mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
It's been rainy & cold as hell, too, here in the Orange County. Sometimes windy. The mountains look like the Canadian Rockies. Unbelievable.
Prince Phantom 93P- Best string set up
- Thread starter Downtheline1
- Start date
It's been rainy & cold as hell, too, here in the Orange County. Sometimes windy. The mountains look like the Canadian Rockies. Unbelievable.
stephenclown
Professional
Hey guys, thought I would give a bit of my experience as I was noted above to be using lower tensions. I string myself so I have tried a heap of different strings and tensions in this frame up to about the low 50s with poly and mid 50s with poly/gut. I try to string exclusively with 1.25 string because I prefer the feel and tameness of this string compared to thinner options. Solstice Power was 1.20 because the reel wasn't available in 1.25 through where I purchase.
I have used a number of different strings at 30-33lbs and the feel is exceptional. I have one frame at 33 and one at 30 now, the 30 has a better string setup for me so using it at the moment without any issues. My frame is leaded up but not excessively so I still have that whippy response. I was stringing higher but decided to take a dive into low tension. Trampolining isn't an issue, they are all plastics so you don't have to worry about a nonlinear response with low tension. Power on the low side. I went lower mainly for comfort and feel and I found that using this tension has more benefits than cons once you get used to it.
RPM blast rough was a really good fit for this frame, much better feel than RPM Blast. Yellow was a bit softer but red looks better. Price is prohibitive - 40% more than solstice power
Pro Line Evolution is going really well - good spin and excellent control, very little irregular response. Feel is not as good as RPM Blast Rough but price is much better
Firewire hybrid - eh this string is okay but missing the response of a round string. Hit some great spin but haven't put the hours in with it at the moment to get used to the feel. Not as responsive to flat hitting.
I am aiming to try RPM Blast Rough against Solstice Power again to make up a decision of what I will play with into the future. Rough is much easier to string as the crosses of SP grip in the 18x20 but both feel great on court. Rough is my favourite string that I have used so far.
Just strung up normal RPM Blast in my 3rd frame at 42lbs for a fellow TT member to come have a hit with. Feels very stiff in comparison to the rough but should be interesting nonetheless.
I have used a number of different strings at 30-33lbs and the feel is exceptional. I have one frame at 33 and one at 30 now, the 30 has a better string setup for me so using it at the moment without any issues. My frame is leaded up but not excessively so I still have that whippy response. I was stringing higher but decided to take a dive into low tension. Trampolining isn't an issue, they are all plastics so you don't have to worry about a nonlinear response with low tension. Power on the low side. I went lower mainly for comfort and feel and I found that using this tension has more benefits than cons once you get used to it.
RPM blast rough was a really good fit for this frame, much better feel than RPM Blast. Yellow was a bit softer but red looks better. Price is prohibitive - 40% more than solstice power
Pro Line Evolution is going really well - good spin and excellent control, very little irregular response. Feel is not as good as RPM Blast Rough but price is much better
Firewire hybrid - eh this string is okay but missing the response of a round string. Hit some great spin but haven't put the hours in with it at the moment to get used to the feel. Not as responsive to flat hitting.
I am aiming to try RPM Blast Rough against Solstice Power again to make up a decision of what I will play with into the future. Rough is much easier to string as the crosses of SP grip in the 18x20 but both feel great on court. Rough is my favourite string that I have used so far.
Just strung up normal RPM Blast in my 3rd frame at 42lbs for a fellow TT member to come have a hit with. Feels very stiff in comparison to the rough but should be interesting nonetheless.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Oh, man, now I really wanna try the 30’s! Even low 30’s. I don’t have any of those particular strings, but I bought a bunch on Black Friday sale. Really want to tear myself away from Cyclone to branch out. Bought several sets of ALU Power (smooth & rough), some Luxilon gut, an RS Lyon, a set of Isospeed Cream, all in 17g.
The lower I go, the deader the string I should try, right?
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stephenclown
Professional
It's up to the user as to the deadness of the string, you will need to give a few a try. I did hit today with the 42lb frame for a bit and it did have some advantages as well, seemed to be higher power but lower spin. When I hit the ball it was very very solid. Felt like the ball came off faster as well. I still enjoy the dwell time in the 30s and feel. I have a bad wrist so I am hesitant to play too much up higher so better if I don't get tempted. I will say that low backhand, serving and at the net I prefer the 30 because it creates a more enjoyable sensation and angles are very open.
my favourite at 33 lbs was the RPM blast rough yellow which is a pretty lively string. I think the PLE is missing a little bit of the liveliness. Nestor and Sock used gut at low tensions so it can work well with lively strings even when hitting much harder than we do.
A bit of advice is to give the frame a good 20 minutes when you first hit with it low. It feels completely different to any other setup and the dwell time is different to gut. You feel the ball sink into gut but because poly has very little give in comparison it feels like the stringbed sinks back . Hard to explain the feeling...
I may do some experimenting between 30 and 35 to see if there is much difference.
Edit* alu and RS Lyon should do well in low tension depending on your style. The Lyon is so low in power so it should be an interesting combination. The alu power/rough is a nice string with some great liveliness. It may suit low tension better than Lyon which needs some help in the power department sometimes.
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haqq777
Legend
I went as low as 35 lbs in Phantom 93P and loved it. Lots of pocketing, increased dwell time and very soft feedback. Came back to 42 lbs simply because I felt more familiar with feedback in that range, but absolutely, mid thirties will make a very comfortable setup. I have always been a proponent of low to mid tensions in poly to get the most benefit out of the string and get great feedback.
haqq777
Legend
Try it, you would like low tensions. There is no rule really, depends on how your preference is, just as @stephenclown mentioned above. I like both options. The more muted ones like YPTS or RS Lyon give a more controlled response with dampened feedback and more livelier ones like Alu Power or thinner gauge Cyclones give a bit more pop with the pocketing feel. Nothing beats trying it out for yourself, really.
That's interesting. Do you find, in general, response / feel of round strings differ from shaped strings? And RPM Blast Rough is not shaped, but round string with indentations, correct?
I bought a set of hexagonally shaped string (Still in Black HTS) on a whim and wondering if I should string my 93P full bed (40/40 or 40/35) or hybrid it with OGSM 17 natural (also either 40/40 or 40/35). Currently using RS Lyon full bed at 45/40 and it's ok for me, nothing to shout about.
stephenclown
Professional
I think round offers a very even response and just feels like what I'm used to after using standard strings for so long. Even strings that I feel have a very good response feel different to round in general. Solstice power is the nicest feeling shaped string I have played and it's good that it differs as it's response feels great. RS Lyon and RS Paris are the same string compositions but are extruded in a different shape and the output is very different. FireWire is the same as the hexagonal string is well (forgot it's name) but FireWire is much more lively
RPM blast rough is octagonal but might as well be round. The string is the same but just has babolat flags stamped on it which seems like a joke but has a big impact on the feel. In my experience the playability and spin etc of rpm blast is much better than the review that tw gave it. Only issue is just the stupid price it possesses.
I'm not sure about hexagonal strings. For experimenting I would suggest full beds of most polys in this frame unless you suffer from injuries or never full bed poly. It's very arm friendly and it will give you the best idea of how the string responds and suits the frame.
This has been my experience with RPM blast rough as well, to me it plays similar enough to a round string (I believe there was another post somewhere that showed an actual microscopic cross section of the string), and when I tried it as a cross to natural gut mains, the rough texture seemed relatively inconsequential due to how slick the string is and it lasted in the ballpark of any other gut/poly setup.
Thanks for the input, much appreciated! Will try it full bed, then!
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Well my Ghostwire finally arrived from TierOne Sports. Still have quite serviceable gut/poly in my 93P's but will be trying these bad boys out with the next stringing. A Phantom with Ghostwire strings is so appropriate.
Do you have a preferred poly that you like? I think most people have been happy with whatever poly has been their favorite since there are so many variables to think about, but otherwise, the general consensus for a good starting point for poly is going in the mid to low 40's tension (lbs) and going thin (1.25mm or thinner).
Thank you.
My current string is Tourna Black Zone 17.
Do you suggest using that in the 18 version?
I was just wondering if there were better polys for this racket.
ej28405
New User
Why can’t you play with gut on clay? Why does it break too quickly on clay versus hard?
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Because clay particles get into the string bed and create additional friction.
I think sticking to what you're familiar with at 17 then deciding if you need to change any variables would be good!
I don't think there is any "one" string that the majority gravitate toward, seems like most people who use the frame are able to make it work for them based on their preferences. If the base racquet feels great, perhaps it's just a matter of time before we eventually figure out the string part!
That said, I believe RS Lyon has gotten a lot of positive endorsements from forum members in the 93P thread.
What are your thoughts on ghost wire full bed compared to some of the other popular polys you tried?
I put in a set of Black Knight this week just to try going back to full poly and it played really well for me.
I have a set of Ghost Wire I wanted to use as a cross to natural gut but I'm debating if I should just go full bed since I'm kind of on a poly train right now. But I remember when I asked about full bed Cream, the feedback was that there are better options for full bed and I wonder if Ghost Wire is in a similar category?
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I’ve never used cream but for me GhostWire is the best round soft poly I’ve tried. It’s like a softer, better tension maintenance, more consistent Wilson Revolve. I’m going to try it next with FireWire in the mains and see how I like that.
ckhirnigs113
Rookie
Anybody thought about making a "Black Knight Boost" hybrid with Black Knight mains and Ghost Wire crosses? Seems like it might be a more controlled and longer lasting alternative to Firewire Boost.
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JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I don’t have any Black Knight but I do have Durafluxx and I’ll do that after the FW.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Just strung the 93P 18x20 with ALU Rough 17, 36/33. Almost 1am (I gotta get faster at this) so all I can do is whack it against my knee and bounce a ball in the air on it, but feels good so far! Super excited to play with it tomorrow, I’ll report back with my findings!
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Hmgraphite1
Hall of Fame
I break in the bed by hitting repeatedly into a cement floor, works through thick carpet also.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Wood floors here. No downstairs neighbors, but a sleeping wife and child.
I got a chance to hit this morning. First on the wall, then a couple self-feed baskets, then hit with a couple of retired guys for 20 min or so. They told me all about their knee surgeries and the like. *Note to self - take care of the body if you want to play into your 80’s.
So far so good! A couple balls really launched on me, but mostly control was still great! Good pocketing without feeling laggy/sluggish. No harshness in the frame on off-center hits. And the touch on my volleys was great! That was my biggest disappointment with this racquet so far - my volley game was just awful/unreliable.
Oh, and a note for training purposes. Nothing is better for learning groundstroke consistency than playing with someone who can’t physically move, and knowing you might send him to the hospital if he has to chase down your garbage balls. Really intensifies your focus and tightens up your technique.
I’d love to hit with some young 4.5-5.5 players, I think it would help me immensely. but I really like hitting with older folks too!
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stephenclown
Professional
Also clay is supposed to be played a bit damp so the balls can pick up a little weight and transfer that across to the gut. Gut does not want to get anywhere near water for longevity so this natural enemy makes gut very difficult to protect. I haven't played gut on clay much for this fear and cost in Australia but if you play on bone dry clay (danger town) it probably doesn't have as much impact.
RPM blast rough and Solstice Power are my two favourite spin polys with great feel and comfort. Longevity may be lower on the solstice if you swing really hard as the profile wears down. It is an incredibly slippery string when it's in but it's a pain in the arse to string.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
I’ll try some Solstice Power next. ALU rough seems slipperier and softer than the other polys I’ve tried, so I’m excited to try more different ones.
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tennisboy2121
Rookie
Has anyone tried a kevlar/synthetic setup? I love playing with prince problend in my phantom 100 and my previous tours. I am looking to make a switch to the 93p (probably the 14x18).
am1899
Legend
Just strung up Tier One Black Knight 18 this afternoon at my usual 40lbs. Usually I like to let a racquet “marinade” in the bag for a day or so, but I didn’t have that option this time - I had a mixed doubles practice match to play. Well, I’m here to say that Black Knight is a real contender. Spin, control, pop were all there. Most importantly, the feel was exceptional, for a full bed of poly.
The string job before, I had tried Tier One Tour Status 18, also at 40 lbs. I could see how some folks would like the aggressive shaped nature of this string. And while it was rather “springy” feeling at times, it never felt harsh. Having said that, I just never felt connected with it. Sure, I could spin the fur off the ball, but there were also some balls that seemed to fly off the stringbed, in an erratic fashion - particularly some volleys. No bueno for doubles play. Could it have been me? Quite possible. I had thought that maybe I would try it again down the road, and maybe string it a little tighter. But after my experience with Black Knight tonight, I don’t know that I’ll bother.
The string job before, I had tried Tier One Tour Status 18, also at 40 lbs. I could see how some folks would like the aggressive shaped nature of this string. And while it was rather “springy” feeling at times, it never felt harsh. Having said that, I just never felt connected with it. Sure, I could spin the fur off the ball, but there were also some balls that seemed to fly off the stringbed, in an erratic fashion - particularly some volleys. No bueno for doubles play. Could it have been me? Quite possible. I had thought that maybe I would try it again down the road, and maybe string it a little tighter. But after my experience with Black Knight tonight, I don’t know that I’ll bother.
Update on using Still In Black HTS (anthracite colour, hexagonal profile) 1.20mm @ 40/35 for my 93P (18x20). Previous string job was RS Lyon 1.20mm @ 45/40. the SIB HTS is my first foray into full-bed shaped poly. Previously I've only ever done full bed syn gut @ 55 before RS Lyon for my 93P, and various others for my APD2013 (Ashaway Kev 16/ Zx 17 @ 90/35, Sensation 16/YPTP 16L @54/50) and Prince O3 Tour Mid (Ashaway Crossfire ZX @ 75/40)
Logged in 3-4 hours so far. Compared to RS Lyon, spin is better, which is to be expected of shaped poly, I guess. I can actually see my sliced serves curving more compared to RS Lyon.
Comfort is comparable RS Lyon. Or maybe the 93P just makes everything comfortable. Can't say for certain.
Quite a few return of serves and serve + 2 shots sailed long by mere couple of inches, according to my hitting partner. I suppose I would need to go up a couple of lbs for my next string job to reign in the power a little, or I just need to play better.
Touch / feel shots were as good, if not slightly better, than RS Lyon. Stringbed feel slightly crisper (only slightly) than RS Lyon. Hitting backhand sliced deep or touched drop shots, the balls went where I wanted them to go. Think out of the 10-15 shots (BH slice deep or drop) I did, only 1-2 went short into the net. With RS Lyon, I was less confident of balls going the height and depth I wanted them to go on slices. Probably due to less bite on the ball giving less feedback?
Haven't played long enough to observe its tension maintenance performance yet. I'm not a string breaker so am unlikely going to break it before 20h mark.
All in all, I'd say it's a very good string if you are looking for a string with better spin than RS Lyon while having other similar characteristics of RS Lyon. I might give RS Paris a try after this.
Logged in 3-4 hours so far. Compared to RS Lyon, spin is better, which is to be expected of shaped poly, I guess. I can actually see my sliced serves curving more compared to RS Lyon.
Comfort is comparable RS Lyon. Or maybe the 93P just makes everything comfortable. Can't say for certain.
Quite a few return of serves and serve + 2 shots sailed long by mere couple of inches, according to my hitting partner. I suppose I would need to go up a couple of lbs for my next string job to reign in the power a little, or I just need to play better.
Touch / feel shots were as good, if not slightly better, than RS Lyon. Stringbed feel slightly crisper (only slightly) than RS Lyon. Hitting backhand sliced deep or touched drop shots, the balls went where I wanted them to go. Think out of the 10-15 shots (BH slice deep or drop) I did, only 1-2 went short into the net. With RS Lyon, I was less confident of balls going the height and depth I wanted them to go on slices. Probably due to less bite on the ball giving less feedback?
Haven't played long enough to observe its tension maintenance performance yet. I'm not a string breaker so am unlikely going to break it before 20h mark.
All in all, I'd say it's a very good string if you are looking for a string with better spin than RS Lyon while having other similar characteristics of RS Lyon. I might give RS Paris a try after this.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
After stringing with ALU rough at 36/33, I think I’m noticing a MUCH higher launch angle. How much difference should one expect from a differential in string tension? I’m wondering if it has some to do with the string choice and the lower overall tension, or really more the lowered tension in the crosses.
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am1899
Legend
I'd surmise that all of the above are factors which resulted in a noticeably higher launch angle.
Steve Williams
Rookie
I tried Laserfibre Supreme 2 mains with Head Lynx Crosses (lime green) at 48/44.
Looks good and plays well for me.
Next time I think I could drop a few pounds to 46/42. I’ll keep dropping a few pounds until I reach what I feel is the optimum.
I have a set of cream that I might try as well as crosses - maybe with Ashaway Dynamite 17 in the mains.
Looks good and plays well for me.
Next time I think I could drop a few pounds to 46/42. I’ll keep dropping a few pounds until I reach what I feel is the optimum.
I have a set of cream that I might try as well as crosses - maybe with Ashaway Dynamite 17 in the mains.
sredna42
Hall of Fame
I have some klip 18g left, I'm going to give it a try. Was wondering what tension too. I usually go 55/53 in my tec, or 53/51 sometimes, but i think the 93p would want something looser than that.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
I sampled both a full bed of prince vortex 17g with the racket and a hybrid of it with prince premier power. Loved the fully poly set up. That string is really nice for the money. Great feel and access to spin. Tension maint mot great though. Would consider stringing it a bit tighter and letting it fall into comfort zone. The hybrid played well too. Premier control felt better but I seemed to play more effective the with premier power. Going to give x one biphase a run with vortex as a hybrid and see. Ive got a feeling that's a winner combo
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TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Sorry for the cross post, but maybe this is the best place to ask:
How long a length of string do you need for the mains in a 14 x 18 like the new 93P or an old POG mid? Just found out 20’ wasn’t enough for my 93P. Barely got it clamped in my Gamma X-2 at the end. The last length I actually clamped and pulled by hand, estimating tension by plucking the string.
Wondering if I split a set of gut into 21 and 19 feet for 2 different hybrid string jobs, the 19’ would be long enough for a PIG or other 90 sq. in. 14 x 18 vintage Prince frame.
Edit: never mind - answered. 18’ feet should be enough for a 14 x 18 of that size.
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How long a length of string do you need for the mains in a 14 x 18 like the new 93P or an old POG mid? Just found out 20’ wasn’t enough for my 93P. Barely got it clamped in my Gamma X-2 at the end. The last length I actually clamped and pulled by hand, estimating tension by plucking the string.
Wondering if I split a set of gut into 21 and 19 feet for 2 different hybrid string jobs, the 19’ would be long enough for a PIG or other 90 sq. in. 14 x 18 vintage Prince frame.
Edit: never mind - answered. 18’ feet should be enough for a 14 x 18 of that size.
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Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Full bed gut? 52/50.
sredna42
Hall of Fame
Nah, gut hybrid. Ive actually never tried full gut. The go to setupfor me is klip18 and tecnifibre RCW 17g. In my tec 55/53, but in the 93p, after what ive read, maybe 52/48?
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
50/45
Voytek Bunia
Rookie
Just played with a p93 demo strung with prince multi. My lord does this racquet play great. Lowest launch angle I’ve ever hit with. Guess I’m buying a new racquet lol
What did you use before?
Voytek Bunia
Rookie
Older pro staff 90 mainly but also play with tt100p and touch speed pro weighed up to 320g. Mostly in the handle to make them HL.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Went out this morning with the 93P for some singles practice. New string setup: Klip Legend Black 17g and TierOne Ghostwire 19g at 50/45.
Really nice setup. Good pop. Lots of spin. Nice feel. Plush. Control was spot on. I think its better than gut/cream but largely because the thinner gauge in the ghost wire gives me better ball grab and spin. The big issue will be whether its durable enough and maintains tension well enough. But the first impression went really well.
If you are looking for a softer setup with great spin, this is a winner. I'd imagine ghost wire in a full bed might be really nice too for a softer poly setup.
Really nice setup. Good pop. Lots of spin. Nice feel. Plush. Control was spot on. I think its better than gut/cream but largely because the thinner gauge in the ghost wire gives me better ball grab and spin. The big issue will be whether its durable enough and maintains tension well enough. But the first impression went really well.
If you are looking for a softer setup with great spin, this is a winner. I'd imagine ghost wire in a full bed might be really nice too for a softer poly setup.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
It is. GhostWire is great.
Voytek Bunia
Rookie
Jesus. Really?! Another string to try 
am1899
Legend
Tier One Black Knight 18 is the one. Ordered a reel. @TierOneSportsOfficial
am1899
Legend
Jesus. Really?! Another string to try
If you’re looking for something on the softer side, Ghostwire is a must demo, IMHO.
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