Official Prince Exo3 Graphite owners' thread

R

ryanfoo

New User
Hi everyone! I'm creating an official thread of the Prince Exo3 Graphite. Let's share modifications, opinions and other knick-knacks on this thread. I am using a Prince Exo3 Graphite mid, and loving it stock form. :)

Add your name in the list, If you own one of this greaaaaaat stick.

1) Ryanfoo (Prince Exo3 Graphite 93)
 
I recently purchased an EXO Graphite 93 and, so far, am finding it to be a great racquet. What I like most about it is its balance. It has just enough weight in the head to be stable, but its thin profile and speedports (or whatever they are called now) allow me to swing it fast to produce as much topspin as I want. It can handle hard hit balls pretty easily, it has good plow through, it can handle hard volleys, and it has just enough weight in the head so I can 'feel' its weight in my hands on my backhand (I can't hit 2hbhs unless I feel some weight in the head). Serving and slices are also strong. Also, its very solid feeling and comfortable and has what I believe to be a huge sweetspot for a 93 sq.in. racquet.

Certainly it doesn't have the best 'feel', but its actually not bad and it feels better than the previous O3/speedport lines by Prince. Of course if you can't get over the feel then you could never like this racquet - but its hits such a nice ball that I have gotten over it already. I consider it a hightly versatile racquet and I would recommend it to anyone who is considering it.

dan_the_man
 
Hey! I just got one and I have been using it roughly for a week. Such a good upgrade from my APDC! The plow through on the graphite is wonderful. My forehands are landing deeper with very good spin, my slices stay loooow, and my 2nd serve as good kick to it. Although the weight threw me off when I first tested it, I quickly got over it. I have yet to use it in a long match so I dont know yet if my arm will get tired in a long match. But that problem is fixable by visiting the gym.
I freakin love this racquet!
<3333
 
Add my name please. It's the best racquet ever! I've yet to see a better racquet for vollying. The entire face is sweet spot and I've switched to ALU Rough mains (a first for me and my sensitive arm) because the comfort of this Prince is so great.
I believe because the face is more round than oval the string bed is incredibly responsive and spin is easy as can be.
Hard hit drives are deftly handled by this bad Prince boy and drop shots are easy to execute.
Hang out at the baseline...rush the net, the results are equally rewarding.

The cosmetics and leather grip? Top drawer. I only wish I could buy a few moderately used Exo's as the brand new Graphites are quite pricey. But I do have three and am always looking for more.
Knowing the fickle racquet industry you can never tell when this classic will go out of production.
 
I have been using the exo3 graphite 93 as my main racquet for a several months now. I found it does everything well. I did switch to the string holes (from the port holes) and found the feel is much better. Better feedback and none of that 'numb' feeling. The string holes do cause a very little bit of extra vibration, but its a small price to pay for the enhanced feel overall.
dan_the_man
 
Appreciate the info, dan...what's your string setup with the 93?

Have just made the switch myself - played the Rebel for a few months last year but began to dabble with demoing racquets and then sold it. Picked up the 93 from TW from their used section and have really enjoyed the solid feel and consistent response - as well as the nice power on demand.
 
I'm not all that particular about my strings. Mine is strung with PSGD 17 at 57 lbs. It gives it a soft feel, especially after the strings loosen up. There is some string movement, but not terrible. When I re-string it I may move up to somehing a little better, but the PSGD is really fine for me.

I demoed the rebel and thought it was OK, but felt that it had too much weight in the handle and too little weight in the head. The graphite 93 is better balanced for me.

dan_the_man
 
dan_the_man said:
I'm not all that particular about my strings. Mine is strung with PSGD 17 at 57 lbs. It gives it a soft feel, especially after the strings loosen up. There is some string movement, but not terrible. When I re-string it I may move up to somehing a little better, but the PSGD is really fine for me.

I demoed the rebel and thought it was OK, but felt that it had too much weight in the handle and too little weight in the head. The graphite 93 is better balanced for me.

dan_the_man
Click to expand...

Much appreciated, Dan! Think Recoil is the 'recommended' string, according to Prince but never been a big fan. Mine also has PSGD and no complaints about playability. Going to try the Premier LT and a couple of multis for comparison.
 
I guess I can be added. After buying a used POG locally, I was looking online at the new exo3 graphite. After finding out they could be had for $99 shipped, I bought one just to try and compare for myself.

Hopefully, I'll get it later this week
 
FYI, there is an ex03 thread, probably a bunch of ppl in there using this frame.
 
Are they going to stop making them? Why else would they suddenly drop the price $100. I just bought one in super good condition off the bay for $80.
 
Mansewerz said:
But was it authentic?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't know where to check, but I had 4 other AG100s and didn't notice any differences.

I mean I guess it would make sense for a small store to sell a racquet they have too much stock of just to clear inventory.

I'm sure other places would price match too
 
Received mine today. Looking forward to stringing and hitting with it tomorrow
exo3graphite003.jpg

exo3graphite004.jpg

exo3graphite008.jpg
 
The paint job is a strong reason for the lack popularity.
I don't like the colors black, green and yellow mixed together with mr squiggle artwork.
The pj doesn't mean the racquet specs aren't decent and very playable.
Strung a few up yesterday with klip scorcher syngut for a coach.
Would be interesting to see how it hits. Alas i won't get the chance. :|

5khz0l.jpg
 
equinox said:
The paint job is a strong reason for the lack popularity.
I don't like the colors black, green and yellow mixed together with mr squiggle artwork.

Funny you should mention that because the PJ is exactly what attracts me to these racquets. I think it makes them stand out from the crowd. GRAPHITE GRAFFITI!!! lol.
Click to expand...
 
my buddy lent me this racquet to play with and it isnt my kinda stick, to powerful and spinny, but the feel is quite nice.
 
The site who had them on sale already raised it to regular price, so it seems they must of had a lot of them in stock and needed to sell quick.

Apparently, other people on the forum figured it out and were trying to sell on **** to make a profit. I don't think many did, possibly just breaking even or $15 at most
 
I just bought a pair of these yesterday from a local authorized Prince retailer in the ATL area for $99 each. 100% genuine. My guess is they will be dscontinued or replaced in the near future.
 
One For Me

hescobal said:
I wouldn't know where to check, but I had 4 other AG100s and didn't notice any differences.

I mean I guess it would make sense for a small store to sell a racquet they have too much stock of just to clear inventory.

I'm sure other places would price match too
Click to expand...
I am receiving mine tomorrow and, am looking forward to everybodys set up.
I am sure they will back away from this model due to the big price drop.
I bought mine from TW for $ 129.00 with demo marked on the racquet.
I can only guess it is because the specs are not standard is why it's not on the favorites list of many players. It's light enough to play with and i don't mind a little weight in the head
 
Now It"s Close

tailofdog said:
I am receiving mine tomorrow and, am looking forward to everybodys set up.
I am sure they will back away from this model due to the big price drop.
I bought mine from TW for $ 129.00 with demo marked on the racquet.
I can only guess it is because the specs are not standard is why it's not on the favorites list of many players. It's light enough to play with and i don't mind a little weight in the head
Click to expand...
I have been playing with mine and, have found the sweet spot to have a beautiful feel. I had weighted it up to 12.5 oz and found that a bit too demanding on high one handed back hands. This was at 7 pt hl. i now have it at 12.2 oz and 6pt hl. This seems to be my max comfort zone.
I would say its not the easiest frame to play but rewards a good swing.
If you take a half hearted swing you will be hating life. With a loose full swing it rewards.
I will stick with this frame as i feel it will make me a better player and, update anything worth reporting.
 
tailofdog said:
I have been playing with mine and, have found the sweet spot to have a beautiful feel. I had weighted it up to 12.5 oz and found that a bit too demanding on high one handed back hands. This was at 7 pt hl. i now have it at 12.2 oz and 6pt hl. This seems to be my max comfort zone.
I would say its not the easiest frame to play but rewards a good swing.
If you take a half hearted swing you will be hating life. With a loose full swing it rewards.
I will stick with this frame as i feel it will make me a better player and, update anything worth reporting.
Click to expand...

how did you apply the lead tape to the handle? Where on the handle? I want to make my EXO3 Graphite Midplus more headlight...just about the same specs as yours.. Thanks!
 
Have to bump this thread. I'm a long time 4stripe POG user, but I'm sold to the mid (mainly because of the 16x18) after a hitting session today. My question is, I'm hearing the speed ports or whatever dampens the feel? Is it majority census to get it with the traditional grommets? Are they interchangeable?
 
tailofdog said:
If you take a half hearted swing you will be hating life.
Click to expand...

this is so true about the graphites. been a POG user for 6years now, got the exo3 last year and have basically used only that since. got a 4stripe off the bay and used it but the gripsize is too small and at times the much smaller sweetspot is a little to demanding on me when I'm being lazy.

I also have heard that the port grommets give a much more muted feel, going to order some string grommets at some point and try those.

currently strung with kirschbaum pro-line II @ 60. gonna try dropping to 52 or so since I have plenty of control but lack some power.
 
Bottom

topspinlob said:
how did you apply the lead tape to the handle? Where on the handle? I want to make my EXO3 Graphite Midplus more headlight...just about the same specs as yours.. Thanks!
Click to expand...
ABOUT 6GRMS ONTHE BOTTOM OF THE HANDLE. nEXT TO THE BUTT CAP. i REMOVED THE LEATHER GRIP(22grms) AND, REPLACED IT WITH A LIGHT SYNTHETIC. aDD AN OVERGRIP AND, IT SHOULD MATCH MINE.
 
prince is dead, rebel is their only good racquet, otherwise Prince is dead, that's the truth, like it or not.
 
I play the EX03 100 as my main frame...its strung with Signum Pro Poly Plasma (17g mains @ 60) and Signum Pro Top Spin (1.35m @ 63). I just started using the hole grommets and there is a lot more feel to the racquet, but i feel the sweet spot has shrunk.

I really like how much spin i can generate, but flatten it out at the same time. I swing wild sometimes but still can control the shot, its awesome. Also, so much pop on the second serve..love it. The best is the backhand slice, even i cannot tell sometimes if its gonna go over the net or not...haha..it stays so low.

I dint make any changes as the stock specs are perfect for me, just use on overgrip which i feels makes it a little more headlight, but not a significant change.
 
The price drop is because the frame is being discontinued to make room for the EXO3 Tours. Tour demos arrive in December and the frames ship in January. I've used the 100s for over a year now. Silicone filled handles and a small amount of lead at 3 & 9 o'clock. They weigh 13.3 ou and are 9 points head light. Prince Natural Gut in the mains and Recoil in the crosses with hole inserts. These are better than the POGs and as a 51 yr old 4.5 rated 30 year teaching pro I know what I'm talking about. Grab these great sticks before they're gone.
 
It saddens me to say this but, tonight I played a match, alternating between my newly acquired Prince 93 and my Prestige Pro...(Since April I have been swinging only the Prestige, no other rackets; so I am fairly dialed in and comfortable with it)...and won more games more easily with the Prince 93. One explanation may be that tonight, for the first time ever, I played the Prestige with lead added to the hoop, four four-inch strips at 10 & 2. My normal strokes were producing shots that were sailing long, particularly on the forehand. My racket head speed was slower tonight with the Prestige than I remember it being. I think I may have added too much tape and thereby made the racket too powerful. My opponent is a regular partner and friend of mine. He told me after our match that he had had much more difficulty answering to "the green racket" than the "red one," the Prince was producing "heavier serves," and it seemed to him that I was "getting more balls back," when rallying with it. I want to conduct a fair trial, though. So, I've removed the lead tape from my Prestige and anticipate being able to control rally balls with my forehand significantly better than I was tonight. The Prestige Pro still is my racket, my baby, if you will; but the Prince graphite 93 did very well tonight.
 
The 93 is a little easier to play with than the POG mid and that's just what I need. I really like it. Strung with X-One 17 @ 61.
 
Well, decided to switch to the MID after 5 years of the POG Mid 4stripes. I'm a solid 4.5 player so here's a quick impression after 2 sets....

Groundstrokes: 2 extra crosses made a huge difference, I can definitely flatten out shots unlike before. One deciding factor with this racket was that I was able to string a bit looser on it over the 4stripes, yet retain better control due to the denser pattern. This was one of the deciding factor for me choosing this frame over the tour version of the POG.

Volleys: Same as the POG mid. I was using the traditional hole grommets and there's slightly less feel, but feel is subjective and it's really not something crazy that will bother me. The exo3 still feels stiff at the throat, just like the traditional POG.

Serves: More control, same amount of pop. I felt I had more directional control. I had no problems kicking it, but I use topspin for my second serves mostly. No con's about it. Service return was awesome as my one handed backhand didn't give such loopy shots back, made it easy to block shocks back cleanly.

Overall, I felt I was swinging faster with the exo3 tech (mental?), had more control and really was able to go 100% on groundstrokes and keep it in. The specs are nearly identical to my 4stripe, but I feel the new tech and 16x18 string pattern only added positives.
 
Last edited:
Please count me in with the EXO3 Graphite Mid (93).

I use the stick now exclusively for 2 months and find myself being totally happy with it. Before I had the KBlade98 and the Head MG Radical MP. The Wilson gave me arm problems, the Head simply wasn't my racquet, though it felt perfect during demoing it. But after a few weeks I befan to hate it...

Now with the EXO3 Mid, everything feels fine...

Strung my 3 babies with MSV Focus Hex, 1,25 mm and 23/23 kg. Super spin, excellent pop in serves, my faved serve is a dropserve (I'm a lefty), and it works great. Armproblems are history :)

I'm gonna buy another 2 of it to be prepared when it's sold out everywhere. Unfortunately it is discontinued now.

Please excuse my poor english, I'm from Germany...
 
So I think I finally got the Midplus to work for me. I added 20 grams in the handle ( 6" up the handle). Using the TW tool it's around 12.3 ounces with 5.4 HL balance. To me it felt like the weight and balance of a 4-stripe POG ( which I used exclusively before). The weight and balance might be off because I use the TW leather on one of them ( I have two of them).
 
Just picked up 2 exo3 graphites 93. Haven't had a chance to string them up yet. I am a long time user of the POG mid 4 stripe. To those that have used the POG mid 4 stripe and exo3 version did your go to string set up from the 4 stripe work well in the exo3 version of the graphite?
 
Is there an EXO3 Graphite 100 with only 300 swingweight (listed on the racquet)? Saw one on sale at a local store and didn't know if it was fake. Looking at stats here on TW and can't seem to find anything with 300 SW.

Was it a fake?
 
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