Prince EXO3 Warrior 100 Review

[Dgdavid]

Well, I preferred Warrior to Rebel so it is these final choices over a return to the Warrior. Done nearly all of my choices in two stints now so feel more confident on closing in on final choices. 97 Tour would be an educated guess given my like of the other vcores.

PP, if any of us gave any reasonable stick long enough, we would probably get on very well with them. Sometimes you can like a racquet a lot but find something you prefer which does not mean anything was wrong with the old one e.g. You liked PD+ a lot but seemed to prefer the PDR. You liked PDR and 95D but arm issues moving you on. My reasons are different and unfortunately do include impulsiveness. The only racket so far I would definitely have stayed with is actually the POG OS but hurt my shoulder and elbow. Such a lovely solid feeling on impact.

 

[RollTrackTake]

Popping to say at this point I don't even think the racquet makes a huge difference at all. I pretty much decided on the rdis 200 due to the flex and the weight was where I like it, and I'm happy. Actually more than happy, as it is a very high quality stick.

Pretty much every racquet out now is awesome, so I think you just have to grab one and go.

Also, I have no idea how anyone could think the rad pro is heavy and board like compared to the 6.1. It doesn't even make sense because the Rad pro is super flexy and an ounce lighter than the 6.1. Don't try a yy 200, because you will hate it..lol. It takes 2 weeks or so to adjust to a racquet with flex when you are used to stiff ones. I don't see many people here giving racquets enough time to really learn them, which is fine, but these snap judgements are funny to read.

+1. I think what you can take from reviews from our resident racquetaholics is what the first impressions of a racquet are like. 2 weeks is not nearly enough time to really 'know' a racquet imho. One can pick a racquet up and not like it immediately I understand that feeling. But PP is right on with most racquets today are very good and very little really separates them. given enough time a good player can make most racquets work for them. I was reading through the Mfil 300 thread the other day and the insight you get from players that have used a racquet for years is leaps and bounds better. with that said I am about to post my latest findings with my Pro 1 after playing with it for almost 9 months now.

 

[Power Player]

ill be honest, I think it narrows down to boredom sometimes for everybody. To combat that I am playing in more leagues and putting myself in situations where I need familiarity with my gear.

Of course for me it has also boiled down to injury. I have switched sticks because they bugged my wrist or shoulder.

But I am not sure how flexier sticks vibrate more and bug your elbow..that is really odd and makes no sense. I feel way more vibrations in a 6.1 and a PD than a softer racquet. poly mixes great with flex..the majority of pros on tour uses a flex of 65 or less. Stiffer racquets are made so you can hit bigger and the racquet can be made lighter.

It just takes a little time to get used to a flexier stick and you have to figure out the best matchup for you. But the flexier sticks are incredible on returns. That is where they really shine.

 

[Dgdavid]

I don't normally have arm issues myself. POG was the quite severe but most other times have just been getting use to it (except APD which made my shoulder ache). Prestige, 6.1, PD etc were all fine.

I got a bit of twingyness with the V1 actually (elbow not shoulder) but not enough to warrant a passing comment as it was gone within an hour of playing. Only the POG gave me lasting discomfort into the next two days.

+1 on the boredom issue, I switch far less when I am playing a lot of matches. Sadly, just went out of our Club Tournament in the first round (I drew the #1 Seed) and went out in straights (6-3, 6-1) but I actually did better than that scoreline. He played with a Head Flexpoint 4! Now friendlies until July for next round of box matches.

 

[BC1]

But I am not sure how flexier sticks vibrate more and bug your elbow..that is really odd and makes no sense. I feel way more vibrations in a 6.1 and a PD than a softer racquet.

I disagree. I have the bad tendacy to hit at the top of the hoop. With every "flexy" racquet I've tried (Radicals, rebel 98, Prince tours, and some others), when hit at the top of the hoop, or outside the sweetspot, I get a vibration effect. With the pd or pro open or other "stiff" racquets you don't get those vibrations. I realize that the stiff racquet is probably doing some unknow damage to my arm that I don't notice, but they are so well "dampened" that you don't feel the vibrations - you might get a "jolt" due to the stiffness, but not vibrations. At least that has been my observations, right or wrong.

The switching has a lot to do with the excitement of trying out new sticks, and even though they may make very little difference in your performance, they ARE all different and do have some minute impact. But it comes down more to fun then anything else. However, you're rigfht, there is a time when you got to say enough is enough, and decide if you are into this just for the racquet shopping or to actually play the game.

 

[Dgdavid]

+1. I think what you can take from reviews from our resident racquetaholics is what the first impressions of a racquet are like. 2 weeks is not nearly enough time to really 'know' a racquet imho. One can pick a racquet up and not like it immediately I understand that feeling. But PP is right on with most racquets today are very good and very little really separates them. given enough time a good player can make most racquets work for them. I was reading through the Mfil 300 thread the other day and the insight you get from players that have used a racquet for years is leaps and bounds better. with that said I am about to post my latest findings with my Pro 1 after playing with it for almost 9 months now.

Good points Roll but we wouldn't be racquetoholics if we could control it!!

 

[Dgdavid]

BC1, we need to settle because in barely 5 months it's new racquet season again! Can't wait.

 

[BC1]

BC1, we need to settle because in barely 5 months it's new racquet season again! Can't wait.

lol. Love that English sense of humor!


But you're right. An exciting, but scarry thought!

 

[Power Player]

I disagree. I have the bad tendacy to hit at the top of the hoop. With every "flexy" racquet I've tried (Radicals, rebel 98, Prince tours, and some others), when hit at the top of the hoop, or outside the sweetspot, I get a vibration effect. With the pd or pro open or other "stiff" racquets you don't get those vibrations. I realize that the stiff racquet is probably doing some unknow damage to my arm that I don't notice, but they are so well "dampened" that you don't feel the vibrations - you might get a "jolt" due to the stiffness, but not vibrations. At least that has been my observations, right or wrong.

The switching has a lot to do with the excitement of trying out new sticks, and even though they may make very little difference in your performance, they ARE all different and do have some minute impact. But it comes down more to fun then anything else. However, you're rigfht, there is a time when you got to say enough is enough, and decide if you are into this just for the racquet shopping or to actually play the game.

Yeah you are hitting outside of the sweetspot..that's going to happen. Has nothing to do with the flex. Ever miss the sweetspot on an aeroprodrive coretex? It sucks. A jolt is the same thing as vibrations anyway. You need to just get the basics down so you are hitting the sweetspot of the racquet as much as possible. I'd stick with the PD or Pro Open and just keep getting better.

to me fun = getting better at tennis and beating people who beat you in the past.

 

[BC1]

Yeah you are hitting outside of the sweetspot..that's going to happen. Has nothing to do with the flex. Ever miss the sweetspot on an aeroprodrive coretex? It sucks. A jolt is the same thing as vibrations anyway. You need to just get the basics down so you are hitting the sweetspot of the racquet as much as possible. I'd stick with the PD or Pro Open and just keep getting better.

to me fun = getting better at tennis and beating people who beat you in the past.

Agreed. No argument with that logic.
And I was able to whoop-up on a guy yesterday using the pro open. And you're right, that win gave me more satisfaction then even demoing a new racquet.

 

[RollTrackTake]

Good points Roll but we wouldn't be racquetoholics if we could control it!!

very true! and I wouldn't get to read about racquets that seem interesting to me but don't warrant a playtest in my mind. The V1 has some appeal as does the Rebel 98 and even more tempting the vcore 98D! but I'll continue to live vicariously through you racquet afficianados!

 

[BC1]

very true! and I wouldn't get to read about racquets that seem interesting to me but don't warrant a playtest in my mind. The V1 has some appeal as does the Rebel 98 and even more tempting the vcore 98D! but I'll continue to live vicariously through you racquet afficianados!

Demoed the vcore98D. I could definitely be satisfied with this raquet. It seemed exceptionally well rounded. Nothing stood out as amazing but everything was very good. No weak points in my opinion. Different then the pro open or pd of course as you don't have that easy power. But it was still very forgiving and had decent power. Control and manueverability were excellent as well as comfort. Static weight and sw were perfect for me. I could see where a little more weight could be beneficial but not necessary. Very nice racquet. May have to get it! Liked the flex as well. Not too stiff not too flexy.

 

[JackB1]

Demoed the vcore98D. I could definitely be satisfied with this raquet. It seemed exceptionally well rounded. Nothing stood out as amazing but everything was very good. No weak points in my opinion. Different then the pro open or pd of course as you don't have that easy power. But it was still very forgiving and had decent power. Control and manueverability were excellent as well as comfort. Static weight and sw were perfect for me. I could see where a little more weight could be beneficial but not necessary. Very nice racquet. May have to get it! Liked the flex as well. Not too stiff not too flexy.

I agree with your assessment of the VC98 100%.
The only thing that bugged me was the handle and the lack of flare on the butt end. I used some twisted up athletic tape to add a little flare under the grip. Also the stock Yonex grips are thin and very cheap. I replace those too.

 

[BC1]

I agree with your assessment of the VC98 100%.
The only thing that bugged me was the handle and the lack of flare on the butt end. I used some twisted up athletic tape to add a little flare under the grip. Also the stock Yonex grips are thin and very cheap. I replace those too.

I agree about the grip. I like a big flare on the butt end, that is one reason I like Wilson racquets. So, do you still prefer the pro one or pd or rad pro over the 98D?

 

[JackB1]

I agree about the grip. I like a big flare on the butt end, that is one reason I like Wilson racquets. So, do you still prefer the pro one or pd or rad pro over the 98D?

I don't have a 98D in my bag anymore, but could happily use it as my main stick.

I currently am leaning slightly towards the Pro One, but just restrung the Rad Pro and need to try that some more. My serve with either of those is bigger than with the PD12 and that really caught my attention. I still haven't abandoned the PD, but would need to weight it up some if I go back to it. It just feels too light to me in stock form compared to the P1 or IGRP.

 

[Dgdavid]

Think the 98D might be the one then BC1? I could easily settle on it too but I also liked the 95D a lot so a bit stuck especially with the 89 apparently being so sweet and playing like a 95 head (the 89 has retained the head width but been shortened).

 

[BC1]

Think the 98D might be the one then BC1? I could easily settle on it too but I also liked the 95D a lot so a bit stuck especially with the 89 apparently being so sweet and playing like a 95 head (the 89 has retained the head width but been shortened).

You know how picky us racquetholics can be. I wish the 98d was a tad more powerful and slightly heavier in the hoop. I would imagine a little lead at 12, or 3 and 9 would fix both of those issues. And I'm sure the racquet is designed with slight customization in mind. So it could be the one. It is more of a players type racquet then what I had assumed I would end up with, but that is a good thing. I'm going to test a couple more first and then decide. You thought the 100s was too light correct?

Did you find the 95d to be a lot heavier? I can see why you would want a weight in between the two.

 

[YesTennis]

I don't have a 98D in my bag anymore, but could happily use it as my main stick.

I currently am leaning slightly towards the Pro One, but just restrung the Rad Pro and need to try that some more. My serve with either of those is bigger than with the PD12 and that really caught my attention. I still haven't abandoned the PD, but would need to weight it up some if I go back to it. It just feels too light to me in stock form compared to the P1 or IGRP.

Jack- would be interested to hear what string set up you think works best with the Rad Pro after you've tried a few combos. The reviews state that is a relatively powerful racquet, and has a lot of flex. Wondering if you could go full bed multi(?too powerful), or tame the power with a full bed soft co-poly, or hybrid for the best of both worlds.

 

[JackB1]

Jack- would be interested to hear what string set up you think works best with the Rad Pro after you've tried a few combos. The reviews state that is a relatively powerful racquet, and has a lot of flex. Wondering if you could go full bed multi(?too powerful), or tame the power with a full bed soft co-poly, or hybrid for the best of both worlds.

trying a multi/syngut combo now at 55/53.

 

[Power Player]

the Rad Pro with full multi literally felt like nothing to me. No ball feel at all. It felt like a full poly type racquet.

 

[YesTennis]

the Rad Pro with full multi literally felt like nothing to me. No ball feel at all. It felt like a full poly type racquet.

PP- What do you think would be the optimal string setup for the Rad Pro?

 

[Power Player]

To me Tour bite, typhoon, Lux would probably be stellar.

gut/poly would probably be great too..it seems to work in about everything.

 

[JackB1]

the Rad Pro with full multi literally felt like nothing to me. No ball feel at all. It felt like a full poly type racquet.

We'll see. The Nvy crosses may crisp it up some?

I wouldn't go full multi or full poly. Probably a copoly/Nvy hybrid would be best for me? Or copoly/Attack.

Remember PP and YT...everyone's tastes are different. I don't find the Rad Pro as "flexible" as some do, so it's not overly muted or mushy to me. The stiffness is in the low 60's, so it's not like a Rebel or something that needs a lot of crisping up. But I agree, a poly is needed somewhere in the mix, either in the mains or crosses.

 

[BobFL]

We'll see. The Nvy crosses may crisp it up some?

I wouldn't go full multi or full poly. Probably a copoly/Nvy hybrid would be best for me? Or copoly/Attack.

Remember PP and YT...everyone's tastes are different. I don't find the Rad Pro as "flexible" as some do, so it's not overly muted or mushy to me. The stiffness is in the low 60's, so it's not like a Rebel or something that needs a lot of crisping up. But I agree, a poly is needed somewhere in the mix, either in the mains or crosses.

When you hit hard with a lot of torque, the frame flexes like crazy. Also, when you receive pacey serves it just bends and absorbs the power nicely.

 

[JackB1]

When you hit hard with a lot of torque, the frame flexes like crazy. Also, when you receive pacey serves it just bends and absorbs the power nicely.

I only used it for about 1/2 hour so far and it had poly, so it didn't feel that flexy to me yet. I will play more tonite with it and pay attention to the flex.

Are you now using a Rad Pro Bob?

 

[Power Player]

I don't really know if it is a matter of taste to describe the stick as flexy. It just is. I had the same impressions as Bob.

It's a very nice racquet. I just thought it felt a little too soft for me.

 

[BC1]

I don't really know if it is a matter of taste to describe the stick as flexy. It just is. I had the same impressions as Bob.

It's a very nice racquet. I just thought it felt a little too soft for me.

power, you find the rdis 200s less "flexy" or less soft then the igrp. If so, that is good to me. I know the 200s are probably too much of a players racquet for me, but for the price they are very tempting. The regular and the lite version.

 

[BobFL]

I only used it for about 1/2 hour so far and it had poly, so it didn't feel that flexy to me yet. I will play more tonite with it and pay attention to the flex.

Are you now using a Rad Pro Bob?

No no, two of my friends have it and I used it sporadically. Really, there is no better frame for receiving pacey serves. Period. However, when you face dinkers with floaty serves it gets really frustrating

One thing is very unique about this frame - combination of flex and power. Unbelievable combo. So much flex yet you can just compress the ball and create huge power (yep, high sw helps here a lot)

 

[Power Player]

The 200 is going to be a little out of your league for a bit. I will put it like this, I would not be using this stick as well until I really got my groundstroke technque dialed. And I also would like to have more in stock so I can buy a few more to be honest. If you are going to buy one, commit to it pleeeeese...lol. I really am using these as my main racquets so I am hoping to get a few more in the next few weeks.

But in all honesty, the Rad Pro to me is more powerful, and the 200 is more for controlled power hitters. If you grew up playing tennis and watching Agassi, and were from the first gen of topspin hitters as a kid like me, this stick is perfect. It plays a like a classic stick that gets modern spin and racquet speed. The Rad pro is made with more modern specs and is easier to use. If you think the Rad Pro is hard to use, then the RDIS200 will not be your friend.

Plus didn't you just make some club for sticks under 11.6? lol.

I have no experience with the lite version. Could be worth a shot..but i think these sticks are meant to be a little heavier to be really effective.

Bob, I agree with you..on serve returns, flexy sticks are the best. I actually like mine on the no pace serves as well because I can tee off on them and hit winners on the return off my forehand side.

 

[Dgdavid]

You know how picky us racquetholics can be. I wish the 98d was a tad more powerful and slightly heavier in the hoop. I would imagine a little lead at 12, or 3 and 9 would fix both of those issues. And I'm sure the racquet is designed with slight customization in mind. So it could be the one. It is more of a players type racquet then what I had assumed I would end up with, but that is a good thing. I'm going to test a couple more first and then decide. You thought the 100s was too light correct?

Did you find the 95d to be a lot heavier? I can see why you would want a weight in between the two.

The 100S wasn't too light, in fact I found it fairly solid (definitely not "flimsy" as Sean Hemmer mentioned but given how hard he clumps the ball, it might be for him). I liked the 100S but preferred the other two.

I personally would pick the 95D over the 98D. The 95 is the most forgiving and largest sweetspot of any 95 I've used by some distance and the weight can be adjusted to pretty quick although it feels heavy straight after the 98D (but much more manageable the my Prestige Pro for instance). The 95 rackets I've tried are the 6.1 BLXs, Dunlop 200s, the Prestige "98s", tfight 320. I found the 95 gave me the lazy option of using the racket mass to push the ball back deep and my natural rallying stroke was deeper. It is pretty powerful for a players stick.

Since my last post, I have put all the rackets I have owned into a list and the top two I liked for different reasons were the Warrior 100 (great rallying and defense) and the Prestige MidPlus (great on front foot attack). Funny enough, wanted easier flatter shots on the Warrior and easier spin shots on the Prestige!! Anyway, I have decided to plump for a racket I liked that feels like it sits in the middle, have hit before and think will now suit how I have developed since I last tried it. The racket i've picked is the IG Speed MP 18x20. Having thought long and hard, I am going to give it 4 weeks as my only stick to bed it in and wait for reviews on the vcore 89 and 97 Tour 310g. If it doesn't work out, I will bite the bullet and re-buy the Warriors.

Many weeks ago, PP said something along the lines of "pick the racket you rally with the best and go from there". I used to be embarrassed that consistency was my biggest asset but now I want it back!

 

[Power Player]

The IG speeds are pretty sweet racquets. I liked the feel of them a lot. Used one when I was in Miami and hitting balls at the Ericsson.

I think consistency is a great asset. It allows you to setup a better winner.

 

[JackB1]

No no, two of my friends have it and I used it sporadically. Really, there is no better frame for receiving pacey serves. Period. However, when you face dinkers with floaty serves it gets really frustrating

One thing is very unique about this frame - combination of flex and power. Unbelievable combo. So much flex yet you can just compress the ball and create huge power (yep, high sw helps here a lot)

You are right....flex and power aren't usually found on the same racquet. The London was another example of this.

 

[SantiagoMVC]

Hey guys, how do you compare the Warrior 100 with the Blx Pro open, I'm interested in both but I can't test them !

 

[JackB1]

Hey guys, how do you compare the Warrior 100 with the Blx Pro open, I'm interested in both but I can't test them !

Pretty similar. Pro Open less power and a little lighter through the air.. Warrior more of a baseliners stick, while the Pro Open is a little more well rounded and would be better for an all court type game, although the Warrior really does everything well too. Both are excellent choices. I would say if you prefer a crisper feel with more control, go Pro Open. More muted feel with more power...go Warrior.

 

[BC1]

Pretty similar. Pro Open less power and a little lighter through the air.. Warrior more of a baseliners stick, while the Pro Open is a little more well rounded and would be better for an all court type game, although the Warrior really does everything well too. Both are excellent choices. I would say if you prefer a crisper feel with more control, go Pro Open. More muted feel with more power...go Warrior.

^^^ 100% agree. Very accurate comparison!

 

[BC1]

The 100S wasn't too light, in fact I found it fairly solid (definitely not "flimsy" as Sean Hemmer mentioned but given how hard he clumps the ball, it might be for him). I liked the 100S but preferred the other two.

I personally would pick the 95D over the 98D. The 95 is the most forgiving and largest sweetspot of any 95 I've used by some distance and the weight can be adjusted to pretty quick although it feels heavy straight after the 98D (but much more manageable the my Prestige Pro for instance). The 95 rackets I've tried are the 6.1 BLXs, Dunlop 200s, the Prestige "98s", tfight 320. I found the 95 gave me the lazy option of using the racket mass to push the ball back deep and my natural rallying stroke was deeper. It is pretty powerful for a players stick.

Since my last post, I have put all the rackets I have owned into a list and the top two I liked for different reasons were the Warrior 100 (great rallying and defense) and the Prestige MidPlus (great on front foot attack). Funny enough, wanted easier flatter shots on the Warrior and easier spin shots on the Prestige!! Anyway, I have decided to plump for a racket I liked that feels like it sits in the middle, have hit before and think will now suit how I have developed since I last tried it. The racket i've picked is the IG Speed MP 18x20. Having thought long and hard, I am going to give it 4 weeks as my only stick to bed it in and wait for reviews on the vcore 89 and 97 Tour 310g. If it doesn't work out, I will bite the bullet and re-buy the Warriors.

Many weeks ago, PP said something along the lines of "pick the racket you rally with the best and go from there". I used to be embarrassed that consistency was my biggest asset but now I want it back!

DgDavid, Looks like your racketholism had a purpose. Good to hear it lead you to what seems like a rational decision. . I'm hoping to be there soon as well. If I were to pick the most "rational" racquet for me right now it would probably be the 98D as it has a little of everything and I think it would help me (force me) to develop my strokes a little better then the PD or Pro Open. However, it's so hard to seperate yourself from that FREE power of the power tweeners. I've never tried the Speed 18x20. It's interesting to see that you went with that as you were keeping that one a secret from us (at least I don't remember seeing any posts on that one). Keep us posted. I agree with you though on the Warrior. You, Jack and I may have saved ourselves three months of demos and lots of $$ if we would have just stayed with that,. lol.

I would like to know your opinions on the Speed 18x20. Besides consistency, how is the power? I know control is good, and the weight and sw are perfect (on paper).

 

[JackB1]

What I have learned is that when you find a stick that works and you are comfortable with, you should just stop and play with that. When you try other sticks it makes you question what you were originally happy with. Case in point....I was 100% happy with the PD12 until I tried the Donnay Pro One. Now when I go back to the PD it doesn't feel as good to me and I miss the extra swingweight and plow of the P1. So again I am stuck in "racquet limbo hell". Now I am wondering if I should switch to the Pro 1 and ditch the PD's. It's starting to bug me.

 

[BC1]

Jack, I think we can all realate and fully understand. You are 100% correct. Too many options, too many demos, and too much time on this site is not good. Makes being content next to impossible.

 

[Faithfulfather]

Jack, I think we can all realate and fully understand. You are 100% correct. Too many options, too many demos, and too much time on this site is not good. Makes being content next to impossible.

Agree 100%. I refuse to buy anymore racquets.

 

[Dgdavid]

DgDavid, Looks like your racketholism had a purpose. Good to hear it lead you to what seems like a rational decision. . I'm hoping to be there soon as well. If I were to pick the most "rational" racquet for me right now it would probably be the 98D as it has a little of everything and I think it would help me (force me) to develop my strokes a little better then the PD or Pro Open. However, it's so hard to seperate yourself from that FREE power of the power tweeners. I've never tried the Speed 18x20. It's interesting to see that you went with that as you were keeping that one a secret from us (at least I don't remember seeing any posts on that one). Keep us posted. I agree with you though on the Warrior. You, Jack and I may have saved ourselves three months of demos and lots of $$ if we would have just stayed with that,. lol.

I would like to know your opinions on the Speed 18x20. Besides consistency, how is the power? I know control is good, and the weight and sw are perfect (on paper).

Hi BC,

I actually had the 18x20 and 16x19 version as my first rackets (bought together) when I started out on my journey from the APD GT. The APD GT was my main racket for quite some time. I really liked the 18x20 (hated the 16x19) but getting used to the 18x20 straight after the APD was a challenge especially as the player I got them off (a playing Pro but not a celebrated one!) had them strung ridiculously tight with a poly. When I went to get them restrung, I was given a demo of the IG Speed 300 which suited my game at the time and I switched and stayed with it up to the end of 2011. However, having been through lots of specs, it seems that some of the qualities the 18x20 would now fit like a glove. That said, on paper, the Warrior did not fit my requirement as it evolved but I really liked it so we shall see.

Playing twice with the Speed this weekend and will report back. Have done circa 300 serves with it from a basket and that was very nice on flat and TS.
The free power from Tweeners is nice at times but I find that when under pressure, I prefer a lower powered racket.

 

[BC1]

^^^^ dgdavid, wish you well with the speed. I look forward to the results of the weekend. Just curious, what is your preferred string set up with the 18x20? I tried the 300 with poly but think the 18x20 may be better with multi. Is the Speed 315 18×20 more powerful then the 300?

 

[Dgdavid]

Hi BC,

I think the 300 is in theory more powerful but it lacks a bit of mass so it doesn't play more powerful for me.

I have played 15 sets this weekend with the IG Speed 315 MP 18x20 (10 doubles, 5 singles). It is definitely a nice racket - I feel accurate with it, it is excellent defensively on the stretch (both sides), I serve well with it etc.

Whereas it is certainly not low powered on the sweetspot, there is a very noticeable and dramatic drop in power off the sweetspot (even just off it). The sweetspot is also pretty small for a 100 sq inch. However, my racket is strung with stock Sonic Pro at mid-tension and it could have been on the rack ages before I bought it. I think a multifilament at mid or just under mid will open it up a lot more.

All in all, it is nice and I can feel myself adjusting to it already. Going to get it restrung tomorrow. It hasn't yet taken my mind off the possible candidates in the (return to) the Warrior 100/Team, Vcore 97 310g or Vcore 89 but I am sticking with the Speed for a while to see how it goes. Happy so far, no regrets.

ps. it became even more apparent today as I played with new people at the club that virtually all of the very top players at our club play with rackets that could be classed as tweeners (certainly 100 sq inch at least) whereas it is in the middle to upper third where you see the more demanding rackets like the BLX 90s and co. The only 'expert' racket used by any of the top players is one guy with a POG Mid (the 90).

 

[JackB1]

Hi BC,

I think the 300 is in theory more powerful but it lacks a bit of mass so it doesn't play more powerful for me.

I have played 15 sets this weekend with the IG Speed 315 MP 18x20 (10 doubles, 5 singles). It is definitely a nice racket - I feel accurate with it, it is excellent defensively on the stretch (both sides), I serve well with it etc.

Whereas it is certainly not low powered on the sweetspot, there is a very noticeable and dramatic drop in power off the sweetspot (even just off it). The sweetspot is also pretty small for a 100 sq inch. However, my racket is strung with stock Sonic Pro at mid-tension and it could have been on the rack ages before I bought it. I think a multifilament at mid or just under mid will open it up a lot more.

All in all, it is nice and I can feel myself adjusting to it already. Going to get it restrung tomorrow. It hasn't yet taken my mind off the possible candidates in the (return to) the Warrior 100/Team, Vcore 97 310g or Vcore 89 but I am sticking with the Speed for a while to see how it goes. Happy so far, no regrets.

ps. it became even more apparent today as I played with new people at the club that virtually all of the very top players at our club play with rackets that could be classed as tweeners (certainly 100 sq inch at least) whereas it is in the middle to upper third where you see the more demanding rackets like the BLX 90s and co. The only 'expert' racket used by any of the top players is one guy with a POG Mid (the 90).

Agree that most club players do not use demanding racquets. My doubles teams is made up mostly of 4.0 and a few 4.5's and they use racquets like Prince Red, Juice 107, Prince Silver, a few APDs and PD's. I think the only 3.5-4.0s that use players racquets are mostly us TW forum diehards

David...I used the Speed 16x19 for a while and really liked it. The power was a little low, but I strung it low with multi or Nat gut and it was sufficient power. Just heavy enough for decent plow, without being too heavy. Swingweight was perfect for me.

 

[RollTrackTake]

Happy to say the Warrior has earned a place in my bag. The Formula 100 & Pro Opens go up for sale. Right next to my two Pro 1's the Warrior will be a nice complement for doubles, casual matches, even singles league play if I'm feeling drained. The overall performance and comfort is hard to beat. The other tweeners did not offer the same balance of comfort, power and feel that I prefer. Took me over 3 months and a bunch of string jobs to finally decide. Iontec Black mains/sweet 16 crosses 55/60 is a fantastic combo for me. Prince does a nice job. Hope they can come back from the dead!

 

[JackB1]

Happy to say the Warrior has earned a place in my bag. The Formula 100 & Pro Opens go up for sale. Right next to my two Pro 1's the Warrior will be a nice complement for doubles, casual matches, even singles league play if I'm feeling drained. The overall performance and comfort is hard to beat. The other tweeners did not offer the same balance of comfort, power and feel that I prefer. Took me over 3 months and a bunch of string jobs to finally decide. Iontec Black mains/sweet 16 crosses 55/60 is a fantastic combo for me. Prince does a nice job. Hope they can come back from the dead!

excellent choice! The Warrior is just a solid choice that has no real weaknesses.
If my Pure Drive starting giving me arm issues, I would have no problems going back to the Warrior. You may have some issues going back and forth from the Pro 1 to the Warrior though...the Pro One is noticeably heavier.

 

[BC1]

David and Jack,
Yes, I would definitely agree with your observations on "club player" racquets. In addition, most don't seem to have any idea of what stings are in their racquets nor do they care. I talk with the stringer at the club where I play as well as the stringers at another local tennis shop, and they both confirm that 75% of the people just give them their racquets or buy a new one, and say "just string it with whatever it came with or whatever you think". IGNORANCE IS BLISS. And most likely their game doesn't suffer from it. We beat ourselves up over this stuff for no reason. Anyway, point being, I guess it doesn't matter what we use. But we already know that. It looks like I am sticking to my tweener roots. Switching off between the apdgt, pd2012, and pro open. They are all equally good in their own way. I need to somehow pick one and then start obsessing uneccessarily over strings.

fwiw - I wish I still had the warrior in my bag to make my decision even harder.

 

[RollTrackTake]

excellent choice! The Warrior is just a solid choice that has no real weaknesses.
If my Pure Drive starting giving me arm issues, I would have no problems going back to the Warrior. You may have some issues going back and forth from the Pro 1 to the Warrior though...the Pro One is noticeably heavier.

I'm quite familiar with the Pro 1 so I can adjust for the weight. The Warrior's SW of 319 (mine feels heavier!) Is closest to the Pro 1's mid 320's SW. Whereas the regular PD 2012, Pro Open have much lower SW. I just love the feel of the Warrior. Which is funny because many people dog it for lack of feel. Again I guess it depends on what kind of feel you like.

 

[Dgdavid]

Hi all. Anyone still using the Warrior as their long term main racket?

 

[BC1]

Hi all. Anyone still using the Warrior as their long term main racket?

So the warrior is back on your mind!? Mine too. Came real close to making a trade for one the other day.

 

[JackB1]

I miss my Warriors

Great all around racquet that will take you wherever you need to go.
Its like the Swiss army knife of racquets.