tennis347
Hall of Fame
I just ordered today from TW and will have it by Tuesday.
Prince Phantom 100X
- Thread starter tlm
- Start date
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Thinking back on my experience with the 100X, I think it's best suited with added weight at 3, 9, and 12 like most players frames instead of 10 and 2 like many of us did before. Since you seem to prefer a high TW, you may want to start off with around 2.5g between 3 and 9, and for the extra plow, try around 1.5g at 12, and adjust and counterbalance as needed. Personally I would've been fine with just the weight at 12 + counterbalancing since I don't gel with higher TWs, but I don't really have an incentive to buy a 100X atm since I'm dialed in with my UP16's.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the tips with the customization. I like the high TW for better stability and plow. This makes my OHB and serve more effective. I will probably go with 2 grams total at 3 and 9 as well as 1.5 grams at 12. I will then counter balance on the handle. The SW will be in the high 320's which is perfect. 2 of my Phantoms were probably in the low 330's which was getting too demanding for me these days. I will keep you posted.
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
No problem. Like the Ultra Pro I think the 100X is worth dialing in to your specs/weight distribution because it's light & HL in stock form and it's such a nice frame. There have been times I've messed up the weight distribution on my UPs from different strings, too much/too little weight in the head, etc. but when I dial them back in, I feel it. As tiring as it is to customize rackets, I gotta admit some frames are worth the work because the payoff when you get it right is
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Totally agree ! I really liked the 100x 305 when I first tried it. It just needs some weight to improve the stability and plow. I don't think it will take too much lead to get the customization right. Since the RA is very low, stringing at too high of a tension makes the racquet feel boardy. It's still mild in NY so I went 53lbs with my goat string Gosen Micro 16. As the weather cools down, I will drop down a few pounds.No problem. Like the Ultra Pro I think the 100X is worth dialing in to your specs/weight distribution because it's light & HL in stock form and it's such a nice frame. There have been times I've messed up the weight distribution on my UPs from different strings, too much/too little weight in the head, etc. but when I dial them back in, I feel it. As tiring as it is to customize rackets, I gotta admit some frames are worth the work because the payoff when you get it right is
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
I played with the 100X 305 today. It came in about 3 to 4 grams over spec weight. I was going to add 1.5 grams at 12 at 2 at 3 and 9 with higher weight, I decided just to add 2 grams total at 10 and 2 as well as counter balancing 2 grams on the butt of the handle. Total weight with my Wilson Contour grip with the dampner was 329 grams.
This set up initially felt good for the first 1.5 hours but started was struggling getting enough RHS with topspin OHB. I was getting excellent plow and pop overall on my ground strokes. I then decided to move the lead to 3 and 9 position and the power level dropped considerably as well as the sweetspot feeling smaller. I did some serving with the lead at 3 and 9. The power level was ok but the spin potential was pretty low. I would have preferred to get a frame that was at spec weight or a bit lower the SW would have been more in my wheelhouse. This racquet needs lead tape otherwise is quite low powered for my taste. I am not going to to get another Phantom 100x with a lower static weight and SW.
On the positive side, there is very nice plush comfortable feel that many racquets don't have today. The control is quite good as well. It's a racquet that will stay in the bag but not a complete switch for me. I might try just adding 1 gram or 1.5 total at 10 and 2 see what result that will give me as the upper hoop needs the weight to expand the sweetspot. I didn't get any cover with the racquet.
This set up initially felt good for the first 1.5 hours but started was struggling getting enough RHS with topspin OHB. I was getting excellent plow and pop overall on my ground strokes. I then decided to move the lead to 3 and 9 position and the power level dropped considerably as well as the sweetspot feeling smaller. I did some serving with the lead at 3 and 9. The power level was ok but the spin potential was pretty low. I would have preferred to get a frame that was at spec weight or a bit lower the SW would have been more in my wheelhouse. This racquet needs lead tape otherwise is quite low powered for my taste. I am not going to to get another Phantom 100x with a lower static weight and SW.
On the positive side, there is very nice plush comfortable feel that many racquets don't have today. The control is quite good as well. It's a racquet that will stay in the bag but not a complete switch for me. I might try just adding 1 gram or 1.5 total at 10 and 2 see what result that will give me as the upper hoop needs the weight to expand the sweetspot. I didn't get any cover with the racquet.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
I read a lot that 12 is the best lead positon. And 1g seems to be sufficient.
Trinity110
Rookie
This is such a coincidence! I know that like me, you have been a 100P devotee, and I mentioned I bought both that (X2) and a 100X. For the first two months I had trouble deciding between them, but the slightly higher mass of the 100P helped me neutralize poser better.
But now, for the last month, I've also switched to the 100X, as the higher RHS has now been giving me harder shots. And even running to the 2 hour mark (this is training, not playing) it isn't getting heavy. And from the get-go it has volleyed like a dream. (the 100P volleys well, too, but the 100X tops it)
Neither of them serves like my Triple Threat 2001 Black Hornet, though. But you always have trade offs.
Good luck
But now, for the last month, I've also switched to the 100X, as the higher RHS has now been giving me harder shots. And even running to the 2 hour mark (this is training, not playing) it isn't getting heavy. And from the get-go it has volleyed like a dream. (the 100P volleys well, too, but the 100X tops it)
Neither of them serves like my Triple Threat 2001 Black Hornet, though. But you always have trade offs.
Good luck
jonestim
Hall of Fame
I have a pair that were bought through TW matching to be "on spec". I am using 1.5g at 12.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
That's such a coincidence! Yes, I played with the Phantom 100P for a while but wanted a more user-friendly frame so I decided to buy another 100x 305. I got one over spec weight and sw so I have very limited options for customization. I might just put 1 gram at 12 instead of 10 and 2.
I agree that every frame has trade offs. Did you add any weight to your 100x 305?
liftordie
Hall of Fame
There is ATS at 10 and 2... Absolutely no need of any lead at this position!!
12 is the best place for adding plow and power. But personally I like the way the 100X play in stock form. Great spin, control and comfort. I have my own power and I really can deal with the very little lack of plow.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I agree that 12 o'clock is the best place to add lead for more plow. I can supply my own power as well off the ground but need a little more help on the serve. The 100X 305 is a really good racquet overall that I will keep in the bag.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
I think a 100X with a slightly thicker shaft/beam width and stiffness bumped up to like 61 would be perfect. Pretty much I want something between a Phantom 100X and Tour 100 310, but with the Phantom's round hoop shape. Granted if they came out with exactly that, I'm sure I'd find something to nitpick
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Trinity110
Rookie
I have not added any weight. I may, but I also need some dedicated hours out there to maybe let the racquet rest a little further out of my hand for serves. That ads power, but you have to get it just right, and it takes some reps. But I am out 6 hours a week now, and I like to favor my dear sweet wife with my presence more, so my solo training sessions are more rare. One of the people who trains me works part time for a network that covers the slams, so when she is out of town, that gives me some solo time. She's away for Indian Wells, but I lined up someone else to work with. May have to wait for the A.O.!
Good luck!
liftordie
Hall of Fame
I have pretty the same specs.My pair of 100X 305 are en route. Used TW's matching service, info with plastic on the handle is as follows and I'm hoping no customization is needed with this SW
#1: W:308.30g Bal:30.7cm (11pts HL) SW:293
#2: W:308.97g Bal:30.7cm (11pts HL) SW:293
What a great frame!!
ragingbull1980
Semi-Pro
What is the spin/control like with this frame comparable to? Also can anyone compare this stick to the head graphene 360+ extreme tour? Im trying to slow my roll a bit and choose three frames to demo but part of me just wants to roll the dice on this 100x 305 as it looks perfect for what I'm looking for.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Nothing can be compare to the 100X. That's a unique frame with unrivaled comfort and feel.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
The 100X 305 is one of the most plush feeling racquets on the market. The comfort is top notch and is great for anyone who has arm problems. I don't use poly but would imagine that it is still very comfortable with this set up. Just a little weight at 12 and that opens up the sweetspot more.
ragingbull1980
Semi-Pro
Can't wait to hear your thoughts as your specs with the frame matching service is what i would aim for.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
You REALLY can't compare Extreme Tour and 100X......
liftordie
Hall of Fame
ragingbull1980
Semi-Pro
Sure i can. I can play with both. Them compare the two with how they fit MY game. Come on man. That was easy . And yes, i know what you mean. You are saying they are very different.
Trinity110
Rookie
I'm not sure what you mean by "slow my roll" but I can say this about spin. Without even trying (because I am not that "fancy" of a player) this is the first racquet I have had where I have hit drop shots with so much spin they've come back over to my side. Several times this has happened. (a bunch of other times, not nearly as impressive looking, I have lunged for shots at net to my backhand side barely get to them, and put enough spin that that they go up and land behind me!)
I don't know if that is helpful or not
ragingbull1980
Semi-Pro
Haha thank you. I just meant doing my homework first before making an impulse purchase. I do feel confident though in the hl balance and room to customise to my liking. So i see that as a big plus for this frame.
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
Triangles indicate a tie-off spot and the circles are to help with skipped holes. The circles are main strings and if there is a blank one in between, it is a skipped hole for the crosses. Hope that helps!
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
It was always the serve that I felt benefited from the little bit lead at 12 oclock. Maybe my 2HBH as well.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
That helps a lot, thanks! I made a mistake by tying a knot at one circle hole (the first top cross I think)...
Ok so I got two hits in with the 100X. Before I go into that though, I measured SW in my local shop with the Head 3-in-1 machine and the reading was actually 287.5.. I'm not sure why so different from TW's 293 but oh well, not a big deal..!
First impressions - SUPER plush feel, really distinct. I had never played a Phantom before. I like it a lot, but it does hurt the arm more than my RS 300, in the sense that it requires more acceleration and causes more fatigue. Bear in mind that I'm a bit out of shape and my technique isn't perfect though.
Off the bat I feel it has a much higher launch angle than the Extreme Tour, probably comparable to the RS 300 or even my Speed MP in that sense. So you really need to hit with spin. However, it does spin the ball a bit less than the Extreme Tour. Power level is very much comparable, I think I get a bit more out of the 100X based on depth of show, but hard to gauge.
It's a great frame overall. Honestly I have more frames than I can rotate and my brain is a total mess in terms of comparing and picking one out of the tens of rackets I'm carrying around. They're all great TBH lol
jonestim
Hall of Fame
Mine were matched by TW to spec so they have a higher SW than yours. I then put 1.5g of lead at the tip and prefer it. Try putting 1.5-2g at the tip. That should help with the power.
Played a 90 min session with mine yesterday. Wow this frame just feels really good, so buttery. I don't think it lacks power at all.. Also, my serves were quite big for some reason, probably because it cuts through the air really fast.
Only thing I'm still adapting to is the fact that if you don't spin the ball hard and with a lot of RHS, it launches on you and you miss long. Behaves much like the Speed MP in that sense. Anyone else out there feel this way?
Strung with Confidential 1.25mm @ 48lbs btw
Only thing I'm still adapting to is the fact that if you don't spin the ball hard and with a lot of RHS, it launches on you and you miss long. Behaves much like the Speed MP in that sense. Anyone else out there feel this way?
Strung with Confidential 1.25mm @ 48lbs btw
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liftordie
Hall of Fame
Last session I noticed that if I don't massively increase my RHS on the one-hander, the racquet twists a bit, and the ball tends to shoot upwards and towards the backfence. I'm fixing this not only with more head speed but also by gripping harder, both of which I'm not sure will be good to my arm health.
I'm wondering if this is more of a timing thing, mass, or what.. From what I've read in this forum people are usually unanimous about adding lead at 12 instead of 3/9. Not sure what to do here..
I'm wondering if this is more of a timing thing, mass, or what.. From what I've read in this forum people are usually unanimous about adding lead at 12 instead of 3/9. Not sure what to do here..
jalapeno74
Rookie
I am sorry but my experience with the Phantom 100X was not that great.
After a serious TE Aggregation I decided to test some more elbow friendly frames to find out if they would be more comfy than my usual go-to-raquets (Gravity Pro & Gravity Tour).
The Phantom 100X is a beautiful frame and feels nice but it felt so anemic... Compared to the G Pro and G Tour (which are not PureDrives) the Phantom just didn't keep up in terms of plow-through or pop.
I had three sessions with it (which is my usual time to decide if I like or dislike a frame) and it just never clicked. The large hoop also felt strangely odd, which is weird because the Gravitys also have a large hoop)
Again, beautiful frame and I really like the brand (underdog somehow) but this one was a divorce without hesitation
After a serious TE Aggregation I decided to test some more elbow friendly frames to find out if they would be more comfy than my usual go-to-raquets (Gravity Pro & Gravity Tour).
The Phantom 100X is a beautiful frame and feels nice but it felt so anemic... Compared to the G Pro and G Tour (which are not PureDrives) the Phantom just didn't keep up in terms of plow-through or pop.
I had three sessions with it (which is my usual time to decide if I like or dislike a frame) and it just never clicked. The large hoop also felt strangely odd, which is weird because the Gravitys also have a large hoop)
Again, beautiful frame and I really like the brand (underdog somehow) but this one was a divorce without hesitation
I think a lot has to do with your level and how hard of a shot you're returning. I'm not that advanced, I'd say somewhere around 3.5-4.0, so although I do understand how it's not that solid (compared to say a Blade Pro which I also have), by no means do I lack power or too much stability when dealing with the shots I usually get
liftordie
Hall of Fame
1g at 12 was really nice to me. That frame is perfect for spin players getting older.
patrickluvsoj
Rookie
Any recommendations on strings? I currently have Pro Line Evo 1.30mm at 44/46lbs. Control and spin are good but feel like not enough pop. Opponent dictates more points compared to using TT310 which is right now my default frame. I may go down in in gauge or lower tension and see if that helps.
My wish would be to have something in between 100x and Textreme Tour 310. I like stability and moderate power of TT 310 but would like a bit more comfort and spin.
Maybe wishing for too much
My wish would be to have something in between 100x and Textreme Tour 310. I like stability and moderate power of TT 310 but would like a bit more comfort and spin.
Maybe wishing for too much
Donuts & Deadlifts
Rookie
Wait until Friday and check out the specs of the new TT 310. Supposedly softer flex with better feel from the play tester comments
