Prince Phantom Pro and Phantom Pro100P

ashridge

Semi-Pro
So I demo'd all 4 Phantom's back in the Spring, and decided I liked the Pro 100 and the 100p the best, but I didn't like everything about either of them. So about 2 weeks ago I decided to buy one of each, and I paid extra to have TW bring the swingweight of the Pro 100 up to the same as the 100p, because one of my big complaints from demo'ing the Pro 100 is that it really lacked plowthrough and my arm got pretty tired trying to generate the heavy spin I'm used to playing with in my game. My biggest complaint about the 100p is that it felt harsh on off-center hits. I was told it improved quite a bit in that regard when strung at lower tension, so I bought one of each to experiment with. According to the specs TW sent me with the order, the SW and static weight of the Pro 100 and the 100p were identical after customizing the Pro 100 SW to match the 100p.

So, fast forward to today. If I thought that the Pro 100 and the 100p would play similar at identical SW and static weight (and same headlight balance), boy, was I wrong! Being as I have a very sensitive elbow, but also greatly benefit from full poly for my topspin groundstroke game, and because neither of these frames are high powered, I had TW string up both racquets at identical tension of 33x29 with a full bed of Volkl Cyclone 17. I've played very low tension full poly in several racquets, and based on those experiences, I was expecting major ball pocketing and major spin with the 33x29 Cyclone 17 set-up. However, that did not turn out to be the case. I was disappointed in the amount of ball pocketing feel in both racquets, and while spin was *good*, it wasn't amazing like I've experienced with some other poly strings at very low tension in other racquets. Despite the low tension, I got adequate control when I put spin on the ball, though I did sail some that I hit more or less flat. The one area where both racquets fell flat with this set-up was on serve. Despite the low tension, I couldn't get any power with the Pro 100 on 1st serves, though I was able to generate some good kick 2nd serves. I was able to get a little more power with the Pro 100 at low tension, but I didn't feel it improved much in the plowthrough and stability department. The 100p was a little better on 1st serves because of the heft, but *because* of the heft, I can't generate as much racquet head speed with the 100p as I can with the Pro 100. My first serves were more solid with the 100p, but I couldn't generate the good kick on 2nd serves like I could with the Pro 100. First serves with the 100p actually hurt my shoulder a bit. My elbow felt pretty good after an almost 2 hour match alternating between both racquets, and that was a positive development!

Since I felt both frames were lacking in the serve department with the full Cyclone set-up at 33x29, I decided to cut it out in both and re-string with a Gut/Poly hybrid. So, early this week I re-strung the Pro 100 with Babolat Tonic Ball Feel at 40 in the mains and Gosen G-Tour 3 17 (soft poly recommended to me by TW) at 25 in the crosses. I also added 4 total grams of lead at 3/9 and 2 total in the throat, which brought the static weight up to 334 grams if I remember correctly, making the Pro 100 heavier than the 100p, in both static weight and SW. I played doubles with it last night, and I don't know if it was the low tension Gut/Poly hybrid, or the added lead, but I did feel it had significantly improved plowthrough and stability when I played with it last night. The stringbed felt more muted and I think a little more comfy than the full Cyclone, and honestly I felt it had as much or more pocketing and just as good of spin. Did have a little more power and I sailed some flat balls way long, but as long as I brushed up on it good, it was very controllable. 1st serves were also much improved.

I re-strung the Pro 100p with the same Gut/Poly hybrid, but at 45/30, since the 100p has noticeably more power (to me) than the Pro 100. I did feel that the new string job improved on the jarring effect of shots outside the sweet spot that I have experienced with this racquet. When I hit it solidly in the sweet spot, it feels like a thunderbolt shooting off my racquet, but previously, hitting outside the SS was pretty harsh. It did improve with the Gut/Poly. I definitely felt it still wasn't as maneuverable for me as the Pro 100, though, even with the Pro 100 being heavier, having a higher SW, and being more head heavy with the modifications/added lead. I was getting a little more spin with the Pro 100 because it just was a little "whippier". I was definitely late on some shots with the 100p, just like I was back when I demo'd it with a full bed of multi. Still had some shoulder discomfort serving with the 100p, though elbow felt good again after playing last night, alternating between both racquets.

When making solid contact in the sweet spot on both racquets, I prefer the 100p. But from an overall playability standpoint, I currently more prefer the (customized) Pro 100. I probably should play a few matches with just the Pro 100, and with just the 100p to see what I think. Might be able to get used to the heft of the 100p.

Both racquets feel different to me on impact. With the Pro 100, I can feel more flex in the *racquet*. With the 100p, I feel the racquet flexing less but I feel more pocketing in the strings. I prefer the feel of pocketing in the strings rather than the racquet flexing, but time will tell which is more comfy on my arm. I tried a full bed of Prince Tour XP 17 poly in a Prince 03 Speedport Black (which is a stiff racquet with ports) at 37x33 and the pocketing, spin and control were all amazing, but once the mains started notching after about 2 hours of play, it was no longer comfy on my arm. I might try a similar set-up in these 2 Phantom's and see if the "comfy" life of the set-up is longer than 2 hours for my elbow, because I can't justify re-stringing that often. The ball pocketing feel of the Tonic/Gosen set-up in both racquets was ok, but nothing real noticeable.
 

ashridge

Semi-Pro
I played my first full singles match tonight with my weighted up Phantom Pro 100 with Tonic Ball Feel mains @ 40 and Gosen poly crosses @ 25. Did experience some control issues initially because of the low tension/power, but when I really made a conscious effort to strongly brush up on the ball I got the spin necessary to get control. Spin wasn't quite up to full poly level, but pretty close. This set-up feels very soft and muted, and my elbow felt pretty good during the match. Keeping my fingers crossed that I may have finally found the set-up to help my sensitive elbow. Not sure which is more responsible, but the added lead and/or the low tension Gut/Poly set-up definitely pretty much did away with the lack of plowthrough and power in this racquet when I demo'd it in stock form.
 

Kavaron

New User
Between the Phantom 100 and PhantomPro 100 which would you recommend for a solid 3.5 baseline player? Currently playing with last year's Pure Aero.
 
Just broke a string in one of my Phantom Pro's after a very intense training session. It was strung with Technifibre HDX Tour 17. This string worked really well in the Phantom Pro. It really shined as the string settled in and loosened up. Wide balls became much easier to handle with slice when placed on the defensive. Touch and power were also an added benefit. I strung the frame with 21kg (45lbs). Fantastic frame-string combination that offers great playability and comfort. I will now be testing the Phantom Pro with Technifibre Multifeel black 16.
 

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I want to add my conclusion here as well. I tried and even owned one) all the phantoms except the ported one. I had no need to try that one because my main stick is the tour 18/20. The best for me was the 93p. I decided that I wanted more head size so I did not stick with it. As far as the other two, my tours were simply better at everything for me. Not by much, but they were. I also got almost as much spin out of my tours as the others. Possibly it is the ports that allow strings to move. I KNOW i was getting more racket head speed with them which may also contribute. At the end of the day after hitting with all of them and the ttt100p, I went with the tt100p and have not looked back. It offers me more pop on my serve than any of the phantoms did (including the 93p). I am so glad I revisited this frame. I had played with it and sold two of them because of the slightly wider beam. I decided to really give this stick a chance and weighted it up to my heavy headlight specs and It gives me a little more of everything than the tours do. Not by much mind you and if my arm ever decides to creep up, I can play the tours easily. I would LOVE a playsite contraption to see how much more pop I am really getting. Maybe it's pretty close. Prince is making some of the best sticks on the market today in my opinion. My tt100p weigh 12.3 and are probably around 10 11 pts headlight. Very fast though the air and they help my serve. So far, even with a hybrid, arm is silent.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Between the Phantom 100 and PhantomPro 100 which would you recommend for a solid 3.5 baseline player? Currently playing with last year's Pure Aero.

Phantom 100's are all flexible player's frames. They will play very differently. The ported 100 will be most comfortable. The Pro 100 will be the best all rounder for comfort, performance and stability. The Pro 100P will be not far behind. The 93P will have the best feel and precision of them all and is my personal favorite racket.

I think all the frames work better as all court player's frames than baseline bashing frames. They are relatively underpowered compared to the Babolat Pure Aero and take some adjustment in playstyle to get the best from them. But if you want a plush racket you can't go wrong with any of them.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
I want to add my conclusion here as well. I tried and even owned one) all the phantoms except the ported one. I had no need to try that one because my main stick is the tour 18/20. The best for me was the 93p. I decided that I wanted more head size so I did not stick with it. As far as the other two, my tours were simply better at everything for me. Not by much, but they were. I also got almost as much spin out of my tours as the others. Possibly it is the ports that allow strings to move. I KNOW i was getting more racket head speed with them which may also contribute. At the end of the day after hitting with all of them and the ttt100p, I went with the tt100p and have not looked back. It offers me more pop on my serve than any of the phantoms did (including the 93p). I am so glad I revisited this frame. I had played with it and sold two of them because of the slightly wider beam. I decided to really give this stick a chance and weighted it up to my heavy headlight specs and It gives me a little more of everything than the tours do. Not by much mind you and if my arm ever decides to creep up, I can play the tours easily. I would LOVE a playsite contraption to see how much more pop I am really getting. Maybe it's pretty close. Prince is making some of the best sticks on the market today in my opinion. My tt100p weigh 12.3 and are probably around 10 11 pts headlight. Very fast though the air and they help my serve. So far, even with a hybrid, arm is silent.
I experienced some serious wrist pain with the TT100P after 4-5 sessions and Although i like it a lot i sold it, maybe it wasnt the racket because its flexible Who knows but i was puting more effort for heavy spin compare with my tour 100 16/18 and the DR98 and maybe my wrist did not like that or maybe it was meant to be that period
 

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
You never know. So far I have not had any trouble with my arm and I honestly thought I might because my arm seems to be very sensitive. I am sure that 18/16 spins lika a monster, I had an 18/16 (PCG 100) and could not keep strings in it. I don't use poly so I went to a closer pattern and have not looked back. I am using isospeed cream in the crosses and velocity in the mains in all my sticks now and I get along great with it. If my arm starts to bother me I will just go back to the tours. I hope it doesn't because I think I am getting a bit more pop on my serve and that is what I was after.I wish I had one of those play site things to tell if my serve was actually faster...it feels like it is and seems to be getting on my opponents a little bit quicker. I got no help from the larger phantoms really. The 93p served great.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
You never know. So far I have not had any trouble with my arm and I honestly thought I might because my arm seems to be very sensitive. I am sure that 18/16 spins lika a monster, I had an 18/16 (PCG 100) and could not keep strings in it. I don't use poly so I went to a closer pattern and have not looked back. I am using isospeed cream in the crosses and velocity in the mains in all my sticks now and I get along great with it. If my arm starts to bother me I will just go back to the tours. I hope it doesn't because I think I am getting a bit more pop on my serve and that is what I was after.I wish I had one of those play site things to tell if my serve was actually faster...it feels like it is and seems to be getting on my opponents a little bit quicker. I got no help from the larger phantoms really. The 93p served great.
From my experience the tt100p serves great, the tours with ports are nowhere near at power especially on serves
 

ashridge

Semi-Pro
I played my first full singles match tonight with my weighted up Phantom Pro 100 with Tonic Ball Feel mains @ 40 and Gosen poly crosses @ 25. Did experience some control issues initially because of the low tension/power, but when I really made a conscious effort to strongly brush up on the ball I got the spin necessary to get control. Spin wasn't quite up to full poly level, but pretty close. This set-up feels very soft and muted, and my elbow felt pretty good during the match. Keeping my fingers crossed that I may have finally found the set-up to help my sensitive elbow. Not sure which is more responsible, but the added lead and/or the low tension Gut/Poly set-up definitely pretty much did away with the lack of plowthrough and power in this racquet when I demo'd it in stock form.

So last week I played my first full singles match with my new Phantom Pro 100. This week I played my first full singles match with the Phantom Pro 100p strung with Tonic Ball Feel NG mains @ 45 and Gosen G-Tour 3 17 poly crosses @ 30 In a nutshell, I loved it. Had very good plow and pretty good stability. Spin was very good. The heft is still going to take a bit of getting used to for me, I was behind on several 1-handed backhands. Groundstrokes from both wings felt great, backhand slices were blissful. There is still a little bit of jarring feel when hitting outside the sweet spot. I'm a little loathe to put lead in the hoop and make it even heftier, but I think I'm going to try it and see what it does when I play with it again next week. If I had to choose right now, after just 1 full singles match with both the Pro 100 (leaded up a lot) and the Pro 100p, pretty sure it would have to be the 100p for me. I don't have to choose right now, though, so I'm going to continue to give them both a good workout over the next month or two.

I don't want to go talking crazy, but I think of all the racquets I've demo'd in the last year, the only one I thought had more solid plow than the Pro 100p in stock form was the Wilson RF97A.
 

Romp

New User
Had a racquet trial today with the p100p along side a Beast 98 and Yonex Vcore 98.

Current racquet is pure strike 98 (white) and have previously had RF97, angell tc95 16x19 63ra and a six.one95 18x16

Initial thoughts
- p100p initially was my least preferred stick as the ball was flying on me. After 5 mins and getting my timing this quickly changed and became my preferred stick
- beast 98 was great when hitting cleanly but had a random response offcentre ... again player issue but wasn’t as predictable
- vcore felt crisper and lighter than the princes and less stable. Everything I hit with it was OK but not much to talk about. Keen to try the vcore 95 however.

P100p became my preferred due to the Plow and stability when hitting. Having read the reviews I didn’t find that my serve suffered at all with the p100p, and if anything my kick and slice were even more pronounced vs my strike.

I was developing arm pain with the strike and had nothing but plush comfort with the 100p.

I had some initial issues dialling in my forehand as I was expecting a higher launch angle from this string pattern and surprisingly the launch angle was probably less pronounced than on my strikes.

Returns were better and my volleys nice and solid.

Question for others ... do you find the grip size is a tad small on prince vs Babolat? The tester is 4 3/8 however I reckon I’d need a 4 1/2 on this
 

tata

Hall of Fame
I think their base grip compresses down quite quickly. Babolat generally have thicker grips too so it's nothing on the actual handle but the grips differ.
 

tennisBIEST

Professional
I’m going to have a second go around with the Prince Phantom Pro 100 after playing and loving it back in the beginning of the year. I sold it and now I’m missing that skinny, flexy, buttery feel! More to come....
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
Had a racquet trial today with the p100p along side a Beast 98 and Yonex Vcore 98.

Current racquet is pure strike 98 (white) and have previously had RF97, angell tc95 16x19 63ra and a six.one95 18x16

Initial thoughts
- p100p initially was my least preferred stick as the ball was flying on me. After 5 mins and getting my timing this quickly changed and became my preferred stick
- beast 98 was great when hitting cleanly but had a random response offcentre ... again player issue but wasn’t as predictable
- vcore felt crisper and lighter than the princes and less stable. Everything I hit with it was OK but not much to talk about. Keen to try the vcore 95 however.

P100p became my preferred due to the Plow and stability when hitting. Having read the reviews I didn’t find that my serve suffered at all with the p100p, and if anything my kick and slice were even more pronounced vs my strike.

I was developing arm pain with the strike and had nothing but plush comfort with the 100p.

I had some initial issues dialling in my forehand as I was expecting a higher launch angle from this string pattern and surprisingly the launch angle was probably less pronounced than on my strikes.

Returns were better and my volleys nice and solid.

Question for others ... do you find the grip size is a tad small on prince vs Babolat? The tester is 4 3/8 however I reckon I’d need a 4 1/2 on this
I always replace the standard grip of prince rackets to a thicker one 1.9mm or 2.00 because i feel the same
 

pmata814

Professional
I have a Phantom Pro 100 arriving tomorrow from TW and I plan to string it with Head Velocity 17 ga. I am switching from the Graphene Touch Speed MP in hopes that the PP100 will help with my tennis elbow discomfort. What tension do ya'll suggest? I was playing my speed mp's at 53 lbs but they are very different racquets.
 

B Cubed

Semi-Pro
I've been going off and on, mainly on, between my PP100P and my old school Tours 18x20. As I've posted in previous comments, this has been the Phantom that I prefer.

One thing I keep noticing is the power. With a full swing I have no problem crushing the ball like I could with my PCG 107. I usually have a full bed of Multis or Syn Gut in it at around low 50's. I notice through the T-Dub learning site, that it does rank up there in power potential. I played with the TT100P for a while, which I also REALLY like and feel is a work horse racket - no thrills but executes well from everywhere. I feel like the PP100P slightly outhits it.

I've gone back in forth as mentioned with the Tours, and for a long while I was beholden to my PCG 100. But as I realize I'm not getting any younger, I also feel like those rackets are a step back in power. This is all to say that I think I'm finally making the full transition.

Side note: one thing I also appreciate about all of the Phantoms is that with the string spacing, you can easily switch between different gauge strings easily. If I want a solid bite, a 17 gauge has the spin and the control. If I want to flatten out my strokes, a 15L works well without sacrificing power.
 

pmata814

Professional
I strung up my new PP100 last night and it weighed in at 11.0 oz and 7pts HL. That seems really low to me. Even after adding overgrip and dampner it’s only 11.2 and 8pts HL. What did does yours weigh?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I have a Phantom Pro 100 arriving tomorrow from TW and I plan to string it with Head Velocity 17 ga. I am switching from the Graphene Touch Speed MP in hopes that the PP100 will help with my tennis elbow discomfort. What tension do ya'll suggest? I was playing my speed mp's at 53 lbs but they are very different racquets.

50-52.
 

tennisBIEST

Professional
I strung up my new PP100 last night and it weighed in at 11.0 oz and 7pts HL. That seems really low to me. Even after adding overgrip and dampner it’s only 11.2 and 8pts HL. What did does yours weigh?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My PP100 arrived yesterday and strung up Tour Bite 18g with O ring dampener and Tourna Grip came in at 319 grams and 6 pts HL. My unofficial SW guesstimate says it’s around 320.
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
I need some advise, used to play the tour 100 16/18 with ports, tommorow i will test the PP100, any sugestion about string tension? Should i go the same tension as the tour 100 or lower?
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
My PP100 arrived yesterday and strung up Tour Bite 18g with O ring dampener and Tourna Grip came in at 319 grams and 6 pts HL. My unofficial SW guesstimate says it’s around 320.
Usually Prince racquets Come under specs, PP100 came around 302gr unstrung and 33.0 balance strung with overgrip, replaced the resi pro grip with head hydrosorb pro, tourna tac xl overgrip, 3gr foam inside the handle, 2 gr protected tape along the bumper, 3 gr dampener and now the specs with poly are, 328gr, 32,04 balance and probably around 325sw
 

Romp

New User
My pp100p string with 17g cyclone and a Wilson og and dampener was 328g strung

My pure strikes were weighted up to 348g strung

So I’ve added weight to 12 and the throat (now 334g) and I’ll leather grip it and fine tune the balance
 

PBODY99

Legend
Just finished up my demo of the 93P, strung with green poly.
This drilling is what the Prince Mid needed when the 14 Main frame became know as a string eater, in those pre-poly days, over 30 years ago.
I have a a Pro 100 which for my old man game is better than the Phantom Pro 100.
However since I am a portaholic, a pair of Phantom 100, stay in my bag for easy days.
 
I just put Hyper G 17g in one of my 100Ps at 45 lbs. and it plays really well. Easy topspin, a lot of depth, etc.

I'm not yet sure I'll make this my go-to over Cyclone Tour 16 but I'm liking it.
 

DanS

Semi-Pro
I'd say the standard phantom 100 with the ports will trump the pro 100. Pro Kennex frames also worth looking into. Haven't hit them before but also well known for being kind to the arm.
I tried one of the new Pro Kennex tour 300 models and wasn't impressed at all. It felt stiffer the way Volkl has been going instead of buttery like the Phantoms.
 

kenyee

Semi-Pro
I tried one of the new Pro Kennex tour 300 models and wasn't impressed at all. It felt stiffer the way Volkl has been going

No doubt about that...they did that ever since the PK5G series IMHO. The PK7G isn't bad, but it's still a little less arm friendly than the PK5G.
I've tried a few since and have had the same feelings about stiffness...
The Tour 325 Q+ Tour isn't bad too, but still more stiff.
 

DanS

Semi-Pro
Just finished up my demo of the 93P, strung with green poly.
This drilling is what the Prince Mid needed when the 14 Main frame became know as a string eater, in those pre-poly days, over 30 years ago.
I have a a Pro 100 which for my old man game is better than the Phantom Pro 100.
However since I am a portaholic, a pair of Phantom 100, stay in my bag for easy days.
I think you probably posted this in the wrong forum by mistake, but back in the 80's when I was playing for my high school I used a Prince Spectrum Comp 90 with the 14x16 string pattern. I ended up switching from straight syn gut to Prince ProBlend which had Keclar mains and syngut crosses. I used to string it @48. It was the only way I could go more than 5 hours without breaking a string!
 

PBODY99

Legend
@DanS
No I wanted this comment in this thread. I just want to chime in on the string patern as I have several 100 & a 100P. The 93P is rather demanding for my game.
 
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tennis347

Hall of Fame
No doubt about that...they did that ever since the PK5G series IMHO. The PK7G isn't bad, but it's still a little less arm friendly than the PK5G.
I've tried a few since and have had the same feelings about stiffness...
The Tour 325 Q+ Tour isn't bad too, but still more stiff.

I find that the PK 7G has better stability and a higher swing weight and handles a heavier ball much better than the 5G. They are both great racquets, however I find that the 7G has a better feel and sweet spot.
 

topspinlob

Rookie
it looks like the original pallet with no shaving done..another note the feel is so buttery on the racket.. added some tungsten @ 3 & 9 to get more plowthrough

The grip size I use is L2 4-1/4". I was a tennis center pro shop and I tried gripping 100P with the resipro grip and it felt more rectangular that round.. guess it depends on the grip size...

i love this racket..it's really buttery...it swings quicker than the EXO3 Graphite 100's I have been playing with but has the plowthru and spin...right now I am using Signum Pro Firestorm 16 at 52 lbs. I wanted to use a soft poly with some pop which this string has..might string it next time at 54lbs with this string..

This racket kinda reminds me of the Prince Power Pro 110 which I used in HS. That racket was made of graphite and fiberglass and was real flexy..
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Does anybody else think the 100s need more stock mass (like 320-325) to be truly effective?

I like so many things about them, but given the low flex and thin beam, I was craving more weight, particularly in the throat and lower hoop area.

Would that even be possible given the tapered beam?
 

tata

Hall of Fame
I think most of us have added lead to the hoop middle to upper hoop instead. You may like the tt95 more but in a smaller head and slightly thicker beam.
 

tata

Hall of Fame
On a different note has anyone placed weight at 3 and 9 and felt it has stiffened the frame up? I've placed 2 TW tungsten strips on the frame with 1 full strip on each side on opposite string planes. Didn't quite feel like the sweet spot opened up and felt more stiff. Now I'm going to cut the strips in half and do it the conventional way to see if a more localised point of weight will make a difference.
 

GEGD

New User
Good Morning!!! Consultation for those who have the Prince Phantom PRO 100 ...
Someone else broke the grommets, I saw at least 2 people that happened ...
I want to buy 2 rackets of these in Argentina ... but if I get to break the grommets I doubt I can get them new ... And unless the house that sells them to me takes over the problem ...

Thank you very much already!!!
 
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