about POG History / different versions

MichaelChang

Hall of Fame
Could someone please share some light on the history of POG?
I have seen people saying "4 stripe", "1 stripe", "110", "oversize", "recent from TW" as different versions. also, I tried "search" but were not able to find the definition of these different versions, except I know the "recent TW" means the ones selling on TW.
Thanks!!
 

TheShaun

Hall of Fame
yes, have the head sizes changed over the years or have they always been the same as what TW sells?
 
They've always been the same - the oversize was released as a 110, but that was measured using the outside of the frame. Using the inside of the frame, it's 107. Same for the midsize (95 remeasured as 93).

I believe the very early ones came without a bumper guard. The others (which includes 4 stripes, 'straight shaft', 'tour'/recent TW) are meant to be the same, but some folks say they've got more head heavy over time.

I've got 8 of the 'tour' version, and they hit pretty good.
 

MichaelChang

Hall of Fame
They've always been the same - the oversize was released as a 110, but that was measured using the outside of the frame. Using the inside of the frame, it's 107. Same for the midsize (95 remeasured as 93).

I believe the very early ones came without a bumper guard. The others (which includes 4 stripes, 'straight shaft', 'tour'/recent TW) are meant to be the same, but some folks say they've got more head heavy over time.

I've got 8 of the 'tour' version, and they hit pretty good.

thank you very much. what exactly does "stripe" mean here? I mean how to tell that one is a "4-stripe" by looking at the racket?
 

Klatu Verata Necktie

Hall of Fame
They've always been the same - the oversize was released as a 110, but that was measured using the outside of the frame. Using the inside of the frame, it's 107. Same for the midsize (95 remeasured as 93).

I believe the very early ones came without a bumper guard. The others (which includes 4 stripes, 'straight shaft', 'tour'/recent TW) are meant to be the same, but some folks say they've got more head heavy over time.

I've got 8 of the 'tour' version, and they hit pretty good.

Are you sure about the 110? I have a POG Series 110, and when I compare the size of the frame to my Donnay Pro One Oversize, the Donnay is noticeably larger.
 

desilvam

Rookie
POG History

I did a bit of research on this and this is what little I know or believe so far .

1) Prince website says that the POG was first introduced in 1980. This is the one that had the 1 green stripe, and the words PRINCE & TOUR on the frame.
I do not know if this 1980 model had a bumper guard. I have seen POG without bumpers on the big auction site. I assume that the earliest version (i.e. 1980) would be the one without the bumper.

2) I have 2 of the POG OS 1987 model. This one has 4 stripes. On the side of the frame it says 'Graphite 110' . The word TOUR is NOT on the frame. It has 4 PRINCE's printed on the frame near the throat. The crossbeam stabilizer has GRAPHITE written on it. It has a bumper guard. The recommended String tension is 60-75 lbs. The current frames being sold have a lower recommended tension range.

3) I believe that the current production and sale of POG is based on the original 1980 model with the single Green Stripe and word TOUR on the frame. This is the same one sold on TW. These ones have bumper guards on them.

4) There are only 2 sizes made, the OS (107) and the mid (93)

5) The specs for the OS and mid have not changed much since 1980, and are as follows:
size: 107 for OS, 93 for mid
Stiffness: 63 for OS, 66 for mid
Composition: 100% Graphite
Cross Section: 19mm head/19mm shaft
Weight: 11.6oz/330oz unstrung, 12.2oz strung for both
Balance: 5 pt headlight for OS, 8 pt headlight for mid.
Power Level: 700 for OS, 600 for mid
String Pattern: 16x19 for OS, 14x18 for mid
Tension 57-67 for OS, 53-63 for mid
Tension range recommendation has changed from 60-75 for 1987 POG OS.

Feel free to add or correct any incorrect information above :)
 

tandayu

Professional
There are at least 2 or 3 molds on POG over its production life.

1) The real original one was POG made in USA, tear drop shead hape, shorter handle, no grommet

2) THen same as #1, but with individual grommet on each hole, then

3) New mold, more rounded head shape , bumper guard, longer grip handle, fairway leather

4) then it getting worse afterward ..........

There was a complete explanation by a knowledgeble guy from Japan on this forum a while back, can't remember his name
 

tandayu

Professional
ahh, does it still worth to buy the ones (such as the MID) from TW? how bad has it getting? (like the PS 85 china compare to s.v.?)

It is a matter of personal preference. The original one sold for $200 or more back then (I know several friends bought in different countries, it was too expensive back in the 70s). Today at my local store, the reproduction sold for $99

You can demo from TW, and maybe ok for you or maybe not
 

iTennis

Rookie
Here's what in my book (done some research about 6 months ago before acquiring two 4-stripe OS's)....


Origimal (first gen) POG (Late 70's to late 80's):

Single green stripe around the frame, green 'Prince' and 'Graphite' printed on the throat faces (i.e. up/ down), cork filled, shorter grip/ stabilizer bar closer to grip than later models, 3 versions; the original w/ no grommets, then individual grommets, then molded 1-pc grommet, older one has egg-shaped hoop, later became more oval, heaviest of all around mid-12oz, earlier model made in USA, later in Taiwan.

2nd gen POG (late 80's to mid-90's?):

4 green stripes around the frame, 'Prince' in gold printed (4) on the throat, 'Patented 1987' also printed, longer grip than original, foam filled frame, weight just around 12oz strung at about 6-pt head light (strung) balance (at least two of my OS sticks), 2 versions; one printed '110' or '95' printed on hoop top and 'Graphite Series 110' or Graphite Series 95' on one side of the throat, later one with 'Oversize' or 'Midplus' on hoop top and 'Graphite Oversize' or 'Graphite Midplus' on both sides of the throat (I have one each of the OS), 'Oversize' or 'Midplus' version frame bit less stiffer (my own experience), made in Taiwan.

3rd gen POG (late 90's? to current):

One green stripe/ one gold stripe around the frame, two versions; 'Prince' and 'Straight Shaft' on the throat, most current with 'Prince' and 'Tour' printed, bit more top-heavy and stiffer frame than gen 2 (at least OS), made in China.


I'm not a racquet historian or old enough to know about POG from back then...and would appreciate fellow POGers to further provide accurate info.
 

PBODY99

Legend
No, the oversize is the series 110. I'm not sure about the cork in the frame on the earliest models, as I remember it was a foam, which wasn't uncommon for frames of the early 1970's. {I didn't start saving broken frames until the early1990's}

The frame you like is the one you should play with.
Most people forget that there was a Prince Graphite II ( 20% fiberglass) introduced at the same time & at a lower price than the all graphite model . Demand was so great for the 100% model that they quickly stopped selling the 80/20 version as they used the same molds.
 

superstition

Hall of Fame
Tennis Warehouse said:
tandayu

The real first POG was in 1977. I believe it was used by Gene Meyer, Carling Bassett, Paul Annacone). The early one was for one hand grip (shorter handle), the racket has no grommet, nor bumper guard, the mold was different (thinner). These are made in USA. I am no sure if the pros are using these.

The 1983 has thicker beam with bumper guard, and longer grip handle.

Anybody else has a differen version of the early ones?

Geoff
11-08-2004, 09:00 AM
Before the bumper guard version on the current Prince rackets, the POG (Oversize) had all individual grommets. This was true on all of their composite frames at that time. The bumper guards were introduced when Prince released their entry to the mid size market with the Series 90 as well as their entry to the super size market with the Series 125. They called the Oversize at that time the Series 110. Their first midsize racquest were the Magnesium, Graphite, Precision Graphite. The release of the Series 90, 110, 125 was either 1984 or 1984.

Colpo
11-08-2004, 11:12 AM
The earliest Graphite version was a two-piece, with the handle piece fused on to the racket. It's been a one-piece for over two decades now.

Also, there was a very short-lived Graphite 2 in the late 70's. Cosmetics were identical to the Graphite (except the former said "Graphite 2" where the latter said "Graphite"), but with a little fiberglass for flex.

David Pavlich
11-08-2004, 12:07 PM
The first one I had was grommetless. It finally gave up the ghost when the string pulled through the throat.

David

gmlasam
11-08-2004, 12:34 PM
The head shape of the very early POG from the 70's had more of a tear drop shape, similar to the early Head Radicals. The POG head shape became much more oval or egg shape by mid to late 80s, and the current POGs
There should be a POG FAQ on this site, as well as a review, since there are an endless number of repetitive topics about this racquet. I have heard that the first version had cork inside.
 

iTennis

Rookie
Here's what in my book (done some research about 6 months ago before acquiring two 4-stripe OS's)....


Origimal (first gen) POG (Late 70's to late 80's):

Single green stripe around the frame, green 'Prince' and 'Graphite' printed on the throat faces (i.e. up/ down), cork filled, shorter grip/ stabilizer bar closer to grip than later models, 3 versions; the original w/ no grommets, then individual grommets, then molded 1-pc grommet, older one has egg-shaped hoop, later became more oval, heaviest of all around mid-12oz, earlier model made in USA, later in Taiwan.

2nd gen POG (late 80's to mid-90's?):

4 green stripes around the frame, 'Prince' in gold printed (4) on the throat, 'Patented 1987' also printed, longer grip than original, foam filled frame, weight just around 12oz strung at about 6-pt head light (strung) balance (at least two of my OS sticks), 2 versions; one printed '110' or '95' printed on hoop top and 'Graphite Series 110' or Graphite Series 95' on one side of the throat, later one with 'Oversize' or 'Midplus' on hoop top and 'Graphite Oversize' or 'Graphite Midplus' on both sides of the throat (I have one each of the OS), 'Oversize' or 'Midplus' version frame bit less stiffer (my own experience), made in Taiwan.

3rd gen POG (late 90's? to current):

One green stripe/ one gold stripe around the frame, two versions; 'Prince' and 'Straight Shaft' on the throat, most current with 'Prince' and 'Tour' printed, bit more top-heavy and stiffer frame than gen 2 (at least OS), made in China.


I'm not a racquet historian or old enough to know about POG from back then...and would appreciate fellow POGers to further provide accurate info.


Sorry... for Gen 2, it is '90' not '95' printed for the mid/ midplus sticks....

I read people talking about cork deterioration, etc. on this web....so I assumed it was used in fact. No I have not seen it personally inside the frame. Also I thought that is why Gen 1 (early) sticks are heavier, even with thinner frame, shorter grip and no grommets.
 

MichaelChang

Hall of Fame
thanks iTennis.

and yeah, I definitely think there should be a POG faq link. however wasn't able to find it in "search". sorry for asking the same question over.
 

Putt4Dough

New User
Does anyone know when the POG Longbody (LB) was introduced? Did Prince ever make a 4-stripe POG LB?

I think to make this thread even more informative, we should try to post pics of the different POGs. I have a 4-Stripe Mid and OS which I will take pictures of in the next couple of days and post. In the meanwhile, here's the stock picture of a new POG LB from TW's site:

PGLB-big.jpg
 

crvlvr

New User
Is there a difference between the oversize and the Series 110?
i just received a used 110 today and noticed that the racquet head is narrower (more oval) than the oversize (more round). Both are 4 stripers. Is that part of the design, or one of them has gotten deformed over the years ?
 

Yonex.

Semi-Pro
I don't get it....You said that the early POG had 60-75 tension range, you also said that nothing has changed of the racquet till now. Then why isn't the tension range the same as before? maybe since back then everyone used natural gut? And now we use Polyester or something? Can someone answer this question for me? Thanks!
 

Klatu Verata Necktie

Hall of Fame
I don't get it....You said that the early POG had 60-75 tension range, you also said that nothing has changed of the racquet till now. Then why isn't the tension range the same as before? maybe since back then everyone used natural gut? And now we use Polyester or something? Can someone answer this question for me? Thanks!

That's probably one of the reasons. Another may be that manufacturers reduce the suggested string tension to prevent possible frame damage.
 

LPShanet

Banned
I still have a couple of the very first generation of midsize Prince Graphites (single stripe, no "Tour" on frame) lying around. It came out in 1984 and was called the Series 90 (not 93 or 95), and was marketed as being 90 square inches. While there were grommetless and individual grommeted versions of the original oversize (110), the mid's first version already had a grommet strip with integrated bumper guard. I'm sure this was the first version, as I was sponsored by Prince at the time, and got them before they hit the market later that year.
 

tandayu

Professional
I still have a couple of the very first generation of midsize Prince Graphites (single stripe, no "Tour" on frame) lying around. It came out in 1984 and was called the Series 90 (not 93 or 95), and was marketed as being 90 square inches. While there were grommetless and individual grommeted versions of the original oversize (110), the mid's first version already had a grommet strip with integrated bumper guard. I'm sure this was the first version, as I was sponsored by Prince at the time, and got them before they hit the market later that year.

How the buttcap looks like and how is the end of the string channel (round or square)?
 

LPShanet

Banned
How the buttcap looks like and how is the end of the string channel (round or square)?

The buttcap is solid black with the "P" cut out of it, almost like a stencil. In the hole created by the cutout is a yellowish plasticized sticker with tiny "Princes" written all over.

Not sure I'm understanding the second question, but if you mean where the grommet channel ends at the throat, it's square, but the grommet strip is rounded, so it overhangs a mm or two.

I should mention that since my racquets were sent to me at the beginning of (or maybe even prior to) the first main production run, small details such as the butt cap may not be what was stock at retail, though I suspect they are the same.
 

tandayu

Professional
The buttcap is solid black with the "P" cut out of it, almost like a stencil. In the hole created by the cutout is a yellowish plasticized sticker with tiny "Princes" written all over.

Not sure I'm understanding the second question, but if you mean where the grommet channel ends at the throat, it's square, but the grommet strip is rounded, so it overhangs a mm or two.

I should mention that since my racquets were sent to me at the beginning of (or maybe even prior to) the first main production run, small details such as the butt cap may not be what was stock at retail, though I suspect they are the same.

Thank you. I have one like your description, but I also saw one of later batch (also single green stripe) which the "P" on buttcap is protruding, and the end of the grommet channel is round. The paint quality of the later batch is pale.

You have one rare items, a sponsored POG MP of the earliest version.
 

Dunlop300

New User
I too have a couple of the 1984 Series 90 POGs lying around. I attended university between 82-86 and many of my friends on the tennis team were sponsored by Prince and to make extra cash would sell these frames to hackers like myself. Great racquet after playing HS tennis with a Red Head.
 

iTennis

Rookie
i just received a used 110 today and noticed that the racquet head is narrower (more oval) than the oversize (more round). Both are 4 stripers. Is that part of the design, or one of them has gotten deformed over the years ?

My '110' and Oversize' versions of 4-stripers have exactly the same head-shape. I know single stripers have tear-drop-shaped head, so maybe your 110 it the earlier version, whose head shape is the same as single striper?
 

AceofBase

Rookie
Hey you guy forgot about the Prince Triple Threat Graphite one which is the last generation of the Graphite series. Go check this one out and you'll love it for sure as for collection or hitting with it.
 

LPShanet

Banned
Thank you. I have one like your description, but I also saw one of later batch (also single green stripe) which the "P" on buttcap is protruding, and the end of the grommet channel is round. The paint quality of the later batch is pale.

You have one rare items, a sponsored POG MP of the earliest version.

Not sure what use that will serve me, but it's nice to know that I'm in an exclusive club:)
 

tandayu

Professional
Hey you guy forgot about the Prince Triple Threat Graphite one which is the last generation of the Graphite series. Go check this one out and you'll love it for sure as for collection or hitting with it.

The Prince TT Graphite and TT Warrior was sold for $29.99 for long time at my local store.

I am not saying they are bad frames, but maybe not known to the general population
 

ccelis

Rookie
My '110' and Oversize' versions of 4-stripers have exactly the same head-shape. I know single stripers have tear-drop-shaped head, so maybe your 110 it the earlier version, whose head shape is the same as single striper?

Hi, just wondering if you notice any difference in play and feel between the "110" and "oversize"? I have heard that is labled "Oversize" is slightly stiffer ? Also, is one more Headlight?

Thanks
 

iTennis

Rookie
Hi, just wondering if you notice any difference in play and feel between the "110" and "oversize"? I have heard that is labled "Oversize" is slightly stiffer ? Also, is one more Headlight?

Thanks

Not really, especially once I matched weight and balance exactly. I recall seeing another old post here saying 'Oversize' is bit more flexier, though.... In stock form my '110' was 5g heavier and slightly more head-heavy. But the difference between the two is very minor enought not to worry about..... could be just within mfr tolerance.
 

MichaelChang

Hall of Fame
somehow, I just saw a 4-stripe POS OS, with "Oversize" on top of the frame. and the recommended string tension is 50-60 lb, 23-27kg. why so low? a bad paint quality control or what...
 

superstition

Hall of Fame
Ah, from that photo I see Howard Head's influence on the old version of the Prince Graphite. That head shape is a Head head shape. It looks like the Head Classic Tour racquet I own. The other shape looks like a standard Prince shape.

Maybe people will stop calling these racquets (except for the actual original model) Prince "Original" Graphite? They're clearly not the same.
 

g9clem

New User
I see lot of post for different versions of POG but none talk about the Longbody Michael Chang model. I have a Longbody Michael Chang OS model and used it primarly as my goto weapon when I was younger. However, I don't remember the specs for it and don't seem to be able to find it anywhere online. I can only find the spec for other longbody versions of Prince Graphite but not the Michael Chang version. Any POG guru out there know?
 

haerdalis

Hall of Fame
From racquet finder:
Prince graphite tour os
sw 327
weight 345
balance 32.25
flex 66

Prince graphite classic OS
sw 335
weight 348
balance 30.8
flex 62

The classic os seems like a dream frame to me. I wish I knew which one that was.
I am hoping the avery m5 will play like that.
 

Nastase

Rookie
Question please someone answer. Is the weight and balance of the "Straight Shaft" version the same or dfferent than the current TW "Tour" version?

Also....If I recall correctly Prince very briefly made a super oversize POG 125 sq inches way back when graphics were all green.
 

bluetrain4

G.O.A.T.
I know POG devotees tend to (at least it appears that way) not like the current TW version. But, I really love it, even though it is less headlight and has a higher swingweight.

Then again, I really have no point of comparison since I didn't play with the earlier version.

Any other takers for the current TW version?
 
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