Prince Phantom

[loosegroove]

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 was a Prince Tour 16x18 user myself. Really loved the comfort, spin potential, and consistency, but like you thought it lacked in being able to finish points (plus it's not a good serving stick). I tend to like flexier thin-beamed frames in the spec range of the Tour 100 so it was hard to get away from that. But my compromise and current racket of choice is the Yonex Duel G 310. Thin beamed and swings fast which is a must for the way I hit my forehand. And the Yonex can hit a flatter driving ball, while still being capable of hitting heavier looping topspin when in grind mode. It doesn't have the same free power of say a Pure Drive, but the power is there when you tap into it, and it really has impressive control. Have you checked one out? Seems to get a mixed bag of reviews on this board, though the TW review was glowing, and there seems to be a few of us who really love this stick.

 

[michael valek]

Can anyone compare the phantom in stock to the pcg100 or POG OS? I love the plow of the OS, the pcg 100 doesn't have the same plow but is just as crisp. Any point in the phantom in this case? Gonna give me anything extra?

 

[Dgdavid]

I was a Prince Tour 16x18 user myself. Really loved the comfort, spin potential, and consistency, but like you thought it lacked in being able to finish points (plus it's not a good serving stick). I tend to like flexier thin-beamed frames in the spec range of the Tour 100 so it was hard to get away from that. But my compromise and current racket of choice is the Yonex Duel G 310. Thin beamed and swings fast which is a must for the way I hit my forehand. And the Yonex can hit a flatter driving ball, while still being capable of hitting heavier looping topspin when in grind mode. It doesn't have the same free power of say a Pure Drive, but the power is there when you tap into it, and it really has impressive control. Have you checked one out? Seems to get a mixed bag of reviews on this board, though the TW review was glowing, and there seems to be a few of us who really love this stick.

That's interesting, the Duel G 330 is also in my shortlist if I go heavier again. Is the 310 stable? That is the thing that has put me off in the past (comments of excessive flutter). I know you can add lead tape but i prefer playing rackets stock (allergy to lead and the tungsten i get never seems to stay on). How are you stringing the 310?

 

[jmacdaununder2]

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.

Roger Roger, what's the SW on the SW? Sorry, I just had to do that...

 

[langdon0555]

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

So adding that much weight helped increase the racquets power?

340-350 swing weight is around what I always modify my racquets too.

 

[Mirdad]

So adding that much weight helped increase the racquets power?

340-350 swing weight is around what I always modify my racquets too.

Yes........and I really did not have to add much weight to get such a big change in stability and power.

 

[langdon0555]

Yes........and I really did not have to add much weight to get such a big change in stability and power.

Good to hear. I had the last prince tour 16x18 at one point. Black and orange one. I added weight and liked it for the most part. I could hit pretty big rally balls with it. The main thing it detracted from my game compared to other racquets was my serve. Never dialed it in compared to other racquets I've used. It just sucked all my power away.

Seems like that is also the theme with the phantom, which is a bummer.

 

[michael valek]

All this is why I'm asking about how it compares to POG/pcg.

 

[loosegroove]

That's interesting, the Duel G 330 is also in my shortlist if I go heavier again. Is the 310 stable? That is the thing that has put me off in the past (comments of excessive flutter). I know you can add lead tape but i prefer playing rackets stock (allergy to lead and the tungsten i get never seems to stay on). How are you stringing the 310?

Yeah, those same comments kept me from trying it initially. But when one came up on the classifieds for $80, I couldn't resist. It's all relative, but I don't think the 310 really has excessive flutter or is really all that unstable. It's not rock solid if you're used to the 330 and the ilk, but coming from a Tour 100 or DR100 (never tried the latter, but thought the Ai100 was a little lacking in stability), I don't think it should be an issue. I also always use head protection tape on all my rackets which may help the matter.

I'm not the guy to ask about string setups, since I'm a low tension guy. But I've been doing softer polys at 45 lbs in the 310.

 

[smalahove]

I was a Prince Tour 16x18 user myself. Really loved the comfort, spin potential, and consistency, but like you thought it lacked in being able to finish points (plus it's not a good serving stick). I tend to like flexier thin-beamed frames in the spec range of the Tour 100 so it was hard to get away from that. But my compromise and current racket of choice is the Yonex Duel G 310. Thin beamed and swings fast which is a must for the way I hit my forehand. And the Yonex can hit a flatter driving ball, while still being capable of hitting heavier looping topspin when in grind mode. It doesn't have the same free power of say a Pure Drive, but the power is there when you tap into it, and it really has impressive control. Have you checked one out? Seems to get a mixed bag of reviews on this board, though the TW review was glowing, and there seems to be a few of us who really love this stick.

I love my DG97 310s, and they've been the sticks I've had the longest so far - by a landslide. I have pics over a year old of me swinging away with'em

That being said, I was a Tour 100 16x18 user as well, loved that frame, but had the exact same feelings as you have. But now, I have a Phantom 100 on the way as that grip size just became available from TWE )) And I have a Tfight ATP 315 Ltd 18x20 on the way as well, sent a few days earlier. I went with these, since I'm recovering from TE, as they have low RA and are arm friendly.

I'll post about a comparison (with the DG97) on the Phantom as soon as I get it ;-)

 

[Dartagnan64]

Well Day 4 with the phantom. Last night I played men's 4.0 doubles as a spare. So I got to play with people a bit better than me which is always a challenge as pace goes up as does spin and placement. I will say that the Phantom held up to the faster serves well and several second serves I was able to rip DTL winners against experienced players.

Serves finally started to come around as I'm getting the timing better and my last service game I hit all my first serves and got my placements.

Still struggle a bit with touch volleys but was hitting clean winners on drive volleys. Reflex volleys still solid and the racket was definitely maneuverable enough.

And it still hits like a hot knife through butter. My arm feels good today whereas last week with my Blade my forearm was so sore I took 4 days off. This morning I was feeling good enough to play two sets with my wife. Really loving the racket and wondering why I never tried Prince O technology sooner.

 

[JOSHL]

Well Day 4 with the phantom. Last night I played men's 4.0 doubles as a spare. So I got to play with people a bit better than me which is always a challenge as pace goes up as does spin and placement. I will say that the Phantom held up to the faster serves well and several second serves I was able to rip DTL winners against experienced players.

Serves finally started to come around as I'm getting the timing better and my last service game I hit all my first serves and got my placements.

Still struggle a bit with touch volleys but was hitting clean winners on drive volleys. Reflex volleys still solid and the racket was definitely maneuverable enough.

And it still hits like a hot knife through butter. My arm feels good today whereas last week with my Blade my forearm was so sore I took 4 days off. This morning I was feeling good enough to play two sets with my wife. Really loving the racket and wondering why I never tried Prince O technology sooner.

First racquet I bought with my own $$ was the original o3 Tour mp. I still have it, such a great stick and at the time I loved the color(still do) and thought it was the coolest 'gimmick' I had seen in regards to racquets. Well it's not a gimmick and I still bust it out every now and then.

 

[michael valek]

2 incoming, joining the club. looking forward.

 

[Dartagnan64]

OK Finally getting the serves to come around. Surprised it took so long but I'm also working on a new stance so that doesn't help.

Flat serves are a little less precise than with my Blade but just as much power. As precise as my PD+ but less power. That racquet is still the gold standard for flat bombs in my book, so I don't expect the Phantom to ever achieve that degree of serving success.

Spin serves have far more movement than my Blade (18x20 104) and topspin in particular dives down and comes off high like I like them. Again very similar to my PD+ which is a good thing.

I think if my arm ever got back to 100% and I could put in a nice gut/soft poly hybrid into this racket I could get great spin and placement with my serves. Velocity is a good string but not quite as spinny as gut/poly.

Great arm friendly all round racquet. At this point my only complaint with it is the handle which is really too short for a 2HBHer. Maybe a Phantom + is in the works?

 

[pennc94]

^^^^ wouldn't gut/poly get shredded fast in such and open pattern and with ports too?


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[Dartagnan64]

^^^^ wouldn't gut/poly get shredded fast in such and open pattern and with ports too?


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That's precisely what I'd like to find out. I've played gut poly in a PD and Aeropro before which both have open patterns, spin effect technology and found the gut generally shredded when the poly died after about 6 weeks. I can handle that rate of string breakage. If it's breaking every 2 weeks then it would be a no go.

It's the first thing i'd like to try when my arm is better. But as you say it may not work out so well. But I've always found gut/poly holds up pretty well compared to a poly/multi hybrid.

 

[Zlatni]

I have Klip Legend/Prince XC hybrid in a Exo3 graphite 100. I believe that string spacing is the same. I have no issue with mains shredding, more with the poly losing tension


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[Dartagnan64]

I have Klip Legend/Prince XC hybrid in a Exo3 graphite 100. I believe that string spacing is the same. I have no issue with mains shredding, more with the poly losing tension


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That's my experience with spin oriented frames as well.

Do you like the hybrid in that frame? Still arm friendly?

 

[DJ-]

2 incoming, joining the club. looking forward.

You're going to love them, not low powered at all ! I think it SLIGHTLY favours singles, but not much.

 

[michael valek]

Hope so after a year at least of going through every Pacific Babolat and Fischer frame there is before coming back to POG.

 

[DANMAN]

Played another match with this frame. Doubles this time. I love volleying with it. I also returned quite well. Still working on the serve but all in all I'm liking it. I hit one or two killer topspin lobs with the spin friendliness of this frame.

 

[langdon0555]

Where do you guys feel the flex with this frame...

In the throat, head or does it flex uniformly across the whole frame?

 

[DANMAN]

Where do you guys feel the flex with this frame...

In the throat, head or does it flex uniformly across the whole frame?

I don't find it super flexible surprisingly since I played pure drives in high school and college. I am definitely sensitive to throat flex and head flex and I'd describe this as more uniform. It doesn't feel sub 60 to me which in my book is a good thing. I'm strung at 50# with all poly.

 

[haqq777]

Where do you guys feel the flex with this frame...

In the throat, head or does it flex uniformly across the whole frame?

For me, definitely the upper hoop and not uniform at all. Comfy and flexy. In terms of flex, very different than all of Angell Custom TC100 (63 RA versions) I am used to. Have three Phantoms strung at 48lbs, 45lbs and 43lbs with Lux ALU Power, Volkl Cyclone and Discho Black Mamba respectively.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Just finished my 10th hour with racquet, playing men's dubs.

The flat serve is still a work in progress. But I won my service games once I started throwing slices and topspin serves at my opponents since the ball gets such nice movement.

Returns, volleys and groundstrokes were all really nice and half volleys are a nice surprise. I think next match I'm going to come in more, but today I was able to dominate from the back court setting up my net partner for putaways.

The Velocity string is a good match for this racquet. Seems to have nice power and spin. I think poly at low tensions and gut/poly would also be nice for this racket. It definitely doesn't really need a comfort multi. Stiffer, slipperier multis would work better. Things like Origin, Velocity, RIP control.

And man does my arm feel good for the first time in months.

Overall, the best racquet I've played with in decades. It's weaknesses are shots I don't tend to use much anyway, it's strengths are my best shots. Add in the arm friendly nature and I won't even be looking for my Blades or Pure Drives anymore.

 

[langdon0555]

I don't find it super flexible surprisingly since I played pure drives in high school and college. I am definitely sensitive to throat flex and head flex and I'd describe this as more uniform. It doesn't feel sub 60 to me which in my book is a good thing. I'm strung at 50# with all poly.

For me, definitely the upper hoop and not uniform at all. Comfy and flexy. In terms of flex, very different than all of Angell Custom TC100 (63 RA versions) I am used to. Have three Phantoms strung at 48lbs, 45lbs and 43lbs with Lux ALU Power, Volkl Cyclone and Discho Black Mamba respectively.

How is the control for you guys with this racquet?

 

[haqq777]

How is the control for you guys with this racquet?

I am a relatively clean hitter and the strings are pretty decently denser towards the center even though it's a 16x18 pattern. No issues in control for me. Slight caveat here being that it hits loopier than average for me from the baseline. Has higher launch angle. But with moderately spinny groundstrokes you can easily bring the ball down.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I am a relatively clean hitter and the strings are pretty decently denser towards the center even though it's a 16x18 pattern. No issues in control for me. Slight caveat here being that it hits loopier than average for me from the baseline. Has higher launch angle. But with moderately spinny groundstrokes you can easily bring the ball down.

Funny, I'm not having the launch issue some folks seem to notice. My groundstrokes are passing over the net in the 1-3 feet range. Wonder if it's a string thing.

But control is as good as I need it to be. Once you get used to the pillowy soft feel, you can direct balls wherever you want.

 

[haqq777]

Funny, I'm not having the launch issue some folks seem to notice. My groundstrokes are passing over the net in the 1-3 feet range. Wonder if it's a string thing.

But control is as good as I need it to be. Once you get used to the pillowy soft feel, you can direct balls wherever you want.

What strings and tension do you have? I am guessing that might be the reason. And absolutely, control is great for me along with the buttery, soft feel.

 

[langdon0555]

How's the quality control/tolerances been for the phantoms?

Have the specs been close to what TW has published on their site...or should one pay extra to get the closest spec?

 

[Dartagnan64]

What strings and tension do you have? I am guessing that might be the reason. And absolutely, control is great for me along with the buttery, soft feel.

I'm using Head Velocity 17 at 55 lbs.

 

[haqq777]

I'm using Head Velocity 17 at 55 lbs.

Yep, makes sense. I'm in low-mid 40s.

 

[Zlatni]

That's my experience with spin oriented frames as well.

Do you like the hybrid in that frame? Still arm friendly?

Very arm friendly. Incredible spin.


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[jbdbackfan]

After playing with Phantom for 4 sessions now I love the feel of this racquet. However I'm still struggling with keeping ball in unless I'm consciously super focused to add tons of topspin. Strung with natural gut mains at 56 and smooth poly cross at 54. I played with the POG 100 for a year and didn't experience as much of a problem like this. A lot I'm sure if due to my form but didn't have this issue when I used DR98 for a little bit or even demoing some other more closed pattern frames. Going to keep at it and see with time if I can tame it.

 

[langdon0555]

After playing with Phantom for 4 sessions now I love the feel of this racquet. However I'm still struggling with keeping ball in unless I'm consciously super focused to add tons of topspin. Strung with natural gut mains at 56 and smooth poly cross at 54. I played with the POG 100 for a year and didn't experience as much of a problem like this. A lot I'm sure if due to my form but didn't have this issue when I used DR98 for a little bit or even demoing some other more closed pattern frames. Going to keep at it and see with time if I can tame it.

Curious what strings you are using?

 

[jbdbackfan]

Curious what strings you are using?

Mains: VS gut
Cross: pro line evolution

 

[kpaulns]

I wonder why Prince went using O3 ports and not (seemingly) more advanced and better EXO3 in Phantom?
And, why there's no 18x20 version, as it was b.f. This one would be a winner.

 

[langdon0555]

Joining the club...just placed my order!

Will be adding a TW leather grip and also lead at 3&9 to bring it up to my usual specs of around 12.5 ounces/8 HL/345-350 swing weight.

VS touch mains @54/Prince Tour XR crosses@52

 

[ricki]

I wonder why Prince went using O3 ports and not (seemingly) more advanced and better EXO3 in Phantom?
And, why there's no 18x20 version, as it was b.f. This one would be a winner.

They call it for some reason O3, but in reality these are speedport/EXO3 square ports. Prince has really deteriorated to the pitiful level... Long life the old EXO series (Tours, Rebels...)

 

[Dartagnan64]

Well played two sets singles last night on clay and two sets this morning on hard court. I think my flat serves are back to close to normal and my topspin are dialed in nicely. Surprised it took that long but I'm breaking an adjustment to my platform stance and that may be contributing.

I will say that using the racket on clay, you do notice the lower power of the frame. You also notice the spin. My shots weren't quite as heavy for my opponent but they were bouncing up more than with my Blade 18x20. So I guess it evened out somewhat.

I have started dialing in the drop shots and the racket has nice feel in that regard. Again the lower power of the frame really allows you to take pace off nicely if you want. My problem initially was I was taking too much pace off like I have to with my more powerful frames. Once I firmed my grip up a bit I could drop things nicely over the net.

Still a joy on the groundstrokes. I'm not getting any issues with sailing balls long like some others have. Racket is low powered with plenty of spin so I'm shocked that people are sending balls out. If anything I have the reverse problem of having balls end up short at times.
Wonder if its a launch angle issue?

So far the racket pairs nicely with Head Velocity 17 at 55lbs. 13 hours in and strings are still not moving too much and no fraying or signs of impending breakage.

 

[bleno567]

I'm pumped mine is officially in transit back to me from ****, where it was professionally lengthened to 27.5" with the grip totally remolded. Should play significantly better now, but I'm partial to long racquets.

 

[langdon0555]

I'm pumped mine is officially in transit back to me from ****, where it was professionally lengthened to 27.5" with the grip totally remolded. Should play significantly better now, but I'm partial to long racquets.

What will be your final specs?

 

[Dartagnan64]

I'm pumped mine is officially in transit back to me from ****, where it was professionally lengthened to 27.5" with the grip totally remolded. Should play significantly better now, but I'm partial to long racquets.

My 2HBH would love that. My TE would prefer I stick with standard length.

 

[dgoran]

Well played two sets singles last night on clay and two sets this morning on hard court. I think my flat serves are back to close to normal and my topspin are dialed in nicely. Surprised it took that long but I'm breaking an adjustment to my platform stance and that may be contributing.

I will say that using the racket on clay, you do notice the lower power of the frame. You also notice the spin. My shots weren't quite as heavy for my opponent but they were bouncing up more than with my Blade 18x20. So I guess it evened out somewhat.

I have started dialing in the drop shots and the racket has nice feel in that regard. Again the lower power of the frame really allows you to take pace off nicely if you want. My problem initially was I was taking too much pace off like I have to with my more powerful frames. Once I firmed my grip up a bit I could drop things nicely over the net.

Still a joy on the groundstrokes. I'm not getting any issues with sailing balls long like some others have. Racket is low powered with plenty of spin so I'm shocked that people are sending balls out. If anything I have the reverse problem of having balls end up short at times.
Wonder if its a launch angle issue?

So far the racket pairs nicely with Head Velocity 17 at 55lbs. 13 hours in and strings are still not moving too much and no fraying or signs of impending breakage.

Exactly my thoughts but I have not tested it on clay as I rarely play on that stuff so I am a little nervous because in the past that’s where I notice lack of power the most almost like stiffer powerful racquets work better in clay...

 

[Servivor]

Is it just me or the prince phantom seems like a remake of the textreme warrior 100?

Both seem to share similar characteristics.

 

[Dartagnan64]

T

Is it just me or the prince phantom seems like a remake of the textreme warrior 100?

Both seem to share similar characteristics.

textreme warrior doesn't have o ports does it?
Seems it's more of a EXO3 tour remake with textreme allowing a thinner throats and more feel.

 

[loosegroove]

Is it just me or the prince phantom seems like a remake of the textreme warrior 100?

Both seem to share similar characteristics.

T

textreme warrior doesn't have o ports does it?
Seems it's more of a EXO3 tour remake with textreme allowing a thinner throats and more feel.

A remake of the Warrior 100? How would you come to that conclusion? It's clearly the successor to the Ozone (03) Tour, EXO3 Tour, Tour 100 lineage.

 

[Servivor]

I'm not sure if the phantom would complement my tt warrior 100 in my arsenal.

I wouldnt want a racquet too simillar or too different either.

T

textreme warrior doesn't have o ports does it?
Seems it's more of a EXO3 tour remake with textreme allowing a thinner throats and more feel.

 

[robbo1970]

I'm not sure if the phantom would complement my tt warrior 100 in my arsenal.

I wouldnt want a racquet too simillar or too different either.

If you don't want something similar and you don't want something different, what would you want? That doesn't make sense to me.

Surely the choice for an alternative racquet is something similar to what you have or something different.

FYI the Phantom is not like the Warrior. The TT Warrior is a stiffer, wider beamed racquet that doesn't have ports, whereas the Phantom is a very flexy, thin beamed racquet that does have ports. Apart from being 100sq, having a 16/18 pattern and having Prince branding, they are very different racquets. The Phantom is a clear descendant of the Exo3 Tour 100 line.

 

[robbo1970]

Has anyone compared the Phantom to the PCG100 yet?