The Prince Phantom 93P is a gift to us from TW - My Review/AMA

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
This thread is going to explode if and when @Nextman916 finally posts some pics of the 97P. I really hope his frame is on the high end and the average 97P frame will be sub 60RA.
 

TennisHound

Legend
Go practice your footwork first
If you want a lesson, it's 50 bucks an hour
Finally, an arrogant newb. Lol, haven't seen one of these in awhile. I kind of miss the threads with at least one of these ignorant morans, who would say that anyone from 13-80yo could use a racquet over 13-14oz, they just needed to practice footwork and using their legs and whole body into the swing.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Finally, an arrogant newb. Lol, haven't seen one of these in awhile. I kind of miss the threads with at least one of these ignorant morans, who would say that anyone from 13-80yo could use a racquet over 13-14oz, they just needed to practice footwork and using their legs and whole body into the swing.

Well admittedly I did grow up in an era where everyone 13-80 did use 13-14 oz racquets. So it's not the most ridiculous statement. I've played in a woodie tournament and won using a cracked and warped Don Budge. It was that moment that really cemented the ridiculous nature of gear-mongering. It is about footwork and focus in the end.

/end arrogant newb
 
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TennisHound

Legend
Well admittedly I did grow up in an era where everyone 13-80 did use 13-14 oz racquets. So it's not the most ridiculous statement. I've played in a woodie tournament and won using a cracked and warped Don Budge. It was that moment that really cemented the ridiculous nature of gear-mongering. It is about footwork and focus in the end.

/end arrogant newb
Yeah I started off with a wood racquet too, when I was about 13yo as well as other heavy racquets throughout the early 80s. And guess what, they were too heavy for me. Yes, it does take proper technique and usually a continental grip, but there is a limit where it’s just too heavy for hard match play. It is possible for them to swing it, but I’m not sure if the RF97 is the best racquet for a 12yo girl or 80yo man or woman. There is an older guy we play with (around 63yo) that uses a 6.1 95, but he only slices both sides, and has a slow spin serve.
 
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taylor15

Hall of Fame
This could be all an ingenious Prince marketing strategy to build up anticipation.
That’s cool by me. Since we know it’s 8 mains, I have tungsten and a leather grip in my bag waiting for it - whenever that may be.

Hit the VCore pro HD today and was disappointed. Like the 93p much more and really looking forward to the 16x18 pattern at 330g unstrung
 
I went back to my old Volkl PB10 mid for a few days. That is when I realized how great these Prince Phantom 93ps (18x20) are. The control, plow-through and feel are a whole new level.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I went back to my old Volkl PB10 mid for a few days. That is when I realized how great these Prince Phantom 93ps (18x20) are. The control, plow-through and feel are a whole new level.

I'm happy that you like the 93P so much.

I just wanted to point out that an 18x20 string pattern racquet should have more control than a 16x19. The 93P has a slightly higher SW and a much higher Twistweight, so it should have more plow-through and stability, and the balance is slightly different due to the higher Twistweight (more material at 3 & 9 o'clock). Feel is a very individual thing, and therefore when it comes to this aspect there is no right or wrong, just the individuals' experience.

Just to be clear, I'm not defending the PB10 Mid (nor saying you're wrong), I just think to make a proper and fair comparison, the racquets need to be close in all parameters (if not identical). There is no doubt that Prince has done a phenomenal job by creating the 93P, and that those specs are very hard to beat.

Have you added some weight to the PB10 Mid at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock? If not, try it and then compare them. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. The result may be the same (or not), but it's definitely something I will be testing out myself at some point.

Just my 2 cents. All the best :)
 

grhcan99

Semi-Pro
Yeah I started off with a wood racquet too, when I was about 13yo as well as other heavy racquets throughout the early 80s. And guess what, they were too heavy for me. Yes, it does take proper technique and usually a continental grip, but there is a limit where it’s just too heavy for hard match play. It is possible for them to swing it, but I’m not sure if the RF97 is the best racquet for a 12yo girl or 80yo man or woman. There is an older guy we play with (around 63yo) that uses a 6.1 95, but he only slices both sides, and has a slow spin serve.

I also started with wood when I started at 12 and weight, balance, SW, etc. were never an issue. Since there were no other options you deal with it. Nobody I knew then complained about it. Weight only becomes a "problem" nowadays because there are lighter/faster swinging/powerful racquets now and strokes and type of play have evolved around these types of racquets. So if you started with lighter racquets of course a heavy racquet would generally be an issue. But I don't believe weight in and of itself is a problem. It's about getting used to and adapting to it. There are pros and cons to a heavier racquet just the same as in lighter and powerful racquets. I prefer heavy and flexier racquets (C10 Pro, Prince POG 107, etc) leaded up to almost 13 oz. even for my smaller size at 5'8" and abut 160 lbs. Heavier racquets allow me to hit easy and relaxed strokes. They're solid and stable everywhere and I don't have to worry about my sensitive elbows. But yes they could also wreck your arm if your mechanics are not good and muscle your strokes. I can play with lighter racquets too but with them I feel I have to swing faster and harder to generate the same type of shots that I get from my heavier racquets. Having said that I've always tried the newer racquets (I just bought the new gravity pro) thinking my C10 is past its prime and there should be better options out there. But no, I still keep coming back to my C10. It may not be a sexier frame out there but it still gets the job done. I've also hit with the RF97A (1st and 2nd gen) and I actually find it lighter and faster swinging than my C10 but it feels stiffer and I just don't want to risk my elbow with it.

Anyway, the 93P is still in my radar.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I also started with wood when I started at 12 and weight, balance, SW, etc. were never an issue. Since there were no other options you deal with it. Nobody I knew then complained about it. Weight only becomes a "problem" nowadays because there are lighter/faster swinging/powerful racquets now and strokes and type of play have evolved around these types of racquets. So if you started with lighter racquets of course a heavy racquet would generally be an issue. But I don't believe weight in and of itself is a problem. It's about getting used to and adapting to it. There are pros and cons to a heavier racquet just the same as in lighter and powerful racquets. I prefer heavy and flexier racquets (C10 Pro, Prince POG 107, etc) leaded up to almost 13 oz. even for my smaller size at 5'8" and abut 160 lbs. Heavier racquets allow me to hit easy and relaxed strokes. They're solid and stable everywhere and I don't have to worry about my sensitive elbows. But yes they could also wreck your arm if your mechanics are not good and muscle your strokes. I can play with lighter racquets too but with them I feel I have to swing faster and harder to generate the same type of shots that I get from my heavier racquets. Having said that I've always tried the newer racquets (I just bought the new gravity pro) thinking my C10 is past its prime and there should be better options out there. But no, I still keep coming back to my C10. It may not be a sexier frame out there but it still gets the job done. I've also hit with the RF97A (1st and 2nd gen) and I actually find it lighter and faster swinging than my C10 but it feels stiffer and I just don't want to risk my elbow with it.

Anyway, the 93P is still in my radar.

100% Agree with everything you have said.
 

grhcan99

Semi-Pro
I'm happy that you like the 93P so much.

I just wanted to point out that an 18x20 string pattern racquet should have more control than a 16x19. The 93P has a slightly higher SW and a much higher Twistweight, so it should have more plow-through and stability, and the balance is slightly different due to the higher Twistweight (more material at 3 & 9 o'clock). Feel is a very individual thing, and therefore when it comes to this aspect there is no right or wrong, just the individuals' experience.

Just to be clear, I'm not defending the PB10 Mid (nor saying you're wrong), I just think to make a proper and fair comparison, the racquets need to be close in all parameters (if not identical). There is no doubt that Prince has done a phenomenal job by creating the 93P, and that those specs are very hard to beat.

Have you added some weight to the PB10 Mid at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock? If not, try it and then compare them. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. The result may be the same (or not), but it's definitely something I will be testing out myself at some point.

Just my 2 cents. All the best :)

I'm happy that you like the 93P so much.

I just wanted to point out that an 18x20 string pattern racquet should have more control than a 16x19. The 93P has a slightly higher SW and a much higher Twistweight, so it should have more plow-through and stability, and the balance is slightly different due to the higher Twistweight (more material at 3 & 9 o'clock). Feel is a very individual thing, and therefore when it comes to this aspect there is no right or wrong, just the individuals' experience.

Just to be clear, I'm not defending the PB10 Mid (nor saying you're wrong), I just think to make a proper and fair comparison, the racquets need to be close in all parameters (if not identical). There is no doubt that Prince has done a phenomenal job by creating the 93P, and that those specs are very hard to beat.

Have you added some weight to the PB10 Mid at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock? If not, try it and then compare them. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. The result may be the same (or not), but it's definitely something I will be testing out myself at some point.

Just my 2 cents. All the best :)

I've also had the opportunity to play with the PB 10 Mid (3 yrs ago) and the 93P (demo). I bought the PB10 because I liked the specs and it had great reviews. But it was totally different when I played with it. I was shanking all over. I just couldn't get the timing right after about 3-4 sessions. I experimented with lead and strings but nothing worked. I didn't have the patience then so I returned it. The 93P was a whole different story. I gelled with it at the get go. No break in period for me. The only downside to me was the leather grip. I don't like what leather does to my racquets. It transmits more vibration than I'm comfortable with. But in the end it didn't give me anything beyond what my C10 Pro could adequately offer so I stayed with my C10 Pro. For now :)
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I've also had the opportunity to play with the PB 10 Mid (3 yrs ago) and the 93P (demo). I bought the PB10 because I liked the specs and it had great reviews. But it was totally different when I played with it. I was shanking all over. I just couldn't get the timing right after about 3-4 sessions. I experimented with lead and strings but nothing worked. I didn't have the patience then so I returned it. The 93P was a whole different story. I gelled with it at the get go. No break in period for me. The only downside to me was the leather grip. I don't like what leather does to my racquets. It transmits more vibration than I'm comfortable with. But in the end it didn't give me anything beyond what my C10 Pro could adequately offer so I stayed with my C10 Pro. For now :)

I can relate to what you're saying. I found the PB10 Mid to come through the ball really quickly and I kept being too early for my shot, which was causing the shanking. I tried adding weight to the head, which helped some (helped me feel where the head of the racquet was in space - if that makes sense). Still wasn't my favourite racquet. I loved the feeling when you struck the ball, and it's such an iconic head shape, so I kept it in the hope that I will gel with it in the long run. I much preferred the C10 Pro, which I could play well with from the get-go. Awesome racquet and probably one of my favourites of all time. I too have tried many racquets, but the C10 Pro will always stay in my "essential racquets" collection.

I have been recovering from a double hernia repair for the best part of the last year and will finally be able to have a hit with the 93P soon (picking it up from the stringer on Wed night). Looking forward to it, but I still doubt it will be my "competition" go-to stick. If it is brilliant, it will be my training and technique/ fitness/ footwork improvement racquet (which is where I'm hoping the PB10 Mid can also fit into). It might prove me wrong and try to stage a coup of my tennis bag... we'll see. :) ;)
 
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Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
I remember researching the differences between the PB10 Mid and the 93P and they were mainly spin and power. The Volkl will have more spin being more flexible and the Prince more power being more stiff.
 
I'm happy that you like the 93P so much.

I just wanted to point out that an 18x20 string pattern racquet should have more control than a 16x19. The 93P has a slightly higher SW and a much higher Twistweight, so it should have more plow-through and stability, and the balance is slightly different due to the higher Twistweight (more material at 3 & 9 o'clock). Feel is a very individual thing, and therefore when it comes to this aspect there is no right or wrong, just the individuals' experience.

Just to be clear, I'm not defending the PB10 Mid (nor saying you're wrong), I just think to make a proper and fair comparison, the racquets need to be close in all parameters (if not identical). There is no doubt that Prince has done a phenomenal job by creating the 93P, and that those specs are very hard to beat.

Have you added some weight to the PB10 Mid at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock? If not, try it and then compare them. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. The result may be the same (or not), but it's definitely something I will be testing out myself at some point.

Just my 2 cents. All the best :)
Very true. I have always had my PB10 with lead at 2 and 10 o’clock. May be it is the PB10 launch angle I need to get used to again. I started to hit a bit flatter after moving to PB10 many years back. It got more flatter as I moved to 93p 18x20.
 

grhcan99

Semi-Pro
I can relate to what you're saying. I found the PB10 Mid to come through the ball really quickly and I kept being too early for my shot, which was causing the shanking. I tried adding weight to the head, which helped some (helped me feel where the head of the racquet was in space - if that makes sense). Still wasn't my favourite racquet. I loved the feeling when you struck the ball, and it's such an iconic head shape, so I kept it in the hope that I will gel with it in the long run. I much preferred the C10 Pro, which I could play well with from the get-go. Awesome racquet and probably one of my favourites of all time. I too have tried many racquets, but the C10 Pro will always stay in my "essential racquets" collection.

I have been recovering from a double hernia repair for the best part of the last year and will finally be able to have a hit with the 93P soon (picking it up from the stringer on Wed night). Looking forward to it, but I still doubt it will be my "competition" go-to stick. If it is brilliant, it will be my training and technique/ fitness/ footwork improvement racquet (which is where I'm hoping the PB10 Mid can also fit into). It might prove me wrong and try to stage a coup of my tennis bag... we'll see. :) ;)

Good for you to keep it. It is a classic racquet. I'm quite sure we could adjust to that racquet if we just give it a chance. I saw a big guy hitting with it one time. It was so funny because the racquet looked so tiny but he was hitting awesome with it. Next time I shouldn't be too hasty returning the good ones :)
 

graycrait

Legend
You guys are going to force me to buy a 93P 18x20 one of these days to go with the other 50 Princes I have, 30 or so are 93" but all 14x18. I am most interested in seeing how the 18x20 93P plays alongside my Volkl Quantum Tour 10s 93" 18x20 and Wilson ROK 93's 18x20s. I am having an an infatuation with the Volkl Tour 10 that is on the verge of fetish. I even strung one the other day with fullbed Klip Natural Gut and thought after a couple of hours of hitting, now this is sexy.
 

Beauwrath

New User
Forgive me if this has been posted before but has anyone used PPC 17G and what tension is best with this string. I tried NXT at 50lbs but somehow I felt it was not as great with Hyper G at 45lbs. All strings are 17G. Thanks.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
If TW hasn't replied to @Nextman916 by now they probably won't. They don't want to censor a forum member for something that isn't illegal, immoral or controversial and under the fair use doctrine is perfectly fine to post pictures of something that he owns, but they also don't want to let the cat out of the bag. The alternative is to just post pics of the racquet off site and problem solved.
 
Someone played with the new yonex vcore pro 97 HD 18x20 ? It seems like it’s a direct challenger, 59ra, a bit less weight and swingweight but still, very intersted in, as yonex and prince, from my point of vue, make the best racquets nowadays.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
Someone played with the new yonex vcore pro 97 HD 18x20 ? It seems like it’s a direct challenger, 59ra, a bit less weight and swingweight but still, very intersted in, as yonex and prince, from my point of vue, make the best racquets nowadays.

I'd still like to see lower RA frames, like 56/57. 59RA like this new Yonex and the supposed 97P is still too high for my tastes because the 93P is 61RA and it's still too stiff for my tastes.
 
Curious if anyone has captured the pictures of 97p posted by Nexman916? I am very interested in seeing how it looks (despite the swing weight), this might be the upgrade I've been waiting for. Perhaps someone can PM me the pic?
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
I've also had the opportunity to play with the PB 10 Mid (3 yrs ago) and the 93P (demo). I bought the PB10 because I liked the specs and it had great reviews. But it was totally different when I played with it. I was shanking all over. I just couldn't get the timing right after about 3-4 sessions. I experimented with lead and strings but nothing worked. I didn't have the patience then so I returned it. The 93P was a whole different story. I gelled with it at the get go. No break in period for me. The only downside to me was the leather grip. I don't like what leather does to my racquets. It transmits more vibration than I'm comfortable with. But in the end it didn't give me anything beyond what my C10 Pro could adequately offer so I stayed with my C10 Pro. For now :)

I'm another one who was using wood racquets as a kid until I switched into graphite mids after maybe two years in high school. I'm convinced that those formative years with the heavier rigs put an indelible stamp on my tennis DNA because I've never been able to get along with lighter gear - I'm 53.

The ProStaff 6.1 Classic was working for me as a serve & volleyer until I realized that I could get more control around the baseline with a softer alternative. I was craving more baseline consistency as my game evolved toward more of an all-court style. The C10 was love at first swing for me and I've had a small collection of those on hand for a while, but I believe that those racquets are true oddballs. They don't exactly play like a typical 98" frame we might find today having similar weight, balance, and flex.

And I don't just think it's the "hoop flex" of the C10 either. We can't demo racquets blindfolded, but if we could, I'd bet at least a nickel that the C10 would trick me into thinking that it has a hoop size in the neighborhood of 93"-95". They're not perfect, but I'll love them forever.

So recently I dusted off my Prince NXG mids and the thrill is definitely back (the grommet-less NXG's preceded the O ports). I got a couple of these back when I was trying the C10's and other available options - Marat Safin and Uncle Roger were still earning a living with their mids, so a few labels were still selling them. These NXG's are 92" gummy bears (flex rating listed in the high 50's when they were new) with 18x20 patterns and in their stock layout with 17 ga. syn. gut and an overgrip, they weigh in closer to 13 oz. than 12.

No surprise to me that the Phantom 93P is bringing back the perma-grin for so many. I know that I can't play well with a relative feather-weight, but I still think that there's more upside to these sort of old-school frames than conventional wisdom would have us believe. I can also note that despite my love for Volkls (also have the O10 and VS 10 325g's), I absolutely did not click with the PB 10 mid some years back when I got to sample one that a pal had in a bundle of demos. I guess that even among these sort of "throwbacks", I still need a decent fit. And like you, I'm really not wild about leather grips either.
 

max

Legend
Fuzz Nation: great testimony. I also didn't click with the PB 10 mid.

In my case, for about 20 years I used a leaded up (349 g) Volkl c-9, and wore them out a few years back. Now I'm with the 93P and it's just great. I'm not a Nadal baseline bashtype; I'm all-court. I have a C-10 if you want to buy it! But the Prince is working well: I'm going to buy another one, and then call it quits on the racquet market for another few years. I'm 56. Prior to the C-9, I used the Max 200G for about ten years: heavy, soft, ultimate control beast.

I gave the Textreme Tour 100P a serious trial, and also the Tour 315. The first was okay; the second just too damn stiff. Not for my kind of play, but perhaps for a beginner-intermediate baseliner just fine.
 

stephenclown

Professional
Damn, missed the 97p photos... if someone has them for a pm..

Hanging out for 93P with twaron, going to be awesome. I don't think you could improve the 93P much, but could be awesome. The beast series felt really good, even if they didn't play the best for my game.

I tried out 1.10 poly to get a real understanding of thin polys and all I felt was a lack of feel and control. The string bed felt more erratic and not as solid feeling. It was ghostwire and the string feels less gummy than PTP but overall not as reliable and controlled. More power as well, but made flat hitting harder. Went back to PTP 1.25 at 38lbs and it's doing work, feels really nice and gives me confidence.
 

max

Legend
Damn, missed the 97p photos... if someone has them for a pm..

Hanging out for 93P with twaron, going to be awesome. I don't think you could improve the 93P much, but could be awesome. The beast series felt really good, even if they didn't play the best for my game.

I tried out 1.10 poly to get a real understanding of thin polys and all I felt was a lack of feel and control. The string bed felt more erratic and not as solid feeling. It was ghostwire and the string feels less gummy than PTP but overall not as reliable and controlled. More power as well, but made flat hitting harder. Went back to PTP 1.25 at 38lbs and it's doing work, feels really nice and gives me confidence.

are you sure you really need more stiffness in the frame?
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Damn, missed the 97p photos... if someone has them for a pm..

Hanging out for 93P with twaron, going to be awesome. I don't think you could improve the 93P much, but could be awesome. The beast series felt really good, even if they didn't play the best for my game.

I tried out 1.10 poly to get a real understanding of thin polys and all I felt was a lack of feel and control. The string bed felt more erratic and not as solid feeling. It was ghostwire and the string feels less gummy than PTP but overall not as reliable and controlled. More power as well, but made flat hitting harder. Went back to PTP 1.25 at 38lbs and it's doing work, feels really nice and gives me confidence.

Try Cyclone 19, I think it only comes in black... I tried it in my Fischer VT Pro 95 (16x20) and it played really well. Now I will try it in other tight string pattern racquets. I also liked Weiss Cannon Red Ghost in other racquets but I don't think it would be a good colour combo here.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
So the 97P is the real deal? Sad that I missed it because I was thinking of getting the PP100 18x20, but TW doesn't want to curtail its sales if people wait for the 97P instead. 100" is too big for my game, I like hitting flatter and 97" is perfect. The 93P has no margin for error and 95" isn't that much different which makes 97" the perfect size. Anyone members on the other site catering to stringers and overpriced pro stock frames? Let's post it there instead so we don't run afoul TW's 97P media blackout, even in PM.
 
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stephenclown

Professional
are you sure you really need more stiffness in the frame?

If used correctly it changes the feel more than the stiffness. More dampened, arm friendly etc. PT57a has twaron and doesn't feel stiff. Same can be said for many many frames.

The 93P also feels very nice and flexy so it's not really a huge issue if it gets a little stiffer if it helps with comfort/feedback/feel.
 
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max

Legend
If used correctly it changes the feel more than the stiffness. More dampened, arm friendly etc. PT57a has twaron and doesn't feel stiff. Same can be said for many many frames.

The 93P also feels very nice and flexy so it's not really a huge issue if it gets a little stiffer if it helps with comfort/feedback/feel.

Right, Twaron is kevlar, and it has more mass, so more shock dampening while providing stiffness. So you get stiffness plus more mass. In my book, I'd opt for fiberglass: more mass, more flex, hence more feel. It all depends on how you like to play the game.
 

max

Legend
So the 97P is the real deal? Sad that I missed it because I was thinking of getting the PP100 18x20, but TW doesn't want to curtail its sales if people wait for the 97P instead. 100" is too big for my game, I like hitting flatter and 97" is perfect. The 93P has no margin for error and 95" isn't that much different which makes 97" the perfect size. Anyone members on the other site catering to stringers and overpriced pro stock frames? Let's post it there instead so we don't run afoul TW's 97P media blackout, even in PM.

Yeah, I'm liking the 93 because it moves so well through the air, and I feel like I know what I'm doing/where I'm hitting the ball.
 

nnewihe

Rookie
Hi, I'm a longtime ProStaff 90 user and 4.0 all court player and I just bought the Phantom 93P 14x18. First of all, I'm completely dialed in with the PS90; even mishit volleys and half SABR like shots go in. But the PS90 for me is an artistic racquet and does not have some of the easy spin and power like some of the modern racquets.

The 93P gave me mixed feelings. I have it strung at 45/48 with Volkl vtorque and Forten sweet .This is easiest the best I've ever served, both first and second. The racquet was knifing really fast through the air on forehand and I had my fair share of shanks. However, when I get my footwork down (fast feet) and slow down my hands, I hit a very very heavy forehand with loads of power and spin.

Volleys were pretty okay, lots of power. I had to remember to soften my grip to get my control and touch on volleys.

Returns are still a mystery. I've been playing doubles and the loopy launch angle doesn't necessarily go well if I don't put mustard on the ball. But if I'm not careful, I overswing and shank. So it is still a work in progress.

Overall, this racquet was a lot of fun and I think it has the potential to really gel with my game. I'll playtest the pure strike 3rd gen and tour version, but unless I'm blown away, I plan to continue to build my game on the 93P 14x18 in stock form.
 

nnewihe

Rookie
Hi, I'm a longtime ProStaff 90 user and 4.0 all court player and I just bought the Phantom 93P 14x18. First of all, I'm completely dialed in with the PS90; even mishit volleys and half SABR like shots go in. But the PS90 for me is an artistic racquet and does not have some of the easy spin and power like some of the modern racquets.

The 93P gave me mixed feelings. I have it strung at 45/48 with Volkl vtorque and Forten sweet .This is easiest the best I've ever served, both first and second. The racquet was knifing really fast through the air on forehand and I had my fair share of shanks. However, when I get my footwork down (fast feet) and slow down my hands, I hit a very very heavy forehand with loads of power and spin.

Volleys were pretty okay, lots of power. I had to remember to soften my grip to get my control and touch on volleys.

Returns are still a mystery. I've been playing doubles and the loopy launch angle doesn't necessarily go well if I don't put mustard on the ball. But if I'm not careful, I overswing and shank. So it is still a work in progress.

Overall, this racquet was a lot of fun and I think it has the potential to really gel with my game. I'll playtest the pure strike 3rd gen and tour version, but unless I'm blown away, I plan to continue to build my game on the 93P 14x18 in stock form.

I forgot to mention the racquet was pretty comfortable especially given how hard I was swinging. I definitely recommend an extended demo of the 93P 14x18 for longtime PS90 users who want a similar feel but super boosted with power and spin. I think it takes some time to control this frame but it is time well spent in my opinion.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Had a hit with my Phantom Pro 93P 18x20. It's strung with Solinco Hyper G 1.15mm @ 48/45, and just has a Tourna Grip overgrip and a rubber band as a dampener.

Fantastic racquet!

I'm coming off a 10-month hiatus due to a double hernia procedure and another one that's not tennis related. Therefore, the fitness leaves much to be desired and the timing of shots is a bit off... I need to get my eye in.

I was able to execute all my shots, although there was more shanking then usual due to the aforementioned lack of conditioning and play. More of an issue of getting to the ball on time and therefore getting behind the ball, rather than not being able to find the sweet spot.

The racquet comes through the ball very quickly. I'm not sure if I don't quite like the Hyper G or I am rusty, but I'm not completely dialed in yet. One thing is for sure when I do hit the ball in the centre it has a great feel, however, it is not as plush as I hoped. Like I said, maybe with a different string it will feel better.

One thing is for sure, it is all me and my shortcomings. The only thing I may change is to add some weight in the head (my usual 3,9, and 12 o'clock). This will increase stability, TW, make the racquet not whip through as much, and add some power.

Currently, it is a very precise and controlled weapon that I need to catch up to with my fitness and footwork.

Work in progress.
 
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max

Legend
Had a hit with my Phantom Pro 93P 18x20. It's strung with Solinco Hyper G 1.15mm @ 48/45, and just has a Tourna Grip overgrip and a rubber band as a dampener.

Fantastic racquet!

I'm coming off a 10-month hiatus due to a double hernia procedure and another one that's not tennis related. Therefore, the fitness leaves much to be desired and the timing of shots is a bit off... I need to get my eye in.

I was able to execute all my shots, although there was more shanking then usual due to the aforementioned lack of conditioning and play. More of an issue of getting to the ball on time and therefore getting behind the ball, rather than not being able to find the sweet spot.

The racquet comes through the ball very quickly. I'm not sure if I don't quite like the Hyper G or I am rusty, but I'm not completely dialled in yet. One thing is for sure when I do hit the ball in the centre it has a great feel, however, it is not as plush as I hoped. Like I said, maybe with a different string it will feel better.

One thing is for sure, it is all me and my shortcomings. The only thing I may change is to add some weight in the head (my usual 3,9, and 12 o'clock), and match it with an equal amount at 7" above butt cap. This will increase stability, TW, make the racquet not whip through as much, and add some power.

Currently, it is a very precise and controlled weapon that I need to catch up to with my fitness and footwork.

Work in progress.


I've got the 18x20. Strung it midtension with thin 17g syngut and it works well for me.

I LOVE that for me the syngut's working good---over the lifespan of the frame, that's a lot of dollars saved.
 

nnewihe

Rookie
Had a hit with my Phantom Pro 93P 18x20. It's strung with Solinco Hyper G 1.15mm @ 48/45, and just has a Tourna Grip overgrip and a rubber band as a dampener.

Fantastic racquet!

I'm coming off a 10-month hiatus due to a double hernia procedure and another one that's not tennis related. Therefore, the fitness leaves much to be desired and the timing of shots is a bit off... I need to get my eye in.

I was able to execute all my shots, although there was more shanking then usual due to the aforementioned lack of conditioning and play. More of an issue of getting to the ball on time and therefore getting behind the ball, rather than not being able to find the sweet spot.

The racquet comes through the ball very quickly. I'm not sure if I don't quite like the Hyper G or I am rusty, but I'm not completely dialled in yet. One thing is for sure when I do hit the ball in the centre it has a great feel, however, it is not as plush as I hoped. Like I said, maybe with a different string it will feel better.

One thing is for sure, it is all me and my shortcomings. The only thing I may change is to add some weight in the head (my usual 3,9, and 12 o'clock), and match it with an equal amount at 7" above butt cap. This will increase stability, TW, make the racquet not whip through as much, and add some power.

Currently, it is a very precise and controlled weapon that I need to catch up to with my fitness and footwork.

Work in progress.
I had a similar inclination to add some weight to reduce the swing speed as I'm shanking a bit on forehand. But have patience and try it stock for a couple of sessions. You're coming off a layoff, getting your timing back and trying a new racquet so that's a lot of variables.

I'm using the 14x18 so comfort and power aren't an issue for me. Perhaps you can try syn gut in the cross to increase your comfort and also power.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I've got the 18x20. Strung it midtension with thin 17g syngut and it works well for me.

I LOVE that for me the syngut's working good---over the lifespan of the frame, that's a lot of dollars saved.

I may look to try a syn gut, or a softer poly hybrid, or nat gut/ poly... not sure yet. May have to leave the Nat gut/ Poly hybrid for the winter months as summer tends to be quite humid where I am (I'm in Australia).

I have several Gosen strings that I could try, as well as Hybrid with a poly. Thanks for the feedback. :)
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I had a similar inclination to add some weight to reduce the swing speed as I'm shanking a bit on forehand. But have patience and try it stock for a couple of sessions. You're coming off a layoff, getting your timing back and trying a new racquet so that's a lot of variables.

I'm using the 14x18 so comfort and power aren't an issue for me. Perhaps you can try syn gut in the cross to increase your comfort and also power.

I will try that... and I know that I need to have patience. When I strike the ball properly I get the depth, but the off-centre hits due to the rustiness are causing the ball to land short and with less penetration, which gave my opponent a chance to step in and take control of the point. That's where I thought a slight addition of weight (and I'm only talking maybe 3g evenly spread between 3,9, and 12) might just increase the SW, TW and give more power to the shots and the defensive digs.

I will be patient though until this stringbed goes dead and the balls start launching... then maybe a change of string (either something like Cyclone 18L (1.15mm), or one of my Syn Gut Gosen strings I bought to try). If that doesn't work, or I still feel like I need a bit more weight in the head... I'll try the 3g combined, and go from there.

Thanks for your thoughts though... much appreciated. :)
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
Does anyone hit an ATP style FH with this racquet? I have to simulate the polarization with the 93P when I hit an ATP FH. If I added more weight to the tip and butt, it would make it too heavy and increase the SW too much. Playing with it stock with a very thin OG is perfect for me. I just wish the weight was distributed a little differently. If I try to make it more polarized, would I have to remove the leather to cut down on the weight and redistribute it with some tungsten at 12 and maybe a fishing weight in the buttcap?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Does anyone hit an ATP style FH with this racquet? I have to simulate the polarization with the 93P when I hit an ATP FH. If I added more weight to the tip and butt, it would make it too heavy and increase the SW too much. Playing with it stock with a very thin OG is perfect for me. I just wish the weight was distributed a little differently. If I try to make it more polarized, would I have to remove the leather to cut down on the weight and redistribute it with some tungsten at 12 and maybe a fishing weight in the buttcap?

You mean a modern forehand like Rick Macci or whomever teaches? I do and it’s fine.
 

wevin

New User
Does anyone hit an ATP style FH with this racquet? I have to simulate the polarization with the 93P when I hit an ATP FH. If I added more weight to the tip and butt, it would make it too heavy and increase the SW too much. Playing with it stock with a very thin OG is perfect for me. I just wish the weight was distributed a little differently. If I try to make it more polarized, would I have to remove the leather to cut down on the weight and redistribute it with some tungsten at 12 and maybe a fishing weight in the buttcap?

As much as I loved this 93P racket, I had to sell it because my wrist couldn’t take the strain on forehand. Something about the weight distribution was just too much for me when I would start the upward motion thru impact on forehand. Yonex VCP330 no problem at all. So very similar overall weight, but different distribution not causing pain. Phantom 100P no problem but it is much lighter.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
With the colder weather, small margin for error, and the leather grip, I forget that the 93P can feel quite harsh on mishits. It's something that isn't noticeable during the summer, but I can definitely feel the frame's 61RA now. I know some will say otherwise, to each his own. We all react differently to a frame's specs. Prince, please hurry up and release the 97P. I also hope the pre-prod specimen that guy from this thread had was on the stiffer side and the normal RA will be around 56-57.
 
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