The Prince Phantom 93P is a gift to us from TW - My Review/AMA

SingTennis

New User
I´ve been wanting to write this for a while and spread the gospel on the 93P 18x20.

I am a fairly strong amateur player, not sure but I think around 4.5-5.0 or something like that. I competed until I was 16, and has since played for he last 15 years trying to juggle college, and later work and family (three kids 2,4, and 6 ddoesn´t give many opportunities to play). In the last year I´m in a position to play a lot more, playing 2-3 times per week 2h each time. Having grown up when Babolat became the sh*t I have used the Pure Drive since 2011. I always liked my PD and thought it suited my game, but when I started to play more last year I decided to experiment and try something that was completely opposite of what I was used to. After reading some reviews, and finding the older version of 93P for less than $100 I bought it, but more for fun than anything else.

I was drawn to it because of what it expects from you as a player: Attacking game, precision, touch - and generally being difficult. A great challenge!

I loved to hit with it from the beginning, particularly dictating play with my forehand (which can be quite deadly) from the baseline. The touch at the net was incredible and completely different compared to what I was used to. However, because I struggled with the Prince in match play against strong players, who would pin me down in the backhand corner, I went back to the PD 2 or 3 times for a couple of weeks during the fall last year.

Eventually, after winning a tough game with the Pince, I settled on it and has not looked back since. I absolutely love what it brings to my game (I need to play smarter, and I play much more aggressive - which is/looks cool). I eventually bought a second one (old version), and I have developed a serve-and-volley game thanks to it (is there anything sexier than serve-volley?). I accept that I sometimes struggle with my backhand (it comes up short), but I have also adapted by making sure I´m hitting with a strong base and proper technique - thank you 93P!

With the PD I could just swing at the ball and it would shoot off the strings like a rocket. Now I need to stay much more connected, which isn´t necessarily a bad thing.

For anyone out there thinking about how to improve your game, try the 93P - it forces you to play the game "as it should be played". Give it a couple of weeks and really try to connect with it. Eventually it will be like the wands in Harry Potter; it feels like an extension of yourself and that you alone are meant to swing that particular racket!

I sometimes dream about going back to Babolat, but with the better technique and improved feel and strategy for the game.... But for now I´m sticking with the Prince...

I string it with Hyper G Soft 18 gauge at 44x42 (mains/crosses).
Happy to answer any questions, but please expect biased answers :)
 

2ndServe

Hall of Fame
I´ve been wanting to write this for a while and spread the gospel on the 93P 18x20.

I am a fairly strong amateur player, not sure but I think around 4.5-5.0 or something like that. I competed until I was 16, and has since played for he last 15 years trying to juggle college, and later work and family (three kids 2,4, and 6 ddoesn´t give many opportunities to play). In the last year I´m in a position to play a lot more, playing 2-3 times per week 2h each time. Having grown up when Babolat became the sh*t I have used the Pure Drive since 2011. I always liked my PD and thought it suited my game, but when I started to play more last year I decided to experiment and try something that was completely opposite of what I was used to. After reading some reviews, and finding the older version of 93P for less than $100 I bought it, but more for fun than anything else.

I was drawn to it because of what it expects from you as a player: Attacking game, precision, touch - and generally being difficult. A great challenge!

I loved to hit with it from the beginning, particularly dictating play with my forehand (which can be quite deadly) from the baseline. The touch at the net was incredible and completely different compared to what I was used to. However, because I struggled with the Prince in match play against strong players, who would pin me down in the backhand corner, I went back to the PD 2 or 3 times for a couple of weeks during the fall last year.

Eventually, after winning a tough game with the Pince, I settled on it and has not looked back since. I absolutely love what it brings to my game (I need to play smarter, and I play much more aggressive - which is/looks cool). I eventually bought a second one (old version), and I have developed a serve-and-volley game thanks to it (is there anything sexier than serve-volley?). I accept that I sometimes struggle with my backhand (it comes up short), but I have also adapted by making sure I´m hitting with a strong base and proper technique - thank you 93P!

With the PD I could just swing at the ball and it would shoot off the strings like a rocket. Now I need to stay much more connected, which isn´t necessarily a bad thing.

For anyone out there thinking about how to improve your game, try the 93P - it forces you to play the game "as it should be played". Give it a couple of weeks and really try to connect with it. Eventually it will be like the wands in Harry Potter; it feels like an extension of yourself and that you alone are meant to swing that particular racket!

I sometimes dream about going back to Babolat, but with the better technique and improved feel and strategy for the game.... But for now I´m sticking with the Prince...

I string it with Hyper G Soft 18 gauge at 44x42 (mains/crosses).
Happy to answer any questions, but please expect biased answers :)

I thinking about this racket but I already have the rebel 95 2009 version 18x20 and have 5x of the them so if its not much different it's a waste of money. But everyone raves about this racket. At probably 50+ rackets I want this but I don't need another racket
 

SingTennis

New User
I thinking about this racket but I already have the rebel 95 2009 version 18x20 and have 5x of the them so if its not much different it's a waste of money. But everyone raves about this racket. At probably 50+ rackets I want this but I don't need another racket

Just sell two of the Rebels and you´re good!
 

shamaho

Professional
thats about 21/22kg, right? i see that the recommended is 20-24... so that is a happy middle

I used lower on my POG mids - in them I used as low as 19Kg/17kg but I usually string them in the 20/18Kg with a thin poly 1.18 ou 1.20 max....
 

Dado111

New User
On the frame it says 23+/-2kg...so i string it at 22/23 with thin 1.18 white Msv Co-focus... Hope it will be good for starters... I could also put few grams at 12, the racquet is customization dream imo with that headlight stock specs
 
Where are you guys adding lead to the 2018 18x20 version? I added 2 grams to the throat to keep the balance about the same and add some stability. I like the feel, but wondering if maybe a more polarized setup would be good. Maybe a little at 12 o’clock or 10/2 and some in the buttcap.

‘Would like to keep the balance the same for serves but wouldn’t mind more stability on off center shots.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Where are you guys adding lead to the 2018 18x20 version? I added 2 grams to the throat to keep the balance about the same and add some stability. I like the feel, but wondering if maybe a more polarized setup would be good. Maybe a little at 12 o’clock or 10/2 and some in the buttcap.

‘Would like to keep the balance the same for serves but wouldn’t mind more stability on off center shots.

These things are personal... adding stability on off-centre shots would be weight at 3 & 9 o'clock, but you could also try 2/10... or even 2/10 and 4/8 (which would expand the sweet spot/ zone.

I added a bit of weight at 3&9 (maybe 2g total - from memory) and I then added some weight 7" above the butt cap (similar amount to what I put at 3&9). I tried adding weight at 12 o'clock as well, but didn't work for me - made the head too heavy and made timing more difficult and the ball was flying on me).

Hope that helps.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Where are you guys adding lead to the 2018 18x20 version? I added 2 grams to the throat to keep the balance about the same and add some stability. I like the feel, but wondering if maybe a more polarized setup would be good. Maybe a little at 12 o’clock or 10/2 and some in the buttcap.

‘Would like to keep the balance the same for serves but wouldn’t mind more stability on off center shots.

Never added lead to that frame. Just seemed all round right as far as balance and swing weight. It's already a pretty polarized frame. To add stability I mostly just ran really low tensions on the string bed. That opened up the sweetspot enough for me.
 

max

Legend
I've got one and like it, but for me, it lacks power.

I'm thinking I should string it well below the recommended spec and give it a try. I need to be able to keep the ball deep with it.

Generally I've had 17g syngut in there.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I've got one and like it, but for me, it lacks power.

I'm thinking I should string it well below the recommended spec and give it a try. I need to be able to keep the ball deep with it.

Generally I've had 17g syngut in there.

Try 50#s with syngut. I string full poly at 45#s for example.
 
How does the current 93p 18x20 compare to the first 93p 18x20. I have the first iteration frames. Want to add a couple more frames? The spec looks similar. Do they play the same? Thanks
 

SlvrDragon50

Semi-Pro
Any suggested tension for 14x18 with Gosen AK Pro CX 17? Thinking 51#.

Also any clue how the grip handle size is compared to other rackets? My old O3 Tour is L4 but I use L3 in my RF97 and CX200 Tour.
 

tata

Hall of Fame
Is 46# syngut too low for the 18x20? I plan on using OGSM 17 natural.
I have mine at 45lb with isospeed professional classic. Sweetspot is generous in this set up. Might depend on where you are in terms of weather conditions. I think you'll be okay. Just hit once and calibrate. I don't think you'll be missing a truck load.
 

tata

Hall of Fame
I have mine at 45lb with isospeed professional classic. Sweetspot is generous in this set up. Might depend on where you are in terms of weather conditions. I think you'll be okay. Just hit once and calibrate. I don't think you'll be missing a truck load.
I would add that in this set up you'd never have guessed it was a 93 in a 18x20 pattern. Mine feels soft and plush and I don't even need to use a dampener. It's not my main racquet but when the opportunity to play with it presents itself, it is an absolute pleasure to play with. Like keeping a ferrari in the garage and only driving it on select occasions.
 

Tranqville

Professional
First off, I have acquired a Prince Phantom 93P and also a Pro100P (edit - I sold the 100P back to TW, the P93 is a far better frame, imo) - Ask me anything.

@Power Player A few years since getting 93p, how do you compare it to the new Yonex VCP line? Which racquets are better than 93p for 1HBH, in your valued opinion?
 
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Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
One of my team members still plays with the 2018 version. He beats incredibly good players with it on clay.
He is actually a clay specialist.
We are playing in the third highest league for over 30 year-olds in Germany but we are all over 40 already.
He came from the IG Prestige mid.
I used to play with it for about 1 1/2 years as well. Actually, I never dropped a set in competitive play with it, but still I switched to the Wilson UP. I have the feeling I can be a bit more creative with it regarding different spins.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Are these your main weapons?

I have a large collection, so I tend to rotate them around.

I do use it as my main racquet... I just find that when I'm using it, I need to utilise the racquet's weapons (precision, creativity, and variety) instead of trying to blast my opponent off the court. It is an incredible racquet. I also have it's bigger brother/sister the 97P. Also an amazing racquet with different strengths.

For the 93P, I use thinner gauge strings to maximise the spin and launch angle. With the 97P, I tend to use 16 gauge strings to try to lower the launch angle and increase control and the ability to flatten out.

Hope that helps.
 
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Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
I have a large collection, so I tend to rotate them around.

I do use it as my main racquet... I just find that when I'm using it, I need to utilise the racquet's weapons (precision, creativity, and variety) instead of trying to blast my opponent off the court. It is an incredible racquet. I also have it's bigger brother/sister the 97P. Also an amazing racquet with different strengths.

For the 93P, I use thinner gauge strings to maximise the spin and launch angle. With the 97P, I tend to use 16 gauge strings to try to lower the launch angle and increase control and the ability to flatten out.

Hope that helps.
May I ask what your level is? Is it okay to rotate rackets as much? I also tend to do this, but before team matches I try to stick with one frame for about a month. However, due to the amount of rackets I've tested in the last years, I've become pretty good at juggling different rackets. But I won't use different rackets in one match for example.

I tend to blame the racket. Even if I win, I sometimes just remember the worst mishits and yeah, try another one, which I hate! I wished I would be different and I could just stay with one. I am actually annoyed by it!
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
I have a large collection, so I tend to rotate them around.

I do use it as my main racquet... I just find that when I'm using it, I need to utilise the racquet's weapons (precision, creativity, and variety) instead of trying to blast my opponent off the court. It is an incredible racquet. I also have it's bigger brother/sister the 97P. Also an amazing racquet with different strengths.

For the 93P, I use thinner gauge strings to maximise the spin and launch angle. With the 97P, I tend to use 16 gauge strings to try to lower the launch angle and increase control and the ability to flatten out.

Hope that helps.
What is the advantage of using the 97p over the 93p?
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
May I ask what your level is? Is it okay to rotate rackets as much? I also tend to do this, but before team matches I try to stick with one frame for about a month. However, due to the amount of rackets I've tested in the last years, I've become pretty good at juggling different rackets. But I won't use different rackets in one match for example.

I tend to blame the racket. Even if I win, I sometimes just remember the worst mishits and yeah, try another one, which I hate! I wished I would be different and I could just stay with one. I am actually annoyed by it!

What is my level... I haven't been graded for a long time. I can execute any shot necessary (even the Federer backhand smash ;):giggle:), but that doesn't mean I always do it to my expectations. Coaches have said that I could play anyone, I have long fluid strokes, one of my friends played on the Challenger Tour (I could keep up with him but not beat him), and I was asked to warm up a former World No.7 WTA player. BUT, that was when I was younger... I am older now (in my mid-40s), I have not played and trained at those levels for a long time, and life has played its part... so I am not as fast, not as fit, my stokes are not what they were when I was younger, my consistency has been affected, I get more nervous when playing, the psychological/mental part of the game has weakened... and all these things play a part in the overall deterioration of my level from its "glory days".

I don't like to self-assess and put forward numbers, as I think that on these boards and the internet in general, things are always exaggerated. I have played with @Grieeegoorr ... maybe he can put a number to it, but that's up to him. I could maintain a rally and have a good hit with Tennisnerd, AC Tennis, and even Karue Sell from Tennis HQ (although I don't know how long I would last... I'm guessing not very long before he found my weaknesses and exploited them to crush me) as reference points of people from the internet. I have good stroke mechanics and technique, but fitness and getting slower as I get older have played a part in deteriorating my consistency and lowering my level.

Sorry about the long-winded answer. I hope this gives some indication of my level... with a healthy dose of realism.

Final attempt: I feel like I am in between these two guys


I have much better stroke mechanics than the 4.5 guy, I hit more consistent and harder serves and groundstrokes, but my fitness level would result in not being in place in time to execute my shots properly (particularly off the backhand side), and my overall weaker mental game and tactics would mean that the 7.0 guy (Karue Sell) would quickly break me down and crush me. Between a 4.5 and a 7.0... I'd be closer to the bottom 1/3 of that scale, rather than in the middle.

Maybe closer to these guys...


Hope that helps... and again sorry for the really long post. I hate self-rating.
 
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Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
What is my level... I haven't been graded for a long time. I can execute any shot necessary (even the Federer backhand smash ;):giggle:), but that doesn't mean I always do it to my expectations. Coaches have said that I could play anyone, I have long fluid strokes, one of my friends played on the Challenger Tour (I could keep up with him but not beat him), and I was asked to warm up a former World No.7 WTA player. BUT, that was when I was younger... I am older now (in my mid-40s), I have not played and trained at those levels for a long time, and life has played its part... so I am not as fast, not as fit, my stokes are not what they were when I was younger, my consistency has been affected, I get more nervous when playing, the psychological/mental part of the game has weakened... and all these things play a part in the overall deterioration of my level from its "glory days".

I don't like to self-assess and put forward numbers, as I think that on these boards and the internet in general, things are always exaggerated. I have played with @Grieeegoorr ... maybe he can put a number to it, but that's up to him. I could maintain a rally and have a good hit with Tennisnerd, AC Tennis, and even Karue Sell from Tennis HQ (although I don't know how long I would last... I'm guessing not very long before he found my weaknesses and exploited them to crush me) as reference points of people from the internet. I have good stroke mechanics and technique, but fitness and getting slower as I get older have played a part in deteriorating my consistency and lowering my level.

Sorry about the long-winded answer. I hope this gives some indication of my level... with a healthy dose of realism.

Final attempt: I feel like I am in between these two guys


I have much better stroke mechanics than the 4.5 guy, I hit more consistent and harder serves and groundstrokes, but my fitness level would result in not being in place in time to execute my shots properly (particularly off the backhand side), and my overall weaker mental game and tactics would mean that the 7.0 guy (Karue Sell) would quickly break me down and crush me. Between a 4.5 and a 7.0... I'd be closer to the bottom 1/3 of that scale, rather than in the middle.

Maybe closer to these guys...


Hope that helps... and again sorry for the really long post. I hate self-rating.
That sounds like we play on the same level, give or take. Haha. I used to be top 30 in Germany for under 17 but then I stopped playing competitively for a long time. Now I am playing more competitively again in the beginning of my 40s. We have a great over 30 team, one player having won German mastership as a youth some times. And two others who played the Bundesliga ten or more years ago. Now we all have a family and can’t hit more than once or twice a week. It is great to have good people around you that still want to play a high level but with the main goal of having a good time together!
 

anggarda

New User
The 18x20 93P feels more connected than the Rebel 95. To me, the 93P offered more predictable responses, whereas the Rebel 95 felt softer. I lean towards the 93P having better control but both are really nice rackets. The launch angle was similar, iirc. Not sure of the 14x18, but having used the POG mid and the Spectrum Mid, I’m pretty certain that the control will be there with added power and spin.


The Rebel 95, was a very plush and comfortable racquet , one of the best playing prince racquet , if you could look past the design.

Incredible if the 93p surpassed it.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
The Rebel 95, was a very plush and comfortable racquet , one of the best playing prince racquet , if you could look past the design.

Incredible if the 93p surpassed it.

The 93P played best strung low around 44lbs with some thin 18G poly strings. While I loved the Rebel 95 (*both versions of,the EXO3), the 93P played with more accuracy, feel and maneuverability.
 

anggarda

New User
The 93P played best strung low around 44lbs with some thin 18G poly strings. While I loved the Rebel 95 (*both versions of,the EXO3), the 93P played with more accuracy, feel and maneuverability.

I hold the 2009 rebel95 in very high regard.

ps85. rebel95. yonex89. kfactorPS90.

I purchased the 93P because of this comment. Strung it up to 44pounds biphase. Will test it tomorrow. Perhaps it is time to add one more addition to the collection.
 

djNEiGht

Legend
I hold the 2009 rebel95 in very high regard.

ps85. rebel95. yonex89. kfactorPS90.

I purchased the 93P because of this comment. Strung it up to 44pounds biphase. Will test it tomorrow. Perhaps it is time to add one more addition to the collection.
Do you normally play with biphase at low tension? 44 lbs biphase might be a laucher. @mhkeuns tension was in regards to poly.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
I hold the 2009 rebel95 in very high regard.

ps85. rebel95. yonex89. kfactorPS90.

I purchased the 93P because of this comment. Strung it up to 44pounds biphase. Will test it tomorrow. Perhaps it is time to add one more addition to the collection.

18G poly worked the best for me.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
ouch. I missed the poly reference :-( weep
agree. biphase is indeed more powerful than poly.
was researching the forum on the phone while talking to the stringers during purchase.
:-(

It's a tight 18x20... so you still might be fine, just focus on technique and more spin if it's too powerful on this string job... and adjust accordingly for the next time. The racquet is still magnificent... so you should be happy in the long run. OR... you might just love it. You never know until you try.
 
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