Prince Official - Racquets

The Beast series sits In a very competitive space. It’s probably not possible to compete with the marketing budgets of Wilson, Babolat, etc, so you need to find someway to differentiate the Beast from the competition in that market segment. You need to meet customer needs better than the competition.

I think that the Wilson Clash series is an innovative product in this segment. It is powerful, light and produces plenty of spin (like every other product in the segment), but it’s innovative because it’s exceptionally comfortable - it brought something new to the table. Unfortunately it also took something away because it plays like crap (it’s like a loose canon). Personally I would have been happier seeing the RA up from 55 to the low 60’s if that allowed a thinner frame and better control. Low 60s is still miles better than anything else in that segment.

How could Prince make a powerful, spin friendly racket that moves the needle on on or more of the following?:
- comfort: your earlier post on RA and flex at different sections of the racket?; advanced dampening...foam filled? (the Angel TC100 70RA is comfortable)
- thinner beam: not sure if the science is against you here, but it would be nice?
- better looking: the new Phantom line looks stunning.
- String patterns: although Prince already seems to have this covered.
- I actually don’t like the name ”Beast”. Not sure why...that’s probably just me.
I‘m just brainstorming really.

I would ask others here for their ideas on what Prince could do to capture market share in this segment? We all want you guys to succeed.
Hey gaz1,

Thanks so much for taking the time here, and honestly thank you to everyone else as well who's put a lot of consideration into the comments on the Beast line.

From our perspective I think that you've nailed it on nearly all accounts and it's good for us to triangulate our own thinking with what's really happening in the market with players who are experimenting with the products.

We take all of these comments to heart and will hopefully surprise and delight everyone with what we come up with!!!

Tyler
 

zipplock

Hall of Fame
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Yours came with leather?
 

skeeter

Professional
Not sure yet. The new Phantom line intrigued me. Definitely a nice offering from Prince. I actually just came back from an outdoor hitting session in NY metro area. I hit with both the Blade v7 and the Phantom 100x. The Phantom is a bit more user friendly IMO but the Blade v7 hits a heavier penetrating ball. With the Phantom I don't have to be as precise as with the Blade have to be on the throttle along with good foot work consistently.

When I am a bit fatigued the Phantom 100x is a better racquet for me. I do prefer the feel of the Blade v7 more. There's more connection to the ball. To be Frank, I am kind on the fence at the moment. I probably won't really know where I am at until the Spring.

Have you tried any of the new Phantom's? What are you playing with?
Currently have a Clash 98 but am currently demoing the v7 (both string patterns) and am tempted to make the switch, or at least to have a v7 in the bag (still undecided as to what pattern; pros and cons to each for me). Used to play with Prince and am tempted to try out the 100x for the same reasons you discussed. I'm a strong 4.0/4.5 all courter but no spring chicken anymore and might be nice to have a frame that's a little more user-friendly for those times when my play calls for that!
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Currently have a Clash 98 but am currently demoing the v7 (both string patterns) and am tempted to make the switch, or at least to have a v7 in the bag (still undecided as to what pattern; pros and cons to each for me). Used to play with Prince and am tempted to try out the 100x for the same reasons you discussed. I'm a strong 4.0/4.5 all courter but no spring chicken anymore and might be nice to have a frame that's a little more user-friendly for those times when my play calls for that!

The Blade v7 98 16 x 19 is a really nice frame but you need to be precise and have solid footwork consistently! You also need to be on full throttle to get the benefits of this frame. I too am a 4.0-4.5 player.

With the Prince 100x 305, you only need a medium swing to get good depth and don't need to be as precise which is huge benefit these days. I also found the Phantom 100x 305 more arm friendly due to not working as hard.
It's definitely difficult to stay loyal to a racquet with all the options out there!
 

Shangri La

Hall of Fame
For me the 93P 18x20 has an extremely satisfying feel, better than that of the 14x18. The 97P, from a brief hit, is a bit muted. Would love some more raw/direct feedback. Otherwise is an all-around player's racquet as you would expect.
 
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Happy to see this thread. I buy Prince racquets for myself and for my family just to support the brand, and always have at least one (not counting my vintage Patrick Rafter TTB).
 
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skeeter

Professional
The Blade v7 98 16 x 19 is a really nice frame but you need to be precise and have solid footwork consistently! You also need to be on full throttle to get the benefits of this frame. I too am a 4.0-4.5 player.

With the Prince 100x 305, you only need a medium swing to get good depth and don't need to be as precise which is huge benefit these days. I also found the Phantom 100x 305 more arm friendly due to not working as hard.
It's definitely difficult to stay loyal to a racquet with all the options out there!
How is the more open pattern for you? I've only played with 16x19 and 18x20 and would be a little leery about a 16x18 in a 100si head launching a few. Otherwise, sounds like a nice frame.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
How is the more open pattern for you? I've only played with 16x19 and 18x20 and would be a little leery about a 16x18 in a 100si head launching a few. Otherwise, sounds like a nice frame.

The open pattern gives you a slightly higher launch angle. I would say that the control between the Blade 16 x 19 and the 100x 305 is pretty close and good. Occasionally, the ball launches out but not too often. The 100x is a little more flexible of a frame than the Blade. I am liking the easier depth with 100x and its also better for returning serve. I only hit a few serves with the 100x but I didn't have to work very hard. I really like the Blade v7 too but its a bit more demanding than I would like. The 100x gives you that forgiving sweet spot over the Blade where you have to be more precise. When I am on with the Blade disguise the limit. As the weather gets warmer I would rather playing with the Phantom 100x.
 
Have you hit with the 97 yet? I'll be heading out with my demo shortly to try it. If it's basically the 93 with extra real estate we could have a winner.

I just finished a one hour hitting session using the 97 with a 5.0 player Who has been a close friend of mine for many years.

First and foremost, this is one of the best feelings racquets I’ve ever touched. I also have the simple, elegant cosmetics. My sample was strung with prince polyester at what felt like approximately mid tension.

I was immediately reminded of my beloved Asian K 90s but with a more forgiving response. In turn I took to this frame like a fish to water. [emoji108] Especially on the serve, where I immediately found excellent pop without sacrificing accuracy and action. Off the ground I felt my ball had more spin and bite off the court as a consequence of enhanced spin.

Of course the honeymoon experience is real, and so no firm conclusions can be drawn for me at this point. However this is a frame I could see myself using in the long run. It’s basically a more forgiving Wilson 90. The 93 felt a little bit dead to me by comparison. Perhaps I should try the 18 x 20 pattern that everyone is raving about?

Best BHBH


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zipplock

Hall of Fame
I just finished a one hour hitting session using the 97 with a 5.0 player Who has been a close friend of mine for many years.

First and foremost, this is one of the best feelings racquets I’ve ever touched. I also have the simple, elegant cosmetics. My sample was strung with prince polyester at what felt like approximately mid tension.

I was immediately reminded of my beloved Asian K 90s but with a more forgiving response. In turn I took to this frame like a fish to water. [emoji108] Especially on the serve, where I immediately found excellent pop without sacrificing accuracy and action. Off the ground I felt my ball had more spin and bite off the court as a consequence of enhanced spin.

Of course the honeymoon experience is real, and so no firm conclusions can be drawn for me at this point. However this is a frame I could see myself using in the long run. It’s basically a more forgiving Wilson 90. The 93 felt a little bit dead to me by comparison. Perhaps I should try the 18 x 20 pattern that everyone is raving about?

Best BHBH


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I agree the honeymoon effect is real, but I also think the 97P has a real shot at being the real deal. It felt soft, but didn't lack for power. I mentioned to my hitting partner that it felt like the ball stayed on the racquet longer because of the flex, then the racquet would "fling" the ball forward, a subtle delay in action.

A friend of mine has the 93P in the open pattern. I like the feel of those, but this feels even softer, without being mushy.
 
I agree the honeymoon effect is real, but I also think the 97P has a real shot at being the real deal. It felt soft, but didn't lack for power. I mentioned to my hitting partner that it felt like the ball stayed on the racquet longer because of the flex, then the racquet would "fling" the ball forward, a subtle delay in action.

A friend of mine has the 93P in the open pattern. I like the feel of those, but this feels even softer, without being mushy.

Agreed, the 97 is softer than the open pattern 93 but not AT ALL mushy. In fact that’s one of the most impressive things about the 97. It’s very comfortable but not overly muted (i.e. there is “feedback to the hand”) and still hits a BIG, spinny ball despite the obvious flex.


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zipplock

Hall of Fame
Agreed, the 97 is softer than the open pattern 93 but not AT ALL mushy. In fact that’s one of the most impressive things about the 97. It’s very comfortable but not overly muted (i.e. there is “feedback to the hand”) and still hits a BIG, spinny ball despite the obvious flex.


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Yup. It "sounded" like there would be no feedback because of the lack of sound, but it wasn't the case.
 

stephenclown

Professional
Hey there, I opened the trap door on the 97P demo I got from TW, and it looks like the handle has silicone in it. This racquet is the quietest racquet I've ever hit and I'm wondering if whatever is in the handle is contributing to that quieting. The racquet is fantastic by the way, I'm 99% sure I'll be making the switch to it.

That's interesting, just checked both of mine and no silicone, but mine were from Singapore. Wonder if others have silicone as well.
 
Glad to see Prince back, the best racquet I still ever used was the Prince CTS Synergy DB 26, played the best tennis of my life with that frame, absolute classic racquet, pair that with Prince topspin string, ah those were the days

The Synergy DB26 was indeed special!!


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Among the frames I’ve tried in the past year (including the PS 97’s, Blade v7’s, Clash 98/100/Tour, Babolat PA and PD, and Angell TC 97 V3) the Prince Phantom 97 is the best of the bunch and truly blends incredible comfort, feel, and plenty-o-power!!!


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chizzle

Rookie
Among the frames I’ve tried in the past year (including the PS 97’s, Blade v7’s, Clash 98/100/Tour, Babolat PA and PD, and Angell TC 97 V3) the Prince Phantom 97 is the best of the bunch and truly blends incredible comfort, feel, and plenty-o-power!!!


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Interesting, thx for the feedback. I want to like it, but just debating if I go for a 100" stick these days. the 97 looks rounder (perhaps better or more hitting area) than say a PS97?

Power level is the same as the Blade 16 x 19 which I just can't gel with at all (perhaps balance ?). But the PL is also the same as the 03 Phantom (the one on sale), which to me wasn't about power but about ease of use.

Strongly considering the 100X 305. The 97 just hasn't been getting a ton of love (maybe it's just me)?
 

wevin

New User
Interesting, thx for the feedback. I want to like it, but just debating if I go for a 100" stick these days. the 97 looks rounder (perhaps better or more hitting area) than say a PS97?

Power level is the same as the Blade 16 x 19 which I just can't gel with at all (perhaps balance ?). But the PL is also the same as the 03 Phantom (the one on sale), which to me wasn't about power but about ease of use.

Strongly considering the 100X 305. The 97 just hasn't been getting a ton of love (maybe it's just me)?

I was surprised to see on the tennis warehouse university racket comparison tool that the new Phantom 100P has the biggest sweet zone of the entire Phantom line. I have read comments about the original Phantom Pro 100P being harsh outside the sweet spot so was surprised to see this info in the tool.

The new Phantom 100P was also one of the few of the new line to score higher than their original counterparts in the TW play tester reviews. Any love for the new Phantom 100P?
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
I was surprised to see on the tennis warehouse university racket comparison tool that the new Phantom 100P has the biggest sweet zone of the entire Phantom line. I have read comments about the original Phantom Pro 100P being harsh outside the sweet spot so was surprised to see this info in the tool.

The new Phantom 100P was also one of the few of the new line to score higher than their original counterparts in the TW play tester reviews. Any love for the new Phantom 100P?

I just bought the new 100x 305 a few weeks ago and its a spectacular good all around racquet. I had the original PP 100P and eventually sold as it was too harsh for my arm on off center hits. I know that they added Twaron to reduce shock but was still concerned about the new PP 100P being too firm outside the sweet spot.

Anyone else have any other feedback on the new PP 100P?
 

McLovin

Legend
So, I had a hit w/ the 97P, the 100 X 305, and the O3 100 X. First...all 3 look & feel great. Just holding them in my hands, they feel like solid frames, and I really like the looks of them. Nice subtle paint jobs.

On the court, the 97P and O3 100 were too low powered for me. Maybe it was the strings (both w/ full poly, but maybe a little too tight?), but I struggled to get depth & pace on my shots. They felt great, both when swinging and on contact (I'd say the have a muted feel, which I like), but I had to really muscle it, especially on my serve. Again, maybe some weight or different strings/tension, but even then I think they're out of my league.

The 100X 305 had promise. A little more power, but still great control. If this were available in an extended length, I'd definitely be giving this an extended demo. But 'as is', I'm giving up 5-7 MPH on my serve, and it isn't a big serve to begin with, so it was just sitting up & getting pummeled.

The guy I was hitting against is a solid 5.0 who just absolutely crushes the ball off the forehand & serve. We played 4 games using the Princes, and he won all 4 easily (I think I won 2 points total). He was just swinging for the fences, and everything came in, and all of my shots were landing short in the court.

So, overall, these frames are definitely good for younger power hitters looking for more control. For older guys...maybe a 2nd look at the Beast line is warranted...
 

lefty10spro

Semi-Pro
So, I had a hit w/ the 97P, the 100 X 305, and the O3 100 X. First...all 3 look & feel great. Just holding them in my hands, they feel like solid frames, and I really like the looks of them. Nice subtle paint jobs.

On the court, the 97P and O3 100 were too low powered for me. Maybe it was the strings (both w/ full poly, but maybe a little too tight?), but I struggled to get depth & pace on my shots. They felt great, both when swinging and on contact (I'd say the have a muted feel, which I like), but I had to really muscle it, especially on my serve. Again, maybe some weight or different strings/tension, but even then I think they're out of my league.

The 100X 305 had promise. A little more power, but still great control. If this were available in an extended length, I'd definitely be giving this an extended demo. But 'as is', I'm giving up 5-7 MPH on my serve, and it isn't a big serve to begin with, so it was just sitting up & getting pummeled.

The guy I was hitting against is a solid 5.0 who just absolutely crushes the ball off the forehand & serve. We played 4 games using the Princes, and he won all 4 easily (I think I won 2 points total). He was just swinging for the fences, and everything came in, and all of my shots were landing short in the court.

So, overall, these frames are definitely good for younger power hitters looking for more control. For older guys...maybe a 2nd look at the Beast line is warranted...
I hear you on the Phantom line. Not for old dudes. Explore the Tour 310 before going into Beast mode. You will thank me. It is an extraordinary frame!
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
I hear you on the Phantom line. Not for old dudes. Explore the Tour 310 before going into Beast mode. You will thank me. It is an extraordinary frame!

Therein lies the dilemma. The Phantom line is the arm-friendly line, perfect for the old folks, but it doesn't pack enough firepower.

It's begging for natural gut, methinks.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Therein lies the dilemma. The Phantom line is the arm-friendly line, perfect for the old folks, but it doesn't pack enough firepower.

It's begging for natural gut, methinks.

I found that the 100x 305 had ample power with 2 grams of lead at 12 and butt of the handle. I also use a synthetic string which offers more pop. I don't think age is the only factor as it could also apply to playing style and level of play. I am a 4.0-4.5 player in my early 50's. IMO this racquet would be good for a player that's around a 4.0 or above. There's room to add weight due to the very manageable swing weight.
 

McLovin

Legend
Therein lies the dilemma. The Phantom line is the arm-friendly line, perfect for the old folks, but it doesn't pack enough firepower.

It's begging for natural gut, methinks.
I was thinking about that...except for the 16x18 pattern. When on clay I'd likely shred it in 2 matches.

Of course...I could also go to a thicker gut...and God knows since my MCL tear I've developed a thicker gut...but I digress...

I found that the 100x 305 had ample power with 2 grams of lead at 12 and butt of the handle. I also use a synthetic string which offers more pop. I don't think age is the only factor as it could also apply to playing style and level of play. I am a 4.0-4.5 player in my early 50's. IMO this racquet would be good for a player that's around a 4.0 or above. There's room to add weight due to the very manageable swing weight.
I was wondering about adding weight, but also I prefer extended frames, and making the 100X in a 27.5" at the current weight might just give it that extra 'oomf' I'm looking for (my VCORE 98+ is 305g unstrung as well).

Like you, I'm a 4.5 in my early 50s.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
I was thinking about that...except for the 16x18 pattern. When on clay I'd likely shred it in 2 matches.

Of course...I could also go to a thicker gut...and God knows since my MCL tear I've developed a thicker gut...but I digress...


I was wondering about adding weight, but also I prefer extended frames, and making the 100X in a 27.5" at the current weight might just give it that extra 'oomf' I'm looking for (my VCORE 98+ is 305g unstrung as well).

Like you, I'm a 4.5 in my early 50s.

Good luck!
 

c-had

Rookie
I was thinking about that...except for the 16x18 pattern. When on clay I'd likely shred it in 2 matches.
If the 16x18 of the Tour 310 gives you pause, have you considered the Tour 100P? It's basically the 18x20 version of that racquet.
 

ccmtennis

Semi-Pro
I found that the 100x 305 had ample power with 2 grams of lead at 12 and butt of the handle. I also use a synthetic string which offers more pop. I don't think age is the only factor as it could also apply to playing style and level of play. I am a 4.0-4.5 player in my early 50's. IMO this racquet would be good for a player that's around a 4.0 or above. There's room to add weight due to the very manageable swing weight.

I agree completely with this. I had the 100X 305 for a month and just gave it back since I mostly play dubs at 4.5 level and the TXT 310 is still hard to beat for the level of forgiveness at our age and just the added stability. I am currently have the demo arriving for the phantom 100P and I am curious about the added SW on this. A few weeks back we had a conversation here about the Power Level or PL that prince has and I am curious if I agree with the 800 rating of this one in comparison to the 305X
 

ccmtennis

Semi-Pro
BTW you guys should check out the TW podcast on YT about the Phantom line. I found it quiet enjoyable particularly the comparison between frames. They did a comparison on the 97P to the 100P however I wish they did one comparing the 100X 305 to the 100P instead... just my 2 cents
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
I agree completely with this. I had the 100X 305 for a month and just gave it back since I mostly play dubs at 4.5 level and the TXT 310 is still hard to beat for the level of forgiveness at our age and just the added stability. I am currently have the demo arriving for the phantom 100P and I am curious about the added SW on this. A few weeks back we had a conversation here about the Power Level or PL that prince has and I am curious if I agree with the 800 rating of this one in comparison to the 305X

IMO the PP 100P will have more power and plow over the 100x 305. IMO the 100x 305 will be more comfortable than the PP 100P which is a big issue for me. I am more of base line player so I don't really need more stability at the net. The 100x 305 is plenty stable and with the added weight at 12 and the handle it plays phenomenal.

Don't get me wrong, the PP 100P is also a really solid frame as I played with the original. I would imagine that the newer version is even better than the original. I found the original PP 100P harsh on off center hits which was a deal breaker for me. Otherwise, I really liked that frame but I have to protect my arm first.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Therein lies the dilemma. The Phantom line is the arm-friendly line, perfect for the old folks, but it doesn't pack enough firepower.

It's begging for natural gut, methinks.

Personally, I found the 93P 18x20 to be very precise and good on power. I added a little Tungsten tape at 3 & 9 to further increase power, stability, and the size of the sweet spot, and from the feedback from my hitting partners, I am not lacking in power, I am getting very good depth in general, and I don't have any problem producing spin. I use thin gauge polys (1.15mm-1.18mm) @ around 46M/43C.
 
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ccmtennis

Semi-Pro
IMO the PP 100P will have more power and plow over the 100x 305. IMO the 100x 305 will be more comfortable than the PP 100P which is a big issue for me. I am more of base line player so I don't really need more stability at the net. The 100x 305 is plenty stable and with the added weight at 12 and the handle it plays phenomenal.

Don't get me wrong, the PP 100P is also a really solid frame as I played with the original. I would imagine that the newer version is even better than the original. I found the original PP 100P harsh on off center hits which was a deal breaker for me. Otherwise, I really liked that frame but I have to protect my arm first.

thx for sharing that. Did u use similar strings in both rackets to cmpare? For me even with the weight at 10’ and 2’ on the 305X I needed more pace and solid feel in mid court volleys from the serve line and coming forward. I play mostly dubs now . Did u add any mods to the PP 100P?
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Yes
thx for sharing that. Did u use similar strings in both rackets to cmpare? For me even with the weight at 10’ and 2’ on the 305X I needed more pace and solid feel in mid court volleys from the serve line and coming forward. I play mostly dubs now . Did u add any mods to the PP 100P?
Yes, I used similar strings and tension. I did experiment with different lead set ups on the PP 100P. The swing weight is higher on the PP 100P than the 100x 305. If you need more pace and feel go with the new PP 100P. It has a nice hefty swing weight.
 
@Prince Tennis Official, why no leather grip on the 97P?
Honestly, we found that leather can be a turnoff for some folks and given that we wanted to make the 97P as appealing to as many folks as possible right out of the box we decided to go with our new ResiTex Tour grip. It has a natural hide backing with a Resi treated PU surface...the best of both worlds.

Tyler
 

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
I just bought the new 100x 305 a few weeks ago and its a spectacular good all around racquet. I had the original PP 100P and eventually sold as it was too harsh for my arm on off center hits. I know that they added Twaron to reduce shock but was still concerned about the new PP 100P being too firm outside the sweet spot.

Anyone else have any other feedback on the new PP 100P?


I'm looking to demo the new 100P (as well as the 100 18x20) hopefully this weekend. I'm stoked. I use the PP100P, so looking forward to this. I may be torn if the new 100 18x20 does have a tick more power than the previous. One of the things I have liked about the PP100P is the old school feel, but enough controllable power.
 

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
Honestly, we found that leather can be a turnoff for some folks and given that we wanted to make the 97P as appealing to as many folks as possible right out of the box we decided to go with our new ResiTex Tour grip. It has a natural hide backing with a Resi treated PU surface...the best of both worlds.

Tyler
Hopefully these will be sold at retail. The Wilson pro Hybrid was dank. And the Angell equivalent is just too hard to get
 
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