Prince Official - Racquets
- Thread starter Prince Tennis Official
- Start date
WYK
Hall of Fame
I string my Babo Storms 16X20 and my 6.1 95's 18X20, though. I dunno if I get any more spin stringing the Tour 98's at 16X19, but the stringbed just feels a bit more familiar and comfortable for the same accuracy, it means I have one less string to cross(saving string 6 inches at a time, don't ya know), and the stringbed also looks more like the Prestige MP 16X19's tend to do(which is where I got the idea - I saw that big gap at the bottom of their stringbeds). It plays rather nicely all said and done. I think the 20th cross is really to make the stringbed feel more solid like the Prestiges it apes. I personally prefer the comfort of the EXO3 ports to save my arm. I am always confused by folks who say they can't tell where they are hitting on an 0 port string bed. I have never had that issue ever - especially when I frame it. Bear in mind it is a very stiff stringbed I have on these TOUR 98's with HyperG 1.30 in the mains at 25kg and Yonex Tour Tough 125 in the crosses at 23.5. I think the ports make it possible for me to use this set up. It has to be hit with for a few for break in. I had to weight it up to 340g to get the kick and velocity I need on my serves, it now has twice the lead you see in that last pic. YMMV with a more comfy string.
But the Babo Storm and the Tour 98 only bring what you bring to the game. They certainly aren't helper sticks. I used an RQIS 1 for a while because it has very good spin and control and comfort. But I was willing to give up some of that spin for the comfort and control these 98's have. And they have just enough power I can string them with a very stiff set up and still play well without tiring or risking hitting long. I just gel with these sticks - the ball goes where I steer it like no other aside from maybe an 18X20 6.1 95, which I also hit with on occasion for grins, and pretend I am Dan Evans for a little while with my backhand, coz I sure can't pretend to be Del Potro with my forehand. But when you have confidence in your stick and strings, you don't mind having to skirt the net a bit closer. You look better doing it anyways...
I think the near equal and very long length mains help a bit as well. Only the outer 3 mains conform to the hoop. The 4th+13th mains are deep within what appear to be trusses since they are so recessed. The grommet hole you see there to the right of the tie off is the string I leave out to get a 16X19. It's so close to the throat, I just don't see the point other than increasing stringbed feedback:
Yeah, there's certainly room for a 97 and 98 in most line ups. But we know Prince have had a few difficulties in recent times. So they are bolstering sales first and TW/TWE/TO have to build up confidence and profits with their line up. And we are so very fortunate to have TW on our side here. Their handling of Prince, I think may show how much tennis soul and spirit they really have; because there is no way they looked at the registers and thought there was bank to be made with this venture. When I realised this, I decided to move as much as my business their way as I could(though you can tell by my join date I have been in business with them for decades now).
Without Monfils, I dunno how well Rebel 95/98 and Tour 98 sales went. Dunno how well the 95's are doing either. Most folks leaning towards a pt57a2 or Prestige MP type frame rarely also wonder how one plays with EXO3 ports... Having said that, Prince has always been a great developement and engineering outfit. It explains why the Synergy 18X18 is on the scene and the cts beams, and of course the ports. And it brings up the question of why spend so much r&d on Phantom 93's. I suppose legacy is what Prince had to build on... I used to swing a Midplus Graphite in college. One now hangs on the wall in my home office. I never once considered replacing my current stick with a new Twaron 93. No way. But they must feel wonderful.
Yes, ports do add to the challenge of stringing. Folks sometimes charge more to string them as well. That's unfortunate. I used to struggle, too, until I stumbled in to a stringing machine that has a clutch. With this set up, it's no bother stringing ports. And it really only takes a couple of Prince's to get the hang of it even without a clutch on the machine. And the ports actually make it easier to feed the string, and since they have more give/angle, you don't have to string one ahead to make it easier to thread it or to keep the stringbed tidy.
Last edited:
ericykchan
Rookie
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Really ugly...
ouch... that's bad - i mean the color combo... i must agree with @liftordie
longtimelurker
Professional
I like the blue, but maybe grommets could have been a different color.. the current grey black phantoms look the best though !Really ugly...
longtimelurker
Professional
The prince phantom touch strings look interesting though... prince has some sleeper strings
video is pasted at 8:07 where the strings are
video is pasted at 8:07 where the strings are
ericykchan
Rookie
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Don't like it a lot... Best of the best is the all matte black of the Phantom 100G/107G. By FAR (and with the crossbar)!!!
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Yes the box Beam Phantom G's with the crossbar are sweet looking and feeling frames. Might have to buy another to stock up before they ugly it up.
10S-Junkie
Semi-Pro
Even though the new color is scheme is meh, Japan keeps getting the new generations of the Tour, Beast and Phantom series whereas the rest of the world is left waiting and fuming!
Hah! Love this look - classic Prince color combi!
liftordie
Hall of Fame
It can't go ugly because impact stay black! That's what I read... Is it right?
And please DJ- could you share a pic of the string bed... I want to see how big is the space between strings... Thanks a lot!
DJ-
Hall of Fame
DJ-
Hall of Fame
It can't go ugly because impact stay black! That's what I read... Is it right?
And please DJ- could you share a pic of the string bed... I want to see how big is the space between strings... Thanks a lot!
I recently procured a Spectrum Comp 110 in excellent condition because of my dissatisfaction with my Wilson Clash 98. The Spectrum Comp was my high school racquet and I could bend the ball pretty much anywhere I wanted back then. Today, I still love hitting it from the baseline but it's a little heavy and slow when I'm serving and at net it's likely me who is a little heavy and slow so I won't blame the racquet for my limitations there. Would love to see an update but I suspect I may be only one of a few.
Anyway, glad to see Prince back in the mix.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Still have a NOS Spectrum Comp
HitMoreBHs
Professional
Am I the only 50+ year old who doesn’t get crossbeam love?
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Certainly not but only one of the few...
DJ-
Hall of Fame
Thanks!! Not too much space finally...
Damn I WANT IT SO MUCH!!!!!!! Can't wait 2 months to have it in France @TW Staff !!!!!!!!!!!
What string are you using DJ? And tension please.
It will arrive hopefully soon, you might have to shop around other sites, maybe other tennis warehouse sites USA or AUS ? auction sites, e.t.c.. it's a great frame with plenty of feel. The twaron is magic
At the moment I have tier one black knight 1.28, but alternate with volkl cyclone tour 53lbs m 51lbs x's
The frame has plenty of power, control strings like black knight allow you to hit out big time taking huge cuts.. as long as you have a modern game and not too flat !
Cyclone tour is great for lazy days, or for clay, plenty of spin and power. I think this frame can be great with multi's or even gut/poly.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Sadly I can't order at TW US because they don't ship to France... And the 107G in grip 3 is out of stock EVERYWHERE.......
Black Knight is a great string. I'm actually playing with Focus Hex 1.27 and it's now available in 1.33. Pretty sure it could play damn great in the 107G!!!
But now I have to wait so long...... And I have another stress... What about the grommets availability?? Do you have it in the US?? Because I like to replace grommets every two months to prevent frame damage....
lefty10spro
Semi-Pro
I am a Prince dealer in FL. The grommets are in stock and the racket (107G) is completely out of stock in all grip sizes. So we wait. I was informed that the Prince factory in China is temporarily closed due to a covid outbreak. Should crank up again soon to handle the demand for the best playing rackets in the tennis business!
DJ-
Hall of Fame
Sadly I can't order at TW US because they don't ship to France... And the 107G in grip 3 is out of stock EVERYWHERE.......
Black Knight is a great string. I'm actually playing with Focus Hex 1.27 and it's now available in 1.33. Pretty sure it could play damn great in the 107G!!!
But now I have to wait so long...... And I have another stress... What about the grommets availability?? Do you have it in the US?? Because I like to replace grommets every two months to prevent frame damage....
Try racquet depot uk - I don't replace that often hahaha but I have 2 back up sets
The grommets sell quick
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Turbo-87
G.O.A.T.
Being a dealer, do you know if there is any possibility of Prince releasing the orange grommets they use in the Prince/Hydrogen Chrome 100? I can't find them anywhere and I really don't want to have to use black Beast grommets when the time comes.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Good luck with Prince grommets.......
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Especially my Magnesiums
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
I string my Babo Storms 16X20 and my 6.1 95's 18X20, though. I dunno if I get any more spin stringing the Tour 98's at 16X19, but the stringbed just feels a bit more familiar and comfortable for the same accuracy, it means I have one less string to cross(saving string 6 inches at a time, don't ya know), and the stringbed also looks more like the Prestige MP 16X19's tend to do(which is where I got the idea - I saw that big gap at the bottom of their stringbeds). It plays rather nicely all said and done. I think the 20th cross is really to make the stringbed feel more solid like the Prestiges it apes. I personally prefer the comfort of the EXO3 ports to save my arm. I am always confused by folks who say they can't tell where they are hitting on an 0 port string bed. I have never had that issue ever - especially when I frame it. Bear in mind it is a very stiff stringbed I have on these TOUR 98's with HyperG 1.30 in the mains at 25kg and Yonex Tour Tough 125 in the crosses at 23.5. I think the ports make it possible for me to use this set up. It has to be hit with for a few for break in. I had to weight it up to 340g to get the kick and velocity I need on my serves, it now has twice the lead you see in that last pic. YMMV with a more comfy string.
But the Babo Storm and the Tour 98 only bring what you bring to the game. They certainly aren't helper sticks. I used an RQIS 1 for a while because it has very good spin and control and comfort. But I was willing to give up some of that spin for the comfort and control these 98's have. And they have just enough power I can string them with a very stiff set up and still play well without tiring or risking hitting long. I just gel with these sticks - the ball goes where I steer it like no other aside from maybe an 18X20 6.1 95, which I also hit with on occasion for grins, and pretend I am Dan Evans for a little while with my backhand, coz I sure can't pretend to be Del Potro with my forehand. But when you have confidence in your stick and strings, you don't mind having to skirt the net a bit closer. You look better doing it anyways...
I think the near equal and very long length mains help a bit as well. Only the outer 3 mains conform to the hoop. The 4th+13th mains are deep within what appear to be trusses since they are so recessed. The grommet hole you see there to the right of the tie off is the string I leave out to get a 16X19. It's so close to the throat, I just don't see the point other than increasing stringbed feedback:
Yeah, there's certainly room for a 97 and 98 in most line ups. But we know Prince have had a few difficulties in recent times. So they are bolstering sales first and TW/TWE/TO have to build up confidence and profits with their line up. And we are so very fortunate to have TW on our side here. Their handling of Prince, I think may show how much tennis soul and spirit they really have; because there is no way they looked at the registers and thought there was bank to be made with this venture. When I realised this, I decided to move as much as my business their way as I could(though you can tell by my join date I have been in business with them for decades now).
Without Monfils, I dunno how well Rebel 95/98 and Tour 98 sales went. Dunno how well the 95's are doing either. Most folks leaning towards a pt57a2 or Prestige MP type frame rarely also wonder how one plays with EXO3 ports... Having said that, Prince has always been a great developement and engineering outfit. It explains why the Synergy 18X18 is on the scene and the cts beams, and of course the ports. And it brings up the question of why spend so much r&d on Phantom 93's. I suppose legacy is what Prince had to build on... I used to swing a Midplus Graphite in college. One now hangs on the wall in my home office. I never once considered replacing my current stick with a new Twaron 93. No way. But they must feel wonderful.
Yes, ports do add to the challenge of stringing. Folks sometimes charge more to string them as well. That's unfortunate. I used to struggle, too, until I stumbled in to a stringing machine that has a clutch. With this set up, it's no bother stringing ports. And it really only takes a couple of Prince's to get the hang of it even without a clutch on the machine. And the ports actually make it easier to feed the string, and since they have more give/angle, you don't have to string one ahead to make it easier to thread it or to keep the stringbed tidy.
I share your pain but IMHO the ports are still one of the best and most simple tech in rackets that have yet to be replicated by the other big brands. They allow those aging but higher levels players to continue to use players sticks with increased maneurability and comfort with poly strings. So basically I tolerate the hassle for its benefits. My main stick is 03 beast 98 but am really enjoying this "old school" stick I just found which is the prince speedsport Pro white which also the "deep trusses" you mentioned. Its 310 g with a tight 18x19 pattern
liftordie
Hall of Fame
I agree absolutely with you! O3 is by far one of the best tech of all time! Genius concept!! I would like to know the guy who think about it first! He is a genius!!
I just bought a Prince Phantom 100X 305 but I was really close to go with the O3 version... As I love the O3 frames! I played with the O3 Tour 100 three years ago. But I find better control/precision without ports. But I know that in some years, when getting older, I will be back to O3... And that's cool!!!!
kimboslice
New User
AGREED WITH the love for Prince rackets and especially the O3 ports. I play with the older Prince Phantom 100 16x18 with O3 ports and its the most comfortable players stick I have found (310g). The stiffness is the lowest I've seen at 56 RA. Most companies don't make rackets with low stiffness in the 55-60 ra range. I am curious to try out the new Yonex Vcore pro97, but I've gotten really used to the O3 ports....
Prince could be an amazing brand again. The newer models (Twistpower, Ripstick, Vortex, &Warrior) don't appeal to me spec-wise. Even the names are a bit corny. And does anyone actually like how they look/play?
Prince: Plz hire me
Prince could be an amazing brand again. The newer models (Twistpower, Ripstick, Vortex, &Warrior) don't appeal to me spec-wise. Even the names are a bit corny. And does anyone actually like how they look/play?
Prince: Plz hire me
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Yes.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
I did actually like the Ripstick but just a bit too much pop for me. If there is one thing Prince is doing right with the O3 is making the rackets stiffer and more stable with added pop. I just wish they had it in more dense patterns to add some control. The Ripstick would have been awesome with a 16x20 option like my trusty O3 Beast 98
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
here’s hoping Ripstick 2.0 does just that.
Me too! The comfort is top notch. Have you done any modifications? I am thinking about adding 3 grams at 2 and 10 to boost a little bit the power.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I threw about 3 gms at 12 O'clock. Tip weighting definitely helps the plowthrough.
3 grams at 12 will increase the swingweight around 9 points and I am not sure it will be manageable since the phantom has already a decent one (around 325). That's why I intend to put the weight a little lower...
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
Yup and for those who think the textreme +/- twaron is a gimmick... they need to try the older speedsport sticks with similar specs side by side. The the feel of the speedsports is more raw it is also more jarring when you his outside the sweetspot. The TXT at the throat seems to make the feel more plush and comfortable even when you hit with such powerful thicker beam stick like the Ripstick. Beats the comfort of most power sticks out there by miles. Imagine if you have an aeropro drive cortex (my previous stick) with ports and txt? lol ... fortunate for prince they have a trademark on ports placement in rackets
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Are you still with us Prince Tennis Official?
WYK
Hall of Fame
Are you still with us Prince Tennis Official?
I'm actually impressed when they last as long as they do. Juggling on a forum is real work for a marketer. It's easier to peruse them mostly for insights and ideas, and then occasionally pop in to placate the more insecure amongst us.
ccmtennis
Semi-Pro
well it's real sad, it would have still been most cost effective way to reach fans of the brand since their marketing is non existent anyway. Look at this thread it has more views and similar post compared to the Babolat official thread ! .... any yet I'm sure Babolat has more than 10x the market share
GoArmyTennis
Rookie
lefty10spro
Semi-Pro
I am smack dab in the heart of the state - Haines City. I have learned that all of the out of stock Prince items will unfortunately stay that way thru the end of the year. COVID supply chain issues are a pain. Here's hoping all this COVID mess is over in 2022!!
jmacdaununder2
Legend
It’s looking like the Tour 95 etc. updates are getting pushed further and further back; this on top of the fact that the white anniversary - Moby - models with Gen.3 ATS have been on sale in Japan for over a year, and the new - presumably metallic blue and green as per the new Phantoms - Tour range will no doubt be available - but only in Japan - in the near future...
