Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Those are my two favourite Phantoms currently. Its been a while since I stared at a Max 200G so I can't comment how close the 93P is. Pretty sure the Max 20G was a bit more oblong head shape wise.
The Prince Phantom 93P is a gift to us from TW - My Review/AMA
- Thread starter Power Player
- Start date
Those are my two favourite Phantoms currently. Its been a while since I stared at a Max 200G so I can't comment how close the 93P is. Pretty sure the Max 20G was a bit more oblong head shape wise.
t_pac
Semi-Pro
t_pac
Semi-Pro
Please pomp o lo of po eepoI'm thinking lead first, proportional stringing second
But sure, you can just drop the tension on the 17g. I don't think going to 16g is a good idea in this frame.
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PrinceMoron
Legend
My 14x18s arrived
Grips are loose, can hear the glue strip underneath crackling just holding them and the grips move quite a lot
Will put on a tournagrip very tightly and see if the glue will bed down, if not will have to regrip them.
Pretty minor but a slight pain, not something I have seen before. Leather grips are not quite the same if you peel them back and redo them.
In the end just put them back on tighter- the plastic around the pallet was really loose, wasn’t the sticky tape on underside of leather
Seems fine now
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Grips are loose, can hear the glue strip underneath crackling just holding them and the grips move quite a lot
Will put on a tournagrip very tightly and see if the glue will bed down, if not will have to regrip them.
Pretty minor but a slight pain, not something I have seen before. Leather grips are not quite the same if you peel them back and redo them.
In the end just put them back on tighter- the plastic around the pallet was really loose, wasn’t the sticky tape on underside of leather
Seems fine now
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
I currently have a tc95 16x19 63 RA and a TC97 16x19. I would like to know what the Prince 93p 18x20 loses or gains in comparison, in the questions vibration, feel, comfort and stability. I know they are different string patterns, but my curiosity is about analyzing the quality of the frame. Today the TC97 is my favorite frame due to excellent stability. Another doubt is the actual difference in head size between 93p and tc95, the difference is great? Thank you very much.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I used the TC97 18x20 and TC95 16x19 for a while and they were really nice frames. I think what you gain the the ability swing a heavier frame faster through the air than you would expect. As a result the P93 is ieasier to use thn you would expect. The feel is on par with Angell. Tough to go wrong either way there. The thing about the tc95 was the pattern was very open. At first I liked it, but after a while I just wanted more control. The P93 is a tight pattern, the spin is not as heavy as a larger , lighter frame will give you. But you will gain the ability to hit very heavy slice and your net game will be great.
I guess the question to ask is how much do you care about playing the net? For me, the Phantom is an awesome doubles frame because I am not a great volleyer, and it really helps me there. If you are a singles baseliner, it will work, I did it for over a year and enjoyed it a lot. I have focused more on developing my forehand into a consistent, deep heavy spin threat, so I went lighter for more racquet head speed. With the P93, I hit more direct driving shots, which I really enjoyed doing a lot. I was pushed by a coach to go bigger size, lighter and more spin so I am doing that now. I still miss using my P93 all the time though!
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
Thank you very much. I think I will continue playing with the tc97 16x19. My game is over court background and network is not priority. Outside that feel is similar too, I think it's not worth the test.
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What are you switching to now? Back the the pure aero?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
No, I really like the Phantom and wanted something as similar as possible, so I’m currently messing with the Vcore Pro 97.
After using the P93 for so long when I went back to the Pure Aero, it just felt off.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have both. Lol. Im leaning towards a modded 310 but i like having the 330 as an option. Still figuring out what i play best with.
PrinceMoron
Legend
Just played some doubles and much preferred the 18x20
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I think the 14x18 is better for Singles, isn't it?
PrinceMoron
Legend
I know people have said the 14x18 has a slightly higher launch angle, is a bit more forgiving etc.
For me it is just less accurate and the 18/20 is perfect in every way
Just crunch the ball and come to the net
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I have both, its less about singles vs doubles and more about your style of game and your level.
I'd suggest if you like trading deep shots off the baseline and creating wicked angles then the 14x18 would be the weapon of choice. However its not going to help you hit your spots, paint the lines or attack the net, it just doesn't offer that kind of control, but it is more forgiving.
The 18x20 hits a heavier ball and definitely allows you to hit your spots, paint the lines and attack the net, its just not so forgiving if you get lazy with your footwork and preparation; it rewards you for putting in the work to take care of your timing.
I don't expect I'll play with the 14x18 much, the 18x20 is just too good to leave in the bag.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Have been playing with tweeners to help my kids choose their rackets, and it was fun to just hit hard. The heavy spin was fun. Having easier access to power was fun. But, I didn’t quite like the feeling of missing my intended targets.
I recently strung up the 93P 18x20. What a joy!
At first, though, I wasn’t hitting through the ball as I should and noticed the lack of depth and control. Once I was dialed in it was so much fun, just as I remembered it to be. I was picking spots and had my opponent scrambling all over the court. I didn’t play defense well against his heavy topspin strokes, but my defense will get better as I shake off the tweener-playing habits.
I can’t speak for myself because I can only seem to last two hard sets, but those fit players with strong legs who like to move the opponent around with accurate placement and attack/defend with variety, this would be a great frame. Also, as many mentioned, volleying with this stick is just incredible. I don’t volley well, but this frame actually helps me to place my volleys.
Does anyone else with OHBH love how it feels to hold the frame with the non-dominant hand? Just love holding that thin beam.
I recently strung up the 93P 18x20. What a joy!
At first, though, I wasn’t hitting through the ball as I should and noticed the lack of depth and control. Once I was dialed in it was so much fun, just as I remembered it to be. I was picking spots and had my opponent scrambling all over the court. I didn’t play defense well against his heavy topspin strokes, but my defense will get better as I shake off the tweener-playing habits.
I can’t speak for myself because I can only seem to last two hard sets, but those fit players with strong legs who like to move the opponent around with accurate placement and attack/defend with variety, this would be a great frame. Also, as many mentioned, volleying with this stick is just incredible. I don’t volley well, but this frame actually helps me to place my volleys.
Does anyone else with OHBH love how it feels to hold the frame with the non-dominant hand? Just love holding that thin beam.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Don't think you have to have a 1HBH to enjoy that feel. I have a 2HBH but my hands on the throat more often than its in 2HBH grip.
I'm currently playing with the Phantom 100 18x20 as I'm in the mixed of the club championships and playing in Men's and Mixed doubles. I like the little extra volley forgiveness on the 100 especially when we are playing in the evening with shadows and dodgy sun light. But I'm looking forward to finishing the tourney and going back to playing regularly with the 93P. I like the 100 18x20 fine but it still doesn't have that feel of the 93P and I just love hitting forehands with the 93P.
Aussie-pro
Rookie
Still amazed by this stick. Attacking and moving forward are a dream with this stick. Absolutely no problem defending with it either. My assumption for those that have trouble defending with the 93p is that those players most likely have a rating lower than a 5.5 USTA or equivalent. If you're an advanced tournament player and prefer flexible frames, you should definitely try this stick, absolute beast. Played briefly with a few other frames since for fun and comparison, all feel like plastic toys now when compared to the 93p.
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I found the same thing, that if I was honest myself any weakness on defense wasn’t caused by the racquet, but my inability to get to the ball in time. The times I have gotten there on time, the racquet does exactly what I want it to.
Hahah good to know, thanks.
Player lower than 5.5 usta rating is probably north of 90% of tennis playing population... I am sure it's an awesome racquet but I found it funny how you said that's like the norm.. hopefully one day I play 5.0.. i have no ambitions beyond that...
sredna42
Hall of Fame
So you found a suitable replacement for the old frames finally
i bought one months ago, but am not good enough to use it the way its meant to be used.Aussie-pro
Rookie
So you found a suitable replacement for the old frames finally
Yes, finally found one. IMO the 93p is the better racquet.
Aussie-pro
Rookie
Yes yes.. I didnt mean to put it on you... that is how it sounded to me I should say.. nothing against you man. I just read it and it was funny to me. Good for you. Enjoy the stick. I think it is a general opinion that this racquet feels and plays wonderful but most of us mortals can't do justice to it. More power to you if you can
sredna42
Hall of Fame
Yeah, it exposes you. And keeps you honest. Hitting with it in neutral rallies i loved it. It was point and shoot, i felt i could flick the ball wherever i wanted, and volley easily but hitting on the back foot or stretched i quickly realized and had to sadly accept that i just couldn't get in position to get adequate weight through the ball. Too slow. You're a monster though so not surprised you like it.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Very good stick. But yeah. I’m not ever going to get to the 5.5+ level.
Good to hear! May I ask what your string set-up is on the 93P?
Aussie-pro
Rookie
I’ve tried a few different strings. My two favorites thus far have been Luxilon Element 1.25, and Yonex PTP (charcoal) 1.25 both @ 44lbs
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
Has anyone been to Narnia lately? Seen any PP100 18x20s there?
Boubi
Professional
Well , let's count how many pros play with it ....
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Well , let's count how many pros play with it ....
How many pros play for fun. The 93p is all about feel and fun. It just feels good to swing and hit with. A pro is all about making money. He isn’t going to care about feel and fun if it doesn’t make him money.
And most likely if they wanted a specific racquet spec with feel they’d get that made just for them and then have a generic PJ put on it and we’d never know about it anyways.
Aussie-pro
Rookie
Let’s count how many pros play with the RF97. The majority of pros you’re referring to play with certain manufacturers because they’re paid to do so.Well , let's count how many pros play with it ....
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
James Blake admitted that he knew poly was bad for his arm and he's now paying the price for it. His justification was that he needed it to be competitive.
Wonder how many others are suffering from it, he couldn’t be the only one.
Really? Do you remember where/when he said this?
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
He mentioned it in passing while commentating during a Tennis Channel match. He and his partner were discussing strings and spin.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The way I see it is that there is no absolute right or wrong opinion here... you either like the racquet and how it plays... or you don't. If you don't, then that is ok. Whether a Pro endorses it or not and whether Michelle (who is an individual) finds it hard to defend or not is irrelevant. It's how you find it that is important.
If someone disagrees with you it is based on their experience (hopefully). Therefore, you won't sway them as they had a different experience, and they won't sway you as you had a different experience. So stop trying...
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Really? An attacking first strike racquet isn't the best at defending? That's a surprise.
A Wilson 6.1 95 isn't a great defending racquet either and I see lots of guys still using those at the club because they like the racquet and have fun with it.
I like the racquet because when I step on a court, I absolutely am never thinking about defending. I'm thinking about getting on top of you with court penetration and depth to your BH, I'm thinking moving forward. I'm thinking getting you off balance on my serve to take control of the point early. I'm thinking low slice returns so you can't take control of the point. I'm never thinking about staying deep and running around. That's not my game or mentality.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
You obviously have time to think on the court
Someone has to be thinking out there. Lord knows its never my doubles partner....
I've been playing with the 93P 18x20 for more than 6 months now and it's only getting better the more I use it. It's a great learning tool. Love the PS90 but this is much easier on the arm.
Kept craving for an open pattern for a while but I'm very comfortable with it now. You have to play with a loose arm to extract spin from this frame, and there is enough.
Very stable at the net as well.
Yeah, feel and comfort are second to none, and as a rec player that is 90% of the job done for me. It's also forcing good technique on me which is a huge plus.
Kept craving for an open pattern for a while but I'm very comfortable with it now. You have to play with a loose arm to extract spin from this frame, and there is enough.
Very stable at the net as well.
Yeah, feel and comfort are second to none, and as a rec player that is 90% of the job done for me. It's also forcing good technique on me which is a huge plus.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Really? An attacking first strike racquet isn't the best at defending? That's a surprise.
A Wilson 6.1 95 isn't a great defending racquet either and I see lots of guys still using those at the club because they like the racquet and have fun with it.
I like the racquet because when I step on a court, I absolutely am never thinking about defending. I'm thinking about getting on top of you with court penetration and depth to your BH, I'm thinking moving forward. I'm thinking getting you off balance on my serve to take control of the point early. I'm thinking low slice returns so you can't take control of the point. I'm never thinking about staying deep and running around. That's not my game or mentality.
Agree with everything you said except the 6.1 95 part. I never had a problem with it in that department (or any other for that matter - well maybe except for the stiffness). I think that if I managed to get into place and behind the ball, the racquet performed extremely well. I completely agree with you with regard to the general mindset when getting on the court and playing, whatever the racquet you have in hand.
I think this is the case with most racquets, which then speaks more to the fitness of the player than the racquet. Most things in life have a trade-off to them. The same thing applies to racquets. There will be certain benefits to using a 93sq inch racquet, as well as certain trade-offs (the same applies to a 100 sq inch racquet). It is the balance of those characteristics that when added up will determine whether you like a racquet or not. It's all personal. What I do know is that it's never the racquet's fault. I may personally not like the balance or the feel, or that I need to work too hard... but that is all about me, my preferences, my technique, and my fitness.
The way I see it (to use a different analogy) if you're looking for boot space and great comfort don't pick the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari 488. If you do, then don't blame the car... blame the person that chose it.
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mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
What is defense anyway? Slapping a hard topspin shot back when pulled wide? How about throwing back some nasty slices, or we’ll-timed lobs (*topspin or not)? Do we all have to hit heavy topspin and turn the defensive situations into offense? Can’t we do other things to get ourselves back into offense? I’ve liking the variety in my game, and the 93P’s thin beam is just awesome.. to look, hold and on impact.
