The POG 100 Club: Std and LB

jonestim

jonestim

Hall of Fame
My order of preference:

POG LB > POG Mid > POG OS > POG 100.

100 didn't have enough heft or power for me. OS hits a good ball, but is a bit unwieldy. Mid is pretty darn good. LB is more and more my go-to racquet. Second serves aren't as good with it as some others, but everything else is top notch.
 
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B Cubed

Semi-Pro
Played with the POG os this weekend to do a better comparison. Loved it, and it felt great, but still siding toward the 100. I think I'd agree with a few others who say that the power is really dictated by the string tensions. I did string mine pretty tight. But other than servers, and a slightly (obvious) greater catapult feel of the OS, I felt the overall power was about the same. For me, it still comes down to such good maneuverability in a frame with such solid plow through. It's the plow through that I think makes it go against modern frames well. Just my two cents.
 
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TobyTopspin

Professional
I currently play with the OS and my second choice was the 100. I chose the OS because it did everything the 100 did, but felt better overall to me. I had used the OS for 17 years before coming back to it so that may have had a lot to do with it.

Since I was already used to the maneuverability of the OS it wasn't an issue for me, but I can see why players would prefer the 100 as far as that goes.

The sweetspot of the OS is larger, but not by a large amount.

I find the power levels to be similar, but the OS definitely has more.

Serves weren't much difference for me either, but I thought the 100 had a little more control.

The only thing that I have encountered that I find a little troublesome is the string life of the OS. Both sticks ate up strings for me, but the OS is tough to live with sometimes.

For example, I played a match this weekend with a fresh set of multi and broke it dead center about three games into the second set. I prefer multis in these sticks, but it's cost a small fortune already. I'm trying some low tension polys, but still prefer the multis performance. My Kevlar setup lasts two weeks, but I have to work much harder to win points.

I'm at a conundrum. I'm going to commit to using the ELT poly the rest of the week, but my game suffers with it so far.
 
B

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
I definitely feel strings don't wander as much on the 100. Have you tried any 15 gauges, like Prince Nylon or an old School Toalson 66? They hold tension decently, offer power and don't break as much.
 
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TobyTopspin

Professional
B Cubed said:
I definitely feel strings don't wander as much on the 100. Have you tried any 15 gauges, like Prince Nylon or an old School Toalson 66? They hold tension decently, offer power and don't break as much.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately those strings don't give me what I'm looking for. My favorite string is multi-feel 17g. It gives me almost as much spin as poly with the added comfort. I think the low tension poly is the way to go, but I haven't gotten used to it yet. I'm going to force myself to use the poly this week to see if I can get used to it.
 
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TobyTopspin

Professional
B Cubed said:
What's your preferred tension? I'm still trying to dial it in.
Click to expand...

With a multi/syn gut, I like 62 lbs.

I drop 4 lbs with full polly.

In a hybrid, I alway prefer poly mains. I've tried 58/60 and have been satisfied.

Lately, I've been using full Red Code 17g at 33 lbs. I think the experiment is about over though. I just lose so much pop on my serve that it just doesn't work for me.

I did string up one of my POG OS frames with Tourna Quasi Armor 17g at 62lbs and liked it a lot for about an hour. After that the strings have become very stiff (locked up) and dead like a poly. I'm sure it will break in a few more hits.

Since I'm going through multi and syn-gut set ups so fast, I'm going to try some Gosen OG Micro and see if I like that. It might be worth the hassle of constant restringing if it plays consistent for an hour or so.

My last setup that I want to test is some Big Hitter Blue Rough at 60lbs. I've always thought of this string as almost a syn-gut in feel. If I can get it to last a solid week, then I may have something.
 
B

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
I'm currently using PNylon, mostly to just close the pattern a little. It feels good from a string density perspective, but I strung it at 61, and I definitely feel like that has shrunk the sweet spot a little.
 
E

eman resu

Professional
Finally! After 5 years of searches in vain, I cant wait for my pog lb to arrive. But timing wasnt very fortunate, as I will have to put it face to face with an incoming reponse 97. Different animals, I suppose.

Just one question about the new pog lb. Can anyone compare it to the michel chang lb mp?
 
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B Cubed

Semi-Pro
I use the standard size. However, in digging around on TW University, recently, I noticed that the Classic 100 standard actually has the same power level/sweet spot as the old Graphite OS. (The new Graphite 107 is appreciably stronger than the old OS, apparently). This makes me thus believe the 100 LB has around the same power as the old larger hoop LBs.
 
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TobyTopspin

Professional
B Cubed said:
I use the standard size. However, in digging around on TW University, recently, I noticed that the Classic 100 standard actually has the same power level/sweet spot as the old Graphite OS. (The new Graphite 107 is appreciably stronger than the old OS, apparently). This makes me thus believe the 100 LB has around the same power as the old larger hoop LBs.
Click to expand...

I don't think there is much difference between the OS versions as I have quite a few different versions of the POG. The one thing I did notice is that Prince lowered the suggested string tension range by 2 lbs on the latest verision. That may account for the different readings.

The power level of the OS is very similar to the LB with the 100 falling slightly below from my 'on court' perception. Of course all of this can be changed with string/tension
 
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eman resu

Professional
When prince sells the pogs strung, what kind of string comes with the frame? I remember having seen factory-strung pogs (100 and lb) in the uk...
 
robbo1970

robbo1970

Hall of Fame
eman resu said:
When prince sells the pogs strung, what kind of string comes with the frame? I remember having seen factory-strung pogs (100 and lb) in the uk...
Click to expand...

PSGD 16, usually at the mid tension point.

Its in the transparent white colour (not sure if that makes a difference).

I got mine re-strung with POSG 16 in the gold at a lower tension, feels better to me and looks very cool :)
 
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eman resu

Professional
Thanks! Syn gut 16 at mid tension is what I would put anyway, so I'll just keep it until it breaks or goes dead. Then maybe a thinner string or lower tension if I feel like it...
Regarding the power level, is the LB really less powerful than the Response as the numbers indicate?
 
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tchung4

Banned
Just wondering..the racquet you guys referring to POG 100 STD or LB when i'm googling all i get the result was Classic Graphite 100 ( http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Graphite_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PCG100.html )

is that the one POG 100 Standard or is there really racquet called prince original graphite 100 standard ..if you guys have picture or link please let me know

i know when i read this thread all the online retailers' out of this racquet but at least link of website so i know what POG 100 is :confused:

thanks
 
P

Phil Hartman

New User
tchung4 said:
Just wondering..the racquet you guys referring to POG 100 STD or LB when i'm googling all i get the result was Classic Graphite 100 ( http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Graphite_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PCG100.html )

is that the one POG 100 Standard or is there really racquet called prince original graphite 100 standard ..if you guys have picture or link please let me know

i know when i read this thread all the online retailers' out of this racquet but at least link of website so i know what POG 100 is :confused:

thanks
Click to expand...
The one in your link is the POG 100
 
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eman resu

Professional
Yeah, just recieved it! ... unstrung :(
one more week until I can finally hit a tennis ball with my POG/PCG LB. Oh, my...
My Response Ti has a SG Spiraltek 17 at 55lbs. My 28" Ozone Tour had a syngut 16 at 58lbs (I have to restring this one as well). Both played well. Now what? Syn gut 16 at 56lbs, as it should be less powerful than the Ozone?

What a GREAT looking racquet, by the way, just like the new Response 97... I wish the paint was as durable as it is beautiful (not the case, from what I've read here).
 
A

allenkau

Rookie
Got my POG 100 when they first came out.

I am use Gut / Poly Hybrid (Pac Tough 16 / CoFocus 17) - strung at 60/52

I get anywhere from 30 to 40 hours with this setup on the MAINS. I restring the crosses at 20 hours.

I love everything about this racket and setup except for 1 thing. I need just a little more power....

I have also tried the LB version with the same setup and while I love the serve, I couldn't hit returns at all.

Thinking of cutting the LB down 1/2 an inch....

Any suggestions?
 
PSC85

PSC85

Semi-Pro
Lead it up with 10~14grams between 10-2 o'clock and this racquet will be phenomenal. Mine is currently using this set up.
 
B

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
I've been tinkering with a lead grip (had a left over HEAD calfskin), and now my strings are loosening up - it feels noticeably stronger than previously.
 
T

TobyTopspin

Professional
When I was hitting with the 100, I added 6 grams of lead at both 3 and 9. I kept it strung with 17g Multi (NXT,Multifeel). It was a serious scalpel and weapon.
 
B

bob

Rookie
I have 4 prince classic graphite 100's (the new ones ...)

I played with the POG OS 107 for the last ten years

I bought 2 used 100's off of the TW classified board. They were strung with poly strings (Solinco on one ... forgot the brand on the other)

IMHO these were strung too tight ... didn't like them at all

I then had them restrung with volkl cyclone one at 44 & the other at 48. They both play great. The one strung at 44# can create a lot of spin.

I've been playing off and on for the last 30 years and these are my favorite racquet string combos.
 
PSC85

PSC85

Semi-Pro
Mine POG 100 LB is leaded up 16 grams and currently on Alu Power 54/52, and just has immense power in all shots. It's a good balance right now except probably need to tighten up the tension more as I now hit long occasionally.
 
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eman resu

Professional
PSC85 said:
Mine POG 100 LB is leaded up 16 grams and currently on Alu Power 54/52, and just has immense power in all shots. It's a good balance right now except probably need to tighten up the tension more as I now hit long occasionally.
Click to expand...

Where did you add the weight? I have a bit of tape on the handle to increase it's size and next time I'm trying 2g concentrated at 12 instead of spread over the bumper to see if I can find more spin and power. It now weights 329g strung with syn gut 16, no ovegrip (which happens to be TW stock specs, although mine was 309g unstrung, which is only 1g off prince's specs).
Strung it at 56, but should go lower next time I have it stung.
 
E

eman resu

Professional
Update: I'm really enjoying my POG LB with a bit of customization: 2.5g at 12 + 2g of protective tape over the bumper. Overgrip on top of the stock grip (minus the plastic around the handle, I've removed that). 331g now and it plays really solid. Great slices, solid volleys and weight on every shot. Serves and groundstrokes are not always the fastest, but they tend to be heavy shots which can cause trouble to the opponent. Spin is there. It depends on the technique, of course, but I found it gravitates more towards a "Ferrero" kind of spin instead of a "Nadal" like shot. The weight added at 12 really helped in that department, as it seems to suit my strokes better and the racquet flows more naturally to me.
It is forgiving, but by all means a classic feeling players frame. My Response feels like a tweener in comparison, much easier to wield. I'm having a nice time bringing both to the courts, as I can play really well with either one.
 
PSC85

PSC85

Semi-Pro
eman resu said:
Where did you add the weight? I have a bit of tape on the handle to increase it's size and next time I'm trying 2g concentrated at 12 instead of spread over the bumper to see if I can find more spin and power. It now weights 329g strung with syn gut 16, no ovegrip (which happens to be TW stock specs, although mine was 309g unstrung, which is only 1g off prince's specs).
Strung it at 56, but should go lower next time I have it stung.
Click to expand...

Sorry for the late reply. My lead tapes were added from 10 to 2 o'clock. Strung weight is around 345-350. Massive swing weight over 355 but like you said its about technique, movement, and preparation. Glad your set up is working for you. This is really a terrific frame even for the modern game.
 
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travlerajm

Talk Tennis Guru
Shortened POG LB @ 80/35 lbs.

I dug this out of my closet the other day. More than a year ago, I had strung it up with 18g kevlar & 17g SPPP @ 80/35 lbs as an experimental, but I never really had had a chance to hit with it. The frame had already been shortened to 26.7" (a really nice length for this racquet), and with about 1/4" of hoop squashing from the tension differential, the length was down to less than 26.5". I also have a lot of lead tape on this racquet, plus silicone in the upper hoop. The specs are close to the racquet in my signature.

I was amazed how well this racquet played. The feel of the stringbed was amazing, with both very precise control and tremendous grippy-ness and spin on steep attack angle swings.
 
O

Oz_Rocket

Professional
So with the 20% off from TW's Australian affiliate I pulled the trigger on a POG 100 standard length. At $130 it was too good not to get one!

I hit with a borrowed Graphite II the other night and forgot how nice some of the old school racquets are.

Remember having a Prince Classic aluminium (the one with the green plastic throat) playing tournaments as a kid and being so jealous of a mate who got a POG on sponsorship. Can't wait till it arrives next week!
 
B

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
Most places like ******* say shipping date is 1/22/15. I noticed one or two places where the OS said a shipping date of late this month. Per a former thread, they produce in batches. Either the 100 is a hot seller, or they just do a smaller amount.
 
O

Oz_Rocket

Professional
Well we've had plenty of rain recently so tonight was the first chance to play with my new toy.

Boy was it a blast from the past. Just a nice lovely unadulterated old school graphite feel. I could flatten out my ground strokes, really hit through them and they'd go so deep. Volleys were very good too. Didn't quite get a long enough feel for serving but hit some decent ones.

The factory string isn't too bad. Nothing on it, but the Prince website says it is Premier Control 16. Anyone know for sure or how to tell?
 
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TobyTopspin

Professional
Oz_Rocket said:
Well we've had plenty of rain recently so tonight was the first chance to play with my new toy.

Boy was it a blast from the past. Just a nice lovely unadulterated old school graphite feel. I could flatten out my ground strokes, really hit through them and they'd go so deep. Volleys were very good too. Didn't quite get a long enough feel for serving but hit some decent ones.

The factory string isn't too bad. Nothing on it, but the Prince website says it is Premier Control 16. Anyone know for sure or how to tell?
Click to expand...

Does the string have sort of a shinny oily finish? If so that's probably Premier Attack. The oily finish does go away after a few hits though. You could also kind of pick at the lose end of one of the tie offs to see if the string is a multi or a solid core string. That would help narrow it down as well.
 
klementine

klementine

Hall of Fame
Funny, had a hit with the standard, 100sq.in. last night for about an hour, fell in love with the feel and responsive.

Then 'bam'. This thread is sitting on top.

Had only swung the POG Mid previously and the Graphite 93 exo, which was a blast to play with.

Anyone have any idea why this stick is so fun to play with? I mean really, I rarely describe a frame as 'fun'.
 
rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
PCG100 has a great combination of feel, control and power, and just the right stifness for me (i.e. not too stiff, nor too flexible). Some say the power level is too low, but with string and weight customisation that's not an issue for me. And I just love the cosmetics and thin beam.
 
Roland G

Roland G

Hall of Fame
rlau said:
PCG100 has a great combination of feel, control and power, and just the right stifness for me (i.e. not too stiff, nor too flexible). Some say the power level is too low, but with string and weight customisation that's not an issue for me. And I just love the cosmetics and thin beam.
Click to expand...
Can you comment on string set-up, tension and lead placement that you have tried that has worked well? I have the POG 100 and find it low-powered but would like to take it out for a spin again
 
rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
Roland G said:
Can you comment on string set-up, tension and lead placement that you have tried that has worked well? I have the POG 100 and find it low-powered but would like to take it out for a spin again
Click to expand...

Hi Roland, I have added a leather grip and a tiny bit of lead at 10 and 2. Strung with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25mm at 50 lbs. If you like poly I think you could even go a bit lower. If you don't like poly a nice multifilament or even natural gut would give you some more power. I'm a full poly user, but I'd like to try a gut/poly hybrid during the indoor season.
 
U

un6a

Semi-Pro
Update

I had two sessions with new string singnum pro firestorm (1.25) and really like it in my Pog 100. Feel is much better than muted yonex PTP, tension maintenance seems better too. I Hope it will last long enough. It is strung at 51/49 lbs, and i would appreciate a bit more power, so i string it few lbs lower next time.
 
carlitoo

carlitoo

Rookie
Roland G said:
Can you comment on string set-up, tension and lead placement that you have tried that has worked well? I have the POG 100 and find it low-powered but would like to take it out for a spin again
Click to expand...

Hi, I'd like to share my POG100 setup:

Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25 @51/50lbs. + Prince DuraPro grip + Tecnifibre Pro Contact 0.6mm o/grip + Prince O damp. + 4g at 3/9 o'clock + 4g at the top of handle.

Total weight is 352g., balance 8.5HL.

Truly great rackets for me!!
 
B

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
Update to mine - I recently got a POG OS, and I'm looking forward to using it. I took off the Prince leather grip (I hear they're around 31 grams (uncut)), and I put it on my 100. I have a Head leather grip I love that I then put on my POG OS (I believe it's around 23 Grams (uncut)).

So now my static weight of my 100 is closer to my OS. It's almost creepy. Of course the 100 is a lot more head light overall, and definitely now. But I have to say, I've felt more pop on shots with my 100 just having the leather grip on it. I was using the Head leather on it before. It's pretty cool; I'm stoked to see how it plays with a heavier leather on it now.
 
A

agassifanboy

New User
Joined the club a few months ago and loving it. Nothing in this headsize/open pattern, feels as controlled or true as these do. I have been playing around with lead tape to one. I didn't like the tape at 3 and 9, but I added about 9 grams to the throat and 3 grams at 6 o'clock. It feels pretty good, but with a leather grip its a bit much to handle. The other racquet I have just has a leather grip and I love the way it feels.
 
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eman resu

Professional
Updating mine: That's it, I prefer lower tensions and soft strings on the LB. Gamma Challenger 16 at 53lbs was great today. Power, spin, touch in a low budget setup. Now it's just a matter of dialing this initial tension to make up for the tension loss over a month or so.

Meanwhile, I tried Wilson Stamina for some added durability, but HATED it (no power, too harsh), so I cut it off after a week.

Current setup (hopefully from now one): 1g at 12, around 3g of head tape over the bumper. About 4g along the handle. 335g strung with overgrip, 33,5cm.
 
PSC85

PSC85

Semi-Pro
POG(PCG) 100 LB

12 grams of lead from 10~2 o'clock

Luxilon BBO 53/51

This is my all court setup.
 
robbo1970

robbo1970

Hall of Fame
PCG 100 with POSG (gold of course) 50lbs.

Rubber band dampener, Dunlop Bio Tour replacement grip (no OG). I know it's not 'brand friendly' but it's a great grip that's easy to wrap and gives me just the right amount of grip and traction I like.

No other modifications needed.
 
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