Prince O3 Original White?

[keithfival]

Just hit with a friend's O3 White. I was pretty enthralled. Super solid feel (did not hit one ball that didn't feel solid), very muted which I like, pinpoint control in every direction- BH up the line, short angles on either side, and the lowest most precise slices I've probably ever hit. Definitely felt that it's a good 20 grams lighter than the ~340g frames (didn't have that heft behind the ball) I've been demoing but I felt so comfortable and precise right away.

Any O3 Original White users out there? Thoughts on this frame?

 

[rdis10093]

I bought one once, because I thought the girl that used it was hot.

 

[El Diablo]

Just go to the customer feedback for this racquet....probably about 80 opinions there.

 

[BobFL]

Isner likes it...

 

[Seth]

My doubles partner has been using it for 5 years now. Strings it with Topspin Cyber Flash. For what it's worth, his game is strictly S&V, and he plays beautifully with it.

 

[keithfival]

Just go to the customer feedback for this racquet....probably about 80 opinions there.

I did but that tends to be excited honeymooners! Looking to hear from more sober voices, long term users, past users...

 

[tata]

At the end of the day it had too much power on the groundies for my liking. I hit a flatter ball so maybe someone using loads of spin would like it. But you can definitely trade lightning bolts with it on serve and groundies.

 

[keithfival]

At the end of the day it had too much power on the groundies for my liking. I hit a flatter ball so maybe someone using loads of spin would like it. But you can definitely trade lightning bolts with it on serve and groundies.

Hmm, too much power doesn't sound bad to me! I was also thinking of demoing your 18x20 Tour. How does it compare to the White? (What I liked most about the white was the high stability/solidity in an easy swinging stick, directional control, spin/slice and comfort.)

 

[SteveI]

I hit with frame for a few hours at the end of last year. Overall a solid frame, nothing that I remembe that impressed me enough to pick one up. Very average frame IHMO. I guess for the price they are being offered these days, they would be a great buy if it suits your game.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

If I ran prince, I would paint this thing black and red and call it the Isner pro.

 

[SteveI]

BTW... Here is the TW review...

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/reviews/PO3W/PO3Wreview.html

This pretty much sums up my experience:

Josh - "The O3 White is a racquet that didn't have any characteristics that made me want to switch racquets, but it's a solid performer. As I mentioned earlier, the racquet has an entirely different feel based on the type of grommet used. Depending on your level of play, the O3 White has the potential to match your game."

I guess the grommet selection makes a big difference. The review reflected that fact.

 

[SteveI]

One question?? Anyone "in the know".. know if Prince provides both soft and hard grommets for this frame? Can they be purchased?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

It comes with both. I have a soft one if anyone needs one.

 

[keithfival]

One question?? Anyone "in the know".. know if Prince provides both soft and hard grommets for this frame? Can they be purchased?

I just ordered one (if I don't like it I'm sure my wife will!) and it sounds like it comes with the soft grommet as an insert. If you don't like it you just take it out and what remains is the hard grommet. I loved the soft grommet. I've been playing way to much and the soft grommet made it feel like I was getting a massage.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I just ordered one (if I don't like it I'm sure my wife will!) and it sounds like it comes with the soft grommet as an insert. If you don't like it you just take it out and what remains is the hard grommet. I loved the soft grommet. I've been playing way to much and the soft grommet made it feel like I was getting a massage.

The hard grommet is a separate insert that comes in a little plastic bag with the racquet. Its the same as the soft one, minus the gummy tubes that extend up onto the strings.

 

[Seth]

You all have got me thinking hard about these o3 Whites. Can anyone compare it to a Speedport White? I've hit with one of those before.

 

[tata]

Hmm, too much power doesn't sound bad to me! I was also thinking of demoing your 18x20 Tour. How does it compare to the White? (What I liked most about the white was the high stability/solidity in an easy swinging stick, directional control, spin/slice and comfort.)

The main differences based on my experience are, and i'll use the TW review criterias:
Volleys - Exo - It is quicker, scalpel-like, better control. Hard to control depth on the white IMO
Topspin - Can't decide since i hit more of a topspin drive than a loopy topspinning ball.
Slice - Exo - The white seems to float a bit more and less depth control (goes out)
Returns - White - Feels more stable, more forgiving and bigger overall sweetspot
Groundstrokes - Exo - Can swing out more confidently. The white seems to give the odd flyer more often. But power wise goes to the white.
Serve and overheads - White - More pop and authority
Touch/feel - Exo hands down - Has a more firmer feel off the strings, White too soft.
Comfort - White but just very slightly edging the exo
Stability - White
Maneuverability - Exo - Much lighter feeling and cuts through air quicker despite similar swingweights a higher static weight.
COntrol - Exo - Simply just better placement
Power - White

 

[keithfival]

The main differences based on my experience are, and i'll use the TW review criterias:
Volleys - Exo - It is quicker, scalpel-like, better control. Hard to control depth on the white IMO
Topspin - Can't decide since i hit more of a topspin drive than a loopy topspinning ball.
Slice - Exo - The white seems to float a bit more and less depth control (goes out)
Returns - White - Feels more stable, more forgiving and bigger overall sweetspot
Groundstrokes - Exo - Can swing out more confidently. The white seems to give the odd flyer more often. But power wise goes to the white.
Serve and overheads - White - More pop and authority
Touch/feel - Exo hands down - Has a more firmer feel off the strings, White too soft.
Comfort - White but just very slightly edging the exo
Stability - White
Maneuverability - Exo - Much lighter feeling and cuts through air quicker despite similar swingweights a higher static weight.
COntrol - Exo - Simply just better placement
Power - White

Thanks for these great details. Based on this it seems I would prefer the White as some of the things you prefer the exo3 for worked great for me with the White, slice and placement in particular and also the soft feel, and the things you give the nod to the White for are the top things on my list, stability, comfort, forgiving, big sweetspot.

I still may try the 18x20 if I do another round of demos but thanks for this rundown.

 

[keithfival]

My doubles partner has been using it for 5 years now. Strings it with Topspin Cyber Flash. For what it's worth, his game is strictly S&V, and he plays beautifully with it.

There's a S & V guy in the league here that uses it and now I see why, it is crazy stable/solid/forgiving for an 11oz. frame. I have one coming tomorrow and will report further.

 

[SteveI]

There's a S & V guy in the league here that uses it and now I see why, it is crazy stable/solid/forgiving for an 11oz. frame. I have one coming tomorrow and will report further.

Dude... you talked me into one... I had some reward points sitting on some credit cards. Just ordered one. I will be happy to do a review if you are game also!!!!! TW format please!!!

I will also see what I get regarding soft and hard grommets. Mine is coming factory strung... be interesting to see what the factory strings are. I am guessing Prince Lighting XX..

 

[zapvor]

i am finding all the old O3s to be hard to find.......

 

[Ross K]

And how would the old 03 White compare with an APD?

 

[Seth]

i am finding all the old O3s to be hard to find.......

What does "old" mean? Are the current ones available on TW "new"? Thanks in advance.

 

[SteveI]

i am finding all the old O3s to be hard to find.......

TW.. and other vendors have many...in your case I bet you are trying to get one for free...:twisted: Right Zappy...

 

[keithfival]

Dude... you talked me into one... I had some reward points sitting on some credit cards. Just ordered one. I will be happy to do a review if you are game also!!!!! TW format please!!!

I will also see what I get regarding soft and hard grommets. Mine is coming factory strung... be interesting to see what the factory strings are. I am guessing Prince Lighting XX..

Ahoy, good man! TW format meaning Groundstrokes/Serve/Volley etc? Sure!

I'm pretty sure mine is coming with the soft grommet installed which is how I demo'd it, and it will be strung with Lux Adrenaline Rough 16L at 48lbs (TW's current sale string). I've never played that string and the lowest full poly I've done is 50lbs so a few variables there. The one I hit with had year-old Prince EXP poly at ~mid 50s, don't know what that tells me!

Expect first report tomorrow night.

 

[keithfival]

And how would the old 03 White compare with an APD?

I'll tell you tomorrow night. APDC+ has been my main for the past year. In my brief hit the White felt like the same type of animal, lots of spin, lots of racket speed, easy to be aggressive from any position, I found myself playing that type of game, the difference being an exceptionally solid, cushioned, muted, comfortable feel. It also seemed better for volleys/touch. Will know more tomorrow...

 

[SteveI]

Ahoy, good man! TW format meaning Groundstrokes/Serve/Volley etc? Sure!

I'm pretty sure mine is coming with the soft grommet installed which is how I demo'd it, and it will be strung with Lux Adrenaline Rough 16L at 48lbs (TW's current sale string). I've never played that string and the lowest full poly I've done is 50lbs so a few variables there. The one I hit with had year-old Prince EXP poly at ~mid 50s, don't know what that tells me!

Expect first report tomorrow night.

I am not sure when mine is coming... I am guessing early next week. I will get out there and test ASAP. Not sure what string or what grommet will be installed. I will do a full review and include a few pics. Have a good one!!!

Steve

 

[keithfival]

O3 just arrived. Unfortunately it didn't get here before my match so I won't get to try it tonight.

I did check the specs because as soon as I picked it up I thought "wow, it has a nice weight to it", heavier than I remembered. Lo and behold it is actually 1 point head heavy (TW spec is 4 pts HL, which I assume is strung because they list the weight strung). That seems like quite a discrepancy, no? The weight was right on at 319g strung with Lux Adrenaline Rough (TW spec is 320 strung).

I'm thinking I may actually like the balance because I often use two over grips and I don't want to make a light-ish frame too HL. But is that in the normal range, 1pt HH instead of 4pts HL?

Also, came with the soft grommet installed but no hard grommet.

With 2 overgrips and dampener it's 333g and barely 1pt HL.

 

[keithfival]

Couldn't resist and hit against the wall and a few serves. The Lux Adrenaline naturally felt a bit stiff, haven't used a full mono-poly in a while (I didn't realize it was a mono poly when I clicked order or I would not have chosen it since the whole reason I'm looking for a new frame is comfort!), but I assume it will break in a bit, it seems to get good reviews and this is a very comfy frame so I'll give it a chance.

The 4 3/8 was not as small as my other Prince 4 3/8s so two overgrips felt too bulky and I went down to one, leaving it at 326g and even balance. I'll have to see how that works. My previous frames are 340g and very HL so plenty of room to make it more HL I suppose, but I will try it like this before tinkering.

I can never tell much by hitting against a wall, in this case a very small one, but while I didn't notice the same forgiving huge sweetspot (stiff new poly?), it did seem to have that same control I felt, where it seemed like the ball would just never go beyond where I tell it. When I hit with the O3 the other night I had that "I can keep the ball in the court no matter what" feeling and this felt the same.

Hit a few serves, very easy, flat or kick, lots of ball movement, I think serving while be no problem with it. Playtest tomorrow morning. I just hope the poly mellows out before my body protests!

 

[retlod]

And how would the old 03 White compare with an APD?

The O3 is more powerful, more comfortable, and has better touch/feel than an APD. The APD generates more spin, is more stable due to it higher SW, and is way easier to string.

 

[SteveI]

O3 just arrived. Unfortunately it didn't get here before my match so I won't get to try it tonight.

I did check the specs because as soon as I picked it up I thought "wow, it has a nice weight to it", heavier than I remembered. Lo and behold it is actually 1 point head heavy (TW spec is 4 pts HL, which I assume is strung because they list the weight strung). That seems like quite a discrepancy, no? The weight was right on at 319g strung with Lux Adrenaline Rough (TW spec is 320 strung).

I'm thinking I may actually like the balance because I often use two over grips and I don't want to make a light-ish frame too HL. But is that in the normal range, 1pt HH instead of 4pts HL?

Also, came with the soft grommet installed but no hard grommet.

With 2 overgrips and dampener it's 333g and barely 1pt HL.

Hi,

Wow... 5 points off? The TW specs are based on an average of few frames that they measure in-house. That does seem to be too much. Is your frame brand new? So the weight is correct.. but the balance point is way out? I am getting mine on Moday.. and plan to hit with it that day if possible. I will report my specs ASAP.

Thanks so the update!!
Steve

 

[tata]

O3 just arrived. Unfortunately it didn't get here before my match so I won't get to try it tonight.

I did check the specs because as soon as I picked it up I thought "wow, it has a nice weight to it", heavier than I remembered. Lo and behold it is actually 1 point head heavy (TW spec is 4 pts HL, which I assume is strung because they list the weight strung). That seems like quite a discrepancy, no? The weight was right on at 319g strung with Lux Adrenaline Rough (TW spec is 320 strung).

I'm thinking I may actually like the balance because I often use two over grips and I don't want to make a light-ish frame too HL. But is that in the normal range, 1pt HH instead of 4pts HL?

Also, came with the soft grommet installed but no hard grommet.

With 2 overgrips and dampener it's 333g and barely 1pt HL.

hmm its is a pretty big gap in balance, even for QC gaps. With that, I think you will find even more stability and power. Not sure if you will start hitting the fences now though.

 

[Ross K]

keith, retlod,

Interesting posts ^^. Perhaps it would suit me better than the Exo 100, as I need that serve and put away oomph and like to be able to hit with power to get out of a jam. But I just can't see me liking the 03 White better than my APDs. I've tried a heck of a lot of frames, but this seems to be the best fit for me. Interested to see how things develop with you though.

 

[retlod]

keith, retlod,

Interesting posts ^^. Perhaps it would suit me better than the Exo 100, as I need that serve and put away oomph and like to be able to hit with power to get out of a jam. But I just can't see me liking the 03 White better than my APDs. I've tried a heck of a lot of frames, but this seems to be the best fit for me. Interested to see how things develop with you though.

The O3 is a lot less flexible than the EXO Tour, but still retains that plush Prince feel. It is considerable more powerful than the EXO. I, too, went back to the APDGT+ after a brief affair with the O3.

 

[keithfival]

retlod, if you still have an o3 can you check the balance?

I just hit with mine and the 1pt HH made it much less whippy. The one I demo'd felt so whippy I felt like I was playing with a plush APD and I was even thinking I would probably add some weight to the head. This was quite different, a bit sluggish, hard to generate a lot of pace via racket speed.

I think I will inquire with TW if 5pts of balance is within the acceptable range.

 

[SteveI]

retlod, if you still have an o3 can you check the balance?

I just hit with mine and the 1pt HH made it much less whippy. The one I demo'd felt so whippy I felt like I was playing with a plush APD and I was even thinking I would probably add some weight to the head. This was quite different, a bit sluggish, hard to generate a lot of pace via racket speed.

I think I will inquire with TW if 5pts of balance is within the acceptable range.

I will have mine on Monday. I will post my specs...mine is coming from another large on-line tennis retailer

 

[retlod]

TW Specs

Strung Weight: 322g
Balance: 4 pts HL

My O3 Specs

Strung Weight: 327g
Balance: 6 pts HL

FWIW, mine is strung with the non-rubberized grommets and 17L string.

 

[keithfival]

TW Specs

Strung Weight: 322g
Balance: 4 pts HL

My O3 Specs

Strung Weight: 327g
Balance: 6 pts HL

FWIW, mine is strung with the non-rubberized grommets and 17L string.

6 pts HL! Mine is 1 pt HH! I knew mine felt WAY different from the one I demo'd . Grrrrr.

 

[keithfival]

I will have mine on Monday. I will post my specs...mine is coming from another large on-line tennis retailer

Steve, let me know if yours comes with both the hard and soft throat grommets. Mine did not.

 

[tata]

TW Specs

Strung Weight: 322g
Balance: 4 pts HL

My O3 Specs

Strung Weight: 327g
Balance: 6 pts HL

FWIW, mine is strung with the non-rubberized grommets and 17L string.

When i still had my white mine weighed in at 327grams as well. I added an OG and made it 332grams. Mine had soft grommets. Dont know the balance though.

 

[SteveI]

Steve, let me know if yours comes with both the hard and soft throat grommets. Mine did not.

No Problem...I will post my specs and what grommets I have installed.. and if I get another set. I wonder if you can get the grommets from Prince?

 

[SteveI]

When i still had my white mine weighed in at 327grams as well. I added an OG and made it 332grams. Mine had soft grommets. Dont know the balance though.

That is well within specs....being 1 point HH is really out of spec. Thinking you are getting a frame that is reported to be 4-5 points HL and it comes in 1 point HH is really poor QC. I can not play a frame that is HH...does not work for me.

 

[keithfival]

That is well within specs....being 1 point HH is really out of spec. Thinking you are getting a frame that is reported to be 4-5 points HL and it comes in 1 point HH is really poor QC. I can not play a frame that is HH...does not work for me.

Yeah, it didn't work for me, TW said send it back and they will check it out and see what they can do, so I did. It felt nothing like the one I had tried which felt so light and easy to swing that I bought it for my wife! This one swung heavier than my 345g radical.

 

[SteveI]

Yeah, it didn't work for me, TW said send it back and they will check it out and see what they can do, so I did. It felt nothing like the one I had tried which felt so light and easy to swing that I bought it for my wife! This one swung heavier than my 345g radical.

Hi,

Just got mine....

11.3 oz (320 grams)
4 points HL
SW feels like 320 or so

The butt cap is not the same as the one shown in the TW photo and the grip is a Prince DurPro Plus... not the Prince Cushion Fit as listed. The frame is factory strung with Prince DuraFlex 16G White. Really bad string job...Yikes. Might take a few swings with it... but have to get a decent set-up in there.

Came with a nice O3 Thermal Cover.

Last but not least....soft grommets installed... no extra hard ones.

Sorry you got one way out of specs. Good move to return it...

 

[JackB1]

the new Warrior is like a "new and improved" White, with more control.
Not sure what you think the White will do what the Warrior didn't?

 

[keithfival]

the new Warrior is like a "new and improved" White, with more control.
Not sure what you think the White will do what the Warrior didn't?

My friend's White that I played with last week was *much* more solid feeling than my Warrior. Fairly similar other than that and that's why I liked it so much, since that was my problem with the Warrior.

Unfortunately, Prince qc seems to be all over the map as the one I ordered was nothing like it. Also, my warrior was underweight and perhaps not as solid as what you guys are experiencing.

 

[ohplease]

Aren't Prince re-releases (Warrior, O3 White, O3 Red) all SMU (special mark up) frames? I would expect any similarity between the currently available models and the original print run to be coincidental, at best.

 

[JackB1]

My friend's White that I played with last week was *much* more solid feeling than my Warrior. Fairly similar other than that and that's why I liked it so much, since that was my problem with the Warrior.

Unfortunately, Prince qc seems to be all over the map as the one I ordered was nothing like it. Also, my warrior was underweight and perhaps not as solid as what you guys are experiencing.

you could have just added some leadtape to your Warrior?

 

[keithfival]

you could have just added some leadtape to your Warrior?

I had it leaded the whole time I used it (except the first hit) but when I added enough to get the solidity I wanted I could no longer control it and didn't want to counterbalance my way up to 350g.

 

[zapvor]

What does "old" mean? Are the current ones available on TW "new"? Thanks in advance.

lol my bad. i mean since they went to the exos the previous generations like the original O3 is tough to find.