Prince Beast 98 vs 100

[karekarekid1]

I'm looking to get a new racquet and I've heard really good things about both these options. Unfortunately, the place here in Canada I want to buy them from doesn't currently offer demos. In the past, I've used the Babolat APD, Yonex Dr 98 and Wilson Blade 98 18x20 (2015). What intrigues me about the Beast 98 is the 16x20 string pattern, as that's what I used to use as a kid in my Prince Precision Response Titanium MP. However, I've also read that the Beast 100 is the easier to use option of the two, and offers more power and spin. Additionally, the retailer also carries the 98 with the O port, and I'm curious about that as well, as I've never hit with one before. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tata]

I haven't played the beast 100 but did use the prior warrior 100. I'd box the 100 with a babolat APD. They have ample power and spin but due to my flatter hitting, would launch on me and go over the lines. Amazing spin potential/ball bite and solid enough to not be pushed around. Slices were really biting but the beast version is 16x19 vs 16x18 in the older warrior. The beast version looks a tad stiffer so I'd say has maybe even more power than the warrior.
The beast 98 reels some of that launch angle back in but I don't feel power is really compromised. There's more plow through on the 98 and the tighter pattern makes flattening out a bit easier. It suits my flatter strokes better. Overall more refined for someone looking for a bit more control and plow through. I haven't played the precision response but did at one point use the reissue classic response 97 and felt the playability is comparable. However the response has a much firmer and crisp feel and power felt it was more derived from the swing speed.
The ported beast 98 plays different to the normal version but definitely has more spin potential between the two. It swings lighter and faster and doesn't have the same stability and plow through as the regular version. The feel is the main difference being more soft and muted. The ported Prince frames have been a love it or hate it proposition.
Between the beast 100, 98 and o3 98, the 100 and o3 98 are the most user friendly. Beast 100 would be the most raw of the lot in terms of power and spin. The o3 98 would have a bit more control but the ports may not be your cup of tea.

 

[G8Pontiac09]

I haven't played the beast 100 but did use the prior warrior 100. I'd box the 100 with a babolat APD. They have ample power and spin but due to my flatter hitting, would launch on me and go over the lines. Amazing spin potential/ball bite and solid enough to not be pushed around. Slices were really biting but the beast version is 16x19 vs 16x18 in the older warrior. The beast version looks a tad stiffer so I'd say has maybe even more power than the warrior.
The beast 98 reels some of that launch angle back in but I don't feel power is really compromised. There's more plow through on the 98 and the tighter pattern makes flattening out a bit easier. It suits my flatter strokes better. Overall more refined for someone looking for a bit more control and plow through. I haven't played the precision response but did at one point use the reissue classic response 97 and felt the playability is comparable. However the response has a much firmer and crisp feel and power felt it was more derived from the swing speed.
The ported beast 98 plays different to the normal version but definitely has more spin potential between the two. It swings lighter and faster and doesn't have the same stability and plow through as the regular version. The feel is the main difference being more soft and muted. The ported Prince frames have been a love it or hate it proposition.
Between the beast 100, 98 and o3 98, the 100 and o3 98 are the most user friendly. Beast 100 would be the most raw of the lot in terms of power and spin. The o3 98 would have a bit more control but the ports may not be your cup of tea.

I've got both the 98 and the 100 Beasts...been playing more with the 100 so far and really enjoying it. For whatever reason just haven't gelled with the 98 like I was wanting to. Might try different strings and see if that makes a difference. I'd highly reccommend Head Velocity MLT 16 gauge...good lasting multi better than most I've hit with. I'm hanging onto the 98's and will look to get them in the rotation a little more based on all the reviews out there it's a great stick. Something about the shape of the head being different than the 100 and TT310 is throwing me off.