New Phantom Pro (18x20) (320)

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
Has anyone checked the RA of their PP100 18x20 or asked TW to check before shipping? Is the flex pretty much spot on at 55RA or can vary by a few points like Wilsons?
 

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
Has anyone checked the RA of their PP100 18x20 or asked TW to check before shipping? Is the flex pretty much spot on at 55RA or can vary by a few points like Wilsons?

I didn’t ask to check my demo, but feel wise it seemed a little closer to 60. But my grain of salt- I think it was strung a little tighter, and texture me to me always feels a little stiffer than the ratings.
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
I’m glad to know that it wasn’t just in my head that the Pro 100 excels at the net, and at doubles.

I don’t regret selling my 16 x 18 Pro 100, but as “doubles-y” as that stick was for me, hearing that the 18 x 20 is even more so gets my palms sweaty.

With advice from one of these threads (I’m in so many I get confused) I was able to change the characteristics of my 93P 18 x 20 by lowering the tension and lowering the crosses even more. Wow! I can volley again, and yep, launch angle is definitely higher (maybe too much) Now I’m really interested in exploring strings & stringing options.

So until I send for the PPP100 demo next week, I’m curious how to tweak my PPP100P to make it play more like that. With a shrink sleeve and a leather grip, it’s already 12.5 + oz, First step - reduce launch angle by increased tension differential in the crosses by 2 lbs?

But string choice? If it’s a Gut/poly hybrid, the mains would normally be ~5 lbs higher to start. Would increasing the crosses by 2 to a -3 differential decrease launch angle, or do the crosses have to be higher than the mains even with 2 different types of strings?

Am I making sense? Does Going from 50/45 to 50/47 work, or would it have to be 50/52?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sounds like a good plan to reduce launch angle on the PPP100P. Although might get pricey with gut string experimentation.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
I’m glad to know that it wasn’t just in my head that the Pro 100 excels at the net, and at doubles.

I don’t regret selling my 16 x 18 Pro 100, but as “doubles-y” as that stick was for me, hearing that the 18 x 20 is even more so gets my palms sweaty.

With advice from one of these threads (I’m in so many I get confused) I was able to change the characteristics of my 93P 18 x 20 by lowering the tension and lowering the crosses even more. Wow! I can volley again, and yep, launch angle is definitely higher (maybe too much) Now I’m really interested in exploring strings & stringing options.

So until I send for the PPP100 demo next week, I’m curious how to tweak my PPP100P to make it play more like that. With a shrink sleeve and a leather grip, it’s already 12.5 + oz, First step - reduce launch angle by increased tension differential in the crosses by 2 lbs?

But string choice? If it’s a Gut/poly hybrid, the mains would normally be ~5 lbs higher to start. Would increasing the crosses by 2 to a -3 differential decrease launch angle, or do the crosses have to be higher than the mains even with 2 different types of strings?

Am I making sense? Does Going from 50/45 to 50/47 work, or would it have to be 50/52?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You, my friend, are in the rabbit hole..
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Would love to hear more comparison from 93P (18x20) owners.

I've probably given my opinion but after a bit more experience comparing the two with the same string setups (gut/ghostwire), there are a few very clear differences:
1) 93P is crisper with a bit more pop
2) 100 is more plush with a bit more touch
3) Both are superb for control
4) My FH's are better with the 93P
5) My volleys are better with the 100
6) Serves are ever so slightly better with the 93P
7) 2HBH and BH slices are a toss up
8) 100 is a bit more forgiving and maneuverable

Bottom line, if i know I'm going to spend a lot of time in the forecourt, the 100 18x20 wins. If I know I'll be near the baseline most of the match I'd rather be hitting the 93P.
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Bottom line, if i know I'm going to spend a lot of time in the forecourt, the 100 18x20 wins. If I know I'll be near the baseline most of the match I'd rather be hitting the 93P.
That runs counter to the thought that baseliners prefer bigger head sized racquets.

Good to hear about the better maneuverability of the PP100.

You forgot to compare the FH running squash-shot. ;)
 

jacob22

Professional
Would love to hear more comparison from 93P (18x20) owners.
I have the 93P 18x20, my go to racquet at the time being. Just acquired the PP100 18x20 and 93P 14x18(limited use for far).
Serving: 93P 18x20 had better power with tighter spin compared to the PP 100 18x20(needs lead at the tip). Feel like I'm losing some control with the 93P 14x18.
Groundstrokes: PP100 hits higher launcher angle topspin groundies, feels easier to swing/generate power. I feel more confident hitting 2HBH with the PP100.

Not enough time to assess volleys for comparison.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
That runs counter to the thought that baseliners prefer bigger head sized racquets.

Good to hear about the better maneuverability of the PP100.

You forgot to compare the FH running squash-shot. ;)

I think baseline grinders and defenders do prefer larger frames. In that case the Phantom Pro 100P 16x18 would be the frame of choice. For the all courter or aggressive baseliner, the 93P 18x20 and 14x18 would be my choice as they can dictate play far easier. Which is why I specified near the baseline. If i'm way behind the baseline, then I'm probably best off with my POG 107.

My FH running squash shot is a work in progress. It is mediocre with all frames and downright terrible with my POG107.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
I'd be curious to see a measured difference in spin and velocity between the 93P and PP100 18x20. In my case I did put a bit of lead at 12, but the difference in weight is pretty small. I would expect the much larger head size and more spread string pattern of the 100 to more than offset the slight weight and flex difference. But the 93P feels more crisp and solid at impact vs the PP100's "buttery" feel so I think the 93P might produce the sensation of more power.
 

Kurt0707

Rookie
I think baseline grinders and defenders do prefer larger frames. In that case the Phantom Pro 100P 16x18 would be the frame of choice. For the all courter or aggressive baseliner, the 93P 18x20 and 14x18 would be my choice as they can dictate play far easier. Which is why I specified near the baseline. If i'm way behind the baseline, then I'm probably best off with my POG 107.

My FH running squash shot is a work in progress. It is mediocre with all frames and downright terrible with my POG107.

Did you mean to say PP100 18x20 here or 16x18?

I have just received my 18x20 and it does swing lighter than it weighs , compared to other similar weighted rackets. 16x18 was very easy to swing and very spinny for my game, but it was fun. Now that i have 18x20 for more comfortable and controlled game (power is not an issue for me), and more comfy and control than my old TT100P , I am not sure when to use 16x18.. maybe not part of my bag anymore or when I want to play comfy and more spin game.
 

Linh

New User
Have you guys with the 100 18x20 put lead on? If so, where? I’m needing another 8-10 grams to get to my preferred weight.
 

haqq777

Legend
I bit the bullet and bought the PP 100 18x20 without doing the demo. Got it back from the stringer just now as a matter of fact. Has RS Lyon at 45 lbs. I have Phantom 100 (ported) and couple of 93P 18x20 as well so will give my $0.02 once I try it tonight. The racquet looks incredibly sexy. These Phantoms I tell you, they look gorgeous.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I bit the bullet and bought the PP 100 18x20 without doing the demo. Got it back from the stringer just now as a matter of fact. Has RS Lyon at 45 lbs. I have Phantom 100 (ported) and couple of 93P 18x20 as well so will give my $0.02 once I try it tonight. The racquet looks incredibly sexy. These Phantoms I tell you, they look gorgeous.
Hey that’s my collection too. Lol. Love looking down in my new Prince bag and seeing these sexy frames.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Did you mean to say PP100 18x20 here or 16x18?

I have just received my 18x20 and it does swing lighter than it weighs , compared to other similar weighted rackets. 16x18 was very easy to swing and very spinny for my game, but it was fun. Now that i have 18x20 for more comfortable and controlled game (power is not an issue for me), and more comfy and control than my old TT100P , I am not sure when to use 16x18.. maybe not part of my bag anymore or when I want to play comfy and more spin game.

I think the 16x18 PP100’s are a bit better defender rackets for their higher net clearance and easier access to spin. The 18x20 frames seem to really favor attacking baseline play where you swing out more often than not. That gets a bit tiring if you are defending and playing long points.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
I didn’t ask to check my demo, but feel wise it seemed a little closer to 60. But my grain of salt- I think it was strung a little tighter, and texture me to me always feels a little stiffer than the ratings.

That sucks if it feels closer to a 60RA frame because I'd like to try the PP100 18x20 with Velocity 17 which to my arm, feels stiff. My gold standard in terms of comfort strings is Xcel 17. I use the 93P 18x20 with Xcel 17 and have trouble keeping the ball after tension loss. I can't use anything stiffer because my arm won't like it. The 93P has a 61RA flex, so the 55RA of the 100P 18x20 looks really good to me. The 16x18 versions didn't interest me much because I don't like high launch angles.
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
I bit the bullet and bought the PP 100 18x20 without doing the demo. Got it back from the stringer just now as a matter of fact. Has RS Lyon at 45 lbs. I have Phantom 100 (ported) and couple of 93P 18x20 as well so will give my $0.02 once I try it tonight. The racquet looks incredibly sexy. These Phantoms I tell you, they look gorgeous.
Look forward to your thoughts!
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
That sucks if it feels closer to a 60RA frame because I'd like to try the PP100 18x20 with Velocity 17 which to my arm, feels stiff. My gold standard in terms of comfort strings is Xcel 17. I use the 93P 18x20 with Xcel 17 and have trouble keeping the ball after tension loss. I can't use anything stiffer because my arm won't like it. The 93P has a 61RA flex, so the 55RA of the 100P 18x20 looks really good to me. The 16x18 versions didn't interest me much because I don't like high launch angles.

PP100 18x20 is more plush than the 93P. I thought it felt very similar to my ported 100 as far as comfort is concerned. The key is still to get string gauge and tension right. Velocity 17 at 48-50 lbs should be soft.
 

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
That sucks if it feels closer to a 60RA frame because I'd like to try the PP100 18x20 with Velocity 17 which to my arm, feels stiff. My gold standard in terms of comfort strings is Xcel 17. I use the 93P 18x20 with Xcel 17 and have trouble keeping the ball after tension loss. I can't use anything stiffer because my arm won't like it. The 93P has a 61RA flex, so the 55RA of the 100P 18x20 looks really good to me. The 16x18 versions didn't interest me much because I don't like high launch angles.

Take my comments with the grain of salt from the perspective of my review - it was early morning, and I was super groggy. Demo it. It still felt plush. I actually thought about that Vel at 17g. would feel good in it.
 

RedBeard

Rookie
That sucks if it feels closer to a 60RA frame because I'd like to try the PP100 18x20 with Velocity 17 which to my arm, feels stiff. My gold standard in terms of comfort strings is Xcel 17. I use the 93P 18x20 with Xcel 17 and have trouble keeping the ball after tension loss. I can't use anything stiffer because my arm won't like it. The 93P has a 61RA flex, so the 55RA of the 100P 18x20 looks really good to me. The 16x18 versions didn't interest me much because I don't like high launch angles.

It's still a very comfortable frame. Definitely more comfortable than the TT100P, but not as soft as the 16x18. But I would also add that the launch angle isn't quite as low as the TT100P either. It's somewhere in-between the TT100P and the PP100 16x18 (when all 3 strung at the same tension).
 

Hypergxtraspin

New User
Does anyone know if the paint jobs in the phantom line ever got fixed. I remember I bought 2 ported phantoms literally before they came out on TW, they scratched ugly as hell, white blemishes all over them from barely any play. Can someone attest to the PJs. I got some demos coming from TW, cant wait to try them again
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Does anyone know if the paint jobs in the phantom line ever got fixed. I remember I bought 2 ported phantoms literally before they came out on TW, they scratched ugly as hell, white blemishes all over them from barely any play. Can someone attest to the PJs. I got some demos coming from TW, cant wait to try them again

I had that same problem so I started using protection tape at 3 and 9. Do that on all my Phantoms so I don’t know if the PJ is better at all on the new ones. Better safe than sorry.
 

haqq777

Legend
Does anyone know if the paint jobs in the phantom line ever got fixed. I remember I bought 2 ported phantoms literally before they came out on TW, they scratched ugly as hell, white blemishes all over them from barely any play. Can someone attest to the PJs. I got some demos coming from TW, cant wait to try them again
Yes, they did get better. They were initially released at time for IW. Then there was a break of few months and got re-released (came back in stock) by July or August if I remember correctly. The newer release had much better PJ. The bad paint quality was a big concern for TW as everyone was complaining about it. They definitely fixed that.
 

haqq777

Legend
I had that same problem so I started using protection tape at 3 and 9. Do that on all my Phantoms so I don’t know if the PJ is better at all on the new ones. Better safe than sorry.
Bumper/protective tape at 3 and 9 closes the ports and completely changes the feel. I tried that and did not like that. For some reason I felt more disconnected and feel became vague. Ironically, the biggest qualm some purists have with ports is that they say they can not feel the ball and I thought it became the opposite once I blocked ports. The bumper tape does help for sure though in protecting scratches. Do you go all around from 9 to 3 covering the entire hoop or just 3 and 9 like you would use lead only covering a few ports?
 

GeoffHYL

Professional
Bumper/protective tape at 3 and 9 closes the ports and completely changes the feel. I tried that and did not like that. For some reason I felt more disconnected and feel became vague. Ironically, the biggest qualm some purists have with ports is that they say they can not feel the ball and I thought it became the opposite once I blocked ports. The bumper tape does help for sure though in protecting scratches. Do you go all around from 9 to 3 covering the entire hoop or just 3 and 9 like you would use lead only covering a few ports?
You can slice bumper tape in half lengthwise and not cover the ports, just put it on the edges. I do this by putting the uncut tape on the racquet then slice it in half with a very sharp knife. Take the piece I sliced off and use it on the other edge of the racquet. For a racquet with regular grommets you can restring without taking the tape off.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Bumper/protective tape at 3 and 9 closes the ports and completely changes the feel. I tried that and did not like that. For some reason I felt more disconnected and feel became vague. Ironically, the biggest qualm some purists have with ports is that they say they can not feel the ball and I thought it became the opposite once I blocked ports. The bumper tape does help for sure though in protecting scratches. Do you go all around from 9 to 3 covering the entire hoop or just 3 and 9 like you would use lead only covering a few ports?

I just covered from the, in my mind, premature ending of the head guard to the mid point of the hoop. About 3". With my ported phantom I didn't notice any difference since it doesn't block the ports since they are set in. Kind of creates a tunnel. But unless you paste the tape into the ports then then wrap around the frame from there, the ports are perfectly open and functional.
 

Hypergxtraspin

New User
I would much rather the paint just be good, rather than tape it. I will have demos of the phantom 100p, new phantom 18x20 100, 93p 14x18, and the yonex vcore 95. Hopefully I will find some good magic in one of these sticks. I have played with RF 97 for a while, and the new speed 360 pro. RF being too heavy for tournament play for me over 5 or 6 sets my shoulder cant serve anymore. The speed is fine, just doesn't whip forehands like I want. Lol idk I really want to like the box beam 100p. We shall see
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I would much rather the paint just be good, rather than tape it. I will have demos of the phantom 100p, new phantom 18x20 100, 93p 14x18, and the yonex vcore 95. Hopefully I will find some good magic in one of these sticks. I have played with RF 97 for a while, and the new speed 360 pro. RF being too heavy for tournament play for me over 5 or 6 sets my shoulder cant serve anymore. The speed is fine, just doesn't whip forehands like I want. Lol idk I really want to like the box beam 100p. We shall see

Admittedly I don’t own a racket that doesn’t get trashed at 3 and 9 from digging out half volleys. So I’m not sure the Phantoms are any worse than anything else.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Did another side by side comparison in my Mens doubles this am. 93P 18x20 vs 100 18x20. Still serve better with the 93P more pace, more accuracy. Still hit baseline better with the 93P. The forgiveness and forecourt advantage didn't materialize with the 100 since I wasn't really able to get many good looks today. I was keenly aware of the lack of play with the 100 today and didn't feel as confident hitting passing shots with it.

I'm going to add lead to 12 O'clock on the 100 and try it some more, but for now the 93P is still the leader in the clubhouse to be my go to doubles frame. If I knew I'd really be in the forecourt all match, the 100 would win but the 93P just has more all round advantages.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Well adding lead (2g) helped with the serves and returns and didn't adversely affect the maneuverability. Played some mixed doubles against some higher level players (former 5.0 open level woman and 4.0 male) and held up pretty well. Then played against players closer to my wife and my level and dominated.

Trying to decide if I should go up to 3g or leave well enough alone. I'll try it again Tuesday night mens doubles and compare. Played some one on one doubles with my wife this am with the 93P and I still think the 93P is the better serving racket but its not as reliable in the forecourt as the 100.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I disagree w/ the PP100P being more stable than the 93P though....offcenter hits on the PP100P were more jarring...

Not sure "jarring" correlates with twist weight. To me forgiveness correlates with twist weight. How likely is an off centre hit to remain on line and with some semblance of energy transfer. Whereas stability correlates with static weight, twist weight and swing weight since racket recoil becomes a factor.

I think the 93P is more stable but less forgiving than the 100P if that makes sense.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
Not sure "jarring" correlates with twist weight. To me forgiveness correlates with twist weight. How likely is an off centre hit to remain on line and with some semblance of energy transfer. Whereas stability correlates with static weight, twist weight and swing weight since racket recoil becomes a factor.

I think the 93P is more stable but less forgiving than the 100P if that makes sense.

That's actually a very good description, and exactly how I feel regarding these two frames.
 

Hypergxtraspin

New User
Got the demos in today.
Prince phantom pro 100p
Prince phantom 18x20 (320)
Prince phantom 93p 14x18
Yonex vcore 95 16x20

At first glance I really like the phantom 18x20. It looks and feels nice in the hand.It also came with 15L guage prince XC. Don't know how that's going to feel or why the heck TW put that in as the demo string. May restring it with some tier one firewire or some 17 guage outlast. I may prefer this racket with a prince calfskin undergrip, although the wieght is already at 346 strung with over grip. Anyone try a leather grip with the 18x20??
I also noticed how head light the 18x20 is compared to the 100p. The 100p doesn't look or feel as nice as the 18x20 to me, and it is really evenly balanced. At 334g strung, the 100p would definitely need a leather grip. The next stick at first sight i noticed is the yonex. Its thinner than the 98 version and looks like it may play well. The 93p feels amazing in the hand, but with how open the string pattern is, I would be afraid to put anything but 15g poly or kevlar in it. Looks like a string breaker. Anywho it's probably going to rain the next couple days, so I'm hoping to hit by Saturday, will give some feedback about the 18x20.
 
Last edited:

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Got the demos in today.
Prince phantom pro 100p
Prince phantom 18x20 (320)
Prince phantom 93p 14x18
Yonex vcore 95 16x20

At first glance I really like the phantom 18x20. It looks and feels nice in the hand.It also came with 15L guage prince XC. Don't know how that's going to feel or why the heck TW put that in as the demo string. May restring it with some tier one firewire or some 17 guage outlast. I may prefer this racket with a prince calfskin undergrip, although the wieght is already at 346 strung with over grip. Anyone try a leather grip with the 18x20??
I also noticed how head light the 18x20 is compared to the 100p. The 100p doesn't look or feel as nice as the 18x20 to me, and it is really evenly balanced. At 334g strung, the 100p would definitely need a leather grip. The next stick at first sight i noticed is the yonex. Its thinner than the 98 version and looks like it may play well. The 93p feels amazing in the hand, but with how open the string pattern is, I would be afraid to put anything but 15g poly or kevlar in it. Looks like a string breaker. Anywho it's probably going to rain the next couple days, so I'm hoping to hit by Saturday, will give some feedback about the 18x20.
Look forward to your thoughts on all of them!
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Have played some more with the 18x20 Pro 100. Mens and mixed. Really is a tough choice between it and the 93P.

Serves: 93P
FH: 93P by a hair
2HBH: 100
BH Slice: Even
Volleys: 100
Overheads: 93P
Returns: 100

So is the advantage in serving worth the lesser ability on returns and volleys. That's a tough choice.
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Have played some more with the 18x20 Pro 100. Mens and mixed. Really is a tough choice between it and the 93P.

Serves: 93P
FH: 93P by a hair
2HBH: 100
BH Slice: Even
Volleys: 100
Overheads: 93P
Returns: 100

So is the advantage in serving worth the lesser ability on returns and volleys. That's a tough choice.
How about feel/touch shots like drops and lobs?
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Prince needs to sponsor more juniors. That's how brand/racquet loyalty is built.

Problem is Prince makes rackets that better fit the 4.0-4.5 male adult rec player. Someone that can handle some weight, isn't as reliant on big loopy topspin and appreciates some flex in their frames.

Juniors all start out with light stiff tweeners to add easy power to their strokes while they are developing strength. Then as they grow stronger they just gravitate to stiffer poly to control it. They learn to play with this kind of racket and find it hard to move to more plush setups where the control comes from the frame the power is adjusted through the strings.

Prince does have a Beast lineup to start kids out on if they need a stiffer frame and maybe they need to push these sticks into junior clinics some more. But without a big name Pro using it, it's a hard sell. There is a reason uniqlo gave so much money to sponsor Federer. Cool kids want to play what the cool pros are using. That's why other than ubiquitous Babolats in the juniors I'm seeing a ton of VCORE Yonexes as Canadian kids want to be like Shapovalov.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
Problem is Prince makes rackets that better fit the 4.0-4.5 male adult rec player. Someone that can handle some weight, isn't as reliant on big loopy topspin and appreciates some flex in their frames.

Juniors all start out with light stiff tweeners to add easy power to their strokes while they are developing strength. Then as they grow stronger they just gravitate to stiffer poly to control it. They learn to play with this kind of racket and find it hard to move to more plush setups where the control comes from the frame the power is adjusted through the strings.

Prince does have a Beast lineup to start kids out on if they need a stiffer frame and maybe they need to push these sticks into junior clinics some more. But without a big name Pro using it, it's a hard sell. There is a reason uniqlo gave so much money to sponsor Federer. Cool kids want to play what the cool pros are using. That's why other than ubiquitous Babolats in the juniors I'm seeing a ton of VCORE Yonexes as Canadian kids want to be like Shapovalov.
Prince can make great pro stock rackets if they want. Back in the ninetees produced some excellent frames without the need to be Very stiff and harsh, they are not inteted to produce heavy or pro stock frames because they dont have the budget to sponsorship or compeet the big brands, 93p is a great frame that shows the quality of Prince but how many can play with it? Beast is a great stick for Junior i believe and easier on the arm than most young guys use
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Prince can make great pro stock rackets if they want. Back in the ninetees produced some excellent frames without the need to be Very stiff and harsh, they are not inteted to produce heavy or pro stock frames because they dont have the budget to sponsorship or compeet the big brands, 93p is a great frame that shows the quality of Prince but how many can play with it? Beast is a great stick for Junior i believe and easier on the arm than most young guys use
Anybody can play with the 93p. I am proof of that.
 

Tao69

Rookie
Prince can make great pro stock rackets if they want. Back in the ninetees produced some excellent frames without the need to be Very stiff and harsh, they are not inteted to produce heavy or pro stock frames because they dont have the budget to sponsorship or compeet the big brands, 93p is a great frame that shows the quality of Prince but how many can play with it? Beast is a great stick for Junior i believe and easier on the arm than most young guys use

I’d guess the game was different enough in the 90s such that the Prince frames were still a viable choice for players on the tour, but as the game evolved perhaps they didn’t move with it?

That aside, I think their current approach is simple business, they’re targeting the niche market of rackets with a focus on touch and feel. Why go up against the big three? Fill the gaps, create a cult following, keep the brand alive and make a tidy profit.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
I’d guess the game was different enough in the 90s such that the Prince frames were still a viable choice for players on the tour, but as the game evolved perhaps they didn’t move with it?

No, Prince's popularity fell off the table with the O ports, which was their attempt to evolve to more spin and power to compete with stiffer modern frames. With sales declining they pulled back drastically on their sponsorship, which in turn declined their popularity even more. I definitely remember a period in time about 6 years ago when Prince first started talking bankruptcy when all the local club pros and pro shops hated them because they pulled back all of the marketing deals and sponsorship that they provided.

Personally I think Prince should sponsor USTA league captains to improve visibility. We would be a lot easier to buy off than real pros - they just need to do better than a free water bottle or key chain that we get per year from USTA. :)
 
Juniors all start out with light stiff tweeners to add easy power to their strokes while they are developing strength. Then as they grow stronger they just gravitate to stiffer poly to control it. They learn to play with this kind of racket and find it hard to move to more plush setups where the control comes from the frame the power is adjusted through the strings.

Interesting point. I Like this perspective.

Prince does have a Beast lineup to start kids out on if they need a stiffer frame and maybe they need to push these sticks into junior clinics some more. But without a big name Pro using it, it's a hard sell.

Isner plays the Beast. He isn’t a top 3 guy, but still a pretty big name I’d think. Bigger than Pouille, right? Now if they could just find a 3rd guy to play a Phantom, they have the whole line covered. Is it just not powerful enough? Funny that the pros need to use tweeners and granny racquets that most here wouldn’t be caught dead with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Top