Prince Phantom 100X 305 - Setup recommendations?

[Trip]

Just scored a Phantom 100X 305 off the 'Bay. Specs are as follows:
- String: full bed Hyper G 16 @ 53lbs
- Strung Weight: 343g (synthetic base grip, Prince Resi Pro overgrip)
- Strung Balance: 8pts HL
- Swing Weight: 345 (per Briffidi SW1)
- Twist Weight: 14.3
- Lead: 9g total -- 3 at 9&3, 3 at 12

For those who've played this frame: does it really need this much lead to be effective for you? What string plays best for you? (I usually like a crisp poly in a flexy frame)

I'm coming from VC95's and VCP 97's, with similar static weights, but less lead and lighter SW, usually 318-328. I'm 39, decently fit, 3.5/4.0, OHBH, semi-w FH. Looking for more error margin, easier defending, higher launch angle, while retaining nice flex and feedback ...thus trying the 100X 305.

Any input here is much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Dartagnan64]

I’d take the lead off 3 and 9 personally as I think the ATS at 10 and 2 stabilizes the frame. The lead at 12 helps depolarize and move the sweet spot out a bit and thats nice on the serve. I prefer the Phantom Sw to be closer to 330-340 for myself.

I’d also play the frame with 17g strings.

 

[Trip]

@Dartagnan64 - Thanks a lot. Lighter/lower gauge strings is a definite consideration and as for lead removal, you make good points. I will probably try your suggestion first.

 

[Crocodile]

It all depends on the individual. With racquet testing I always like to buy two of them and have one stock to judge the frame on its original merits and then customise the other to see what potential can be of such a frame,

 

[Crocodile]

The 100X plays very light to me as I am used to playing with a strung weight in the 350’s and SW under 330, but its good to experiment to see how these lighter frames perform and how they adjust the way you play. The other thing to remember is that we as humans change as we get older so what may have suited last decade may have changed this decade.
The thing I notice the difference with the 100x is the string you put into it, a poly like Diadem Solstice with dramatically change the feel of the racquet compared to a soft multi like Yonex Rexis.

 

[Trip]

Thanks for your thoughts @Crocodile. I just removed the lead at 3 and 9, leaving the 3g at 12, and now the racquet is down to 338g static weight (strung), 9pt HL balance, 336 swing weight (per Briffidi SW1). Twist weight also dropped from 14.3 to 13.4. I'm tempted to even pull more lead off at 12, then throw a leather grip below the overgrip to bring static weight up and swing weight down, more in-line with what I (and you) tend to like, but I'm actually thinking of just giving it a shot as-is, for a contrast to what I normally play, if nothing else.

 

[Crocodile]

Thanks for your thoughts @Crocodile. I just removed the lead at 3 and 9, leaving the 3g at 12, and now the racquet is down to 338g static weight (strung), 9pt HL balance, 336 swing weight (per Briffidi SW1). Twist weight also dropped from 14.3 to 13.4. I'm tempted to even pull more lead off at 12, then throw a leather grip below the overgrip to bring static weight up and swing weight down, more in-line with what I (and you) tend to like, but I'm actually thinking of just giving it a shot as-is, for a contrast to what I normally play, if nothing else.

Yes it’s tricky with the Prince Phantom line with so many options out their and I haven’t even tested their G series frames with the cross bar design. The 100G could be interesting,

 

[dsp9753]

I use the 305x stock. For strings I use Mayami big spin at 55lbs/52lbs. I find that the racquet is stable enough without needing any additional lead to the hoop. I like crisp polyies myself and I am a 4.5. I play against alot of big hitters and (4.5s and above) and at stock it seems just fine.

 

[Trip]

Thanks again @Crocodile. I'll keep a lookout for a 100G. Could be very interesting indeed.

@dsp9753 - Appreciate the info. You're playing a half level up from most of my opponents, so that's encouraging to hear.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Yes it’s tricky with the Prince Phantom line with so many options out their and I haven’t even tested their G series frames with the cross bar design. The 100G could be interesting,

Im using the 107G as my main stick. It’s an awesome doubles frame and still serves me well in singles. I love the feel on the frame.

 

[amarg]

My 100x 305 setup:
-3gr of lead, spread between the ats parts
-Rubber ring at the base of grip (I like some flare)
-Head Hydrosorb replacement grip (closest one to prince resitex tour).
-Strung with Head lynx tour 1,25 @23kgr
-Yonex Supergrap overgrip, LXN dampener
Total of 332gr, 32,2cm, 333sw

2 matched frames (one with same setup plus 2,5gr under the grip)

 

[Trip]

@amarg - Thanks for that info. Just to be clear, the lead is directly over the ATS patches at roughly 10 and 2 o'clock? Also, did you settle on that after trying lead elsewhere? Thanks!

 

[yt9tennis]

My 100x 305 setup:
-3gr of lead, spread between the ats parts
-Rubber ring at the base of grip (I like some flare)
-Head Hydrosorb replacement grip (closest one to prince resitex tour).
-Strung with Head lynx tour 1,25 @23kgr
-Yonex Supergrap overgrip, LXN dampener
Total of 332gr, 32,2cm, 333sw

2 matched frames (one with same setup plus 2,5gr under the grip)

@amarg
which Hydrosorb replacement grip (looks like TW has 3 different ones)? i'm assuming the Tour one?

 

[YCata]

100X is truly anemic without lead at 10/2 or 12. Just add until you are happy with the plow

 

[amarg]

@amarg
which Hydrosorb replacement grip (looks like TW has 3 different ones)? i'm assuming the Tour one?

Head HydroSorb Replacement Grips | Tennis Warehouse Europe

www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com

Stock Prince Resitex Tour is heavy. I don't think it is sold on its own. This is the closest I have found

 

[amarg]

@amarg - Thanks for that info. Just to be clear, the lead is directly over the ATS patches at roughly 10 and 2 o'clock? Also, did you settle on that after trying lead elsewhere? Thanks!

Not over the patches. Between them. Right from one's end to the other's beginning.
Roughly from 11 to 1 (sorry I can't upload photo).
The racquet is solid in stock form. I didn't feel the need for weight @3&9. I prefer swingweight @330's and this setup worked fine, so didn't try anything else. Great power, manoeuvrability and stability against heavy hitters

 

[BPlain]

Just scored a Phantom 100X 305 off the 'Bay. Specs are as follows:
- String: full bed Hyper G 16 @ 53lbs
- Strung Weight: 343g (synthetic base grip, Prince Resi Pro overgrip)
- Strung Balance: 8pts HL
- Swing Weight: 345 (per Briffidi SW1)
- Twist Weight: 14.3
- Lead: 9g total -- 3 at 9&3, 3 at 12

For those who've played this frame: does it really need this much lead to be effective for you? What string plays best for you? (I usually like a crisp poly in a flexy frame)

I'm coming from VC95's and VCP 97's, with similar static weights, but less lead and lighter SW, usually 318-328. I'm 39, decently fit, 3.5/4.0, OHBH, semi-w FH. Looking for more error margin, easier defending, higher launch angle, while retaining nice flex and feedback ...thus trying the 100X 305.

Any input here is much appreciated. Thank you!

@Trip I realize your post was from awhile back but I'm curious what you ended up thinking of the PP 100X 305?

I'm playing PP 100Gs with BK 18/GW 18 at 45lbs with 3g at 10/2 and 2g in the handle with an OG which puts me at around 330g static, 8 pts HL, and guessing 325-ish SW (no Briffidi and they were 286 SW unstrung). Just ordered a PP 100X 305 demo as I love thin, flexible, and whip HL frames but wondering if I can go just a touch thicker on the beam with 100X 305 and keep the same maneuverability with a smidge more power and plow.

 

[Trip]

@BPlain - I still have two, but they stayed in the closet for summer. My issues were primarily three-fold: 1) despite the low Hz rating, the 100X exhibits a constant low-grade buzzing (on both frames, to rule out one being a lemon), which really fatigued my forearm and aggravated the TE I was trying to heal at the time, 2) there is too much torsional yawing/skewing about the neck and mid-hoop and too much flutter in the upper hoop, and 3) there frame just lacked enough punch, "thud factor" and free power. I attribute all of the above to the lighter/lower-density layup in a thin beam that is also semi-elliptical. Without the extra density and full box shape, you loose too much rigidity, vibration suppression and plow-through.

As for customization, I tried almost everything, from silicone to lead tape placed in almost every conceivable location and amount, but in order to make enough of a difference in behavior, I needed to use so much material that it often left the frame feeling like a dead noodle -- exchanging too much maneuverability and racquet head speed without gaining enough stability, plow-through and power in return.

Now that my arm is fully healthy and I'm in much better game shape, I'll probably give the frames another run-through during the winter, but I suspect overall they're simply going to be too anemic for my ability level and play style (4.0 attacking all-courter), and I'll likely have to move on from them for good. A shame, for at least on paper, the concept is great, but on the court it's been a different story. At least for me, anyways.

I hope that helps!

 

[BPlain]

@BPlain - I still have two, but they stayed in the closet for summer. My issues were primarily three-fold: 1) despite the low Hz rating, the 100X exhibits a constant low-grade buzzing (on both frames, to rule out one being a lemon), which really fatigued my forearm and aggravated the TE I was trying to heal at the time, 2) there is too much torsional yawing/skewing about the neck and mid-hoop and too much flutter in the upper hoop, and 3) there frame just lacked enough punch, "thud factor" and free power. I attribute all of the above to the lighter/lower-density layup in a thin beam that is also semi-elliptical. Without the extra density and full box shape, you loose too much rigidity, vibration suppression and plow-through.

As for customization, I tried almost everything, from silicone to lead tape placed in almost every conceivable location and amount, but in order to make enough of a difference in behavior, I needed to use so much material that it often left the frame feeling like a dead noodle -- exchanging too much maneuverability and racquet head speed without gaining enough stability, plow-through and power in return.

Now that my arm is fully healthy and I'm in much better game shape, I'll probably give the frames another run-through during the winter, but I suspect overall they're simply going to be too anemic for my ability level and play style (4.0 attacking all-courter), and I'll likely have to move on from them for good. A shame, for at least on paper, the concept is great, but on the court it's been a different story. At least for me, anyways.

I hope that helps!

Thanks @Trip. That's super helpful and sounds like it could be a short demo for me as I play a similar all court game. At the very least, I'll be able to confirm just how much the box beam and crossbar of the 100G add in terms of torsional stability at a lower RA.

Out of curiosity, what's your main stick these days? I landed on PP 100Gs as I worked on healing up my on-going battle with GE.

 

[Trip]

Very welcome. I also own the 100P and 97P, and IMHO the more conventional P and G series are where it's at with the Phantoms. Yes, they're a bit more sluggish by the nature of how they're laid up, but in exchange you get a "thud factor", plow and stability that just aren't as present in the X series. I don't mean to taint your perceptions pre-demo, but I think you'll notice the difference fairly well. As for 100G versus 100X, I think the vast majority of the difference will be from the layup and beam shape, much less so the cross bar (although I'm sure the cross bar adds at least some level of torsional stability in the neck beyond a regular 100P, to say nothing of the X).

As for my stick, I'm not completely settled yet, but since August I've put the vast majority of hours into the Head Auxetic Prestige MP-L, aka the TGK334.5 (99" TK334 mold, 300g Auxetic layup, 16x19 w/ 8 throat mains). My strung spec is ~340g/31.5-8cm (8-9ptHL)/328SW, via stock grip plus 2 Gamma Supreme overgrips and 3-4g lead, 1.5-2g each at 10 and 2. Best overall stick for my game from 30+ frames I've tried in the past year or so. You can read more about why in the MP-L thread (link here). What sucks for all of us, of course, is that the MP-L is a gray market item in the USA, which makes sourcing too energy-prohibitive for most. I simply got lucky in that I stumbled into three at once (thank you @Vicious49) and was coming from an almost-perfect experience with the G360+ Tour, 99" 18x19 model, very close to "the one" with that frame, and highly motivated to get my hands on the MP-L for its additional qualities (easier overall, more whip, higher launch angle, a bit more easy power). If you want help in sourcing some, last I checked, I did find a certain retailer that was still exporting them and the pricing wasn't too outlandish. I may still buy more myself, along with grommets, if/when I fully commit. I'd say I'm 75% decided at this point (I'm running out of would-be alternatives!).

Hope that helps again.

 

[BPlain]

Very welcome. I also own the 100P and 97P, and IMHO the more conventional P and G series are where it's at with the Phantoms. Yes, they're a bit more sluggish by the nature of how they're laid up, but in exchange you get a "thud factor", plow and stability that just aren't as present in the X series. I don't mean to taint your perceptions pre-demo, but I think you'll notice the difference fairly well. As for 100G versus 100X, I think the vast majority of the difference will be from the layup and beam shape, much less so the cross bar (although I'm sure the cross bar adds at least some level of torsional stability in the neck beyond a regular 100P, to say nothing of the X).

As for my stick, I'm not completely settled yet, but since August I've put the vast majority of hours into the Head Auxetic Prestige MP-L, aka the TGK334.5 (99" TK334 mold, 300g Auxetic layup, 16x19 w/ 8 throat mains). My strung spec is ~340g/31.5-8cm (8-9ptHL)/328SW, via stock grip plus 2 Gamma Supreme overgrips and 3-4g lead, 1.5-2g each at 10 and 2. Best overall stick for my game from 30+ frames I've tried in the past year or so. You can read more about why in the MP-L thread (link here). What sucks for all of us, of course, is that the MP-L is a gray market item in the USA, which makes sourcing too energy-prohibitive for most. I simply got lucky in that I stumbled into three at once (thank you @Vicious49) and was coming from an almost-perfect experience with the G360+ Tour, 99" 18x19 model, very close to "the one" with that frame, and highly motivated to get my hands on the MP-L for its additional qualities (easier overall, more whip, higher launch angle, a bit more easy power). If you want help in sourcing some, last I checked, I did find a certain retailer that was still exporting them and the pricing wasn't too outlandish. I may still buy more myself, along with grommets, if/when I fully commit. I'd say I'm 75% decided at this point (I'm running out of would-be alternatives!).

Hope that helps again.

Glad you found a (likely!) winner. I was intrigued by the MP-L but the RA is a little higher than I usually like. I think I'll continue to stick with 100Gs as they have been a great fit for my game and I like them the more I play with them. Thanks again.

 

[tobi9008]

This is a great thread for me as I just got a 100x 305g too, trying to find the softest setup that still plays a bit like my blade 98 (spoiler: clash is not) and helps me keep poly spin and control.
My first try has been T1 boost in 18g at 50lbs and it plays a bit inconsistent with a too high launch angle for my slice.
I have read about more powerful strings could be a good idea for this frame, has anyone tried VCT 16g? I'm a believer in @g4driver and his recommendations, so I thought this could be a good fit.