BNPPO Racquet Playtest

[Dartagnan64]

So I went early to the BNP Parabas Open today specifically to check out the TW tent and demo center.
Shout out to Brittany, Sean, Michelle, Chris who all introduced themselves and were very nice.
I tried out 3 rackets: Prince Phantom 93p 14x18, Prince Phantom 100p 18x20 and the Wilson Clash. Got lots of time to test them out since only a couple other guys were there.

Prince Phantom 93p 14x18 impressions:
Great mid feel like it’s brother the 18x20
Buttery crisp at impact
Much easier to get depth and defend
Higher launch angle and my topspin was really kicking high off the court
Not as nice at the net and less feel and control than the 93p 18x20.

Prince Phantom 100p 18x20
My favorite of the 100 sq in Phantoms
Felt much closer to the 93p in swing characteristics than the Phantom 100
Cold blooded performance at the net - drop volleys, angle volleys, punch volleys all hit with icy cold precision. Best net racket I’ve ever tried
From the baseline still had control and no problem with depth although lower launch angle was noticeable. Point and shoot of the 93p was there.
Super arm friendly. Felt better than my ported Phantom tbh

Wilson Clash
It was what everyone’s been saying - comfortable power
But... way worse control than the phantoms by a lot
Unless I was just hitting topspin groundies down the middle I couldn’t really be convinced wher the ball would go
Launch angle quite a bit higher than I want
But ... it was a great stick for my 3.5 spouse. She got better depth and net clearance than usual and really appreciated the comfort.

In the end, my wife got a Clash, I purchased the 100 18x20 as my new doubles stick. The extra forgiveness with all that control was too good to pass up. If I was playing more singles these days the 93p 14x18 would be high on my list. Really can play nice baseline game with enough control to still attack. But as a mostly doubles player I need lower launch angles, and control.

 

[tomato123]

Awesome, did you get to hit with the playtesters at all?

 

[jacob22]

Awesome, did you get to hit with the playtesters at all?

Usually it's against a ball machine they set up. But it's possible that if there wasn't a lot of people there, they might hit with you. More often, I've seen TW playtesters get in line to hit against the ball machine too.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Sean was hitting to the guy next to me and he hits a real nice ball. I got to take a swing at a few balls that wandered my way but no real hitting with them. The other playtesters were just hanging out but I said hello and introduced myself. Nice folks. I think Michelle has a permanent smile that never leaves her face.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Usually it's against a ball machine they set up. But it's possible that if there wasn't a lot of people there, they might hit with you. More often, I've seen TW playtesters get in line to hit against the ball machine too.

No ball machine when I was there. I hit with my wife and Sean was jumping in whenever someone came without a hitting partner.

 

[mad dog1]

I was there on Tuesday. Swung by but the line to the demo court was too long so I just said hello to Booney. Didn’t see any of the other playtesters.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I was there on Tuesday. Swung by but the line to the demo court was too long so I just said hello to Booney. Didn’t see any of the other playtesters.

Yeah secret is to go right as soon as they open. And on the Wednesday when it’s $20 to get in (keeps the riff raff out lol). Very quiet that day.

 

[t_pac]

Assume you mean the new 18x20 Phantom Pro 100, not 100p?

Sounds like a pretty good frame, love the specs. Assume it's still on the lower powered end of things like the other 100 inch Phantoms?

 

[haqq777]

Got my Phantom 100 from TW tent when it released over at IW a couple of years back. Could not get over how soft and plush it was. I mean that thing is butter. Anyway, TW staff is awesome. And they do have a great setup there. @Dartagnan64 have you made the permanent switch to the Phantom Pro 100 (18x20) from your 93P (18x20) then? I have yet to demo new pattern mid and the 100 (18x20). Did you find the Phantom Pro 100 (18×20) closer to 93P (18x20) or the Phantom 100? For me the latest 100 release is pretty enticing and if it is bigger 93P, might be the missing link right there. Although, hard to get mid qualities in a 100. But still.

 

[DTdragons645]

How big is the demo racquet selection at the court? I'm thinking of heading straight for the TW tent when I come to Indian Wells on Saturday morning to try out a few racquets that I've had my eye on for a while but couldn't test due to rain

 

[jacob22]

How big is the demo racquet selection at the court? I'm thinking of heading straight for the TW tent when I come to Indian Wells on Saturday morning to try out a few racquets that I've had my eye on for a while but couldn't test due to rain

They have probably 150-200 racquets usually. Pretty much all the current ones they sell.

 

[GeoffHYL]

The new Phantom Pro 100 18x20 is pretty close to the specs of the Tecnifibre TFight DC 315 Ltd. 18x20 that I just settled on for my doubles racquet. At some point I will demo the Prince racquet and see if it plays any better than the Tecnifibre.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Got my Phantom 100 from TW tent when it released over at IW a couple of years back. Could not get over how soft and plush it was. I mean that thing is butter. Anyway, TW staff is awesome. And they do have a great setup there. @Dartagnan64 have you made the permanent switch to the Phantom Pro 100 (18x20) from your 93P (18x20) then? I have yet to demo new pattern mid and the 100 (18x20). Did you find the Phantom Pro 100 (18×20) closer to 93P (18x20) or the Phantom 100? For me the latest 100 release is pretty enticing and if it is bigger 93P, might be the missing link right there. Although, hard to get mid qualities in a 100. But still.

Not sure yet about a full switch. I still think i hit a better forehand with the 93p. I’ll be mucking about with the string setup and weight and see where it goes. But prince did a nice job with this racket getting it closer to the 93P in feel and balance. I suspect I’ll be using both quite a bit depending on how i feel that day.

How big is the demo racquet selection at the court? I'm thinking of heading straight for the TW tent when I come to Indian Wells on Saturday morning to try out a few racquets that I've had my eye on for a while but couldn't test due to rain

Ton of rackets but only one court so get there early if you want some time. Almost all the most current rackets were available.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Had a little more time comparing the 18x20 Pro 100 and the 93P.

Played a couple sets one on one doubles with my wife. 93P hits the heavier groundies and definitely has a plow through advantage. Both serve very well for location and spin. Maybe the 93P gets a velocity advantage and the 100 a consistency advantage. Volleys were still best with the 100.

I could see myself preferring the 93P on days I’m going to be back nearer the baseline and playing indoors. The 100 would be my choice in adverse weather (wind and poor visibility) and if I’m serve and volleying more.

I also realized I need to get a different string bed and probably some lead at 12 o’clock for the 100 just to get it feeling a bit closer to the plow and SW of the 93p

 

[haqq777]

Well, ordered demos for new Phantoms. Will follow up on my feedback of the Pro 100 (18×20). Hoping it is more like 93P (18×20) and not it's 100 sq inch 16x18 siblings which aren't bad, but just not for me as main sticks. So far from the looks of, sounds very promising. I have two of the 93P (18×20) and those are wonderful racquets so big shoes to fill. I don't think any of these will be upping my V3 TC97 in all honesty. But the damn holic bug just won't make me sit still.