Exo3 Rebel 98 vs. Rebel 95 (2012)

BC1 · Mar 12, 2012

Ok. I admit, I've been all over the place with my racquet selections recently - I've been going back and forth from the Rebel 98 to the Warrior to the Warrior Team, back to the Warrior, and now finally back to the Rebel 98. All are great racquets in their own right, however, I like how the Rebel 98 has qualities of a players racquet and a more forgiving and lighter tweener. The more I play with it, the more I like it and the results I'm getting with it.

With all of that said, I can't leave well enough alone, and I'm now curious as to how different the Rebel 98 is compared to the Rebel 95 (the new one)? Obviously there's a .8oz weight difference and SW difference, but assuming one can handle the weight, is the rebel more difficult to play with? According to the power charts the Rebel 95 is actually more powerful then the 98 (and yes, I realize that is assuming you can swing it as fast). The sweet spot or power zones are also larger on the 95.

Has anyone compared the headsizes? Is the 95 rebel hoop significantly smaller the 98?
Are there similarities in the two, or are they basically completely different racquets?
And, does the Rebel swing like a true 12 ouncer, or does it feel lighter?

Thanks.

Dgdavid · Mar 12, 2012

Sir, I am going to have to ask you for your Warrior 100 membership card and ask you to leave. Here is your coat. It seems to be a bit wet.

BC1 · Mar 12, 2012

Ha. Ok. I deserve that, but don't kick me out just yet! Can I have an open membership and come and go as I please? At least I'm staying within the Prince family. In all seriousness. I am still a warrior fan, just testing the waters here.

(Also I know I'm not player enough for the real Rebel, but having fun and success with the Rebel 98 nonetheless. And my alter ego is saying ok, you can do well with the Rebel 98, imagaine what you could do with the Rebel 95!!)

kimguroo · Mar 12, 2012

BC1 said:
With all of that said, I can't leave well enough alone, and I'm now curious as to how different the Rebel 98 is compared to the Rebel 95 (the new one)? Obviously there's a .8oz weight difference and SW difference, but assuming one can handle the weight, is the rebel more difficult to play with? According to the power charts the Rebel 95 is actually more powerful then the 98 (and yes, I realize that is assuming you can swing it as fast). The sweet spot or power zones are also larger on the 95.

Has anyone compared the headsizes? Is the 95 rebel hoop significantly smaller the 98?
Are there similarities in the two, or are they basically completely different racquets?
And, does the Rebel swing like a true 12 ouncer, or does it feel lighter?

Thanks.

I did not test new rebels yet and hopefully, I might be able to demo new rebels tomorrow

I've used Japanese rebel 95 (310g=10.9oz unstrung) and 105 (295g) since it was released three years ago.
for the head size, you should not worry about 3". Since the rebel is oval shape, 3" is not significant factor. When I compare headsize between 95 to 105, I don't even seen significant difference. Rebel 105 looks more 100" racket to me.

I don't think rebel 95 has more power than 98.
Rebels are low powered rackets. even my 105" has lower power compare to other oversize rackets. It has slightly less power than tour.

will see, whether I like new rebels or not.

Muse · Mar 12, 2012

I've got the 2012 Rebel 95. Haven't hit with it yet as much as I'd like to, but my initial impression is that it's a fairly demanding racquet. It definitely feels like a players racquet in hand and swings like one too, so you're gonna have to bring your own power. That said, it's a very comfortable feeling racquet (even though I've got it strung with full RPM Blast @ 50). The narrow traditional box beam + low flex + O ports give it a very plush feel. In that way, it almost feels like a more old school racquet.

The relative lack of power might force me to look elsewhere though. The groundstrokes are fine but I'm finding a little trouble getting that extra oomph on serves. Maybe I need to drop the tension 5 lbs or so and move on from there. I'm loathe to string it with a multi or something because I'm afraid the whole thing will turn too mushy. It definitely seems like the kind of racquet that could benefit from some poly.

For reference, I haven't had the chance to play with the 98.

Supermange · Mar 14, 2012

I say buy both. I play with the 6.1 95 18x20 and it feels great. Played with the dunlop 400 tour yesterday. And it feel more forgiving but it won't give me any free points because of that. One option is to buy 98. Then try to led it up. Try different strings.

I'm gonna try the 98 next week. But I say try the 6.1 95 18x20 if you're looking for a racquet. I thought I could never play with a 12.3 like the 6.1 95 but after 2 sessions it was no problem and after 3 weeks no it feels like an extra limb. And I'm you're average 3.5-4.5 player. I don't think i played any better with a tweener just a different feel. If the power comes from the racquet itself or more from yourself. Once you decent/adequate tennis strokes go for a players racquet end of story

.

Faithfulfather · Mar 14, 2012

I have a new 98 that I can let go for a good price. Email me through the site.

Boredsurfer · Mar 14, 2012

Ill trade ya...

I got a Rebel 95 3/8 (2012) that's brand new that I could trade you for a Rebel 98...new strings- solinco tour bite 18g @ mid-tension that I've used for about 10-15 minutes.

The 95 is awesome - very very plush. More flickable than the previous version too - but still lot's of plow. Only trading because I want to customize and weight up a Rebel 98 to my exact specs....

jay_humphries@hotmail.com

BC1 · Mar 14, 2012

Supermange said:
I say buy both. I play with the 6.1 95 18x20 and it feels great. Played with the dunlop 400 tour yesterday. And it feel more forgiving but it won't give me any free points because of that. One option is to buy 98. Then try to led it up. Try different strings.

I'm gonna try the 98 next week. But I say try the 6.1 95 18x20 if you're looking for a racquet. I thought I could never play with a 12.3 like the 6.1 95 but after 2 sessions it was no problem and after 3 weeks no it feels like an extra limb. And I'm you're average 3.5-4.5 player. I don't think i played any better with a tweener just a different feel. If the power comes from the racquet itself or more from yourself. Once you decent/adequate tennis strokes go for a players racquet end of story .

^^^^ I am going to take this post as a sign. I just read it now, but earlier today, after a great match with the rebel 98, i visited the local tennis shop, and even though im loving the 98, i couldn't resist grabing a 2012 blx 6.1. They only had the 16x18 version. Ive been dying to try it. I know I'm going to love it and i also know from past demos of the 6.1 that its going to get uncomfortably heavy after one set and my form and timing will start to suffer. I have never played with one more then maybe an hour, but for that hour (before the weight gets to me) it is the most amazing racqet and i can play great with it.

So, its good to hear that after 2 or 3 weeks you adapted. I've never given it a chance, but maybe i need to try it long term and see if i can get accustomed to it. That's assuming i like it. Its also good to know that other 3.5-4.0s have success with it. Thats reassuring because most of the recommendations are 4.5 and up.

As far as the rebel 98 goes, I'm loving it. It has no major faults that i can see. I 'm playing great with it, and I have no reason to look elsewhere, but i just can't handle all of these new racquets. I HAVE to try them! However, I will be keeping my 98 no matter what.

Supermange · Mar 15, 2012

Hi

Glad to hear it made some of your doubts go away.
I read somewhere that the 6.1 95 is somewhat easier than say a prestige ig mp. If i were you I would do as I did buy a used 6.1 95 for 60 dollars. That kind of money is like a night out. My right shoulder look like arnolds after playing with the 95, heh.

TahoeTennis · Mar 15, 2012

I still love my TT Warrior MP, but just a few days ago at Indian Wells I demo'd the Exo 95, the Exo Tour 18x20 and the Wilson Pro Staff 95 (Dolgo's), all of which I loved. The tour was a spin machine and the other 2 were very similar: crisp, clean and great control. I'm still not sure which one was my favorite, but I'm keeping my TT Warriors for a while longer.

JackB1 · Mar 15, 2012

BC you are like my "brother from another mother"

I played the previous Rebel 95 model and was truly a "players racquet". Very demanding and low powered with small sweetspot. I think you will find it much less user friendly than the 98, but give it a try if you must

p.s. I got a great deal on a bunch of Rebel 98's and haven't yet decided how many to keep, so if anyone else is looking for any in 4 1/2, drop me a line. They are in mint condition too!

BC1 · Mar 15, 2012

Supermange said:
Hi

Glad to hear it made some of your doubts go away.
I read somewhere that the 6.1 95 is somewhat easier than say a prestige ig mp. If i were you I would do as I did buy a used 6.1 95 for 60 dollars. That kind of money is like a night out. My right shoulder look like arnolds after playing with the 95, heh.

Good advice. I'm going to hang on to the demo for a while and try to put in as much time as I can with it for two weeks. If my arm hasn't fallen off by then, then maybe I have a chance. Thanks.

BC1 · Mar 15, 2012

JackB1 said:
BC you are like my "brother from another mother"

I played the previous Rebel 95 model and was truly a "players racquet". Very demanding and low powered with small sweetspot. I think you will find it much less user friendly than the 98, but give it a try if you must

p.s. I got a great deal on a bunch of Rebel 98's and haven't yet decided how many to keep, so if anyone else is looking for any in 4 1/2, drop me a line. They are in mint condition too!

Yes, I think I have to get this "players racquet" goal out of my system before I can settle on one of our 11.2-11.4 oz frames (the 98, warrior, pd). Loving the 98 right now as I've said. I actually think it might just be a perfect frame for me, but yet I am still wandering... It's just too much fun demoing others - something I know you can relate to.

Dgdavid · Mar 15, 2012

BC1 said:
Yes, I think I have to get this "players racquet" goal out of my system before I can settle on one of our 11.2-11.4 oz frames (the 98, warrior, pd). Loving the 98 right now as I've said. I actually think it might just be a perfect frame for me, but yet I am still wandering... It's just too much fun demoing others - something I know you can relate to.

I managed to get the players racket thing out of my system to the point I own a surplus IG Prestige Mid, one remaining Prestige Midplus and a Prestige S. Harder to shift than they are to buy!!

Keeping my Rebel 98 now and might add a spare to it but happy with Warrior as primary racket for now. I am guessing the Rebel 95 would not be too dissimilar to the PMP (low powered, tight string pattern, heavier, player stick).

The racket I can't get out of my head is actually the IG Radical Oversize. Chris (Tennis Warehouse) liked it a lot in the review, responded to a thread last week saying he loved it and in two separate demos, I have loved it. Just feel a bit silly with it. It's like a comedy bat! Plays like a forgiving players stick though.

BC1 · Mar 15, 2012

^^^^DgDavid, Between the Rebel 98 and the Warrior you have all your bases covered. I realize that too, but logic is being overtaken by the excitement of all these new frames - this happens every year at this time for me.

I have never hit with the oversize radical but love the regular radical. and it is always a racquet that I think I want, but have never pulled the trigger. I would imagine the oversize version would be great. Agassi managed to pull it off without looking silly - except for his hair and cut off jeans - but the racquet was never an issue

. Go for it and let us know! Damn, now I got to go check out that review and add another racquet to my list. Thanks alot :evil:

Dgdavid · Mar 15, 2012

BC1 said:
^^^^I would imagine the oversize version would be great....damn, now I got to go check out that review and add another racquet to my list. Thanks alot :evil:

This is what Chris said in response to my post last week:

"I liked it a lot. Definitely a racquet I thought worth customizing with weight, but I have just not had the chance yet due to playtesting and just getting back from the BNP today.

It is a very forgiving racquet, easy to get spin with and makes the 107 headsize a definite contender again.

Cheers,
Chris, TW"

JackB1 · Mar 20, 2012

BC...did you ever get to compare the 95 to the 98 and what did you find?

BC1 · Mar 20, 2012

^^^^ No never did, and i dont have much desire to do so anymore. I demoed the new 6.1 95 and the new pd roddick and I have come to the conclusion that those 12oz racquets are just too much for me, i can't consistently generate the racquet head speed needed to be consistenly effective. My ideal specs are 11.2-11.4oz, 3-5 pts hl, and 310-324 SW. This is all power-tweener or light weight player category.

Im glad i kept the rebel 98 though. I really enjoy this racquet. The spin, especially on serves is amazing, and as you know, when used properly, it does it all very well. Power, control and manuverability. Im finding that unless i get super lazy i can be just as consistent with it as i am with the pd, warror, etc. I just have to focus a little more, but that pays off with amazing accuracy that i dont have with the others. The rebel 98 makes you feel like your in total control. Im going to stop my racquet obsession with the new warrior, pd, juice,.etc and return all my demos and focus on getting better with the rebel98. Right now it is the only frame that is standing out above the others, which are all very good as well. Now if i could just stop myself from reading all fhe pd, warrior, and juice threads i will be ok.

Jack, how are you doing with your 98? How are the strings working out?

JackB1 · Mar 21, 2012

BC1 said:
^^^^ No never did, and i dont have much desire to do so anymore. I demoed the new 6.1 95 and the new pd roddick and I have come to the conclusion that those 12oz racquets are just too much for me, i can't consistently generate the racquet head speed needed to be consistenly effective. My ideal specs are 11.2-11.4oz, 3-5 pts hl, and 310-324 SW. This is all power-tweener or light weight player category.

Im glad i kept the rebel 98 though. I really enjoy this racquet. The spin, especially on serves is amazing, and as you know, when used properly, it does it all very well. Power, control and manuverability. Im finding that unless i get super lazy i can be just as consistent with it as i am with the pd, warror, etc. I just have to focus a little more, but that pays off with amazing accuracy that i dont have with the others. The rebel 98 makes you feel like your in total control. Im going to stop my racquet obsession with the new warrior, pd, juice,.etc and return all my demos and focus on getting better with the rebel98. Right now it is the only frame that is standing out above the others, which are all very good as well. Now if i could just stop myself from reading all fhe pd, warrior, and juice threads i will be ok.

Jack, how are you doing with your 98? How are the strings working out?

I have only played briefly so far with the Rebel 98, so nothing really to report yet on that. I bought 2 and 1 is 325 grams and the other 328. The swingweight feels similar to the Warrior. Every time I play with the Warrior though, I think to myself "it couldn't possibly get any better than this". But I will put the Rebel 98 through its paces and compare soon enough.

I did pick up a new Rebel 12 pack bag. Its very nice!

BC1 · Mar 21, 2012

JackB1 said:
I have only played briefly so far with the Rebel 98, so nothing really to report yet on that. I bought 2 and 1 is 325 grams and the other 328. The swingweight feels similar to the Warrior. Every time I play with the Warrior though, I think to myself "it couldn't possibly get any better than this". But I will put the Rebel 98 through its paces and compare soon enough.

I did pick up a new Rebel 12 pack bag. Its very nice!

Thanks for the update. I just asked the same in the other warrior thread going on, sorry for all the duplication. That rebel bag is nice. I had planned on picking one up (6 pack) at my local shop. Went there this morning to get it but they were all sold out. I understand your love for the warrior as well. I couldn't find any faults with it either. And yes, the SW and the weights of the rebel 98 and warrior are very close.

JackB1 · Mar 21, 2012

BC1 said:
Thanks for the update. I just asked the same in the other warrior thread going on, sorry for all the duplication. That rebel bag is nice. I had planned on picking one up (6 pack) at my local shop. Went there this morning to get it but they were all sold out. I understand your love for the warrior as well. I couldn't find any faults with it either. And yes, the SW and the weights of the rebel 98 and warrior are very close.

Get the Rebel 12 pack instead. Its only $10 more and well worth it. The Rebel 12 pack is really like a normal 6 pack. 2 racquet compartments and 1 large middle section. And 1 compartment is thermal. The 6 pack has just 2 racquet compartments with no middle part and no thermal.

kimguroo · Apr 2, 2012

I got the 98 on Saturday and I noticed that 98 is not completely boxed beam like 95. I thought only head size, thickness of beam and weight difference but Throat area is square but head area is round.
I did not realize until now.

JackB1 · Apr 2, 2012

kimguroo said:
I got the 98 on Saturday and I noticed that 98 is not completely boxed beam like 95. I thought only head size, thickness of beam and weight difference but Throat area is square but head area is round.
I did not realized until now.

would that make any difference?

Supermange · Apr 5, 2012

I'm playing with the biometic300tour with some lead at 3/9, really like it.
Should I consider switching to the prince 95 or will it be to demanding? I'm a 3.5. Wont be swithing to the 98 as I wan't a mkore control oriented racquet.

kimguroo · Apr 5, 2012

Supermange said:
I'm playing with the biometic300tour with some lead at 3/9, really like it.
Should I consider switching to the prince 95 or will it be to demanding? I'm a 3.5. Wont be swithing to the 98 as I wan't a mkore control oriented racquet.

If you like your Dunlop, why do you want to change?
In my opinion, rebel has very good control so if you are looking for control oriented racket, it will be a good choice.

If you can handle about 20g heavier racket, 2012 rebel will be a good choice.
If 2012 rebel is slightly heavy, Buy old rebel team then add some weight at handle. Actually, I use Japanese rebel which is 10.9oz unstrung (310g) and I made one rebel team to match Japanese rebel spec.
Also you can save $$$.

Exo3 Rebel 98 vs. Rebel 95 (2012)

Professional

Professional

Professional

Legend

Rookie

Rookie

Rookie

Semi-Pro

Professional

Rookie

Legend

G.O.A.T.

Professional

Professional

Professional

Professional

Professional

G.O.A.T.

Professional

G.O.A.T.

Professional

G.O.A.T.

Legend

G.O.A.T.

Rookie

Legend

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