I like mine strung just a tad higher than most of the responses I've read 55/46 is what I'm doing. I hate strings moving around and I get a little more control this way. I customized the grip (easy operation) to get the rectangular grip I prefer, and I use an overgrip which combined added a few grams. Then I added about 9grams total at the 10, 12 and 2 positions. My frame is now right at 12 oz which is where I like it. The added weight in the hoop makes it a little head heavier than the other frames I use but I don't notice it at all with this frame. Also, the added weight at 10 and 2 really stabilizes the hoop - I get a very consistent hit regardless where I make contact with the ball.
Prince Beast 98
- Thread starter DanS
- Start date
I like mine strung just a tad higher than most of the responses I've read 55/46 is what I'm doing. I hate strings moving around and I get a little more control this way. I customized the grip (easy operation) to get the rectangular grip I prefer, and I use an overgrip which combined added a few grams. Then I added about 9grams total at the 10, 12 and 2 positions. My frame is now right at 12 oz which is where I like it. The added weight in the hoop makes it a little head heavier than the other frames I use but I don't notice it at all with this frame. Also, the added weight at 10 and 2 really stabilizes the hoop - I get a very consistent hit regardless where I make contact with the ball.
Probably why I like it, same muted feel I get with the PT280. I like it when off-center hits perform close to sweet spot hits.
Good luck and let us know how you like em.
Got to admit, all the talk around here has got me curious about the 03 model. Doubt I'll ever try it though because I'm pretty set between my regular Beast 98s, my Donnay Pro One Gts and my Pro Tour 280. That's five really good frames and at 66 should last me til I either hang it up or break down and buy a screen door. Don't laugh, my favorite double's partner (73) can do wonders with his Weed.
I'd say yes to both. Hope they work out for you.
That is one sweet looking stick.
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
This is sad news but Brittany fr TW just confirmed one the questions thread that the beast line is ending for good in the US. While we knew the new line was not arriving, I was hoping at least they would keep in stock the current line for a while but looks the decision from above was to phase it out here. Arghh
That’s Insane! They’ve got one big name player and he’s using a Beast! What, are they going to bring back the Warrior? Even the principals said in online interviews that the Beast (98) was a personal favorite.
Just makes me gladder that I got two while I still could. Probably become a legend now and used prices will soar like the PT 57!
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
Ok good for u but pls don’t buy any more until I get around to stocking up lol
tennisboy2121
Rookie
Prince is making such good rackets. If they were just easier to get our hands on. Too many amazing releases not available in the US. I personally won't buy a racket without trying it first at this point.
mucat
Hall of Fame
Not good. I really enjoy the muted feel of O3 beast. I have both O3 beast 100 and 98.
What similar rackets can we find from other manufacturers? EZone 98/100? Clash 100? Graphene 360+ speed mp?
sredna42
Hall of Fame
sredna42
Hall of Fame
Finally find racquets i like, and they discontinue them FML
PBODY99
Legend
My signature frame was on the market for six months or so.
I picked up a dozen new from various dealers and order a bumper kit for each @ an average price 95.00 / frame
Over ten years later I still have ten, four still new .
Stock up as you can, frames do not stay on the market for years
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
Yup and it is selling at the price in the range of the Yonex Regna line, above $350 in Yen. Looks amazing though. Some are already landing on the secondary market sites that we all know but still very costly and we can't demo the new line
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
For me as an avid racket tester (just for fun), I would say that the only few I really like that are new line of Head graphene 360+ extreme line, Wilson Blade CV line and the real surprise is the Dunlop FX 500. Those are comfortable without being unpredictable like the Clash series IMHO. I did not try the new Ezone series for comparison
mucat
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the reply. Dunlop FX 500? Interesting. I haven't use their rackets since aerogel.
BillKid
Hall of Fame
Isn’t it a bit stiff?
Uncoil
Semi-Pro
time_fly
Hall of Fame
I would use the $20 savings to pay someone else to string it. I hate those ports!
Uncoil
Semi-Pro
Agreed. I hate stringing my friends O3 100.
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
Surprisingly it doesn't feel that way at all, if I was blinded without looking at the specs it feels like RDC 67 much more than 71 as rated. This tech that they have in the throat doesn't appear to be a gimmick . Similar IMHO to textreme on the prince line in the throat as well but slightly more dampened ... not like Blade CV dead dampened though lol
mucat
Hall of Fame
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
Or else just string 50/50.I assume you use S hooks or the actual O3 string tools? It is not that bad
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
I have the official Prince "hook" keychain for string the ports and have resorted just to a sharpie pen now. No difference and is just faster , learnt that fr youtube as wellI assume you use S hooks or the actual O3 string tools? It is not that bad
t_pac
Semi-Pro
Or use your machines brake.
I have been watching this thread closely...kind of looking for a more comfortable version of the pure strike 16x19 98.
I decided to go with the O3 version. It sounds like there’s a touch more free power and spin than the standard beast 98, not to the crazy power levels of a pure drive or my EZONE 100 (where I can’t keep a ball in the court) but similar to the Pure strike I’m hoping.
I decided to go with the O3 version. It sounds like there’s a touch more free power and spin than the standard beast 98, not to the crazy power levels of a pure drive or my EZONE 100 (where I can’t keep a ball in the court) but similar to the Pure strike I’m hoping.
I've demoed the strike before and I'd say the way both frames provide power is different. The beast 98 o3 relies more on string deflection for power.
I'd say the solid beam beast 98 feels closer to the strike but in terms of spin and slice shots the o3 is hands down the better beast of the 2. I found the strike 98 a bit erratic, at least in the previous gen one. Hope you string up the beast o3 98 in a poly type string. In a SG or multi it flies a bit but in a poly, assuming you found the right tension range, you can really construct your points better. You won't be blasting cold winners but you'll be placing going for the right shot at the right time.
Given the price point, if the o3 version isn't the ideal replacement, the solid beam version deserves a look. IMO both beasts are a more controlled pure strike with the solid beam one feeling most similar.
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BillKid
Hall of Fame
I demoed Beast 98 (classic beam) and PS 16x19 head to head (in stock):
B98 : more comfort, better feel
PS : more muted, stiffer, feels heavier, more power
Spin: equal
I prefer the B98
Thanks for your response.
Yes, I use full poly.
So is the O3 more powerful than the solid beam Beast? I noticed it was slightly higher on the Prince Power number on the frame (I think it was like 925 vs 875). And is the O3 more powerful (or similar power) to the PS (granted there is more string deflection on the O3)?
Any recommendations for polys that work well with this frame?
In particular, I'm wondering what gauge polys work well with the O3 Beast? I find that the string gauge makes a huge difference - I played 1.25 hyperG in one of my rackets and loved it...bought a reel of 1.30 and I couldn't believe how much different it felt...seemed very stiff and not as lively.
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P
Pavlo
Guest
I have most enjoyed firmer feeling 17g polyester strings in this frame. I string around 52/50, but I live at 4,000 feet, so I'm sure I would drop it a few lbs if I was at sea level.
The o3 version does have more power than the solid beam version but I still feel the PS has more power than both of them. The launch angle off the PS is also higher IMO. I've only tried alu power and Prince tour xr in the o3 and they've worked well for me. I haven't tried hyper G 17 in that frame specifically but I don't think it's a string one can really find much fault on. I'm willing to bet it'll play better than alu power and tour XR.
It's kind of funny that the non-ported version is known as a power frame when I consider it more of a control frame. Coming from the Pro Tour 280, I love the muted response and the low launch angle. My Pro One GT beats it in the power department, but it's a lot harder to control particularly returning big serves. What sets the Beast 98 apart beyond the control aspect is really easy and responsive access to spin. Big improvement over the PT280 and the Pro One in that respect. Probably the easiest to hold serve with due to that. I've committed to it now, even though the other frames are hard to put down cause that's the road to excellence!
iNeverSlice
Rookie
On sale for only $67 today
Uncoil
Semi-Pro
Only 4 1/4" available.
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
nice to hear, for me the low launch angle and control is a killer return stick you if add some weight for added plow. I just added 2 g to 12' and breaking serve is my favourite part of my game now. Also it knives slices and coming in to volley is awesome. Really underrated stick and ports make it like cheating. Without the ports I would not be able effective handle such a high swingweight so I am glad I discovered this
Might have had the same issue
BillKid
Hall of Fame
Never been a fan of O3 ports, I prefer classic beams. Still enjoying a lot the classic beam version. Just added 2x1g at 10 and 2 and it plays nicely. Great blend of control and power, very comfy and easy access to spin. Who could ask for more?
My first "modern" Racquets were the Prince Graphite and then the O3 ported version. I enjoyed them both. What I like about the O3 version is the little bit of extra power and the mute feeling. It makes it easier to play when things are going wrong. The Extended Pro version keeps calling me
ProfessorAce
Rookie
TW has sold out of the Beast 98s!!! Glad I was able to stock up.
Glad I was able to stock up.Every popular O3 versions are still available. Great off day racquet...TW has sold out of the Beast 98s!!!
jangotango
Semi-Pro
Ordered a non-ported 98 from the Prime Sale... Came in today, 302g unstrung with the rubber band. Strung it up with Hyper G 17 at 50lbs ATW.
Bleh bleh bleh. Muted, firm, average spin, plasticky feel (string issue most likely). Had a good sweetspot and fast swinging though. Power was meh.
Bleh bleh bleh. Muted, firm, average spin, plasticky feel (string issue most likely). Had a good sweetspot and fast swinging though. Power was meh.
Uncoil
Semi-Pro
I'll take it off your hands.
jangotango
Semi-Pro
Is TW/Prince not bringing it back?
They are discontinued.
Yeah I've never tried one actually. Definitely curious, but then I'd have an albatross when it comes to getting it strung. Truthfully, I'm plenty satisfied with my classic beam in every category. It responds really well to my favorite hybrid which is the Zyex/Kevlar crossfire as well, so what's not to like. It's a player's frame for sure.
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