Is This Racquet A Prince Original Graphite (POG)?

[Sixpointone]

Hi All,

I was playing Tennis with a freind of mine from work and he kept telling me that he had an older frame. That of course is fine, as new Technology is not always better, rather it is just different, and might be better for some people. In fact I use a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 Stretch 110, which was first introduced in 1996 and some might consider to be an older frame.

In any event, after looking at his frame I am wonfer if his racquet might be a Prince Original Graphite (POG). And since I do not have a digital camera following is my description.

The frame is Black, with Green Pinstriping, and it has a leather grip, which appears to be original to the frame.

1) It is 27 inches in length.

2) It has what appears to be a 110 square inch head size.

3) The string pattern is 16 mains by 19 crosses.

4) There are no bumper and grommets on the frame.

5) The only writing on the frame is roughly at 7 O'Clock where the word Prince is written, and at roughly 5 O'Clock where the word graphite is written.

6) There is a Cross Bar stabilizer in the throat of the frame.

7) The tailcap is solid Black with a Gold Prince 'P' Logo.

8) The Head Cover is Tan/Brownish and goes down to just above where the handle starts. On it the writing says 'Prince Graphite.'

So, my question is, based on all of that, might someone be able to confirm if this frame is indeed a Prince Original Graphite (POG), or let me know if this is another frame altogether?

Thanks In Advance,
John

 

[ambro]

Yes, that is the description of the original POG OS, I am 99% sure of it. I'm no POG expert, but I did have two OS and a Mid at one time, and that sounds like a POG OS. Was there only one thin stripe in a light, mint-type green? If so, then I can say for sure that it is indeed a POG OS, first generation.

 

[Sixpointone]

Ambro,

Thanks for the lightning quick reply.

To answer your questions...

1) The color is not quite Mint Green, as it is what I call a Kelly Green color (the color worn by the NBA Boston Celtics).

2) There is, as you described, just one thinner stripe for the Pinstriping on the Racquet.

Does that sound as if it is indeed a first generation Prince original Graphite (POG)?

Thanks,
John

 

[Geoff]

The first generation POG was a 110 only and had drilled holes. The second generation also was a 110 only had individual replaceable grommets. The racket cover that you describe is exactly what came with both of these rackets.

 

[ambro]

Yea, it is a 1st gen POG Oversize.

 

[POGO]

yes, it sounds like the first generation POG. But, IMHO, unless it is in in prestine or at least 9 out of 10 condition, I wouldn't purchase it. A racket that old could have cracks.

The current POG plays very similar to the old one, from my experience.

You can actually get some really good deals on new and used current model pogs on **** and new ones at TW.

 

[Sixpointone]

Thanks All,

I truly appreciate the insight! And I am proud I was able to spot my friends racquet as being a Prince Original Graphite as I suspected.

He said it has not been heavily used, and barring some of the slight scrapes on the top of the frame, it seems to be in solid shape.

Having said that, the frame is not actually for sale, nor am I actually in the market for a new frame, as I have stocked up some time ago when my beloved Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 Stretch 110 was being discontinued.

Once again thank you to everyone who added to this thread, it is greatly appreciated.

All My Best,
John

 

[elbuzzard_lives]

i have a 6.1 110 stretch. i like that stick. ample power and a decent feel for an oversize. hurt my arm though.

 

[tandayu]

John (sixpointone),

It appears to be the earliest version POG based on your description (no grommet, no bumper guard). To confirms more, you can check if the handle is short or long (for 2 handed backhand). Then look at the "PRINCE" letters at 7 o'clock, check how many dots above the "i" of "prince".

Also look at the shape of the head, whether it is tear drop shape, or more rounded shape.

Do you want one? What is your grip size? I have several in 4 1/2 and 4 3/8 that I can sell, because the grip is too big for me if I apply tourna grip.

 

[Sixpointone]

Tandayu,

Since I hit two hands off my backhand, and actually two hands off of my forehand side as well, the grip seems a bit short. At least when compared to my Pro Staff 6.1 Classic Stretch 110. On the Prince the grip is about 7 inches in length.

As for the word "prince' at roughly 7 O'Clock there are three circles/dots. The bottom two have a green outline and look rather connected, and there is a solid green circle/dot above that.

As for the head shape it seems more rounded I suppose. At least as rounded as my 6.1, and certainly less tear shaped than an N5 I own.

My grip size I use is a 4 1/2, however at this time due to a combination budget constraints, and simply owning a lot of frames as is, I am going to pass on purchasing a POG.

Thank you very much for the offer though, I greatly appreciate it.

All My Best,
John

 

[Sixpointone]

ElBuzzard,

That is unfortunate that your 6.1 110 gave you arm troubles. I think I am fortunate that I have not experienced any issues with using the frame, as I have used it since 1996.

I do agree with your statement that it gives moderate power combined with decent feel, at least for my style of play.

I hope your arm is better.

Thanks,
John

 

[tandayu]

John, that frame is the oldest POG made in USA, based on your description. The ones sold after that are totally a different frames.
Enjoy,

Alex Tandayu

 

[JATENISTA]

I want

tandayu
I'm from Brasil and want to buy 2 POG OS 4 1/2 of yours
We don't have this racquets for sale here
How much do you want for them?Are they in good condicion??
THANKS
J Ademar

 

[tandayu]

janetisna, e mail me at rij_tan@yahoo.com