Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (18X20) - Flat Hitters?

Wanted to ask those of you who have tested and played with the new Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (18X20). Is this good for flat hitters? Also, what about stability on fast pace volleys?

I've been reading through the threads and it looks like the formula for good flat shots are weight (stability) and dense string patterns.

Feedback on those who have tried the new Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (18X20)? Thanks.
 
This racket takes weight VERY well. That being said, in stock form I wouldnt say it's great for flat hitters. It doesnt produce a very heavy ball because of it's balance and relative lightness. It's also far from a power house of a racket, VERY control oriented. I actually found it much easier to hit hard flat balls with the 16x18 (ball just always dropped in).

As far as stability goes, it's fairly stable in stock form (really depends on the type of ball you're receiving). But a little lead at 3 & 9 and at 12 countered near the butt cap goes A LONG way.

FWIW I found that the new IG Speed and Biomimetic rackets were better suited for flat hitters.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Wanted to ask those of you who have tested and played with the new Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (18X20). Is this good for flat hitters? Also, what about stability on fast pace volleys?

I've been reading through the threads and it looks like the formula for good flat shots are weight (stability) and dense string patterns.

Feedback on those who have tried the new Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (18X20)? Thanks.

I playtested and am a mainly flat hitter. I would say that this frame needs a decent dosing of lead. 3, 9, 12 and in the handle to up the overall static weight and increase the stability of the frame on volleys and to better equip it to handle faster, heavier shots.
 

kimguroo

Legend
I use Japanese rebel 95 which is exact same weight as exo3 tour (10.9oz=310g). recently, I tested exo3 tour but did not like it. I noticed that the racket has more power than rebel though. in my opinion rebel has more control than tour.

you should demo both rebel and exo3 tour.
 

mxmx

Hall of Fame
Interesting....has anyone tested the difference between the rebel 95 and the wilson kblade 98? To me the k-blade feels very control orientated.
(why i'm asking: ive never played with a prince "control" racket but rather more balanced or power orientated rackets)
 

themitchmann

Hall of Fame
I use Japanese rebel 95 which is exact same weight as exo3 tour (10.9oz=310g). recently, I tested exo3 tour but did not like it. I noticed that the racket has more power than rebel though. in my opinion rebel has more control than tour.

you should demo both rebel and exo3 tour.

I agree. Many people, especially flat hitters, have really liked the Rebel.

I'm more of a spin guy myself, but I'm so used to the Rebel that I wasn't interested in switching to the Tour.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Interesting....has anyone tested the difference between the rebel 95 and the wilson kblade 98? To me the k-blade feels very control orientated.
(why i'm asking: ive never played with a prince "control" racket but rather more balanced or power orientated rackets)

I would say the Rebel hands down. More control and doesn't have the harshness that the kblade has. The only downside is that the Rebel doesn't give you as much feedback. If you are looking for control frames look at the Prestige MP as well.
 

mxmx

Hall of Fame
The only thing i dislike about the babolat tweener type rackets, are that they seem to be terrible volleying rackets...I wont easily buy a babolat racket...i do not know the "player" type babolats though...
 

rlau

Hall of Fame
The only thing i dislike about the babolat tweener type rackets, are that they seem to be terrible volleying rackets...I wont easily buy a babolat racket...i do not know the "player" type babolats though...

The Pure Storm Ltd might well be the only 'classic' (in the sense of feel, control and playability) frame Babolat has produced, perhaps together with the Tour version.

I agree, the AeroPro Drive and Pure Drive tweener frames are not so good for net play, which makes sense because they are primarily geared towards baseline bashing.
 

mxmx

Hall of Fame
In my country, babolat seems to be very popular recently, especially amongst juniors. I get the impression that babolat is less popular in the US...or at least on this board. I have read many times when people really hate the feel/comfort of the babolats especially...
 

rlau

Hall of Fame
In my country, babolat seems to be very popular recently, especially amongst juniors.

Same here, in the Netherlands.

I get the impression that babolat is less popular in the US...or at least on this board. I have read many times when people really hate the feel/comfort of the babolats especially...

The PSL is no typical Babolat in this respect, so it might well be the exception to the rule. It's a very comfortable stick with nice feel.
 

geneboy009

New User
Same here, in the Netherlands.



The PSL is no typical Babolat in this respect, so it might well be the exception to the rule. It's a very comfortable stick with nice feel.
I know this thread has been long forgotten. But i concur that the PSL is kinda a unique racket from the Babolat line. Soft RA at 59-61, strings get denser nearer to the top of the hoop, and resembles an egg. You gotta bring your own power, and plenty of lead to make this racket work. I keep going back to it after a few months off it, then i leave it again, because i just can't outhit the kids these days with these.
 
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