Prince Phantom 97P Review / Discussion

calmrottweiler said:
Any other string suggestions based on your playing experience please let me know. Thanks in advance....
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Since my last post, I have re-strung the 97P with Grapplesnake Tour M8 (1.30mm - only comes in this gauge so far).

This has been a fantastic string! I have enjoyed it in every respect in this racquet. It has plenty of power when needed, it is plush but not mushy, it has great access to spin (both for loopy shots, fast paced spin shots, angled shots and slice). The string spacing was still open, but not excessively so, the feel was very nice and uniform through the life of the strings. It has also lasted quite a while, even with lots of weeks being washed out as a result of rain (I still managed to get several weeks of playing out of it - probably has been in my racquet for well over a month or two).

I have not had a chance to play with many strings in this racquet (combination of a large racquet collection and weather). I would highly recommend this string (when they have some sort of promotion I will be getting a reel or two). I would also stick with strings that are 1.25mm or thicker due to the more open spacing of the string bed (although all the spaces seem even throughout the string bed - rather then denser in the middle and spaced out towards the edges).

I am sure that the following strings will also play well in this racquet:

RS Lyon 1.25mm
Solinco Hyper-G 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Hyper-G Soft 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Tour Bite 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Revolution 1.25mm
Grapplesnake Tour Sniper 1.25mm
Grapplesnake Alpha 1.25mm
Tier 1 Black Knight 1.23mm or 1.28mm
Tier 1 Tour Status 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Tier 1 Strike Force RIP 1.28mm
MSV Co-Focus 1.27mm
MSV Focus Hex 1.27mm
MSV Focus Hex +38 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Head Lynx 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Head Lynx Tour 1.25mm (I've heard good things about)
Tourna Black Zone 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable 1.23mm (but is actually closer to 1.35mm due to the square profile and larger diagonal cross-section)

That should be enough for now. ;) :giggle:
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Since my last post, I have re-strung the 97P with Grapplesnake Tour M8 (1.30mm - only comes in this gauge so far).

This has been a fantastic string! I have enjoyed it in every respect in this racquet. It has plenty of power when needed, it is plush but not mushy, it has great access to spin (both for loopy shots, fast paced spin shots, angled shots and slice). The string spacing was still open, but not excessively so, the feel was very nice and uniform through the life of the strings. It has also lasted quite a while, even with lots of weeks being washed out as a result of rain (I still managed to get several weeks of playing out of it - probably has been in my racquet for well over a month or two).

I have not had a chance to play with many strings in this racquet (combination of a large racquet collection and weather). I would highly recommend this string (when they have some sort of promotion I will be getting a reel or two). I would also stick with strings that are 1.25mm or thicker due to the more open spacing of the string bed (although all the spaces seem even throughout the string bed - rather then denser in the middle and spaced out towards the edges).

I am sure that the following strings will also play well in this racquet:

RS Lyon 1.25mm
Solinco Hyper-G 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Hyper-G Soft 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Tour Bite 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Solinco Revolution 1.25mm
Grapplesnake Tour Sniper 1.25mm
Grapplesnake Alpha 1.25mm
Tier 1 Black Knight 1.23mm or 1.28mm
Tier 1 Tour Status 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Tier 1 Strike Force RIP 1.28mm
MSV Co-Focus 1.27mm
MSV Focus Hex 1.27mm
MSV Focus Hex +38 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Head Lynx 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Head Lynx Tour 1.25mm (I've heard good things about)
Tourna Black Zone 1.25mm or 1.30mm
Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable 1.23mm (but is actually closer to 1.35mm due to the square profile and larger diagonal cross-section)

That should be enough for now. ;) :giggle:
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Haha I just found this after asking you the exact same question!
 
How many of us are still playing with the 97P, whether you've remained loyal or dabbled with other racquets and come back to it?

I'm keen for an update, looking at the Prince Japan website I see four potential technologies that could find their way across:

1) Parallel Holes - "Set the grommet hall so that the overall 86% string is one straight line to the outside of the frame. Sweet area is (especially in the top direction). The sweet area and hitting point link to increase power and spin performance."
2) Purity Vibration System - "A new feature developed to prevent performance from falling even in long play. A new material, a high-molecular elastomer is mounted on the grip area, and the impact and unpleasant vibrations of the ball are sifted to the hand and only the comfortable ball information is transmitted. Realized super shock absorption and super vibration absorption that have never been before. Reduces fatigue accumulation and enables highly reproducible swings later in play."
3) 2 piece throat grommet - "A two-piece structure throat that reduces impact and suppresses string vibration."
4) Larger grommets - "Increase the diameter of the grommet hole and place the string contacts outside the frame to smooth the strings movement and expand the sweet spot"

Which ones would you like to see in an updated 97P?
 
Tao69 said:
How many of us are still playing with the 97P, whether you've remained loyal or dabbled with other racquets and come back to it?

I'm keen for an update, looking at the Prince Japan website I see four potential technologies that could find their way across:

1) Parallel Holes - "Set the grommet hall so that the overall 86% string is one straight line to the outside of the frame. Sweet area is (especially in the top direction). The sweet area and hitting point link to increase power and spin performance."
2) Purity Vibration System - "A new feature developed to prevent performance from falling even in long play. A new material, a high-molecular elastomer is mounted on the grip area, and the impact and unpleasant vibrations of the ball are sifted to the hand and only the comfortable ball information is transmitted. Realized super shock absorption and super vibration absorption that have never been before. Reduces fatigue accumulation and enables highly reproducible swings later in play."
3) 2 piece throat grommet - "A two-piece structure throat that reduces impact and suppresses string vibration."
4) Larger grommets - "Increase the diameter of the grommet hole and place the string contacts outside the frame to smooth the strings movement and expand the sweet spot"

Which ones would you like to see in an updated 97P?
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not the 2-piece throat if the materials are the same as they used to be. the rubber portion of mine started splitting while the rest of the grommets still had plenty life in them.

one feature i would love to see on the 97p is the black gloss paint on the japanese graphite 97. even moreso, though, i want a rebel 95 reissue. . .

the pvs seems like overkill on a soft racquet like the phantom.
 
tele said:
not the 2-piece throat if the materials are the same as they used to be. the rubber portion of mine started splitting while the rest of the grommets still had plenty life in them.

one feature i would love to see on the 97p is the black gloss paint on the japanese graphite 97. even moreso, though, i want a rebel 95 reissue. . .

the pvs seems like overkill on a soft racquet like the phantom.
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I thought the Graphite 97 had more of a matt black finish? but I've only seen the online pics and I'm not keen on the gold graphics.

I would like the PVS, having a Donnay I'd prefer less vibrations and the PVS might do just enough to make me happy.
 
tele said:
not the 2-piece throat if the materials are the same as they used to be. the rubber portion of mine started splitting while the rest of the grommets still had plenty life in them.

one feature i would love to see on the 97p is the black gloss paint on the japanese graphite 97. even moreso, though, i want a rebel 95 reissue. . .

the pvs seems like overkill on a soft racquet like the phantom.
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Rubber elements in grommets are liability - Yonex throat grommets were the epitome of failure.
When it comes to the 97P I'd like to see it changed to a constant beam with a stiffened up throat and 16x19 pattern with a more uniform spacing throughout.
The black gloss paint would be great.

On the reissue subject, I'm like a broken record - release the O3 Hybrid Tour 18x20 Prince people!!!
 
Automatix said:
Rubber elements in grommets are liability - Yonex throat grommets were the epitome of failure.
When it comes to the 97P I'd like to see it changed to a constant beam with a stiffened up throat and 16x19 pattern with a more uniform spacing throughout.
The black gloss paint would be great.

On the reissue subject, I'm like a broken record - release the O3 Hybrid Tour 18x20 Prince people!!!
Click to expand...
I don't imagine they would do a constant beam or a 16X19, but I get where you're going, a 97" thin box beam 16x19 is definitely a gap in the market, albeit for a very small customer base in today's market.
I think I'd prefer the matte black personally, but the glossy could work for me if they didn't do the decals in gold.
 
I think if you want a stiffer throat, then try another line. The phantom line is for flexy, low powered racquets.

I like the all black pj. Subtle is my preference.
 
Personally, I hope they release the Graphite 97 to the rest of the world. It is slightly thicker beamed, 16x19, and has a stability bar. Otherwise, I am pretty happy with my current 97P, so I hope they don't mess with it too much.
 
TennisHound said:
Missed that one. Have you modified your 97p? 8pts HL and 58 stiffness would be very attractive for weight up top.
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I have. I added 0.75g at 3 and 9 respectively, 2g at 12 o'clock (split into 2 with a gap left in the middle for the stringing clamp - if that makes sense), then 5.6g (approx - it's 2 x 5 cents (AUD) - one on the 3rd bevel and the other on the 7th bevel of the handle), and finally my standard 2 overgrips (the first with no overlap, and the second with the standard overlap).

I can't remember the final specs strung... but I'm sure it's somewhere in this thread).

Hope that helps.
 
TennisHound said:
If the 93P had a 16x18 string pattern. Would be using it today. Maybe the 97p is close enough
Click to expand...

The 97P is like a baby Gravity Pro with a more open string pattern. Personally, I would have preferred either a slightly tighter 16x19 or 16x20... or even a more open 18x20. That is where the Graphite 97 might come into play (if they ever released it from a Japan Only status). It's 16x19, slightly ticker beam, and I'm not sure on the RA... but the racquet looks good.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
The 97P is like a baby Gravity Pro with a more open string pattern. Personally, I would have preferred either a slightly tighter 16x19 or 16x20... or even a more open 18x20. That is where the Graphite 97 might come into play (if they ever released it from a Japan Only status). It's 16x19, slightly ticker beam, and I'm not sure on the RA... but the racquet looks good.
Click to expand...
prince japan does not release RA values(i emailed to ask). many reviews mention the flex but also how it has enough pop for modern game, so i am guessing low 60s. just a guess, though.
 
tele said:
prince japan does not release RA values(i emailed to ask). many reviews mention the flex but also how it has enough pop for modern game, so i am guessing low 60s. just a guess, though.
Click to expand...

I would be surprised if they made a drastically different RA for virtually the same racquet... however, there is a thicker beam and also the Cross Bar, which I'm certain and expect would increase the stiffness somewhat.

Would be interesting to find out... if anyone out there knows the info.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
The 97P is like a baby Gravity Pro with a more open string pattern. Personally, I would have preferred either a slightly tighter 16x19 or 16x20... or even a more open 18x20. That is where the Graphite 97 might come into play (if they ever released it from a Japan Only status). It's 16x19, slightly ticker beam, and I'm not sure on the RA... but the racquet looks good.
Click to expand...
Hmm interesting stuff. Found a Prince Phantom Graphite 97 on the bay (from Japan $38 shipping).
 
TennisHound said:
If the 93P had a 16x18 string pattern. Would be using it today. Maybe the 97p is close enough
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a slightly higher launch angle would have made it interesting, but then it was so low powered it might have messed up the balance. I have a Dunlop Biomimetic 200, the 16x19 works in the 90" head, but its also stiffer than the 93P
 
Tao69 said:
I don't imagine they would do a constant beam or a 16X19, but I get where you're going, a 97" thin box beam 16x19 is definitely a gap in the market, albeit for a very small customer base in today's market.
I think I'd prefer the matte black personally, but the glossy could work for me if they didn't do the decals in gold.
Click to expand...

The gold actually looked pretty great in person on the 97G, it just swung like a dual G / RF with the crossbar, very stable and unlike other phantoms.

The 97P is still a great frame, but I think it really needs a very specific string because of the almost rubbery feel with a poly such as PTP. BBO was my favourite in it with about 6g of lead at 12.

I want to get back to tennis with the 93P 14x18, just waiting for price drop in an overseas store. I think the 93P weight distribution is slightly better for my stroke with an injured wrist and a 1.35 multi in it would likely give enough support while I ease back in.
 
stephenclown said:
The gold actually looked pretty great in person on the 97G, it just swung like a dual G / RF with the crossbar, very stable and unlike other phantoms.

The 97P is still a great frame, but I think it really needs a very specific string because of the almost rubbery feel with a poly such as PTP. BBO was my favourite in it with about 6g of lead at 12.

I want to get back to tennis with the 93P 14x18, just waiting for price drop in an overseas store. I think the 93P weight distribution is slightly better for my stroke with an injured wrist and a 1.35 multi in it would likely give enough support while I ease back in.
Click to expand...
I'm using nat gut x monogut ZX. Love the feel.
 
stephenclown said:
The gold actually looked pretty great in person on the 97G, it just swung like a dual G / RF with the crossbar, very stable and unlike other phantoms.

The 97P is still a great frame, but I think it really needs a very specific string because of the almost rubbery feel with a poly such as PTP. BBO was my favourite in it with about 6g of lead at 12.

I want to get back to tennis with the 93P 14x18, just waiting for price drop in an overseas store. I think the 93P weight distribution is slightly better for my stroke with an injured wrist and a 1.35 multi in it would likely give enough support while I ease back in.
Click to expand...
97P is a great frame, I've gotten two of my mates onto it, they love it.
I wouldn't want to see any big changes, I think it's a great platform for customising and its definitely brings out different string characteristics. I'd like to see any new model improve on what it is, and not so much change what it is.
 
Tao69 said:
a slightly higher launch angle would have made it interesting, but then it was so low powered it might have messed up the balance. I have a Dunlop Biomimetic 200, the 16x19 works in the 90" head, but its also stiffer than the 93P
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Yeah, I could see the point. Anything would work better than 14x18 though.
 
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Tao69 said:
That was my preferred set up for a while, I moved away from it to try and save $, but never tried it in the 97P, perhaps I should. Assume you run the gut in the mains?
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Yeah gut in the mains. It depends what result you're trying to achieve. For me, it was maximum comfort so I can hit my OHBH without any concern of TE. I love the net, so this combo gives me the best touch/feel on volleys. Definitely not a baseliner setup.
 
stephenclown said:
The gold actually looked pretty great in person on the 97G, it just swung like a dual G / RF with the crossbar, very stable and unlike other phantoms.

The 97P is still a great frame, but I think it really needs a very specific string because of the almost rubbery feel with a poly such as PTP. BBO was my favourite in it with about 6g of lead at 12.

I want to get back to tennis with the 93P 14x18, just waiting for price drop in an overseas store. I think the 93P weight distribution is slightly better for my stroke with an injured wrist and a 1.35 multi in it would likely give enough support while I ease back in.
Click to expand...

Do you still have the Graphite 97?

If so, is it a keeper, or are you looking to sell?

Cheers
 
TennisHound said:
Yeah, I could see the point. Anything would work better than 14x18 though. The Pro Staff 90 was anything but harsh.
Click to expand...

I hit with @Tao69 's 14x18 briefly and was pleasantly surprised at how well it played. I don't think a 16x19 would be different enough given Prince's history of 16x18 patterns being very controlled.

The 97P is great with weight and it is a solid frame but the directness of the 93P layup is very nice. I had just purchased 2 97Ps at the time so didn't pursue it.

Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Do you still have the Graphite 97?

If so, is it a keeper, or are you looking to sell?

Cheers
Click to expand...

I actually have sold most of my frames as they have been collecting dust for a couple years. I only have my 97Ps, PS90, APDO and 93P left.

It didn't play like other phantoms I've hit, it felt thick in the hand with its 22.5-21.5 boxbeam through the upper part of the hoop. If you don't expect a phantom or a relatively soft frame it's very good, but I prefer lower twistweight frames after having spent so long using pure storm ltd (black and orange)
 
Reviews have not been kind to this one. I think everyone was thinking this was just a 93P with a 16x18 pattern and a little bigger head, but apparently it’s nothing like it. They’re all excited looking at it and then after the first couple of hits get that “Ewww, that wasn’t good” look on their face, lol

It’s been rainy constantly here in Louisiana so I haven’t been able to get out.
 
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TennisHound said:
Reviews have not been kind to this one. I think everyone was thinking this was just a 93P with a 16x18 pattern and a little bigger head, but apparently it’s nothing like it. They’re all excited looking at it and then after the first couple of hits get that “Ewww, that wasn’t good” look one their face, lol.

It’s been rainy constantly here in Louisiana so I haven’t been able to get out.
Click to expand...

My experience was totally opposite to this.

I loved the 97P... and so have others (@Richard Pioline ... and others). It's a fantastic racquet.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
My experience was totally opposite to this.

I loved the 97P... and so have others (@Richard Pioline ... and others). It's a fantastic racquet.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah! Such a good racket! I think it is exactly what it should be. A more forgiving 93P. Little more Power, easy lift and bigger sweet spot. To me, the sweet spot felt much like the GPro but with much better maneauverability due to the razor sharp beam.
I found it quite amazing how you could spin balls back and also hit flat blasters with it.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
My experience was totally opposite to this.

I loved the 97P... and so have others (@Richard Pioline ... and others). It's a fantastic racquet.
Click to expand...
You’re right! Finally got to hit with it just a little and then got rained out. But pleasantly surprised. It’s fairly light (11.8oz w/ OG and dampener), but swings very nice. It’s got a larger sweet spot than most of the reviewers mentioned. Sure, it’s a little lower powered, but is fast enough through the air that a little weight at 12 would be fine.

light
 
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Okay boys, played 3 sets of doubles (4.0 level) on very slow rubico and won all three 6-1 6-1 6-3. Man, my consistency was great. What can I say, it played great. I don’t think I missed a volley, Everything was going in. I had more success on hard flat serves than anything else. I’m not sure what all the bad reviewers were expecting, but it’s simply a sweet hitting racquet. I don’t remember if I hit any screaming winners but I just didn’t miss very often. It has more power and forgiveness than the 93P. Launch sngle was a little lower than the Blade Team and PS97 but spin was easy. The ball seems to go through the court more and drop in toward the back of the court. Just as power can be addicting, so can control. I’ve always said if the 93p came in a 16x19 or 16x18 pattern, I’d be using it. Well, now I have no excuses. I tried about 3g of weight at 12 but took it off. It seemed to play better without it.

So, is it good enough to topple my modded Blade Team? Well, it’s head and shoulders better than the Wilson PS97. I’ve got it fir about a week, but at $149 I’m probably gonna get one or two. It’s certainly worth that and possibly good enough for a switch. :)
 
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Richard Pioline said:
If anyone complains about the sweet spot being small in this, they should work on their foot work and technique. To me the sweet spot is huge.
And the feel is sublime! One of the best feeling rackets around.
Click to expand...
Its definitely a players frame, bring good technique and you are rewarded, otherwise it just keeps reminding you where your gaps are.

There's no other 97" like it on the market when it comes to the feel, it's very unique and addictive...
 
The thing I’ve noticed about thin beams is you can get a more solid feel than you can from a thicker beam like the Pro Staff 97. It may still be the same amount of graphite but lead is needed on the PS97 to get a solid feel. The 97p and the PS97 are the same weight but the 97p excels in solidity, stable, control, faster swing speed, maneuverability.
 
My demo had Tour Bite .16L (I think) maybe strung about 48lbs. It felt okay, a little mushy. Hit fir about an hour and a half against a hard hitter, heavy topspin fh and did fine. I tried my Blade Team and it was a rocket launcher so I went back to the 97p. I could’ve used a little weight up top since my ****s were landing a little short, but the weather was 94 F with about 80% humidity so I was pretty gassed after 30 minutes. Lead would’ve tired me out. Playing a match with the 97p is a lot different than just hitting. I need to play some singles with it, but will do that after I purchase one :)
 
TennisHound said:
My demo had Tour Bite .16L (I think) maybe strung about 48lbs. It felt okay, a little mushy. Hit fir about an hour and a half against a hard hitter, heavy topspin fh and did fine. I tried my Blade Team and it was a rocket launcher so I went back to the 97p. I could’ve used a little weight up top since my ****s were landing a little short, but the weather was 94 F with about 80% humidity so I was pretty gassed after 30 minutes. Lead would’ve tired me out. Playing a match with the 97p is a lot different than just hitting. I need to play some singles with it, but will do that after I purchase one :)
Click to expand...

If it was mushy, that wasn't TB 16L. And it only gets firmer the older it gets. Even 16 isn't ever mushy.
I dunno what is silver, shaped, and mushy, tho. All the ones I have used were rather firm.
I have a Gravity MP strung at 44lbs with TB 16, and it is far from mush.
 
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