Prince Tennis Official
Rookie
Deleted
Prince Official - Racquets
- Thread starter Prince Tennis Official
- Start date
Aussie-pro
Rookie
@Prince Tennis Official Any plans for a new tour 95?
I saw that, I had to ask myself if I could live with my green backpack clashing with my 97P, then I thought if I have a matching bag for my 93P it only makes sense to have the same for the 97P... ah the vanity of it all.
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Shangri La
Hall of Fame
Not sure where to ask this: will Prince Tour balls be available again? They were my favorite. I switched to Robin Soderling black edition after the Prince balls were discontinued.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Appreciate the response, but a follow up question: how much R&D goes into the grips? Given that the grip the racquet comes with is very much an after thought for most enthusiasts and overgrips are used by so many; does the quality of the grip have a quantitative impact on racquet sales? Or is it used as a means to get some sales in the replacement grip segment?
tennis1111
Semi-Pro
Prince, will there be any any 12 racket bags soon? What colours can we expect?
I have black 2 year old Textreme tour bag and I going to buy new Pantone 100x so new bag will be nice...
Thanks for the answer and keep doing good job with Phantoms!
I have black 2 year old Textreme tour bag and I going to buy new Pantone 100x so new bag will be nice...
Thanks for the answer and keep doing good job with Phantoms!
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
One was just dropped yesterday....
Prince Tour 12 Pack Bag - Black/Reflective
www.tennis-warehouse.com
@Prince Tennis Official
Quick question on the new bags that were posted on Tennis Warehouse. Before making final decision is that all the bags coming out or will there be more? I believe last year you had two large bags (Challenger and Slam if I recall).
Quick question on the new bags that were posted on Tennis Warehouse. Before making final decision is that all the bags coming out or will there be more? I believe last year you had two large bags (Challenger and Slam if I recall).
Trinity110
Rookie
- and @Prince Tennis Official - it looks like the 6 racquet bags are backpack style, with two straps. Is this the case? For that size I like just a one shoulder strap, centered, although I realize you aren't making them just for me!
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
@Prince Tennis Official you should restart the Prince Classic Graphite line. Use the original mold for the 100. Then flesh that out with different options - have a stiffer, more powerful one.
The PCG 100 is an amazing racquet, it just needs some more power. Don't change anything else and don't you dare touch the string pattern and spacing!
The PCG 100 is an amazing racquet, it just needs some more power. Don't change anything else and don't you dare touch the string pattern and spacing!
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Here is my line
Classic Graphite 100 - unchanged
Classic Graphite 107 - unchanged
Enhanced Graphite 100 - 67 stiffness
Elevated Graphite 100 - 70 stiffness
Pro Graphite 100 - 18x20
Classic Graphite 100 Longbody (28")
I would play with the Enhanced
Shangri La
Hall of Fame
Phantom Graphite 100 and 107 are coming. Other than beam width, the 100 has the same specs as POG 100.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
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ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
Yes I can't wait to check them out side by side. I'll have the Beast 98 and the PP 100P and will choose one for a 4.5 dubs match
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
Putting a trap door on the butt cap is a must. Got a second PCG 100 2 days ago, which was 6g lighter than the first (though 2-3 must be related to a different string / gauge), and it would have been nice to tune it through a simple trap door.
Actually, I wouldn't mind Twarom either at 10 and 2, to improve responsiveness on off center hits in the upper hoop.
But for the rest, leave it exactly as it was.
BHold81
Semi-Pro
@Prince Tennis Official Have you guys given any consideration to making a players frame with a 18x19 pattern ;maybe Phantom). It’s my favorite pattern, and so few make them.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Did it mention anywhere if new phantom graphite 107 with crossbar of course will be coming to Europe?
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
I had my first outing with the PP 100 P and the Beast 98 last night. I was shocked and surprised how much more I like the 100P compared to the 100X 305. I admit that I bought that the second the TW reviewer Eric switched from the TXT 310 to it as that is also my current stick. In comparison to the 100X 305 even with added weight at 10' and 2' it simply does not have the plow and stability that I appreciate with the 100P. I agree now with the power level as well. Despite the thinner beam, the higher swingweight and larger sweetspot (according to TW's data) makes it a more powerful stick. I do agree some shots in the upper 2 inches of the frame are harsh. However mine was strung with a full bed of Solinco hyper G which is a string that itself is too harsh for me so I likely gonna blend Cyclone and Gosen OGSM to soften it up
@Prince Tennis Official is there plans in place for changing any of the TXT 310 Tour's string bed options for the future, like a 16x20? I apologize for comparisons to other brands on a Prince blog but I used a friends Head 360+ Graphene Gravity MP and I have to say this is the only stick that I have found that come close to the performance of the 310 but has slightly more control due to the pattern. Just my 2 cents
@Prince Tennis Official is there plans in place for changing any of the TXT 310 Tour's string bed options for the future, like a 16x20? I apologize for comparisons to other brands on a Prince blog but I used a friends Head 360+ Graphene Gravity MP and I have to say this is the only stick that I have found that come close to the performance of the 310 but has slightly more control due to the pattern. Just my 2 cents
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You're not the only one banging on a for more 16x20 pattern options. Tried any of the Beast options?
Rock-solid
Rookie
@Prince Tennis Official
I read somewhere that the Phantom 97P was foam filled so I checked a demo that I have and was surprised to find that there was silicone gel in the handle and not foam. The odd thing was that only one-half-side was filled with silicone and the other side empty. So my question is why silicone instead of foam, is the purpose to soften up the racquet or was it put in to correct the balance due to some manufacturing fault? I really like the soft feel of the 97P so if silicone is the reason for the feel I would like to try adding it to some of my other racquets to make them more arm friendly.
I read somewhere that the Phantom 97P was foam filled so I checked a demo that I have and was surprised to find that there was silicone gel in the handle and not foam. The odd thing was that only one-half-side was filled with silicone and the other side empty. So my question is why silicone instead of foam, is the purpose to soften up the racquet or was it put in to correct the balance due to some manufacturing fault? I really like the soft feel of the 97P so if silicone is the reason for the feel I would like to try adding it to some of my other racquets to make them more arm friendly.
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I’m going to chime in here, having experimented with filling frames with foam. The challenge is in how it expands and how to control that to get the right amount into the racket. If you’re going to fill the whole frame that’s easy, just fill the whole frame and clean it up after it expands then drill holes. But if you just want it in the handle and the frame hasn’t been specifically designed to limit the expansion of the foam to the handle then you’re just asking for trouble. Depending on when it’s done in production, silicon would be way simpler.
Automatix
Legend
I'd say it was a way of bringing to specs to meet QC requirements rather than anything else.
stephenclown
Professional
@Rock-solid I have never read about it being foam filled, I also took the grommets off on mine and it hollow. The silicone is just for QC imo, neither of mine have any in the handle and they were matched to be very close to spec
When I think of foam-filled racquets, I usually think of the head and shafts filled with foam. Bottom parts of the handle can be filled with other things like silicone for quality control or have some empty space, whatever is needed for bringing the racquet close to the target spec
Rock-solid
Rookie
My blade v7 18x20 has foam right up to the butt cap, but I agree the 97P looks like QA.
Yes, some are like that. Some (Yonex, e.g.) even have the relatively rigid PU foam used in the outer portion of the handle also inside the hairpin.
jangotango
Semi-Pro
Hi @Prince Tennis Official, I'm a newish user of the TT310. Perfect racquet, but I'm still developing my young game and sometimes wish I got the lighter 290 (if anybody wants to trade, hmu!).
Could you shed some light on Iga Swiatek's racquet? Seeing she is one of the better prince players on tour!
Cheers!
Could you shed some light on Iga Swiatek's racquet? Seeing she is one of the better prince players on tour!
Cheers!
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
I just demoed the Prince beast 98. Felt super comfortable but just can get used to the power level even with a full bed of poly and I was launching a lot of forehands
Yeah I feel like the beast 98 and even the ported version needs to be strung in poly to avoid more launches. Waiting for a 16x20 option with less power.
longtimelurker
Professional
There is also the diadem elevate 98 foam filled 16x20 I think @Automatix tried it. I would love prince to release 18x19 and 16x20. Nothing beats prince feel.
My P100X 305g is exactly like this also. There is silicon glue on the inside on 1 half only. I believe it's for QC to get the balance right. Foam filling dampens response. I have a Phantom 100XR (Japan model) & it filled to the brim with foam. It plays too muted for my liking.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Me too, DB 24 is a great stick, still play with them and with dr98
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
I have been so far impressed with the QC on my Prince sticks. I have 2 unmatched TXT 310 and they came in weighing 0.02 oz difference between them. Last night just for fun I open the butt cap of the PP 100P and I found oddly that only half of the handle was silicone filled. @Prince Tennis Official is this intentional to match it's weight?
photos.app.goo.gl
0 new items by David Lee
photos.app.goo.gl
time_fly
Hall of Fame
Interesting, what's your normal racquet? I find the Beast 98 to be relatively low powered for a thick-beamed racquet, meaning that in the grand universe of racquets I would say it has a medium power level. The main strings are spaced wide so it doesn't take much effort to get good dip on the ball if you hit with topspin.
I have been so far impressed with the QC on my Prince sticks. I have 2 unmatched TXT 310 and they came in weighing 0.02 oz difference between them. Last night just for fun I open the butt cap of the PP 100P and I found oddly that only half of the handle was silicone filled. @Prince Tennis Official is this intentional to match it's weight?
0 new items by David Lee
My PP 100P was the same. Partial silicone on half. Looks like just a bit of QC finishing it to spec. I actually removed the silicone as best I could as I added a leather grip. I am really tempted to get the newest 100P with its updated hoop and expanded sweet zone!
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
Japan got a 107 Graphite Phantom AND a custom PJ
■ Head size: 107 square inches
■ Average weight (frame): 305 g
■ Balance point : 310 mm
■ Swing weight: 290
■ Material: Carbon + text dream x Twaron
■ String pattern : 16 × 19
■ Frame thickness: 21.5-20.0-17.5mm
■ Head size: 107 square inches
■ Average weight (frame): 305 g
■ Balance point : 310 mm
■ Swing weight: 290
■ Material: Carbon + text dream x Twaron
■ String pattern : 16 × 19
■ Frame thickness: 21.5-20.0-17.5mm
djNEiGht
Legend
***packs bag for Japan. Passport in hand. Airline ticket...sigh.Japan got a 107 Graphite Phantom AND a custom PJ
■ Head size: 107 square inches
■ Average weight (frame): 305 g
■ Balance point : 310 mm
■ Swing weight: 290
■ Material: Carbon + text dream x Twaron
■ String pattern : 16 × 19
■ Frame thickness: 21.5-20.0-17.5mm
This was discussed earlier in this thread. The official Prince representatives said that the Phantom Graphite would be released globally later this year, though not necessarily with the same specs.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...official-racquets.660420/page-8#post-14024263
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Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
Hey there Talk Tennis fans!
It's been quite a while since Prince has been present here on the message boards and we're excited to finally be back. Now we know there's probably going to be a lot of questions about the brand....and rightfully so....it's been a bit of a rollercoaster the past few years to say the least. But what I can say here today with absolute certainty is that we are still here, we are still in love with this game, and we are certainly still obsessed with making the best tennis products that we possibly can. And that's where everyone here is hopefully going to help play a part.
We're probably not going to be able to answer all of the questions that come our way, but I promise that we will do our level best and we will commit to being as transparent as possible. We're here for the good, the bad and the ugly...as long as we keep things civil
Before we jump into this adventure, let us take a few moments to share some background on the two of us who are going to be managing this conversation over the coming weeks and months.
Tyler:
My journey with Prince began in 2005 right after I graduated college (University of Illinois), so next year will mark 15 years for me with the brand. I can say that I've done just about every different kind of job over my many years, but my absolute passion is for products development. I started as a tech rep, traveling the world putting on clinics from California to Dubai. Shortly thereafter I took over the US Junior program where I managed over 250 junior players from all over the country. After that I was given my first opportunity to work in product development where I helped to launch my very first product the Prince 5000 stringing machine. From there I moved on to manage the string and accessories business where I helped launch one of my favorite products of all time...Prince Recoil strings. From there I moved into the racquet business and eventually worked my way up to becoming the global director of product development and R&D for the brand. Now, in my latest role with the brand I'm overseeing all aspects of our global business and working with over 40 different partners around the world to try and bring new and exciting Prince products back to the market.
As a product developer I'm a bit of an equipment chameleon as I rarely play the same racquet 2 times in a row, but if I was pressed to pick my current favorite set it would be the Beast 98 with Prince Vortex 16 @ 48lbs.
Tim:
Like Tyler, I have been with the Prince brand through the ups and downs over the last few years. I started with Prince in 2006 working out of the R&D center in Italy as a Junior Engineer at an exciting time following the introduction of the O3 range. The first racquet that I was involved in developing was the Speed Port Black. After spending 4 years with the team in Italy, I made my way to China to work directly with the production teams to refine all of the production processes in an effort to improve the efficiency and quality of the complex processes at a time of economic challenges. Following the restructuring of the Prince business in 2011, I spent a brief period as the Product manager for Asia before starting my current role as Director of R&D. The first task in this new role was to develop a new line and technology which resulted in the introduction of the first generation of TeXtreme racquets in 2014. In this role I am responsible for the line development of all hard goods products, 3D CAD, layup development and product performance and quality. My favorite project I’ve worked on over recent years is the development of the Phantom line, which challenged us to develop a modern version of a thin beam players racquet. It’s something which Prince had been well known for and something that is unique in the current landscape of the tennis racquet market.
While we are a small team, we are passionate about developing the best product we can that has a real reason for being to help players enjoy the game of tennis more. I’m excited about the projects that we are currently working on and hope that you’ll enjoy trying them as much as I’ve enjoyed developing them.
Looking forward to the discussion everyone! Happy New Year!
The Prince Team
Have to say, a huge congratulations to Prince for producing such a terrific range of racquets over the last 2 or 3 years. The Textreme construction is superb - modern, crisp feeling yet comfortable on the arm and provides a connectedness to the ball on contact. It's as good as Graphene is bad!!
Question though. I play with the Beast 98 which I like but what's the reasoning behind making the throat thinner than the rest of the beam? It makes it feel a bit more 'empty' in the middle of the frame and noticeably more polarised in terms of distribution of weight. I appreciate that everyone is different but I just wish the beam was 24mm tapering to say 22mm (as opposed to 25mm to 21mm) to provide a more rounded feeling racquet on terms of weight distribution, beam etc. Any prospect of a minor beam revision in future?
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ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
My go to frame is the TXT tour 310. I agree the Beast 98 is relatively low powered for such a thick beam and it's nice that is remains very comfortable which is a testament to Prince and the tech they have here. For me somehow I still find the combo too much to handle without much feedback to dial it back at times. I'm in the midst of considering a switch to the PP 100P . How long have you used the Beast 98 and what is your string set up like? any mods ?
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
Oh wow thanks for sharing, interesting mod you made. Was it tough removing the silicone? I actually prefer the silicone throughout but now I think adding it will make it slightly out of my weight specs . Hopefully Prince Tennis Official can weigh in on this soon ......@Prince Tennis Official
Used a thin long serrated knife... and yes it took quite awhile!
Just curious. Why are you considering a switch to the PP 100P from the Tour 310?
Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
Power is definitely is definitely there if you need it but you have to work for it - the 98 is a racquet that very much rewards long, fast swings (as well as being able to setup properly). Don't forget that there's a noticeable distribution of mass in the upper third of the hoop, so you really want to be getting the tip speed up if you want to be able to hit through the court with a pacey ball. With shorter, compact swings, it's more rallying ball stuff.
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ericykchan
Rookie
absolutely the RIGHT question to ask. We demand answer!!
