Prince Original Graphite ( POG ) Mid and OS versions

From a pure just playing for fun perspective I have had dozens of Prince rackets from 124" I think was the biggest head to probably at least a couple of dozen Prince 90s and everything in between. Once I grabbed several Prince Twistpower X97 Tours as daily hitters I quit all other Princes.
 
Which version of the POG OS was the first to use a longer handle?

I know the POG OS version 1 (based on the OP description) had a short handle and that my 4 stripe has a longer handle but don't know where in between those two they made the change.
 
SamSung said:
Which version of the POG OS was the first to use a longer handle?

I know the POG OS version 1 (based on the OP description) had a short handle and that my 4 stripe has a longer handle but don't know where in between those two they made the change.
Click to expand...

The longer handle appeared first on what the OP categorized as "POG 3", which also had a slightly thicker beam than before, a shallower throat opening, and a different internal foam formulation. There was no significant difference between this model and the 4-stripe POG under the skin.
 
Sanglier said:
The longer handle appeared first on what the OP categorized as "POG 3", which also had a slightly thicker beam than before, a shallower throat opening, and a different internal foam formulation. There was no significant difference between this model and the 4-stripe POG under the skin.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I prefer the short handle style and was bummed I missed out on the TW model. All reports were that it went back to the original short handle but with a rounder grip shape
 
I may have finally found the right string for my POG OS: Confidential 1.15 50/48.

I have tried quite a few different strings but nothing really worked. Poly's felt too metallic/boardy, multi/poly felt mushy, full VS gut felt rubbery. Glad I tried the confidential. It has enough 'give' to let me feel the racquet flex and raw enough to give me the excellent feedback of graphite. Not to mention the spin level is ridiculous.

Another benefit is that the string is very light. I always felt POG OS swings slower than similarly spec'd racquets (although more plow). The confideltial easily lowered the SW by 4 or more compared to other polys. I have 2 custom order POG's from TW with lower SW/weight. With confidential and my extreme customization, they are now 325sw and 11.7/11.8 oz. Very manageable. The combo of plow and exceptional feel is too addicting.

I also tried Yonex poly tour pro 1.20 50/48 briefly. It felt surprisingly tight. I will let it break in some more to judge. But the Confidential made the racquet play AMAZING. Next I'm going to try it in the POG 100.
 
WYK said:
I recall saying I felt the Graphite Pro was bit heavier than my POG. Well, I was wrong. It is a good bit heavier.

Both have their leather grips removed and are wearing a very thick hurley grip(which weighs about like a leather grip nearly).

170967044.JU9f4jRt.jpg


170967045.0UNqik3l.jpg
Click to expand...
I'm looking to buy the Graphite Midplus, but couldn't find the specs anywhere!
Thank you for posting this.
Do you have more info on this racquet - like swingweight | beam width | stiffness etc.?
 
I came across this youtube video, and is it POG oversize Andy Roddick plays with? Sorry if it's an old news. Just I would've never guessed that.

 
jxs653 said:
I came across this youtube video, and is it POG oversize Andy Roddick plays with? Sorry if it's an old news. Just I would've never guessed that.

Click to expand...
Interesting. It’s worth noting that Andy himself said his first sponsorship was with Yamaha, so I’m assuming he switched from the POG to the Secret (X or similar version) within a couple years of this clip.
 
ongbenghui said:
Can I assume POG without grommets were all Made in US ?
Click to expand...

You assumed correctly.

Besides these, some of the individually-grommeted frames were also manufactured in the US. Everything else was imported. However, the resin used by Kunnan (Prince's main contractor) was sourced exclusively from a US supplier, so in that limited sense, those racquets may be thought of as being 'partially' manufactured in the US.

This is not as trivial as it may seem at first glance, as resin formulation had a huge impact on frame quality consistency, and was treated as (the only meaningful) proprietary trade secret by the factories that made their own prepregs.
 
Sanglier said:
This is not as trivial as it may seem at first glance, as resin formulation had a huge impact on frame quality consistency, and was treated as (the only meaningful) proprietary trade secret by the factories that made their own prepregs.
Click to expand...


Much agreed. Just acquired a grommetless POG and rebuilding it for play.
 
Tried a mid pog 93 a few days ago.. It had full bed of synthetic gut. Prolly 53lbs or so.
Hit a heavy ball and felt like it imparted great spin good pocketing of the ball... The frame felt on the stiffer side i like a little softer as a rule but overall a
Great racket.
 
Shangri La said:
I may have finally found the right string for my POG OS: Confidential 1.15 50/48.

I have tried quite a few different strings but nothing really worked. Poly's felt too metallic/boardy, multi/poly felt mushy, full VS gut felt rubbery. Glad I tried the confidential. It has enough 'give' to let me feel the racquet flex and raw enough to give me the excellent feedback of graphite. Not to mention the spin level is ridiculous.

Another benefit is that the string is very light. I always felt POG OS swings slower than similarly spec'd racquets (although more plow). The confideltial easily lowered the SW by 4 or more compared to other polys. I have 2 custom order POG's from TW with lower SW/weight. With confidential and my extreme customization, they are now 325sw and 11.7/11.8 oz. Very manageable. The combo of plow and exceptional feel is too addicting.

I also tried Yonex poly tour pro 1.20 50/48 briefly. It felt surprisingly tight. I will let it break in some more to judge. But the Confidential made the racquet play AMAZING. Next I'm going to try it in the POG 100.
Click to expand...
I'm using in my 107's:
Mains: confidential 1.30 (16) @ 59#
Crosses: Prince Syn Gut 16 @ 62#

I think I can go up another 2#'s on both main and crosses.

I love to swing out with the 107s... Agassi lite... Very lite.

Even with the current setup, I get very, very few launches. Great launch angle. This is stock setup of the PCG107, too. (Not the Tour; not the one stripe re-release). The current racket on TW.**

**Update:
I misread the TW racket as being the exact PCG 107 that I have.
Mine must be the paint scheme (green gold like the PCG100) right before the "Tour" paint scheme.
The only differences that I see in the printed info on the racket vs Tour info on Prince website:
- Tension: 60 +/- 5# vs 62 +/- 5# (Tour)
- Swingweight: 302 vs 300 (Tour).
 
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SpinControl said:
I'm using in my 107's:
Mains: confidential 1.30 (16) @ 59#
Crosses: Prince Syn Gut 16 @ 62#

I think I can go up another 2#'s on both main and crosses.

I love to swing out with the 107s... Agassi lite... Very lite.

Even with the current setup, I get very, very few launches. Great launch angle. This is stock setup of the PCG107, too. (Not the Tour; not the one stripe re-release). The current racket on TW.**

**Update:
I misread the TW racket as being the exact PCG 107 that I have.
Mine must be the paint scheme (green gold like the PCG100) right before the "Tour" paint scheme.
The only differences that I see in the printed info on the racket vs Tour info on Prince website:
- Tension: 60 +/- 5# vs 62 +/- 5# (Tour)
- Swingweight: 302 vs 300 (Tour).
Click to expand...
Is the lettering in white on your version (i.e. the 2013 release era)?
 
Hit a bit with the POG 4stripe mid 93 the other day.. Tbh i found it a bit boardy, harsh like.. Is there an RA flex difference amongst pog mid versions??
 
SpinControl said:
Yes. Same color scheme as the PCG100.

Tennis Warehouse - Prince Classic Graphite 100 Longbody Racquet Review

www.tennis-warehouse.com www.tennis-warehouse.com

I picked up a couple of the PCG107 online used, so I don't know the exact year. But since the 100 is no longer available in the US, I assume the 107 was released at the same time due to the color scheme.
Click to expand...
I'm tracking, not a bad racket. I've got a few as well (as well as the regular (current on TW) Classic Graphite 107's). They're (the PCG107s) a little brassy feeling, but I do like the little extra pop due to their stiffness.
 
B Cubed said:
I'm tracking, not a bad racket. I've got a few as well (as well as the regular (current on TW) Classic Graphite 107's). They're (the PCG107s) a little brassy feeling, but I do like the little extra pop due to their stiffness.
Click to expand...
Maybe this version is brassier than the POGs. I cannot say that I notice an incredible difference in feel compared to the POGs...at least the MidPlus's.
I use rubber bands (#54 size) on my rackets.
I think the PCG107 feels great and has a better swingweight than my POG (4 stripe; StraightShaft) MidPlus's. The OS can just barely swallow the MidPlus racket in its stringbed, so not that much bigger on initial view. But after hitting with the OS, the MP are noticeably smaller visually.

I also picked up a Prince Graphite II (PG2) OS, and that has much more vibration/brassiness on impact. I am trying to get its specs similar to the PCG107 as the PG2 is lighter. I hope adding weight and getting the swingweight and balance helps dampen the vibration on the PG2.
 
djNEiGht said:
I want to find a 4 strip mid. wish I didn't sell mine.
Click to expand...
Saw a couple on FB Marketplace. Not sure if they'd ship. Also, *Bay has them all day.
The hard part is finding the correct grip size.

I picked up 2 more OS (4-stripes though).
I strung my second PCG107 with the same confidential 16 mains; prince syn gut 16 crosses (+2# higher; final tension ~62#), and it is behaving weirdly.
The launch angle is higher, the control is off, the string bed feels springier and launchier.
I had to switch back to the first racket during my round.
Afterwards, I tested the string tension, and the second is still at 61# while the first is at 58#, yet the first feels like a stiffer string bed. I like deader strings.
I know that the second weighs 3 grams more, but this is odd considering I strung the second racket tighter.
I plan on adding some lead at 3 and 9 to see if the extra weight helps. Might add some to the handle if the balance is off.

I want to see what the 4-stripes feel like. I might have to match the new ones to the old if the 4 stripes offer better control.
 
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ongbenghui said:
Apologies for using this threads. Are POG grommets generally work with different POGs ?

Will this works with older oversize POG ?
Click to expand...
Generally, yes. My 2010s 107 grommets have gone into into1980s 4-stripes ("POG4") just fine. I have not needed any with my 1-stripe bumper guard 107s ("POG3"), but I have no doubt that I'll be able to. Anything earlier than that — pre-1984, so no bumper guard — is of course a no-go.

The variations between different post-1984 generations (i.e., any that use bumper guards) have been in the materials and layup. The cross section and string pattern has been the same, so grommet replacement has always been easy by the standards of ~40-year-old frames!
 
Interesting trivia regarding POG. This is an excerpt from the past thread.

"The very first generation without grommet is known to have 'cork' insert but prince had to drop due to competition with wineries...I just read this somewhere so not sure."

Also I've read somewhere that cork inside the racquet decays over time. If so, it seems like a wrong material to fill with racquet in the first place.
 
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I'm hoping to get some help figuring out exactly what version POG I have. Here's a pic of my wife's Precision Graphite and my POG OS that we used in the 1980's.

20240520-163830.jpg


It has one strip and has a grommet strip and a head guard. On the side is a sticker with numerous patent numbers that finishes with "1983 Prince Manufacturing, Inc." Also, I'm interested in post #827 and which grommet sets may fit this racquet - if I read that post correctly, I just need to get a grommet strip for an older Phantom 107?

Thanks.
 
Injured Again said:
I'm hoping to get some help figuring out exactly what version POG I have. Here's a pic of my wife's Precision Graphite and my POG OS that we used in the 1980's.

20240520-163830.jpg


It has one strip and has a grommet strip and a head guard. On the side is a sticker with numerous patent numbers that finishes with "1983 Prince Manufacturing, Inc." Also, I'm interested in post #827 and which grommet sets may fit this racquet - if I read that post correctly, I just need to get a grommet strip for an older Phantom 107?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
POG 3, circa 83-86.
 
For you guys that have played with both POG 3 (1 stripe with grommet) and POG 4 (four stripes), both head size 110, what’s your experience with them? What makes you choose one over the other?

I own one four stripes 110 and currently looking at the POG-3 with 110 head size. Would be grateful if you guys can share your thoughts.
 
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Blonxvis said:
For you guys that have played with both POG 3 (1 stripe with grommet) and POG 4 (four stripes), both head size 110, what’s your experience with them? What makes you choose one over the other?

I own one four stripes 110 and currently looking at the POG-3 with 110 head size. Would be grateful if you guys can share your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Get it for your playing bag. They both play great and I dont remember the minor diffs between them. I also like the precisions and long bodies and changs. Here are some of my Prince sticks https://www.woodtennis.com/prince/prince1.jpg
 
Blonxvis said:
For you guys that have played with both POG 3 (1 stripe with grommet) and POG 4 (four stripes), both head size 110, what’s your experience with them? What makes you choose one over the other?

I own one four stripes 110 and currently looking at the POG-3 with 110 head size. Would be grateful if you guys can share your thoughts.
Click to expand...
I have 3 POG 4stripes from Japan (Taiwan) and 2 Prince Classic Graphite 107. All are 107, even though the older say 110. I bought the Japanese ones almost year off eB ay.

They all play similar IMO, so consider the PCG107. I love the new graphics, too.

I have them strung with:
Mains: Confidential 16 @ 60 (10% prestretched)
Cross: Prince syn gut 16 @ 63

This has been great for me. Good balance of power and control and medium launch angle.
 
Have an old POG 4 107 in the stash. It’s been well played, has some sentimental value to me so it’s staying in the vault.

I do have a pair of graphite 125’s in rotation that I play really well with - when I can’t find the sweet spot with anything else.
 
I just picked up a Phantom 107G (2020 black version). Will need to provide an update after I hit with it.

I strung it the same as my oversized POGs although the range was 50 +/- 5#.
 
djNEiGht said:
enjoy!

Keep in mind it doesn't have the plow of the semi truck POG107. Swing fast!
Click to expand...

Still haven't hit with it, but I just weighed it. The 2020 Phantom 107G doesn't seem to be that much lighter.

Phantom 107G: 238g (1 overgrip)
PCG 107G: 245g (1 overgrip)
POG110 (4 stripe): 251g (2 overgrips)
 
This goes out to anyone who has both a POG 2 OS (1-stripe, individual grommets, short grip, no headguard) and a POG 3 OS (1-stripe, strip grommets, long grip, headguard).

Do they feel the same?

The POG 2 is my favorite, never had a PG 3, and don't get along with POG 4 onwards.

I keep pairs of identical rackets in my bag for quick changes in case a string breaks or the overgrip gets too wet with sweat, and have to choose between pairing my current POG 2 with 1) a really beat up POG 2 I rescued from a trash bin but has no cracks or warps, or 2) an excellent condition unstrung POG 3 which I just got for just US$10, but have never tried. Which should I choose?
 
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makinao said:
This goes out to anyone who has both a POG 2 OS (1-stripe, individual grommets, short grip, no headguard) and a POG 3 OS (1-stripe, strip grommets, long grip, headguard).

Do they feel the same?

The POG 2 is my favorite, never had a PG 3, and don't get along with POG 4 onwards.

I keep pairs of identical rackets in my bag for quick changes in case a string breaks or the overgrip gets too wet with sweat, and have to choose between pairing my current POG 2 with 1) a really beat up POG 2 I rescued from a trash bin but has no cracks or warps, or 2) an excellent condition POG 3 which I just got for just US$10, but have never tried. Which should I choose?
Click to expand...
Here's my POG 2 and POG 3 next to each other. Both weigh exactly 368g strung, but they have different grip types so that's probably a happy coincidence. The POG 3 with its different grommet strip has a slightly more open section of the string pattern compared to the 2, but they do indeed play very similarly out on the court. Minor cosmetic changes were also made as highlighted here, like the prince logo, patent info, and series 110 added.

6s97Sxt.jpg

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y1st5Vb.jpg

hLXdsCP.jpg
 
I have a question about a POG 1 I just picked up ... at least I think it's a POG 1?

It's a grommetless OS frame, but the throat meets the handle in two separate pieces, rather than joining at the base prior to the hairpin part. I've compared it to my normal-looking grommetless OS and it's a different mold in this area. Pardon the bad quality photos:

1UuwcTn.jpeg


CEYKRqi.jpeg


Frankly I didn't know that a POG existed that had this twin-stick situation at the bottom where it looks like an aluminum frame.

This grommetless POG also swings much, much lighter than the normal grommetless POG. Swingweight is 335.

I'm really confused about where this frame fits into the chronology. I would imagine this would have been a very early POG 1, since this design has a very short grip that's rather awkward to use, and for what it's worth it's physically not possible to do a 2-handed backhand with it. The other POG 1 with the more modern handle that tapers at the top is a much more comfortable design.

I have also never seen this kind of sticker on the bottom, I thought all the POG 1's had the shiny gold P? There is no writing anywhere else on the frame.

Does anyone have any info on this? Feels awesome to hit with, much more usable than the other grommetless frame.
 
Here's this frame lined up with what I thought was a "normal" grommetless POG 1. Just wanted to include this to show how it's a different mold at the bottom, rather than perhaps a handle molded over the base of the throat where the prongs meet.

8cDzyOR.jpeg
 
Sanglier said:
You have a Fansteel POG, the original original. Have a look at my 9 year old post 9 pages up. Many extant examples have lost their buttcap decal; yours is still nice and intact. If you carefully peel it away using a needle, you will see a serial number underneath. Or you can just leave it alone.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sanglier ... would the serial number provide any additional interesting information?
 
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