Prince EXO3 Warrior 100 Review

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

Power Player said:
I like Jack's demo tendencies because if you read his reviews, they are usually pretty accurate. So while he definitely tries a ton of sticks, it can save a lot of people time who read his posts.

Thanks PP. I like to think by this time I have a pretty good idea of what works for players at my level (3.5). Lord knows I have tried enough racquets to know what's a cut above the rest.

BTW, I will be putting my Warrior up f/s today. I got a great deal on a 3/8, but have decided to make the switch and will buy 2 new one's in my usual 4 1/2. So if anyone wants a 3/8 with very little wear on it, go look for it in that section.

p-ratziner · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1: Can you compare the BLX Pro Open against BBDCPro and Prince Warrior?

Yourtenniscoach · Feb 20, 2012

Power Player said:
I like Jack's demo tendencies because if you read his reviews, they are usually pretty accurate. So while he definitely tries a ton of sticks, it can save a lot of people time who read his posts.

I agree, his reviews are on point like non point (obscure rock music reference). I just wonder if demoing causes issues when he goes back to his regular racquet, if he has a regular racquet.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

p-ratziner said:
JackB1: Can you compare the BLX Pro Open against BBDCPro and Prince Warrior?

Those are 3 racquets that I could pick any of them and play well with.
They are all similar and only have subtle differences between them that only demoing would bring out, but here are some thoughts...

I found the BLX Pro Open slightly less powerful than the DCP and not quite as solid feeling. More control oriented and great all court stick.

The DC Pro is a great baseliners stick for powerful serves and groundstrokes but I found it excels in all areas.

The Warrior is equal to the DCP, but with slightly heavier swingweight. Great all around stick, but it's designed to be a power stick like the Becker and Babolats.

Power: DCP slight edge over the Warrior, then comes the Pro Open
Swingweight: Warrior most, then the DCP, then the Open.
Serves: The DCP and Warrior tied, then the Open
Volleys: Open, then the Warrior/DCP

Again, these 3 are so close, that only personal preference will decide, but I could easily play with either of them and be happy.

A_Instead · Feb 20, 2012

Can anyone compare the EXO Warrior to the EXO Tour Team?
I added a little lead to one of my EXO Tour Teams to bring it up to my prefered spec. With the lead ,dampener and over grip, it is close to the EXO Warrior in terms of specs.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

Yourtenniscoach said:
I agree, his reviews are on point like non point (obscure rock music reference). I just wonder if demoing causes issues when he goes back to his regular racquet, if he has a regular racquet.

It doesn't cause any issues because I use my main racquet for competitive matches and use test racquets on the side for casual match play or practice.
I stay with my main racquet enough so that its instantly familiar feeling when I pick it up. As long as I keep using my main racquet for at least 80% of the time, it stays familiar feeling. The key is to not lose that familiarity with your main racquet. Plus I always stay within the same spec range, so the differences are not very pronounced.

p-ratziner · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1 said:
Those are 3 racquets that I could pick any of them and play well with.
They are all similar and only have subtle differences between them that only demoing would bring out, but here are some thoughts...

I found the BLX Pro Open slightly less powerful than the DCP and not quite as solid feeling. More control oriented and great all court stick.

The DC Pro is a great baseliners stick for powerful serves and groundstrokes but I found it excels in all areas.

The Warrior is equal to the DCP, but with slightly heavier swingweight. Great all around stick, but it's designed to be a power stick like the Becker and Babolats.

Power: DCP slight edge over the Warrior, then comes the Pro Open
Swingweight: Warrior most, then the DCP, then the Open.
Serves: The DCP and Warrior tied, then the Open
Volleys: Open, then the Warrior/DCP

Again, these 3 are so close, that only personal preference will decide, but I could easily play with either of them and be happy.

Thank you very much, it`s all very clear.
And what about confort, grip (don`t like Head grips, like Dunlop, wilson, babolat...) and head shape.
I`ve been playing with Dunlop 4D300T and I want to change for a more powerfull racket, but I think that dunlop 500T and 400 are too stiff. what do you think?. Thanks!!!

Power Player · Feb 20, 2012

^^^

I chose the pro open simply because I love Wilsons..their feel and the gripshape as well. You may want to demo because all these sticks are pretty similar so it comes down to personal preference.

I just took a shot on the pro open, and ended up loving it.

prjacobs · Feb 20, 2012

Power Player said:
I like Jack's demo tendencies because if you read his reviews, they are usually pretty accurate. So while he definitely tries a ton of sticks, it can save a lot of people time who read his posts.

Yes, Jack. I also enjoy your reviews. I'm not playing this winter, but in the spring I'll be demoing lots of frames, and definitely the warrior 100. Personally, I love to see what's out there. I just take my time and zero in on what I want.
Keep 'em coming Jack

.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

p-ratziner said:
Thank you very much, it`s all very clear.
And what about confort, grip (don`t like Head grips, like Dunlop, wilson, babolat...) and head shape.
I`ve been playing with Dunlop 4D300T and I want to change for a more powerfull racket, but I think that dunlop 500T and 400 are too stiff. what do you think?. Thanks!!!

if you don't like Head grip shape then the Becker is out. It has a similar rectangular shape.

Comfort, the Open and the Warrior are both comfortable and similar stiffness levels, but I give the edge to the Warrior. Its slightly more plush feeling and the Open is more crisp feeling.. The O Ports of the Warrior aid in comfort and power.

Head shape, the Warrior is rounder like the Speeds or the Extreme.
The Open is a standard shape.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

prjacobs said:
Yes, Jack. I also enjoy your reviews. I'm not playing this winter, but in the spring I'll be demoing lots of frames, and definitely the warrior 100. Personally, I love to see what's out there. I just take my time and zero in on what I want.
Keep 'em coming Jack .

Glad to know my racquet "excursions' are helping people out

Its been a really mild winter this year in Atlanta and I have played more tennis this winter than ever before. Its been great!

I really enjoy playtesting different racquets and have really fined tuned what I like and don't like. There sure are lots of great choices out there now.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

Power Player said:
^^^

I chose the pro open simply because I love Wilsons..their feel and the gripshape as well. You may want to demo because all these sticks are pretty similar so it comes down to personal preference.

I just took a shot on the pro open, and ended up loving it.

I was VERY close to going with the BLX Pro Open and the Becker Pro barely beat it out and it was only because my serve was better with the Becker. Serve is always my #1 consideration with racquets, since its such a huge part of the game. If a racquet doesn't serve at least equal to my main racquet, I cannot even consider it. The Warrior 100 is equal to the Becker and that's saying a lot!

Power Player · Feb 20, 2012

That's impressive because the Pro Open serves incredible for me as well. It's probably pretty close, but the Pro Open serves about the same as a Pure Drive for me.

If I didn't like wilson's so much I'd probably go on a little demo session and try all of these sticks, but they are all so similar that it just boils down to preference.

Kind of cool that all these tweeners are out there now that IMO are better than the Babos.

What I find is that they make tennis a lot easier, but the more advanced you get, the more you can control them and hit really big shots with the accuracy of a player's stick.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

Power Player said:
That's impressive because the Pro Open serves incredible for me as well. It's probably pretty close, but the Pro Open serves about the same as a Pure Drive for me.

If I didn't like wilson's so much I'd probably go on a little demo session and try all of these sticks, but they are all so similar that it just boils down to preference.

Kind of cool that all these tweeners are out there now that IMO are better than the Babos.

What I find is that they make tennis a lot easier, but the more advanced you get, the more you can control them and hit really big shots with the accuracy of a player's stick.

There are plenty of Pro's using so-called tweeners like the Pro Open, PD, APD, Instinct, etc. If you want to hit with a low powered 93" frame then have at it...not me

p-ratziner · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1 & PP: I think I`ll buy the PO. Have you played Dunlop`s tweeners Bio 400 and 500T? What about them?

RollTrackTake · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1 said:
It feels polarised to me, like the Becker Pro. Definitely feel a good amount of weight in the hoop. I think you will like it!

Based on what you guys are feeling I'm going to try the Warrior out. I've used Prince racquets dating back to the POG, then the Spectrum comp, TriComp and Precision response. Since getting back into tennis I've been looking for a nice blend of mid level power & comfort. I played well with the EXO 3 black until i got some elbow tenderness. I put a full bed of syn gut in it and it seemed to help the elbow but the 'feel' was still lacking. Then I tried a myriad of others having brief relationships with APDC & GT, PDGT, Aero Storm Tour cortex, BB London, Donnay dual silver & demoed even more. I've settled down with the Donnay Pro one and I still use the Wilson Pro Open BLX at times as well. On paper the Warrior & BLX pro open appear almost identical. Anyone played with both and can talk about differences & similarities?

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.040722,-82.848663

RollTrackTake · Feb 20, 2012

Read PP & Jacks Pro Open vs Warrior remarks so disregard my last question unless anyone can add some other noticeable differences

prjacobs · Feb 20, 2012

p-ratziner said:
JackB1 & PP: I think I`ll buy the PO. Have you played Dunlop`s tweeners Bio 400 and 500T? What about them?

Personally, my dunlop 4D 500 tour did everything better than any of the babolat tweeners. But the 4D 500 tour hurt my shoulder. However the bio 500 is softer and TW seems to love the bio 400. I'll definitely demo both in the spring. Everyone talks about how great the PDR serves but again, for me, the dunlop was far more accurate and provided just as much pace.

keithfival · Feb 20, 2012

prjacobs said:
Personally, my dunlop 4D 500 tour did everything better than any of the babolat tweeners. But the 4D 500 tour hurt my shoulder. However the bio 500 is softer and TW seems to love the bio 400. I'll definitely demo both in the spring. Everyone talks about how great the PDR serves but again, for me, the dunlop was far more accurate and provided just as much pace.

+1. The 4d 500 Tour does everything very very well but is just a little too stiff for me. If not for that it would be my stick.

downs_chris · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1 said:
I was VERY close to going with the BLX Pro Open and the Becker Pro barely beat it out and it was only because my serve was better with the Becker. Serve is always my #1 consideration with racquets, since its such a huge part of the game. If a racquet doesn't serve at least equal to my main racquet, I cannot even consider it. The Warrior 100 is equal to the Becker and that's saying a lot!

how does serving with the warrior compare to serving with the new Rebel 98?

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

downs_chris said:
how does serving with the warrior compare to serving with the new Rebel 98?

I couldn't get as much pace on my serve with the Rebel 98...had to use more spin. The Warrior's extra power really helps me out on serve. The Rebel is better for spinny serves and the Warrior more if u like pace.

goherd27 · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1 said:
I couldn't get as much pace on my serve with the Rebel 98...had to use more spin. The Warrior's extra power really helps me out on serve. The Rebel is better for spinny serves and the Warrior more if u like pace.

I respect your opinion on this but disagree. I hit an old school hard flat serve and the 98 responds well. The kick 2d serve is also good with the Rebel but I disagree that the Rebel is better for that type of serve.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

goherd27 said:
I respect your opinion on this but disagree. I hit an old school hard flat serve and the 98 responds well. The kick 2d serve is also good with the Rebel but I disagree that the Rebel is better for that type of serve.

That was my experience. The main thing for me was I got more pace with less effort with the Warrior compared to the Rebel. Have you tried the Warrior? I haven't seen you make one comment mentioning it?

goherd27 · Feb 20, 2012

Your assertion may be correct between those two frames. I have not tried the warrior. The specs look closer to to a tweener than I traditionally like. I just found the Rebel very good on the flat serve. Better than the London and Melbourne.

Larrysümmers · Feb 20, 2012

thanks for the review, sounds like it should hit my demo list sometime.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

goherd27 said:
Your assertion may be correct between those two frames. I have not tried the warrior. The specs look closer to to a tweener than I traditionally like. I just found the Rebel very good on the flat serve. Better than the London and Melbourne.

so are you staying with the Rebel98? I liked that frame also, but just didn't click with it like I did with the Warrior. But I could see how some would like it. It fits firmly into the "lighter players frames" category.

goherd27 · Feb 20, 2012

I am undecided. It is a little more harsh on the elbow than the London and the Melbourne. I have played very well with it but it is still too early to tell if I am willing to make the switch. I have matches with some hard hitting and better opponents coming up. Will see how the racquet responds and decide from there.

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

goherd27 said:
I am undecided. It is a little more harsh on the elbow than the London and the Melbourne. I have played very well with it but it is still too early to tell if I am willing to make the switch. I have matches with some hard hitting and better opponents coming up. Will see how the racquet responds and decide from there.

What is your Rebel strung with? You should be able to find a combo that isn't harsh on your elbow.

goherd27 · Feb 20, 2012

I have two with full vs gut and two with vs gut mains/nxt crosses (like the London set ups). I think the string setups are solid. Just a little more harsh.

bigant2984 · Feb 20, 2012

jackb1 i dont want to get of topic, but how does the warrior compare to the exo3 black ? , looking into new sticks and im leaning toward the black because of its price point

JackB1 · Feb 20, 2012

bigant2984 said:
jackb1 i dont want to get of topic, but how does the warrior compare to the exo3 black ? , looking into new sticks and im leaning toward the black because of its price point

Havent played the Black other than a brief demo. But the Black is much stiffer feeling and lighter through the air. The Black might be a touch more powerful as well. If u want something like the Warrior at a great price, you should get the Becker DC Pro for $89 new. Much better choice than the Black IMO and easy on your arm too.

dParis · Feb 20, 2012

On the TW feedback page:

Comments: Warrior, come out and play! Go back to basics in form and preparation and you've got a powerful tool here. Plenty of spin, ample amounts of power and maneuverability makes this racket a formidable weapon on the courts. Great for 12+ years old until solid 4.5 players. It works and it does its job well.
From: Randy, 1/12
String type and tension:luxi, 60 lbs
Headsize:95
NTRP Rating: 5.5

I thought that was funny.

bigant2984 · Feb 20, 2012

JackB1 said:
Havent played the Black other than a brief demo. But the Black is much stiffer feeling and lighter through the air. The Black might be a touch more powerful as well. If u want something like the Warrior at a great price, you should get the Becker DC Pro for $89 new. Much better choice than the Black IMO and easy on your arm too.

thanks for the input, you review is making me want to spend the money and buy 2 exo3 warrior, but i am going to have to do more research, have you got around to trying the warrior with the string holes ?

Hi I'm Ray · Feb 20, 2012

.

10 characters

JackB1 · Feb 21, 2012

dParis said:
On the TW feedback page:

Comments: Warrior, come out and play! Go back to basics in form and preparation and you've got a powerful tool here. Plenty of spin, ample amounts of power and maneuverability makes this racket a formidable weapon on the courts. Great for 12+ years old until solid 4.5 players. It works and it does its job well.
From: Randy, 1/12
String type and tension:luxi, 60 lbs
Headsize:95
NTRP Rating: 5.5

I thought that was funny.

What part? The reference to the movie "The Warriors"??.

JackB1 · Feb 21, 2012

bigant2984 said:
thanks for the input, you review is making me want to spend the money and buy 2 exo3 warrior, but i am going to have to do more research, have you got around to trying the warrior with the string holes ?

No. I like it as is with the ports. Not all muted like some Prince O Port sticks of the past.

dParis · Feb 21, 2012

JackB1 said:
What part? The reference to the movie "The Warriors"??.

Yes. I wasn't expecting that - a blast from the past.

JackB1 · Feb 21, 2012

dParis said:
Yes. I wasn't expecting that - a blast from the past.

You must be as old as me dP

great flick BTW!

dParis · Feb 21, 2012

JackB1 said:
You must be as old as me dP

great flick BTW!

Whoa! Enough crazy talk! But, yeah early 40s. Feel like 20s though, save for a few aches and pains after playing.

On topic: Have you played the O3 Shark Hybrid? If so, how does it compare to the Waaaarrior? The Shark, surprisingly, has been the only O-port racquet, that I have tried, that had firm, lively response with solid feedback. So hard to control that power and deal with the balance, though. Hope the Warrior is closer to the Shark Hybrid than the Black I've been hearing it compared to. The Black exemplified all the negative characteristics of the O-port frames, imo.

JackB1 · Feb 21, 2012

dParis said:
Whoa! Enough crazy talk! But, yeah early 40s. Feel like 20s though, save for a few aches and pains after playing.

On topic: Have you played the O3 Shark Hybrid? If so, how does it compare to the Waaaarrior? The Shark, surprisingly, has been the only O-port racquet, that I have tried, that had firm, lively response with solid feedback. So hard to control that power and deal with the balance, though. Hope the Warrior is closer to the Shark Hybrid than the Black I've been hearing it compared to. The Black exemplified all the negative characteristics of the O-port frames, imo.

never tried the Shark, but the Warrior feels nothing like the Black.

dParis · Feb 21, 2012

JackB1 said:
never tried the Shark, but the Warrior feels nothing like the Black.

That's good news, in my book. I'll have to add it to the (ever expanding) list of spring demos. Thing is, I don't have a problem with my current racquet. When I'm playing, other racquets are the furthest things from my mind. It's when I get home and open TT, I line up all the 'strange' racquets I want to hit...

Warrior
Prestige S
Pacific X-Force/Pro
Donnay Pro One
Organix 9

There will probably be more...

JackB1 · Feb 21, 2012

dParis said:
That's good news, in my book. I'll have to add it to the (ever expanding) list of spring demos. Thing is, I don't have a problem with my current racquet. When I'm playing, other racquets are the furthest things from my mind. It's when I get home and open TT, I line up all the 'strange' racquets I want to hit...

Warrior
Prestige S
Pacific X-Force/Pro
Donnay Pro One
Organix 9

There will probably be more...

I am the same way...when I'm playing I am not thinking about racquets at all....it's just all the rest of the time that I am

. And if there's any leftover...strings.

Your list is pretty good, but I have to say the Prestige S really let me down. Could have been a great stick, but just needs more stiffness and power. The Rebel 98 is a much better choice in the "light players sticks" category. For some reason it also gave me shoulder pain (maybe from overswinging on serves?) and I found it very unfriendly when you miss the rather small sweetspot. But that's a "Prestige" for ya!

BC1 · Feb 21, 2012

JackB1 said:
I am the same way...when I'm playing I am not thinking about racquets at all....it's just all the rest of the time that I am . And if there's any leftover...strings.

Your list is pretty good, but I have to say the Prestige S really let me down. Could have been a great stick, but just needs more stiffness and power. The Rebel 98 is a much better choice in the "light players sticks" category. For some reason it also gave me shoulder pain (maybe from overswinging on serves?) and I found it very unfriendly when you miss the rather small sweetspot. But that's a "Prestige" for ya!

I unfortunately DO think about other racquets while playing, and start wondering "what if" or how my shot may have been different with another racquet, or if i should switch to the other racquet in my bag. Its not healthy for my game thats for sure.

Ive been using the rebel 98 for two weeks now, and i too have developed some minor TE and shoulder pain. It just really became noticeable today. How is this possible with a 58 Flex racquet? I played with the pure drive strung with poly for two years and had no problems. The rebel can feel very harsh and stiff. How is that possible with a flexible racquet? On the otherhand the warrior has a stiffer rating of 66, but feels more comfortable.

I'm second guessing myself now and thinking i should have got the warrior. I also realized tonight that the rebel isnt as forgiving as i thought. It makes a difference when you don't have time to properly prepare and have to swing against balls coming at you FAST and hard. For me the 98 is a better singles stick, and i preferred the warrior for fast paced doubles.

JackB1 · Feb 21, 2012

BC1 said:
I unfortunately DO think about other racquets while playing, and start wondering "what if" or how my shot may have been different with another racquet, or if i should switch to the other racquet in my bag. Its not healthy for my game thats for sure.

Ive been using the rebel 98 for two weeks now, and i too have developed some minor TE and shoulder pain. It just really became noticeable today. How is this possible with a 58 Flex racquet? I played with the pure drive strung with poly for two years and had no problems. The rebel can feel very harsh and stiff. How is that possible with a flexible racquet? On the otherhand the warrior has a stiffer rating of 66, but feels more comfortable.

I'm second guessing myself now and thinking i should have got the warrior. I also realized tonight that the rebel isnt as forgiving as i thought. It makes a difference when you don't have time to properly prepare and have to swing against balls coming at you FAST and hard. For me the 98 is a better singles stick, and i preferred the warrior for fast paced doubles.

I think you can get pain from any racquet that forces you to swing harder than normal or in a way that isn't natural for you. Remember too that Feld is measured in one spot on the throat, so a racquet could also be stiff throughout the upper frame while having a low stiffness rating. Also if you aren't hitting the center or sweetspot as much as normal, your elbow and shoulder will be more effected than usual. So yes, its possible.

atatu · Feb 21, 2012

dParis said:
That's good news, in my book. I'll have to add it to the (ever expanding) list of spring demos. Thing is, I don't have a problem with my current racquet. When I'm playing, other racquets are the furthest things from my mind. It's when I get home and open TT, I line up all the 'strange' racquets I want to hit...

Warrior
Prestige S
Pacific X-Force/Pro
Donnay Pro One
Organix 9

There will probably be more...

Tried all of these save the Organix 9...and I have to say I went with the IG Prestige Pro instead, but the Donnay was pretty close.

BC1 · Feb 22, 2012

JackB1 said:
I think you can get pain from any racquet that forces you to swing harder than normal or in a way that isn't natural for you. Remember too that Feld is measured in one spot on the throat, so a racquet could also be stiff throughout the upper frame while having a low stiffness rating. Also if you aren't hitting the center or sweetspot as much as normal, your elbow and shoulder will be more effected than usual. So yes, its possible.

Jack thanks for the explanation. Makes sense now. Just goes to show, you can't rely on numbers alone.

BC1 · Feb 22, 2012

JackB1 said:
I think you can get pain from any racquet that forces you to swing harder than normal or in a way that isn't natural for you. Remember too that Feld is measured in one spot on the throat, so a racquet could also be stiff throughout the upper frame while having a low stiffness rating. Also if you aren't hitting the center or sweetspot as much as normal, your elbow and shoulder will be more effected than usual. So yes, its possible.

Jack thanks for the explanation. Makes sense now. Just goes to show, you can't rely on numbers alone.

(Sorry for double post)

Pacific · Feb 22, 2012

Hi JackB1,

First of all, thanks for the thread. It has answered a lot of question I could have asked about the Warrior. But I still have one in mind. I play with the Tecnifibre Speedflex 300 and I would like your input regarding the difference of confort between these two sticks.

I know the RDC numbers show that the 300 is 72 in stifness versus 66 for the warrior but as you said earlier, numbers aren't always to be trusted

Thx !

JackB1 · Feb 22, 2012

Pacific said:
Hi JackB1,

First of all, thanks for the thread. It has answered a lot of question I could have asked about the Warrior. But I still have one in mind. I play with the Tecnifibre Speedflex 300 and I would like your input regarding the difference of confort between these two sticks.

I know the RDC numbers show that the 300 is 72 in stifness versus 66 for the warrior but as you said earlier, numbers aren't always to be trusted

Thx !

I have never played with the Speedflex, but I can tell you the Warrior is quite comfortable and cushioned. I can't imagine it wouldn't feel more comfortable than the Speedflex.

JackB1 · Feb 22, 2012

So I purchased 2 brand new Warriors. First one I will string up with BHBR / Nvy at 52/54. The second I want to try with Beast/Nvy. The demo I tried had a full setup of Beast and I couldn't believe how nice the stringbed felt for a poly. Soft and nice pocketing with a decent amount of power. Not boardy and stiff like most polys

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