Prince to release grommeted racquets again in 2013

[SwissXV]

Originally Posted by uscmba02

I like mine. Rebel 98 is a good racket.

+1 for Rebel 98

[mxmx]

Originally Posted by Automatix

Why can't they just release "grommeted racquets" and O-port frames?

Production costs....simple...it would cost double the amount to make two sets of each model Prince racket. My suggestion for Prince would be to create a better more solid string hole insert....or to have special edition classic or port hole rackets...

[mxmx]

Originally Posted by Harry_Wild

Wow! Rafa would be super tough if he switch racket companies and went with Prince technology. 30% more spin for Rafa would be curtains for all opponents.

I always thought the exo tour heavily leaded may suit his game...on groundstrokes at least...

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by zapvor

use your body!

50/50 is easier.

[themitchmann]

Originally Posted by mxmx

Production costs....simple...it would cost double the amount to make two sets of each model Prince racket. My suggestion for Prince would be to create a better more solid string hole insert....or to have special edition classic or port hole rackets...

But it would widen the audience: production costs would increase, but so would the potential market. Therefore the additional cost might not be a problem at all.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by themitchmann

But it would widen the audience: production costs would increase, but so would the potential market. Therefore the additional cost might not be a problem at all.

they still have access to the molds, i don't think cost is a factor at all from what i've been told.

[themitchmann]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

they still have access to the molds, i don't think cost is a factor at all from what i've been told.

I'm sure they have the molds from their older frames, so I agree with you here.


If they decide to release some of their newer frames without the ports, then they'll have to develop some new molds.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by themitchmann

I'm sure they have the molds from their older frames, so I agree with you here.


If they decide to release some of their newer frames without the ports, then they'll have to develop some new molds.

yeah, but from what I've been told, the cost for that is very low.

[mxmx]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

they still have access to the molds, i don't think cost is a factor at all from what i've been told.

It's not just about the molds. Its marketing not just one series, but more. These things cost money. Imagine all the prince rackets they have now right:

Rebel
95sq ported
95sq normal
98sq ported
98sq normal
100sq ported
100sq normal

Tour 100
95sq ported
95sq normal
98sq ported
98sq normal
100sq ported
100sq normal

Black
95sq ported
95sq normal
98sq ported
98sq normal
100sq ported
100sq normal

warrior
95sq ported
95sq normal
98sq ported
98sq normal
100sq ported
100sq normal

etc...

I don't think it will make sense to have the option of both ports or normal, on all models. Selected models, yes. Or a new more solid insert on all models, yes. Both on all models, no. There will be tons of stock left that the market segment will not fall into. In other words, a jack of all trades, master of none. They should specialise, and specialise well...

To use the exact same molds may just seem dumb to buy if there are not really improvements on the structure of the frame each time around. A new paint job and name will not cut it for me...

I think Prince needs a complete overhaul to be honest. They need to go back to their roots, take the best part of the past, and combine it with the best part of their present. And by this i do not mean just their actual rackets. I mean their whole marketing approach - their corporate identity so to speak. Their current "message" caters too much on new kids on the block, forgetting how many loyal players have been buying their frames for years.

[themitchmann]

I would like to see a "best of both worlds" approach:

Continue to produce the popular ported frames, while re-introducing some of the more popular traditional frames of their past.

[mxmx]

Originally Posted by themitchmann

I would like to see a "best of both worlds" approach:

Continue to produce the popular ported frames, while re-introducing some of the more popular traditional frames of their past.

This is an alternative will probably cost them the least...

[grover]

What will be dropped and what new rackets launched?

[themitchmann]

I don't know any specifics yet...we'll probably find out closer to summer.

[corners]

Mitch, do you know why Prince went away from their traditional round headshape with the narrow, oblong heads of the 2012 Rebel line?

[themitchmann]

Originally Posted by corners

Mitch, do you know why Prince went away from their traditional round headshape with the narrow, oblong heads of the 2012 Rebel line?

It's only really the Rebel line that did this, so I wouldn't say the "went away" from their traditional shape...they just made a design choice (which I think came from there time working with James Blake). The oval shape works better for some swing styles, while the round works for others.

[corners]

Originally Posted by themitchmann

It's only really the Rebel line that did this, so I wouldn't say the "went away" from their traditional shape...they just made a design choice (which I think came from there time working with James Blake). The oval shape works better for some swing styles, while the round works for others.

Which shape suits what type of swingstyles?

[DownTheLineWith90]

Originally Posted by Harry_Wild

Wow! Rafa would be super tough if he switch racket companies and went with Prince technology. 30% more spin for Rafa would be curtains for all opponents.

Wow, Harry.
What a variety of rackets you use..

[themitchmann]

Originally Posted by corners

Which shape suits what type of swingstyles?

I think the oval shape works well with my swing, which is a little on the flat side.

[corners]

Originally Posted by themitchmann

I think the oval shape works well with my swing, which is a little on the flat side.

Gotcha. Thanks.

[Automatix]

I wonder if the lack of the new models is a strategy - not to release frames when other companies do, or is it a production or/and distribution problem.

P.S.: Bring back the Prince Precision Retro Longbody!