michael valek
Hall of Fame
As soon as my phantoms arrive I will
Prince Phantom
- Thread starter joekapa
- Start date
el__zopilote
Rookie
Just got mine a week ago. The first thing I noticed was "wow, this thing is thin!". Second thing was that swoosh sound it makes when you swing it fast. Third thing (and most important for me) was: this thing is great for my shoulder and my elbow. It's very comfortable.
One interesting thing - why Prince did not release 2 versions of phantom 16x18 and 18x20?
I just happened to look at the EXO3 TOUR reviews by TW. For the same racquet with only difference in string pattern, very surprisingly 18x20 was a clear winner in almost all categories, overall 83 vs 78 score...
I just happened to look at the EXO3 TOUR reviews by TW. For the same racquet with only difference in string pattern, very surprisingly 18x20 was a clear winner in almost all categories, overall 83 vs 78 score...
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
I don't know, but my guess is that the Phantom fills a gap in their range.
They currently have TT Tour 100P that is a similar weight, with an 18/20 pattern. The current range of 'Tours' with the 16/18 are fairly light in comparison, so the Phantom kind of fills that void a bit.
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
I look forward to that
On paper, there seems to be a lot of similarities. Similar weight, same head, same string pattern, thin beam. The only differences are the stiffness on the PCG at 62 (which is hardly overly stiff) and no ports.
I'm tempted by the Phantom, I'm just not sure how different it would be to my PCG100. But we shall see
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Well the pcg is very crisp, I currently prefer the POG OS so am not sure how I'll get on with the phantom. POG is also crisp. Flexy on slices, then turns into a stiff crisp beast on hard shots you know the kind of noise I mean.
I look forward to that
On paper, there seems to be a lot of similarities. Similar weight, same head, same string pattern, thin beam. The only differences are the stiffness on the PCG at 62 (which is hardly overly stiff) and no ports.
I'm tempted by the Phantom, I'm just not sure how different it would be to my PCG100. But we shall see
I'm interested in finding this out as well. I can tell you, from playing with the Tour 100 (ported) rackets and the PCG extensively myself - an estimated guess would be as follows.
The flex will be noticeable on the Phantom. It will have a little more power than the PCG. This is clear to me going between the Tour 100 and PCG, and I think here the Phantom will be very similar to my Tour 100. It will also have a bigger sweet spot compared to the PCGs' modest one.
I am guessing from what people have said, it (Phantom) will take modest customization well. E.G. if you've played with any lead on the hoop of the pcg and/or have done leather grips, you will notice a little can go a long way.
It seems like the bite and play of the two will be very similar. As you probably well know, although not powerful, the pcg's spin can still make for a heavy ball.
If you have not played with a port racket, it will take some time. It's a true adjustment factor. But the comfort is sublime.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I think an 18x20 with this frame would be too low powered. This racket shines because of the spin it produces. It doesn't really lack control at all. Upping control at the cost of spin and power would be the wrong move. I think they would have to stiffen the racket some to go with a tighter stringbed. Not a direction I'd recommend.
To me the Phantom is a great racquet for groundies and volleys in an arm friendly package. I'm two weeks into the frame and my elbow hasn't felt this good in months.
My serves are still the weak point with the racquet. Spin serves great, flat serves tending to sail. But I'm sure that will come around as it gets better every time out.
Haven't had to add weight yet. I like the maneuverability stock. But I could see where a bit of polarity might help some players. I might start fooling around a bit once I've got my arm healed.
bleno567
Professional
I'll have to measure it this evening after I hit. Just got it back!!
Anton
Legend
Same argument could have been made for EXO 100 which was even softer...and yet most preferred the 18x20.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Not sure what the power level was on the EXO Tour 100's. Haven't seen those frames in 3 years and never tried them. The Phantom is pretty low powered compared to the Tour 100 textreme line and the Warriors.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I've only briefly tried a Textreme Tour 95 at a demo day. Bought a Textreme Tour 100T because it was on sale for $20 at the time. Compared to that racquet the Phantom is pretty different. Bigger sweetspot, more plush, easier spin, similar control from the phantom. Phantom is a bit beefier in SW. Had to add some lead to the TT 100T. Don't really feel that need with the Phantom.
BTW when are going to start referring to it as the PP 100?
jmacdaununder2
Legend
'PP 100' - Umm, that's what she said? Then the Prince Phantom Pro would have to be the PPP 100?
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Would be great to hear re the TT95 vs. PP 100. (I dunno; 'PP 100' sounds a bit like a - you know...)
Audiophile
Rookie
Yes, I've owned and played with the TT 95 for about a year and a half. I ordered a Phantom 100 about a month ago and hit with it for about 2 weeks.
As much as I wanted to like the Phantom, I figured out it just wasn't for me. In my opinion, the TT 95 feels quite a bit more solid on just about every shot. Please keep in mind I'm more of an old school, flat hitter, with a S&V game. While the Phantom is a solid offering, I just feel the TT 95 was more suited to my style. I strung the Phantom 3 different ways but couldn't seem to contain the occasional "sprayed" shot. The ball would seem to just shoot off extremely high at times for no reason. It was a little strange, something I've never really dealt with before. However, the racquet is definitely comfortable and I'm sure is a great choice for most players today.
jbdbackfan
Semi-Pro
I have both. Unlike many, I am finding the Phantom too powerful and getting too high a launch angle as described. The POG 100 was lower powered and more controlled in my opinion. The phantom wins on comfort by a long shot however.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Thanks for info
Is the sweet spot on the TT 95 higher - i.e. further away from the butt of the racquet - compared with the Phantom, due to the TT 95's smaller head size and presumably higher throat bridge? Assuming this would produce more leverage, and be particularly noticeable on serves.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
I have hit the TT Tour 95 and Phantom back to back. As Audiophile said the Tour 95 feels more solid and crisp. Although the Tour 95 is spin friendly for a 95, it plows through a bit better on flat swings and doesn't have as high of a launch angle. I think it's a tough choice between the two frames. The Phantom is even more comfortable, has a bigger sweet spot, and is even more spin friendly. But the Tour 95 feels a bit more substantial, crisp, and versatile. Overall the power levels are similar but the ball off the Tour 95 can be a bit flatter and more penetrating.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
Yes, a lot of people including me have commented that the frame is spin oriented and "can't hit flat." It's a hard thing to describe, because of course you can mechanically hit flat with it just like any other racquet. For those who are thinking of trying it out, here's my best description after trying the racquet for a while: the racquet is at its most muted and therefore most unpredictable when you contact the ball "flat" (completely open / perpendicular to the contact point). Providing some angle to the ball at contact lets the racquet simultaneously grip the ball tighter and flex, which seems to provide a lot more feedback. I always want to put some intentional spin on the ball, be it backspin or topspin, with this racquet because it helps me feel and trust where the ball is going. In contrast with a more traditional racquet, such as my Six.One 18x20, there is still feel on flat contact and the ball very predictably goes right where I think the racquet face is pointing.
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
Thank you for this. Concise and to the point, just what I wanted.
I've never heard the PCG100 described as not being comfortable and I find mine very comfortable (and I did previously have an arm injury, unrelated to tennis), but I know what you mean. With the flex and ports, the Phantom strikes me as being so extremely comfortable that it would make most other comfort racquets feel firm.
bleno567
Professional
Yeah, so I finally got to hit with my extended phantom last night. It just didn't feel right to me. I really wanted to like it, but I didn't feel like I was getting enough pop/consistency, which is saying a lot, because I normally like my racquets dead as a doornail.
It's 27.5" @ 11.8 ounces strung with a grip and dampener. Sad to say I guess it's back to the old racquet selection grind for me!
It's 27.5" @ 11.8 ounces strung with a grip and dampener. Sad to say I guess it's back to the old racquet selection grind for me!
Audiophile
Rookie
Thanks for info
Surprisingly, I actually found the sweet spot on the Phantom a little harder to find. I'm almost certain it was just me, but it was really strange. That's the reason I strung it up a few different ways, just to try and make sure I had covered everything I could before I made a decision. I don't know if that answers your question or helps you any. If not, I apologize. It's just tough for me to nail down much with the Phantom because my experience with it was somewhat strange. It's still a comfortable frame and will be a great fit for many players.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
That surprises me since I find anything but the frame is the sweetspot.
But I do agree with others that this is a more spin friendly racket than one might presume. I love it personally, but others may feel so-so about that nature.
I don't know if this makes sense, but I find the sweet spots on Prince ported frames much larger than those on regular frames but not as sweet.
Last edited:
langdon0555
Semi-Pro
So took delivery of my Phantom today. Frame looks nice!
One big issue though...
TW was supposed to string my racquet...they didn't! Epic fail.
Now I have to take the time and spend more money to have the racquet strung.
Was told they would reimburse me whatever I pay to have it strung, which is good...but still frustrating. UGHHH!
One big issue though...
TW was supposed to string my racquet...they didn't! Epic fail.
Now I have to take the time and spend more money to have the racquet strung.
Was told they would reimburse me whatever I pay to have it strung, which is good...but still frustrating. UGHHH!
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Thought I'd check back in. When I first played with the Phantom, it was one of the Indian Wells versions that I had out on loan, when I was using the Tour 100 16x18 as my primary racket. Well I recently picked up a new Phantom, but I've been playing with the Yonex Duel G 310 all summer. So it's interesting how my perspective has changed.
When I first played with the Phantom, I really honed in on some of the differences between it and my Tour 100. But now that I've been using the Yonex, when I picked up the Phantom again, all I could immediately think of is how much it shares with the Tour 100. To the point where I was going to sell it since I thought it was too similar and redundant. But I decided it's a keeper. I've always loved the Tour 100, and I think the Phantom definitely improves on it in terms of serving, slices, and the ability to flatten out your shots a little (it's not great for hitting flat, but I find it's an improvement for when trying to flatten out a little for a putaway). All this while preserving the Tour 100's great comfort, maneuverability, and spin potential. Plus it does have a little extra pop.
It's all about managing your expectations, and appreciating the Phantom for what it is, which is a very unique racket that's ultra fast, super comfortable, and a spin monster...there's really nothing else out there like it. And the thin beam is straight up sweet looking. I feel like if you liked the Tour 100 16x18, you'll love this racket. But if you hate Prince ported rackets or like to hit everything flat and hard, this stick ain't for you.
When I first played with the Phantom, I really honed in on some of the differences between it and my Tour 100. But now that I've been using the Yonex, when I picked up the Phantom again, all I could immediately think of is how much it shares with the Tour 100. To the point where I was going to sell it since I thought it was too similar and redundant. But I decided it's a keeper. I've always loved the Tour 100, and I think the Phantom definitely improves on it in terms of serving, slices, and the ability to flatten out your shots a little (it's not great for hitting flat, but I find it's an improvement for when trying to flatten out a little for a putaway). All this while preserving the Tour 100's great comfort, maneuverability, and spin potential. Plus it does have a little extra pop.
It's all about managing your expectations, and appreciating the Phantom for what it is, which is a very unique racket that's ultra fast, super comfortable, and a spin monster...there's really nothing else out there like it. And the thin beam is straight up sweet looking. I feel like if you liked the Tour 100 16x18, you'll love this racket. But if you hate Prince ported rackets or like to hit everything flat and hard, this stick ain't for you.
Last edited:
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
It reminds in performance of my old Aeropro Team with 10x the comfort. And I'll take the solid thin beam construction over wide beams any day. Shanks are way more likely to land in the court with the thin beam.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
You speak the truth. Between the ports and the thin beam, shanks really do have a better chance of staying in play.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Anyone have any pics of phantom next to a pcg or POG os?
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
So I'm into about 18 hours with the new Phantom. Just played men's doubles this am and realized something. I've become a better deuce side player with this racquet. I played three sets in my usual ad court and returns were ok but nothing great. Lost the three sets so for our last set we decided to switch sides.
Normally with my Blade 104 SW my 2HBH RoS is my best shot. But with the Phantom the 2HBH return is so so. Steady but not much punch. But my FH return with the Phantom is lethal. CC deep, DTL strikes. All hit with precision and pace. Totally had the net guy befuddled.
Amazing how different racquets can change your game so much. Phantom has really upped my FH game.
Normally with my Blade 104 SW my 2HBH RoS is my best shot. But with the Phantom the 2HBH return is so so. Steady but not much punch. But my FH return with the Phantom is lethal. CC deep, DTL strikes. All hit with precision and pace. Totally had the net guy befuddled.
Amazing how different racquets can change your game so much. Phantom has really upped my FH game.
jbdbackfan
Semi-Pro
For all those with more time with this racquet no one seems to be finding all the extra power with this racquet? Maybe my swing is too big? Just can't really swing out huge with this stick as I fear overhitting every time.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Your swing isn't too big, your swing is too flat. Or your racquet face is too open.
I've not had any problem hitting forehands hard and deep. But they only sail if I get the racquet face too open. Which is usually a timing issue for me.
The Phantom is a low power designed frame. I can't see how you are finding extra power. There really isn't much there compared to truly powerful frames like the Pure Drives of the world.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Just picked up a couple of 100p. So as soon as phantoms and 100p all arrive, winter testing of these plus POG OS. hmm.
DarthJimmy
New User
6th time for me on the court with the Phantom, I get the potential for hitting long with the FH and floating slices. For a very flexy frame the ball seems jumps off the racquet if hit at certain angles, hard to describe like I'm hitting it with a baseball bat very solid. I"m getting used to it and the last time out I was able to swing out on both wings while keeping inside the lines.
I do agree I think the face is probably too open, loopy swings need to be fast, slow-med swings and I'll hit the back fence.
All in all I'm loving the Phantom, my tender elbow feels great. Groundstrokes are getting more consistent. 1st server mph takes a hit but the spin is fantastic. Works for me since I'm a little guy big serves are returned anyway, much better for me to put a heavy spin on it and increase first server %.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Mine just arrived. They look unbelievable. Hitting tonight.
I had a hit of the Phantom today,it arrived yesterday in the post.
My friend asked TW to sell him the heaviest one they had,it was 322g unstrung.
He had it strung with Alu Power at 50 pound tension.
I use the Prince Tour 16 by 18 with Alu Power at 48 tension.
We both agreed the Prince Tour has more power,a higher deflection and a bigger sweet spot.
It also grips the ball better than the Phantom.
Now all that could be due to the string not having lost much tension.
The Phantom to me feels even softer than my Prince Tour. Like around 52 flex or lower.
Overall,definitely sticking with my Prince Tour.
My friend asked TW to sell him the heaviest one they had,it was 322g unstrung.
He had it strung with Alu Power at 50 pound tension.
I use the Prince Tour 16 by 18 with Alu Power at 48 tension.
We both agreed the Prince Tour has more power,a higher deflection and a bigger sweet spot.
It also grips the ball better than the Phantom.
Now all that could be due to the string not having lost much tension.
The Phantom to me feels even softer than my Prince Tour. Like around 52 flex or lower.
Overall,definitely sticking with my Prince Tour.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I think the racquets are pretty similar by description. Don't think the Phantom was meant to be that big an evolution from the Prince Tour and EXO3 Tour. Just added some Textreme to the throat to add feel and allow them to soften up the flex a bit in the hoop.
So in the end you get a little softer racquet with a little less power and maybe a little better feel (although the latter is quite subjective).
I think its quite different from the Textreme Tour lineup but I imagine its very similar to the EXO lineup of a few years ago. Sadly finding those sticks is pretty hard so if you hadn't looked at Prince before 2015, you were SOL for a nice ported frame. Only options were the Bryan Bros stick and the Premier old man lineup.
haqq777
Legend
My only knock so far is that they get scratched more than other sticks. Nothing big really. But even with newer paint, frame seems to pick up scratches easy. Frame exposed more on sides of hoop given small bumper guard. Dropped mine, picked it up, had scratches at 3 & 9. Practically brand new stick.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
First impressions are it's a lovely looking racket. It certainly is less powerful than the POG os, but then there is 15-20g of weight difference so maybe it's due to that. It's also very soft. A definite adjustment period needed and probably some weight. Once more it looks fantastic. If I put it next to the POG os it's like the scene from the first transformers film where beaten up old bumblebee turns into a shiny new yellow car in the tunnel, if you know the scene I mean.
el__zopilote
Rookie
Paint chipping? Post a picture of it. It's a racquet just like any other, when you use it it will show wear and tear.
I'm talking about reports on the unusual low paint quality reported in this thread
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Yeah, it is a problem from personal experience. And clearly others felt the same as they felt the need to improve paint for the release at TW. And it's exacerbated by the fact that the head guard doesn't go as far down along the hoop as most rackets. Word is that all Prince Phantoms will eventually get the improved paint, and it won't be exclusive to TW US. So you could hold out and wait. Paint chips aren't generally covered under warranty, so I highly doubt it would be.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
2nd impressions. The POG feels so crisp in comparison. Yet the phantom hits just as heavy a ball, however the soft response and muted feel and sound makes you think it isn't. Hmmm.
I have been planning to order Phantoms from TWE. Now, does somebody know that they are really carrying a different batch (with worse paint) than TW? Also - TWE is announcing availability for the racquets starting Oct 22 - one would think that these would be the latest versions...?
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Looks like you may good, but obviously best to contact TWE. Here was Chris' response in the Phantom thread regarding paint.
Last edited:
michael valek
Hall of Fame
any other POG OS or PCG or 100p users switched over? or decided not to? why / why not? very interested to hear why....
