Prince hybrid port/string inserts

[klementine]

Just recently placed the string-hole inserts in my frame and I'm liking the true-to-size sweet spot, overall control and general tightness of the feel.

What I'm missing from the port-holes is the ability of the strings to slide and move better thus producing better spin on kick-serves and slices... overall power level was up a notch as well... but that can be compensated for.

So, my question is, who has tried a hybrid port/string hole insert approach?

I'd like to keep the tighter more control oriented feel and get some more leeway on the strings to slide a bit.

Would y'all suggest I pop the port inserts at 12... or put 'em in at 3&9?

Anyone who has tried various combinations, please feel free to comment.

-Klem

 

[Steve Huff]

Are you talking about the EXO Hybrid? The EXO 3 Hybrid has the ports at only 3 and 9. The top end is regular grommets. On other hybrids, such as the Shark and Hornet Hybrids, the ports are at 12 and 6, with regular grommets on the sides.

 

[klementine]

Are you talking about the EXO Hybrid? The EXO 3 Hybrid has the ports at only 3 and 9. The top end is regular grommets. On other hybrids, such as the Shark and Hornet Hybrids, the ports are at 12 and 6, with regular grommets on the sides.

No.

I'm talking about mixing and matching the port-hole inserts and string-hole inserts available for most of the exo3 series.

I'd like to know how I can achieve a 'hybrid' (within my preferences) with either port-hole inserts at 12 and string-hole inserts at 3&9...or... string-hole inserts at 12 and port-hole inserts at 3&9.

 

[klementine]

I'm basically asking what is more important for spin generation....

The mains sliding across the crosses?

or

The crosses sliding against the mains?


I know I'm going to get responses such as 'techinique' and 'string-choice'.. and I realize those play a significant role in spin generation... but I can't help notice the drastic difference between the port inserts and string hole inserts. I consider myself a flat-hitter that uses spin for change-up.

EDIT: Just counted some strings. If the port hole inserts were added to just the 12o'clock position, a total of twelve strings (all mains) would be effected. If the port-hole inserts are added to just 3&9, a total of fourteen strings (the crosses)would enjoy some of those benefits.

 

[Steve Huff]

The mains sliding across the crosses. So, in your case, I'd keep the ports at 12, holes at 3 and 9. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[edman9898]

Hey Klementine,

I have your exact same racquet. I must say after experimenting that I much prefer the ports at 12 and string holes at 3 and 9. You still get control but adds spin and enlarges the sweet spot. It truly feels much better IMO. Hope this helps.

 

[klementine]

The mains sliding across the crosses. So, in your case, I'd keep the ports at 12, holes at 3 and 9. Thanks for clarifying.

Hey Klementine,

I have your exact same racquet. I must say after experimenting that I much prefer the ports at 12 and string holes at 3 and 9. You still get control but adds spin and enlarges the sweet spot. It truly feels much better IMO. Hope this helps.

Yes indeed.

Just had a run through with the port hole inserts at 12 and the string hole inserts at 3&9.

I must say it is the best of both worlds.

I'm getting that feeling of the strings sliding against each other and it is definitely producing more spin.

The string hole inserts at 3 & 9 are keeping the feel tight as well.

I wonder if this set-up feels good on all exo3 racquets... would really love to re-visit the graphites and rebel with this rig.

 

[sansaephanh]

This is interesting... I'd like more spin for the Rebel. What kind of string hole inserts do you buy and where can I get them?

Did you replace all the portholes or just the top/bottom?

 

[KFwinds]

I played with the Speedport and Exo3 Blacks for the past year and 1/2, and as others have suggested I enjoyed them most with ports at 12 and holes at 3/9.

 

[ricki]

Well, some time ago prince came with o3 Hybrid tour frame... it was players stick with ports only on sides, on top and bottom are common drilled holes, so maybe you can start from here

 

[The_Question]

What about 6 o'clock? You chaps use port or hole?

 

[un6a]

I have used holes at all locations for about 2 years, because i think response of the stringbed is more consistent and control is much better.
Recently i changed grommet at 12 to port. I hardly noticed any difference, feel and control is same, maybe very slight increase in spin. I gues cross grommets (3&9) alter racquet feel much more.

 

[un6a]

Anyone else noticed that when ports at 12 are installed, main strings lose tension much faster than with hole grommets ?
I like combination of ports at 12 and holes at 3&9, but i will probably go back to all holes, because i get about two times longer playability with holes.