Any Prince Phantom 100G Comparisons to the PCG 100 (or LB versions)

BHold81

Semi-Pro
I use the Prince Classic Graphite 100. Was wondering how the Phantom 100G compares, or just how it plays in general. I also have some PCG 100 LB's, but it was a bit too much racquet for me, so I wouldn't mind hearing about that Phantom version also. Thanks!
 

graycrait

Legend
I had 12 PCG 100s and LBs at one time and a pile of POG 90s and 107s, 9 or 10 each. I purchased a 107G before the sale (groan) and really really like it. I too am interested in seeing someone report on the 100G - @JOSHL :)
 

BHold81

Semi-Pro
I had 12 PCG 100s and LBs at one time and a pile of POG 90s and 107s, 9 or 10 each. I purchased a 107G before the sale (groan) and really really like it. I too am interested in seeing someone report on the 100G - @JOSHL :)
The PCG 100 is my main racquet right now (still have some longbodies too). I was at the TW Alpharetta store getting some stringing done last week. I held an unstrung 100G and a 107G. The 100G felt very maneuverable. May pick one up since they are on sale. Also interested in the last generations Phantom Pro 100p since it's so cheap. HAve you hit with it?
 

graycrait

Legend
@BHold81 , I had a first gen PP100P and didn't like it. I have no idea if I traded it or gave it away. How many generations of the PP100P have there been? Maybe 2?
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Awesome! Keep me posted. Also did you hit with the previous generation Phantom Pro 100p?
I did hit with it a long time ago. I think I really liked it until I tried the 93p and then that was my main stick for some time.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I did hit with it a long time ago. I think I really liked it until I tried the 93p and then that was my main stick for some time.

I still like hitting with the 93p. Great feeling racket. Just a bit too demanding for my aging eye sight.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Initial impressions of the 100G weren’t all that great. Took off the stock grip(which by the way is heavier than Wilson leather) and replaced it with Tourna thin. Also replaced the strings. Played some doubles with it this am and I much prefer it now. Didn’t feel as sluggish to me. There’s some slight instability on volleys outside the sweet spot. Hard flat serves are a struggle but slice and kick serves are awesome. Hit some of the best kick serves I’ve ever hit. Kinda makes me want to try the 107G next. I’ll keep playing it to give more thoughts.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Initial impressions of the 100G weren’t all that great. Took off the stock grip(which by the way is heavier than Wilson leather) and replaced it with Tourna thin. Also replaced the strings. Played some doubles with it this am and I much prefer it now. Didn’t feel as sluggish to me. There’s some slight instability on volleys outside the sweet spot. Hard flat serves are a struggle but slice and kick serves are awesome. Hit some of the best kick serves I’ve ever hit. Kinda makes me want to try the 107G next. I’ll keep playing it to give more thoughts.

I'm really liking the 107G as doubles frame especially but also as a good singles frame. It plays more defensive in singles than other Phantoms since it has easy depth and spin so you can hang out at the baseline just keeping the opponent deep and running them sideline to sideline. With my other phantoms i feel I need to go on the offence to use the control and precision to get a short ball to finishe. With the 107G I can be far more patient. And I can hit wicked drop shots with it. Never seen a better racket for the Drop shot to topspin lob combo. Just nasty, evil.
But as a doubles frame I find the 107G maneuverable for a big hoop and lots of volley forgiveness so even mishits work out better than they do with smaller frames. It also serves bigger than the other phantoms between the lighter SW and the OS power. So you can play a serve and volley game wth it. And it deflects power well for RoS so if you want to try SABR style returns, you can easily do it.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
I'm really liking the 107G as doubles frame especially but also as a good singles frame. It plays more defensive in singles than other Phantoms since it has easy depth and spin so you can hang out at the baseline just keeping the opponent deep and running them sideline to sideline. With my other phantoms i feel I need to go on the offence to use the control and precision to get a short ball to finishe. With the 107G I can be far more patient. And I can hit wicked drop shots with it. Never seen a better racket for the Drop shot to topspin lob combo. Just nasty, evil.
But as a doubles frame I find the 107G maneuverable for a big hoop and lots of volley forgiveness so even mishits work out better than they do with smaller frames. It also serves bigger than the other phantoms between the lighter SW and the OS power. So you can play a serve and volley game wth it. And it deflects power well for RoS so if you want to try SABR style returns, you can easily do it.
Sounds like a must try now. Staying at the baseline making people move side to side is my jam. Thanks!
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
TW written reviews out for the 100G and 100G LB. Both scored 82. Finishing power with the 100G and control/maneuverability with the 100G LB were the chief downsides it seems. Easy spin, great feel were the big upsides. FWIW they gave the Phantom 100P an 87 last year.

Still waiting on the 107G review scores.
 

pow

Hall of Fame
Does anyone have any experience with the Phantom 100G LB?

Currently using 2nd gen Phantom 100P so curious what an extended version of this stick would play like. No real complaints with the 100P just curious.
 

ae1222

Semi-Pro
I tried the 100G LB after I cut it down to 27.5" and tried several different weight setups. It was absolutely god awful. I liked the previous POG 100 LB, but this new version is garbage in my opinion.
 

BHold81

Semi-Pro
I tried the 100G LB after I cut it down to 27.5" and tried several different weight setups. It was absolutely god awful. I liked the previous POG 100 LB, but this new version is garbage in my opinion.
Good to know. I have three PCG 100LB's and have considered cutting them down. Have you ever cut a PCG down .5"?
 

whomad15

Semi-Pro
For those that have played with the LB, which version of the PCG LB did you have
I have one from 2008, and three from the ~2014 runs, and the newer runs feel completely different. Weight is very polarized in the handle/tip, harder on the arm, whereas my 2008 feels like all the weight is in the handle.
 

ae1222

Semi-Pro
I had all three versions. The 2014 felt the best and most solid, the weight seemed to be more evenly distributed. Granted I still put a lot of lead in it just because of my preferences but the 2014 really hit a solid ball from the ground. My main issue was I never really volleyed well with it. The 2008 felt hollow to me and it required a ton of lead to make it feel better because it was so handle heavy, but still wasn't great to hit with. The new one just feels really mushy and for the life of me I can't control any shot at all with it. I really wanted to like it but after 5 hours of hitting with it I gave up.
 

RigsOfChad

New User
Another member PM'ed me so I will include my response below:

I have one [Phantom 100G LB] set up with Tourna BHS7T 16g at 51 lb and [another] one with Kirschbaum Black Shark 16g at 51 lb. I like both of them, but I bought some Kirschbaum Max Power to try for a crisper feel off the string bed. The racquet plays pretty soft. I added some of the TW tungsten strips at 3 and 9 o'clock and may add some at 12 o'clock. The racquet is playing nicely and I am just tinkering at this point.
 

BHold81

Semi-Pro
For those that have played with the LB, which version of the PCG LB did you have
I have one from 2008, and three from the ~2014 runs, and the newer runs feel completely different. Weight is very polarized in the handle/tip, harder on the arm, whereas my 2008 feels like all the weight is in the handle.
Yeah, I have three from 2014. It's just a bit much for me to handle, so maybe I will cut one down. I just never cut them because so many people beg you not to do it because they are so rare. But when I try to sell them no one is ever interested. I used to have one from 2008, and it felt like a noodle. No teeth whatsoever.
 

ae1222

Semi-Pro
I sold all of my cut down ones on the bay fairly easily. Didn't get outstanding $ for them but was able to pass them along. I would recommend you try one and see how you like it. For some reason 28" just feels way too long to me but the 27.5" feels great. Really wish more companies offered frames at that length...
 

Agilemaster

New User
I played with a 107G, 100P, and 100G LB yesterday. I have been using Phantom Pro 100P (old version) for two years. I prefer Phantoms due to chronic elbow issues. 100P felt the same with the old one, maybe slightly more powerful. 100G LB felt less powerful. Most shots came up short. It is a stable racquet but did not get the power I was expecting from it. Only plus was the ease of use due to the long handle for two handed backhands. I didn't play with a long body racquet before so it is hard to adjust for me especially with forehands. I really liked the 107G. Same stable, consistent play from my old racquet but more powerful. I will try again tomorrow but 107G may be the new racquet of choice.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I will try again tomorrow but 107G may be the new racquet of choice.

I'm really liking my 107G. Seems to have that goldilocks fit between power, control and stability in a more forgiving frame. And all that Phantom comfort. My arm hasn't felt this good in a while.

Only problem is my morning partner is getting despondent with all the bagels and breadsticks I'm feeding her. This morning's response to the 6-0, 6-1 score was, "I wasn't even playing badly, you were just playing too good." Which was pretty much what my opponents told me in my men's doubles match last night,"You've really upped your game since we last played."

Now maybe I'm just in a good spot with my game, but I have to think that the racket has to be helping a bit.
 

Agilemaster

New User
Somehow, I was not happy with the 107G in my next hit. I started having some elbow pain after hitting with it about 30 minutes. After switching to my old Phantom Pro100P, the pain decreased. Perhaps the demo I received was strung with a bit higher tension than I like. It was a multi. I play with a multi at 50 with my current racquet. It is also not the best time to test racquets as my elbow pain flared up recently.

I wanted to try a racquet with slightly more powerful. Dartagnan64, in an old forum post, you mention adding lead tape at 12. Would you suggest me to try that with my racquet? Another thing would be to go decrease tension from 50 to 47-48. The racquet spec lists 50 +-5.
 

Nebulous

New User
Somehow, I was not happy with the 107G in my next hit. I started having some elbow pain after hitting with it about 30 minutes. After switching to my old Phantom Pro100P, the pain decreased. Perhaps the demo I received was strung with a bit higher tension than I like. It was a multi. I play with a multi at 50 with my current racquet. It is also not the best time to test racquets as my elbow pain flared up recently.

I wanted to try a racquet with slightly more powerful. Dartagnan64, in an old forum post, you mention adding lead tape at 12. Would you suggest me to try that with my racquet? Another thing would be to go decrease tension from 50 to 47-48. The racquet spec lists 50 +-5.

I'm really liking my 107G.

Like Dartagnan64, I also really like my 107g (multi/poly 50/45 Supreme 2.0/Cream) and have transitioned from the Pro 100p (same string setup), which like you, I used for a couple of years. I have had chronic wrist issues, so comfort is a big deal for me and is a major reason I like the Phantoms. With the 107g, adding lead at 12 or 9/3 was for me not particularly helpful and decreased racquet maneuverability without adding substantive comfort. Moving up in tension stepwise up to 55/50 increased accuracy, but the stings were noticeably less comfortable toward the end of their expected life (restring average 7-10 days) so I stepped back to 50/45. For me, the 107g has better power and stability and the comfort level is at least as good as the P100p. As an aside, I would also be interested in Dartagnan64 experience with lead at 12.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
As an aside, I would also be interested in Dartagnan64 experience with lead at 12.

I've put lead at 12 in all my other phantoms but they were first gen frames pre ATS. I'm not feeling as much need right now but we'll see as my arm heals, I might want to get that swing weight up. But right now I think the 320ish SW keeps the frame maneuverable and the ATS keeps it stable. But it's certainly head light enough that 2-3gms at 12 will be doable. I just can't argue with the results I'm getting with my current set up.

Another thing would be to go decrease tension from 50 to 47-48. The racquet spec lists 50 +-5.

Maybe go thinner gauge. I'm stringing with 17g and it's plenty plush and great spin. I've actually got mine up to 58/53 with gut/cream 17g.
It's also possible that the demo is string with a cheap sun gut that' isn't as soft as your multi.
 

Agilemaster

New User
Maybe go thinner gauge. I'm stringing with 17g and it's plenty plush and great spin.
It is interesting that I decided to get one of my former racquets, Prokennex Q5 295, restrung with 18 gauge NRG2 today. I was going to compare the Prokennex and the new Phantom 100P on Monday. The demo Phantom 100P was strung with a different string so it didn't feel as stiff as the 107G. I don't see myself getting the demo racquet restrung but I have them until Wednesday.

Thanks for the suggestion on the lead placement. One of the things I considered was putting lead in the throat to reduce vibration or put some foam/silicone in the handle but I don't have much experience in racquet modification. I also don't want to increase the overall weight much.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I think vibration is over rated as a contributing factor to arm issues. Guys use vibrating power tools all the time and it really only seems to damage their circulation in their fingers.

it’s the many impacts with the ball over and over again with that force directed into the arm. So flex, string bed and weight will mitigate best. The 107G has a bit less mass than the 100p so that might be a factor.

the lower mass is helping my shoulder out without any adverse effects on my elbow. So it’s working out nicely for me.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
Does anyone have any experience with the Phantom 100G LB?

I just took out a demo of this frame, along with the Phantom 100P and, just for the heck of it, the Dunlop FX500. I hit with the 100G LB for about an hour yesterday and then tried the other two very briefly. I have used several 27.5" frames before, but never a 28". It has excellent feel, maybe even a little softer than I wanted. Oddly, although I was worried about the maneuverability I really enjoyed it at the net where the stability and reach worked in my favor. But on the groundies I felt that my ball was traveling unexpectedly low over the net and landing short. Forget the Dunlop; even the Phantom 100P felt like a rocket launcher compared to the 100G LB. I have the feeling my timing and contact point were off; this should not be a super low-powered frame. I do plan to give it at least one more serious try. I generally like classic frames like the Phantoms, and as a height-challenged player I am a candidate to benefit from an XL frame. But this one might be too much for me.

The FX500 deserves the good reviews it has been getting. It feels so light and stiff compared to the Phantoms and that's not my preference in racquets, but it was super-easy to use and the results were good. I did catch one overhead near the tip that sent a nice shock wave down my arm; this thing is really stiff. But the dampening technology keeps it comfortable most of the time. I would recommend that anyone who is considering the Pure Drive or Ultra also check out the FX500.

Returning to the topic of the 100G LB, it must not be very popular. My demo was brand new with the grip still wrapped in plastic. Am I really the first person to request a demo of it?
 
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pow

Hall of Fame
I just took out a demo of this frame, along with the Phantom 100P and, just for the heck of it, the Dunlop FX500. I hit with the 100G LB for about an hour yesterday and then tried the other two very briefly. I have used several 27.5" frames before, but never a 28". It has excellent feel, maybe even a little softer than I wanted. Oddly, although I was worried about the maneuverability I really enjoyed it at the net where the stability and reach worked in my favor. But on the groundies I felt that my ball was traveling unexpectedly low over the net and landing short. Forget the Dunlop; even the Phantom 100P felt like a rocket launcher compared to the 100G LB. I have the feeling my timing and contact point were off; this should not be a super low-powered frame. I do plan to give it at least one more serious try. I generally like classic frames like the Phantoms, and as a height-challenged player I am a candidate to benefit from an XL frame. But this one might be too much for me.

The FX500 deserves the good reviews it has been getting. It feels so light and stiff compared to the Phantoms and that's not my preference in racquets, but it was super-easy to use and the results were good. I did catch one overhead near the tip that sent a nice shock wave down my arm; this thing is really stiff. But the dampening technology keeps it comfortable most of the time. I would recommend that anyone who is considering the Pure Drive or Ultra also check out the FX500.

Returning to the topic of the 100G LB, it must not be very popular. My demo was brand new with the grip still wrapped in plastic. Am I really the first person to request a demo of it?
That's very strange that the 100p would feel like a rocket launcher compared to the 100lb since the specs seem similar between the two with the 100lb having the extra inch being the main difference. I'm thinking the demo strings may be playing a big part in it.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
That's very strange that the 100p would feel like a rocket launcher compared to the 100lb since the specs seem similar between the two with the 100lb having the extra inch being the main difference. I'm thinking the demo strings may be playing a big part in it.
I have been using the new Phantom 100p for almost 6 months and have to say that the control is phenomenal even with a basic synthetic string. I agree that the strings in the demo were the problem.
 
anyone using the prince phantom longbody?
I’m playing around right now with one cut down to 27.5, leather grip, head lynx tour @ 48lbs. Feels pretty awesome tbh, nice flex and great mix of control, power, and spin. Sounds like an ad almost haha.. 2hbh btw, probably wouldn’t recommend it for 1hbh hitters unless you’re Fernando Gonzales.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
anyone using the prince phantom longbody?

I had really hoped to hit more with my demo this week, but I've only had it out twice. The second time was with a teaching pro that I've worked with for several years. I did my warm-ups with the racquet and it felt consistent and smooth in mini-tennis, but when we moved back to the baseline I just felt like everything was a little off. Contact wasn't quite clean and my shots were weak, and once in a while I would be clearly late or out of position with terrible results. So just to show him my demos, I pulled out the FX 500 and hit a few balls with that. It was like a magic wand in comparison. There was such a contrast in my power and depth that the pro told me that he could see me switching to the FX. I don't happen to love that stiff, light type of frame but there was no question it clicked with my strokes naturally in a way that the Phantom 100G LB doesn't. For the rest of the session I used my own Textreme Tour 100 (310g) and my hitting with that frame was on par with the FX.

I think the bottom line is that the Longbody offers some theoretical benefits, but it's so different than 27" or even 27.5" frames (I also play the Pure Aero Plus 2019 regularly) that it's very hard to adjust to. I can understand why some owners here have cut it down.
 

2ndServe

Hall of Fame
I had really hoped to hit more with my demo this week, but I've only had it out twice. The second time was with a teaching pro that I've worked with for several years. I did my warm-ups with the racquet and it felt consistent and smooth in mini-tennis, but when we moved back to the baseline I just felt like everything was a little off. Contact wasn't quite clean and my shots were weak, and once in a while I would be clearly late or out of position with terrible results. So just to show him my demos, I pulled out the FX 500 and hit a few balls with that. It was like a magic wand in comparison. There was such a contrast in my power and depth that the pro told me that he could see me switching to the FX. I don't happen to love that stiff, light type of frame but there was no question it clicked with my strokes naturally in a way that the Phantom 100G LB doesn't. For the rest of the session I used my own Textreme Tour 100 (310g) and my hitting with that frame was on par with the FX.

I think the bottom line is that the Longbody offers some theoretical benefits, but it's so different than 27" or even 27.5" frames (I also play the Pure Aero Plus 2019 regularly) that it's very hard to adjust to. I can understand why some owners here have cut it down.

I hit with someone who just switched to that dunlop is it the black/blue dunlop. I can see why 28" rackets isn't for everyone.
 

Demented

Semi-Pro
I switched from a Phantom 100X O3 to the 100 LB.. I was trying to find more pop on my 2 handed backhand and save some energy serving. So far I've definitely achieved those goals... I'm still trying to find a new forehand swing path to correctly utilize the length and extra swing weight. You definitely can't force topspin by trying to rotate the racket with your wrist.. it requires good prep and a smooth stroke.
 

Demented

Semi-Pro
No.. it's got plenty of power. I eventually had to switch back to my 100X instead. I found that I couldn't sustain the 335 swing weight. My arm was dead tired by the end of the first set.
 
What's the difference between the Prince Phantom 100G and Prince Phantom 100P (2021) - for a competitive player 4.5/5.0 - Spin Control and Confort (elbow saver) - I would like to switch for one of both frames, thank you
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
What's the difference between the Prince Phantom 100G and Prince Phantom 100P (2021) - for a competitive player 4.5/5.0 - Spin Control and Confort (elbow saver) - I would like to switch for one of both frames, thank you

Box Beam and Crossbar on the G give it a bit more firmness in the throat. P is a bit more aerodynamic with more even flex distribution. Both have ATS and CTS systems in play so you get nice feel and reasonable hoop stiffness where the prior Phantoms needed it the most.
The big difference is probably control as the string bed is a bit tighter in the sweetspot of the 100P. Little less likely to launch but maybe a little less spin.

Still think the 107G is the winner of the G group and the 100P is the winner of the P group.
 

Demented

Semi-Pro
I'm a medium height guy 5'9" with fairly unimpressive arm length so I decided to try out the 100G LB. It's taken me months to comfortably support the weight (335 SW, around 12 ounces static). I video almost all of my matches with Swing Vision and my average's went up 5 mph on my forehand, 10 mph on my 1 handed backhand and 5 mph on serve. It takes a lot more effort to produce heavy spin but the depth control/ease of pace generation has really started to improve my game.

Ignore my terrible volleys, I haven't been able to do anything right at the net since I changed frames. I'm in yellow. My ball shape with a Phantom 100X had a lot more lift/launch angle and I was really struggling to keep it in the court when I went for a winner. With the 100G LB, I can get the depth without needing so much height.

 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
I'm a medium height guy 5'9" with fairly unimpressive arm length so I decided to try out the 100G LB. It's taken me months to comfortably support the weight (335 SW, around 12 ounces static). I video almost all of my matches with Swing Vision and my average's went up 5 mph on my forehand, 10 mph on my 1 handed backhand and 5 mph on serve. It takes a lot more effort to produce heavy spin but the depth control/ease of pace generation has really started to improve my game.

Ignore my terrible volleys, I haven't been able to do anything right at the net since I changed frames. I'm in yellow. My ball shape with a Phantom 100X had a lot more lift/launch angle and I was really struggling to keep it in the court when I went for a winner. With the 100G LB, I can get the depth without needing so much height.

You can see the heaviness of the ball when it hits the court and explodes up.
 

Demented

Semi-Pro
Here's a video with the 100X. You can see the trajectory difference switching rackets made. Especially the punch/depth of my 1 handed backhand. This is filmed like ~4 months ago. I used to be forehand dominant and today ~75% of my winners come off the backhand wing. The young guy I'm playing could bully my 1 handed backhand with the 100x and with the 100G LB, it really doesn't care how hard he hits it.

 
Box Beam and Crossbar on the G give it a bit more firmness in the throat. P is a bit more aerodynamic with more even flex distribution. Both have ATS and CTS systems in play so you get nice feel and reasonable hoop stiffness where the prior Phantoms needed it the most.
The big difference is probably control as the string bed is a bit tighter in the sweetspot of the 100P. Little less likely to launch but maybe a little less spin.

Still think the 107G is the winner of the G group and the 100P is the winner of the P group.
Ok Perfect, so I should prefer the 100P. but I'll test them this week, I called Tad's and they got both ;)
 
Here's a video with the 100X. You can see the trajectory difference switching rackets made. Especially the punch/depth of my 1 handed backhand. This is filmed like ~4 months ago. I used to be forehand dominant and today ~75% of my winners come off the backhand wing. The young guy I'm playing could bully my 1 handed backhand with the 100x and with the 100G LB, it really doesn't care how hard he hits it.

Thank you for posting that, very funny apps, i use it sometimes. Very interesting idea about the extended LG, even if I'm not especially looking for that. I really enjoy the Prince racquets, and love to play sometimes with the 107 POG tour.
I'm more focus on the flexibility /Confort of the racquet at the moment.
107G is a good option too, but coming from a Blade 98 v7, the 100 G or P are more adapted to my game.
 
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