Prince Official - Racquets

aussie

Professional
Welcome back @Prince Tennis Official you have not missed much, just the usual posters complaining about Japan only exclusive releases. Prince has given us so many great releases outside of Japan, and for us that have had the privilege to try and buy we are grateful. It is a great sign that there are ideas for 2026 and beyond, that should ease some anxiety of posters, including those who never even purchase your frames :cool:

Keep the innovations coming, love the addictive unique Twist power tech (actually works beautifully) and enjoy the twaron, other tech and foam filled racquets that are available. The o3 tech is great as well, though it was brilliant in the beast series.

Whilst I personally don't care for padel or similar, it is good to see you branching out in other dimensions, it can only make the company stronger. Your QC has not suffered, the last 5 prince frames purchased have been near perfect in terms to specs tolerance. The x100 paint is also holding up nicely after court action. Have a JP o3 tour 305gr coming soon, hopefully that will continue with the standards. Still have my 9r Tour green bag since 2015, and the quality on that is amazing, hope to see some new bags coming too with the same quality.

Keep up the great work, looking forward to future frames and products. Good to also see players still rocking prince on tour...
Prince Tour 100's and Tour bag in perfect sync!
IMG20240523151636.jpg
 
This kind of marketing doesn’t really work without the other (pro) kind. It’s a piece of the puzzle but its not the puzzle.
If you get stuck on the social side you just become a kook brand. Prince has way too much history in the game to become a kook brand.
Youngsters spend more time in front of the Black Mirror aka Cell Phone than on a laptop or the 3D real world. Absolutely zero time on forums. They yearn for Karue Sell endosring the Percept, in my eyes, has made playing with a Percept look cool. The added Toroline strings on it is a bonus of added coolness. I associate myself better with guys like semi-pros or YouTubers like with Pros. You know where I'm going with it. Ideally, marketing should include ATP and WTA playes playing with Prince frames. Prince retail price policy is spot on and in Europe can buy a new one for less than 200€. Until they see an ATP or WTA player playing with a Tour 98, 100, 100p, a Ripstick etc, they need to see it being used elsewhere.
 

ericykchan

Rookie
Youngsters spend more time in front of the Black Mirror aka Cell Phone than on a laptop or the 3D real world. Absolutely zero time on forums. They yearn for Karue Sell endosring the Percept, in my eyes, has made playing with a Percept look cool. The added Toroline strings on it is a bonus of added coolness. I associate myself better with guys like semi-pros or YouTubers like with Pros. You know where I'm going with it. Ideally, marketing should include ATP and WTA playes playing with Prince frames. Prince retail price policy is spot on and in Europe can buy a new one for less than 200€. Until they see an ATP or WTA player playing with a Tour 98, 100, 100p, a Ripstick etc, they need to see it being used elsewhere.
Agree endorsing ATP and WTA players is definitely the most important marketing for a tennis racquet company, let's get that out of the way.
What I think the gap on Prince's marketing is how to convey to average joe the link between racquet innovation (or any tech) to actual playing benefit. There are so many different deciding factors one person uses, Prince needs to make it easy to understand what they are selling and if a person buys it, what can he/she get out of it. For example, what is O port really trying to sell? Personally, O port -> comfort, but O port can increase power and spin with more string movement. Maybe say, "cOmfort Port", "pOwer Port". Then what's that EXO3 thing? Start over, combine/kill all variant of ports into 1 name, pretend it's some new invention. If there's change to port down the line, don't give it a new name, say the port this year is 20% bigger, 30% meaner, things like that. That Twistpower doesn't equal anything or I just don't understand it. Textreme, it's in EVERY racquet silo (higher end), it's just like Air in Nike shoes, or Cloudpod in ON shoes. It might add value to a racquet, but stop putting that much emphasis to it when selling a silo. Sell Textreme's advantage/benefits as the idenity of Prince. Then talk about how one silo provides to players playing tennis.
 
While we would like to be in a position to launch with 12 Phantom models instead of the 5 we also want to be able to offer product that will sell and doing that all at the same time isn't necessarily the best way for us to go about it. We haven't forgotten about the Phantom 93, we love that frame too and there will be other additions to the line outside the original 5. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled for more details once we are ready to share.
Really happy to hear this. Thank you!
 
I'll be playing with the Prince Tour Tour 95 (2015) again. I'll also hit with an (white) ATS Tour a tennis coach has, next time I'll play with him. I'll share my feedback and maybe some hitting clips about that ATS, don't know exactly which one it is yet. Seeing Prince getting active here again, fills me up with hope that the brand will reboot again and I want to be part of it somehow. The Synergy 98 didn't work quite well for me (like the Yonex DR98 etc haven't either), but the overall feel of quality built is much better than other Big Brands.
I look forward to trying the ATS and I'm also curious to hit with the Warrior/Beast line.
 

Conrado85

Rookie
I'll be playing with the Prince Tour Tour 95 (2015) again. I'll also hit with an (white) ATS Tour a tennis coach has, next time I'll play with him. I'll share my feedback and maybe some hitting clips about that ATS, don't know exactly which one it is yet. Seeing Prince getting active here again, fills me up with hope that the brand will reboot again and I want to be part of it somehow. The Synergy 98 didn't work quite well for me (like the Yonex DR98 etc haven't either), but the overall feel of quality built is much better than other Big Brands.
I look forward to trying the ATS and I'm also curious to hit with the Warrior/Beast line.
Try the Prince Textreme Tour 100P, it’s amazing!
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
I'll be playing with the Prince Tour Tour 95 (2015) again. I'll also hit with an (white) ATS Tour a tennis coach has, next time I'll play with him. I'll share my feedback and maybe some hitting clips about that ATS, don't know exactly which one it is yet. Seeing Prince getting active here again, fills me up with hope that the brand will reboot again and I want to be part of it somehow. The Synergy 98 didn't work quite well for me (like the Yonex DR98 etc haven't either), but the overall feel of quality built is much better than other Big Brands.
I look forward to trying the ATS and I'm also curious to hit with the Warrior/Beast line.
If the ATS is the 95 then you will enjoy it as it improves upon the 2015 Textreme Tour 95
 
Try the Prince Textreme Tour 100P, it’s amazing!
The reason I've been staying away from 18x20 is string measuring anxiousness. Now, I know how to do the measurements right and can use the starting clap bridge trick, still I prefer not having to do this. The 2015 18x20 has always been on my to-do list.

If the ATS is the 95 then you will enjoy it as it improves upon the 2015 Textreme Tour 95
This is the 95 I'll be playing with again. I returned it to my friend for the main reason that at that time I felt that the Diadem Elevate did everything this 95T did but with more forgiveness (both have semi-open string spacing), but I want to revisit it now that I feel I hit faster and more clean and also it was by far the easiest racket to serve with.

prince95t.jpg
 
May i ask what youre talking about? If you're talking about stringing the racket, theres nothing special about a 18x20 vs a 16x19
Using a drop-weight machine, I need more spare string for the last 2 mains than using a crank/electronic. The drop weight's gripper requires more string to loop around and grip correctly until balance point is achieved.

Most string sets come with 12.2 meters of string, so for 18x20 on 100 sq inch + the spare string, cutting the set in half won't make it. I have to measure 18 mains + something more to reach, loop and grip. That extra something sometimes has not been enough and I had to "bridge" using the starting clamp.

On the other hand, I strang my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 with Tru Pro Firewire Boost. That had 6.8 meters of Firewire and 6.8 meters of Ghost Wire. More than enough string was left for 2 more mains + length for the gripper.

But, I have figured the measuring part now. Not so much worried.

* Either way, I've started playing sets again after a while with serves and keeping scores etc and I feel a light(er) and whippy racket is better for me for match-play, until I get used to the footwork required for match play. Also, for the low mid-court shots, whippiness is a must. I couldn't handle the BLX Six.One 95 18x20 the way I could handle this Tour 95.

If I was to pick one option from the current (white ATS) line, that would be the 290 gram. I'm open in customizing a bit.
 
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Trinity110

Semi-Pro
Using a drop-weight machine, I need more spare string for the last 2 mains than using a crank/electronic. The drop weight's gripper requires more string to loop around and grip correctly until balance point is achieved.

Most string sets come with 12.2 meters of string, so for 18x20 on 100 sq inch + the spare string, cutting the set in half won't make it. I have to measure 18 mains + something more to reach, loop and grip. That extra something sometimes has not been enough and I had to "bridge" using the starting clamp.

On the other hand, I strang my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 with Tru Pro Firewire Boost. That had 6.8 meters of Firewire and 6.8 meters of Ghost Wire. More than enough string was left for 2 more mains + length for the gripper.

But, I have figured the measuring part now. Not so much worried.

* Either way, I've started playing sets again after a while with serves and keeping scores etc and I feel a light(er) and whippy racket is better for me for match-play, until I get used to the footwork required for match play. Also, for the low mid-court shots, whippiness is a must. I couldn't handle the BLX Six.One 95 18x20 the way I could handle this Tour 95.

If I was to pick one option from the current (white ATS) line, that would be the 290 gram. I'm open in customizing a bit.
I switched from the 98 to the 100-290 and I am loving it. I liked the 98, but too often I wasn't feeling the sweet spot. It is narrower, but it wasn't like I was hitting near the edges. It was just off. (My OHBH was always great with it) To switch, I tried my best to do a "blind" (blind as I could manage) test with the 98, 100 -290, 100-310, and 100P. Oddly, it was a near tie between the 310 and the 290, even though the 310 looks like it has specs closer to the 98, both SW and recoil weight. I hit differently with the two. Perhaps pulling the racquet and faster swing speed with the 290, and pushing more with the 310. But the 310 just felt like I never missed the sweet spot, compared to the 98.

With the 290, I am hitting the same after 90 minutes as at the beginning. It stays maneuverable. For me, at least.
 
Perhaps pulling the racquet and faster swing speed with the 290, and pushing more with the 310.

With the 290, I am hitting the same after 90 minutes as at the beginning. It stays maneuverable. For me, at least.
These are two very important points. 1st a lighter (or at least, a headlighter) racket is more maneuverable making it easier for me to hit a good first shot after the "opponent" returns my serve well, also I like to hit the ball at its peak as early as possible (not on the rise yet). Depending on the hitting partner across me, yes I've noticed that a heavy-speced racket can keep up better with ITF-level coming balls, but that's rarely the case for me. Most of the time I play with advanced intermediates, so 320 grams, 7-8 points hl balance, 320 swingweight will do the trick for me. The issue that I have with 100 sq inch rackets is they feel very slow on those flat forehands (peak point) I like to hit. I hit those the best with the Diadem Elevate, not with the Blade V5 16x19 yet, but getting there. It's very important a 100 sq inch has a thin throat for me a la Blade like the 2015 has.

Seems like the outside part of the throat has changed from the flat-2015 towards a more round-2019 (?) to something between the first two for the 2021 version. Up close I've only seen and touched the 2015 95 Tour and the 2019 Tour 290. I'll check the latest ATS a coach has and ask to hit a few minutes to get a feel for it.

Ideally, I'd like to know what Prince plans to do during 2024 about the Tour series. Now, they are being sold on retailers at low 120-140€. If I ever go for the 100P, it will be the 2015 one slightly used. From the latest ATS I'd go (during Summer maybe) for the 290 gram, always keeping my eyes on these more "regular" Warriors (100€). Unfortunately, no reviews about those.

Prince-Tour-Throat.jpg
 

jimdontcare

Semi-Pro
I switched from the 98 to the 100-290 and I am loving it. I liked the 98, but too often I wasn't feeling the sweet spot. It is narrower, but it wasn't like I was hitting near the edges. It was just off. (My OHBH was always great with it) To switch, I tried my best to do a "blind" (blind as I could manage) test with the 98, 100 -290, 100-310, and 100P. Oddly, it was a near tie between the 310 and the 290, even though the 310 looks like it has specs closer to the 98, both SW and recoil weight. I hit differently with the two. Perhaps pulling the racquet and faster swing speed with the 290, and pushing more with the 310. But the 310 just felt like I never missed the sweet spot, compared to the 98.

With the 290, I am hitting the same after 90 minutes as at the beginning. It stays maneuverable. For me, at least.
Sweet spot is a major advantage of the 310 (and I presume the 290). It offers a lot of forgiveness while maintaining good feel and control, particularly compared to a lot of other sticks often labeled forgiving.
 
I switched from the 98 to the 100-290 and I am loving it. I liked the 98, but too often I wasn't feeling the sweet spot. It is narrower, but it wasn't like I was hitting near the edges. It was just off. (My OHBH was always great with it) To switch, I tried my best to do a "blind" (blind as I could manage) test with the 98, 100 -290, 100-310, and 100P. Oddly, it was a near tie between the 310 and the 290, even though the 310 looks like it has specs closer to the 98, both SW and recoil weight. I hit differently with the two. Perhaps pulling the racquet and faster swing speed with the 290, and pushing more with the 310. But the 310 just felt like I never missed the sweet spot, compared to the 98.

With the 290, I am hitting the same after 90 minutes as at the beginning. It stays maneuverable. For me, at least.
The width has always been my issue with the 98; it’s the same head width as the 95 - but with snowshoe mains added.
 

Trinity110

Semi-Pro
The width has always been my issue with the 98; it’s the same head width as the 95 - but with snowshoe mains added.
That width is probably it; it makes sense, after all. You wouldn't think such a slight difference would matter, but facts is facts.

BTW, for me, when I say maneuverable, I mean after 90 minutes, if I go to the net and have volleys, fore, back, fore, back, the head is staying up nicely
 

danbrenner

Legend
I switched from the 98 to the 100-290 and I am loving it. I liked the 98, but too often I wasn't feeling the sweet spot. It is narrower, but it wasn't like I was hitting near the edges. It was just off. (My OHBH was always great with it) To switch, I tried my best to do a "blind" (blind as I could manage) test with the 98, 100 -290, 100-310, and 100P. Oddly, it was a near tie between the 310 and the 290, even though the 310 looks like it has specs closer to the 98, both SW and recoil weight. I hit differently with the two. Perhaps pulling the racquet and faster swing speed with the 290, and pushing more with the 310. But the 310 just felt like I never missed the sweet spot, compared to the 98.

With the 290, I am hitting the same after 90 minutes as at the beginning. It stays maneuverable. For me, at least.
It’s funny that you should say this. I have a 310 modded with a leather grip, and a 100 P modded with a leather grip. I love my 3:10 but it’s too damn headlight with a leather grip. I’m talking 10 points. That’s my issue with the balance being seven points headlight stock, that is too much, and doesn’t leave any room for customization as you could see. So that leads me Into wanting to experiment and get a 290 throw a leather grip on it and then slap some lead around the hoop and it just may be perfection. So this is gonna be my next experiment. As far as the 100 PI am a spin hitter so I just can’t quite tweak my game with that one. But it is a great stick
 

danbrenner

Legend
Oh, and I should’ve added that after adding the leather grip on my 310 and the balance becoming 10 points, yes, you could say add some lead around the hoop but I’m already at 11.9 ounces so I just don’t have any room for customization. That’s why to me it’s a design flaw to make a racket seven points headlight stock , unless it comes with a leather grip
 
Yup. if its decent stock. then it will be a real ringer customized. for my game and the opponents i face. there is no sub 11 oz stick on Gods green earth that wont get pushed around. but im confident that this will be a really great customized stick.
It's all about finding that thin line between stability and maneuverability. The Prestige MP 18x19 2021 and the Synergy 98 were absolutely rock solid for the baseline groundstrokes, but the already hefty swingweight made it tough to move around during match play and left me with no room for tailoring. That's the main reason I've held back on getting the 2015 100P or the ATS 18x20 Tour.
The Diadem Nova I have is too powerful and too thick.
The Head YouTek Speed MP 16x19 is great to improve my topspin hitting and 2-handed backhand with string setups like the Tru Pro Firewire Boost, but is too thin (20mm) to hit an effective flat shot.
The ATS 290 checks all the boxes, apart from the fact that it's not constant beam (like the Ki5 295 I used to have).
 

dennis

Semi-Pro
Using a drop-weight machine, I need more spare string for the last 2 mains than using a crank/electronic. The drop weight's gripper requires more string to loop around and grip correctly until balance point is achieved.

Most string sets come with 12.2 meters of string, so for 18x20 on 100 sq inch + the spare string, cutting the set in half won't make it. I have to measure 18 mains + something more to reach, loop and grip. That extra something sometimes has not been enough and I had to "bridge" using the starting clamp.

On the other hand, I strang my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 with Tru Pro Firewire Boost. That had 6.8 meters of Firewire and 6.8 meters of Ghost Wire. More than enough string was left for 2 more mains + length for the gripper.

But, I have figured the measuring part now. Not so much worried.
I only use reels where possible, and I keep track of exactly how much string it took for each racket to minimise wastage for next time. I aim for the knot tails to be around 60cm, which is enough for my machine. I find the length guides on the Klippermate website to be too long for the crosses (by about 1 cross), but good for the mains. I assume they allow this much so you can string one ahead even on the final cross.

I particularly don't like it when a customer provides their own string set and I know it will be close as to whether there's enough or not, as I'll have to measure the set to see if it is actually the 12.2m as stated. If I'm short, I bridge with scrap string rather than a clamp.
 

jbdbackfan

Semi-Pro
While we would like to be in a position to launch with 12 Phantom models instead of the 5 we also want to be able to offer product that will sell and doing that all at the same time isn't necessarily the best way for us to go about it. We haven't forgotten about the Phantom 93, we love that frame too and there will be other additions to the line outside the original 5. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled for more details once we are ready to share.
Would love to see 100G back, or a phantom with a constant beam perhaps to differentiate
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
Prince Tour 100's and Tour bag in perfect sync!
Nowhere near your GOAT level of syncing mate, but I do have the green version of that series, picked up the bag, a tour jacket, t-shirts, socks etc from Boroondara when Head took over the contract there, picked up stuff for dirt cheap, still have new old stock laying around. Love those bags in orange and green. Also the new o3 tour 305gr arrived from Japan, to keep my other Japanese friend company in the bag :cool: It's got a nice white glossy finish to it and feels so durable ! Had a brief hit with it, seller had x-1 biphase in it and feels/performs amazing. The spin is decent with x1, looking forward to see what it does with my setups in it.

HfD2mFO.jpg
2PDROj3.jpg
 

jbdbackfan

Semi-Pro
Anyone here play with the New 100X 305 and can compare to the original Phantom 100 Pro (non-P one)? The 2017 Phantom Pro was a real gem IMO that lost alot of the feel that made the original one good when they did the last Phantom 100X. I also remember the last 100X not taking weight well and just felt "off" on feel compared to that first pro.
 

loosegroove

Hall of Fame
Anyone here play with the New 100X 305 and can compare to the original Phantom 100 Pro (non-P one)? The 2017 Phantom Pro was a real gem IMO that lost alot of the feel that made the original one good when they did the last Phantom 100X. I also remember the last 100X not taking weight well and just felt "off" on feel compared to that first pro.
With the 54 RA and a super thin beam, the original Pro 100 was a bit of a unicorn for achieving that “feel”. I don’t think you’ll be happy with the new 100X as it picks up where the last one left off. It probably appeals to a greater number of players, but probably not to you.
 
Gave the Twistpower X105 a go today.

Nice racquet. Quick, with easy depth and spin and a big sweetspot (of course, it's a 105...). Loaded it up with Ultra Cable 17g @ 50lbs.

Switched out to my Ripstick 300 (Also with UC 17g) for a couple of games for comparison. Ripstick feels a bit more solid and attacking.

I'm doing some calculations on the TW customization tool to add some weight to the X105 to get the weight, balance and SW closer to the Ripstick and see how that plays. Both racquets have the same 27mm tapered down to 22mm beam, so the goal is to get an expanded sweetspot but similar playing style once customized.

Not sure if the twist added anything to the racquet, but it certainly doesn't take anything away. Really enjoyed playing with it.
More playtime with the X105 today. I rotated it during my match with my Synergy 98, my Ripstick 300g and my Dunlop sx300 Tour, but the X105 was what I used the most.

I've added about 6g up in the hoop, and I think about 4g in the handle. I feel that has really dialed it in for me. I'm still working on swing path for each particular shot I may want to make but over all groundstrokes are reliable and it can handle a variety of shots, both looping it in as well as flattening it out (that's the one I'm trying to dial in better). I have it loaded up with Prince Vortex 16g @ 55lbs.

The one aspect that really stood out for me in the comparisons was that my first serve was significantly more consistent with the X105 (second serve too, for that matter). I'm not a fireballer, and I'm probably a 3.5 player so being able to get a good, reliable serve that lands deep in the box with some curve and spin is what matters most to me. The X105 delivers very well for my game. The bonus is that sometimes it actually DOES come off with pretty good velocity too! So, groundstrokes are as good as my other racquets for me, but the X105 gives me the service repeatability edge.

Have to say this has risen to the top of my rotation so far this season. :cool: (y)
 
@Prince Tennis Official

Really nice to have you here.

I’ve really come to enjoy Prince frames over the last few years, the Phantom line in particular. I love that you are doing unique, interesting things that no one else on the market is doing in terms of flex, beam width, etc. I’ve long been a proponent of the idea that’s the needs of the club and recreational player bears little resemblance to the needs of ATP pros, and it is nice to see a racquet company with a line of frames that reflects that reality.

My only bit of constructive feedback is that it sucks to fall in love with one of those unique frames and not be able to find replacement grommets for it! I’m dreading the day that the grommets on my Phantom Pro 18x20s start to give out. I haven’t bought a pair of Phantom 97s specifically because I can’t find replacement grommets (an issue that seems to be at least 12 months old). I know there is a balance between the variety of unique frames and stocking parts for each of them, but it’s the only thing that has kept me from trying more Prince frames.
 
I love that you are doing unique, interesting things that no one else on the market is doing in terms of flex, beam width, etc. I’ve long been a proponent of the idea that’s the needs of the club and recreational player bears little resemblance to the needs of ATP pros, and it is nice to see a racquet company with a line of frames that reflects that reality.
Warrior and Beast line models are listed for 100-140€. With some social media (and YouTube) marketing Prince should be selling these to advanced beginners and intermediates by the bulk!

The Tour series is where I could see myself fit in now with the 290 gram (I'm open to customizing).
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
Hope to see more Prince activity in Australia as well. There are lots of coaches and players who like the brand and would love to promote it.
 
I'll be playing with the Prince Tour Tour 95 (2015) again. I'll also hit with an (white) ATS Tour a tennis coach has, next time I'll play with him. I'll share my feedback and maybe some hitting clips about that ATS, don't know exactly which one it is yet.
Turns out this coach plays with the ATS Tour 98. I'll give it a try when we play together, share my feedback and hopefully some hitting clips.
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
It’s a tough job rebuilding a brand like Prince but it can be done and the racquets are very good. I believe that the approach to rebuilding using a low cost model is to adopt a traditional grassroots relationship model between company, retailers, coaches and clubs. Searching out enthusiast and passionate partners at all stages of the process that are prepared to put in consistent effort will result in success for Prince.
 

10S-Junkie

Semi-Pro
My dream stick would be a 97 just like the ATS 95.
16x19 or 16x20?

I tried the Babolat Pure Strike VS and the new Pure Strike 97 (which are both 97" 16x20 frames) and both did not have the comfort, control and stability of the ATS 95. Trying other racquets reassures me that the ATS 95 is truly a special stick!
 
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esm

Legend
Using a drop-weight machine, I need more spare string for the last 2 mains than using a crank/electronic. The drop weight's gripper requires more string to loop around and grip correctly until balance point is achieved.

Most string sets come with 12.2 meters of string, so for 18x20 on 100 sq inch + the spare string, cutting the set in half won't make it. I have to measure 18 mains + something more to reach, loop and grip. That extra something sometimes has not been enough and I had to "bridge" using the starting clamp.

On the other hand, I strang my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 with Tru Pro Firewire Boost. That had 6.8 meters of Firewire and 6.8 meters of Ghost Wire. More than enough string was left for 2 more mains + length for the gripper.

But, I have figured the measuring part now. Not so much worried.
How about the ATW/2 knots pattern. It’d save you two of those “something more to reach, loop and grip” lengths.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
16x19 or 16x20?

I tried the Babolat Pure Strike VS and the new Pure Strike 97 (which are both 97" 16x20 frames) and both did not have the comfort, control and stability of the ATS 95. Trying other racquets reassures me that the ATS 95 is truly a special stick!
They prob need weight.
 
2 x ATS 98
1 x Tour 100 16x18 O Port
-----------------------------

I played with two ATS 98, one was strung with Yonex Poly Tour Spin and the second one with Volkl something. The Yonex felt a bit softer. Lots of groundstrokes, several volley and serve drills. Don't know the gauge, but felt the typical 1.25 and tension was for sure around 22kg. Both were L2 grip size, while my preffered size is L3.

Obesrvations:

Pros:
Distinctive metallic sound upon contact, similar to what I was hearing from the Prestige MP 18*19 2021 and Prestige 360+ Mid
Tight string pattern
Narrow head-shape, felt much smaller than the Blade V5, which in turn feels larger than the Diadem Elevate
The sweet-spot was much smaller than the Diadem Elevate and the Blade v5
Super stable, regardless of the smaller grip size, no wobbling at all
Weight is more towards the top of the hoop
, great from the baseline, but from the mid-court was a bit sluggish
I really feel it doesn't need any added weight or customizing for the player it's made for.
Excellent attacking slicing.
Volleys are hit great and this coach actually uses them for doubles-matches.
Enough Power, a bit less than I get from the Diadem Elevate/Wilson Blade V5 16x19, for sure more power than the Yonex DR98, but less than the Diadem Nova
Throat shape, like I say above is not as boxy as the 2015 but for sure more boxy than the 2019. I'd say it's more towards the 2015. Feels great holding it.
Excellent for 1-handed backahands. I dialed-in right away. I would misshits all 2-handed backhands for two reasons: the small for me L2 grip size and the way the overgrip was wrapped arround high on the throat was bugging me in my off-hand grip. This coach hits one-handed backhands, so he didn't cut the extra overgrips, but had it wrapepd twice to finish it off.

Cons:
I didn't feel I could play my best defense with it, mostly because of the small-ish sweetspot (unforgiving on slight misshits).
The small sweet-spot, if I was using them regurarly, I would string them very low, but still (see below).
A bit sluggish from the mid-court.
Not enough spin assistance on second serves.
The top-spin assistance is one of the lowest I have experienced. It would need a hybrid with a shaped-main string, but still this would alter this racket's identity which is, again, a flat hitters weapon!

Attacker player's stick! Those moments I found the sweet-spot with my completely flat forehand, I got plenty of Power hitting winners and I was getting VERY CONSISTENT results. You can aimd for small targets with this one.

O3 Tour 100 (310g)

Pros:

Hits a very heavy ball.
Distinctive "whistle" when swinging. Not everybody's gonna like it. I didn't care.
Despite of it's weight class, it was VERY WHIPPY!
Very powerful response from everywhere. Better control through top-spin, which came very easily!
I could lift the low balls and drop them in from the mid-court much easier than with the ATS98.
Excellent two-handed backhands.

Cons:

Felt a bit stiff (?!) for some reason, but mostly, I think it's a bit too heavy in static weight.

I would just pick-up the 290 gram version for both of them, especially the ATS. I bet the narrow shape in the hoop with make the 100 sq inch play like 98. The O3 for me has the best throat shape for top-spin hitters. Not very bulky, slick and very aerodynamic, the o-ports enable this heavy stick to move very fast and overall it hits one of the heaviest shots on the forehand side I have experienced.

IMG-20240602-222001.jpg
 
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whats your verdict on the ats 98, this is my go to racket - i actually prefer this to the yonex 98 regna, as the ats98 is softer
The ATS cosmetics are beautiful! Really like them. It's more modern than the total black / green 2015-2019. I much prefer the 2021 colours.

I remember "Evoke Tennis" demoing it alongside a VCore 95 and he preferred the VCore 95. Makes total sense, since he hits with lots of topspin and the ATS 98 is just not a top-spin weapon. Suits better Jonas' flat game, but I can't see why someone would pick the ATS 98 for clay court.

See my edited post:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/prince-official-racquets.660420/post-18138957
 
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Happi

Hall of Fame
The ATS cosmetics are beautiful! Really like them. It's more modern than the total black / green 2015-2019. I much prefer the 2021 colours.

I remember "Evoke Tennis" demoing it alongside a VCore 95 and he preferred the VCore 95. Makes total sense, since he hits with lots of topspin and the ATS 98 is just not a top-spin weapon. Suits better Jonas' flat game, but I can't see why someone would pick the ATS 98 for clay court.

See my edited post:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/prince-official-racquets.660420/post-18138957
I had the ATS 98 but sold it as preferred the ATS 100P for playability, however if you are looking for feel nothing beats the old TT95 (2015) and I have read that the ATS 95 is even better.
 
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