New Prince Line: January 2009 (Pictures + Specs)

C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
New Prince Rackets: January 2009 (Pictures + Specs)

The Specs listed below are for the Japanese market as of their release in October. US specs differ in unstrung weight, and have been posted later on in the thread. Thanks for those who posted updated specs.

Upcoming Prince Advanced Player's Rackets(EXO3) very cool: Rebel and new POG's



I suspect Monfils is using one of the new Princes.

Line 1: EX-FLAT EXO3 Rebel
re95.jpg
re105.jpg

Rebel 95
95 Square inches
18x20
27 inches
20 mm straight beam
310 grams

Rebel 105
105 square inches
27.25 length
296 grams
16x19

Line 2: EX-SPIN EXO3 Graphite
gra93.jpg
gra100.jpg

Graphite 93
93 sq inch
27
19 mm beam
320 grams
16x18

Graphite 100
100 sq. inch
27 inch length
19.5 mm beam
310 grams
16x18


What does everyone think?

I am particularly interested in the rebel 95. The dense pattern and thin beam are very appealing as the specs are similar to my Volkl Classic 7.

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=21991963920&topic=5893&ref=mf
 
Last edited:
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
Japanese Translation New Tech for the rebel 95: The flexion of the thread is held down by the fact that the [densusutoringupatan] eye is made small, control is raised, the being cut off of [sutoringusu] is held down.The optimum to the player who seriously considers control and the player who cuts [sutoringusu] well.
* [densusutoringupatan] is function only of the 95inch2 racket.


From what I gather, the size of the ports have been reduced to reduce the flexing of the string bed.

This sounds good, as many players have disliked the trampoline like effect of previous 03 rackets.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
7 O ports instead of 6

Another cool aspect of the new graphite line is the fact that the have utilized 7 o ports on the sides of the frame rather than 6.

According to Prince this the extra O port is oriented higher on the frame, so as to raise the sweet spot.

Very interesting. I wonder when TW will get these in.
 
Conquistador

Conquistador

Banned
Chauvalito said:
It looks like a melding of old school players rackets and their new technologies.

Monfils is really playing well with his rebel 95, so I am willing to give them these rackets the benefit of the doubt.
Click to expand...

Monfils with Prince??? I thought he is with Head...If he does go to Prince is this a courtesy from Head to release money so that they can sign Djokovic?
 
mawashi

mawashi

Hall of Fame
Chauvalito said:
Another cool aspect of the new graphite line is the fact that the have utilized 7 o ports on the sides of the frame rather than 6.

According to Prince this the extra O port is oriented higher on the frame, so as to raise the sweet spot.

Very interesting. I wonder when TW will get these in.
Click to expand...

More port LOL! There's more air than graphite with these frames.

With my other frames I worry if they'll last 5 years, with this I'll worry if they'll last 1 year, disposable frames anyone?

mawashi
 
VGP

VGP

Legend
Forget the specs......I can't get past the paintjobs.

Looks like they were made for Lizard Man or Crocodile Boy.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
mawashi said:
More port LOL! There's more air than graphite with these frames.

With my other frames I worry if they'll last 5 years, with this I'll worry if they'll last 1 year, disposable frames anyone?

mawashi
Click to expand...

I really do think Prince makes High quality rackets, so 5 years should not be an issue.

However, with these new players sticks, Prince may have reduced the size of the o-ports in order too reduce the flex of the string bed.

This should have a noticeable effect on feel and durability of the frame.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
The Vendetta: Ferrer's new stick/PJ

venddbm.jpg
venddbm3.gif




97 Sq. Inch
27 Inch length
23 mm beam
16x20
300 Grams

An oversize version is also available
 
mawashi

mawashi

Hall of Fame
Chauvalito said:
I really do think Prince makes High quality rackets, so 5 years should not be an issue.

However, with these new players sticks, Prince may have reduced the size of the o-ports in order too reduce the flex of the string bed.

This should have a noticeable effect on feel and durability of the frame.
Click to expand...

I was just half joking but seriously, the ports really reduce the feel and the ports don't inspire confidence in durability.

Alarming no of posts bout the speedports cracking and whatever it is, more holes don't equal more durability.

mawashi
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
mawashi said:
I was just half joking but seriously, the ports really reduce the feel and the ports don't inspire confidence in durability.

Alarming no of posts bout the speedports cracking and whatever it is, more holes don't equal more durability.

mawashi
Click to expand...

I agree with you concerning the feel. I have rally tried to like all the O3 rackets I have played with, but for whatever reason I could never figure them out. I was not able to feel as comfortable as I do with my long-term sticks, or any other "solid" stick without holes.

BUT, if Prince has reduced the size of the holes on these rackets in order to address durability and feel issues I am willing to give them a try. I have always thought that there was an O3 out there that everyone could love, but for me they just had not made what I was looking for.

The rebel 95 may fit the bill provided it is more solid and has more feel than previous o3 rackets that I have played with.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
VGP said:
Forget the specs......I can't get past the paintjobs.

Looks like they were made for Lizard Man or Crocodile Boy.
Click to expand...

The rebel PJ's are a bit ridiculous, but I like how Prince stuck with the old design of the POG's...for the most part.
 
PBODY99

PBODY99

Legend
Thank you for the preview...........

The very first Prince Graphite frame did not have a grommet strip, just smooth bored holes. Going into my third year with the O3's and I haven't noticed and unusual breakage problems. Feel of course is personal, but the refinement for the "players" sticks should be interesting.
 
anirut

anirut

Legend
I think manufacturers are responding to our talks on this board: Old school players' sticks that suit the modern game.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
PBODY99 said:
The very first Prince Graphite frame did not have a grommet strip, just smooth bored holes. Going into my third year with the O3's and I haven't noticed and unusual breakage problems. Feel of course is personal, but the refinement for the "players" sticks should be interesting.
Click to expand...

anirut said:
I think manufacturers are responding to our talks on this board: Old school players' sticks that suit the modern game.
Click to expand...

Anirut, I agree completely

I have always thought that the 03 technology was a step forward in racket technology. For whatever reason, I have never been able to benefit from the new technology.

I don't know if this has to do with the fact that I have played with flexy Volkl's since I was 14, and still play with the same volkl I used during my junior career. In fact, I am still using the same racket(new ones of course) that I played with in my first junior tournament.

Anyway, I am prone to getting stoked about every new line of rackets that come out, but i am really interested to see what Prince has done to create players sticks within the o port technology.

I think with, both rackets, the grommets may be removable, just like in the black line, which will be really interesting, because you can essentially have control of the amount of power that your racket generates.
 
pfchang

pfchang

Professional
mawashi said:
More port LOL! There's more air than graphite with these frames.

With my other frames I worry if they'll last 5 years, with this I'll worry if they'll last 1 year, disposable frames anyone?

mawashi
Click to expand...

yo bro, you think you can hook me up with one of those when they come out?
 
R

Raiha

Rookie
I've been playing with the hybrid tours for about 2 years, and I'm wondering if I should get a few more or just wait for these new frames. I hate changing racquets but these exos look pretty sweet.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
Raiha said:
I've been playing with the hybrid tours for about 2 years, and I'm wondering if I should get a few more or just wait for these new frames. I hate changing racquets but these exos look pretty sweet.
Click to expand...

I don't want to encourage you to switch rackets but these might be worth a shot.

If you don't like them you can always get some more hybrid tours. Which one are you playing with by the way?

This one: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3HT.html

It is selling for $85.00 which is quite good.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
re95.jpg
re105.jpg
gra93.jpg
gra100.jpg




Does the head shape of the rebel look elongated, like a HEAD stick? Or did Prince stick to the round/circular design of the old rebel?
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
FedererForehand said:
Sorry but those frames are uglier than Rosie O'Donnell arse!
Click to expand...


For the most part I agree with you, I think the green graphites look better than the rebels.

Best new paintjob that I have see are the upcoming Dunlop line. They took the aerogel pj and K factored the PJ...but it looks more subtle and professional.

Someone posted pics in another thread somewhere...
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
TonyB said:
I hope they don't replace the POG mid with that monstrosity.

320g and a 16x18 pattern would ruin that racquet.
Click to expand...

Once strung this racket should weigh around 335 grams...within 6 grams of the original.

I wonder what made them choose to go with the 16x18 pattern rather than the 14x18 pattern.

Does anyone know if Prince is going to continue making the original POG's
 
T

TonyB

Hall of Fame
Chauvalito said:
Once strung this racket should weigh around 335 grams...within 6 grams of the original.

I wonder what made them choose to go with the 16x18 pattern rather than the 14x18 pattern.

Does anyone know if Prince is going to continue making the original POG's
Click to expand...


Well, my POGs are 343g on the nose. That's 8 grams difference, which is very noticeable. I suppose I can add lead to make up the difference, but what that tells me is that the layup is different, which changes the feel and feedback of the frame.

Plus, there are no swingweight or stiffness values posted with these new frames. My guess is that they will be different as well. Also, the flex distribution will be different.

All things considered, my guess is that they will feel like different racquets, which is a shame. Also, the 14x18 pattern is one of the racquet's strengths: spin. It also has great control just as it is. I'm amazed that they would change the racquet entirely like this instead of just giving it a new paintjob.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
Voltron said:
A quick question, does anyone know the stiffness of these things?
Click to expand...

There are no numbers posted on the web, but according to the Japanese translation, the flex of the rebel is "slightly thick"

Which I interpret as meaning a bit stiff. This is the same description used for the Graphite 93
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
TonyB said:
Well, my POGs are 343g on the nose. That's 8 grams difference, which is very noticeable. I suppose I can add lead to make up the difference, but what that tells me is that the layup is different, which changes the feel and feedback of the frame.

Plus, there are no swingweight or stiffness values posted with these new frames. My guess is that they will be different as well. Also, the flex distribution will be different.

All things considered, my guess is that they will feel like different racquets, which is a shame. Also, the 14x18 pattern is one of the racquet's strengths: spin. It also has great control just as it is. I'm amazed that they would change the racquet entirely like this instead of just giving it a new paintjob.
Click to expand...

You are quite right, 8 grams will be very noticeable, and yes the layup is different because the intention was to produce a different frame, hence its feel wile likely be completely different.

I don't think Prince is attempting to recreate the POG again, they are trying to use a some of the characteristics of the POG that made it such a good stick while incorporating new technology.

With all do respect to the POG line which has been around for decades, I welcome the change.

The POG has holy grail status among people on this board and amongst recreational players, which is well deserved given the rackets illustrious history.

But if you look at the modern game, how it is played, and the fact that there are few players in the top 100 using the POG frames, I would conclude that the POG has become obsolete for todays game, whereas it was one of th benchmarks of a previous generation of players. The last hold out I think was Ferrero, and he has since switched to an o3 tour.

I think Prince will continue to produce the POG line, I don't think they would give up on that famous line of rackets.

I am a bit perplexed as to why they did not introduce a 14x18 pattern as well. It may have something to do with the difficulty of incorporating a 14 mains with O port tech.

I am strictly referring to the Pro game, and not rec players.
 
T

TonyB

Hall of Fame
Chauvalito said:
But if you look at the modern game, how it is played, and the fact that there are few players in the top 100 using the POG frames, I would conclude that the POG has become obsolete for todays game, whereas it was one of th benchmarks of a previous generation of players. The last hold out I think was Ferrero, and he has since switched to an o3 tour.
Click to expand...



I disagree with your implication that the pros aren't using the POG because it's "obsolete for today's game."

The pros are all about sponsorship. Prince basically says, "Use these new frames or you don't get your money." Prince is in the business of selling racquets, which they can only accomplish if the pros are actually seen USING those racquets, paint job or not.

Look at Head: they painted flexpoints onto regular frames just to sell their flexpoint line. Prince would have a difficult time doing that with their O-port technology. Not to mention that the cross bridge design of the POG is impossible to hide.

Nope, it's not an obsolete frame. It's a spectacular frame. But it just isn't a big marketing tool anymore for Prince, which is what pro racquets are all about.
 
uk_skippy

uk_skippy

Hall of Fame
Until I see Monfils using a rqt painted like a Prince with a 'P' on it I not convinced that he's using a Prince. Taken that I've only really seen the pics of him this week, although I did watch the match against Gonzo, I actually though the rqt had Head charateristics i.e. an elliptical shaped head and a quite narrow shaft. It would be a big move away from 1) Head and 2) his PC600. But then I can see Head introducing a new line so soon after the microgel technology.

We shall wait and see

Regards

Paul
 
N

ngtaj88

Rookie
uk_skippy said:
Until I see Monfils using a rqt painted like a Prince with a 'P' on it I not convinced that he's using a Prince. Taken that I've only really seen the pics of him this week, although I did watch the match against Gonzo, I actually though the rqt had Head charateristics i.e. an elliptical shaped head and a quite narrow shaft. It would be a big move away from 1) Head and 2) his PC600. But then I can see Head introducing a new line so soon after the microgel technology.

We shall wait and see

Regards

Paul
Click to expand...

did you not see any holes?
 
uk_skippy

uk_skippy

Hall of Fame
ngtaj88 said:
did you not see any holes?
Click to expand...

In-between the strings!!

Seriously, I can't really clearly see the 'new' holes. The pictures show something, but none of them really clarify what's being said. But I'd agree in that it seems more likely that the rqt could be a Prince as otherwise surely Monfils would have a Head logo on it if it were an experimental Head rqt.

I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

Regards

Paul
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
uk_skippy said:
In-between the strings!!

Seriously, I can't really clearly see the 'new' holes. The pictures show something, but none of them really clarify what's being said. But I'd agree in that it seems more likely that the rqt could be a Prince as otherwise surely Monfils would have a Head logo on it if it were an experimental Head rqt.

I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

Regards

Paul
Click to expand...

I hope we don't have to wait until January.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
TonyB said:
I disagree with your implication that the pros aren't using the POG because it's "obsolete for today's game."

The pros are all about sponsorship. Prince basically says, "Use these new frames or you don't get your money." Prince is in the business of selling racquets, which they can only accomplish if the pros are actually seen USING those racquets, paint job or not.

Look at Head: they painted flexpoints onto regular frames just to sell their flexpoint line. Prince would have a difficult time doing that with their O-port technology. Not to mention that the cross bridge design of the POG is impossible to hide.

Nope, it's not an obsolete frame. It's a spectacular frame. But it just isn't a big marketing tool anymore for Prince, which is what pro racquets are all about.
Click to expand...

I think you have made a good point, and I agree with you completely that it is a spectacular frame.

Do you think Prince's insistence that their players use o-port rackets have had a detrimental effect on the performance of their Pro players?

As you said, HEAD has been able to pj to the extreme while allowing their players to play with the rackets they prefer.

If what you said is true, prince has insisted that their players use o port rackets...would this not cause issues with performance.

For example, after Ferrero switched back from head to prince, he used a blacked out prince until he switched to the o3 tour...if he chose to do this, I don't think his choice was in his best interest.

My point, and the problem I have with the thoughts you have raised is that the cost/benefit ratio for forcing players to use a new frame for marketing purposes has a potential(a high one in my mind) to backfire. I think this may have been the case with Ferrero, Prince may have stated "hey we will pay you more to use this stick, rather than your blacked out stick".

And Ferrero may have agreed, but what if he would have tanked with the new racket. Would that not defeat the purpose of their marketing strategy?

If the new rackets turn out to be crap, more power to the POG. I am sure it will live on, otherwise a lot of players and Prince fans are going to be annoyed. Maybe I need to buy some while I still can...
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
Chauvalito said:
lamonf1ag0.jpg
lamonf2sl6.jpg
Click to expand...

uk_skippy said:
Until I see Monfils using a rqt painted like a Prince with a 'P' on it I not convinced that he's using a Prince. Taken that I've only really seen the pics of him this week, although I did watch the match against Gonzo, I actually though the rqt had Head charateristics i.e. an elliptical shaped head and a quite narrow shaft. It would be a big move away from 1) Head and 2) his PC600. But then I can see Head introducing a new line so soon after the microgel technology.

We shall wait and see

Regards

Paul
Click to expand...

uk_skippy said:
In-between the strings!!

Seriously, I can't really clearly see the 'new' holes. The pictures show something, but none of them really clarify what's being said. But I'd agree in that it seems more likely that the rqt could be a Prince as otherwise surely Monfils would have a Head logo on it if it were an experimental Head rqt.

I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

Regards

Paul
Click to expand...

97dcea31-dc0f-4e94-8597-816e8474818e.jpg


I thought the head shape looked elongated as well when I first saw these pics, but having looked at some other pictures I feel pretty confident he is playing with something from Prince.

I wonder what Prince(or whichever company) will do if Monfils wins Vienna. I think the company would want the public to know with which racket he is playing so well. maybe we will see a stencil tomorrow.
 
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