Prince Graphite Comp

[123ten]

I recently came across the following 2 versions of the Prince Graphite Comp OS and would like to know the difference and also which one came out first (I guess 1983?).

Ist one (with Prince & Comp on the head and Prince Composite on the side):




2nd One (with Prince & Prince on the head and Prince Comp Series 110 on the side):




Also, not sure if the 1st one was closer to 102" compared to the 2nd one, which explicitly says "Series 110". Any other info regarding these 2 frames would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Colpo]

This is a tough one, and not only because I'm not able to open most of your links. I can say this. This model was around for about 5 model years, 82-86. When first introduced, it was called in a kind of casual way just the "Prince Comp." Prince only made 110s then, so no need to specify headsize. "Comp" lasted for 3 model years max, maybe even just 2. The naming then started to evolve along with whatever terms Prince was featuring, be it 90 mor 110, fullsize, or oversize. I've got an identical pair of these from the last model year, 87 I think, and I cannot recall offhand how they're named - I'm thinking it's Graphite Composite 110 but not sure without looking.

[retrowagen]

The earlier version has "comp" on the throat, and used individual grommets, as opposed to a grommet strip and bumper.

The "prince prince" version is from circa 1986-1987.

As a general rule of thumb, any Prince racquet with "Series 110", "Series 90", or "Series 125" on it will date from 1984 or newer. Prior to 1984, only oversized Princes existed and they did not differentiate between sizes.

Both earlier and later oversize Comps, by the way, up to the blue Comp of 1988 or so, were actually closer to 100 or 102 sq-in in size, not a full 110.

My favorite variant is the Comp made in 1986-1987, which had the strip grommet and bumper guard.

[Don't Let It Bounce]

I too remember the two versions in the OP: the "Prince Comp" from 1983, oversize only, with individual grommets and a green head cover that went down to the top of the handle, and the "Prince Graphite Comp" from 1985 (maybe late '84, but I never saw one until '85), Series 90 and Series 110, with bumper guard/grommet strip and a full-length green racquet case. There's a nice photo posted of a Series 90 and its case in the Prince Classics thread in this subforum.

My memory differs from the other posters, though, in that I remember the Spectrum Comp replacing the Graphite entirely as of the Super Show in late 1985. I was sponsored by Prince in Canada in 1986, and the Graphite Comp had been discontinued and was not available to order.

AFAIK, your two Graphite Comps and the Spectrum Comp were all the same head size. Prince called its oversize racquets "110" only because their marketing department thought it a nice, round number. (And not, as is sometimes said on these forums, because they were including the surface area of the front of the frame itself.) I recently held a Graphite Comp and a Spectrum Comp against a Prince O3 Red–which is listed as 105 sq in. The Comps' string area was just a smidgen wider than that of the O3 Red and maybe a few smidgens shorter. I'd guesstimate 102 to 104.

[retrowagen]

Originally Posted by Don't Let It Bounce

I too remember the two versions in the OP: the "Prince Comp" from 1983, oversize only, with individual grommets and a green head cover that went down to the top of the handle, and the "Prince Graphite Comp" from 1985 (maybe late '84, but I never saw one until '85), Series 90 and Series 110, with bumper guard/grommet strip and a full-length green racquet case. There's a nice photo posted of a Series 90 and its case in the Prince Classics thread in this subforum.

My memory differs from the other posters, though, in that I remember the Spectrum Comp replacing the Graphite entirely as of the Super Show in late 1985. I was sponsored by Prince in Canada in 1986, and the Graphite Comp had been discontinued and was not available to order.

I may be a bit wrong with some of the dates I quoted previously; if so, I apologize. I seem to recall that Prince was a bit late getting the Series 90 Comp released in 1984; it is a rather rare frame nowadays as a consequence of this (and its short production span). However, in 1986, I trained with a highly-ranked German junior who was sponsored by Prince and used the Graphite Comp Series 110, and who was still receiving them from Prince throughout 1986. And I do remember seeing the Spectrum Comp appear for 1986.

[meowmix]

I believe that there is another Graphite Comp 110 out there... one that is matte green.

[mad dog1]

the racket in the 1st photo came 1st

[dokjem]

I have one...

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[123ten]

After going through some of the variants of the Graphite Comp, I found that the first iteration (the one without Series 110 on the side - first pic on the original post) to have a thinner beam (around 18mm) and a smaller head size (~100-102), while the later model (Series 110 - second pic) has a thicker beam (aound 21-22mm) and slightly larger head size (~102-104).

BTW, both these versions play great and have lower power than the POG.

--

[jaydubbs15]

Originally Posted by 123ten

After going through some of the variants of the Graphite Comp, I found that the first iteration (the one without Series 110 on the side - first pic on the original post) to have a thinner beam (around 18mm) and a smaller head size (~100-102), while the later model (Series 110 - second pic) has a thicker beam (aound 21-22mm) and slightly larger head size (~102-104).

BTW, both these versions play great and have lower power than the POG.

--

I think mine was closer to the first one. How many years did Prince have that iteration of the comp on the market? I remember it being a very control oriented racquet and being able to generate wicked spin on it! I wish I never gave mine away. I was surprised to see the old comps selling for very modest sums on e-***.

[123ten]

Originally Posted by jaydubbs15

I think mine was closer to the first one. How many years did Prince have that iteration of the comp on the market? I remember it being a very control oriented racquet and being able to generate wicked spin on it! I wish I never gave mine away. I was surprised to see the old comps selling for very modest sums on e-***.

I think the first iteration (without Series 110) was in the market for 2-3 years. I guess, one of the reasons, they go for low prices is because of their individual grommets (it is tough to find replacements)!

--

[jaydubbs15]

Originally Posted by 123ten

I think the first iteration (without Series 110) was in the market for 2-3 years. I guess, one of the reasons, they go for low prices is because of their individual grommets (it is tough to find replacements)!

--

That's too bad!

Jay

[jjs891]

I recently bought one of the newer edition with modern headguard and grommet strips in 9+ condition. I thought I'll just use it occasionally for fun along with my POG one stripe grommetless as a part of my small collection. I was surprised that it hit very solid with good spin....this with old generic synthetic gut. I was very impressed. I found two more and just bought them as well. They appear to be in very good condition too. I'm not switching from my current Vantage 90's but when I can't swing that heavy mid size racquet anymore, I will certainly look at Graphite Comp. I actually like it better than my POG. I agree that older ones with single grommets can be a real pain if they start to break down since you really can't find any replacements for them. I have not hit with older version so I can't give any comparisons but I assume they play very similarly.

[jjs891]

Does anybody have specs for the 110?
Stiffness, balance, SW, etc.

[mad dog1]

i've got a graphite comp and it's a very nice feeling frame. hits solidly without being too firm.

[Don't Let It Bounce]

Originally Posted by jjs891

Does anybody have specs for the 110?
Stiffness, balance, SW, etc.

I have a 1985 one (bumper/grommet strip/"Series 110") that I've measured (strung w/ PSG, original leather grip + Tournagrip) as 103 head size, 689.5 mm length, 355 g, 317 balance (9 pt HL), 329 swingweight. Don't know the flex, but there's a local shop with an RDC, and if my curiosity gets the better of my frugality and I get them measured, I'll post it.

It's a #4 grip, btw. (I mention that because old Princes sometimes vary in wt or balance by grip size.) It still looks beautiful and plays beautifully after all these years.

[jjs891]

Don't Let It Bounce, thanks for the info. It's interesting that the specs vary with different grip sizes. I happen to be getting 3, all different grip sizes...1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. I just bought what was available. Hope they're not too different. Lead tape might become handy.

[jjs891]

I also have ones with bumper/grommet strip 110. Does anybody know if we can get replacement grommet sets for these. Since the head size is like 102, I know current POG OS grommet set will not fit on these. Please let me know if there is a source. Thanks.

[Don't Let It Bounce]

Originally Posted by jjs891

I also have ones with bumper/grommet strip 110. Does anybody know if we can get replacement grommet sets for these. Since the head size is like 102, I know current POG OS grommet set will not fit on these. Please let me know if there is a source. Thanks.

I bookmarked Item #140017296594 on the Bay as a possibility, but inquire first. As you've seen in this thread, Prince recycled the name "Graphite Comp" a few times, so these grommets may not be for your racquet. If it doesn't pan out, Spectrum Comp grommets ought to be easier to find and ought to fit, though I've never tried it. (Note: the light gray color would be ugly enough on the Graphite Comp that I'd consider painting them even though I've never tried that either!)

[jjs891]

Don't Let It Bounce,

Thank you for the info. Spectrum Comp does seem like a good possibility, but I agree with you on the color issue....ugh.

Grommets and bumpers on mine are almost new looking but they are ~25 yrs old so I was afraid that they might crumble...so far ok.