Prince CTS Thunderstick info ...

Z

zipplock

Hall of Fame
Hey,
I was given a Prince CTS Thunderstick "Oversize" racquet. It doesn't say 110, it says Oversize. No specs anywhere on the racquet.
Prince 1988 inside the throat.

I remember these from my high school days, but everything I can find has "CTS Thunderstick 110" printed on the side.

Is this an early run or something? Info and specs appreciated.
Thanks.
 
It’s a late run from 1991 before it was discontinued. Prince changed from 90 and 110 to Midplus and Oversize because you had new racquets that came out like the CTS Blast Midplus and CTS Storm Midplus that were 100sq.in. So the 90 and 110 naming convention ended at Prince.
 
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I remember when this came out. Widebody tech was the rage. Most people were either Wilson Profile folks or Prince CTS folks.
I'm going to put some fresh string in it and have a hit. My wife has already "claimed" the racquet :)
 
Slowtwitcher said:
I just saw a CTS Approach 110 on local FB Marketplace for $25... shouldn't have clicked on this thread!
Click to expand...
nice - hope you got it quick.
been keep my eyes on a 90/midplus locally... as it was one of my favourite racquets in the early 90's during my HS years...
 
zipplock said:
I remember when this came out. Widebody tech was the rage. Most people were either Wilson Profile folks or Prince CTS folks.
I'm going to put some fresh string in it and have a hit. My wife has already "claimed" the racquet :)
Click to expand...

Exactly, the thunderstick was Prince's response to the highly successful Wislon Profile.
 
What was the lineup of racquets in the CTS range? I remember the Approach, the Lightning (which was used by a few pro players was it not?) and the Thunderstick, which was the most expensive of the range, but I thought there were four in the line up?
I also remember there was a DB Graphtech with a bubble in the throat. I used it as a junior and loved it.
 
Strung the racquet with Velocity 1.25 at 50#, put a fresh grip on it. Thunderstick 110 is a BOOMSTICK. Perfect for those that like to redirect shots/pace. Too powerful if you generate your own power/pace. Suprisingly, I never had an issue with the frame on slices/spin. I was sure I was going to get balls stuck up in the frame. Racquet is a beast.
 
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Black Knight said:
What was the lineup of racquets in the CTS range? I remember the Approach, the Lightning (which was used by a few pro players was it not?) and the Thunderstick, which was the most expensive of the range, but I thought there were four in the line up?
I also remember there was a DB Graphtech with a bubble in the throat. I used it as a junior and loved it.
Click to expand...


Going from memory here...

I think you are correct about there being four racquets in the lineup at any given time, and I think there were three generations of the CTS series. Trying to put them in the correct order as far as power (low to high), but someone else may have to chip in here. I believe every frame came in two sizes -- named 90 or 110 early on and then changed to Mid Plus or Oversize later on.

(The Graphtech DB may have been a stand-alone frame, issued either just before the first CTS series or alongside it. It did not have CTS in its name and did not have the tapered beam -- Constant Taper System -- and it was called either 90 or 110.)

First generation (called 90 or 110): CTS Lightning (double bridge in throat), Graduate, Approach, Thunderstick.

Second generation (MP or OS): CTS Precision, Response (double bridge in throat), Blast, Storm.

Third generation (MP or OS): These all had Synergy in the name along with numbers that matched the beam width at the tip (DB was the double bridge): CTS Synergy DB 24, CTS Synergy 26, CTS Synergy DB 26, CTS Synergy 28, CTS Synergy 32.
 
steveq81 said:
Going from memory here...

I think you are correct about there being four racquets in the lineup at any given time, and I think there were three generations of the CTS series. Trying to put them in the correct order as far as power (low to high), but someone else may have to chip in here. I believe every frame came in two sizes -- named 90 or 110 early on and then changed to Mid Plus or Oversize later on.

(The Graphtech DB may have been a stand-alone frame, issued either just before the first CTS series or alongside it. It did not have CTS in its name and did not have the tapered beam -- Constant Taper System -- and it was called either 90 or 110.)

First generation (called 90 or 110): CTS Lightning (double bridge in throat), Graduate, Approach, Thunderstick.

Second generation (MP or OS): CTS Precision, Response (double bridge in throat), Blast, Storm.

Third generation (MP or OS): These all had Synergy in the name along with numbers that matched the beam width at the tip (DB was the double bridge): CTS Synergy DB 24, CTS Synergy 26, CTS Synergy DB 26, CTS Synergy 28, CTS Synergy 32.
Click to expand...
There were also the CTS Precision 90 and 110 in the range of CTSs. I played the 110 that I bought here in France in 90 or 91 I think
 
I had one back in the day. I remember it to be firm but not harsh. I don't think that any of the CTS racquets were hard on the arm. It was definitely powerful and hard to control unless you use topspin to keep the ball in. I used a syn gut in that racquet.
 
steveq81 said:
Going from memory here...

I think you are correct about there being four racquets in the lineup at any given time, and I think there were three generations of the CTS series. Trying to put them in the correct order as far as power (low to high), but someone else may have to chip in here. I believe every frame came in two sizes -- named 90 or 110 early on and then changed to Mid Plus or Oversize later on.

(The Graphtech DB may have been a stand-alone frame, issued either just before the first CTS series or alongside it. It did not have CTS in its name and did not have the tapered beam -- Constant Taper System -- and it was called either 90 or 110.)

First generation (called 90 or 110): CTS Lightning (double bridge in throat), Graduate, Approach, Thunderstick.

Second generation (MP or OS): CTS Precision, Response (double bridge in throat), Blast, Storm.

Third generation (MP or OS): These all had Synergy in the name along with numbers that matched the beam width at the tip (DB was the double bridge): CTS Synergy DB 24, CTS Synergy 26, CTS Synergy DB 26, CTS Synergy 28, CTS Synergy 32.
Click to expand...

the very first offerings of Prince’s wide beam line came out in 1987/1988 and the initial lineup was (flexiest to stiffest) were:

1) Tricomp
2) Graphtech DB
3) CTS Approach

What I can’t remember was if the CTS Graduate was part of this line, or came out a few months later alongside the CTS Thuderstick...

the CTS Lightning came out almost 2-3 years later which was a hybrid of the Graphtech DB & the CTS Approach.. and later morphed into the MP version CTS Synergy DB 24 a few years later.
 
Ultra 2 said:
the very first offerings of Prince’s wide beam line came out in 1987/1988 and the initial lineup was (flexiest to stiffest) were:

1) Tricomp
2) Graphtech DB
3) CTS Approach

What I can’t remember was if the CTS Graduate was part of this line, or came out a few months later alongside the CTS Thuderstick...

the CTS Lightning came out almost 2-3 years later which was a hybrid of the Graphtech DB & the CTS Approach.. and later morphed into the MP version CTS Synergy DB 24 a few years later.
Click to expand...

CTS Graduate was launched at same time as Graphtech DB and CTS Approach.
 
As I recall it, Graphtech DB was the 1st one out and is not CTS (on a sidenote if you need a SUPER soft frame get a Graphtech...). Then Prince invented CTS and Graduate and Approach debuted...soon adding Precision and Thunderstick at the same time, then Lightning. These frames all have the same head sizes in either mid or OS form but vary in thickness. The Approach and Lightning mid were pretty much the sticks to use if you are were a varsity high school player in in 1989. All these frames are notorious for breaking the buttcap.

Prince expanded the line to Blast, Storm and later the CTS Synergy line but the big difference is the mid frames were no longer 93 sq inches and closer to 100. None of those frames play as well as the original CTS line IMO.
 
CTS Approach :love:
It was my first Prince, in the early 90’s
Don’t see many/any of them these days. Would love to get hold of one.
 
esm said:
CTS Approach :love:
It was my first Prince, in the early 90’s
Don’t see many/any of them these days. Would love to get hold of one.
Click to expand...

Sadly I sold my stock of 4 Approach 90's last year....at 47 I just couldn't play with them any longer and had to be realistic about my skills! They still show up on auction regularly. People who rave about the Phantom 93 really should try the Approach 90.

I never knew the CTS DB 26 came in a Version III. That's kinda interesting
 
I've been playing with a Thunderstick 90 for the last 3 months. I read a lot of opinions on how it's too powerful, tough on the arm, one-trick pony, etc. I absolutely love it and have had none of those issues. The wide frame does catch the occasional mishit and do something funky, but I attribute it more to the smaller frame than the width. It's an absolute sledgehammer, drives right through volleys and couldn't be more stable or solid-feeling. I can get tons of topspin and have noticed no difference in feel on delicate shots coming from a Blade 98. My alternate now is a Yamaha Secret 04 that I also absolutely love. I read all the same warnings/caveats about that frame and don't agree with any of them. That feels even more solid on volleys and the weight doesn't bother me at all. They're really fun frames, especially for an aggressive player.
 
esm said:
thank you - that is very kind.
can i ask if you are in the UK? thanks.
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Sorry, east coast of the US. They’re nice racquets and I primarily play the POG or TT(310). I just like having the old standby in my bag, but don’t really need to keep two anymore.
 
I’ve just got hold of an old Thunderstick 110, and have to say I love it! My normal go to racket is the Babolat Pure Aero Plus with RPM blast, but the old Prince seems give more power and spin, plus is less wearing on the arm. Which is odd given it’s weight. But I think the polymer handle helps. Granted it’s a bit harder to manoeuvre, and you have a high risk of framing a few into the stratosphere, but I think I’ll try it out in a few matches. Does anyone know how the 90 handles in comparison to the 110?
 
Markbury said:
I’ve just got hold of an old Thunderstick 110, and have to say I love it! My normal go to racket is the Babolat Pure Aero Plus with RPM blast, but the old Prince seems give more power and spin, plus is less wearing on the arm. Which is odd given it’s weight. But I think the polymer handle helps. Granted it’s a bit harder to manoeuvre, and you have a high risk of framing a few into the stratosphere, but I think I’ll try it out in a few matches. Does anyone know how the 90 handles in comparison to the 110?
Click to expand...
I have never had the 90 version. But I played both frame sizes in the Approach and never really had any trouble switching back and forth. But I’ve found a use for a Thunderstick 110. I pumped some silicone into the handle then sealed it back up. I don’t even know what it weighs. But I can stand at the net a feed balls to my kids with virtually zero effort. Just wave it near the ball and it goes off like a shot. Blocking back volleys is insane. The racquet just knocks them back over. I doubt I could play with it, but in that context it is fabulous.
 
Awesome Thank You !! i find it interesting that its ratings say it is better suited for experts, yet in todays world stiff os frames are made out to be the red headed step children relegated only for seniors or N00bs? i learned how to play on a prince pro OS and then got the thunderstick which tool my game to a new level of power and touch. i still use it today along with my trusty 03 Silver OS.
 
boyo3221 said:
Awesome Thank You !! i find it interesting that its ratings say it is better suited for experts, yet in todays world stiff os frames are made out to be the red headed step children relegated only for seniors or N00bs? i learned how to play on a prince pro OS and then got the thunderstick which tool my game to a new level of power and touch. i still use it today along with my trusty 03 Silver OS.
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Is a good point. Most of the first OS frames were not considered easy-hitters for noobs, rather powerful hitters for advanced players. Whereas, today the stiff OS sticks are also 3oz lighter so noob-optimised.
 
do you know the power rating of the thunderstick? the o3 silver is 1600 but i cant find any info on what the thunderstick was considered?
 
Grafil Injection said:
Is a good point. Most of the first OS frames were not considered easy-hitters for noobs, rather powerful hitters for advanced players. Whereas, today the stiff OS sticks are also 3oz lighter so noob-optimised.
Click to expand...
i also remember in the 1990 french open first round agassi had prototype racquet that looked just like a thunderstick and in the middle of the match started to break them with his feet. never knew what raqcuet that was. but it sure looked like a thunderstick clone. but he was with Donnay back then
 
zipplock said:
Hey,
I was given a Prince CTS Thunderstick "Oversize" racquet. It doesn't say 110, it says Oversize. No specs anywhere on the racquet.
Prince 1988 inside the throat.

I remember these from my high school days, but everything I can find has "CTS Thunderstick 110" printed on the side.

Is this an early run or something? Info and specs appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
or what is the highest power level rated raqcuet as well? was the thunderstick more powerful than the wilson hammer?
 
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