Prince Official - Racquets

[tennisboy2121]

Phantom 100 is very low power frame!
Txt 03 has more power, better stability and still great control
Havent played with o3 tour mp... Is that good?

How is the spin with the Txt 03 compared to the phantom 100. The phantom 100 is underpowered but it is the most comfortable racket I ever hit. The o3 tour is by far the best o3 rackets ever made for me. Power and spin with great control and amazing touch. I just recently picked up the mid. I have been missing out. The mid does everything better then the mp. It has better control and more power with similar spin and more plow. When the o3 tour mp came out I was a sponsored prince player. I had at least a dozen of them. By the time the mid was released I was too committed.

 

[Nick777]

How is the spin with the Txt 03 compared to the phantom 100. The phantom 100 is underpowered but it is the most comfortable racket I ever hit. The o3 tour is by far the best o3 rackets ever made for me. Power and spin with great control and amazing touch. I just recently picked up the mid. I have been missing out. The mid does everything better then the mp. It has better control and more power with similar spin and more plow. When the o3 tour mp came out I was a sponsored prince player. I had at least a dozen of them. By the time the mid was released I was too committed.

A little less spin but still plenty, i will look if I find a used o3 tour mp, which exact model is it? Stiffness?

 

[tennisboy2121]

A little less spin but still plenty, i will look if I find a used o3 tour mp, which exact model is it? Stiffness?

The stiffness rating is a 61. There are a few on the bay. Don't be afraid if they are all scratched up, that is completely normal. I personally think the mp is bad in stock but takes lead amazing.

 

[Nick777]

The stiffness rating is a 61. There are a few on the bay. Don't be afraid if they are all scratched up, that is completely normal. I personally think the mp is bad in stock but takes lead amazing.

If it plays similar to tour 100 16/18 i will pass because i already own a tour 100 16/18 with ports

 

[tennisboy2121]

If it plays similar to tour 100 16/18 i will pass because i already own a tour 100 16/18 with ports

Well of course they are similar. I thought the tour 100 was not nearly as good as the o3 tour mp in any category besides arm friendly. 57 ra vs 61 ra. Tw is also higher on the tour 100 but with my added lead on the o3 mid I have no issues.

 

[t_pac]

How is the spin with the Txt 03 compared to the phantom 100. The phantom 100 is underpowered but it is the most comfortable racket I ever hit. The o3 tour is by far the best o3 rackets ever made for me. Power and spin with great control and amazing touch. I just recently picked up the mid. I have been missing out. The mid does everything better then the mp. It has better control and more power with similar spin and more plow. When the o3 tour mp came out I was a sponsored prince player. I had at least a dozen of them. By the time the mid was released I was too committed.

Spin is very similar. The TT100 O3 has an ever so slightly less open string bed (extra cross plus 8 mains in the throat vs 6 for the Phantom) but really there's very little in it assuming the same racquet head speed etc.

The Tour has more power, more stability, more plow. Just plays better in pretty much every way.

Obviously not much is going to match the ported Phantom 100 for comfort but the TT100 O3 is still very comfortable, one of the few frames I can string full poly without any kind of arm discomfort even if I'm playing a lot of tennis.

 

[Nick777]

Spin is very similar. The TT100 O3 has an ever so slightly less open string bed (extra cross plus 8 mains in the throat vs 6 for the Phantom) but really there's very little in it assuming the same racquet head speed etc.

The Tour has more power, more stability, more plow. Just plays better in pretty much every way.

Obviously not much is going to match the ported Phantom 100 for comfort but the TT100 O3 is still very comfortable, one of the few frames I can string full poly without any kind of arm discomfort even if I'm playing a lot of tennis.

Whats your string tension experience compare to other rackets? I was thinking lower tension to gain more power but without sacrifizing control

 

[t_pac]

Currently on Tier One BK/GW at 48/46, previously was at 46/44

I generally string somewhere between 45-48 with poly.

Think when I used multi (velocity) I was at 54/52.

 

[ccmtennis]

310gr it is. Played a match with not Very good player So my thoughts are a bit confused, definetely Very arm friendly frame, strung multi/Poly, power is good but not as powerfull as dr98 at least with same teqnique, very stable, good at net, great spin, very fast, easy to play with.
For back round i am a 4.5 all court player with one hand backhand.
First impressions is that is a great improvement of the tour 100 exo3 16/18 which is good because i liked that racket. Put 1gr lead at 10- 2 and 1,2 gr in the butt cup for better plow and power and hit some balls today, still experiment, needs some abjustment period because dr98 i use to play is completely a different racket. Next step is to to try full bed of soft poly.
In general whoever liked the old EXO3 16/18 i think will love this one better if the case is more power and stability

great stuff thanks for the feedback. Have u played with the regular non ported version to compare?

 

[Nick777]

great stuff thanks for the feedback. Have u played with the regular non ported version to compare?

I have but it has been a while, as far as i remember its crisper and not so fast and spin monster

 

[ccmtennis]

I have but it has been a while, as far as i remember its crisper and not so fast and spin monster

curious to see if the additional string in the cross affects things like ball trajectory and control

 

[t_pac]

The extra cross won't really affect anything as the cross drill pattern is essentially the same, apart from one extra right at the bottom of the hoop.

Main difference is the fact the O3 version has more mains in the throat (8 Vs 6 for the solid version) but even then the spacing isn't that much different.

 

[tennisboy2121]

The extra cross won't really affect anything as the cross drill pattern is essentially the same, apart from one extra right at the bottom of the hoop.

Main difference is the fact the O3 version has more mains in the throat (8 Vs 6 for the solid version) but even then the spacing isn't that much different.

Which eats strings faster?

 

[t_pac]

Not sure tbh, I re-string pretty frequently plus I haven't used the solid beam in ages as I prefer the O3.

Gut feel is that the solid beam should go through strings faster.

 

[aussie]

310gr it is. Played a match with not Very good player So my thoughts are a bit confused, definetely Very arm friendly frame, strung multi/Poly, power is good but not as powerfull as dr98 at least with same teqnique, very stable, good at net, great spin, very fast, easy to play with.
For back round i am a 4.5 all court player with one hand backhand.
First impressions is that is a great improvement of the tour 100 exo3 16/18 which is good because i liked that racket. Put 1gr lead at 10- 2 and 1,2 gr in the butt cup for better plow and power and hit some balls today, still experiment, needs some abjustment period because dr98 i use to play is completely a different racket. Next step is to to try full bed of soft poly.
In general whoever liked the old EXO3 16/18 i think will love this one better if the case is more power and stability

If it's a better stick than the orange/black Tour 100 16x18 then it's some racquet. Played 4 sets of doubles this morning with the Tour strung with full bed Gosen OGSM 17 @ 55 and the control, spin and comfort of this ported gem was, as always, amazing. And I prefer the 18x20 version normally!

I know they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I just really love the ported sticks.

 

[Nick777]

Currently on Tier One BK/GW at 48/46, previously was at 46/44

I generally string somewhere between 45-48 with poly.

Think when I used multi (velocity) I was at 54/52.

Are you satisfied with power on your serve with the o3?
I would prefer more powerfull serve like my DR98 but dont see that happening

 

[Nostradamus]

So is Prince trying to keep Swaitek on contract ? or they just don't have enough money to compete with other giant racket companies ?

 

[Nick777]

If it's a better stick than the orange/black Tour 100 16x18 then it's some racquet. Played 4 sets of doubles this morning with the Tour strung with full bed Gosen OGSM 17 @ 55 and the control, spin and comfort of this ported gem was, as always, amazing. And I prefer the 18x20 version normally!

I know they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I just really love the ported sticks.

Ports.. Either you love or hate them! The old EXO3 is faster, better spin and more flex, the Textreme is more solid and powerfull

 

[Dartagnan64]

So is Prince trying to keep Swaitek on contract ? or they just don't have enough money to compete with other giant racket companies ?

It's probably not a matter of money but a decision of where they want to invest that money. I'd rather have them invest in innovation and manufacturing quality and less in sponsorship.

 

[t_pac]

Are you satisfied with power on your serve with the o3?
I would prefer more powerfull serve like my DR98 but dont see that happening

Yeah, I can hit pretty big serves with the O3. In fact I had my best serving day in a long time yesterday. Been a while since I played the DR98 but never really thought of it as a particularly awesome serving stick, I'd say they're in the same ballpark tbh.

Probably worth noting I do have some lead at 10 & 2 on my Tours

 

[Nick777]

Yeah, I can hit pretty big serves with the O3. In fact I had my best serving day in a long time yesterday. Been a while since I played the DR98 but never really thought of it as a particularly awesome serving stick, I'd say they're in the same ballpark tbh.

Probably worth noting I do have some lead at 10 & 2 on my Tours

Probably i need some abjustment period, i tried also 1gr at 10-2 and inside the handle, it makes some difference but dont want to add much weight as my o3 came 312gr unstrung

 

[hornets]

Hello fellow tennis players!

I started playing tennis about 3 years ago. As a huge Federer fan, I made that beginner`s mistake to play with Roger`s racquet, the prostaff 90. Then I went to Yonex Vcore 97. All very low powered racquets, stiff and not beginner`s friendly. So obviously I developed tennis elbow.
After doing some research for elbow friendly racquets, I bought a Prince Rebel 95 exo3 18x20 used in a very bady shape. But boy, it felt great on my arm. It is low powered, but it helped developed my tennis. I love hitting volleys with that stick. It felt great.
Then I started to search for something with a little bit more power, but with the same feel. So again, I found another bargain and bought the Prince Tour 100 16x18. That stick helped my defending, because now I have more forgiveness and more power, though I think that stick is not stable as the Rebel 95 18x20, maybe because of the weight? I really don`t know, but the true is, I was playing better tennis, my shots and serve was way more powerfull.
After some heavy reading on this topic about the Phantom line, a week ago I made my decision and bought the Phantom 100p, brand new. My first new racquet! I strung with Prince Syn Gut Duraflex 16 at 50lbs (I`m used playing with Topspin Cyberflash blue 1.20mm at 50lbs).
If the weather helps tomorrow, I`m playing with the 100p for the first time. Let`s see how it goes!

If you guys know a nice hybrid or soft poly setup for this stick, please let me know.

 

[Dartagnan64]

If you guys know a nice hybrid or soft poly setup for this stick, please let me know.

I like Legend/Cream in my phantoms. For a 100P I'd put in Legend 16 mains at 55 and Cream 17 at 50.

Enjoy the frame. I'm really enjoying the 107G. It's what oversize frames should be like. I have no idea why companies all seem to feel an OS has to be built for 90 year olds (wide beam 70+ RA 9 oz static weight). Some of us declining 50 somethings can benefit from the forgiveness of a players OS.

 

[Trinity110]

Hello fellow tennis players!

I started playing tennis about 3 years ago. As a huge Federer fan, I made that beginner`s mistake to play with Roger`s racquet, the prostaff 90. Then I went to Yonex Vcore 97. All very low powered racquets, stiff and not beginner`s friendly. So obviously I developed tennis elbow.
After doing some research for elbow friendly racquets, I bought a Prince Rebel 95 exo3 18x20 used in a very bady shape. But boy, it felt great on my arm. It is low powered, but it helped developed my tennis. I love hitting volleys with that stick. It felt great.
Then I started to search for something with a little bit more power, but with the same feel. So again, I found another bargain and bought the Prince Tour 100 16x18. That stick helped my defending, because now I have more forgiveness and more power, though I think that stick is not stable as the Rebel 95 18x20, maybe because of the weight? I really don`t know, but the true is, I was playing better tennis, my shots and serve was way more powerfull.
After some heavy reading on this topic about the Phantom line, a week ago I made my decision and bought the Phantom 100p, brand new. My first new racquet! I strung with Prince Syn Gut Duraflex 16 at 50lbs (I`m used playing with Topspin Cyberflash blue 1.20mm at 50lbs).
If the weather helps tomorrow, I`m playing with the 100p for the first time. Let`s see how it goes!

If you guys know a nice hybrid or soft poly setup for this stick, please let me know.

Congratulations, and good luck with the 100P. I know this doesn't answer your question, and try what you like, but don't be afraid to say the grass wasn't greener on the other side, and go back to the syn gut. It does everything I want (I am aware not everyone is just like me, but ...) and lasts longer than poly. And my Gamma syn gut w/Wearguard gives me insane spin in that racquet. Much more than in my others. For the first time I am hitting drop volleys that bounce back to my side of the net, and I am not even trying.

My two cents. But enjoy that new racquet! Congrats

 

[bleno567]

It's probably not a matter of money but a decision of where they want to invest that money. I'd rather have them invest in innovation and manufacturing quality and less in sponsorship.

I take the opposite tact. I'd rather they sponsor the big player to increase their sales, which in turn gives them more money to invest in R&D.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I take the opposite tact. I'd rather they sponsor the big player to increase their sales, which in turn gives them more money to invest in R&D.

Gotta find the right big players. Sponsoring potential one and done French Open winners (anyone remember Ostapenko) is probably a high risk low reward proposition. Getting a Nadal or Federer under sponsorship likely sells rackets. But I don't see a lot of Speed Pro's around despite Djokovic's success. Can't imagine any low ranked players are worth the sponsorship dollars invested.

I think if you are going to market to club players and get into the rec market, you need to get on the ground and start sponsoring demo days at clubs, have your marketing reps meeting with club pros and offering sponsorship to the coaches at clubs. It's a lot lower cost that paying players and will get word of mouth going. I'd much rather see them do those sort of things than even more R&D. They have a great lineup of club player frames in the Textreme Tours and Phantoms and need to get them into the hands of players.

I've put several of my Phantoms into friends hands and they all are impressed with the feel and comfort. But then they struggle to find them in stores to demo, so they move onto the Clash or whatever flavor du jour is out there.

 

[Yamin]

I've put several of my Phantoms into friends hands and they all are impressed with the feel and comfort. But then they struggle to find them in stores to demo, so they move onto the Clash or whatever flavor du jour is out there.

Pretty much. I blind bought a Phantom 100 because I didn't want to wait a month for a demo to come in. I wanted to do a second demo of the 100p and passed for that same reason. Ended up with a Blade but now I'm curious about the 100p again since I liked it so much. Won't buy it full price because of the uncertainty. If it was easier to demo, I would have one by now.

Back in the day our local club used to carry Prince so it at least had some presence. Most people don't go on TW and their local club's offerings is pretty much what dictates their next purchase. I thought it was a dead brand when I returned to tennis this year.

Also doesn't help that anything you see in store just looks like old man equipment (white new balance-esque shoes).

 

[Dartagnan64]

Back in the day our local club used to carry Prince so it at least had some presence. Most people don't go on TW and their local club's offerings is pretty much what dictates their next purchase. I thought it was a dead brand when I returned to tennis this year.

This is exactly the problem. They do a way better job with this kind of "on the ground" marketing in Japan. But NA is a crap shoot. I look forwards to the Indian Wells tourney every year so i can go to the TW tent and demo the new Prince offerings. That's the only reason I know the quality they are putting out.

 

[hornets]

So today I played 1h for the first time with the Phantom 100p.
Here it is my first impressions:
* You still have that muted feel, if you have played with Tour 100 16x18 or Rebel 95 18x20 with exo3 ports you know what I`m talking about. I love it.
* Very stable. Bring your A game, you gonna hit heavy balls like it`s nothing. I wish I was filming today my forehands.
* I don`t know if it`s because of the multifilament string, but I felt this racquet is a little bit more powerfull, in comparasion with the Tour 100 16x18 exo3. I guess I need to test with a full bed of soft poly in the same specs I`m used to play with the old Tour 100.
* My backhand slice wasn`t deep. I was hitting floaty backhand slices. Maybe it was just a bad day, because the forehand slices was very nice. Deep and shallow.
* Hitting some crazy drop shots. Hugo Gaston would be proud.
* Framing the racquet on serve. If you`re a beginner, I really recommend that you should try the Phantom with 03 ports, or the old Tour/Rebel exo3. They are more forgiving when you hit the frame. If you`re like me and have sensitive elbow, if you hit the frame on the upper hoop you`re gonna feel instantly on your elbow and probably the shoulder aswell. I know this frame has a low RA, but the ATS on 10 and 2 and the hoop, makes you feel more a disconfort when hitting the frame. Keep that in mind. If you`re intermediate/advanced player and have all the strokes with consistency, you definitely need to try this Phantom 100p.

Last but not least, my coach was complaining about a disconfort on the elbow today. I gave him the 100p for a few minutes, we was just rallying. He was amazed of how comfortable the racquet is. He thought the racquet would feel like the old ProStaff 90, because of the box beam lol.

String: Prince Synth Gut w/ Duraflex 17 at 50lbs.

 

[marquette100]

Is prince coming out with a new warrior??

 

[Dartagnan64]

Is prince coming out with a new warrior??

They did and it was called the Beast. Next question is whether they are coming out with a new Beast?

 

[Dartagnan64]

Last but not least, my coach was complaining about a disconfort on the elbow today. I gave him the 100p for a few minutes, we was just rallying. He was amazed of how comfortable the racquet is. He thought the racquet would feel like the old ProStaff 90, because of the box beam lol.

Even coaches forget that rackets can be made comfortable and still perform well. It's too bad Clash stole all the marketing hype as the Phantom line is superior in my mind for both comfort and control. And the Clash may have a bit more free power, but there are Phantom models that are plenty powerful enough (Phantom 100P, Phantom X O3, Phantom 100 and 107G).

 

[Kingslayersuzie]

Hello all

So my current racquet is a 2015 Babolat Pure Drive team . It was the first racquet i started playing with . Since it was only 285 grams i found it to be too light soon enough and had to add weights at 3 and 9 to make it more playable. The balance was too much towards the head though but i have played with it for nearly two years and now looking to make a switch. I am interested in a more classic , plush racquet something very different to the babolat. The prince phantom 100p has caught my eye. i am only a intermediate player and was wondering if it would too tough to adapt to. Have read some threads in this forum suggesting ppl that That textreme tour 310 is easier to play so am confused which to get. I live in india so its literally impossible to demo . can i go ahead and get this low flex racquet of my dreams the prince phantom pro 100P or will it be easier to play with textreme tour 310

Have also created a thread here

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/prince-textreme-tour-310-vs-prince-phantom-pro-100p-need-help.684175/

 

[N-serve]

I'd recommend the Beast 98, but might be hard to find. I found the beast 98 to have a better mix of control and power than the TT310. I came from a pure dive and had both the TT310 and the Beast 98...the Beast won!

 

[Nick777]

I'd recommend the Beast 98, but might be hard to find. I found the beast 98 to have a better mix of control and power than the TT310. I came from a pure dive and had both the TT310 and the Beast 98...the Beast won!

More crisp though..

 

[ccmtennis]

They did and it was called the Beast. Next question is whether they are coming out with a new Beast?

They have and it looks amazing but sadly TW confirmed it will only be in Japan and not make its way to the US

 

[BillKid]

Something weird I noticed. It looks like Prince Tours 100 sqin have a smaller head size than 100 sqin Phantom 100X 305 and even Beast 98. Any comments on this?

 

[AA7]

Something weird I noticed. It looks like Prince Tours 100 sqin have a smaller head size than 100 sqin Phantom 100X 305 and even Beast 98. Any comments on this?

Tour's head is longer and skinnier... Phantom is lollipop shape... Beast is more round as well.. it probably is an optical illusion...

 

[BillKid]

Tour's head is longer and skinnier... Phantom is lollipop shape... Beast is more round as well.. it probably is an optical illusion...

I don’t think it’s an illusion or just related to a rounder head shape.
I was curious and I just superimposed pics from these racquets. Just took me a few minutes using PowerPoint and it seemed rather accurate.
Anyway that’s nothing important, all are great racquets.

 

[DustinW]

@BillKid AA7 is correct. I own both the TT310 and 100X. If anything, the head of TT seems a bit larger because it is longer.

 

[BillKid]

@BillKid AA7 is correct. I own both the TT310 and 100X. If anything, the head of TT seems a bit larger because it is longer.

Thank you, maybe what I did with the pictures was inaccurate.
Btw could you elaborate on the comparison between these two racquets?

 

[cmmarcoux]

I just returned to Prince after a long absence. I bought a Phantom 100, blind, when it was discounted heavily a month ago. Previously, I was using Wilson Ultra 100 with poly -- very hard on my arm. Switched to hybrid strings, which were better, but still not great. Tried multi string...my arm was great, but I didn't enjoy the racquet. I tried the Phantom 100 (w/ Hyper G 17) and I've enjoyed it.

Looking to get a second Prince frame, but the models are confusing, to be polite. 100X 305, 100P, 100G, and O3 100X are all 323-326 grams, 6-7points HL, 58-60 RA, 16x18 . . . makes it hard to differentiate. I could get the O3 100X and call it good...it would be the closest match to the Phantom 100. But I don't see the ports as a requirement. I wouldn't complain about a bit more easy power, provided it's still comfortable. I'm happy to demo first, but with all the different variants, it's not obvious which 3 to start with. Any suggestions?

I was thinking (1) 100X 305, (2) O3 100X, (3) Tour 310 . . . but there's also the 100G, 100P, and even the O3 Beast 98 (my last Prince was a Rafter-era Warrior 97)

 

[Dartagnan64]

I just returned to Prince after a long absence. I bought a Phantom 100, blind, when it was discounted heavily a month ago. Previously, I was using Wilson Ultra 100 with poly -- very hard on my arm. Switched to hybrid strings, which were better, but still not great. Tried multi string...my arm was great, but I didn't enjoy the racquet. I tried the Phantom 100 (w/ Hyper G 17) and I've enjoyed it.

Looking to get a second Prince frame, but the models are confusing, to be polite. 100X 305, 100P, 100G, and O3 100X are all 323-326 grams, 6-7points HL, 58-60 RA, 16x18 . . . makes it hard to differentiate. I could get the O3 100X and call it good...it would be the closest match to the Phantom 100. But I don't see the ports as a requirement. I wouldn't complain about a bit more easy power, provided it's still comfortable. I'm happy to demo first, but with all the different variants, it's not obvious which 3 to start with. Any suggestions?

I was thinking (1) 100X 305, (2) O3 100X, (3) Tour 310 . . . but there's also the 100G, 100P, and even the O3 Beast 98 (my last Prince was a Rafter-era Warrior 97)

Phantom 100P, Phantom 107G, Phantom O3 X.

All 3 bring a little something different to the table but still carry that arm friendly Phantom DNA. I think you'll appreciate any of the new Phantom models as they are more stable than the first generation with the addition of Twaron at 10 and 2 and in the throat.

For what it's worth the nomenclature is like this:
X - Round beam
O3 - ports
P - box beam
G - box beam with cross bar

 

[DustinW]

@cmmarcoux The O3 100X is the updated version of your Phantom 100.

It is a bit confusing since they have 4 Phantoms that are very similar. You are really picking between the beam shape, ports, cross bar, and very slight differences in weight and balance.

oval beam with ports = O3 100X (unstrung 310g, 310mm)
oval beam without ports = 100X 305 (unstrung 305g, 315mm)
box beam with cross bar = 100G (unstrung 310g, 310mm)
box beam without cross bar = 100P (unstrung 310g, 315mm)

The Tour 310 is not a Phantom. It is a really great frame, but it is stiffer and has a wider beam.

 

[DustinW]

Thank you, maybe what I did with the pictures was inaccurate.
Btw could you elaborate on the comparison between these two racquets?

I've been playing with the TT310 for several months and I've only hit the O3 100X a few times, but I will give you my thoughts.

The TT310 is exceptional. I like to say it is the most powerful control frame that I've ever hit. It has a huge sweet spot and is super stable. It has a nice crisp and firm feel without being too stiff. I love it most from the baseline. I can easily switch between looping topspin and driving a flatter shot, all while having tons of control over both direction and depth. My biggest complaint is that it feels just a bit bulky. It is not hard to swing, but it seems to have weight in the throat area, which I'm not a fan of. Other very minor complaints are that I don't love it on serve (I serve fine with it, but just don't love it), and I still haven't fully dialed in the slice... maybe its the head size or string pattern... not really sure.

The O3 100X is very different. Soft, flexy, and muted. I definitely have to swing harder with it to get some zip on the ball, whereas the TT310 is effortless power. But that means I can swing away, and balls usually drop in. The sweet spot seems smaller but is super sweet when you hit it. It has a faster feel than the TT310, but it doesn't feel quite as stable. It is a very spinny frame... so much so that I struggled a bit to drive thru the ball when needed. But even with all of the spin, I found it easy to hit deep penetrating groundstrokes. On volleys, it felt like balls would just die if I missed the sweetspot (mostly because I hit too hight), but I'm guessing this is something that I will adjust to. And for serves, I actually preferred this to the TT310... since it is faster thru the air. I found I could really increase racket head speed and easily hit either big spin or flatten it out.

 

[basil J]

I bought my wife a textreme 100 305 18 x 20 this summer. She likes my Melbournes better for whatever reason, so I took it back, added weight at 3:00&9:00 and the frame plays pretty well. I am still getting used to the very muted feel & lighter weight compared to my Melbournes but overall its a nice overall frame. No wow factor, but a pretty easy to use frame. decent control, fairly low powered and reasonably comfortable. I have 17G Tourna multi in it and will cut it out soon and go with my usual 17g Vs gut. That should liven it up a bit. I've only used it for doubles so far and it has been fun to hit with.

 

[AA7]

My biggest complaint is that it feels just a bit bulky. It is not hard to swing, but it seems to have weight in the throat area, which I'm not a fan of.

Though weight distribution is different.. by virtue of less mass you could customize the 290gr version to find the sweetspot of quicker to move it and keep performance the same.. the problem tho.. even though 290 claims to have the same sw on paper, i am not sure it does. I have 2 310s and one 290.. 290 is severly under spec SW... it was too head light as well... to me beauty of that frame was going to be same sw in lighter package but QC was waaaay off..

Also that weight jn the throat of 310 is what probably helps with stable and solid control of the stick...

 

[tennisboy2121]

I just returned to Prince after a long absence. I bought a Phantom 100, blind, when it was discounted heavily a month ago. Previously, I was using Wilson Ultra 100 with poly -- very hard on my arm. Switched to hybrid strings, which were better, but still not great. Tried multi string...my arm was great, but I didn't enjoy the racquet. I tried the Phantom 100 (w/ Hyper G 17) and I've enjoyed it.

Looking to get a second Prince frame, but the models are confusing, to be polite. 100X 305, 100P, 100G, and O3 100X are all 323-326 grams, 6-7points HL, 58-60 RA, 16x18 . . . makes it hard to differentiate. I could get the O3 100X and call it good...it would be the closest match to the Phantom 100. But I don't see the ports as a requirement. I wouldn't complain about a bit more easy power, provided it's still comfortable. I'm happy to demo first, but with all the different variants, it's not obvious which 3 to start with. Any suggestions?

I was thinking (1) 100X 305, (2) O3 100X, (3) Tour 310 . . . but there's also the 100G, 100P, and even the O3 Beast 98 (my last Prince was a Rafter-era Warrior 97)

Depending on your level and if you don't mind a little higher sw, I would go with the 100p. The 100p has more power, plow, and still is super comfortable. The phantom 100 is the best on the arm but lacks power and doesn't penetrate the court.

 

[t_pac]

Though weight distribution is different.. by virtue of less mass you could customize the 290gr version to find the sweetspot of quicker to move it and keep performance the same.. the problem tho.. even though 290 claims to have the same sw on paper, i am not sure it does. I have 2 310s and one 290.. 290 is severly under spec SW... it was too head light as well... to me beauty of that frame was going to be same sw in lighter package but QC was waaaay off..

Also that weight jn the throat of 310 is what probably helps with stable and solid control of the stick...

Prince website:

310g with SW of 290
290g with a SW of 285

Tour — Prince Tennis

www.princetennis.com

5 points is fairly noticeable even if QC is spot on.

What's interesting is both O3 versions and the 290g solid beam are all 285 unstrung, it's only the solid 310g that has the higher SW listed.

 

[cmmarcoux]

Thanks for your insight, Dustin, Dartagnan, and tb2121. I think I'll get a 100p into the mix in that first demo batch. My sense is that the Phantom 100 may have been an overcorrection. I enjoy using it, but I might not have needed to go that far. I think I'd still be fine with a frame that was 80-90% as arm-friendly as the 100. That's why I was curious about the 100X, with the slightly thicker beam. I'll add the 100P.

My level is weird. I played for my high school team, but that was a long time ago. I haven't played consistently since then...until the last couple years. Overall, on;y 3.0....but my forehand is less rusty / more advanced. I have a long fast swing on forehand (semi-western). I don't have a problem generating pace with the 100, but it's a little disappointing how many forehands -- even well-hit forehands -- land at or in front of the service line. I can still hit a heavy ball with the 100, but they don't seem as challenging to deal with as they could be.