Prince EXO3 Rebel 105

Tennisspieler · Feb 26, 2013

I recently had the opportunity to hit with the new Prince EXO3 Rebel 105 and really liked how the racquet performed.

Usually I don’t play that often with oversize racquets, but this frame really shined on court. The large 105 sq. inch headsize and the open 16/19 string pattern provided a very large sweet spot and easy access to spin. Both topspin and slice were easy to generate from all areas of the court. The flexible frame and thin beam design gave the Rebel 105 a very traditional lively feel and lots of response.

I know that many Rebel 98 users say that the racquet offers surprising amounts of power considering the low RA stiffness rating and conservative beam design. I found this assessment to be confirmed when I played with the larger Rebel 105. It hits quite powerful groundstrokes, and serves are fast, too.

Although the EXO3 Rebel 105 feels very maneuverable and stable in stock form, I would add some weight to increase plow-through and bring it a bit more in line with heavier, stiffer 100 sq. inch racquets. Otherwise I was afraid it might be pushed around too easily by heavy shots.

BTW, I think the bright yellow cosmetics look very sharp. With its oversize head shape, the EXO3 Rebel 105 to me is somewhat reminiscent of Andre Agassi's yellow Donnay Pro One racquet of the 1990s.

buffalobill3 · Feb 27, 2013

I've tried the racquet and liked it a lot too. I'll be buying one soon .

ricki · Feb 27, 2013

I have Rebels in 95 and in 105 head size and when I compare the directly, there is almost no difference in head size - Rebel 105 has only slighter longer mains.... It is something like Rebel95 for those who prefere more open string pattern.

jjs891 · Feb 27, 2013

Where do you find 105's?

kimguroo · Feb 27, 2013

jjs891 said:
Where do you find 105's?

First version of rebel 105 was available in Asian countries then later introduced to European countries. It was not available in US.
The recent version is available in Asian countries but not sure that European countries can get new version of rebel 105.

I've used 105 for a while and agree that it's very nice racket.
Prince should bring it to US market.

Seems like new version is exact same racket except paint job.
I am wondering Prince change anything from the first version.

Tennisspieler · Feb 27, 2013

jjs891 said:
Where do you find 105's?

It may not yet appear on Prince's US website. Go to www.princetennis.com, choose "Europe" or "Asia" and then follow this:

Products > Racquets > Performance Racquets > Rebel series. There you’ll find the EXO3 Rebel 105.

BTW: Sometimes the racquet release policy of some manufacturers seems a bit weird. For example, though being an American company, Prince is apparently releasing the EXO3 Rebel 105 in Europe and Asia first, just like Wilson does it with its Steam 105 (the non "S"-version with the 16/19 string pattern). From the other side of the big pont, french manufacturer Tecnifibre is sending their new TFight 315 Ltd. racquets to the US only, obviously with no plans of selling them on their home continent.

My guess is that this has to to with different playing styles. In the US, where many people play on fast hard courts, there is still an appreciation for smaller, thinner and heavier frames, whereas European high-bouncing clay courts demand more maneuverable racquets with larger sweet spots and easy access to spin, hence the sweeping success of the tweener racquets.

jjs891 · Feb 27, 2013

Thanks for the info guys.

Was wondering since I haven't seen it here.

Carolina Racquet · Apr 2, 2013

I looked online and the Rebel 105 is available at "Richard's" Sporting Goods... prestrung.

kimguroo · Apr 2, 2013

Carolina Racquet said:
I looked online and the Rebel 105 is available at "Richard's" Sporting Goods... prestrung.

Only 4 1/4 available which is my size.
I am thinking of getting one and compare with old one.
Looks like prince only changed paint job though.
Need to wait some coupons ^_^

jjs891 · Apr 2, 2013

I'm a bit surprised that Prince rates this one lower power than the warrior.

jjs891 · Apr 2, 2013

kimguroo

How would you compare this racquet to other you have played in terms of power and control?

TIA

ricki · Apr 2, 2013

jjs891 said:
I'm a bit surprised that Prince rates this one lower power than the warrior.

Because its not a tweener, it is somewhat medium-flexy and like I said before its not as big as name 105 says, its players stick such as prestige pro...

jjs891 · Apr 2, 2013

ricki said:
Because its not a tweener, it is somewhat medium-flexy and like I said before its not as big as name 105 says, its players stick such as prestige pro...

ok thank you

ricki · Apr 2, 2013

I made few pics with comparsion with other racquets: http://sdrv.ms/16u3jSt

kimguroo · Apr 2, 2013

ricki said:
Because its not a tweener, it is somewhat medium-flexy and like I said before its not as big as name 105 says, its players stick such as prestige pro...

I agree. the head size looks like 100 because of oval shape.

jjs891 said:
I'm a bit surprised that Prince rates this one lower power than the warrior.

power level of rebel 105 is 830 and warrior is 1000.
I have not played with warrior so I can't give exact info though.
power is similar to EXO3 tour.

jjs891 said:
kimguroo

How would you compare this racquet to other you have played in terms of power and control?

TIA

the racket has decent power but compare to other OS rackets, 105 does not have power. I play with both 105 and 95. compare to 95, 105 has less control with good power.

rebel 105 is one of the underrated rackets in my opinion. It's just not popular.

jjs891 · Apr 2, 2013

So what do you get from 105 that you don't in exo3 tour?

I think that sweet spot is big on both.

MikeHitsHard93 · Apr 2, 2013

jjs891 said:
So what do you get from 105 that you don't in exo3 tour?

I think that sweet spot is big on both.

105 is a little bit stiffer and btw I think the rebel came out before the tour

USS Tang · Apr 2, 2013

How is this racket any different from the EXO3 Red 105 also sold By Prince?

MikeHitsHard93 · Apr 2, 2013

USS Tang said:
How is this racket any different from the EXO3 Red 105 also sold By Prince?

Rebel has thinner beam and smaller sweet spot. Also flexier.

MAXXply · Apr 2, 2013

Found a 3/8 and looking forward to taking delivery of it soon. I suspect the balance will see me fit on a leather grip within the first hour

I'll report back with my 2 cents soon.

MikeHitsHard93 · Apr 2, 2013

MAXXply said:
Found a 3/8 and looking forward to taking delivery of it soon. I suspect the balance will see me fit on a leather grip within the first hour I'll report back with my 2 cents soon.

Very awesome. Would love to hear about it...have you hit with the 95 or team version?

MAXXply · Apr 2, 2013

^^ Not the current all-yellow versions. I did own the green/Monfils 95 a while ago which I let go because I found it too soft and not headlight enough for its weight.

MikeHitsHard93 · Apr 2, 2013

MAXXply said:
^^ Not the current all-yellow versions. I did own the green/Monfils 95 a while ago which I let go because I found it too soft and not headlight enough for its weight.

Yes I was actually talking about the first gen that you are referring to. I liked that old paint job so much more than the new one.

kimguroo · Apr 2, 2013

jjs891 said:
So what do you get from 105 that you don't in exo3 tour? I think that sweet spot is big on both.

I only demoed EXO3 tour briefly. Actually I bought the rebel 105 after I demoed EXO3 tour (18x20). At that time I used Japanese rebel 95 (10.9oz/310g unstrung) and always wanted more power and thought EXO3 tour might be the racket which I wanted but somewhat reason I did not like at all. It was different racket and does not have controls which rebel has it.
Rebel 105 provides more power but slightly less control than 95.
I like thinner boxed beam and I feel it makes better slice backhands.

MikeHitsHard93 said:
105 is a little bit stiffer and btw I think the rebel came out before the tour

yes. The rebel 105 was released way before EXO3 tour but it was only available in Japan and some Asian countries then released in Europe. I did not know New paint job rebel 105 in US until last week.

USS Tang said:
How is this racket any different from the EXO3 Red 105 also sold By Prince?

EXO3 red has much more power than rebel 105.
Totally different feeling from thinner boxed beam.

kimguroo · Apr 2, 2013

MAXXply said:
^^ Not the current all-yellow versions. I did own the green/Monfils 95 a while ago which I let go because I found it too soft and not headlight enough for its weight.

If you did not like rebel 95, you might not like 105 because strung 105 is slightly headheavy or even balance...
Hope you like 105 ^_^

MikeHitsHard93 said:
Yes I was actually talking about the first gen that you are referring to. I liked that old paint job so much more than the new one.

I like old paint job too. Quality of New paint job is not great. New paint cracks easily.

MikeHitsHard93 said:
Very awesome. Would love to hear about it...have you hit with the 95 or team version?

I hit with 95 team but I did not like team because of light weight.
US version 95 was too heavy for me so I went for Japanese rebel 95.
Great control racket but lack of power was biggest problem for me.
Weight of Japanese rebel 95 is 10.9oz/310 and 105 is 295g but swing weight is same 290g.

MAXXply · Apr 2, 2013

^^^ The green/Monfils Rebel 95 wasn't headlight enough, for me, for its considerable weight. I suspect the 105 will swing easier than that. My last 295gm frame was a Radical which is 325mm unstrung balance and which I enjoyed swinging.

The 105 says 328mm balance, but I hope that extra 0.25 inch makes a bit of difference to maneuverability. If not, there's always leather and lead.

tmc5005 · Apr 3, 2013

The PRINCE New EXO3 Rebel 98 is readily available and it is significantly lighter than the PRINCE New EXO3 Rebel 95 and has the 16 x 20 string pattern, both are very flexible frames

kimguroo · Apr 3, 2013

tmc5005 said:
The PRINCE New EXO3 Rebel 98 is readily available and it is significantly lighter than the PRINCE New EXO3 Rebel 95 and has the 16 x 20 string pattern, both are very flexible frames

I have rebel 98 but it's totally different than original 95 and 105.
the beam is not completely flat. Head area is rounded shape.
Both rebel 95 and 105 has entirely flat beam.

Rebel 98 Power level is 775 and rebel 105 is 830. Higher than 98.
I don't like rebel 98 and will sell the racket.

MAXXply · Apr 3, 2013

kimguroo said:
I have rebel 98 but it's totally different than original 95 and 105. the beam is not completely flat. Head area is rounded shape.
Both rebel 95 and 105 has entirely flat beam.

That is why I deliberately chose the 105 over the 98 - because of the flat rectangular beam. Don't like how the 98 has a flat beam at the throat down, but changes to rounded/oval shaped beam at hoop. It would've been perfect if it was thinner and boxier though.

kimguroo · Apr 10, 2013

MAXXply said:
I can't swing it without generating some whistling noises. Are conventional string grommets available for this frame?

You will get used with sounds ^_^
Yes. String hole inserts were/are available.
Actually, Japanese version comes with both inserts.

I restrung (58lbs) with new MSV focus hex plus 38 last week. Hit briefly and felt much better option than Wilson blade.

MAXXply · Apr 10, 2013

^^ I'd be interested to try those string hole inserts some time.
Is this Rebel 105 still current in Japan as an updated cosmetic/future 2013 model? e.g "J-Frame" PJ?
I don't know why Prince felt the need to change the mold of this frame to the oval-beam hoop of the current TW models.

I'm looking forward to hitting with it. Will report back.

kimguroo · Apr 10, 2013

MAXXply said:
^^ I'd be interested to try those string hole inserts some time.
Is this Rebel 105 still current in Japan as an updated cosmetic/future 2013 model? e.g "J-Frame" PJ?
I don't know why Prince felt the need to change the mold of this frame to the oval-beam hoop of the current TW models.

I'm looking forward to hitting with it. Will report back.

What did you get? Old one or new one?
Rebel 105 introduced 2010 with rebel 95. It was available in Japan and Some of Asian countries then introduced in Europe briefly (2011). The paint job and letters were slightly different though. In 2012, there was new paint job. Surprisingly, it was avavilable in US at specific stores such as Dick's.
TW (US) did not get rebel 105. There is no J type rebel 105.
Seems like every rebel 105s were exact same racket with slightly different or new paint job.
Post some picture of the frame.

Wait! Do you have oval beam shape in hoop?
Mine does not have oval beam shape. It's flat boxed beam. Exact same as rebel 95 beam

Only 98 has oval beam (round) head shape which I don't like.

MAXXply · Apr 10, 2013

^^^ Yes mine is the same as yours - box beam hoop, not oval beam

Had a first hit this morning, the EXO3 Rebel 105 really impressed. Strung with Dunlop Silk 16 at 53lbs (24kg), general power was adequate and good. It fairly near served like a rocket launcher at that tension, or at least it felt that way exploding off the open 16x19 pattern. Second serves were easily struck; the 21mm constant beam and open ports really knifed through the air on these.

At 295gm unstrung it inhabits that extensive niche of customiseable platform sticks 295-300gm. The extra 0.25 inches means the 328mm unstrung balance remains on a pretty even keel once strung, so really it comes out at a pretty even strung balance. The main thing is that this is a maneuverable stick that no-one weaned on headlight sticks should complain that it's head heavy. Plow-through is sufficient for my liking though I would understand if others would lead theirs up and I suspect I will too in the long-term.

Sufficient power on groundies, your mileage may vary of course so I won't dwell on how the racket excels or struggles on specific stroke-play aspects (but feel free to ask). I was impressed though with its soft muted feel on volleys and dropshots, as if by some 6th sense the frame knew to decelerate and adjust its rebound accordingly. It is also easily maneuverable on 1HBHs and as that is my stroke that struggles most with heavier rackets, the 105 is the kind of quick-moving and mobile frame that will provide free OOOMPH! to 1HBHers. In tandem, that mobility and power also translates to great directional control and those times you need to dig one out at short notice.

The hoopshape as mentioned really shines. As a bit of marketing nomenclature, "105" is a good number that appeals to those who regard even 100sq.in as a tad small while also appealing to those like me who still connote "110" with Chang and Sabatini's round POG frypans. In reality, the frame swings and plays no different than any other generous midplus. There is no feeling of hindrance or encumberedness as I get when swinging oversized frames. When placed over the top of an APD, the 105 is a sveltely-shaped hoop with longer mains.

Stability was good and I experienced no severe twisting during my session. My (younger) hitting partner was impressed enough to note the 105's thick front beam, as if this was an innovative design feat and a piece of high-tech significance. I replied it was just a bit of extra width on the front section that adds to its boxier shape - to me, it was the deal-clincher that sold me as I had despaired at ever seeing again a modern frame with a thicker boxed front section (no, flat box beams a la MG Radical and Bab Storm don't cut it for me). IMO Prince dropped the ball in deciding to cease offering any Rebel frames with this all-straight-edged design.

The boxiness also aided in frame comfort; TWE claims the 105 rates 66 for stiffness...I dunno, I would say it felt 63-64. It most definitely doesn't have the mushy feel of my previous Monfils Rebel 95 and that was supposed to be 60(?).

I retract my previous annoyance at the o-ports "whistling" noises - it is (as others have said) not too noticeable during play when ordinary noisy surroundings drown it out.

I can see myself hanging onto the 105 for a long time. Dare I say, it seems to embody the hallmarks of a "players 'tweener". For those who value predictable, traditional feel over raw power this stick might be it. The frame's lighter forgiving weight will aid competent players who bring their own heat. The extra headsize gave me the assuredness to swing freely on returns, always my flakiest stroke.

Long term, lead will be a consideration. I think leather is a certainty but that's more to do with the smaller than expected feel of the stock ResiPro-fitted handle. Also, I'd want to try conventional stringhole inserts on this. No flipping - this 105 is a keeper. If nothing else, I am grateful to TT'er Tennisspieler for opening my eyes to the variety of "more ambitious" oversized frames

kklin · Jan 15, 2014

Help! Prince EXO3 Rebel 105 vs. EXO3 Red 105 vs. O3 Red??

Hi all,

I have arm/elbow issues and I tried EXO3 Red which I like but at $149.

But EXO3 Rebel 105 is on sale today at $55 and O3 Red Original is at $79.

Which one would you recommend? Sales end today.

Thanks

kimguroo · Jan 15, 2014

kklin said:
Hi all,

I have arm/elbow issues and I tried EXO3 Red which I like but at $149.

But EXO3 Rebel 105 is on sale today at $55 and O3 Red Original is at $79.

Which one would you recommend? Sales end today.

Thanks

Rebel 105 vs EXO3 red 105 or O3 red.
Totally different rackets
rebel 105 is boxed flat beam and most importantly low powered racket.
Also rebel 105 is oval shape and it feels like 100" racket.
For $55, it's great price. I am thinking of getting one haha.

kklin · Jan 15, 2014

kimguroo said:
Rebel 105 vs EXO3 red 105 or O3 red.
Totally different rackets
rebel 105 is boxed flat beam and most importantly low powered racket.
Also rebel 105 is oval shape and it feels like 100" racket.
For $55, it's great price. I am thinking of getting one haha.

Thanks Kimguroo for your timely reply.
I will skip Rebel since I need more power.

BTW, between 'EXO3 Red' and 'O3 Red Original', which will you recommend? 'O3 Red Original' is almost half price of 'EXO3 Red'! Do they play similar?

MikeHitsHard93 · Jan 15, 2014

kklin said:
Thanks Kimguroo for your timely reply.
I will skip Rebel since I need more power.

BTW, between 'EXO3 Red' and 'O3 Red Original', which will you recommend? 'O3 Red Original' is almost half price of 'EXO3 Red'! Do they play similar?

Go with the o3 red for slightly more power and comfort. Exo3 is good though.

kimguroo · Jan 15, 2014

MikeHitsHard93 said:
Go with the o3 red for slightly more power and comfort. Exo3 is good though.

I agree with mike. Old o3 models are good enough. There are several pros still use old o3 paint job rackets ^_^

keithfival · Jan 16, 2014

kimguroo said:
Rebel 105 vs EXO3 red 105 or O3 red.
Totally different rackets
rebel 105 is boxed flat beam and most importantly low powered racket.
/QUOTE]

The Reb 105 is low powered? I found the Reb 98 team pretty high powered. Is the 105 really lower powered than the 98 team?

MikeHitsHard93 · Jan 16, 2014

kimguroo said:
I agree with mike. Old o3 models are good enough. There are several pros still use old o3 paint job rackets ^_^

Isner uses the o3 white!

kklin · Jan 16, 2014

Thanks for all your replies.

I heard from my local tennis shop that O3 does not have proper grommet vs. EXO3. Hence it's more difficult to string and the string will be 'cut' by the o3 non-grommet grove (?).

Is this true? Thanks

MikeHitsHard93 · Jan 16, 2014

kklin said:
Thanks for all your replies.

I heard from my local tennis shop that O3 does not have proper grommet vs. EXO3. Hence it's more difficult to string and the string will be 'cut' by the o3 non-grommet grove (?).

Is this true? Thanks

If you own a machine with a brake, it is not hard at all. I sometimes don't even use a brake, just my body. I actually enjoy stringing prince ports.

Port frames generally break strings a tad more often than normal rackets, but there's nothing wrong with o3 vs exo3

kimguroo · Jan 16, 2014

keithfival said:
kimguroo said:

Rebel 105 vs EXO3 red 105 or O3 red.
Totally different rackets
rebel 105 is boxed flat beam and most importantly low powered racket.
/QUOTE]

The Reb 105 is low powered? I found the Reb 98 team pretty high powered. Is the 105 really lower powered than the 98 team?

Click to expand...

I was comparing between Red and rebel 105.
Rebel 105 is power level of 830 (it's low powered racket compare to other OS racket). Red's power level is over 1000.

I agree that rebel 98 team has less power than rebel 105.

kimguroo · Jan 16, 2014

kklin said:
Thanks for all your replies.

I heard from my local tennis shop that O3 does not have proper grommet vs. EXO3. Hence it's more difficult to string and the string will be 'cut' by the o3 non-grommet grove (?).

Is this true? Thanks

My stringing machine has a brake (Actually, it was the reason I got my current stringing machine). There is no problem to string O3 rackets. Using a brake takes less than 3 seconds. Without a brake, it might take slightly longer to string o3 rackets than regular rackets.
Probably your local shop does not have a good brake stringing machine or less profit than selling other brand racket haha.

kimguroo · Jan 16, 2014

MikeHitsHard93 said:
Isner uses the o3 white!

Davydenko and Ferrer still uses old o3 rackets too ^_^

Jessekershaw · Jan 26, 2014

I just picked up an exo3 Rebel 105 to try. I played until recently with a Rebel 95 non-exo and liked it but wanted a more open pattern, a little more size to be a touch more forgiving, and some free power.
I previously tried a Dunlop Bio 200 Plus which has the long main strings like the Rebel 105 and I could really slice the serve with it. Nasty sliding serves. My theory is that the longer strings give more dwell and spin.
Anyway I plan to try it stock and leaded up to 12oz with roughly 6pts head light. In theory it looks great!

kimguroo · Jan 27, 2014

Jessekershaw said:
I just picked up an exo3 Rebel 105 to try. I played until recently with a Rebel 95 non-exo and liked it but wanted a more open pattern, a little more size to be a touch more forgiving, and some free power.
I previously tried a Dunlop Bio 200 Plus which has the long main strings like the Rebel 105 and I could really slice the serve with it. Nasty sliding serves. My theory is that the longer strings give more dwell and spin.
Anyway I plan to try it stock and leaded up to 12oz with roughly 6pts head light. In theory it looks great!

you will definitely have more power but you might miss control of rebel 95 ^_^
I used to use it in stock form but I am testing rebel 105 again because I have cracking issues for APDGT.
my current setup (Put 2g lead tape at 12 and put fish sinker (1oz). the racket is 12oz).

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