Deciding between 2 sticks!

[drummerboy]

Hi

Looking to change gear. I am playing with Prince O3 Tour for some time but want to change. I discovered that around 315gr is my ideal weight. 300gr is too light and 330gr is too heavy. So I was looking for 2 choices. First is Pure Drive Tour and second Prince Original Graphite 100. Anyone have some tips or some experiences that can recommend me what to buy? All the other tips in the range of 315gr 100 sq are also welcome. Thanks

 

[mhkeuns]

I would go with the Pure Drive Tour. It is a great frame that does everything well. I would think the Graphite 100 is a bit more demanding, especially compared to the PDT.

 

[Zlatni]

PCG 100 is much more demanding. PDT very easy to play with.
If you are coming from O3 Tour, PCG will probably play closer to it.
PDR makes playing much easier, but is lacking in feel. These are at the complete opposite end of spectrum.


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[LeeD]

Depends if control is more important than power.
Rackets as stiff as PDrives generally cause arm pain unless it's weighted up to the 12 oz range. Not every case, but a huge majority of cases.
Softer flexing rackets can be fine on joints at most weights.
I weight up my F5T's to 12 oz, and it's very arm friendly, with a 72 flex RA.

 

[n8dawg6]

prince 100P, head rad, speed, and extreme pros, PA tour oughtta be on your list to try as well.

 

[Dominic]

PDT if you like Power , Spin and just easy to play with, also I don't find it to string sensitive...anything works
Prince Original Graphite 100 is more control orientated, Softer, Plusher...
Both are Great rackets, just very different

 

[pfrischmann]

What kind of player are you and what would you say are your best weapons? Have you ever had arm problems?

 

[PhxRacket]

What kind of player are you and what would you say are your best weapons? Have you ever had arm problems?

@pfrischmann
I am nearing the end of a fruitful demo run and looking to buy a pair of new sticks. I am 47, former collegiate player who is returning to tennis. I'm am 90% recovered from a bout of TE. Currently play with a BLX Blade 98, but want something different, that won't aggravate a healing elbow and will add some oomph to my game. Prior to getting injured I played USTA league doubles and rec singles. I prefer classic serve and volley as I have a big serve and forehand. Whaddya think?

 

[pfrischmann]

Unfortunately, the Pure Drive Tour is the best stick I''ve ever served with. It's a known arm killer unless you can soften in with gut or similar, which is how roddick used to use it. For some players, it can become too powerful with guy/syngut. I think if you have more of a touch game, the POG is a better choice but I honestly have stone hands and have trouble controlling really powerful racquets.

I'd just be really careful with the PDT if the blade gave you TE.

FWIW.

 

[PhxRacket]

Yeah, I pretty much wrote off Babolat after the TE. Looking at other manufacturers. Demoed the PDT and LOVED serves, groundies, volleys...missed the deft touch I have with the Blade.

 

[sma1001]

Moving from any O3 racquet to a PD is a big leap in dynamic stiffness. So just be a little careful if you make that choice.

 

[drummerboy]

Hey this is a classic case of thread hijacking I really dont know that levels of players but I know how to play and play prety decent recreational game. My weapon is my forehand. I play mostly from baseline and wait for short ball to come in. I played before with Pure Drive 300gr but it was too light for me. As said I really prefer something in the range of 315 grams and thats it. Never had any problems with tennis elbow only moderate shoulder pain. The thing is I also played with POG Classic 93 and really liked it so I am really in dilema here. I know those are both great sticks.

 

[wsk429]

If weight is the only issue because you only mentioned weight, then $4 worth of lead tape will fix that. If you're looking for a different feel, you should demo if you can. Asking people's opinion on feel is like asking them what strawberry tastes like.

 

[moon shot]

Good Point sma1001 makes. The Prince o3 is a very flexible muted frame, the POG 100 sounds like fun to me, but I think you would find it to have less power. The Pure Drive has loads of easily accessible power, but also can be punishing if your form isn't good.

What kind of strings do you like?

 

[drummerboy]

Good Point sma1001 makes. The Prince o3 is a very flexible muted frame, the POG 100 sounds like fun to me, but I think you would find it to have less power. The Pure Drive has loads of easily accessible power, but also can be punishing if your form isn't good.

What kind of strings do you like?

Price is also a factor so I like cheaper good poly like Weisscannon Silverstring or Solinco Revolution/Tour Bite. I know you must string those lower especially in Babolats.

 

[moon shot]

@drummerboy do you mean the Prince Classic Graphite 100?
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Graphite_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PCG100.html

edited for terrible thought construction

It is 331g, I guess you mean 315g unstrung? In practice you may have found that the racquets you liked are 315g, but static weight typically matters less than swingweight, balance, and how the weight is distributed (which is harder to quantify). Are there other racquets that are 315g which reinforced this conclusion?

Are you familiar with swingweight? It correlates more to how hard it is to swing. If I was going to choose a racquet on one measurement it would be that. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/improve/article.html?ccode=IPRARACTERM

 

[NU9]

Hey this is a classic case of thread hijacking I really dont know that levels of players but I know how to play and play prety decent recreational game. My weapon is my forehand. I play mostly from baseline and wait for short ball to come in. I played before with Pure Drive 300gr but it was too light for me. As said I really prefer something in the range of 315 grams and thats it. Never had any problems with tennis elbow only moderate shoulder pain. The thing is I also played with POG Classic 93 and really liked it so I am really in dilema here. I know those are both great sticks.

Personally, while knowing very little about you or your tennis game, I'd go with the Pure Drive. I am assuming you do not have TE. Your forehand will get bigger and feel is a trait very dependent on the player. Personally, I think that I have more feel and touch with a stiffer racquet. The PD is an awesome one with loads of power and spin. It also classically falls into the subset of "cool" racquets, which shouldn't matter but often does.

To play devils advocate to myself, if you are looking to develop a control game and have not liked the feel of stiff sticks you may or may not have hit with in the past then the OG is the stick for you.

 

[drummerboy]

@drummerboy do you mean the Prince Classic Graphite 100?
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Classic_Graphite_100_Racquets/descpageRCPRINCE-PCG100.html

It is 331g, maybe you mean unstrung? Not that I think its the best criteria to pick a racquet. Are you familiar with swingweight, which correlated more to how hard it is to swing, and the other specs too. - http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/improve/article.html?ccode=IPRARACTERM

Yes I meant POG 100. And yes 315 is unstrung weight of that stick. PDT has the same weight but a little higher swingweight I saw. I always loved how POG and O3 tour has that lower swingweight and really flies through the air fast. But I think a little higher swingweight from PDT shouldnt be a problem cause my fitness level is adequate enough.

Hm must edit this post cause I saw that Prostaff 97 has great specs. 315 unstrung, 16/19, low swingweight so I also must include this stick in my choice.

 

[moon shot]

Yes I meant POG 100. And yes 315 is unstrung weight of that stick. PDT has the same weight but a little higher swingweight I saw. I always loved how POG and O3 tour has that lower swingweight and really flies through the air fast. But I think a little higher swingweight from PDT shouldnt be a problem cause my fitness level is adequate enough.

Hm must edit this post cause I saw that Prostaff 97 has great specs. 315 unstrung, 16/19, low swingweight so I also must include this stick in my choice.

By what you've said about weight I think you are playing with the midsize version of the O3 Tour, here are the specs:

Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12oz / 340g
Balance: 8pts Head Light
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 63
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses

Unless you are trying to change something about your game or the feel of the racquet I would suggest sticking close to the same swingweight, balance, and other specs as much as reasonable.

The RF97 is among the heaviest, most stable, and powerful racquets on sale - if you can swing it consistently. It has a considerably higher stiffness and swingweight which would indicate the same swing to return deep currently would go long with the RF.

The Pure Drive Tour is in the same boat as the RF, its a big weapon but far more power than the O3 so you will need to judge your swings more to keep from hitting long, to find how to control your shots.

Are you able to demo racquets?

Do you want to trade some control for power, maneuverability for stability, or do you want to get something new but are happy how your game is now?

Suggestion for similar:
Prince Textreme Tour 95
Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 612.9 sq. cm.
Strung Weight: 11.8oz / 334.52g
Balance: 12.47in / 31.67cm / 8 pts HL
Swingweight: 322
Stiffness: 60
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

Less maneuverable / more powerful / taxing
Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 (330g)
Head Size: 97 sq. in. / 625.81 sq. cm.
Strung Weight: 12.2oz / 345.86g
Balance: 12.62in / 32.05cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight: 334
Stiffness: 66
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses

much less maneuverable / far more power / more taxing
Wilson RF97
Head Size: 97 sq. in. / 625.81 sq. cm.
Strung Weight: 12.6oz / 357.2g
Balance: 12.38in / 31.45cm / 9 pts HL
Swingweight: 335
Stiffness: 68
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

Less control / far more power
Babolat Pure Drive Tour
Head Size: 100 in² / 645 cm²
Strung Weight: 11.8oz / 334.52g
Balance: 12.75in / 32.39cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight: 327
Stiffness: 70
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

 

[drummerboy]

By what you've said about weight I think you are playing with the midsize version of the O3 Tour, here are the specs:

Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12oz / 340g
Balance: 8pts Head Light
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 63
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses

Unless you are trying to change something about your game or the feel of the racquet I would suggest sticking close to the same swingweight, balance, and other specs as much as reasonable.

The RF97 is among the heaviest, most stable, and powerful racquets on sale - if you can swing it consistently. It has a considerably higher stiffness and swingweight which would indicate the same swing to return deep currently would go long with the RF.

The Pure Drive Tour is in the same boat as the RF, its a big weapon but far more power than the O3 so you will need to judge your swings more to keep from hitting long, to find how to control your shots.

Are you able to demo racquets?

Do you want to trade some control for power, maneuverability for stability, or do you want to get something new but are happy how your game is now?

Suggestion for similar:
Prince Textreme Tour 95
Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 612.9 sq. cm.
Strung Weight: 11.8oz / 334.52g
Balance: 12.47in / 31.67cm / 8 pts HL
Swingweight: 322
Stiffness: 60
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

Less maneuverable / more powerful / taxing
Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 (330g)
Head Size: 97 sq. in. / 625.81 sq. cm.
Strung Weight: 12.2oz / 345.86g
Balance: 12.62in / 32.05cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight: 334
Stiffness: 66
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses

much less maneuverable / far more power / more taxing
Wilson RF97
Head Size: 97 sq. in. / 625.81 sq. cm.
Strung Weight: 12.6oz / 357.2g
Balance: 12.38in / 31.45cm / 9 pts HL
Swingweight: 335
Stiffness: 68
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

Less control / far more power
Babolat Pure Drive Tour
Head Size: 100 in² / 645 cm²
Strung Weight: 11.8oz / 334.52g
Balance: 12.75in / 32.39cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight: 327
Stiffness: 70
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses

No moonshot. Its the old O3 Tour. 315gr unstrung 100sq inch head, 16/18 pattern I think. It was the first o3 with holes. And about the Prostaff I didnt mean RF Prostaff but Prostaff 97.

 

[moon shot]

No moonshot. Its the old O3 Tour. 315gr unstrung 100sq inch head, 16/18 pattern I think. It was the first o3 with holes. And about the Prostaff I didnt mean RF Prostaff but Prostaff 97.

Looks like there were three versions, so midplus?
https://web.archive.org/web/2007031...nnis-warehouse.com/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3T.html

 

[drummerboy]

Looks like there were three versions, so midplus?
https://web.archive.org/web/2007031...nnis-warehouse.com/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3T.html

Yes thats the one. I see PDT really have similar specs so right nowI am favoring it. But still Prostaff 97 looks really promising. I am little concerned about moving from thin beam of Prince to a fat club frames of Babolat

 

[moon shot]

Yes thats the one. I see PDT really have similar specs so right nowI am favoring it. But still Prostaff 97 looks really promising. I am little concerned about moving from thin beam of Prince to a fat club frames of Babolat

Sounds about right, the 100 square inch 16x18 shouldn't be much different in control to a Pure Drive. I seem to remember people going from the Pure Drive to the Tour 100 (which replaced your O3) seeking more comfort so it makes sense that it'd be a two way street. The power especially in the upper hoop will be a step up, and mishits will be more jarring.

PS97 would be a interesting middle ground, if you could demo them. Yonex DR/Ai 98, Volkl Super G 10 Mid (320), Head XT Radical Pro, Tecnifibre TFight 315 Dynacore, Head Graphene XT Extreme Pro would also be comparable.

 

[drummerboy]

Made a mistake and went with Pure Drive Tour. Must say that this is the worst piece of **** I ever laid my hands on. This thing is completely uncontrolable. This thing is going straight to **** where it belongs.

 

[moon shot]

My condolences. Hope you could at least learn something about why it is wrong.

 

[mawashi]

Made a mistake and went with Pure Drive Tour. Must say that this is the worst piece of **** I ever laid my hands on. This thing is completely uncontrolable. This thing is going straight to **** where it belongs.

Why what happen, if you really hate the stick so much you can sell it to me just pm me.

 

[drummerboy]

Well its a totally different stick than Prince. Similar specs in weight and swingweight but this Babolat swings clumsy. Control is non existent etc. This is like a club that Fred Flintstone used to smack down on dinosaurs. Sticking with Prince from now on and gonna find some used O3's cheap. Lesson learned.

 

[junior74]

PCG 100 is not demanding. It does what you tells it to. Great racquet, comfortable too.
If you want easier power at the same weight, still comfortable: Volkl V1 pro.

A bit more demanding, but very nice feeling racquet: Wilson Blade 98.

 

[drummerboy]

What is PCG100? Did you mean POG 100? I decided I am not changin brands anymore. Nothing comes close to the surgical precision of Prince frames. Also Textreme Tour 95 looks really sweet by specs. Only downside could be 95 square head.

 

[moon shot]

What is PCG100? Did you mean POG 100? I decided I am not changin brands anymore. Nothing comes close to the surgical precision of Prince frames. Also Textreme Tour 95 looks really sweet by specs. Only downside could be 95 square head.

The POG are sold as Prince Classic Graphite now, unless you are talking about a previous version.

You might also look at the Warrior 100, and the Tour 100 versions. The 16x18 version on sale now would be closest to yours. I think I read that a Textreme Tour 100 (not L or P) may be in the works, and changes are that would be even closer to the weight you like. http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/prince-2016.553191/page-2

edit: Warrior 100 is the most 'Pure Drive' of current prince racquets, you may like it better, but people do compare them.

edit: This could be similar, or maybe not, I can't read anything - but they ship worldwide from japan! - http://item.rakuten.co.jp/racket/pri-7tj016/

 

[MixedMaster]

If weight is the only issue because you only mentioned weight, then $4 worth of lead tape will fix that. If you're looking for a different feel, you should demo if you can. Asking people's opinion on feel is like asking them what strawberry tastes like.

I agree with wsk429...You can do a bunch of different things when applying lead tape. you can change the head weight, size of the sweet spot, plow through, touch, and how solid the stick hits. I think I'd play around with the tape if you like your current racket.

 

[robbo1970]

Well its a totally different stick than Prince. Similar specs in weight and swingweight but this Babolat swings clumsy. Control is non existent etc. This is like a club that Fred Flintstone used to smack down on dinosaurs. Sticking with Prince from now on and gonna find some used O3's cheap. Lesson learned.

Sometimes the specs on paper look similar, but we don't play on paper and the reality can prove differently.

If you like the Prince feel, then as moon shot says, the Warrior 100 and Tour 100 are worth a look.

The Volkl V-Sense 8 315g also looks to have potential for what you're after. I don't read many bad words said about Volkl sticks.

 

[Chotobaka]

In addition to the V-Sense 315, you can demo the V-Sense 9 and the Super G 315 as additional alternatives to the PD.

 

[Automatix]

Sometimes the specs on paper look similar, but we don't play on paper and the reality can prove differently.

Also we often do not take into account specific beam geometry, string spacing (not to be mistaken with string pattern) or the fact that the stiffness data is for one point only, whereas to truly know a racquets flex we'd need data from a couple areas.

 

[Jim A]

I went from the 03 Speedport Tour to the Graphene Speed Pro. Had a short lived affair with the Extreme Pro 2.0 but the GSP was a great option. Sounds like the non pro would be a good fit for you weight wise and there are some good deals out there for that model.


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[JohnBPittsburgh]

The Prince Classic Graphite 100 is a great frame....finding grommets for it....not so great Get multiples of the frame if you like it and plan on sticking with it (or grommets if you find them...they are harder to find than unicorns and leprechauns)

The Prince Tour 16x18 is another option, it is very similar to your frame. If you want more control, there is also an 18x20 version. Power, add lead at 12, or gut/poly or both

Lol, yeah, I can see going from a soft plush frame from the vault of Prince, to the Pure Drive, to be the tennis equivalent to selling your soul

The new Textreme line is great (the entire line). You might need to add a little weight to the TT100T, but it seems like a good compromise between your O3 Tour and the Pure Drive. It has regular grommets, ridiculous feel, and basically the same string pattern that you are already used to. Get a pack of blutack and a TT100T. The TT95 is a great frame, but it isn't as forgiving as the 100 inch Textremes (T,P,L, etc.). I would give the edge in feel and control to the TT95, everything else, to the weighted up TT100T. (If you can master the TT95, it is an amazing frame)

Good luck on the hunt!! Let me know if you find the elusive Holy Grail

(also, an O3 White with a little tailweighting is a great option, especially at the TW blowout price going on right now. It is a stiffer version of your O3 Tour, with a little thicker beam. Grab a leather grip or some blutack, and hit the courts. Prince seems to love 16x18 patterns, so sticking with the brand, you will find a lot of familiarity in terms of feel and string spacing)

 

[drummerboy]

I decided and gave Pure Drive Tour another chance. I am really starting to love this stick. Once you get the hang of that woofer trampoline effect that sweet spot really feels good. Its also important to really pay attention to that low to high swing and you really get great spin and consistency this way. I felt like I couldnt miss a ball. Not my favourite for flat hitting but I can live with that. Gonna keep the stick. Just a word of caution to new buyers. Purchase 1 grip lower that you play cause Babolat really have that big grips.