Prince Phantom 100X 305
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Cobaine
Semi-Pro
I use it. I added a decent amount of lead to get it to 12 oz static (strung), 7 points headlight, and 340 sw. It is nearly perfect with the modifications. Buttery feel with adequate power. But you need full strokes to really be able to use it well.
It’s nice in stock form but felt a bit underpowered on the serve since it’s such a thin flexible beam.
If you have specific questions I’ll answer the best I can.
It’s nice in stock form but felt a bit underpowered on the serve since it’s such a thin flexible beam.
If you have specific questions I’ll answer the best I can.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I used the 100x 305 for a couple of months. It definitely has a nice soft flex to it but in stock form it didn't have enough stability or plow through. I experimented with adding 1.5 grams at 12 initially but there was still not enough stability. I then added 3 grams total at 3 and 9 but the frame didn't seem to take the added well as the response off the stringbed was too erratic and the control suffered. I also don't use poly which could have been part of the reason for poor control with the weight. I just couldn't gel with the 100X 305 and eventually sold it.
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I have a Yonex 98 that I use when I need a heavier, more-plough through racquet. It helps me return heavier serves. The Prince Tour has been the best all around racquet for me. Maneuverable, good spin, arm friendly (I have mild tennis elbow now.) I get good touch with the racquet and I'm able to play good defense with it (which is harder for me with a heavier racquet.)
Thanks for response. I suppose I'm wondering how different it is from the Prince 100 Tour 16x18 racquet. I imagine them being similar.
Did you sell the racquet or keep it? What do you use now?
Trinity110
Rookie
I have both the 100P and 100X 305, and I am still torn between them. The 100X might be winning.
I found that while the 305X required greater racquet head speed, it was giving me fast, accurate shots. While it can feel a bit light, this enables me to have not only a fast swing speed, but more "up" for topspin. Serving with each is great, but they are different. the 305 slices and kicks like a dream, and the 100P powers through the box better. The 100X lets me have more wrist snap (well, let's be honest - more of a s-n-a-p-zzzzzzz but still faster than with the 100P) I can't say enough positive things about how the 305X has improved my volleys. Very maneuverable and it seems to in charge of, "We're keeping our racquet head up today, aren't we, buddy!"
I found that while the 305X required greater racquet head speed, it was giving me fast, accurate shots. While it can feel a bit light, this enables me to have not only a fast swing speed, but more "up" for topspin. Serving with each is great, but they are different. the 305 slices and kicks like a dream, and the 100P powers through the box better. The 100X lets me have more wrist snap (well, let's be honest - more of a s-n-a-p-zzzzzzz but still faster than with the 100P) I can't say enough positive things about how the 305X has improved my volleys. Very maneuverable and it seems to in charge of, "We're keeping our racquet head up today, aren't we, buddy!"
I was going to ask what you like about the 100p since it sounds like you like the X so much... lol
Such a subtle difference in racquet specs there.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I sold it. I have been using the Wilson Blade v7 98 16 x 19 and the Angell K7 Red. Both are great players frames.
Trinity110
Rookie
Today for example, I used the 100P exclusively (used the 100X on Monday). After 90 minutes or so I experimented with shortening my swing and punching through the ball. It has a lower launch angle than the 100X (for me) and I was hitting these pinpoint low lasers without exerting myself. So then you say, "Hmmm, that was pretty useful, too!" And the flat serves, IF my wrist is loose, pop in the box.
Trinity110
Rookie
You are right, not much. That's why I think there are intangibles beyond a simple swingweight number. The aerodynamics, too, must help it cut through.
Papa Mango
Professional
Seconding the above, the 100X is way faster through the air than the 100P.
In the process of demoing the 100X (both 305 and 290) and the 100P and I am leaning towards the 100X... wait for it ... the 290..
IMHO both the 100X (305 and 290) need some additional weight in the head to stop the fluttering that happens when you hit on top of the hoop.
With the 305 with the added head weight/counter weight in handle plus usual OG dampner I am back to a 340+ strung frame.
But with 290, with the same weight added, it is a sweet ~325 gm frame.
Decisions Decisions..
Papa Mango
Professional
Yup beam shape and width...
Trinity110
Rookie
Yeah, that's pretty much how I hit.
Hurry up with that decision because my 305 demo is apparently waiting on youIn the process of demoing the 100X (both 305 and 290) and the 100P and I am leaning towards the 100X... wait for it ... the 290..
Anyone else play with the O3 version of the 100x? Weird to see how poor the reviews are in comparison, but it's also mostly different play testers. I may demo that O3 instead of the standard 100x, as everyone says the 100x and 100p play similarly with minor differences....
Papa Mango
Professional
I don't have it I swearHurry up with that decision because my 305 demo is apparently waiting on you
Anyone else play with the O3 version of the 100x? Weird to see how poor the reviews are in comparison, but it's also mostly different play testers. I may demo that O3 instead of the standard 100x, as everyone says the 100x and 100p play similarly with minor differences....
. I actually have bought the rackets for extended demos.I demoed the O3 version a long time ago and boy it is a wet noodle and I like noodles and the original EXO3 is still one of my favorite frames.
I would say why not demo all 3. The 100X and the 100P have subtle difference but IMHO they are for different players and suit different styles of games.
I don't have it I swear
I demoed the O3 version a long time ago and boy it is a wet noodle and I like noodles and the original EXO3 is still one of my favorite frames.
I would say why not demo all 3. The 100X and the 100P have subtle difference but IMHO they are for different players and suit different styles of games.
How would you compare the O3 100x to the 100x in terms of playability? Is it enough of a difference to just pass on the O3? (I know wet noodle feel wise, but I also liked the original ex03 as well. Also can't imagine anything to be less of feel than clash) I can't demo all 3 because my order wont' ever get fulfilled lol. Gotta choose between demoing the 03 100x and the regular 100x and even then TW demo fulfillment is horrible.
Papa Mango
Professional
Clash
Take this with a grain of salt as my demo of the O3 was quite a while ago. IMHO the O3 and 100X are more different than the 100P and the 100X
IIRC, I put down the O3 pretty early in the demo process as it felt really low powered compared to the the 100X even though they have the same power rating. The O3 feels like you are hitting with a pillow and did not lend itself to defensive tennis thanks to the lower power. The O3 has that O-port feeling where you can feel the hoop bend and the ball slingshot out of the racket, while the 100X has a more uniform flex. Control also seemed better on the 100X than the O3. If you have full strokes and great footwork I think the O3 can be a good racket to try out otherwise I think the only area where the O3 does better than either the 100X or the 100P is feel, if you like the soft buttery low RA prince feel.
Clash
Take this with a grain of salt as my demo of the O3 was quite a while ago. IMHO the O3 and 100X are more different than the 100P and the 100X
IIRC, I put down the O3 pretty early in the demo process as it felt really low powered compared to the the 100X even though they have the same power rating. The O3 feels like you are hitting with a pillow and did not lend itself to defensive tennis thanks to the lower power. The O3 has that O-port feeling where you can feel the hoop bend and the ball slingshot out of the racket, while the 100X has a more uniform flex. Control also seemed better on the 100X than the O3. If you have full strokes and great footwork I think the O3 can be a good racket to try out otherwise I think the only area where the O3 does better than either the 100X or the 100P is feel, if you like the soft buttery low RA prince feel.
Ended up swapping the 100x for the O3 100x because customer service said there were 8 people ahead of me after 2 weeks.... they projected at least another two weeks for the demo to ship out IF another one of my rackets doesn't go out of stock.... I have seen a lot of people compare the 100p and 100x and say they're pretty close so I figured I would demo the 100p along side the 03 100x and have two rackets with enough difference between them to not make it wasteful.
I've noticed many people hate O3 tech and the feel. The ex03 rebel 95 was one of my favorites and I haven't tried a prince frame since then. Pretty excited to try the O3 again even if it ends up being underwhelming.
Papa Mango
Professional
Good luck and have fun with the demos. I personally love the O3 tech and feel but need more help from the racket nowadays.
I might have a 100X 305 coming up for sale as soon as I can make up my mind ..
Still loving my 100X. I don't see myself switching to anything in the foreseeable future except maybe the next 100X update. Super comfortable even with a full bed of poly at high tension. Incredible precision and great manueverablity due to the thin beam. I can blast winners all day long, especially the forehand side.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Hi guys, thinking of selling one of my two dr98 to buy the 100x but don't kniw if its worth it, generally i like prince rackets, used to play with tour 100 16/18 exo3 and really liked it except for the serve, tried also phantom pro 100 but wanted a little more power for sure, whats your opinion?
tennis347
Hall of Fame
If you really want more power and stability go with the 100P. It has more power than 100x and doesn't need any customization due to the healthy SW. I used the 100x and in stock form it didn't have enough plow or stability. When I added weight, the 100x 305 became erratic. If you are 4.0 player or above the 100P is a better option IMO.
Tried the O3 100x and the 100p. 100p played phenomenal for me, but am still recovering from a surgery and have no real overhead strength so I need something with a bit of power for serves. If it wasn't for that, would have been what I switched to.
I didn't like the shape of the 100x in the throat. All demos from TW came strung with too high of a tension IMO. Both felt board like and hurt my shoulder until they loosened up but the 100p was more comfortable. I know TW reviews and some others called the 100p demanding, too low powered, etc but I didn't find it to be the case at all. Low flex beams with low tension poly provide great comfort, power, and string longevity.
I didn't like the shape of the 100x in the throat. All demos from TW came strung with too high of a tension IMO. Both felt board like and hurt my shoulder until they loosened up but the 100p was more comfortable. I know TW reviews and some others called the 100p demanding, too low powered, etc but I didn't find it to be the case at all. Low flex beams with low tension poly provide great comfort, power, and string longevity.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
I had tried the old 100p but didn't liked it either, small sweetspot, not that flex as said and not too fast or powerful, yet very nice feel, plow and stable, hows the new 100p compare the previous?How much weight you added?
tennis347
Hall of Fame
The new 100P has a little more pop than the original and better stability. Definitely has more power than the 100x 305 and much better stability. The 100P still not a considered a powerful racquet or a tweener. It's definitely geared to an established player.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
I probably wait for a playtest to be sure, thanks
Papa Mango
Professional
What you didn't like the O3? Blasphemy!
. Yeah like I said earlier I did not gel with that frame either and had put it down pretty quickly in the demo process.I love the 100X (and most non P phantoms) thin throats, it feels so great and smooth when I am holding on with my non hitting hand compared to the box beams.
I did not find the 100P too demanding either although could use some extra oomph on the serve .
Papa Mango
Professional
Yup same experience here. Did not like the original phantoms too much. But the new 100P is definitely improved over the older ones. I think Prince has hit the bulls eye with these frames.
Agree here too better pop and stability than the original. The 100x definitely needs a little bit of lead in the hoop for it to be stable while the 100P is pretty good as is.
Here is a quick comparison video of me (closer) with the 100P and the 100X. The 100x is the 290 version modded up to almost the 305 specs so I think is comparable. The modded 290 hits a better ball than my unmodded 305.
Cheers!
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I just saw your video on YouTube! You answered my question that the new 100P has more power than the original. I just bought the new 100P and I play a more attacking style of play from the baseline. This racquet will definitely suit my game.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Is the new 100p faster through the air than the previous version?
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I have played with both and the SW is about the same as well as the balance. Definitely the new 100P is alot more solid than the 100x across the board. It's very user-friendly and has a huge sweetspot.
Nick777
Semi-Pro
Hope better sweet spot than the previous version
Papa Mango
Professional
Agree with what [mention]tennis347 [/mention] said.
They play very similar but the new one is more solid on the ground. Granted my original demo was quite a while ago.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Yes, it does and more forgiving on mishits. I got really connected with the 100P very quickly. I could go into a match tomorrow with it and feel confident. It could very well be a racquet of the year for Prince IMO.
Papa Mango
Professional
Ummm no. 100X 290 with a little but of lead coz that's what I am going with [emoji23]
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I don't know how the 100x 290 is with lead but for me I don't like adding alot of weight as it changes the whole dynamic of frame. I really like the hefty SW of the 100P. Only very minor customization needed. The 100P is probably the racquet of the year for me!!
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BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Bought a Prince Phantom 100x 305; strung with Solinco Tour Bite Soft @ 46lbs. Playtested it a few times in various conditions, both singles and doubles match play as well as rallying. Racquet was played in stock form.
Groundstrokes: The first thing I noticed here was the plush yet crisp feel on groundies. I was surprised that the racquet played quite stable for its weight and redirected pace/blocked the ball very well; I was able to block back shots more effectively than with my weighted up Dunlop CX200 Tour 16x19. However I did experience slight instability when I tried to take a regular swing on balls with lots of pace. Loved this racquet on my one-handed backhand; it came through the air very quickly and I was able to use that shot well and create lots of angles. This is the first 100" racquet I really liked on that shot. I didn't gel with the racquet on my lefty forehand (I hit with heavy topspin but like to flatten the ball out sometimes) but that's down to the strings; Solinco Tour Bite Soft was notching for me on the first hit, and lost about 5lb of tension after three playtests. I normally use Hyper-G strung at 52lbs. Topspin shots were good (this racquet produces tons of spin), but flat/drive shots were going long with this setup. If I would have used my normal string of choice, I strongly believe control would've been drastically improved for me. It's got a little free power, but not much, and control overall with this racquet (even with a really soft poly at really low tension) was in the same ballpark as the Gravity Pro I recently playtested (Gravity Pro was strung with Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable @ around 51 lbs). However, I was missing some plow through with this racquet, most noticeably on my FH and slice, the latter of which was sitting up more than I wanted because of the lack of plow. PSA: this Phantom is very string sensitive; requires a hybrid setup with poly mains or full poly, preferably over 50lbs tension. Overall good experience from the backcourt, but my string setup didn't allow me to experience the full potential this racquet has from a control standpoint. The racquet does, however, need more weight in the upper hoop for more plow through.
Volleys: This was the highlight of my time with this racquet. The level of touch/feel is insane. I'm OK at the net, but this racquet really elevated my net game. I felt so in control with this racquet and felt I could do whatever I wanted with the ball. Dropshots and drop volleys came easily and had nice underspin to them, and put-away volleys were easy as well. The racquet was both extremely maneuverable and had enough stability to redirect balls with lots of pace. The racquet fluttered a little bit on volleys where I made contact close to the top of the hoop; this racquet seems to lack weight at 12 in the hoop.
Serves: This was where the lack of plow through was most noticeable for me. I agree with whoever said this racquet slices and kicks like a dream; my second serves were good with this one, as were my kick serves. But as soon as I tried to put pace on my first serves/serve flat, I started trying to overcompensate for the lack of weight in the hoop by over-rotating my body, and ended up with a hip strain that lasted a week. Because I've heard more than once about how poorly this racquet takes weight, this was ultimately the part of the playtest where I decided not to switch to this racquet. The Prince Phantom 100p is already weighted the way I'd want it to be, so I'm gonna try that one instead of trying to customize my 100x. If neither of the Phantoms work, I'm gonna have a look at Diadem and Angell custom foam-filled racquets.
Returns: My experience here echoes my experience the rest of my time using this racquet. The string setup made my returns more erratic than usual, but if my string setup was my regular string at my regular tension, I believe my experience would've been quite a bit better. I rely quite heavily on slice on my BH returns, and due to the strings and lack of plow, slice returns were sitting up and sailing on me. FH returns were decent, but I didn't quite feel comfortable being aggressive on returns based on my prior experience with flat shots with this racquet and string setup. But feeling how the racquet played, notwithstanding the string, the slightly lively yet still low-powered response of the racquet would've allowed me to feel comfortable being more aggressive on returns.
Overall, my experience with the Phantom 100x 305 was definitely a positive one (moreso than this review makes it seem), and from most areas of the court, I was very comfortable with this racquet. I'd say that if it weren't for the lack of plow through with this racquet, I'd have made the switch, put my strings of choice in there, and not looked back. The feel and connection to the ball with this one is better than any other racquet I've used thus far. But the lack of plow through with this one affected my game more substantially than I would've imagined coming into the playtest of this racquet. Great racquet for intermediate and lower-level advanced players who want a racquet that's really easy to swing/maneuver and has amazing touch/feel, good spin and control, and a forgiving sweet spot. And even though it's too light for me to use, I think it lives up to the hype. Prince did a great job with this racquet; I'd say this is among the best easy-to-use players' frames on the market.
How I'd score it:
Power: 80
Control: 85
Maneuverability: 89
Stability: 84
Plow: 76
Touch/Feel: 90
Comfort: 86
Groundstrokes: 84
Volleys: 88
Serves: 79
Returns: 82
Topspin: 87
Slice: 80
Overall: 85
Groundstrokes: The first thing I noticed here was the plush yet crisp feel on groundies. I was surprised that the racquet played quite stable for its weight and redirected pace/blocked the ball very well; I was able to block back shots more effectively than with my weighted up Dunlop CX200 Tour 16x19. However I did experience slight instability when I tried to take a regular swing on balls with lots of pace. Loved this racquet on my one-handed backhand; it came through the air very quickly and I was able to use that shot well and create lots of angles. This is the first 100" racquet I really liked on that shot. I didn't gel with the racquet on my lefty forehand (I hit with heavy topspin but like to flatten the ball out sometimes) but that's down to the strings; Solinco Tour Bite Soft was notching for me on the first hit, and lost about 5lb of tension after three playtests. I normally use Hyper-G strung at 52lbs. Topspin shots were good (this racquet produces tons of spin), but flat/drive shots were going long with this setup. If I would have used my normal string of choice, I strongly believe control would've been drastically improved for me. It's got a little free power, but not much, and control overall with this racquet (even with a really soft poly at really low tension) was in the same ballpark as the Gravity Pro I recently playtested (Gravity Pro was strung with Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable @ around 51 lbs). However, I was missing some plow through with this racquet, most noticeably on my FH and slice, the latter of which was sitting up more than I wanted because of the lack of plow. PSA: this Phantom is very string sensitive; requires a hybrid setup with poly mains or full poly, preferably over 50lbs tension. Overall good experience from the backcourt, but my string setup didn't allow me to experience the full potential this racquet has from a control standpoint. The racquet does, however, need more weight in the upper hoop for more plow through.
Volleys: This was the highlight of my time with this racquet. The level of touch/feel is insane. I'm OK at the net, but this racquet really elevated my net game. I felt so in control with this racquet and felt I could do whatever I wanted with the ball. Dropshots and drop volleys came easily and had nice underspin to them, and put-away volleys were easy as well. The racquet was both extremely maneuverable and had enough stability to redirect balls with lots of pace. The racquet fluttered a little bit on volleys where I made contact close to the top of the hoop; this racquet seems to lack weight at 12 in the hoop.
Serves: This was where the lack of plow through was most noticeable for me. I agree with whoever said this racquet slices and kicks like a dream; my second serves were good with this one, as were my kick serves. But as soon as I tried to put pace on my first serves/serve flat, I started trying to overcompensate for the lack of weight in the hoop by over-rotating my body, and ended up with a hip strain that lasted a week. Because I've heard more than once about how poorly this racquet takes weight, this was ultimately the part of the playtest where I decided not to switch to this racquet. The Prince Phantom 100p is already weighted the way I'd want it to be, so I'm gonna try that one instead of trying to customize my 100x. If neither of the Phantoms work, I'm gonna have a look at Diadem and Angell custom foam-filled racquets.
Returns: My experience here echoes my experience the rest of my time using this racquet. The string setup made my returns more erratic than usual, but if my string setup was my regular string at my regular tension, I believe my experience would've been quite a bit better. I rely quite heavily on slice on my BH returns, and due to the strings and lack of plow, slice returns were sitting up and sailing on me. FH returns were decent, but I didn't quite feel comfortable being aggressive on returns based on my prior experience with flat shots with this racquet and string setup. But feeling how the racquet played, notwithstanding the string, the slightly lively yet still low-powered response of the racquet would've allowed me to feel comfortable being more aggressive on returns.
Overall, my experience with the Phantom 100x 305 was definitely a positive one (moreso than this review makes it seem), and from most areas of the court, I was very comfortable with this racquet. I'd say that if it weren't for the lack of plow through with this racquet, I'd have made the switch, put my strings of choice in there, and not looked back. The feel and connection to the ball with this one is better than any other racquet I've used thus far. But the lack of plow through with this one affected my game more substantially than I would've imagined coming into the playtest of this racquet. Great racquet for intermediate and lower-level advanced players who want a racquet that's really easy to swing/maneuver and has amazing touch/feel, good spin and control, and a forgiving sweet spot. And even though it's too light for me to use, I think it lives up to the hype. Prince did a great job with this racquet; I'd say this is among the best easy-to-use players' frames on the market.
How I'd score it:
Power: 80
Control: 85
Maneuverability: 89
Stability: 84
Plow: 76
Touch/Feel: 90
Comfort: 86
Groundstrokes: 84
Volleys: 88
Serves: 79
Returns: 82
Topspin: 87
Slice: 80
Overall: 85
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
Great review! I experienced the same main issue with the lack of stability and plow. The 100x didn't take weight well which is why I gave up on it and now with the 100P which suites my game more.
Trinity110
Rookie
Nice review. I am on record as being firmly on the fence between the two! I have settled into a pattern of the 305X against players A and C in my week, and the 100P against player B. I am just a different player with them each.
I can't keep quiet and not chime in and echo your volley comments. I feel like it has turned me into a highlight reel! I was mediocre for sure, and suddenly I am doing whatever I want. Sharp ones though the corners, deadening with a 12" bounce, getting fooled and blindly stabbing an inch off the ground and having the ball bounce back to my side. It just feels like the ball is on the string long enough (we know this is not true) to decide how much you want to absorb.
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Thanks! Since you have both the 100x and the 100p, how would you compare the two in terms of touch/feel, from the back of the court, serves, and on volleys (big one for me); planning on switching to the 100p because the 100x doesn't have enough plow through and is ultimately a little too light for me. Thanks again
tennisboy2121
Rookie
What kind of customizations have you guys done on the 100p. I find it to play well but with my string setup I find it missing some power. It is definitely very arm friendly and stable. I have a Phantom 100 0 ports which I find to have more power and spin.
Papa Mango
Professional
Excellent review and matches my experience with the racket as well.
For those looking for additional plow try just a touch of lead 1-2 gms (you can try more) at 10/2. For me it opened up the racket a little bit more on the groundies and serve. I am also trying about 4 gms at 7 inches from butt of the racket to counter balance but I feel like I can take it off and it won't make that much of a difference as it is plenty fast through the air.
had the 100X 305 in my rotation but the racquet face just felt too fat/wide (think clash) hence I preferred my vcp100. I think yonex is head and shoulders above all the other tennis racquet manufacturers in terms of quality and consistency...most racquets will naturally come near spec
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
tennis347
Hall of Fame
My 2020 100P came in at 323 grams strung. I played with it stock the first time out but it had a little hint of instability hitting into the wind. I added 2 grams total at 3 and 9 as well as 1.5 grams to the butt of the handle. I am playing tomorrow with this set up and will post my review. I have some minor elbow and shoulder issues so poly is out for me. I strung the 100P at 53lbs with my usual goat string Gosen Micro 16. There is a nice balance of power and control. This racquet will eat strings so I looking for another set up a 15L synthetic string on the mains and a 17 gauge on the crosses. Definitely will have to experiment with some other string setups that are arm friendly and offer a bit of durability. If you have no arm problems, a poly strung in the high 40's to 50lbs would be ideal.
Trinity110
Rookie
If I wasn't raving about the 305s volleys, I would have been majorly pleaed with the 100P as well. Very "twist-stable" the head wants to stay up, nice balance.
Slower swing speed from the back of the court, so I hit flatter and point and shoot. The 305 kicks better, the 100P slices a lot better (for me at least). They both hit nice flat serves for different reasons. Mass with the 100P, racquet head speed with the 305. I definitely have to adjust between one and the other on the serve, they are different enough, but 15 balls or so does it. (Okay, maybe 30!)
