03 Tour/Ozone Tour/Exo Tour...

[Ross K]

I've recently been hitting with the old 03 Tour, a frame I knew zero about before really.

My impressions thus far have been very positive: loads of huge spin and consistent depth on groundies (I instantly just 'clicked' in this respect with the frame), interesting thin beam, nice soft flex there, it's pretty powerful whilst at the same time retaining okay control, I'm quite into the dampened feel, and I'd describe it as being just easy and kind of effortless to hit big and spinny off the b-line. Re more all court aspects (not my forte TBH), I haven't played with it enough to pass much comment (however I suspect it's possibly mediocre in this regard.) Re serve, I've also found it's a bit lacking here, though a new stringjob and lead could probably fix this (although there's not much you can do about the "operator error" - LOL!)

So, what I'm curious in is just any feedback and thoughts and experiences re this specific frame. Anyone still playing it? Plus also how do the 03/Ozone Tour/Exo Tour all contrast and compare? I mean, I've read that the 03 and Ozone are virtually the same racket. True or false? I'd also be curious to know if people consider any one to have a bit more oomph, specially as re serve.

Thanks in advance,


R

 

[klementine]

Still have my Ozone Pro Tour... it is a 'shotgun'..... the best adjective I can think of....

I'm guessing you're swinging the lighter, 16x18 version, correct?

Before I picked-up my current frame, it was my favorite... I had demo'd the original Mgextreme...along with the K95-16x18...side-by-side the Ozone Pro Tour... and I remember it was a short demo session.

I sold one.. but could not bring myself to sell the other... really just a nice balanced frame... I still break it out during some doubles matches.

 

[scotus]

I couldn't get used to the strange feel of O3 Tour Mid. I still have 3 or 4 of these in my closet in pristine condition.

EXO3 Tour has a more traditional feel. Nothing strange about it. And the comfort, it is the most comfortable stick I have tried ... bar none. (And I am a huge proponent of ProKennex Kinetics!)

 

[Ross K]

Interesting klem ^.

I'm swinging the 03 Tour, which is very, very similar indeed I believe to the Ozone Tour (the Ozone Tour being a bit lighter I think than than the Davydenko Ozone Pro Tour w/closed pattern.) Both the Ozone Tour and Ozone Pro Tour followed the 03 Tour though.

One thing is I've actually quite liked is the natty gut/synth @ mid 60s hybrid it came with. A bit surprised actually as I'm a full poly @ early 50s man these days. That said, I have a sneaky feeling some of the Signum strings (Hyperion, SPPP, etc) would play great in this for me. Also wonder (not sure) if TB would work with the 03.

R

 

[Ross K]

I couldn't get used to the strange feel of O3 Tour Mid. I still have 3 or 4 of these in my closet in pristine condition.

EXO3 Tour has a more traditional feel. Nothing strange about it. And the comfort, it is the most comfortable stick I have tried ... bar none. (And I am a huge proponent of ProKennex Kinetics!)

I hear you re the Exo3 Tour comfort... the 03 is a comfy hit too.

R

 

[scotus]

I hear you re the Exo3 Tour comfort... the 03 is a comfy hit too.

R

Yes, but I have a very sensitive arm.

I bought the O3 Tour because of all the people praising its comfort, but it wasn't enough for me. PK 5G and 7G were more comfortable than the O3 Tour.

But EXO3 Tour, it beats the PKs in the comfort department.

But if your arm is not as sensitive as mine, by all means use it! O3 Tour is golden (relatively speaking!) in terms of comfort.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I found it lacks the explosive finishing power of the stiffer frames I've become used to.
Lotta balls I thought I dumped out on came back...

But for massaging the ball side to side with a lot of top it cant be beat. (Thats the ozone tour and exo3 tour, never got the 03).

 

[scotus]

I found it lacks the explosive finishing power of the stiffer frames I've become used to.
Lotta balls I thought I dumped out on came back...

But for massaging the ball side to side with a lot of top it cant be beat. (Thats the ozone tour and exo3 tour, never got the 03).

Have you tried drastically lowering the tension, or using a gut hybrid?

I have been experimenting with various strings and tensions and have not felt it lacked power, because it affords me a high degree of control even at super low tensions.

 

[Ross K]

I found it lacks the explosive finishing power of the stiffer frames I've become used to.
Lotta balls I thought I dumped out on came back...

But for massaging the ball side to side with a lot of top it cant be beat. (Thats the ozone tour and exo3 tour, never got the 03).

Hmm, not sure I've found this.

Which did you prefer and why out of the Ozone Tour and Exo Tour?

R

 

[meowmix]

Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｅｘｐｅｒｉｅｎｃｅ　ｗ／　ｂｏｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏｚｏｎｅ　ａｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３　Ｔｏｕｒｓ　（ｂｏｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　Ｍｉｄ　ａｎｄ　ＭＰ　Ｏ３＇ｓ）．　　Ｈａｖｅ　ｎｏｔ　ｙｅｔ　ｐｌａｙｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｎｅｗｅｓｔ　ＥＸＯ＇ｓ．

ＩＭＯ，　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３　ｔｏｕｒｓ　ａｒｅ　ｓｕｐｅｒｉｏｒ　ｒａｃｋｅｔｓ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏｚｏｎｅｓ．　　Ｔｈｅｙ＇ｒｅ　ｖｅｒｙ　ｖｅｒｙ　ｓｉｍｉｌａｒ，　ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｃｏｕｌｄ　ｃｅｒｔａｉｎｌｙ　ｓｗｉｔｃｈ　ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ　ｔｈｅ　ＭＰ　Ｏ３　ａｎｄ　Ｏｚｏｎｅ　ｔｏｕｒｓ，　ｂｕｔ　Ｉ　ｐｒｅｆｅｒ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３＇ｓ．　　　Ｔｈｅｙ　ｆｅｅｌ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｓｏｌｉｄ，　ａｎｄ　ａｒｅ　ａ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ｌｅｓｓ　ｍｕｔｅｄ．　　Ｍｙ　ｆａｖｏｒｉｔｅ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｐａｒｔｉｃｕｌａｒ　ｌｉｎｅ　ｉｓ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３　ＭＰ　（１００）．　　Ｃｏｍｆｏｒｔａｂｌｅ，　ａｒｍ　ｆｒｉｅｎｄｌｙ，　ｍａｓｓｉｖｅ　ｓｐｉｎ，　ａｎｄ　ｓｅｒｖｅｓ　ａｎ　ａｂｓｏｌｕｔｅ　ｂｏｍｂ．　　Ｍｏｒｅ　ｓｏｌｉｄ　ｔｈａｎ　ｉｔｓ　Ｏｚｏｎｅ　ｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｐａｒｔ，　ｆｅｌｔ　ｅａｓｉｅｒ　ｔｏ　ｓｗｉｎｇ　ａｎｄ　ｌｅｓｓ　ｓｔｉｆｆ　ｔｈａｎ　ｉｔｓ　Ｍｉｄ　ｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｐａｒｔ．　　

 

[galain]

The original 03 Tour surprised me greatly in that, when I hit against a wall with it, I thought it felt bloody fantastic. I remember just getting grooved into my shots almost straight away and I couldn't wait to get it on court.

3 hours later on court I had a completely different beast in my hands. THIS racquet felt stiff, had no feel at all and was either slinging my shots long or dropping them short (ok - I was doing that, but I couldn't seem to use the stick well enough to do what I wanted).

I demoed for 2 weeks pretty consistently and while I enjoyed the spin and the way it moved so easily I never really found much feel. Back on the wall, the magic had gone a little, but not totally. Very strange indeed.

 

[scotus]

Get off the font, meowmix.

It looks like your cat is doing the writing for you.

 

[smirker]

I've recently been hitting with the old 03 Tour, a frame I knew zero about before really.

My impressions thus far have been very positive: loads of huge spin and consistent depth on groundies (I instantly just 'clicked' in this respect with the frame), interesting thin beam, nice soft flex there, it's pretty powerful whilst at the same time retaining okay control, I'm quite into the dampened feel, and I'd describe it as being just easy and kind of effortless to hit big and spinny off the b-line. Re more all court aspects (not my forte TBH), I haven't played with it enough to pass much comment (however I suspect it's possibly mediocre in this regard.) Re serve, I've also found it's a bit lacking here, though a new stringjob and lead could probably fix this (although there's not much you can do about the "operator error" - LOL!)

So, what I'm curious in is just any feedback and thoughts and experiences re this specific frame. Anyone still playing it? Plus also how do the 03/Ozone Tour/Exo Tour all contrast and compare? I mean, I've read that the 03 and Ozone are virtually the same racket. True or false? I'd also be curious to know if people consider any one to have a bit more oomph, specially as re serve.

Thanks in advance,


R

Ross,

I have the Ozone Tour. Nice frame but totally different to my Dunlops in terms of feel. Not worse, just different. I like the OZ Tour for playing dubs as accuracy and spin is the best thing about this frame. As for all court play it plays surprisingly well up at net with a constant response from the string bed that inspires confidence in volleys.

Currently I have a poly hybrid in it but might change that for a gut hybrid soon.

 

[Ross K]

meowmix,

Note-worthy that you prefer the 03 Tour to the Ozone Tour - and that you think the latter serves "an absolute bomb"... time for me to restring me thinks.:wink: BTW, I just added a small amount of lead @ 10 and 2.


smirker,

Good to hear your opinion on it's performance around the net.


galain,

Okay, I see, almost like an illusion then until you hit with it for real.


All,

Re the serve, net performance and just general performance, I need more time with it really to get fuller idea. However, this much is true, I instantly got the kind of b-line performance I love - huge spin and great consistent depth; softish feel; it's easy to swing; it's easy to add weight/mod up; nice oomph; it's a fun addictive hit in the way similarish rackets like the PDR and APD are; and all around I'm finding it just sort of effortless and suits my requirements... we'll see though.

Would really welcome hearing further thoughts/ppl's impressions of the midplus 03 Tour/Ozone Tour/Exo Tour etc.

TIA

R

 

[rlau]

I will probably have my first outing with my new EXO3 Tour 18x20 this evening. Looking forward to seeing how it performs compared to my YTPP.

 

[Ross K]

I will probably have my first outing with my new EXO3 Tour 18x20 this evening. Looking forward to seeing how it performs compared to my YTPP.

Definitely post up your thoughts afterwards riau! What has brought me to this point is a recent absolute nightmare hammering from a 5.0 level player - it made my PPs suddenly seem too a bit too demanding. It's very likely time I just admitted defeat with these frames - they are too good for me! Anyhow, not for the first time :wink: , I thought I had to look in the direction of 100" h/size, lightish, topspin b-line orientated, etc. The APD I was playing on/off for a year is a major contender, but, yes, this 03 Tour is taking me down a new black and orange path, as it were. Look forward to your post - and comparisons with your Pres Pro.

R

 

[TripleB]

The Ozone Tour is an incredible racquet.

Although a very different feel, it's the closest 98-100 sq in racquet I could find that let me play a similar game to what I used to play with my POG Mid. The one advantage the POG Mid had was much better control than the Ozone Tour.

If you stick with the Ozone Tour like I have over the last year, the medium level of control really isn't that noticeable. Recently I pulled out my LM Radical MP and a Dunlop 4D 300 to try out a couple differerent string combinations and then I could see a difference in the control level of these racquets (especially the LM Rad MP) compared to the Ozone Tour...higher level of control from all over the court (baseline, serve, net).

I'm trying out a couple racquets over the next week to see if there is anything that gives me all the positives of the Ozone Tour with the control of the LM Radical MP.

TripleB

 

[slide13]

I'm loving the 3 Ozone Tours I picked up from TW recently. Very comfortable stick and really came alive after a little lead in the hoop. Playing it at 11.9oz and 6.5 pts. HL right now and really liking it.

 

[Papa Mango]

EXO3 all the way

Definitely post up your thoughts afterwards riau! What has brought me to this point is a recent absolute nightmare hammering from a 5.0 level player - it made my PPs suddenly seem too a bit too demanding. It's very likely time I just admitted defeat with these frames - they are too good for me! Anyhow, not for the first time :wink: , I thought I had to look in the direction of 100" h/size, lightish, topspin b-line orientated, etc. The APD I was playing on/off for a year is a major contender, but, yes, this 03 Tour is taking me down a new black and orange path, as it were. Look forward to your post - and comparisons with your Pres Pro.

R

I made the switch from YTPP to the EXO3 tour 18x20 a couple of months ago.
Serves: YTPP
Forehand: EXO3
Backhand: EXO3
Volleys: EXO3
Spin: EXO3
Comfort: EXO3 hands down.
Same issue with the YTPP that I could not really swing out in the 3rd set of matches and was loosing consistently with a score of 1/2 in the 3rd set. Played a 4 hour 3 setter which I lost in the 3rs set tie break with a 4.5 player (I am a C rated 4.0), my legs were cramping but did not feel a thing in my elbow or shoulder. I was doing ~45lb poly/multi hybrid in the YTPP but have been playing ~50lb full poly in the EXO3 and can actually play consecutive days without a twitch in elbow or shoulder.
I demoed the 16x18 version for 3 months, then hit with a friends 18x20 for an hour. Ordered a pair of 18x20 that night. It helped that the Prince promotion was going on last month!!
You lose a little bit of top spin going from the 16 to 18 but the control / volleys and backhand slice are way better on the 18x20.

 

[Ross K]

The Ozone Tour is an incredible racquet.

Although a very different feel, it's the closest 98-100 sq in racquet I could find that let me play a similar game to what I used to play with my POG Mid. The one advantage the POG Mid had was much better control than the Ozone Tour.

If you stick with the Ozone Tour like I have over the last year, the medium level of control really isn't that noticeable. Recently I pulled out my LM Radical MP and a Dunlop 4D 300 to try out a couple differerent string combinations and then I could see a difference in the control level of these racquets (especially the LM Rad MP) compared to the Ozone Tour...higher level of control from all over the court (baseline, serve, net).

I'm trying out a couple racquets over the next week to see if there is anything that gives me all the positives of the Ozone Tour with the control of the LM Radical MP.

TripleB

Okay BBB... so a bit lacking in the control dept for you... right...

How about those flat 1sts?


R

 

[smirker]

I'm loving the 3 Ozone Tours I picked up from TW recently. Very comfortable stick and really came alive after a little lead in the hoop. Playing it at 11.9oz and 6.5 pts. HL right now and really liking it.

Where abouts do you have the lead? I tried mine with some but have since removed it as it felt a little too unwieldy. It would be interesting to see if your lead placement is different to mine.

 

[slide13]

I have a 3" at 12 o'clock and 6" total (4" with a second layer of 2") on each side from 9-10 o'clock. I think it's about 7g total. For me it really changed the feel of the racket for the better and moved the sweetspot a little higher in the head which is where I prefer it.

 

[rlau]

My first experience with the EXO3 Tour 18x20

Hi Ross,

Look forward to your post - and comparisons with your Pres Pro.

As I said, I have the EXO3 Tour 18x20, and if I'm not mistaken, the O3 Tour and Ozone Tour are 16x18 and 300 grams unstrung, whereas the Ozone Pro Tour and the EXO3 Tour are 18x20 and 310 grams unstrung (and the EXO3 Tour 16x18 oviously 16x18 and 310 grams unstrung). So if I'm right, there are minor difference between these models.

OK, to put my experiences into perspective I should provide some information about myself. I'm 36 years young (ahum), live in the Netherlands and play 2-7 hours of tennis a week at the 4.0 level. I play both singles and doubles. I'm about 183 centimeters tall and have a singlehanded backhand, which is my best stroke. In the summer I play on the red clay, while in the winter season I play indoors on carpet. When playing singles, I consider myself a defensive baseline player/counterpuncher. In singles I only very occasionally venture to the net. While I'm trying to improve my net play, I feel it's against my nature to play up there, so it's not (yet) something that is programmed into my tennis mind.

OK, I played with the EXO3 Tour for the first time yesterday. Only 75 minutes or so (about thirty minutes warm-up and 45 minutes of game play). (The result is not important, but yes, I won, 8-5.)

The positives:
* the frame feels VERY manoeuvrable. It swung lightly, which enabled me to hit with good pace and spin; this takes me to the following plus:
* it is VERY spin-friendly, despite the closed pattern. Hitting topspin was a breeze and backhand slices were great, both for offensive approach shots and defensive shots
* it has a huge sweet spot. The extra square inches of head size compared to the YTPP really seemed to make a difference. The Prince is definitely less demanding, although the YTPP's sweet spot feels a bit sweeter.
* it has nice control, allowing me to direct my opponent from left to right and back.
* the volleys I played during the warm-up were great -- again, the manoeuvrability and bigger head size really seemed to help.
* the frames seems to take full poly really well. My shoulder tends to feel a bit sore when I play moderately stiff frames with full poly.

The negatives:
* The feel is .... different. Like the TW playtesters and other EXO3 Tour users have said: it does not lack feel, but it takes some getting used to. In my experience it was not unpleasant, and while I was playing competitively, I had no time to think about it. So no problem, really. (Also, the string hole inserts I ordered are on their way, so in due course, I'll try those out to see if they improve feel.)
* I had trouble dialing in my serve, but that's only logical if you've only played with a frame for one hour. I hit about six double faults and that reduced my level of confidence. Flat serves were OK (not too bad, but not great either), but the frame really shines on spin serves. I guess it takes some practicing to get my serves a bit more consistent.

Due to a short break I won't be playing tennis until next Wednesday or Thursday, but I really look forward to hitting some more with this frame.

 

[Ross K]

riau,

Superb little mini-review ^. Thank you. Great stuff. Keep the posts coming a you play more with it!

R

 

[Ross K]

QSN re bumper strip, and soft and a hard grommet throat piece for 03 and others...

How long do they last before bumper and throat pieces need replacing? I play presently 2+ times a week approx. Couple of times a year? More? Less?

BTW, I believe the racket is way better with the hard throat piece, more feel on already muted frame?

Anyhow...

R

 

[smirker]

QSN re bumper strip, and soft and a hard grommet throat piece for 03 and others...

How long do they last before bumper and throat pieces need replacing? I play presently 2+ times a week approx. Couple of times a year? More? Less?

BTW, I believe the racket is way better with the hard throat piece, more feel on already muted frame?

Anyhow...

R

Ross,

Were you able to get a hard throat piece in the UK? I tried and failed but managed to get one sent over from the states from TW.

Only problem is I fitted mine and went to string it up forgetting the Ozone starts at the head not the throat. When I went to tension the centre mains the string popped through the string holes on my new throat insert so I broke it before I even got to hit with it! Ahhhhhh.

Anyway, if you know where to get one in the UK please share as I don't think I will bother getting one shipped over again.

 

[Ross K]

Ross,

Were you able to get a hard throat piece in the UK? I tried and failed but managed to get one sent over from the states from TW.

Only problem is I fitted mine and went to string it up forgetting the Ozone starts at the head not the throat. When I went to tension the centre mains the string popped through the string holes on my new throat insert so I broke it before I even got to hit with it! Ahhhhhh.

Anyway, if you know where to get one in the UK please share as I don't think I will bother getting one shipped over again.

smirker, I'll email you the info I have gathered. To restate my original query though, how long do these throat pieces last? How long before they need replacing? Thx

R



All,

Reading the reviews on the EXo Tour sure makes me want to try one. For those who've hit with the Ozone Tour (or 03 Tour) and the Exo Tour, what are the main differences. TIA...

R

 

[Rabbit]

EXO Tour users...for those who have found serving less than ideal, just give it time. I've been playing with the Tour Team for a couple - three months now. Serving has returned in Spades. Last week, a member of my 4.5 Senior team commented, without prompting, that I was pounding serves with this frame.

I have, like everyone else, found this frame SUPREMELY comfortable. The very guy who got me to change to the Babolat AeroStorm is now playing with a Prince EXO Tour. He opted for the 16X18 tour version, not the team but I really don't see too terribly much different in them.

The one complaint I have with these frames is, and maybe it's just because I'm getting to more balls, the paint doesn't hold up like other frames I've owned. These frames are nicked and scratched way beyond what my Volkls were.

 

[Viper]

Have you played with the 18x20 Rabbit? I've demoed it and I've enjoyed my game with it, but it still feels a little beyond my skill set.

 

[scotus]

The one complaint I have with these frames is, and maybe it's just because I'm getting to more balls, the paint doesn't hold up like other frames I've owned. These frames are nicked and scratched way beyond what my Volkls were.

Yes, the paint scratches easily, and so do the orange ports.

Worse yet, the head guard is really flimsy, especially the parts that separate out to 2 thin pieces.

I put electrical tape over them to protect the cosmetics.

 

[Rabbit]

Have you played with the 18x20 Rabbit? I've demoed it and I've enjoyed my game with it, but it still feels a little beyond my skill set.

I have not. I really like more open string patterns, they just feel better to me. And, feel good....every frame feels beyond my skill set.

Yes, the paint scratches easily, and so do the orange ports.

Worse yet, the head guard is really flimsy, especially the parts that separate out to 2 thin pieces.

I put electrical tape over them to protect the cosmetics.

The head guard is basically non-existant on these frames, for sure. I'm looking at it like this...by the time it's really scratched up, Prince will come on with a new paint job and a new 'improved' model. So, I'll just buy new paint.

 

[smirker]

smirker, I'll email you the info I have gathered. To restate my original query though, how long do these throat pieces last? How long before they need replacing? Thx

R



All,

Reading the reviews on the EXo Tour sure makes me want to try one. For those who've hit with the Ozone Tour (or 03 Tour) and the Exo Tour, what are the main differences. TIA...

R

Ok, Cheers. I think the nylon throat piece will actually have a shorter life span than the rubber one that was originally in it when I bought it, soley due to the nature of the material which I proved when I popped it whilst stringing.

It seems quite brittle to me and snapped with only light tension being applied. The rubber throat piece on the other hand is more robust.

 

[meowmix]

Get off the font, meowmix.

It looks like your cat is doing the writing for you.

Um... It's like this...

The computer at the place I'm interning is weird...

I swearz i iz not a catz!

 

[TennisMaverick]

Um... It's like this...

The computer at the place I'm interning is weird...

I swearz i iz not a catz!

The PRC net is slow. Are you enjoying the food?

 

[meowmix]

It's actually not that bad. It's nowhere near the speed that I get at school, but my 3g wireless connection about as fast as the DSL we have at home. The broadband at work, come to think about it, is no faster than this 3g...

I am certainly enjoying the food- a lot more variety than in the states. I'm a fan of all things spicy, and there's a lot of that here! However, the food's certainly bad for my waistline...

I'll work it off when I get back to the states and start hacking along with my rads/ozone! Promise!

 

[TennisMaverick]

It's actually not that bad. It's nowhere near the speed that I get at school, but my 3g wireless connection about as fast as the DSL we have at home. The broadband at work, come to think about it, is no faster than this 3g...

I am certainly enjoying the food- a lot more variety than in the states. I'm a fan of all things spicy, and there's a lot of that here! However, the food's certainly bad for my waistline...

I'll work it off when I get back to the states and start hacking along with my rads/ozone! Promise!

BTW....can u speak putonghua?

 

[meowmix]

It's the only one I speak. I can understand most of the dialects, but can't speak any. Kind of annoying that I can't blend in. I've had a lot of people ask me if I'm from around the area after I open my mouth. Apparently I now have a slightly American accent and am in the habit of flattening out the various accents. Good thing is that only the people that know me can tell I'm from the US. Everybody else just assumes that I'm not from Shanghai and from some far off region of China with a weird accent.

For the record, I'm Chinese American, born in the US, sent to live with my grandparents while my dad got his PhD and my mom her nursing degree. Came back to the states at 5, went back every other summer or so. Speak Chinese at home, attended Chinese school for a number of years, and was taught Chinese by my grandmother- a prof of Chinese at some Chinese university.

 

[TennisMaverick]

It's the only one I speak. I can understand most of the dialects, but can't speak any. Kind of annoying that I can't blend in. I've had a lot of people ask me if I'm from around the area after I open my mouth. Apparently I now have a slightly American accent and am in the habit of flattening out the various accents. Good thing is that only the people that know me can tell I'm from the US. Everybody else just assumes that I'm not from Shanghai and from some far off region of China with a weird accent.

For the record, I'm Chinese American, born in the US, sent to live with my grandparents while my dad got his PhD and my mom her nursing degree. Came back to the states at 5, went back every other summer or so. Speak Chinese at home, attended Chinese school for a number of years, and was taught Chinese by my grandmother- a prof of Chinese at some Chinese university.

That's OK....the Shanghainese speak terrible anyway!

At least your postings here are driving the Chinese haters who believe that there is no internet nuts!

 

[Ross K]

Is there anyone who can please illuminate me on what exactly are the differences - if any at all - between the 03 Tour and the Ozone Tour... is one better than the other in people's opinions? I ask as I'm trying to determine whether or not it is actually worth trying to get hold of an Ozone Tour.

Thanks,

R

 

[meowmix]

Not too much of a difference between the 100 versions. I'd personally prefer the original O3... but I've already said that.

That being said, I do have an Ozone Tour in 3/8ths if you're interested.

 

[Ross K]

Not too much of a difference between the 100 versions. I'd personally prefer the original O3... but I've already said that.

That being said, I do have an Ozone Tour in 3/8ths if you're interested.

Thanks but I'm in the UK. Random import tax here is a killer.:evil:

Okay...

Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｅｘｐｅｒｉｅｎｃｅ　ｗ／　ｂｏｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏｚｏｎｅ　ａｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３　Ｔｏｕ ｒｓ　（ｂｏｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　Ｍｉｄ　ａｎｄ　ＭＰ　Ｏ３＇ｓ）．　　

ＩＭＯ，　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３　ｔｏｕｒｓ　ａｒｅ　ｓｕｐｅｒｉｏｒ　ｒａｃｋｅｔｓ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏｚｏｎ ｅｓ．　　Ｔｈｅｙ＇ｒｅ　ｖｅｒｙ　ｖｅｒｙ　ｓｉｍｉｌａｒ，　ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｃｏｕｌｄ　ｃｅｒｔａｉ ｎｌｙ　ｓｗｉｔｃｈ　ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ　ｔｈｅ　ＭＰ　Ｏ３　ａｎｄ　Ｏｚｏｎｅ　ｔｏｕｒｓ，　ｂｕｔ　 Ｉ　ｐｒｅｆｅｒ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３＇ｓ．　　　Ｔｈｅｙ　ｆｅｅｌ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｓｏｌｉｄ，　ａｎｄ　ａｒｅ 　ａ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ｌｅｓｓ　ｍｕｔｅｄ．　　Ｍｙ　ｆａｖｏｒｉｔｅ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｐａｒｔｉｃｕ ｌａｒ　ｌｉｎｅ　ｉｓ　ｔｈｅ　Ｏ３　ＭＰ　（１００）．　　Ｃｏｍｆｏｒｔａｂｌｅ，　ａｒｍ　ｆｒｉ ｅｎｄｌｙ，　ｍａｓｓｉｖｅ　ｓｐｉｎ，　ａｎｄ　ｓｅｒｖｅｓ　ａｎ　ａｂｓｏｌｕｔｅ　ｂｏｍｂ．　 　Ｍｏｒｅ　ｓｏｌｉｄ　ｔｈａｎ　ｉｔｓ　Ｏｚｏｎｅ　ｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｐａｒｔ，　ｆｅｌｔ　ｅａｓｉｅ ｒ　ｔｏ　ｓｗｉｎｇ　ａｎｄ　ｌｅｓｓ　ｓｔｉｆｆ　ｔｈａｎ　ｉｔｓ　Ｍｉｄ　ｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｐａｒｔ ．

Having now deciphered the above , I see you did answer this before. Cheers.

Anyone else have a view on differences - if any - between 03 Tour and Ozone Tour?
　

R

 

[Ross K]

Just an update...

Okay, it is still early days, however, I've now played two proper matches with the 03 Tour, practiced and hit some with it even more, have played 3 different string-jobs (including a poly/synth hybrid it came with), played with the 2 different throat grommets, and have actually traded for a second 03.

Well, I must say, this frame is definitely ticking boxes and seems to largely fulfill my range of requirements... it's like what I've wanted from a few frames (and not quite found), especially lately... lightish and easy to swing. Big-hitting off the b-line. It's a spin-monster frame and is perfect for camping out on the backcourt, scampering about and massaging the ball from side to side. The RA is about 63/64 kind of stiffness, which appeals to me (though the second 03 I got has an unknown poly that feels a tad stiff, however, I think those plastic grommets might be the real culprit here.) I do like the grip shape. The hoop shape. The ease of swinging. And the fact I seem to get better control/power balance on groundies than certainly some offerings I've checked in recent times. Where the jury is maybe out is in serve effectiveness, 2hbh, and feel. However, I can see lead experimentation and strings is the way to go, with some of this at least.

Thus far then, all encouragingly good. What with reports on its amazing feel, the Exo Tour continues to interest me. As does the Ozone Tour (though everyone says it's virtually the same as the 03.)

Though I'm quite a fan of SPPP in the frame, next up: 03 with my fave fully poly set up: Tour Bite @ 52s (might go a bit higher actually.) That should amp up the oomph!

Anyone got anything to say re these frames (03, Ozones, Exo) please do post up your thoughts.


R

 

[rlau]

I decribed my first outing with my Prince EXO3 Tour 18x20 here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=5822106&postcount=23

Last night I played with it for the second time, for over 2 hours. The positive findings of my first outing were confirmed, while the negatives were not so negative as they initially appeared: I did not really have problems with the feel aspect and serves went better. My serve percentage has gone up and I only hit one double fault. This frame is great for spin serves, but flat serves were coming along pretty nicely too.

So far for me the Prince's pluses are:
- manoeuvrability: it swings very easily
- forgiveness: the head size is very forgiving both on groundstrokes and on volleys/overheads
- control: the 18x20 pattern is not only spin-friendly, but also offers very good directional control
The combination of these three aspects is very confidence-inspiring, which is a crucial factor if you want to play well.

I have not yet tinkered with string setups or lead.

 

[tata]

Guys a tennis shop in my area is selling the original O3 tour MS for $99AUD including cover and factory strung. This appears to be a very good deal though i already have an exo3 18x20 and original O3 white. I'm so tempted to just hoard one. I i read up a bit on it and the O3 tour MS seems to be a forgiving player's racquet in a 95 sq inch size. Oh the contemplation!

 

[Ross K]

riau,

Oh maaaaan... now I'm not just tempted by the open pattern Exo Tour, you (and others) are getting me seriously curious about the closed version!... and just to make matters worse, Rabbit's threads/posts are also highly eye-catching and thought-provoking on the lighter Exo Team!


tata,

Don't talk to me about temptation. See my signature!:roll:


All,

Dampeners... what's ppl doing dampener-wise with their 03s/Exos/ozones? Or do you not use them? I was using this very small black 'exo' dampener, but I'm unsure about its effectiveness tbh, plus it keeps slipping down constantly and being a PITB!

R

 

[tata]

well with the exo tours being so flexy do u really need one? i ditched mine, more space for the ball ay?

 

[Ross K]

well with the exo tours being so flexy do u really need one? i ditched mine, more space for the ball ay?

Certainly with my 03 with the softer rubber throat grommet strip the pingy noise was hideous sand the feel horrible . But it slightly improved with the dampener (when it wasn't sliding down.)... BTW, I far prefer the other harder strip.

R

 

[tata]

Actually on my original o3 white i took the 'P' strip at the bottom and put an exo3 dampener on my last cross and i do feel a difference in that the normal standard dampener was better at absorbing shock than the soft strip u stick at the bottom of the frame.

 

[Ross K]

^^^ tata, others,

How does the 03 White compare to 03/Ozone/0Exo Tour? I've heard it's a great frame (same with the Diablo MP) but I'm pretty in the dark re Prince frames. TIA

R

 

[tata]

As the feedback suggests, it is a frame that adds more power without sacrificing control. Good comfort but with that comes less feel so it might feel a bit soft at first. But that was my first proper racquet so i have become used to it. I always knew how hard to swing and pronate my wrist to get the right angles. But yea...might be a bit hard to play the dropper unless you were on or inside the service box line. Would be easier just carving it in the last moment as a disguised forehand than try it from the baseline. Drop volleys might sit higher than you would like.

All in all it excels at everything except the touch shots but it volleys really well. The soft and comfortable response makes volleying hard struck shots easy.

Compared to my exo tour now...the 03 swings heavier due it being less headlight and a thicker beam (contrary to the listed swingweights). So the exo is definitely quicker at the net for sure.

Serve wise the white can go pretty big IMO.I just dont have the consistency to do it often on a high % but a more consistently player would probably flat out the ball big time on it.Im sure if i tried to do the same thing with the exo i probably wont get as much pace with a low power level closed pattern frame.however i do note i get better % on serve with the exo...maybe because i know its not a big bomber so i simply aim for placement.

But all in all its a frame you can play big on. Big on serve, big on groundies and a firm put away at the net and overheads. I guess more for the 'modern' player.

The 03 will give you a nice POP sound while the the tour 18x20 will give you more of a THUP sound. If you are very thin like me then if you string the white with full poly like alu power or PHT you might feel something on the arm on serve.Never really actually got TE from it but just a few cautious signs as there is a big difference in stiffness.

despite the specs my exo weighs in at 325grams in a size 5 handle with the resipro grip. my 03 white weighs in at 331grams in a size 4 handle with babolat syntec replacement grip + babolat vs original OG.