Prince Exo Tour 100
- Thread starter Chyeaah
- Start date
mxmx
Hall of Fame
I do a lot of research each time before i buy a racket. I did months of research on the tour 100. The TW reviews and opinions on this site is relatively accurate. The racket generally really plays like people sais it plays.
To me there were few suprises on the racket, good or bad that took my off guard...but this may be due to my extensive research before i actually got the frames.
If i would have to overly generalise with the racket:
1) it has reasonable power, but is more control orientated.
2) it has a lot of flex
3) very speedy racket - swings fast (thin beam + light + balance)
4) not a powerful first serve racket but spins well on serve
5) has great balance
6) very customisable racket compared to most - i prefer it stock
7) comfortable racket
8 ) surprised not more people plays with this...hidden gem
To me there were few suprises on the racket, good or bad that took my off guard...but this may be due to my extensive research before i actually got the frames.
If i would have to overly generalise with the racket:
1) it has reasonable power, but is more control orientated.
2) it has a lot of flex
3) very speedy racket - swings fast (thin beam + light + balance)
4) not a powerful first serve racket but spins well on serve
5) has great balance
6) very customisable racket compared to most - i prefer it stock
7) comfortable racket
8 ) surprised not more people plays with this...hidden gem
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
^^^^^
+1 on your take. It is a great frame with a feel folks either love or hate. Rabbit loves
.
I would say on your first serve, two things
1) give it a little time. I am serving great with it now, not so good at first.
2) to help your first serve, relearn swinging a little harder and also don't be afraid to play a little with your string set up. I am using natural gut now and it makes a real difference.
+1 on your take. It is a great frame with a feel folks either love or hate. Rabbit loves
.I would say on your first serve, two things
1) give it a little time. I am serving great with it now, not so good at first.
2) to help your first serve, relearn swinging a little harder and also don't be afraid to play a little with your string set up. I am using natural gut now and it makes a real difference.
David Backhand
New User
It really is a very nice racquet... I demoed it - it had great control and adequate power. Strokes came very naturally and i didn't feel like i needed to make any adjustment to my play. It did, however, have that strange feel (or lack of) that i got from other princes as well. Didn't hurt my play just felt strange. Ultimately, I stuck with my Pure Storm GT.
I was warned before i demo'd it to give it at least 8 hours before discarding it and i am quite glad i did, all takes time to get used to, an unusual frame as mikeler says it's a bit marmite in how it divides opinions but personally, i like it.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Do you like a real soft feel and forgiveness? Then demo it.
I had a serious wrist injury and this racquet enabled me to heal while still playing tennis.
It suits a defensive style of play.
I still have one because I just really love the frame a lot. I am an attacking player, so when healthy I prefer a stiffer racquet with more power and control. It is trickier to paint lines with the EXO 100, it is more of a racquet that lets you move the ball around and then hit heavy topspin winners to the open court. If you like that style of play, demo it.
I had a serious wrist injury and this racquet enabled me to heal while still playing tennis.
It suits a defensive style of play.
I still have one because I just really love the frame a lot. I am an attacking player, so when healthy I prefer a stiffer racquet with more power and control. It is trickier to paint lines with the EXO 100, it is more of a racquet that lets you move the ball around and then hit heavy topspin winners to the open court. If you like that style of play, demo it.
maggmaster
Hall of Fame
I love mine but you must realize, it is not a put away racket. I have found that I have to think about the next ball after the great shot that I just hit. It actually is a great development racket because it makes you think. The topspin second serve is pretty awesome.
mxmx
Hall of Fame
I don't demo rackets - i just don't have that option...but i do so much research, that there are few unexecpected things when i get a new racket. To me, demoing
can have its drawbacks and not just its advantages...as often the frame is strung badly...or you don't spend enough time with it and so forth - giving you a potentially inaccurate experience on that particular day. A lot of the real essence of what you are going to get, is also in off the court research.
Point being, if you do enough research, you can get a fairly accurate view on a racket....especially if you know what to look for and if you know your own game. You also compare your current or older rackets to the new one you are getting.
I have read a lot about this racket...and most people's experiences are a accurate reflection of what the racket is doing on court. These experiences are quite similar to mine...and very few people say things about this racket thats way off...unless they havent played with it or don't know what they're talking about.
If your style of play suits this racket, i cannot imagine you being unhappy with it. You can easily do research to see wether your style suits this racket and if its in corrolation to what you are looking for in a racket. If you know the history of some brands of rackets, you should also be able to pick up their philosophies on what they generally do with their frames....often these philosophies filter down to most of their rackets down the years. For example, prince often being spin orientated frames and so forth.
Lastly...the specs of a racket is normally what its all about....and not so much the brand. There is not such a vast difference in how good rackets are these days, especially from top firms. So its more important to get the right "type"of racket, as opposed to the brand. The tour 100 is just one of those exceptions that i feel pushes the extremes of being quite original and above par to what is normally just good.
can have its drawbacks and not just its advantages...as often the frame is strung badly...or you don't spend enough time with it and so forth - giving you a potentially inaccurate experience on that particular day. A lot of the real essence of what you are going to get, is also in off the court research.
Point being, if you do enough research, you can get a fairly accurate view on a racket....especially if you know what to look for and if you know your own game. You also compare your current or older rackets to the new one you are getting.
I have read a lot about this racket...and most people's experiences are a accurate reflection of what the racket is doing on court. These experiences are quite similar to mine...and very few people say things about this racket thats way off...unless they havent played with it or don't know what they're talking about.
If your style of play suits this racket, i cannot imagine you being unhappy with it. You can easily do research to see wether your style suits this racket and if its in corrolation to what you are looking for in a racket. If you know the history of some brands of rackets, you should also be able to pick up their philosophies on what they generally do with their frames....often these philosophies filter down to most of their rackets down the years. For example, prince often being spin orientated frames and so forth.
Lastly...the specs of a racket is normally what its all about....and not so much the brand. There is not such a vast difference in how good rackets are these days, especially from top firms. So its more important to get the right "type"of racket, as opposed to the brand. The tour 100 is just one of those exceptions that i feel pushes the extremes of being quite original and above par to what is normally just good.
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mxmx
Hall of Fame
^^^^^
+1 on your take. It is a great frame with a feel folks either love or hate. Rabbit loves
I would say on your first serve, two things
1) give it a little time. I am serving great with it now, not so good at first.
2) to help your first serve, relearn swinging a little harder and also don't be afraid to play a little with your string set up. I am using natural gut now and it makes a real difference.
Thanks man....
I have asked around and read up on technique and so...and i have realised that there is one section on my serve that can definately be worked on, stance wise. My serve is ok at the moment, but i feel that this small adjustment, can make the serve go to another level.
Chyeaah
Professional
The only 2 bad things about it, is. Its got a wierd feel, low powered, and unforgiving. The last one which i doubt.
Maybe when i get older ill try it. Now i can go with a Pure drive and string it full poly at 70 pounds and it won't hurt my arm. The only pain i got was just adapting to the weight of the racquet. I'll stick to my tweeners until i get up to a high 4.0 and then switch to a players.
Maybe when i get older ill try it. Now i can go with a Pure drive and string it full poly at 70 pounds and it won't hurt my arm. The only pain i got was just adapting to the weight of the racquet. I'll stick to my tweeners until i get up to a high 4.0 and then switch to a players.
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TheOneHander
Professional
The Tour is the most forgiving 100 sqin. racquet I've ever had the pleasure of using. I basically agree with all of mxmx's eight points, but I'd add that it serves just as well as any other stick after some adjusment time and the spin coming off the face of the racquet is phenomenal. PP is pretty right when he says that it fits a type of player who moves the ball around and uses variety to win points instead of sheer pace. That being said, I don't have a problem with hitting putaways or even flatter groundies.
From,
A Prince fanboy of four months
From,
A Prince fanboy of four months
bluetrain4
G.O.A.T.
I used Prince for a long time (love the grip shape) and was excited about the EXO Tours. But, I was disappointed. Just not enough pop, and a little too flexible for my taste, which is their distinguishing characteristic.
Though, in all fairness, I didn't spend a ton of time with them. And, despite my opinion, I do know people who love them.
Though, in all fairness, I didn't spend a ton of time with them. And, despite my opinion, I do know people who love them.
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Chyeaah
Professional
Yea the lack of power has punched me in the face. Im finding lack of power in the 100S which is meant to be a really powerful racquet. And the price of the Prince in australia xD $249 cheapest you can get.
Maybe in 2013 ill get the new prince, where the holes are 2x bigger xD
which is meant to be a really powerful racquet. And the price of the Prince in australia xD $249 cheapest you can get.Maybe in 2013 ill get the new prince, where the holes are 2x bigger xD
Lack of power
1.I have a student using Prince EX03 100 Tour
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_EXO3_Tour_100_18X20/descpageRCPRINCE-PEX320.html
A lot of different coaching/teaching problems due to lack of power of the racket
2.I do NOT understand the comment about Vcore 100S.
Do you care to elaborate?
3.Do you know more about Prince rackets coming in 2013?
4.Is Vcore 100 S a player's racket in your opinion?
Hi,Yea the lack of power has punched me in the face. Im finding lack of power in the 100S
Maybe in 2013 ill get the new prince, where the holes are 2x bigger xD
1.I have a student using Prince EX03 100 Tour
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_EXO3_Tour_100_18X20/descpageRCPRINCE-PEX320.html
A lot of different coaching/teaching problems due to lack of power of the racket
2.I do NOT understand the comment about Vcore 100S.
Do you care to elaborate?
3.Do you know more about Prince rackets coming in 2013?
4.Is Vcore 100 S a player's racket in your opinion?
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TheOneHander
Professional
Chyeaah,
What string are you using in your frames? Your sig lists tension but not type of string, which is definitely a big contributing factor to power.
What string are you using in your frames? Your sig lists tension but not type of string, which is definitely a big contributing factor to power.
Chyeaah
Professional
No the 100S is like a tweener.
Im just finding the V-Core 100S lacking abit of free power when im lazy/tired. No i dont know about prince racquets coming in 2013 im just guessing that they produce racquets every few years.
been back to playing for 3-4 weeks and playing with the EX03 T0o Team (lighter Rabbit racket) and the PB7. I have more tradational strokes and like to hit "a flatter topspin" ball. And that's why the EXO does not work as well for me as the PB7 whick I prefer. Both are same weight and balance, PB7 has a 107 head size and is 27.25 in length it as stable or moreso as the EXO - both very stable for lighter rackets.
For me the PB7 has more controllable "flat power" and a more consistent sweet spot even though it's a 107.
If you are a topspin baseliner it's a really good stick, I think the PB7 volleys much better and is good at the baseline for flatter strokes. EX03 is a fine frame but I prefer another.
For me the PB7 has more controllable "flat power" and a more consistent sweet spot even though it's a 107.
If you are a topspin baseliner it's a really good stick, I think the PB7 volleys much better and is good at the baseline for flatter strokes. EX03 is a fine frame but I prefer another.
mxmx
Hall of Fame
Yea the lack of power has punched me in the face. Im finding lack of power in the 100S
Maybe in 2013 ill get the new prince, where the holes are 2x bigger xD
If you look at the latest rebel, i would not be surprised if they revert to smaller holes next time.
One thing Prince should maybe look into, is the options of weighted grommits and but caps like Donnay does if i'm not mistaken.
Orion3
Semi-Pro
+1
Found significant extra power (that I initially didn't want) from natural gut mains and even more from a little lead at 12. I've now regroved by groundstrokes and can hit put aways, heavy topspin/slice at will...with control.
mxmx
Hall of Fame
I don't know...have not played with the Ozones before. If the ozone is just as good as the 03's, then i would dare to answer you as "almost".
But one thing i do know is that Prince has very good middle priced frames. If i didn't have a lot of money, i'd probably buy a older model prince or a mid priced prince. I think they are the best value for money frames out there when it comes to mid range rackets or older stock. Dunlop is also worth looking into when it comes to value for money.
As for the Exo3 tour...so far to me personally, having used prince most of my years in tennis...i think its one of their best frames ever. (But only if your game suits it)
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cknobman
Legend
I like playing with mine but Im starting to grow tired of it and looking to switch.
Reason is the rapid loss of tension. I cant get a full two weeks out of string job before it seems like the tension has dropped 10+ pounds.
At first I thought it may have been who was stringing them so I changed stringers, then I bought my own stringer and strung the racquet myself.
Did not make a difference.
Then I though it was the string so I tried a full syn gut setup, then a full poly setup, then a nylon setup, then a hybrid setup.
Did not make a difference.
So after each string job I get about 1 week of super great play, and then <1 week of decent play but have to change my style to keep ball in, and then it just all goes straight to heck.
This does not happen as dramatically with my other racquets (prince speedport tour, wilson k pro tour) and I have been playing tennis enough years to know that tension loss is a given. I am just saying it is extremely fast and bad with the Exo Tour 100. Maybe its because the racquet is so flexible, I dont know.
Reason is the rapid loss of tension. I cant get a full two weeks out of string job before it seems like the tension has dropped 10+ pounds.
At first I thought it may have been who was stringing them so I changed stringers, then I bought my own stringer and strung the racquet myself.
Did not make a difference.
Then I though it was the string so I tried a full syn gut setup, then a full poly setup, then a nylon setup, then a hybrid setup.
Did not make a difference.
So after each string job I get about 1 week of super great play, and then <1 week of decent play but have to change my style to keep ball in, and then it just all goes straight to heck.
This does not happen as dramatically with my other racquets (prince speedport tour, wilson k pro tour) and I have been playing tennis enough years to know that tension loss is a given. I am just saying it is extremely fast and bad with the Exo Tour 100. Maybe its because the racquet is so flexible, I dont know.
I play this racket in 18x20 and really enjoy it.
I would tend to agree that the feel is either love it or hate it I suppose, but I really like the flexible hoop feeling. If you are the kind of player that hits with long strokes and hits over the ball, the headlight balance and flexible hoop to me is an excellent combination.
I also believe that racket tech for the most part is BS, but the holes actually do seem to make a difference because this racket feels super fast and light in the air, while still having a good static weight so it doesnt get pushed around.
Id say it is fairly low powered, but this is not anything that cannot be rectified with a more powerful string at a lower tension. I string mine at 52 with WC silverstring and really like this combo.
The other things to note are that the sweetspot is HUGE with this racket compared to others ive played, and also that spin generation is very easy, even with the 18x20.
Im a big fan, and think that it is one of the few 100sq in players frames. It allows you to be precise and play either a defensive style or offensive style of game. Very versatile racket.
I would tend to agree that the feel is either love it or hate it I suppose, but I really like the flexible hoop feeling. If you are the kind of player that hits with long strokes and hits over the ball, the headlight balance and flexible hoop to me is an excellent combination.
I also believe that racket tech for the most part is BS, but the holes actually do seem to make a difference because this racket feels super fast and light in the air, while still having a good static weight so it doesnt get pushed around.
Id say it is fairly low powered, but this is not anything that cannot be rectified with a more powerful string at a lower tension. I string mine at 52 with WC silverstring and really like this combo.
The other things to note are that the sweetspot is HUGE with this racket compared to others ive played, and also that spin generation is very easy, even with the 18x20.
Im a big fan, and think that it is one of the few 100sq in players frames. It allows you to be precise and play either a defensive style or offensive style of game. Very versatile racket.
tennisxlsdk
Rookie
I bought this racquet recently, 18/20 version, and I seem to be having the same issues as cknobman above. Plays great for about a week and then the balls seem to fly on me and I have change my style to keep the ball in. I thought it was just me but glad to see someone else is having this issue. The racquets seems great in the beginning then very powerful and like a trampoline.
Anyone else? I am using head Sonic Pro 17 at 58 lbs full job with the port hole grommets.
Also I am thinking of switching to the regualr grommets. Maybe this will help? What are the difference between the two anyway?
Thanks.
Anyone else? I am using head Sonic Pro 17 at 58 lbs full job with the port hole grommets.
Also I am thinking of switching to the regualr grommets. Maybe this will help? What are the difference between the two anyway?
Thanks.
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Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
That, my friend, is why they make more than one! I have continued to improve with mine. I've gone back to gut and poly strings and just love it. I had a hit with the PB7 and thought it was a little on the stiff side for me.
Chyeaah
Professional
Thats your strings.
tennisxlsdk
Rookie
But in my experience I have used these same strings, Head Sonic Pro 17 on my previous racquet, the Head MG Radical MP, and I did not experience such a drastic change after a week or so. It was still quite playable till I broke the strings.
I love the tour 100 and will stick it with it cos of all the additional benefits I get but hoping to resolve this issue I am using the port hole grommets now and am going to switch to regular string holes next time I string to see if that makes any difference.
Chyeaah
Professional
it's your strings. The grommets are big so they slide more. String higher by 5 pounds or w/e
Magic of tennis
Semi-Pro
I have EXO3 tour 100. I've been playing with it over a year but now I am playing with Volkl X10 295 because of lack of power of exo3. It took over a year to determine which stick is better between exo 3 and volkl X10 295.
I loved exo3 tour when I demoed it. So I bought one and loved it until I took out my volkl X10 again and played with it for a while, then I played with EXO3 and I was shocked that the difference was so obvious. With Volkl x10 you can hit commanding shots with ease and easy to return heavy shots.
I loved exo3 tour when I demoed it. So I bought one and loved it until I took out my volkl X10 again and played with it for a while, then I played with EXO3 and I was shocked that the difference was so obvious. With Volkl x10 you can hit commanding shots with ease and easy to return heavy shots.
I really like the tour 100 18x20 for volleys. It' fast, controlled and effortless to get punch on the shot. Touch shots more easier on the 18x20 i suppose.
I do like the combination of it's static and swing weight and balance. It makes racquet head speed easy to generate to get power and spin. Can easily match spin production of other open string patterns if not exceed it in the (18x20) IMO.
But some may have pointed out, serving at the beginning with it feels tricky. You know you can really whip the thing through the air but for some reason it's just not getting that pop and omph on the ball. Almost feeling 'empty'. But it all sinks it later. IMO the thing serves best with a loose and relaxed arm and a good kinetic chain.
I do like the combination of it's static and swing weight and balance. It makes racquet head speed easy to generate to get power and spin. Can easily match spin production of other open string patterns if not exceed it in the (18x20) IMO.
But some may have pointed out, serving at the beginning with it feels tricky. You know you can really whip the thing through the air but for some reason it's just not getting that pop and omph on the ball. Almost feeling 'empty'. But it all sinks it later. IMO the thing serves best with a loose and relaxed arm and a good kinetic chain.
tennisxlsdk
Rookie
thanks, I see what you mean. Switching over to string hole grommets then should hopefully make it better for me.
I read everyone saying this is such a low powered racquet. Maybe it's just me but I think it has adequate power but might be cos my frame of reference is the head mg rad mp. And just to add I have very good strokes, both sides and can generate pace on my own.
