 ounce super over size frames had too high a swing weight for the "target" player, the extra length is what drew me to them. Other players can't get use to the extra length of a 27.5 mid size( 93_ 95) square inch racket.
If you are old enough to remember the first Prince, you might have been one who felt it looked "short".
We overlooked few, want a 28'' frame, no lead needed to get the swing weight up.

TensProfes · 08-04-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automatix

Don't you find it odd that so many players use extended frames yet most players frames sold to us are standard length?

It's a fairly simple case of math on the part of the racquet companies. When extended racquets were considered "new technology" everyone sold them, but the category has since cooled at retail. Now, it's simpler and cheaper for them to just sell one length, except with models where there's a specific demand for extended versions. The fewer SKUs they have to make, the more they keep their costs down, and the less likely they are to get stuck with old frames in inventory.

LPShanet · 08-10-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automatix

Don't you find it odd that so many players use extended frames yet most players frames sold to us are standard length?

Totally agree. I've been frustrated by the same thing for years. And it's only getting worse. The problem has been a marketing/manufacturing one rather than a problem with the frames themselves.

ericsson · 07-09-2009, 12:13 AM

Thanks Equijet, keep them coming

@Auto: don't forget that many pro's still using standard rackets too, and you can buy extends...

Automatix · 07-09-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericsson

@Auto: don't forget that many pro's still using standard rackets too, and you can buy extends...

I know I know... I just had to gripe about it... I really dig extended players frames yet they're so hard to get... the only arrangeable one for me is the POG LB currently...

Fedace · 10-02-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crism54

a simple tour diablo extended. I play now whith it

Then why is this racket 28 inches long ???

RacquetCraft · 10-03-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedace

Then why is this racket 28 inches long ???

Not sure what you are getting at, but the racquet was custom cut from a hairpin ("raw racquet") having engeneering code TC55P-100 M3-2A in the throat (which are received directly from Prince) to Mallisse's required length (28" in his case). 28" is longer than the standard racquet length (27") so it is an extended racquet. A custom player molded grip is added along with the silicone and/or lead to bring it to spec and then the grommets, etc are added...and viola! you have Mallisse's personal racquet!

RacquetCraft

pjonesy · 08-09-2010, 11:24 AM

I know this is an old thread, but I recently watched Malisse play against Baghdatis in the semis of Washington. I noticed that he was playing with what looked like the Prince Tour Diablo (I own the mid and midplus). Anyway, I ran across this thread and realized that he WAS playing with a custom Tour Diablo. Excellent information in the thread by the way.

Prince is obviously committed to the EXO3 racquets, but I think they missed an opportunity with the Triple Threat Racquets. Those are some real sleepers! I see so many club players that continue to play with those discontinued racquets and I see them being sold on **** for relatively high prices.

I understand the business aspect of creating new racquets with new technology, but what about pleasing your customers? It seems like Head, Wilson and Babolat are contracting more pro players than Prince these days. So maybe they are more focused on re-establishing themselves in the pro ranks. I do realize that Prince is still selling the Graphite Classic, OS and Longbody, but will they re-release any of the other top selling classic racquets that have been discontinued (cts series etc.)?

featherlight · 07-09-2009, 04:15 AM

what is that red thing at the top of the racket

Chase · 07-09-2009, 04:40 AM

graphite x

eagle · 07-09-2009, 05:05 AM

That looks like his old weapon, the Tour Diablo.

Maybe he blackened them so that his girlfriend who plays college tennis and plays with the Diablos also doesn't mistakenly pick up his racquets.

r,
eagle

dincuss · 07-09-2009, 05:54 AM

Thats cool.

MORE PICS EQUIJET

Mdubb23 · 07-09-2009, 07:02 AM

Synthetic grip, really?

bryanj2u · 07-09-2009, 07:55 AM

it really just look like a Prince Tour Diablo with a different PJ. u could see the Triple threat things on the head. and it has the same square beam matte finish as the red tour diablo

eagle · 07-09-2009, 08:05 AM

^^ Yep.

Unless this is one of the old Experimentals that Jennifer Capriati was using prior to the racquet getting the Diablo name and paintjob. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030625/sp9.jpg

See review of the racquet here: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Revi...PTDReview.html

r,
eagle

RacquetCraft · 07-26-2009, 04:44 AM

Specifications : Grip 3, unstrung weight 315g, unstrung balance point 31.5, Length 71cm / 28 inches. Enjoy!

[/quote]

Equijet,

Your photo of the Prince experimental testing mold of the what was to become Malisse's custom Diablo is very nice.

To add to this tapestry, I am posting photos of the Malisse finished product. The photos are of Malisse's Diablo as well as Dudi Sela's Diablo (pre-Head days).

I will once again ask my friend good friend Ericsson to assist me in posting the photos.

One more thing, the spec of Malisse's Diablo's are:

weight over all- 311 gr.
balance- 318
length- 28

Enjoy

RacquetCraft

07-08-2009, 10:26 PM	#1
Equijet Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 169	Xavier Malisse's Prince experimental racket (Pics) Specifications : Grip 3, unstrung weight 315g, unstrung balance point 31.5, Length 71cm / 28 inches. Enjoy! Last edited by Equijet : 07-08-2009 at 10:29 PM.

07-09-2009, 12:13 AM	#8
ericsson Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Land of beer and chocolate Posts: 3,549	Thanks Equijet, keep them coming @Auto: don't forget that many pro's still using standard rackets too, and you can buy extends... __________________ Sports do not build character. They reveal it.

07-09-2009, 04:15 AM	#13
featherlight Professional Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,480	what is that red thing at the top of the racket __________________ 2 Babolat Pure Drive GT+ , Nike Breathe Cage 2, NIke Breathe Free 2k10 in Grey/Black Babolat propulse II ,Lunarlite Vapor Tour , Babolat Custom Damp

07-09-2009, 04:40 AM	#14
Chase Rookie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 112	graphite x __________________ Pro Kennex Heritage Type C Redondo 93

07-09-2009, 05:05 AM	#15
eagle Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kona, Hawaii Posts: 1,560	That looks like his old weapon, the Tour Diablo. Maybe he blackened them so that his girlfriend who plays college tennis and plays with the Diablos also doesn't mistakenly pick up his racquets. r, eagle __________________ Alternatives to COME ON: Don't TAZE me Bro! ... DYNOMITE! ... I'm gonna shove this ball down your throat!