Prince Phantom 97P Review / Discussion

[tele]

It's completely different. In my experience it is more like an rf97; very stable and plays thick in the hand. Not whippy or soft like the phantom 97. I preferred the twist 97 and tour 95 to the graphite 97 (I had the 315g version).

I would also like to try the graphite 93 but I am still injured and it was an exceptionally limited run.

Sad the 97P is getting discontinued but I hope they revamp the phantom lineup and reduce the amount of models as well as the taper. It would be nice to see something like 18-20mm beam and 60RA on a 95 with a stiffer throat and flexible hoop.

I have the graphite 97 (315) and also found it kind of clubby even before I added weight at 12 to get my desired swingweight. Very solid, decent pop (more than my ATS 95), and really good control, but I am going to sell because I did not gel with the way it swings, particularly on my serve (I think it is a combo of the twist weight being pretty high, the hoop shape being a bit wide/circular, and the hoop being pretty thick right at the tip). definitely not a bad racquet, though, just a little awkward through the air for me. I also found it to be very comfortable.

 

[pdparos78]

It's completely different. In my experience it is more like an rf97; very stable and plays thick in the hand. Not whippy or soft like the phantom 97. I preferred the twist 97 and tour 95 to the graphite 97 (I had the 315g version).

I would also like to try the graphite 93 but I am still injured and it was an exceptionally limited run.

Sad the 97P is getting discontinued but I hope they revamp the phantom lineup and reduce the amount of models as well as the taper. It would be nice to see something like 18-20mm beam and 60RA on a 95 with a stiffer throat and flexible hoop.

Thats actually good to know, because i've always been curious about the RF97 but if the Phantom Graphite plays similar, then that could be interesting to try against the 97p. Thanks for letting me know. Hope you get better soon with your injury.

 

[Tao69]

How do people find the 100p compared to the 97p phantom? I was looking at a bit more power and thought the 16x18 100p may play more similar to an open pattern prestige but with the prince DNA that I am keen to give a go. I love control frames but also want a bit more power and depth. Have just recently played with some textreme 100 310 tours which feel good.

The 100P the bigger moves slower through the air, so harder to get the same racquet head speed and less manoeuvrable at net. At point of contact there's not as much feel on the string bed, you lose some control and touch. Its more forgiving, but it does not play the same, I didn't find it worth the compromise.

 

[Tao69]

From a mainstream brand, being actively made right now? I'd say no. You might be able to get close with the likes of an Angell or maybe a Donnay Pro One 97 16x19, but they're still not going to feel the same, as the Angell TC's are foam-filled, K7 has kevlar in it (feels like a softer Pro Staff) and React is hollow-core but crispier, and the Donnay's are also foam-filled, although the Pro One would probably be the closest, as it would likely feel the softest. But that still doesn't account for the 97P's hoop shape (very round, frying-pan like) and string pattern (fairly open), weight and balance (solid but very head-light/whippy), so all in all, it's a tough nut to crack in terms of finding a replacement. If you're serious about committing to it for the long haul, I would go into hardcore collection mode, like a bad episode of Hoarders, while you still can!

I have the Donnay Pro One 97 Octa, it's not very similar to the 97P, it's very muted and I suspect the RA is around 55. Definitely softer than the 97P, but not comparable in terms of feel.

 

[Tao69]

Isn’t Ultra Pro close enough?

I've just switched to the UP 16M, great frame, I've often tried to change racquets and usually come back to the 97P, but I was happy enough with the UP that I gave the 97P to my mate. The 97P is an exceptional frame in terms of feel, but I found that for me and my game I was giving a lot away for the sake of that feel, I just don't have the level of game to make it work for me I realised. The UP is actually a little more arm friendly despite be a little stiffer, I'd put that down to the foam filled frame. It has more pop than the 97P and plenty of feel, the main difference is when redirecting heavy pace or coming in hot when approaching the net, the 97P was better in those situations, but otherwise I've found the UP more than matches the 97P.

 

[nintendoplayer]

For some reason the 100p felt less comfortable to me than the 97p.
And as a one handed backhand player the difference in maneuverability is quite noticeable on the OHBH between 97p and 100p.

 

[Tao69]

For some reason the 100p felt less comfortable to me than the 97p.
And as a one handed backhand player the difference in maneuverability is quite noticeable on the OHBH between 97p and 100p.

Agree totally, the 100P does not come around with OHBH, you become very limited in your ability to play the ball cross court.

 

[pdparos78]

The 100P the bigger moves slower through the air, so harder to get the same racquet head speed and less manoeuvrable at net. At point of contact there's not as much feel on the string bed, you lose some control and touch. It’s more forgiving, but it does not play the same, I didn't find it worth the compromise.

I can answer this as I own both. The 100p is good for defending and blocking heavy serves but that’s about it in terms of its advantages over the 97p. It’s definitely harder to swing around and it’s quite head heavy. I personally wouldn’t recommend it although I’ve read many players like it.

 

[gonzo666]

Unfortunately it seems to be actually discontinued now? At least TW tells me they won't restock on the 97p.

For those looking: I just posted four 97ps in the sale forum (matched, 3/8 grip -- which is out of stock on TW). I am keeping one unmatched 97p. I need more free power in my mid50s and switching to the 2019 Textreme Tour 100 310 as my main stick.

 

[pdparos78]

It's completely different. In my experience it is more like an rf97; very stable and plays thick in the hand. Not whippy or soft like the phantom 97. I preferred the twist 97 and tour 95 to the graphite 97 (I had the 315g version).

I would also like to try the graphite 93 but I am still injured and it was an exceptionally limited run.

Sad the 97P is getting discontinued but I hope they revamp the phantom lineup and reduce the amount of models as well as the taper. It would be nice to see something like 18-20mm beam and 60RA on a 95 with a stiffer throat and flexible hoop.

So I've just recieved my Phantom Graphite 97 from Japan. This is the best racket i've ever played with. It's stable, maneuvrable and powerful. Has loads of feel at the net and power at the baseline. Never hit a one handed backhand so well as I have with this racket. It came with RPM Hurricane, not sure of the tension. I modded it slightly, some tape at 12 and some weight in the handle. Much much easier to play with than the 97P. I've never played so well and consistently.

 

[stephenclown]

So I've just recieved my Phantom Graphite 97 from Japan. This is the best racket i've ever played with. It's stable, maneuvrable and powerful. Has loads of feel at the net and power at the baseline. Never hit a one handed backhand so well as I have with this racket. It came with RPM Hurricane, not sure of the tension. I modded it slightly, some tape at 12 and some weight in the handle. Much much easier to play with than the 97P. I've never played so well and consistently.

Glad it works for you. everyone has different strokes and given the issues you have with the 97P I can see why you like it. The 97G is a very stable racquet and manoeuvrable in my experience due to lowish swingweight. It is why I felt it was similarish to the RF but a bit easier to swing - very stable and great for an easy backhand. I didn't mesh with it due to my preferences and if the 97P suits, I probably wouldn't recommend the 97G.

Since I like lower twist weight, I can maintain that manoeuvrability quite easily with the 97P at 340ish sw. playing the 97G for me didn't allow that

Best of luck with your hitting

 

[pdparos78]

I have the graphite 97 (315) and also found it kind of clubby even before I added weight at 12 to get my desired swingweight. Very solid, decent pop (more than my ATS 95), and really good control, but I am going to sell because I did not gel with the way it swings, particularly on my serve (I think it is a combo of the twist weight being pretty high, the hoop shape being a bit wide/circular, and the hoop being pretty thick right at the tip). definitely not a bad racquet, though, just a little awkward through the air for me. I also found it to be very comfortable.

an interesting little update for you. I broke my strings on the phantom graphite which were babolat hurricane, and I decided to try something new Luxilon 4G hybrid with Solinco X Natural. Absolutely hated it. I also restrung my 97p with Solinco Tour Bite and Vanquish Hybrid. Absolutely LOVE my 97p again. playing some of the best Tennis of my life with this set up so I’m going to put the same in my phantom graphite and see if I still like the that frame. It’s so interesting how a new string job can make you feel so extreme. ie to love or hate the way a racket plays. What setup do you use for your 97p?

 

[tele]

an interesting little update for you. I broke my strings on the phantom graphite which were babolat hurricane, and I decided to try something new Luxilon 4G hybrid with Solinco X Natural. Absolutely hated it. I also restrung my 97p with Solinco Tour Bite and Vanquish Hybrid. Absolutely LOVE my 97p again. playing some of the best Tennis of my life with this set up so I’m going to put the same in my phantom graphite and see if I still like the that frame. It’s so interesting how a new string job can make you feel so extreme. ie to love or hate the way a racket plays. What setup do you use for your 97p?

I think you meant to reply to @stephenclown . Although I would love to hit with one at some point, I do not have a 97p.

 

[pdparos78]

Ha whoops! Yea try one they’re amazing. Tennis Warehouse Europe are practically giving them away at the moment

 

[stephenclown]

an interesting little update for you. I broke my strings on the phantom graphite which were babolat hurricane, and I decided to try something new Luxilon 4G hybrid with Solinco X Natural. Absolutely hated it. I also restrung my 97p with Solinco Tour Bite and Vanquish Hybrid. Absolutely LOVE my 97p again. playing some of the best Tennis of my life with this set up so I’m going to put the same in my phantom graphite and see if I still like the that frame. It’s so interesting how a new string job can make you feel so extreme. ie to love or hate the way a racket plays. What setup do you use for your 97p?

Hey, glad you're enjoying the 97P, I am loving it as well again after coming back from injury. It is so soft and has so much feel. I too find it best with stiff strings, it gives the control to the power on the frame. vanquish has good feedback as well?

My frame is around 355 grams and I would assume around 340-350 swing weight - about 8-10 grams of lead at 12.

My current string setup is Big Banger Original mains and Alu Power cross - it is strung around 42lbs due to lingering tightness in my wrist. I think @J011yroger has used this hybrid a lot in the past? I used BBO a lot and honestly prefer it over alu in this frame and maybe overall, it is a phenomenal string but it has horrid playability duration... The alu gives it a little bit of that alu feel but it maintains playability when it softens up quickly compared to full bed BBO.

 

[pdparos78]

Hey, glad you're enjoying the 97P, I am loving it as well again after coming back from injury. It is so soft and has so much feel. I too find it best with stiff strings, it gives the control to the power on the frame. vanquish has good feedback as well?

My frame is around 355 grams and I would assume around 340-350 swing weight - about 8-10 grams of lead at 12.

My current string setup is Big Banger Original mains and Alu Power cross - it is strung around 42lbs due to lingering tightness in my wrist. I think @J011yroger has used this hybrid a lot in the past? I used BBO a lot and honestly prefer it over alu in this frame and maybe overall, it is a phenomenal string but it has horrid playability duration... The alu gives it a little bit of that alu feel but it maintains playability when it softens up quickly compared to full bed BBO.

I ended up stringing up the Graphite 97 the same as my 97p but 1kg more tension - probably could have gone 2kg. So here's what's up. 97p (340g) is goldy at the net, great for serve and volley style play - my game breaks down a little when you need to play defensively. The Graphite 97 300g (added 2g to 12 - 4g in handle) is better for loopy baseline play (it's lighter and quicker to whip over my head for high bouncing shots). It's got more pop and less muted than the 97P. Could Prince maybe make something in between? I feel like I haven't found my holy grail racket yet. I'm loyal to Prince, but I remember demoing the Solico Whiteout 305 18 x 20 and it felt like that in between thing I was looking for. Maybe I need to demo it again.

 

[pdparos78]

Hey, glad you're enjoying the 97P, I am loving it as well again after coming back from injury. It is so soft and has so much feel. I too find it best with stiff strings, it gives the control to the power on the frame. vanquish has good feedback as well?

My frame is around 355 grams and I would assume around 340-350 swing weight - about 8-10 grams of lead at 12.

My current string setup is Big Banger Original mains and Alu Power cross - it is strung around 42lbs due to lingering tightness in my wrist. I think @J011yroger has used this hybrid a lot in the past? I used BBO a lot and honestly prefer it over alu in this frame and maybe overall, it is a phenomenal string but it has horrid playability duration... The alu gives it a little bit of that alu feel but it maintains playability when it softens up quickly compared to full bed BBO.

By the way I bought another one on sale and i'm keeping it wrapped and put away in storage until I destroy my current one, because i'm worried they're not going to conitnue this model. I hope they do, it's just a great feeling stick.

 

[pdparos78]

I’m still trying to understand the positioning of the 97P in the lineup. The 93P (18x20) is the classic model, with great stability, precision, and some plow-through power but a lot of effort to use. The 93P (14x18) adds easier access to spin and depth, so it takes a little less effort but still requires good preparation and accurate contact. The 100P gives up maneuverability vs the 93P to add even more stability and plow-through power. It sounds like the 97P tries to retain the maneuverability of the 93P models at a lower weight and more forgiving head size, but gives up the plow-through power of the other frames. In that context, the “small sweet spot” comments are surprising since you would expect it to focus on being more forgiving than the smaller models, and those are supposed to feel larger than 93” suggests.

I should mention that two frames that I DON’T like in stock form are the VCore Pro 97 (310g) and Dunlop CX200. These are both lighter versions of classic-spec frames that end up coming off as gutless because they aren’t heavy enough to plow through the ball or lively enough in the head to make up for the missing power from their heavier parents. Is the 97P in that vein?

think of it more as a flexier Gravity Pro

 

[pdparos78]

Do you still have the Graphite 97?

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

Cheers

are you looking for the 300 or 315 gram version, I’ve had a couple - I use them when i play on clay and for baseline defending which it does a lot better than the 97p (which I prefer on hard court). ps The Phantom Graphite does really well with RPM Hurricane - tried a few hybrid setups and it sucked - it likes a full bed of poly.

 

[TennisHound]

After playing with the 97P for awhile, the layup is closer to the Response 97 than to the 93p.

 

[pdparos78]

Gotta say i've really been enjoying the 97p. Found a new much higher level hitting partner and i've tweaked my forehand technique to keep my arm and wrist super loose at let the racket do the work and it's working out really well. I had to stop muscling the ball and figure out a smooth effortless way to hit and i'm succeeding slowly. It's a great stick to hit this way with, with an eastern grip.

 

[pdparos78]

Hey, glad you're enjoying the 97P, I am loving it as well again after coming back from injury. It is so soft and has so much feel. I too find it best with stiff strings, it gives the control to the power on the frame. vanquish has good feedback as well?

My frame is around 355 grams and I would assume around 340-350 swing weight - about 8-10 grams of lead at 12.

My current string setup is Big Banger Original mains and Alu Power cross - it is strung around 42lbs due to lingering tightness in my wrist. I think @J011yroger has used this hybrid a lot in the past? I used BBO a lot and honestly prefer it over alu in this frame and maybe overall, it is a phenomenal string but it has horrid playability duration... The alu gives it a little bit of that alu feel but it maintains playability when it softens up quickly compared to full bed BBO.

Hey just wondering, are you based in Australia by any chance?

 

[stephenclown]

Hey just wondering, are you based in Australia by any chance?

Yes

 

[pdparos78]

Yes

melbourne?

 

[stephenclown]

melbourne?

Yeah, just cooked my wrist again though. Started collapsing on forehands in warmup, another break from playing..

As an aside, I really hope they bring out the next set of phantoms very shortly. If they ever make another 97P I'll just stock up. I have one left but no replacement grommets is a deal breaker.

 

[Tao69]

Yeah, just cooked my wrist again though. Started collapsing on forehands in warmup, another break from playing..

As an aside, I really hope they bring out the next set of phantoms very shortly. If they ever make another 97P I'll just stock up. I have one left but no replacement grommets is a deal breaker.

Mate you left QLD!

Sorry to hear about the wrist relapse, hope it’s not too bad this time.

I did my wrist a couple of months back (ECU), don’t think it’ll ever be the same.

 

[pdparos78]

Yeah, just cooked my wrist again though. Started collapsing on forehands in warmup, another break from playing..

As an aside, I really hope they bring out the next set of phantoms very shortly. If they ever make another 97P I'll just stock up. I have one left but no replacement grommets is a deal breaker.

damn yesh at the moment I’m dealing with sesamoid -itis, mild golfers, elbow and some lower back issues which is preventing you from turning my hips substantially.this sports brutal

 

[pdparos78]

Yeah, just cooked my wrist again though. Started collapsing on forehands in warmup, another break from playing..

As an aside, I really hope they bring out the next set of phantoms very shortly. If they ever make another 97P I'll just stock up. I have one left but no replacement grommets is a deal breaker.

I actually cracked the frame in the throat from serving practice, so I’m sending mine back for replacement if they have any

 

[stephenclown]

Mate you left QLD!

Sorry to hear about the wrist relapse, hope it’s not too bad this time.

I did my wrist a couple of months back (ECU), don’t think it’ll ever be the same.

Yeah I moved down here for a job in law.

Sorry to hear about your wrist too, they are horrible injuries, and so difficult to rest due to their use in everyday life. Hopefully the ECU heals up, lots of strengthening exercises for the muscle?

The ligament I tore is clicking a bit again and lack of strength, so will be out for a while. Probably then spend a lot of time with a coach to clean up my stroke and limit the damage further.

 

[stephenclown]

I actually cracked the frame in the throat from serving practice, so I’m sending mine back for replacement if they have any

It's unfortunate that you cracked it, I usually only crack babolats haha. I've bought and sold 6 of them so far, I wish I kept more so I didn't have to look for a replacement.

Injuries everywhere, hopefully you get back to it shortly, take care of your body!

I was excited to play comp again after being out for so long too. Was starting to play better, went back to club championships then completely gone again. Better atmosphere down here for tennis and much more social.

 

[Tao69]

Yeah I moved down here for a job in law.

Sorry to hear about your wrist too, they are horrible injuries, and so difficult to rest due to their use in everyday life. Hopefully the ECU heals up, lots of strengthening exercises for the muscle?

The ligament I tore is clicking a bit again and lack of strength, so will be out for a while. Probably then spend a lot of time with a coach to clean up my stroke and limit the damage further.

Yeah, I caused the injury myself by messing around with my forehand technique, now I'm rebuilding my technique around the injury . I was off for 8 weeks doing the rehab, it's about 90% and now I wear a "wrist widget" to mitigate some of the risk; I don't think it will ever be the same.

Have you considered a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection? I looked into it, had an appointment lined up but canceled once the wrist seemed to have mended. It's expensive and you do need to make sure they follow the right protocol, but might be worth considering.

I don't have a 97P right now, but my mate has 2 and I might take one off his hands, there really is nothing like it, just doesn't help me enough...

Congrats on the job too, its been a long haul to get that law degree, well earned.

 

[stephenclown]

Yeah, I caused the injury myself by messing around with my forehand technique, now I'm rebuilding my technique around the injury . I was off for 8 weeks doing the rehab, it's about 90% and now I wear a "wrist widget" to mitigate some of the risk; I don't think it will ever be the same.

Have you considered a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection? I looked into it, had an appointment lined up but canceled once the wrist seemed to have mended. It's expensive and you do need to make sure they follow the right protocol, but might be worth considering.

I don't have a 97P right now, but my mate has 2 and I might take one off his hands, there really is nothing like it, just doesn't help me enough...

Congrats on the job too, its been a long haul to get that law degree, well earned.

Wrist widgets are good but I was relying on them a bit much, I might use it again and continue trying to remove the inflammation while building up the muscles to stabilise it.

I had looked at prp a while ago, but it is expensive haha. I think I should just focus on intensive rehab. It was close to fixed and now it's relapsed so it should be okay again if I can stabilise it properly.

The 97P is something else, it's so manoeuvrable with higher weights. Mine is 350grams, 340 swingweight now and it plays like a dream but niggling injury is a pain. I am thinking of just stocking up on some as they come onto the market. Prince frames are easy to change the pallets on if I can find a volkl distributor with some so I'm not fussed on the grip size, as long as the grommets are in good condition.

 

[asfletch]

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but the 97p seems very hard to find in Aus (I'm in Melbourne too), and I'd love to try one if anyone here is looking to move one on. Trying 93p 18x20 at the moment, but my right arm isn't as strong as it used to be and could do with a little more pop....

 

[Tao69]

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but the 97p seems very hard to find in Aus (I'm in Melbourne too), and I'd love to try one if anyone here is looking to move one on. Trying 93p 18x20 at the moment, but my right arm isn't as strong as it used to be and could do with a little more pop....

Yep, very hard to find now, I’d say most who have one appreciate its uniqueness and aren’t moving them on, me included.

I do have a mate who has 2 in G4, he might part with one, but he’s in Japan till Feb.

I’m in Brisvegas.

 

[pdparos78]

I ended up giving up on this racket 97p couple of years ago when I found that I couldn’t stand up to really strong players with it. I play with the Pro Staffs now rotating between RF, PS97 and the X. I realised I need more stiffness and stability - I had to also up my fitness and technique which all helped bring it together. The 97p is a nice racket but it has limits. (for me personally)

 

[Tao69]

I ended up giving up on this racket 97p couple of years ago when I found that I couldn’t stand up to really strong players with it. I play with the Pro Staffs now rotating between RF, PS97 and the X. I realised I need more stiffness and stability - I had to also up my fitness and technique which all helped bring it together. The 97p is a nice racket but it has limits. (for me personally)

Agree, I was fine playing with people around my level, but as soon as I was hitting with bigger hitters it was obvious I wasn't good enough to use it against very heavy pace.

 

[pdparos78]

it’s also the racket the racket can’t handle heavy pace. It’s not stiff or stable enough.

 

[Tao69]

it’s also the racket the racket can’t handle heavy pace. It’s not stiff or stable enough.

Maybe if you add weight it might be okay, but I never tried it, though I suspect others in this thread may have had success with it. In the end though it wasn't for me.

 

[pdparos78]

Maybe if you add weight it might be okay, but I never tried it, though I suspect others in this thread may have had success with it. In the end though it wasn't for me.

For me, this was even having it modded to 348g strung. Good for playing with people similar to my level (like you said above), soon as I had players pulling me left and right and suffocating me, I found that it is not a racket for baseline counterpunching at all. Great for attacking though and putting away shots at net. Right now, i'm really enjoying the RF97 - again, it has it limits for strong players pulling me left and right, but at the net, i've never played with a more precise, stable and penetrating racket.