TripleB
Hall of Fame
Gamma T-7...my Lighter & Larger POG Mid!!!
After a five year (or longer), 84 demo racquets (or more), search for a lighter and slightly larger Prince Original Graphite Mid racquet, the racquet has finally been found.
It is the Gamma T-7!!!
11.4 ounces, 6.5 pts HL, 100 sq in, 100% graphite.
I'm currently demoing this racquet for the second time (string broke on a racquet I was demoing 2 weeks ago so when they sent me that one again I asked them to send me this one for the second time).
Fantastic feel to this racquet. It truly does feel like the graphite used in the POG was used in this one as well. Amazing flex (although it doesn't feel as flexy as the 57) that allows you to truly feel the ball dwell on the strings. It's hard to describe but it's almost the feeling that when you swing hard you can actually feel the ball flattening into the string bed and having it release with a 'whoosh'...like when they show a pro hitting the ball on super slow motion. The softer feel leads to a large feeling sweetspot with deadspots almost non existent (maybe at the very tip of the frame).
The power level is perfect...allows you to swing out and have the ball land deep in the court. Some racquets, when you swing hard, the extra effort just doesn't translate into the pace you would expect...not so with the T-7. If you make a powerful swing then you are rewarded with the pace. What's amazing though is that it's pace with plenty of control. It also has enough power to get you out of trouble and hit an offensive ball from a defensive position. Something that seems to be rare (at least for my game) with other 'players' racquets. I'm working on a new serve so the pop on the serve isn't there quite yet but excellent control.
Loved the spin potential (both slice and topspin) with this racquet...heavy topspin available on demand and slice stays extremely low with good pace. Wide open string pattern gives you all the spin you want. Just coming off double hernia surgery I haven't put 100% into my serve yet (fearful of stretching the surgery area too much) but it seems like with a big swing you'll get huge kick on the serve. Pop on serve was easier to come by than the other racquets I've been demoing recently.
Control is spot on when you're not too lazy to get your feet in position (after a 7 month lay off I've found my self being much too lazy right now). Cross court angles very easy with a flick of the wrist (and power with the shot as well) and down the line shots were pretty simple and with the head lightness of the racquet somewhat easy to disguise. Depth control was excellent...most balls traveled deep into the court.
Maneuverability is excellent (313 rating is probably right; with rubber band and one overgrip the demo measured around 6.5 points head light) and stability of the racquet never seems to suffer because of the weight or balance. It's maneuverability made sharp angles easy...something I've had problems with in the past with heavier racquets (especially off the forehand side).
I love racquets that allow me to pick the ball up on the rise and hit the ball deep without a fear of them flying on me. Something I've been missing with a lot of the racquets I've tried in the past. Easy to flatten the ball out from the midcourt to put the ball away.
I'm just amazed at the feel of this racquet, the control, the available power, and the spin potential. Just INCREDIBLE!!!
(and since orange is my favorite color, love the looks as well)
TripleB
After a five year (or longer), 84 demo racquets (or more), search for a lighter and slightly larger Prince Original Graphite Mid racquet, the racquet has finally been found.
It is the Gamma T-7!!!
11.4 ounces, 6.5 pts HL, 100 sq in, 100% graphite.
I'm currently demoing this racquet for the second time (string broke on a racquet I was demoing 2 weeks ago so when they sent me that one again I asked them to send me this one for the second time).
Fantastic feel to this racquet. It truly does feel like the graphite used in the POG was used in this one as well. Amazing flex (although it doesn't feel as flexy as the 57) that allows you to truly feel the ball dwell on the strings. It's hard to describe but it's almost the feeling that when you swing hard you can actually feel the ball flattening into the string bed and having it release with a 'whoosh'...like when they show a pro hitting the ball on super slow motion. The softer feel leads to a large feeling sweetspot with deadspots almost non existent (maybe at the very tip of the frame).
The power level is perfect...allows you to swing out and have the ball land deep in the court. Some racquets, when you swing hard, the extra effort just doesn't translate into the pace you would expect...not so with the T-7. If you make a powerful swing then you are rewarded with the pace. What's amazing though is that it's pace with plenty of control. It also has enough power to get you out of trouble and hit an offensive ball from a defensive position. Something that seems to be rare (at least for my game) with other 'players' racquets. I'm working on a new serve so the pop on the serve isn't there quite yet but excellent control.
Loved the spin potential (both slice and topspin) with this racquet...heavy topspin available on demand and slice stays extremely low with good pace. Wide open string pattern gives you all the spin you want. Just coming off double hernia surgery I haven't put 100% into my serve yet (fearful of stretching the surgery area too much) but it seems like with a big swing you'll get huge kick on the serve. Pop on serve was easier to come by than the other racquets I've been demoing recently.
Control is spot on when you're not too lazy to get your feet in position (after a 7 month lay off I've found my self being much too lazy right now). Cross court angles very easy with a flick of the wrist (and power with the shot as well) and down the line shots were pretty simple and with the head lightness of the racquet somewhat easy to disguise. Depth control was excellent...most balls traveled deep into the court.
Maneuverability is excellent (313 rating is probably right; with rubber band and one overgrip the demo measured around 6.5 points head light) and stability of the racquet never seems to suffer because of the weight or balance. It's maneuverability made sharp angles easy...something I've had problems with in the past with heavier racquets (especially off the forehand side).
I love racquets that allow me to pick the ball up on the rise and hit the ball deep without a fear of them flying on me. Something I've been missing with a lot of the racquets I've tried in the past. Easy to flatten the ball out from the midcourt to put the ball away.
I'm just amazed at the feel of this racquet, the control, the available power, and the spin potential. Just INCREDIBLE!!!
(and since orange is my favorite color, love the looks as well)
TripleB
Last edited:
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