Prince EXO3 Warrior 100 Review

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by Faithfulfather

Isner is still using his O3 White with a paint job.

yeah, i dont see him switching from the white.

[Faithfulfather]

Just look at Prince's facebook page. People know they lie.

[BC1]

Originally Posted by JackB1

What does the Rebel 98 offer that the Warrior doesn't and vice versa?

Imo, the rebel gives me more precision. A little more accuracy and control. Better placement of lobs and serves. Just a little more control all around. However, thats IF i have time to prepare.

The warrior is definitely more forgiving and provides easier power. Control is good, but i am just not as precise with my shots. However the warrior makes up for that by giving me the opportunity to return many shots that i would not be able to return with the rebel. For example, mishit the ball on the frame, or at the very edge of the stringbed, and with the rebel you will be lucky if it makes it over the net. Especiallly if the ball was hit to you with lots of speed (which usually it is if you're mishitting). However, do the same with the warrior and you may have a winner.

Here's how i would rank them in the following categories:
Serve placement: rebel 98
Serve Power: warrior
Return of serve: warrior
Overheads: warrior
Volleys: warrior
lobs: rebel 98
passing shots: rebel 98
groundstrokes: tie
Power: warrior
control: rebel 98
Forgiveness: warrior
comfort: warrior
Manuverability: tie
Stability: warrior, but a tie if rebel is hit in sweetspot. Warrior is more stable on perimeter shots

If i was a little better player, meaning more consistent, better timing and footwork, and a little more confident in my strokes, i would probably stick to the rebel. However, that is a lot of IFs. for my 3.5/4.0 game, the warrior offers more of what i need.

This was acually a good exercise, i have occassionally been going back and forth wondering which racquet to stick with, and this has helped. It looks like the warrior easily one the most categories.

[vantageboy]

real mixed review from the tw staffers--jackb1 is right the head is shaped like a pizza pan. Thick beamed so should have some good power for those that don't produce much.

[Al1978]

The string sensitivity issue might be a little overrated. Most of us don't get to play every day and try out every string under the sun for hours to compare how they play in a particular frame. I've used the Warrior for a couple weeks and strung mine with two kinds of synthetic gut. That's just what I like. The cons of poly outweigh the pros for me, so I don't mess with it. Maybe if I did, I'd come to the same conclusion as some of the TW Testers that the feel is sub-par. But now that I'm fairly well accustomed to the Warrior, and not playing with other racquets every day, I doubt that one hit with a soft poly strung low would altogether make me shop for another frame. I'm tired of that.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by vantageboy

real mixed review from the tw staffers--jackb1 is right the head is shaped like a pizza pan. Thick beamed so should have some good power for those that don't produce much.

I never said that about the Warrior 100. I said that about the thinner beamed EXO's like the Tour 100 or the prior Ozone Tour. The Warriors beam is a little thicker than those models, so no "pizza pan" look. The hoop shape of the Warrior reminds me very much of the Speeds, which I liked very much. Rounder hoop shapes are more forgiving if you sometimes miss towards the sides. They also allow for longer crosses, which makes for a wider sweetspot. Add the O-Ports to that and you have a very forgiving racquet.

About the power, I don't find it too much. With a poly in the mains, it tempers the power and brings lots of control. Being 50 yes old, I can appreciate not having to swing out all the time and I wait for my opportunity for winners...but when they are there, the Warrior sure responds

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Al1978

The string sensitivity issue might be a little overrated. Most of us don't get to play every day and try out every string under the sun for hours to compare how they play in a particular frame. I've used the Warrior for a couple weeks and strung mine with two kinds of synthetic gut. That's just what I like. The cons of poly outweigh the pros for me, so I don't mess with it. Maybe if I did, I'd come to the same conclusion as some of the TW Testers that the feel is sub-par. But now that I'm fairly well accustomed to the Warrior, and not playing with other racquets every day, I doubt that one hit with a soft poly strung low would altogether make me shop for another frame. I'm tired of that.

To be honest, I really don't understand the "lack of feel" comments at all.
Do any other Warrior users feel any "lack of feel" or "disconnect" with this racquet? I did in the past with some of the very muted Prince OPort racquets, but not at all with the Warrior. I know that "feel" is a very personal and subjective thing, but I really can't agree with those comments.

[BC1]

Originally Posted by JackB1

To be honest, I really don't understand the "lack of feel" comments at all.
Do any other Warrior users feel any "lack of feel" or "disconnect" with this racquet? I did in the past with some of the very muted Prince OPort racquets, but not at all with the Warrior. I know that "feel" is a very personal and subjective thing, but I really can't agree with those comments.

I havent found any lack of feel at all. Way more then the review gives credit for.

[JackB1]

Hey BC, is it easy to switch back and forth between the Warrior and Rebel 98? Aren't the swingweights very similar? I have an opportunity to snag a new one for pretty cheap and was toying with the idea. What you think of the idea of keeping one in my bag as well?

[BC1]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Hey BC, is it easy to switch back and forth between the Warrior and Rebel 98? Aren't the swingweights very similar? I have an opportunity to snag a new one for pretty cheap and was toying with the idea. What you think of the idea of keeping one in my bag as well?

Its easy enough to switch back and forth, too easy matter of fact. I know it's not the best thing to do, but i like having two different types of racquets in the bag. You can pick the best one depending on your mood, or who your playing, or how your feeling physically. At our level i see no problem with it. Its all about having fun anyway. And let's face it, switching up racquets and experimenting is obviously one of the aspects of the game that makes us love it so much. And yes, to me the sw and "feel" is similar, plus obviously the grip shape, and even the weight, so its not that difficult. Just takes a few hits.

[Dgdavid]

Maybe I'll hang onto my Rebel 98 then rather than sell it.
Tried having a go with my Prestiges again yesterday but after a lot of games with the Warrior, it suddenly felt like hard work with the PMPs.

BC1/Jack, how are you doing with your string choices. I am happy with the Syn Gut Duraflex but curious about what I don't know that I don't know (if that makes sense).

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Dgdavid

Maybe I'll hang onto my Rebel 98 then rather than sell it.
Tried having a go with my Prestiges again yesterday but after a lot of games with the Warrior, it suddenly felt like hard work with the PMPs.

BC1/Jack, how are you doing with your string choices. I am happy with the Syn Gut Duraflex but curious about what I don't know that I don't know (if that makes sense).

I couldn't be happier with my Beast17/Attack hybrid. It was strung at 53/55.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by BC1

Its easy enough to switch back and forth, too easy matter of fact. I know it's not the best thing to do, but i like having two different types of racquets in the bag. You can pick the best one depending on your mood, or who your playing, or how your feeling physically. At our level i see no problem with it. Its all about having fun anyway. And let's face it, switching up racquets and experimenting is obviously one of the aspects of the game that makes us love it so much. And yes, to me the sw and "feel" is similar, plus obviously the grip shape, and even the weight, so its not that difficult. Just takes a few hits.

Couldn't agree more with your attitude. As long as my game doesn't suffer, I am good. I do love to try other racquets, but when I need to win, I will always grab what gives me the best chance at that and currently that is the Warrior. I also play many casual matches and practice and that's where the Rebel could come into play. Long story short...I got one on the way

BC...any recommendations on how to string the Rebel so the power level will match the Warrior? Maybe a multi at low tension?

[BC1]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Couldn't agree more with your attitude. As long as my game doesn't suffer, I am good. I do love to try other racquets, but when I need to win, I will always grab what gives me the best chance at that and currently that is the Warrior. I also play many casual matches and practice and that's where the Rebel could come into play. Long story short...I got one on the way

BC...any recommendations on how to string the Rebel so the power level will match the Warrior? Maybe a multi at low tension?

This topic is very timely...had a very tough match today against a pusher. He sliced EVRYTHING, and got everything back, not much pace but,very good placement. And made,no mistakes. Very frustrating. Never sen anytging like it. I didnt have the warrior demo because i had to return it and i havent bought one. But i did i have a pd 2012. I thought i was playing fairly well but started playing his game, and he was better at his game then i was. I lost the first set 7-5, and as down 4-0 in the 2nd. I switched to the rebel and won the next 6 games anf the 10 point tiebreaker.

The pd fet similar to the warrior to me and i can't blame the pd. However when playing with either of those or those type i have a horrible tendancy to get lazy,and not play aggressive, and that kils my game. With the rebel i am forced to focus more and i find myself playing better all the way around. It makes you want to be a better player, as stupid as that may sound. And the racquet gives you the ability to dictate play.

As far as strings, im liking my alu power rough at around 54/52. However i want to try your beast and attack hybrid at low tension. Just go low tension and semi soft strings and you will be fine.

[Dgdavid]

Bc1, does today make you favour the rebel? Still going with the Warrior?

[keithfival]

Any 4.5s or higher among those out there liking this racket? I noticed the TW testers not liking it that much, don't know if it's coincidence or a matter of level. Curious to hear...

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by keithfival

Any 4.5s or higher among those out there liking this racket? I noticed the TW testers not liking it that much, don't know if it's coincidence or a matter of level. Curious to hear...

2 our of 4 liked it and one is switching to it. Its not a good fit for either Chris or Tiffany, so I am fine with the review.

[vantageboy]

the tennis club i play at is a prince shop(club pro uses the tour 18x20) asked about the new warrior so he brought the demo down and we held it up against his exo3 tour. identical head shape just thicker beam. said he sold 2 quickly to our womens 3.0 group said they love the power and light feel to it. should be a good seller.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by vantageboy

the tennis club i play at is a prince shop(club pro uses the tour 18x20) asked about the new warrior so he brought the demo down and we held it up against his exo3 tour. identical head shape just thicker beam. said he sold 2 quickly to our womens 3.0 group said they love the power and light feel to it. should be a good seller.

It will be a good seller, but the Warrior is meant for "intermediate and advanced" players, not 3.0 women. The EXO Red, Blue or Silver would be a much better choice IMO. Your club Pro really could have made some much better suggestions for them since 3.0 women are like total beginners. The Warrior doesn't really make a lot of sense for them. Its also not that "light". Mine is 11.7 oz with a +325 swingweight.

[BC1]

Originally Posted by Dgdavid

Bc1, does today make you favour the rebel? Still going with the Warrior?

I honestly dont know. I already own the rebel, and i was only demoing the warrior. I still stand by all my favorable reviews of the warrior. I think it is a great all around racquet and a solid choice for anyone in the 3.5-4.5 range. However, there is something about the rebel. I like the way i play with the rebel, win or loose, i feel like im playing harder and actually making shots and relying less on the racquet. I'm not sure what direction i'm going, but since i already have the rebel, i think for now im going to stick with it. No need to shell out 200 dollars if i'm not positive. Ideally, like i said before, i would own both and take my time deciding.