Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I'm waiting for someone to post an impression. Not much else to comment on until that happens.
New Phantom Pro (18x20) (320)
- Thread starter 2nd Serve Ace
- Start date
I'm waiting for someone to post an impression. Not much else to comment on until that happens.
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
I’ll post a full review tomorrow! Wife says it’s bed time
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Can’t you just type out a synopsis under the covers after she falls asleep? You know you want to!
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Hansen
Professional
pics please, i would like to see the actual string spacingg
And??
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
Prince Phantom Pro 100 (18x20)
Prince Diablo Prism 16g at 43/41 & Prince Diablo 17g at 43
Experience/Background - Started playing tennis again after a 8 year hiatus in 2015, got bumped to 4.0 in 2017.
Play Style - Generally an all courter, but I love to finish points at the net. Typical big serve, big forehand (lots of unforced errors), with a one-handed backhand.
Previous Racket - Phantom Pro 100 (16x18) with Prince Tour XP 17g at 45/43
Hours - I've logged about 8-10 hours with this racket so far
Groundstrokes: I've finally found a "point and shoot" racket for me. I really haven't ever played with or gelled with an 18x20 until this racquet, especially on groundstrokes. It's always felt like hitting with a 2x4 and I couldn't generate any spin. However, most of those were on the lighter side and thicker beams. Forehands are where this thing shines for me. The racket provides a very predictable response. I am able to get easy depth and power when needed for cross court rallies or dip the ball short when necessary. Control is the standout factor for me with this racquet. I feel like I can swing out on big forehands and still keep the ball in. Hitting backhand slices were a dream with it. The only thing I will have to get used to is the added weight coming from the 16x18 on my OHB.
Serves: Flat serves were very accurate. I don't think I lost any mph's coming from the lighter 16x18. I really liked hitting slice serves and kickers out wide on the ad-side. 0 complaints with the 18x20 on serves
Volleys: Coming from the 16x18, the added stability and weight were highly welcomed with the 18x20. The only problem I have had on volleys are adjusting depth. This isn't something wrong with the racket, I just need a little more time volleying. I really loved 1/2 volleys and lower pickups with this racket compared to the 16x18. Those seemed to fly a little more with the 16x18.
Returns: Absolutely love this racket on returns! I really feel like I can take any kind of cut at the ball on either side with the confidence of the ball staying in. I've had more success with backhand lobs than the 16x18.
General comments: I will be making the switch to the 18x20. The 16x18 will always have a spot in my bag, but I will be purchasing a few more of the 18x20s as my go-to racquet. While this may seem like a glowing review from me, your results may be different. However, if you like the 16x18, but felt it was a little unstable and unpredictable, the 18x20 would be a great demo or even as a blind purchase.
I will be testing this with the usual Tour XP 17g at 45/43 next weekend.
Prince Diablo Prism 16g at 43/41 & Prince Diablo 17g at 43
Experience/Background - Started playing tennis again after a 8 year hiatus in 2015, got bumped to 4.0 in 2017.
Play Style - Generally an all courter, but I love to finish points at the net. Typical big serve, big forehand (lots of unforced errors), with a one-handed backhand.
Previous Racket - Phantom Pro 100 (16x18) with Prince Tour XP 17g at 45/43
Hours - I've logged about 8-10 hours with this racket so far
Groundstrokes: I've finally found a "point and shoot" racket for me. I really haven't ever played with or gelled with an 18x20 until this racquet, especially on groundstrokes. It's always felt like hitting with a 2x4 and I couldn't generate any spin. However, most of those were on the lighter side and thicker beams. Forehands are where this thing shines for me. The racket provides a very predictable response. I am able to get easy depth and power when needed for cross court rallies or dip the ball short when necessary. Control is the standout factor for me with this racquet. I feel like I can swing out on big forehands and still keep the ball in. Hitting backhand slices were a dream with it. The only thing I will have to get used to is the added weight coming from the 16x18 on my OHB.
Serves: Flat serves were very accurate. I don't think I lost any mph's coming from the lighter 16x18. I really liked hitting slice serves and kickers out wide on the ad-side. 0 complaints with the 18x20 on serves
Volleys: Coming from the 16x18, the added stability and weight were highly welcomed with the 18x20. The only problem I have had on volleys are adjusting depth. This isn't something wrong with the racket, I just need a little more time volleying. I really loved 1/2 volleys and lower pickups with this racket compared to the 16x18. Those seemed to fly a little more with the 16x18.
Returns: Absolutely love this racket on returns! I really feel like I can take any kind of cut at the ball on either side with the confidence of the ball staying in. I've had more success with backhand lobs than the 16x18.
General comments: I will be making the switch to the 18x20. The 16x18 will always have a spot in my bag, but I will be purchasing a few more of the 18x20s as my go-to racquet. While this may seem like a glowing review from me, your results may be different. However, if you like the 16x18, but felt it was a little unstable and unpredictable, the 18x20 would be a great demo or even as a blind purchase.
I will be testing this with the usual Tour XP 17g at 45/43 next weekend.
Thank you for this.
Do you find it to have more power vs the 16x18 as well?
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Wait, You sound just like me (well, a few decades younger) are you also lefty?
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Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
Power levels were pretty close to the 16x18; however, I felt more connected to the ball with the 18x20. So that allowed me to swing out a little more for some added mph's.
I wish! My kicker out wide to the ad is decent, but nowhere near the nastiness of a lefty slice over there
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
Also, if anyone uses Prince's power levels, it is 725 on the 18x20
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Power is so hard to quantify since it encompasses velocity, launch angle and spin.
One question: similar comfort to the 100p?
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
I agree. I take those numbers with a grain of salt.
I haven't played with the 100p, so I can't really comment on that. I have only played with the Phantom O-ports, Pro 16x18, and now the 18x20. All 3 are very comfortable to me, but I would have to pick the 18x20 as the most comfortable to me in stock form. O-ports were very unstable against bigger hitters, 16x18 was better in that area, but the weight of the 18x20 was the best.
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
add lead to the oport stick and you have a stick that is stable and flies through the air quicker. That is what I have done with my tour 18 20s. I can play those sticks heavier because of the ports.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
So sounds like it might have similar feel to the 93p. I find the 93p has more stability and control compared to the 100 and the swingweight and headlight balance probably account for that. Thin beams are nice but if they don’t have the plow they lose something.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
I’ve played with the 93P (18x 20, my current go-to), the pro100P, and the pro100 (16x18). The first 2 feel more similar to me. I use a dampener in both, due to the buzz I get outside of the sweetspot. I didn’t need it in my Textreme Tour 95 (2015 model). I also don’t use a dampener in the Pro 100, so I would put that racquet at the top in terms of comfort.
Does that help, or am I just rambling?
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Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
How's the comfort of the new PP100 (18x20)? The 55RA is very attractive, but I'm looking for first hand reports. The 93P is starting to give me golfer's elbow. Which is very odd because I've only ever gotten TE. I also hit my OHBH pretty well with it. I know GE can develop with late backhands, but that's not the case. I still can't get used to the hard leather feel. The PP100 (18x20) might be a good alternative. The PP100P and its 59RA isn't much difference from the 93P's 61RA.
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
Another thing: did your frame match the listed specs?
This has been weakness for Prince, lately.
This has been weakness for Prince, lately.
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
I forgot to measure unstrung, but strung with an "O" dampener and an over grip, it came in at 350g. I didn't measure balance, but it felt around 8-9 pts. headlight. I am cutting the strings out before playing again, so I will measure balance and weight unstrung.
RedBeard
Rookie
Quick Initial Review:
Snuck in an hour of drop feed hitting with 4.0 hitting partners and a club pro with New Phantom Pro 18x20. Strung with Gut mains & Head Hawk Touch crosses at 45lbs. WOW. This is the first racquet I've hit with in years where I've not had the desire to customize. For me, this racquet is stable, maneuverable, controlled when I want control, and powerful, when I need power...as-is. Comfort is, of course, excellent. The combo of Gut/Poly hybrid and low-powered, flexible frame is awesome. Spin production is maybe less than the Phantom Pro, but still, ample.
The controllable power of this setup was probably the standout feature, with my hitting partners commenting "what did you do to your forehand?!?". Had much more confidence that I could flatten out my forehand and keep the ball in with both spin and velocity.
I have owned Phantom Pro 100P, Phantom Pro, Textreme 95, and Textreme 100P, all in an effort to recapture memories of magical Prince racquets of my past. The Phantom Pro 18x20 doesn't necessarily recapture the feel of past prince racquets, but it has enough Prince-ness combined with enough modern-ness to give me the confidence that I have the best equipment on the court (which is how I used to feel when I had a Prince in my hands...in the 80s). This is a MUST TRY for 4.0+ players who've been struggling to find something to bridge the gap between their classic racquets of the past and modern/tweener frames.
Snuck in an hour of drop feed hitting with 4.0 hitting partners and a club pro with New Phantom Pro 18x20. Strung with Gut mains & Head Hawk Touch crosses at 45lbs. WOW. This is the first racquet I've hit with in years where I've not had the desire to customize. For me, this racquet is stable, maneuverable, controlled when I want control, and powerful, when I need power...as-is. Comfort is, of course, excellent. The combo of Gut/Poly hybrid and low-powered, flexible frame is awesome. Spin production is maybe less than the Phantom Pro, but still, ample.
The controllable power of this setup was probably the standout feature, with my hitting partners commenting "what did you do to your forehand?!?". Had much more confidence that I could flatten out my forehand and keep the ball in with both spin and velocity.
I have owned Phantom Pro 100P, Phantom Pro, Textreme 95, and Textreme 100P, all in an effort to recapture memories of magical Prince racquets of my past. The Phantom Pro 18x20 doesn't necessarily recapture the feel of past prince racquets, but it has enough Prince-ness combined with enough modern-ness to give me the confidence that I have the best equipment on the court (which is how I used to feel when I had a Prince in my hands...in the 80s). This is a MUST TRY for 4.0+ players who've been struggling to find something to bridge the gap between their classic racquets of the past and modern/tweener frames.
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Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
That's the response I got from my playing partners when I started using the 93P. To the point where they all chat after points to specifically stay away from my FH.
From your impression I'm getting the vibe that the 100 18x20 is like a more forgiving 93P. Same great feel. Same great control. Same great balance so you don't feel you need to move weight around to get it "right".
ej28405
New User
I have (4) 93p's and have been using them exclusively for a couple months now but decided to buy one of these and it just arrived this morning! Hoping to hit with it and I can report back with some good info on how they compare. I stuck with my normal string 17g Klip Lightning hybrid with NG in the mains and Synthetic gut crosses. I have been stringing my 93p at around 51-52 mains and 47-48 crosses. However with the head size being 100 vs. 93 and the prince power scale at 725 up from 600 on the 93p, I felt I needed to up the tension. Went 55/52. Hope it's not too board-like. We shall see.
More to come soon...
More to come soon...
Hansen
Professional
pics please
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Just shadow swinging (I'm sure you have) does it feel similar in balance to the 93P?
Mine came last night.. 340gr and 10pts HL after overgrip.. i usually string my pp100 16x18 with multifeel black 16g around 48lbs but this one I am trying velocity black 17 at 50/48.. figured 16 gauge may be little thick for it...
Will write impressions tomorrow after I play with it for the first time.
Will write impressions tomorrow after I play with it for the first time.
ej28405
New User
Here are some pics. I put my 93p side by side and on top of the 100 for comparison.pics please
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D00-A4F38097C28B_zpscuqxl71d.jpeg.html]
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[/URL][URL=http://s86.photobucket.com/user/ej28405/media/C332C1F6-A8E8-4D04-A65F-304B7150F0C2_zpso5z4gqvm.jpeg.html]
[/URL][URL=http://s86.photobucket.com/user/ej28405/media/0C81F4A8-AE85-4D95-93A6-0133EBF21B5D_zpsszk9nakk.jpeg.html]
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ej28405
New User
For me it feels very similar if not close to identical in balance. One thing I noticed that was slightly different (other than the head size obviously...) is that the throat of the 100 is more curved or rounded whereas the 93p is more ‘boxy’. Something I noticed pretty quickly.
RedBeard
Rookie
I haven't hit with the 93P, but there's definitely more forgiveness than the tt95. Control is there. With the flex, the feel is different than any other 18x20 I've ever hit with...much more muted. But with the weight, it's much more solid than the other Phantom 100 variants. I'm really struggling to think of anything to compare it to. The combo of thin beam, low stiffness, 12oz weight, round-ish shape and 18x20 is something I just don't have a reference point to compare to.
RedBeard
Rookie
I believe TW is now the exclusive distributor in the US only. Starting to see Princes pop up in other places though, so they must be cutting some new deals to widen their reach.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Well your pretty much describing the 93P so I suspect they are going to be similar.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
I think of the feel of the 93P as “Solid”. I tend to drive the ball, hit flatter. With the the Pro 100 (16x18 at least) I think of it as “plush” - like a Cadillac. I feel the flex. I like to hit near the top of the hoop to really dig into it. I tend to brush more, slice more, caress volleys more. It’s really reminiscent of a wood racquet in some ways. I didn’t make the connection at first, since I was never really a wood racquet guy, even during the Borg era. I only feel this way because I picked up an old wood Jack Kramer to mess around with, and thought, “this feels kinda like my Pro 100”
Don’t take my word as gospel, I’m still learning, not yet a racquet sommelier. I just know for myself, the Pro 100 and both the “P’s” are more like cousins, not separated at birth.
I’m really excited to try the 18x20!
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tigonian02
New User
It’s out for demo now
I currently use the Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro (w leather grip) w RPM Blast at 50 lbs. Recently had shoulder and arm/elbow issues, I don't think it is due to racket, or something a hybrid setup can't cure. I used to use the Prince EXO3 16x18, for similar injury, and it was great, didn't miss any playing time. Concern w EXO3 was high launch angle, great for dive bombing at baseline, but not sometimes had too much air and not enough plow. And it lacked mass in head, ports, more of a sabre than a hammer. Was going to purchase the Phantom Pro 16x18 (and add lead in head), but 18x20 just came out (within hours). Bought it, strung w RPM (48) and NXG (50) and finally got out. The control is pinpoint, with bigger sweet spot than 16x19 Prestige Pro. Angles are great when you get out in front of ball (flat or top). Power is fine. Slicing is great. Topspin was more than I thought, a tighter spin than Prestige Pro. I was a little nervous about serving, due to my arm, but I found my slices and spins into body were fine even at 80%. Flat serves are going to take just a little more time. Volleys are solid and the racquet is quick even for it's weight. I am still adjusting to a 18x20 for touch w spin around the net, but that's on me. Hope this helps.
Wow lol that's a gutsy move. I am surprised with the positive reviews. Most seem to be able to play it stock with minimal transition or modification.
I hope so. I really liked the 93P but I could tell if I have an off day then it would not be that forgiving. That being said It is the most forgiving mid I have ever played with and I liked it better than the Phantom Pro 100. I just figured that the 100 18x20 would be more forgiving and just feel like a larger 93P. I hope I’m right or I will just be buying a 93P right after.
frogboy2002
Rookie
if this stream of praise continues it will be hard not to pick one of these up if they come to the UK!
frogboy2002
Rookie
93p maybe? Think I'm about to buy one!
ej28405
New User
Tonight for the 1st time I'll be hitting some singles with my new Phantom Pro (18x20) (320). I'll try to post something later on this evening with how it is compares to the 93p. I've played months with the 93p so I should be able to tell pretty quickly with how it is similar/different. More to follow...
frogboy2002
Rookie
I will look forward to that, thinking I will end up buying both unless 93p just becomes so good that I have to buy some more!
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
I'm torn between the 93P and the 100 (18x20)... please help.
mrmike
Semi-Pro
Last time I owned a racquet with a 55RA was a Boris Becker Delta Core London Tour 93 That was a pretty sweet feeling frame, but eventually I found myself missing the forgiveness of a larger head size. This is what is making me lean toward the 100 sq. inch 18x20 instead of the 93.
That’s exactly why I went ahead and ordered the 100 Pro 18x20 instead of the 93P.
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