@@@@@The OFFICIAL Prince EXO3 Tour 100 Club@@@@@

Kcraig

Professional
I'm stringing up a multi - thnderblast in a minute and should hit with it today. I'll let you guys know how it goes. This is more of backup setup for me since my main stick is going great with the hybrid.

Interested to see how this plays. I tried Thunderblast (or as i prefer, BlackThunder) once in the 7g at 58# and was too stiff. Think at 55# it would perform better. What tension are you going with fulll bed and on what string machine (crank or CP--helps with my tension reference as my local's Bab star 5 is so damn tight and 58# on it feels like a brick wall)

I am digging the NXT playability, but durability is not too good. Would love to squeeze out 10-12 hours if possible. NXT control may be the better fit
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I strung it on a CP at 62 and it felt great. It hit very well with plenty of control. I can really feel the flex of the racquet a lot more with the full multi, but in terms of pure performance I prefer the hybrid. Definitley a great setup for the backup stick though.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I strung it on a CP at 62 and it felt great. It hit very well with plenty of control. I can really feel the flex of the racquet a lot more with the full multi, but in terms of pure performance I prefer the hybrid. Definitley a great setup for the backup stick though.


Glad you liked it. Perhaps Mr. KCraig needs to give it a 2nd shot at a lower tension.
 

Kcraig

Professional
Glad you liked it. Perhaps Mr. KCraig needs to give it a 2nd shot at a lower tension.

Definitely on the "radar" and love the price!!! Would probably look 54# with the "cooler" temps coming in.

PP how was your spin production with the full multi compared to your normal poly/syn hybrid. I have zero problem with heavy spin with this frame even with full multi--frame is just so quick through the air!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
The spin was quite nice. Not as good as with b5e in there, but I really like the feel of the full multi. I could easily play a match with it, but the control I get from the hybrid is tough to beat.

Biggest pita is stringing. It's real easy to bottom out the stringer due to the stretchiness, so I spent a lot of time pulling twice, which made it take a lot longer.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
It's great to hear opinions on strings (as pertains to this certain frame) from people who string their own frames. You just don't get the opportunity to try as many different types of strings when you don't string.

Keep it up y'all.

------

A friend of mine loves the exo (from hittin with mine :smile: ) , so he decided to pick one up. But opted for the 16x18 version.

It's funny, after playing for awhile now with the 18x20, I got a more intimate feel for the 16x18 today that wasn't present during the initial demo.

It's the familiarity and expectation of the exos that set the 16x18 up today for a very, very pleasurable session.

I enjoyed more aspects of the 16x18 when compared to the 18x20.

Really up at net and on my forehand does the 18x20 outperform the 16x18 (for me anyways).

The differences are subtle... but they are magnified when balls are flyin' and you're stretched.

So much more spin than the 18x20.... easier, more comfortable power... snap of the wrist type of 'escapability' (I know, not really a word.. neologistics are taking over our languages) that the 18x20 just makes you work a tad harder for.

Now, because the 18x20 allows you to swing out a little more... some shots are coated with the dirtiest spin I've experienced playing tennis... but the 16x18 has more consistent spin that is on tap and ready to serve.

Quite a conundrum in my quarters.... I've invested time and money in the 18x20... but absolutely enjoyed the 16x18 far more.
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
It's great to hear opinions on strings (as pertains to this certain frame) from people who string their own frames. You just don't get the opportunity to try as many different types of strings when you don't string.

Keep it up y'all.

------

A friend of mine loves the exo (from hittin with mine :smile: ) , so he decided to pick one up. But opted for the 16x18 version.

It's funny, after playing for awhile now with the 18x20, I got a more intimate feel for the 16x18 today that wasn't present during the initial demo.

It's the familiarity and expectation of the exos that set the 16x18 up today for a very, very pleasurable session.

I enjoyed more aspects of the 16x18 when compared to the 18x20.

Really up at net and on my forehand does the 18x20 outperform the 16x18 (for me anyways).

The differences are subtle... but they are magnified when balls are flyin' and you're stretched.

So much more spin than the 18x20.... easier, more comfortable power... snap of the wrist type of 'escapability' (I know, not really a word.. neologistics are taking over our languages) that the 18x20 just makes you work a tad harder for.

Now, because the 18x20 allows you to swing out a little more... some shots are coated with the dirtiest spin I've experienced playing tennis... but the 16x18 has more consistent spin that is on tap and ready to serve.

Quite a conundrum in my quarters.... I've invested time and money in the 18x20... but absolutely enjoyed the 16x18 far more.

Hey Klem, just wondering, was the 16x18 you played stock? Because it's not a real fair comparison to your leaded up EXO. Also, lead at 12 instead of at 3&9 will give you more spin and really help with those wrist snaps.

I know that my 16x18 with a scant 2g's at 12 is a monster when I'm pulled wide to the forehand, I can snap the racquet so fast for a Sampras style over the head forehand that I can launch with great spin either cc or dtl. Seriously, last time I played my opponent flat out stopped going to that wing.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
^ Yes it was stock. I really can't groove with lead at 12 off the ground.. too much power.. I am a flatter hitter.. interchange between eastern (80% of the time) and semi-western grip (depends on court positioning).. nothing extreme... just brush up on it. On serve, lead at 12 is 'goatly' ( more neologistics :smile: ). Maybe it's time to re-think my set-up on the 18x20.





To me that's the bottome line. No conundrum. Get the one you enjoy more.

I agree. But I already have 3 18x20's in my possession. Onehander?.. please change my listing... 18x20 ( wishes it was 16x18 ) :razz:
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
The 16x18 is the way to go because it is what Prince sticks are all about. I hit with another prince guy last night who uses older ones that I don't even know the model of. Regardless he is nasty and we were both talking about how prince rules for spin. He is a flatter hitter than me but still hits drop shots that die instantly and loves the feel of the 16x18 pattern. You can just do so much more with the ball. I think Head or Dunlop is the way to go for closed patterns personally. Prince has made amazing spin sticks for years and it really is their bread and butter.

I am not saying the 18x20 sucks or anything btw, I just knew if I went prince, I'm going open pattern.
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
The 16x18 is the way to go because it is what Prince sticks are all about. I hit with another prince guy last night who uses older ones that I don't even know the model of. Regardless he is nasty and we were both talking about how prince rules for spin. He is a flatter hitter than me but still hits drop shots that die instantly and loves the feel of the 16x18 pattern. You can just do so much more with the ball. I think Head or Dunlop is the way to go for closed patterns personally. Prince has made amazing spin sticks for years and it really is their bread and butter.

I am not saying the 18x20 sucks or anything btw, I just knew if I went prince, I'm going open pattern.

I tend to agree, but in such a large head (100 is pretty big for me), the string pattern shouldn't make that big of a difference unless the spacing is super tight around the ss.

Think of the Dual Plat 99, a stick you played and that my most regular partner plays, that thing is a spin machine, and yet it's an 18x20.

I'm anticipating that the biggest diff. between both versions will be the SW. The higher stock SW of the 16x18 tells me its got more weight in the hoop, hence a more spin friendly polarized weight distribution. We'll see, the 18x20 I bought off Klem should arrive tomorrow, can't wait :)
T
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah,What I mean is that when I get a prince I'm going as open as possible in the pattern. That is their wheelhouse.

The dual plat did get a lot of spin, but the exo is on another level of nasty.
 

Anton

Legend
The 16x18 is the way to go because it is what Prince sticks are all about. I hit with another prince guy last night who uses older ones that I don't even know the model of. Regardless he is nasty and we were both talking about how prince rules for spin. He is a flatter hitter than me but still hits drop shots that die instantly and loves the feel of the 16x18 pattern. You can just do so much more with the ball. I think Head or Dunlop is the way to go for closed patterns personally. Prince has made amazing spin sticks for years and it really is their bread and butter.

I am not saying the 18x20 sucks or anything btw, I just knew if I went prince, I'm going open pattern.

Personally i think there is nothing 16x18 can do that 18x20 can't do at lower tension and/or thinner gauge (when it comes to poly anyway), but you will pop strings a lot less often with the later

and by the way, this 18x20 is pretty open because of 100" head size and even spacing
 
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mhj202

Rookie
Any full bed natural gut users with the Exo3 Tour 16x18? Would love to get your thoughts on tensions you've tired and feel and performance compared to other set-ups you've tried.

thanks in advance.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Can any of you guys with just 2grams of lead at 12 chime in and tell me what your stick weighs with og and damp? I have one that weighs 11.7 and another that is 11.9 with Wilson pro and Sampras dampener.

It's tough to pick my favorite. The heavier one I bought new from prince. Lighter one feels like a smaller grip, but it's a 3.
 

bad_call

Legend
Can any of you guys with just 2grams of lead at 12 chime in and tell me what your stick weighs with og and damp? I have one that weighs 11.7 and another that is 11.9 with Wilson pro and Sampras dampener.

It's tough to pick my favorite. The heavier one I bought new from prince. Lighter one feels like a smaller grip, but it's a 3.

are the balance points the same ? (HL comparison)
 

jonestim

Hall of Fame
Can any of you guys with just 2grams of lead at 12 chime in and tell me what your stick weighs with og and damp? I have one that weighs 11.7 and another that is 11.9 with Wilson pro and Sampras dampener.

It's tough to pick my favorite. The heavier one I bought new from prince. Lighter one feels like a smaller grip, but it's a 3.

Before lead and no OG, but with the prince exo3 dampener and poly both my 16x18s are 329g and my 18x20s are both 325g. Add 2g for lead and 5-6g for overgrip and they would be 336g and 332g which is 11.85 and 11.71 oz.
 

Murray_fan1

Professional
Can any of you guys with just 2grams of lead at 12 chime in and tell me what your stick weighs with og and damp? I have one that weighs 11.7 and another that is 11.9 with Wilson pro and Sampras dampener.

It's tough to pick my favorite. The heavier one I bought new from prince. Lighter one feels like a smaller grip, but it's a 3.

Mine weighs in at 12.0 ounces. Volkl overgrip, Tecnifibre Ruff Code, Prince dampener.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
are the balance points the same ? (HL comparison)

No..the lighter he is a little,ore head heavy.

Thanks guys. It is really tough figure out wha I like since they both hit well. One has the multi and is very accurate, but I can swing out more with the heavier one with poly.
 

bad_call

Legend
No..the lighter he is a little,ore head heavy.

Thanks guys. It is really tough figure out wha I like since they both hit well. One has the multi and is very accurate, but I can swing out more with the heavier one with poly.

reads like the heavier one is more HL which is more to your liking. if you need more info then shoot an email this way.
 

skeeter

Professional
Hey all you EXO3'ers with 1hbhs! There's a lot of talk on some other threads about what size, head shape, weight, racquet is best for 1hbh, with the general thinking that racquets with smaller heads, tighter patterns, and higher swing weights tend to work best (or bring out the best) for those with a 1hbh. Debate aside as to whether this is true or not, any other 1hbh'ers out there finding decent success with their 100 sqin EXO3 racquets? Any particular setups seem to be working better than others for the 1hbh with this stick?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I wanted to add another thing about the EXO. When you hit a heavy shot to the corner and attack the short return, the main thing for me to remember is I don't have to kill that shot. The amount of spin and placement you can get with the EXO on a 50-70% shot is more than plenty for a clean winner.


Spent more time on that and also dialed in power shots that open up the winner. They have really been so much better that I have spent time with the stick.
 

maggmaster

Hall of Fame
You are totally right power player, I have found that you really need to control your approach shot power or you WILL drill it into the back wall.

My one handed backhand works fine, still adjusting somewhat but I love being able to get over higher balls due to the racket coming around so fast.
 

mxmx

Hall of Fame
Can any of you guys with just 2grams of lead at 12 chime in and tell me what your stick weighs with og and damp? I have one that weighs 11.7 and another that is 11.9 with Wilson pro and Sampras dampener.

It's tough to pick my favorite. The heavier one I bought new from prince. Lighter one feels like a smaller grip, but it's a 3.

I may be buying lead tape when I string my new rackets just incase...I however doubt that I will have a electronic scale to my disposal.

The lead tape most of you guys bought....are the weighted in incriments, or on a roll? When on a roll, are ther instructions that for eg. 10mm = 1g etc. ?

I am looking at placing some lead at 9 and 3 in the grommets and not on the paint. I will cut them in small blocks once weighted. This would mean i can order new grommets and basically have custom weighted combinations i can take in and out as I please...
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
Hey all you EXO3'ers with 1hbhs! There's a lot of talk on some other threads about what size, head shape, weight, racquet is best for 1hbh, with the general thinking that racquets with smaller heads, tighter patterns, and higher swing weights tend to work best (or bring out the best) for those with a 1hbh. Debate aside as to whether this is true or not, any other 1hbh'ers out there finding decent success with their 100 sqin EXO3 racquets? Any particular setups seem to be working better than others for the 1hbh with this stick?

The EXO3 Tour 16x18 has been the best racquet I've ever used for a 1hbh. When I was demoing a handful of frames last spring it was imediately what stood out for me. Strings only matter as much as whatever your general preference is. That is, none of the string setups I've used have seemed specifically BH friendly or unfriendly. With this frame you have the sensation of extra dwell time, I think that contributes to why this frame feels so good for a 1hbh.
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
I may be buying lead tape when I string my new rackets just incase...I however doubt that I will have a electronic scale to my disposal.

The lead tape most of you guys bought....are the weighted in incriments, or on a roll? When on a roll, are ther instructions that for eg. 10mm = 1g etc. ?

I am looking at placing some lead at 9 and 3 in the grommets and not on the paint. I will cut them in small blocks once weighted. This would mean i can order new grommets and basically have custom weighted combinations i can take in and out as I please...

whatever packaging you buy will likely indicate the weight incriments. but for 1/4" tape, 1in=1/4g
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
add me to the 2g of lead at 12 o'clock crowd. I already had a gram each at 10 and 2. I've left that on but just added the 2g to 12. The difference is subtle but noticeable. Over all a little more solid and maybe a little more drive.

Are any or most of you balancing that weight on the other end? Does the Price butt-cap pop off? It doesn't look like it snaps in and out like with Head or Babolat.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I may be buying lead tape when I string my new rackets just incase...I however doubt that I will have a electronic scale to my disposal.

The lead tape most of you guys bought....are the weighted in incriments, or on a roll? When on a roll, are ther instructions that for eg. 10mm = 1g etc. ?

I am looking at placing some lead at 9 and 3 in the grommets and not on the paint. I will cut them in small blocks once weighted. This would mean i can order new grommets and basically have custom weighted combinations i can take in and out as I please...

Oh man you are way overthinking this. Don't cut the lead up. Just use strips. I mean unless you are super OCD, but honestly it will play better with long strips.

If it is 1/4 inch lead tape, just remember it is always 4 inches a gram no matter what the packaging says. If you can handle the weight, it is probably best to do a 6 inch strip on each side.

I just took the lead off and put it at 12, it is no big deal. The paint is fine. The more you play tennis, the more you will scuff your stick..it's not worth worrying about.

JK, I am not balancing it on the other end. I like my racquets a little more head heavy, and remember I have an OG on there which is usually 5-7 grams anyway.
 

Ross K

Legend
add me to the 2g of lead at 12 o'clock crowd. I already had a gram each at 10 and 2. I've left that on but just added the 2g to 12. The difference is subtle but noticeable. Over all a little more solid and maybe a little more drive.

Are any or most of you balancing that weight on the other end? Does the Price butt-cap pop off? It doesn't look like it snaps in and out like with Head or Babolat.

I did have 2g just @ 12. I find this is great for adding a bit of extra sting and the frame comes through really fast when you're swinging out. Presently though, I have 2g @ 12 and 2g on butt. Basically, I just wanted to retain more of that original h/light balance. For me, the jury is still out TBH, and I may well look at slightly different mods - this rac takes to lead very well IMO.
 

Kcraig

Professional
I wanted to add another thing about the EXO. When you hit a heavy shot to the corner and attack the short return, the main thing for me to remember is I don't have to kill that shot. The amount of spin and placement you can get with the EXO on a 50-70% shot is more than plenty for a clean winner.


Spent more time on that and also dialed in power shots that open up the winner. They have really been so much better that I have spent time with the stick.

PP--how is the Thunderblast treating you? Got a set in today (thx Mikeler) and will string up and hopefully be able to test in the EXO on Friday. How is the sting movement for you?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I have decided I definitely like the heavier setup at 11.9. It sounds like this is the more accurate weight as well.

If anyone wants a lighter EXO 16x18, I just put in brand new port grommets and it weighs 11.7 with 2 grams of lead at 12. I would trade for one that is closer to listed weight. Just throwing that out there.

Dialed my forehand in and this is the most consistent I have played in a while. The B5E is probably best between 52-54#s, and the NVy is good at 58 or so.

I have been working on not hitting out much at all, and the racquet works so well doing this. I hit a lot of winners at 70-80%..tons of power. The EXO hits bigger when you relax. But towards the end of a session, I tore into a forehand that was easily one of my hardest ever. I would say the hardest forehand I hit was with the Prestige Mid when I just pegged one right on the center, but this was right up there.

So really, it is all about patience and using your core, and you can rip the ball without getting tired out. To me a low powered racquet does not allow this type of play.

T Blast is great..I don't use it too much, but it feels fantastic. The strings move, but they are not bad by any means. For a backup string, they are awesome. I can adjust rather quickly when I switch sticks.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I have decided I definitely like the heavier setup at 11.9. It sounds like this is the more accurate weight as well.

If anyone wants a lighter EXO 16x18, I just put in brand new port grommets and it weighs 11.7 with 2 grams of lead at 12. I would trade for one that is closer to listed weight. Just throwing that out there.

Dialed my forehand in and this is the most consistent I have played in a while. The B5E is probably best between 52-54#s, and the NVy is good at 58 or so.

I have been working on not hitting out much at all, and the racquet works so well doing this. I hit a lot of winners at 70-80%..tons of power. The EXO hits bigger when you relax. But towards the end of a session, I tore into a forehand that was easily one of my hardest ever. I would say the hardest forehand I hit was with the Prestige Mid when I just pegged one right on the center, but this was right up there.

So really, it is all about patience and using your core, and you can rip the ball without getting tired out. To me a low powered racquet does not allow this type of play.

T Blast is great..I don't use it too much, but it feels fantastic. The strings move, but they are not bad by any means. For a backup string, they are awesome. I can adjust rather quickly when I switch sticks.


Let me know if you want some more sets. I've got a big old reel of it at home. Also, you and KCraig should pay attention to the wear locations. It shows you where you typically hit the ball on the string bed.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Let me know if you want some more sets. I've got a big old reel of it at home. Also, you and KCraig should pay attention to the wear locations. It shows you where you typically hit the ball on the string bed.

I will for sure. And yeah the wear spots are awesome. I have been hitting the middle a lot according to the strings, and that is always a nice thing.

BC, my serve is coming along, we will see how I do this weekend. I think you will notice more consistency in my forehand, as I started the adjustments against you last time and have worked on grooving them in over the past few weeks.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I will for sure. And yeah the wear spots are awesome. I have been hitting the middle a lot according to the strings, and that is always a nice thing.

BC, my serve is coming along, we will see how I do this weekend. I think you will notice more consistency in my forehand, as I started the adjustments against you last time and have worked on grooving them in over the past few weeks.


How do you like this stick for serves? One of the reasons I like extended length frames is the extra oomph I seem to get on the ball.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I like it for serves a lot. It has been a while since I used an XL, but they do give you that oomph. What the EXO does, is give you nasty spin that can make your kickers and slices extremely tough to deal with. So there is a trade off there.

The racquet comes through the air very fast, so power is not an issue once you get the timing down.
 

Kcraig

Professional
How do you like this stick for serves? One of the reasons I like extended length frames is the extra oomph I seem to get on the ball.

My serve is awesome with this frame and DFs are way way down due to the extra spin. I can also flatten it out pretty easy too. Just dropped off one of EXOs to string up with the full Thunderblast at 54# and hope to hit on Friday with it. Will certainly report back
 

mikeler

Moderator
My serve is awesome with this frame and DFs are way way down due to the extra spin. I can also flatten it out pretty easy too. Just dropped off one of EXOs to string up with the full Thunderblast at 54# and hope to hit on Friday with it. Will certainly report back


I think you'll like it in this frame.
 

mhj202

Rookie
Just picked up my third 16x18.

Now just trying to zero in on the best string setup for me and then onto some experiments with lead tape.

Btw, for those using dampeners, what dampener are you using?
 

TheOneHander

Professional
I use the included dampener or a Prince Tour dampener. They're cheap, they stay on well, and are fairly light. I'm also trying out Rosskin's lead setup tomorrow, I excite!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
As mentioned in holic thread, I am laying in bed on my iPad and dreaming of ALU power in the exo now..anyone use this? If so, what gauge, tension and how long do you get out of it?
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
As mentioned in holic thread, I am laying in bed on my iPad and dreaming of ALU power in the exo now..anyone use this? If so, what gauge, tension and how long do you get out of it?

Get it, it's delicious, and with a nice multi or syn as a cross, you'll get a solid 6-8 hours. I usually break my cross (NXT) before it dies. FWIW, I use ALU Power Rough, and I've read that it dies a bit quicker than the vanilla ALU.

Use 16L guage (125), I think that's all it comes in no??
 

Ross K

Legend
As mentioned in holic thread, I am laying in bed on my iPad and dreaming of ALU power in the exo now..anyone use this? If so, what gauge, tension and how long do you get out of it?

Hmm, I've been debating what poly to hybrid with the Bab N Vy you recomended. I'll check later if I have this. I definitely have PHT - wonder how these 2 might go together? That said, I'm kind of itching to try KCraig's full NXT set up.


1her,

Do post up re the lead at 12 and in butt experiment. I'm playing with this same configuration tomorrow.
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
I did have 2g just @ 12. I find this is great for adding a bit of extra sting and the frame comes through really fast when you're swinging out. Presently though, I have 2g @ 12 and 2g on butt. Basically, I just wanted to retain more of that original h/light balance. For me, the jury is still out TBH, and I may well look at slightly different mods - this rac takes to lead very well IMO.

where do you have the lead on the butt? Does the cap pop off? I don't want to pry it off if it's just glued on, but if it snaps in and out of place like Babolats that makes adding lead easy and invisible.
 

BigM

Rookie
As mentioned in holic thread, I am laying in bed on my iPad and dreaming of ALU power in the exo now..anyone use this? If so, what gauge, tension and how long do you get out of it?

Funny you should be thinking this as I was thinking the exact same thing. So I just strung up 1 of my frames in ALU rough @ 52. Wow. The feel is just soooo good. So smooth. The frame really softens up some of the early harshness I have experienced in the past. This racket was made for ALU imo the combination of Spin power and Flex leaves me Dizzy. I'm amazed at how well I have adapted to this frame. Just for ***** and giggles I'm also going to give Original a try.

BigM
 
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