1983 Prince Precision Graphite

[graycrait]

Does anyone know much about this racquet, Prince Precision Graphite? Picked it up at Goodwill, restrung it and it is pretty nice shape. With one overgrip it weighs 12.5oz and somewhere around 10pts HL. Sticker says to string between 65-75lbs using synthetics or Prince nylons.

The screws that hold the throat in sort of "grabbed" me.

Where does this racquet fit in Prince racquet development? Was it considered on par quality-wise with the POG OS?

 

[BorgCash]

I have this racquet in my collection, but never played. The shape of frame is identical to Prince Magnesium Pro 90, but material is graphite.

 

[BorgCash]

I think this one is a little under POG in Prince racquet line.

 

[graycrait]

I was curious due to the weight and balance. Even the throat piece seems pretty sturdy. I had a pair of 1988 CTS Precisions OS's I bought new I let get away from me before I got in this latest Prince "kick" and they didn't play anywhere near as nice as my POG/PCG OSs in my opinion. I guess I'll see tomorrow how it hits. I was wondering if this was a racquet that you would have found in a discount store. Due in part to my job I missed the entire 80s and a lot of the 90s tennis-wise. I'm enjoying getting "reacquainted" with 80's tennis.

 

[PBODY99]

I strung this racket for a couple of people during the 1980's into the early 1990's. I did not see it sold in discount stores. It had a flex that was stiffer than a Mag Pro & it swung quicker than the Graphite.

 

[dak95_00]

I was thinking Magnesium Pro as well. Pat Cash used that one to win Wimbledon. This has to be similar.

Here's a link to a 1986 Prince brochure.

http://www.80s-tennis.com/images/prince/new/prince-1984_1.jpg

 

[Shroud]

Does anyone know much about this racquet, Prince Precision Graphite? Picked it up at Goodwill, restrung it and it is pretty nice shape. With one overgrip it weighs 12.5oz and somewhere around 10pts HL. Sticker says to string between 65-75lbs using synthetics or Prince nylons.

The screws that hold the throat in sort of "grabbed" me.

Where does this racquet fit in Prince racquet development? Was it considered on par quality-wise with the POG OS?

I am guessing a bit in terms of the line, but I had that racket and IMHO it is the subpar version of the Precision Graphite. The "real" version did not have that plastic piece and I THINK the real one was alot like the POG mid but maybe a bit stiffer. I went from the mag pro to the Precision Graphite (without the plastic bridge). I had the best serve I ever had with the real Precision. That 14/18 pattern and thin beam would really crush the ball. I really miss that frame.

Sadly I can't find one picture of the racket I am talking about.

I think they were similar but I always went with the one without the plastic if I could help it.

 

[Sanglier]

I am guessing a bit in terms of the line, but I had that racket and IMHO it is the subpar version of the Precision Graphite. The "real" version did not have that plastic piece and I THINK the real one was alot like the POG mid but maybe a bit stiffer.

There were quite a few completely different Prince racquets that had "Precision" in their name, but they all came much later than the one that started this thread, which was the original 1984 release. It was available first as a 110, and was then joined by a 90 and a 125 the following year, with the same exact plastic throat piece. At only $135 retail (and under $100 strung thru mail order), with a 70/30 Graphite/Fiberglass layup, it was the softest and most affordable composite frame offered by Prince at that time.

The next step up in the line-up was the "Graphite Composite", which had a 80/20 layup and a molded-in bridge. Perhaps you were thinking of the "Graphite Comp" when you talked about the "real version" of the "Precision"?

 

[BorgCash]

Yes, this one was most affordable graphite racquet in Prince range. As was right mention above it was 70/30 Graphite/Fiberglass, Graphite Comp was 80/20 and top model Graphite was 100 % Graphite.

 

[BorgCash]

I was thinking Magnesium Pro as well. Pat Cash used that one to win Wimbledon. This has to be similar.

Here's a link to a 1986 Prince brochure.

http://www.80s-tennis.com/images/prince/new/prince-1984_1.jpg

Magnesium was a softer one, smth between wood and graphite. Cash switched to it after Woodie.

 

[graycrait]

Thanks for all the information!

 

[Shroud]

There were quite a few completely different Prince racquets that had "Precision" in their name, but they all came much later than the one that started this thread, which was the original 1984 release. It was available first as a 110, and was then joined by a 90 and a 125 the following year, with the same exact plastic throat piece. At only $135 retail (and under $100 strung thru mail order), with a 70/30 Graphite/Fiberglass layup, it was the softest and most affordable composite frame offered by Prince at that time.

The next step up in the line-up was the "Graphite Composite", which had a 80/20 layup and a molded-in bridge. Perhaps you were thinking of the "Graphite Comp" when you talked about the "real version" of the "Precision"?

Interesting. The one i am thinking of had the word precision in the title and had the sane paint job as the one pictured in this thread. Though no plastic piece. The one with the plastic i found later than the one without but time wise if that came out in 84 i found it new in stores after 87 if not 89.

Google returns no images if the frame in question. It reminded me of a pog without the bar and the same paint job as the thread starter.

 

[coachrick]

The alignment of the plastic throat piece was sometimes problematic, even on new frames. Like so many metal frames with throat inserts, just inserting the string into the throat area would reveal the mis-match of the holes. Not really confidence inspiring when stringing with gut especially. Notwithstanding the niche/cult popularity of the Magnesium, any 'graphite' racket that had a separate throat insert was considered down-market from those with integral throat bridges(at least in my experience). The string channel on the Precision was shallow as was the one on the Magnesium. The Magnesium withstood abrasion better, as you can imagine. The Prince Comp and this Precision were particularly susceptible to wear and string breakage from striking the court surface...the individual grommets weren't much fun, either The good old days!

 

[droliver]

These were much cheaper then the POG at the time which were > $200. They came a few years after the Composite Pro, which was their 1st graphite racquet after the POG's IIRC

 

[PBODY99]

There was a Burgundy model that had a solid throat bridge with the same name.

 

[coachrick]

There was a Burgundy model that had a solid throat bridge with the same name.

Like the Precision Response? Double throat bridge with the elastomer insert? I think there was a whole series called "Precision" at that time. Didn't Pat Rafter play the Response?

 

[graycrait]

coachrick,

This is the reprise of what you are talking about: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Response_97_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PR97.html I think the original was sort of burgandy colored?

 

[Don't Let It Bounce]

There was a Burgundy model that had a solid throat bridge with the same name.

You might be thinking of the Prince Response. It came along a few years later. That throat bridge was its selling point: it was marketed as the first frame to have a throat deliberately thinner (than the rest of the frame) to give a softer response at contact. It was a successful design that you can still see on the Fischer/Pacific Pro Number One and Babolat Pure Drive frames. Others, too, presumably.

My college roommate played with the Precision Graphite when I played with the Comp. (We'd both upgraded from the venerable Pro!) Sanglier pretty much covered the Precision Graphite's story in the excellent post above. Some context: in the early 80s, graphite still made a frame very expensive, so most brands offered less-expensive composite frames that cut the miracle material with fiberglass, and a frame's percentage of graphite was proportional to its cost, stiffness, and status in the brand's lineup. Most Prince players would have been playing with the Graphite if Prince would have given them to us, or if we could afford them!

As Coach Rick alluded, graphite throat pieces also added a lot to construction cost – compared to just bending a single carbon composite tube into a racket shape and riveting a plastic throat piece in place – so a plastic throat piece (as already used in metal frames) was also characteristic of entry-level* graphite frames like the Precision Graphite and the Pro Kennex Bronze Ace.

* "Entry-level" as in 'entering the expensive world of composite frames,' not as in 'suitable only for beginner-level tennis.'​

The Comp (later called Graphite Comp 110) did resemble a slightly stiffer Precision Graphite 110 with a graphite throat piece. It had a green and a gold pinstripe; the Precision had a blue and a gold pinstripe. Both were a little faster through the air than the Graphite 110, probably due to having a ~103 sq. in. actual head size vs the Graphite's ~108.

It was way later, in the 90s, that Prince used its trademarked name "Precision" for an entire line (like "Triple Threat") instead of for a single frame design (like "Response").

 

[dak95_00]

I have 8 sets of bumpers and grommets for the Graphite Precision 110. Is that for this racquet? What other racquets had this drill pattern? It doesn't match the POG 110. I have a handful of sets for that one too.

The Precision sets come with some individual grommets and screws too. I bet those are/were fun to install.

 

[briancheng]

My sister owned the 90 inch version of the racquet back in the mid-80s - I actually loved hitting with it and it became my racquet after she stopped playing. Fantastic control and feel - its a relatively stiff frame (for its time - would be considered flexy now) - I particularly remember the action on my serves being great. Having hit with the POG Mid many years later, I think the frames are comparable - the precision is probably a tad less plush and refined as the POG, but certainly a great racquet. Eventually moved on to the Pro Staff 6.0 when I cracked this racquet (before moving on to the Prestige Mid and PT280 in the 90s).

 

[Don't Let It Bounce]

I have 8 sets of bumpers and grommets for the Graphite Precision 110. Is that for this racquet? What other racquets had this drill pattern? It doesn't match the POG 110. I have a handful of sets for that one too.

They are for the racket OP is talking about. The giveaway is the "110". There was a Precision Graphite in the 90s (great racket, too) for which "Precision" was the line name and "Graphite" the model name, but by then Prince had abandoned the 80's head size designations of 90, 110, and 125.

If any other rackets had the same drill pattern, I'd be really surprised, but it might be interesting to try to fit the grommets onto a Magnesium Pro.

IThe Precision sets come with some individual grommets and screws too. I bet those are/were fun to install.

Fun to string, too!

 

[Grafil Injection]

Bumping this thread just to confirm that the Precision Graphite 90 (1984) is a very impressive frame, and does seem to have existed a bit under the radar, I guess because of the old-fashioned design. According to my 1986 magazines, it was in the middle of the Prince range with POGs around $150, Pro 90/110s around $50 (great bargain!), the Precision Graphite was $95 and the Mag-Pro $75. Despite having a somewhat clunky open throat design, the Precision Graphite is more solid than the Pros. Given the simplicity of the slightly ovalised 18mm box beam throughout, the flex seems minimal and consistent (estimating upper 50s RA). There is no flutter from the hoop, nor much flex from the throat, and vibrations are well dampened. I have to guess that the layup is around 80% graphite. Mine is 354g (12.5oz) and 6-7pt HL strung. The grip is a high-quality Prince-Fairway leather. Nice balance of power, control and feel, erring on the side of control. With a SW in the mid-high 330s, it's very easy to use alongside other solid sticks like PS85 or 200G. Here with Pro 110 and Graphite II (97):

 

[Injured Again]

I've still got two of these. They were the racquet my wife switched to from, I believe, the Graphite Edge. I still have the vintage three-racquet Prince bag that she used to use.

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

Just got this one and a Yamaha Alpha 90 recently.



I compared the Precision Graphite with my Magnesium Pro 90 and its a little bigger but when I compared it with my POG it's smaller. What head size have I got?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Just got this one and a Yamaha Alpha 90 recently.



I compared the Precision Graphite with my Magnesium Pro 90 and its a little bigger but when I compared it with my POG it's smaller. What head size have I got?

Mine seems near to 90sqi, about half way between my 85s and 95s. Although it is more round, so feels easier to hit perhaps. I think POG was 93sqi, and perhaps Mag Pro was a bit less than 90? How does it compare to the Yamaha?

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

Mine seems near to 90sqi, about half way between my 85s and 95s. Although it is more round, so feels easier to hit perhaps. I think POG was 93sqi, and perhaps Mag Pro was a bit less than 90? How does it compare to the Yamaha?

The POG I was comparing it to was the 110 Oversize version. It's definitely bigger than the Yamaha Alpha 90. So I guess the one I've got is around 95-98 maybe...

 

[Injured Again]

My Precision Graphites appear to be around 105 sq. in., assuming my POG is 107 sq. in.

When I lay the POG on top of the PG, the POG is about a quarter inch bigger over the entire bottom of the hoop area.

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

My Precision Graphites appear to be around 105 sq. in., assuming my POG is 107 sq. in.

When I lay the POG on top of the PG, the POG is about a quarter inch bigger over the entire bottom of the hoop area.

We actually have the same rackets! I did the same and you're right. So it's definitely larger than 98 which I initially thought but smaller than 107/110. I guess 105 is a good number

 

[Grafil Injection]

The POG I was comparing it to was the 110 Oversize version. It's definitely bigger than the Yamaha Alpha 90. So I guess the one I've got is around 95-98 maybe...

Aha, sorry they looked about the same size in the picture! The PG 90 is definitely near 90sqi. If the POG 110 is 1/4 inch bigger than the PG 110 at the bottom of the hoop, then it must be 1/8th inch (3-4mm) bigger when you centre them, which would equate to about 5 sqi difference in surface area. So PG would be 102/5sqi if POG is 107/110sqi.

 

[BorgCash]

I've still got two of these. They were the racquet my wife switched to from, I believe, the Graphite Edge. I still have the vintage three-racquet Prince bag that she used to use.

Did you play with it?

 

[BorgCash]

Bumping this thread just to confirm that the Precision Graphite 90 (1984) is a very impressive frame, and does seem to have existed a bit under the radar, I guess because of the old-fashioned design. According to my 1986 magazines, it was in the middle of the Prince range with POGs around $150, Pro 90/110s around $50 (great bargain!), the Precision Graphite was $95 and the Mag-Pro $75. Despite having a somewhat clunky open throat design, the Precision Graphite is more solid than the Pros. Given the simplicity of the slightly ovalised 18mm box beam throughout, the flex seems minimal and consistent (estimating upper 50s RA). There is no flutter from the hoop, nor much flex from the throat, and vibrations are well dampened. I have to guess that the layup is around 80% graphite. Mine is 354g (12.5oz) and 6-7pt HL strung. The grip is a high-quality Prince-Fairway leather. Nice balance of power, control and feel, erring on the side of control. With a SW in the mid-high 330s, it's very easy to use alongside other solid sticks like PS85 or 200G. Here with Pro 110 and Graphite II (97):

Thank you for information. I always think Graphite Pro was more expensive due to it's more modern look compare to Precision Graphite.

 

[BorgCash]

All mine Prince Series 90 racquets seems to me have the identical head size. I have Precision Graphite, Graphite Pro, Spectrum Comp (beautiful white) and Magnesium Pro, all Series 90. Think all of them were produced around the same time.
Even later made Graphite Comp 90 and CTS Thunderstick 90 that i have seems to be the same head size.

 

[BorgCash]

Just got this one and a Yamaha Alpha 90 recently.



I compared the Precision Graphite with my Magnesium Pro 90 and its a little bigger but when I compared it with my POG it's smaller. What head size have I got?

Never heard of this Yamaha racquet. Do you know something about it?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Thank you for information. I always think Graphite Pro was more expensive due to it's more modern look compare to Precision Graphite.

I agree, the Pros looked great and much more modern in the mid 80s. The open neck of the Precision Graphite was quite old-fashioned looking when it came out, which probably reduced sales. If I remember rightly, there was still a debate as to which was a better design of racket neck in 1984 concerning performance/flex/vibration etc, but it was very shortly concluded.

 

[BorgCash]

By the way, when i used to play with POG Mid, it seems to me that the racquet is perfect and ultimate.

 

[BorgCash]

I agree, the Pros looked great and much more modern in the mid 80s. The open neck of the Precision Graphite was quite old-fashioned looking when it came out, which probably reduced sales. If I remember rightly, there was still a debate as to which was a better design of racket neck in 1984 concerning performance/flex/vibration etc, but it was very shortly concluded.

Did you play with Pro and Graphite?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Did you play with Pro and Graphite?

Yes.

 

[kevin qmto]

Never heard of this Yamaha racquet. Do you know something about it?

I’ve never seen it either. Looks brand new. I like the beveled edge around the hoop.

 

[BorgCash]

Yes.

Great, what's your impressions on both? How do they compare to POG Mid?

 

[BorgCash]

I’ve never seen it either. Looks brand new. I like the beveled edge around the hoop.

Great looking frame to me!

 

[Grafil Injection]

Great, what's your impressions on both? How do they compare to POG Mid?

POG mid is a different kettle of fish, being much stiffer, and usually heavier.

 

[BorgCash]

POG mid is a different kettle of fish, being much stiffer, and usually heavier.

Ok, thanks, the weight may be different, the older racquets usually were softer due to material, i know that Magnesium was quite soft.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Ok, thanks, the weight may be different, the older racquets usually were softer due to material, i know that Magnesium was quite soft.

Yeah, I mean relatively stiff compared to other 80s rackets. My estimate would be: Pro 54 RA, Precision 58 RA, POG 64 RA. I haven't hit the Magnesium unfortunately.

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

Never heard of this Yamaha racquet. Do you know something about it?

I've actually been looking for information about these frames but found nothing so far. This one is NOS. Never been strung from the looks of it. This is the second Yamaha Alpha that I got. The other one is a 97L version.

 

[kevin qmto]

I've actually been looking for information about these frames but found nothing so far. This one is NOS. Never been strung from the looks of it. This is the second Yamaha Alpha that I got. The other one is a 97L version.

I’ve been trying to find a decent condition 97FX. The neon green one. There’s actually one on the bay right now, but there’s too many paint chips in it for my liking, so I passed.

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

I’ve been trying to find a decent condition 97FX. The neon green one. There’s actually one on the bay right now, but there’s too many paint chips in it for my liking, so I passed.

Do you know much about the Yamaha Alpha series? The frames are quite nice I think, very solid. I reckon it would still hold up today, except maybe the head size. The 90 is quite small compared to modern rackets

 

[kevin qmto]

Do you know much about the Yamaha Alpha series? The frames are quite nice I think, very solid. I reckon it would still hold up today, except maybe the head size. The 90 is quite small compared to modern rackets

Not much, except Ronald Agenor was their poster pro for the series. They had those little VSS grommets (vibration suppression system) in a similar placement to Wilson PWS) I know a little more about the later Secret lines.

 

[BorgCash]

So, this Alpha is classic or modern racquet? If it is classic, why there is 97 head size option?

 

[kevin qmto]

So, this Alpha is classic or modern racquet? If it is classic, why there is 97 head size option?

They were ahead of the curve in 1988 or around then when it came out.

 

[Injured Again]

Did you play with it?

I haven't hit with them in a long while. They still have the synthetic gut that my wife used back in the day (like late 1980's and early 1990's). I do remember them having a more flexible and plush feel than the POG which I had around that time also.

I'll bring one with me the next time I go hit, which should be tomorrow. Also have that Head Graphite Edge that I just restrung two days ago to try out.