Prince Phantom

Played my new Phantom for the first time last night. After 15-20 minutes the grip peeled off at the butt cap. Wtf.


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Had the same thing happen to me. Slid it back on the best I could and placed an over grip on it. Not that big of deal for me, but others may be turned off. @TW Staff may want to let Prince know of this issue.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
I went back to playing with my Pure Strike for a bit, and have then ventured to the new EZONE 100. I actually thought I'd settled on the EZONE 100 and have a number arriving on Monday to be customised. Anyway, played a fun tournament match last night and my wife was using the test EZONE 100, so I was using my Pure Strike. I was hitting everything just a bit long and could not find my targets like I've normally been able to easily do with the Strike previously.

Anyway the Phantom always has a place in my bag so it came out again last night. That is a special frame. The lower powered response gave me the depth and margin on all my shots. Slice and kick serves were working well and causing the receiver all kinds of problems. I even managed to pull out a couple of surprise flat serves, which I really struggle with on the Phantom. Returns of serve and groundstrokes are always awesome with the Phantom, and touch and feel around the net exceptional, I was just playing with people last night with the control.

My current spec is 343 grams, 316 mm balance (8HL) and 335 SW, strung with Volkl Cyclone @ 48 lb. Played total of two hours last night and my arm and shoulder don't feel like they've done anything at all.

I've spent the money on the EZONE 100 so I'm definitely going to proceed with that plan. But if it doesn't work out then I'll almost certainly just buy a bunch of Phantoms and call it a day.
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
Today I was not happy with the racquet speed I was getting on my topspin forehand so I took off the lead tape at 3 and 9 o'clock of the Phantom and only left a total of 3 grams running from 11 and 1 o'clock. I added 6 grams to the lower handle of the racquet and came up with a static weight of 349g and h/l balance of 31.5cm or not quite 9 pts h/l. I"m used to playing with the RF Autograph at 9 pts h/l so matching the same h/l balance of the Phantom really made a huge difference today. Suddenly, all my shots were more powerful and accurate. The racquet became much easier to maneuver too. Also, even though I took off weight from the hoop the stability did not seem to be effected. I think the stability is decent because it has a nice SW to the racquet. The flex is what makes it feel a little unstable but I think it's more psychological. The important thing I have learned is that for my game I really enjoy having a head light frame that I can generate a lot of racquet speed while brushing up on the ball. All in all, another good day with the Phantom.
 

BillKid

Hall of Fame
Hey Phantom users,
What is your opinion about the "upgraded paint"? Is it more resistant than the usually less than average Prince paint?
 
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dgoran

Hall of Fame
What do you guys mean grip peeled. Little concerned now maybe second TW batch has issues? Any photos...
I have 0 issues with quality on mine but my was Canadian import
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Hey Phantom users,
What is your opinion about the "upgraded paint"? Is it more resistant than the less than average Prince paint?

I'm interested in this also. My early model suffered a pretty decent size pain chip and I have no idea how/when it happened. I'm pretty gently on equipment and none of my other rackets have ever had that happen. I also notice that because the bumper is so short there is rash on the frame as well from taking those low balls. I think it might just be one of those frame that ends up looking beaten up.

What do you guys mean grip peeled. Little concerned now maybe second TW batch has issues? Any photos...
I have 0 issues with quality on mine but my was Canadian import

Mine is from a Canadian reseller also and I've had no issues with the grip either. I took it off and tried out a Prince Calfskin grip. I recall that it might not have been stapled from factory like a lot of other manufacturers (don't recall 100%).
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
I bought mine from the Tennis Warehouse and have zero quality issues with paint or the grip.

I find it's a quality racquet and pretty darn good lookin' too:)
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Just got mine today. Looking forward to taking it out for a spin. Have been having way too many arm issues with my standard array of Wilson Blades and Babolat Pure Drives. Finally said, "Screw it, I'm getting an arm friendly racket and using it until my arm feels better." So hopefully this will be the racket for me. I have a Prince Tour 100T which had been my previous go to racket for arm friendliness, but I'm not a fan of it's stability. The Phantom seems to have a bit more SW to it which I like in a racket.

For those with the racket and using multis, what tension are you using? I normally run 17 gauge multis at about 58lbs, but I went down to 55 for this racket as I heard it's a bit more low powered than some rackets. Wonder if even going lower is better.
 
Just got mine today. Looking forward to taking it out for a spin. Have been having way too many arm issues with my standard array of Wilson Blades and Babolat Pure Drives. Finally said, "Screw it, I'm getting an arm friendly racket and using it until my arm feels better." So hopefully this will be the racket for me. I have a Prince Tour 100T which had been my previous go to racket for arm friendliness, but I'm not a fan of it's stability. The Phantom seems to have a bit more SW to it which I like in a racket.

For those with the racket and using multis, what tension are you using? I normally run 17 gauge multis at about 58lbs, but I went down to 55 for this racket as I heard it's a bit more low powered than some rackets. Wonder if even going lower is better.

I set mine at 48 with Prince Premier Power
 

DANMAN

Professional
I have now hit twice with my new Phantom. My first observations:

1. It does not feel as flexible as stated to me. I don't feel a significant amount of flex when making contact with the call. It is very comfortable but to my liking does not have any wet noodle feel.

2. It is more powerful than I expected but it is a low powered frame. I hit it side by side with my Strike 16x19 PO7 and it is less powerful. My strike was strung with Klip gut mains and ISOspeed baseline crosses. That being said, I've hit my Strike plenty of times with full poly and it's definitely more powerful than the phantom. I'd say there is a 20% difference in inherent power. The difference I found, however, is that the phantom has much better control and I can swing harder confidently which leads to about a 5-10% difference in actual in play pace.

3. It is quite spin friendly. My crosscourt angles are way better than they are with the strike. Better net clearance and dip. It allows for heavy deep rally balls but if you come up not swinging it will leave balls short in the court.

4. It is a nice volleying frame. Very solid. Nothing spectacular. I like the flick I get with high backhands/backhand overheads.

5. Slice serves are great. I've hit lots of deuce court aces wide (right handed) and slice serves up the t on the ad side for aces. This serve is opened up by my big kick serve out wide on the ad and up the T on the deuce side. I did not think my kick serve was better with this than the strike. I need to serve more to see how this changes. I am just after an 8 week layoff from a minor surgery and am not as loose in the shoulder as I will be in a week or two hitting again so the kick comparison will be more fair then. I have not dialed in the flat serve. It is less powerful than the strike on flat serves but I'm not having tons of issues hitting it hard. I'm just not landing them well yet. This pertains mostly to the flat serve up the T on both sides. We will see how this shakes out as I serve more.

6. Returns. It is quick and stable. I like it returning. This is the hardest part to get timing back after not playing. I will report back as I play more. Balls that sit (slower kicks) are easy to handle with this frame. Blocking serves back is tougher.

7. Slice. I hit some nasty slices with this frame but also have floated some. Lack of play and getting used to a different frame are playing a role. I see the potential here for sure.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
My Phantom is currently strung @ 53 with Tecnifibre Razor Code 17. I'd like to try for a bit more power but I don't want to turn it into a trampoline. Should a I try again with a firm poly but much lower tension, or should I go hybrid or even full multi and maybe around the same tension?

I played with my friend's TT Tour 95 last night strung in the mid 40's and it was really nice. Maybe another frame I should consider? Anyway, it had some decent pop but still felt well controlled ... but that's a 95 head. I'm afraid a 100 will turn into a slingshot if strung that low.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
A friend I play with is all in on POG. I have hit his a few times on his insistence (and I have one in the collection). I never really groved with the POG but I love the Phantom!
 

Seth

Legend
Anyone hit both the Phantom and the POG 107?

I have. Nothing matches POG stability, that's for sure. However the Phantom is plenty stable itself.

POG has way more power, but I was able to move between the two easily. Phantom serves better IMO. Especially on flat serves.
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
Logged about 6 hours of hitting this weekend with the prince phantom, mostly doubles but squeezed in a singles with a hard hitter.
First of all, no issues with bad quality, grips, out of specs, e.t.c it was all perfect. The built quality is really nice and makes other frames in my bag feel cheap and plastic. (Except for Angell)
The paint quality is good so far, haven't had too many scrapers, but some knocks and so far so good with the short grommets.

I won't repeat what others have said, but this frame is a gem, and even if it doesn't end up being my main frame it will hold a place in my bag.
My experience is that it isn't low powered at all! I have it strung with Ytex Square X @ 51lbs and it is very nice and stable.
Flat hitting or flattening out isn't an issue at all.
Flat serves down the T - easy. Surprisingly had more trouble with slicers out wide, but it will come. It took me time also with the Textreme 100T pro stock also.
Kick serves are beautiful, they just shoot off the court.
Volleying, finesse shots, flicks, drop shots, all easy and a pleasure. Slice is penetrating with spin, not as linear and sharp as tc97 18x20 but still a delight.
Spin, plenty of it. The pattern and head shape with the right technique just amplifies it.
Very solid returns racquet, just absorbs the pace well and you can take serves early with success ala Kyrgios and Murray
Grip sizing is always the same for me with prince 4 3/8 feels just a touch too small, not by much though. All grips compress over time (made this mistake with Babolats always bought size 2)

Prince have done a great job with this, and also TW with their influence over paint issues...
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
OK Took my new Phantom out for a spin this morning hitting with my wife. Strung up with Head Velocity at 55. My first reactions:

1) Wow, coming from a world of PD's and Blades, this thing is soft as butter. Even compared to my Extreme Tour 100T, this thing is like hitting with a pillow.
2) Despite that pillowy soft feeling, this thing actually performs admirably. I could get good depth and court penetration and enough spin to swing out and have the ball dive in.
3) Groundstrokes were the best part of this racket. Easy access to spin, excellent control to the corners, felt appropriately powered to my swing.
4) Serves started off poorly but I was dialled in by the end of the session. Largely technique issues rather than the racquet. Flat serves are less crisp than my Blades or PDs but just as accurate. Spin serves are only equalled by my PD+ but way more comfy on my arm. Topspin kicks high off the court, slices move sideways nicely. I could easily see my self moving away from flats to a mix of slices and topspin to throw opponents off.
5) Returns were quite stable. Despite its softness the racquet does have a decent SW and holds up at least to my wife's slower serve. I'll need to try it out against the guys tonite in doubles to see if it handles the faster serves.
6) Negatives: handle is a bit too short for my 2HBH, had some difficulty with touch volleys and drop shots as the string bed is so muted its hard to get that precise feel

I left the court with a single thought: "Why aren't all racquets made like this?" I can't imagine ever developing TE issues if I'd used a racquet like this from the beginning. I was worried I'd be sacrificing substantial performance going to a flexy frame like this, but performance held up amazingly well and I'm not even going to be tempted to go back to the old PD's and Blades in my collection. Good job Prince. Despite your money issues you still are pushing the industry with technology that works for real recreational players. Too bad people get so caught up in the marketing ploys of the big boys.
 

alter mann

New User
Anyone hit both the Phantom and the POG 107?

Yes, you can feel the Phantom move through the air very easy, the POG OS is not this manouvrable. Phantom is more cushioned, POG is more stable e.g. at returns + has lots of more power. I did not switch to the Phantom yet, because its to close to my Tour 100 16x18. (+ love playing POG OS with a poly at DT40)
..... and its currently not available in germany because of the hype around this racquet.
 

tata

Hall of Fame
How does this compare to the ozone tour? I imagine it to be similar but the ozone being slightly stiffer at 60 RA.
 

PSC85

Semi-Pro
How does this compare to the ozone tour? I imagine it to be similar but the ozone being slightly stiffer at 60 RA.

I prefer the Ozone tour after having hit with the phantom. There's more torsional stability with Ozone tour. I may add lead from 10-2 and see how that works out, but it seems the bumper is shorter in comparison and covering only from roughly 11-1 position
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
I prefer the Ozone tour after having hit with the phantom. There's more torsional stability with Ozone tour. I may add lead from 10-2 and see how that works out, but it seems the bumper is shorter in comparison and covering only from roughly 11-1 position
I have also owned the Ozone Tour and seem to like the Phantom a little better as I'm able to flatten out on my shots better. I urge you to add just a little more weight to the top of the hoop. I only added 1 gram of lead running from 11 to 1 position on each side (total of only 2 grams) and it made a huge difference for me as the racquet felt very stable and groundstrokes felt real clean and solid. I also added about 6 grams to the handle with increased SW up in the 340 range but also made it around 8 pt h/l.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
I agree entirely. The flex to me feels pretty perfect, and uniform across the frame. It doesn't feel like the flex is all coming from the thin beam cross section in the throat.

I wanted to see if you or anyone else's opinions have changed regarding the Phantom's flex. @skuludo wrote that the Phantom flexed at the throat and wasn't uniform across the entire frame like the Wilson Ultra Tour.

I haven't hit with the Phantom yet, but I just assumed flex came from the thin hoop and low mass having the all the ports. If there's no hoop flex then it must be pretty stiff there and the 56RA comes from the throat, which I like.

I'm not crazy about ported frames or very open string patterns (100" 16x18), but I'll give it a try. I think the TT 100P is too dense and I'm eyeing the Phantom Pro's 100" 16x19 specs. The Pro's flex rating is elusive even though it's been out in Japan for a year already.
 
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Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
I prefer the Ozone tour after having hit with the phantom. There's more torsional stability with Ozone tour. I may add lead from 10-2 and see how that works out, but it seems the bumper is shorter in comparison and covering only from roughly 11-1 position

That's interesting because Textreme is supposed to increase torsional stability by allowing the frame to bend back, but resist twisting. Perhaps the Phantom's 56RA even with Textreme can't make up for the extra stability from the Ozone Tour's stiffer 60RA.
 
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Bartelby

Bionic Poster
The early ones had Titanium, Tungsten, and Carbon in the 11 and 1 position so that may have added extra stiffness to the upper hoop.
 

Dgdavid

Professional
[QUOTE="Tordne, post: 11632389, member: 743066"I've spent the money on the EZONE 100 so I'm definitely going to proceed with that plan. But if it doesn't work out then I'll almost certainly just buy a bunch of Phantoms and call it a day.[/QUOTE]

Hi Tordne,

If you hadn't already shelled out on six Ezones, would you still do so given your Phantom experience or would you be inclined to go Phantom?
 

pennc94

Professional
Anybody know the bare hairpin dimensions? I'm assuming it has a molded handle. I'd like to install my own pallets.


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haqq777

Legend
Regarding stiffness, for me and a few others as well, the flex was in the hoop and not uniform at all, say like the Angell Custom TC100. I gave feedback (along with pretty pics) way back on page 13 when Phantom was first released early this year. I own two more of these now. I really like them. IMHO it is a legit sub 60 RA racquet (TW has the RA at 56 I think - and I don't doubt that) which is very comfortable. Just needs a little bit of weight.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Played a few sets of men's doubles last night with the Phantom. Second reactions:

1) Really nice crisp drive volleys. Could direct them nicely.
2) Racquet is maneuverable enough for several key reflex volleys last night. Far better than my Blade 104 and PD+ but probably not as easy to maneuvre as my old AP Team.
3) Held up reasonably well to strong serves. A few more miss hits than I'm used to with my Blade 104 but not a dramatic difference. Sweetspot returns felt firm and pleasantly muted.
4) Touch volleys still not quite as good as I'd like but not surprising in a 16x18 stringbed. Always prefer 18x20 for the touch shots. But I prefer 16x18 for baseline shots, so what's a man to do?
4) Serves were again hit and miss. Mostly a technique and timing thing as I'm used to extended length higher SW frames. Will continue to work on those but since I'm recovering from a squash arm injury, I'm having to keep myself on a pitch count serving.
5) Overall I think it shines a bit more as a singles frame but is a good frame for doubles play. Bit of an all rounder as it's not best in class for any particular shot but doesn't do anything poorly.
 

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
Played a few sets of men's doubles last night with the Phantom. Second reactions:

1) Really nice crisp drive volleys. Could direct them nicely.
2) Racquet is maneuverable enough for several key reflex volleys last night. Far better than my Blade 104 and PD+ but probably not as easy to maneuvre as my old AP Team.
3) Held up reasonably well to strong serves. A few more miss hits than I'm used to with my Blade 104 but not a dramatic difference. Sweetspot returns felt firm and pleasantly muted.
4) Touch volleys still not quite as good as I'd like but not surprising in a 16x18 stringbed. Always prefer 18x20 for the touch shots. But I prefer 16x18 for baseline shots, so what's a man to do?
4) Serves were again hit and miss. Mostly a technique and timing thing as I'm used to extended length higher SW frames. Will continue to work on those but since I'm recovering from a squash arm injury, I'm having to keep myself on a pitch count serving.
5) Overall I think it shines a bit more as a singles frame but is a good frame for doubles play. Bit of an all rounder as it's not best in class for any particular shot but doesn't do anything poorly.

Dang more manuverable than blade 104? Blade 104 has a low SW and static weight and seems very maneuverable to me, is yours a SW autograph?
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Dang more manuverable than blade 104? Blade 104 has a low SW and static weight and seems very maneuverable to me, is yours a SW autograph?

yes its the SW autograph. Much higher SW on that model. Should have specified. Beautiful RoS racket and awesome on 2HBH, but just a bit harsh on my injured arm.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
I've spent the money on the EZONE 100 so I'm definitely going to proceed with that plan. But if it doesn't work out then I'll almost certainly just buy a bunch of Phantoms and call it a day.

Hi Tordne,

If you hadn't already shelled out on six Ezones, would you still do so given your Phantom experience or would you be inclined to go Phantom?

I bought a test EZONE before going all in. Had the first outing with the new EZONE yesterday and it was underwhelming. To early to call it, especially with the investment. Non the less I have a Tecnifibre TFight 315DC LTD arriving next week to try and also the Phantom as an option. I'm not sure if others feel this or not. When I pick up a racket I get a sense of if I'm going to like it or not. The best way I can describe it is for those who have seen Harry Potter and remember the quote "The wand chooses the wizard". I had no connection to the EZONE yesterday, yet always feel when I have the Phantom in hand.

I love almost everything about the Phantom. There are just a couple of hesitations:
1) I had one prior to the paint change. It suffered a massive paint chip brought about by nothing. Also given the short grommets I 'm seeing rash on the frame from play. So I have a concern about the racket just getting excessively beaten up through normal play.
2) Where Prince is at right now. They're active in Japan but I have a concern about them fading into obscurity. That would make grommets and new stock harder to come by. I really hope this doesn't happen, but a concern.
 

PSC85

Semi-Pro
That's interesting because Textreme is supposed to increase torsional stability by allowing the frame to bend back, but resist twisting. Perhaps the Phantom's 56RA even with Textreme can't make up for the extra stability from the Ozone Tour's stiffer 60RA.

Yea I had the same assumption as well but somehow the ports probably offset the supposed textreme benefits on this frame. The ozone tour felt much more stable in comparison with nearly all the same spec.

The other textreme frame I tried is the updated POG tour 100 XR only available in Japan. And that felt far more stable and actually comfortable.


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Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I love almost everything about the Phantom. There are just a couple of hesitations:
1) I had one prior to the paint change. It suffered a massive paint chip brought about by nothing. Also given the short grommets I 'm seeing rash on the frame from play. So I have a concern about the racket just getting excessively beaten up through normal play.
2) Where Prince is at right now. They're active in Japan but I have a concern about them fading into obscurity. That would make grommets and new stock harder to come by. I really hope this doesn't happen, but a concern.

Racquets are meant to be used to play tennis not as adornments. I've never owned a racquet that didn't get beat up from use and still played fine. Worrying about wear is like not breaking in your nice leather baseball mitt because the leather will look worse.
I've also never owned a racquet that I needed to get new grommets for. In my modest racquet obsession, I move onto the next great thing before grommets wear out. And if its a worry, buy replacement grommets now as they aren't normally that expensive.
 

Dgdavid

Professional
I bought a test EZONE before going all in. Had the first outing with the new EZONE yesterday and it was underwhelming. To early to call it, especially with the investment. Non the less I have a Tecnifibre TFight 315DC LTD arriving next week to try and also the Phantom as an option. I'm not sure if others feel this or not. When I pick up a racket I get a sense of if I'm going to like it or not. The best way I can describe it is for those who have seen Harry Potter and remember the quote "The wand chooses the wizard". I had no connection to the EZONE yesterday, yet always feel when I have the Phantom in hand.

I love almost everything about the Phantom. There are just a couple of hesitations:
1) I had one prior to the paint change. It suffered a massive paint chip brought about by nothing. Also given the short grommets I 'm seeing rash on the frame from play. So I have a concern about the racket just getting excessively beaten up through normal play.
2) Where Prince is at right now. They're active in Japan but I have a concern about them fading into obscurity. That would make grommets and new stock harder to come by. I really hope this doesn't happen, but a concern.

Thanks for your response. I tend to find that the minute I make a sizeable investment in any particular racket, it goes instantly to sh1t!! Like a demo, by a single and like it, buy a pair or more...death knell.

Phantom and Ezone both on my shortlist but Phantom edging it. Costs a lot more in the UK though.
 

BillKid

Hall of Fame
Thanks for your response. I tend to find that the minute I make a sizeable investment in any particular racket, it goes instantly to sh1t!! Like a demo, by a single and like it, buy a pair or more...death knell.

Phantom and Ezone both on my shortlist but Phantom edging it. Costs a lot more in the UK though.
I guess it's not like choosing an Ezone 100 and a relatively similar stick like let's say a Pure Drive. The Phantom 100 must feel much softer and low powered. It should be quite easy to decide which one you prefer.
 

Dgdavid

Professional
I guess it's not like choosing an Ezone 100 and a relatively similar stick like let's say a Pure Drive. The Phantom 100 must feel much softer and low powered. It should be quite easy to decide which one you prefer.

I've had Prince Tour 100 16x18 and Dr100/SV100 recently. I like them both for different reasons. Prince is very comfy and I like the feel. I am very consistent with it but have found it hard to end points. I end up in grinding type points. The SV100 in particular is a very good tweener (tried new PD, PA, Ultra 100 etc) and have more point ending potential but less consistency. It is actually pretty hard to decide which I prefer but that's not to say you would. Complicated by the fact I also have a Prestige MP in my bag which I prefer to all at times but also would happily put it in an open fire on off days! Challenge is where to find a compromise that stops me having "grass is greener" temptations. I do like buying rackets to be fair.
 

BillKid

Hall of Fame
I've had Prince Tour 100 16x18 and Dr100/SV100 recently. I like them both for different reasons. Prince is very comfy and I like the feel. I am very consistent with it but have found it hard to end points. I end up in grinding type points. The SV100 in particular is a very good tweener (tried new PD, PA, Ultra 100 etc) and have more point ending potential but less consistency. It is actually pretty hard to decide which I prefer but that's not to say you would. Complicated by the fact I also have a Prestige MP in my bag which I prefer to all at times but also would happily put it in an open fire on off days! Challenge is where to find a compromise that stops me having "grass is greener" temptations. I do like buying rackets to be fair.
I see what you mean. Not fan of ports but a couple of months ago I hit with an old Tour 100 16x18 and I must say the feel was very pleasant. However being the player that I am, I must confess that the extra power provided by stiffer tweeners can be welcome at times.
 

langdon0555

Semi-Pro
For those who have modified their phantoms...what were your specs after the fact?

After you added weight to increase swing weight did you notice an increase in power of stock specs?
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Thanks for your response. I tend to find that the minute I make a sizeable investment in any particular racket, it goes instantly to sh1t!! Like a demo, by a single and like it, buy a pair or more...death knell.

Phantom and Ezone both on my shortlist but Phantom edging it. Costs a lot more in the UK though.

Haha. I can associate with that completely. If you want expensive try getting all this stuff shipped down to NZ :)
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
For those who have modified their phantoms...what were your specs after the fact?

After you added weight to increase swing weight did you notice an increase in power of stock specs?
Yes.

The Phantom does well with added weight due to the ports which greatly enhances the speed that the racquet cuts thru the air. I add 2 to 4 grams near the top of the hoop and another 6 to the lower handle to bring the hl balance near 9. The SW is between 340 and 352. Very solid
 
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