Prince Racquet Questions/Discussions

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UCSF2012 said:
No paint on earth is designed to withstand banging against concrete. When you hit a racket against the ground and paint comes off, it's the player's fault. This is a no-brainer.
Click to expand...

Sorry, let me be crystal clear. In comparison to graphite frames made by other manufacturers, Prince's paint is the worst. It's almost as if you could rub it off. I played 10+ years with Volkl C10's and never saw the kind of wear and tear that I do after 5 months with this frame.

Head tape won't fix what's wrong with this cosmetic. Personally, I could really care less. What made this so aggravating for me was Prince's response. Blaming the customer without asking any questions or even allowing for the possibility that there is an issue is just not good customer service especially in light of the number of complaints.

All that said, I still think this is a great frame and guess that by the time they change the cosmetic mine will look so crappy that I buy the follow on.
 
It is not my fault....

I have to chime in on the paint. Fist, I found the trouble to start with the Speedports line not my O3's. . Players who went from O3's to Speedports or EXO all have complained to me about the durability of the finish. My client base is over35 and are avid players, so It is not racket abuse.
Wilson used to sell touch up paint color matched to the Hammer line at the time, but the rub of on some off the models this won't address.
 
I am in search of replacing the Prince 03 Speedport Black Team racquet that had been discontinued. Unable to find a Prince racquet to replace with the same feel. I have demoed several Prince Racquets with no luck and I did not care for the EX03 series. This racquet is overpriced in the secondary market and is very difficult to find with a size 0 grip. Will there be a similar racquet anytime soon?
 
first volley said:
I've been away from the game... does the "shock eraser" still exist, I have a Thundercloud that I absolutely love, I'm wanting to get another Prince that has the "shock eraser" or has something similar to it. thanks
Click to expand...

Hey first volley,

Great to have a Thundercloud user on the message board!

The new EXO3 models do not have shock erasers built in. This is an older technology that has been replaced by new innovations in the EXO3 line of racquets.

For athletes currently playing with Thundercloud, we recommend trying the new EXO3 Red 105. Designed with a built in vibration dampening tech called a "Double Bridge”, this racquet consists of an integrated elastomer based material that inserts directly into the yoke of the racquet @ 6 o'clock. The elastomer comes into contact with both the strings AND the racquet itself, eliminating 2 kinds of vibrations, string vibration and racquet shock. The Prince “Double Bridge” is the only tech on the market that does this simultaneously, delivering the ultimate in comfort and feel.

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
 
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CANTGETENOUGHTENNIS! said:
in the next series of rackets that are released, will there be a smaller headsize racquet with a dense string pattern?
Thanks,
Click to expand...

Hi CANTGETENOUGHTENNIS!

To answer your question, we need a little bit more information. Can you define small head size? Are you looking at 95" or less than 95"?

Let us know and we’ll give you a more accurate response!

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
 
Great Questions Whomad15 (#22). Please see answers over the next few threads.

Question: Will there be any racquets released with an extended length?

We hear you loud and clear. We’ll be posting a new poll on our Facebook page in the coming weeks to get a better sense which models athletes would like to see in extended lengths (27.5", 28", 29", etc.)

Stay tuned!
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
 
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Question: What is the difference in construction between older versions of the Prince Original Graphite compared to the new Tours?

While we cannot disclose company secrets, we can speak to some of the similarities and differences between today’s Prince racquets and older models. The basics of graphite (carbon fiber) construction have changed very little over the years. Prince started making the POG in 1979 by rolling carbon fiber prepreg around an expanding cork core. Technology has since evolved and we now use internal air pressure, the industry standard, for producing all our carbon fiber composite racquets today.

Carbon fiber racquets are essentially hollow tubes drilled with 68 to 76 holes for strings. One common misconception we have seen on message boards is that we drill or remove material when molding the ports. We DO NOT drill or remove ANY material when molding the ports. Instead, we re-distribute the carbon fiber around a specific shape to create the design. This process provides a much stronger and more stable design than frames that have holes drilled in them.

On a final note, we often hear from players who love their older racquets and are struggling to find a modern equivalent. Sometimes this gets blamed on "marketing" or "pixie dust" technology, and many folks tend to think that racquets just aren't made the way they used to be. In reality, the situation is this:

No racquet has an infinite life span. Though a frame may not have visible damage to the naked eye, as the resin and fiber of a graphite racquet breaks down, the racquet loses some of its stiffness and power, compared to its original specs. Older, heavily used racquets will always play differently than brand new racquets. This is why we recommend that our elite juniors rotate frames every 18 months, at minimum! It is also why pro players go through so many racquets. Keep this in mind the next time you overhear someone comparing a brand new racquet to their hand-me-down vintage model.

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
 
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Question #1: Why did the EXO3 Graphite 93 not come with the 14x18 string pattern?

Question #2: Will the Graphite or Ignite be brought back in any version?

Answer to #1: When we designed the EXO3 Graphite 93, the primary goal of this racquet was control. While developing the racquet we tested many different patterns side-by-side and the 16x18 clearly gave play testers the highest control rating.

With that said, we’d be curious to hear about your Prince dream racquet…

If you could design a racquet for TODAY'S game, what would it be? (headsize, weight, balance, cross section, string pattern, etc...) Don't just tell us the original POG Mid, get creative and think outside the box :)

Answer to #2: See answer above!

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
 
Are you going to develop XX racquet with YY specs?

General Racquet Thread: Are you going to develop XX racquet with YY specs

OK TT members,

There seems to be a LOT of requests/questions about specific specs. “Will we being making X, will we be re-introducing Y… etc.

We can't always let the cat out of the bag with future plans, but we CAN start a separate thread called "My Prince Racquet Wish List". This will be a forum/thread for TT members to build their dream racquet (headsize, weight, balance, string pattern, etc) and post it for the group to see.

We'll open this up for a period of time and then we'll tally up the most common requests to see what your next potential G.O.A.T would look like. We can also put together a poll with some of the finalists to allow you to vote. We can’t make any promises, but we just might make a limited edition model!

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
 
My dream racquet would be:
(all of my specs are considering racquet to be strung)
  • Static weight: 11.7 oz
  • String pattern: 16x19
  • Head size: 95 sq inches
  • Length: 27 inches
  • Balance: 7 points head light
  • Stiffness: 58
  • Beam width: no more than 20mm at any point
  • Incorporate EXO3 technology - have both port and string hole insert options available
  • No cross bar/bridge stabilizer
I am currently using the EXO3 tour which I like quite a bit and the specs I posted above are the slight modifications to it that I feel would make it the perfect racquet. Touch more weight, just a hair more dense on string pattern with a smaller head for enhanced control, and ever so slightly more stiff. Couple that with the ability to add in the string hole inserts so I can have two sticks (one port, one string) available for any conditions AND I WOULD BE IN HEAVEN.
 
Dream racket from prince.
11.7 unstrung
95-98sq in
12pts HL unstrung
17mm beam
and extended to 27.5or28
open pattern too. if you make a racket with a 15*16 pattern you could market it as more open for more spin, more control, more power.

and a either a classic pog pj, or a flashy yellow pj :)
 
Prince Sports said:
General Racquet Thread: Are you going to develop XX racquet with YY specs

OK TT members,

There seems to be a LOT of requests/questions about specific specs. “Will we being making X, will we be re-introducing Y… etc.

We can't always let the cat out of the bag with future plans, but we CAN start a separate thread called "My Prince Racquet Wish List". This will be a forum/thread for TT members to build their dream racquet (headsize, weight, balance, string pattern, etc) and post it for the group to see.

We'll open this up for a period of time and then we'll tally up the most common requests to see what your next potential G.O.A.T would look like. We can also put together a poll with some of the finalists to allow you to vote. We can’t make any promises, but we just might make a limited edition model!

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
Click to expand...

That's awesome, thanks Prince :)
 
Prince Sports said:
General Racquet Thread: Are you going to develop XX racquet with YY specs

OK TT members,

There seems to be a LOT of requests/questions about specific specs. “Will we being making X, will we be re-introducing Y… etc.

We can't always let the cat out of the bag with future plans, but we CAN start a separate thread called "My Prince Racquet Wish List". This will be a forum/thread for TT members to build their dream racquet (headsize, weight, balance, string pattern, etc) and post it for the group to see.

We'll open this up for a period of time and then we'll tally up the most common requests to see what your next potential G.O.A.T would look like. We can also put together a poll with some of the finalists to allow you to vote. We can’t make any promises, but we just might make a limited edition model!
Click to expand...

Sweet! I'm gonna think about this one for a while!
 
Prince Sports said:
General Racquet Thread: Are you going to develop XX racquet with YY specs

OK TT members,

There seems to be a LOT of requests/questions about specific specs. “Will we being making X, will we be re-introducing Y… etc.

We can't always let the cat out of the bag with future plans, but we CAN start a separate thread called "My Prince Racquet Wish List". This will be a forum/thread for TT members to build their dream racquet (headsize, weight, balance, string pattern, etc) and post it for the group to see.

We'll open this up for a period of time and then we'll tally up the most common requests to see what your next potential G.O.A.T would look like. We can also put together a poll with some of the finalists to allow you to vote. We can’t make any promises, but we just might make a limited edition model!

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
Click to expand...

Count me in :)

It will be Current rebel specs with 100 sq.in. head and 16x19 pattern, open ports...
 
Thanks Mr. Prince Rep... I'd be very interested in a "My Prince Racquet Wish List" thread as well...

I guess I should start forming my specs list.
 
I actually really like the old Speedport Tour, but with added weights. Any plans of coming out with something similar to the old SPT?
 
dream racquet? 93-100" headsize, 8pts headlight, 14x18 or 16x19 (depending on the headsize). weight around 12.4oz strung. Roughly 62flex.
Swingweight and flex to me are really relative. A stiff racquet with low tension strings is still soft on the arm, while a flexy racquet at high tensions feels stiff etc, and swingweight seems to vary with how each person describes it.
 
Thank you once again Prince

My dream racquet????

You guys just made it. :smile:

I had been using the Head Prestige Mid for close to four years. I had demo'd frames in between, but never found anything to replace my trusted mids.

I regard the two most important aspects of a racquet as #1. Beam width and #2 Flex. Besides my preferred string pattern... every other characteristic of how a racquet feels and performs can be manipulated by the user. Either through string and tension options or the more sadistic process of customization... lead tape, silicone and even various materials that can extend the frame's length.

I appreciate how Prince offered the everyday consumer one of the most, if not the most, flexable racquets available on the market in the EXO3 Tour 100.

I'm also grateful to Prince for leaving the static weight manageable enough for customization purposes.

I have 'tweeked' the EXO3 Tour 100 and made it more comfortable for my style of play and adapted it to my specifications. Literally making it 'MY' racquet. And if I spend a lifetime play-testing and searching for another frame that plays identical to my EXO3Tour100's, I probably won't find it.

I believe that is the future of the racquet industry. Keep it as simple as possible but give the option to the everyday player to customize their racquets.

Introducing weighted port and string hole inserts (maybe in 2..4.. and 5 gram increments) and maybe even introducing butt caps that can be installed by the consumer to extend one's racquet by 1/4in. , 1/2in. , and maybe (if possible) a full inch. Or even maybe cutting back on the confusing and sometimes overwhelming plethora of racquets available in the line and instead offer the same exact racquet in 3 distinct flex ratings.

Ideas such as these would be desired by many consumer-player-athletes (whatever our demographic is). The same options that are available to the professionals. A risk or gamble maybe... but one that I'm confident would pay-off and secure a nice market share in the competitive tennis industry.
 
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klementine79 said:
Introducing weighted port and string hole inserts (maybe in 2..4.. and 5 gram increments) and maybe even introducing butt caps that can be installed by the consumer to extend one's racquet by 1/4in. , 1/2in. , and maybe (if possible) a full inch. Or even maybe cutting back on the confusing and sometimes overwhelming plethora of racquets available in the line and instead offer the same exact racquet in 3 distinct flex ratings.
Click to expand...

Brilliant ideas, especially the adjustable-length buttcaps!
 
LOL at you guys and your "dream specs" of 12.5oz strung with a 93" head size and 10 points headlight. Prince is in the business of selling racquets. They would sell about 10 racquets total with those specs (mainly by the racquet snobs on this board), and 5 of them would be in the "For Sale" forum after about two weeks.
 
dream racket

98 head
12.4 ounces unstrung
10 points headlight unstrung
16x20 string pattern
15mm straight beam
around 52 flex
silicone injected in the handle
white and navy blue cosmetics
 
thebeast73 said:
dream racket

98 head
12.4 ounces unstrung
10 points headlight unstrung
16x20 string pattern
15mm straight beam
around 52 flex
silicone injected in the handle
white and navy blue cosmetics
Click to expand...

I actually really dig this design! I would vouch for a 95 head, just because that's my most comfortable playing size, but everything else is perfect. I'm also a HUGE fan of silicone pre injected in the handle, I hate messing with it!

-Fuji
 
ChipNCharge said:
LOL at you guys and your "dream specs" of 12.5oz strung with a 93" head size and 10 points headlight. Prince is in the business of selling racquets. They would sell about 10 racquets total with those specs (mainly by the racquet snobs on this board), and 5 of them would be in the "For Sale" forum after about two weeks.
Click to expand...

Fine, I want a racquet that weights 6oz, is 24points headheavy, has a flex of 147, a 10x16 string pattern, 106" headsize, and magically never hurts my arm. Oh and I want it to have a special magnet in it that makes the ball always hit the sweetspot so I never have to move, and it has a super high concentrated beam in the buttcap so I can just point it at my opponent and blind them temporarily whenever they go for any of my shots.

Last, it should also be able to stand on the head so that light goes in the air and hits a discoball so I can celebrate every time I win a point
 
All you guys that want 12.5+oz frames I just dont see that happening.

Frames that heavy just dont have a huge target market anymore(at least in my area).

In my area I play tons of USTA league and tournament tennis and know quite a few players ranging from the 3.5-4.5 level and there are close to zero of them that want to play with 12.0+oz frames.
 
My dream racquet WAS made by Prince---the now semi-rare POG Longbody. And since it has the great, square-ish Prince grip shape, it's perfect for me.
 
To reiterate what I said before Prince's last "response": My idea specs are:

Headsize: 97 (yes, not 95,98,or 100)

Length: 27.25 inches

String Pattern: 16x19

Weight: 12.1 oz strung

Swingweight: 325 strung

Flex: 56

Beam: 18 at 2 o'clock thru 4 o'clock (doesn't matter everywhere else, 21 sounds good).

Composition: 80% Graphite / 20% Kevlar

The name: Prince EXO3 Rapture (similar to Rafter ;))
 
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Power level 1000 to 1200, 27.5 to 28 longbody head size between 100 and 110. EXO or whatever frame tech is next is fine. 16 and 18 main offering in the same model.
 
Prince Sports said:
Hey first volley,

Great to have a Thundercloud user on the message board!

The new EXO3 models do not have shock erasers built in. This is an older technology that has been replaced by new innovations in the EXO3 line of racquets.

For athletes currently playing with Thundercloud, we recommend trying the new EXO3 Red 105. Designed with a built in vibration dampening tech called a "Double Bridge”, this racquet consists of an integrated elastomer based material that inserts directly into the yoke of the racquet @ 6 o'clock. The elastomer comes into contact with both the strings AND the racquet itself, eliminating 2 kinds of vibrations, string vibration and racquet shock. The Prince “Double Bridge” is the only tech on the market that does this simultaneously, delivering the ultimate in comfort and feel.

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
Click to expand...

thanks for the response... btw my wife now posesses two thundercloud's. I tried the AIRO hybrid black, great weapons... purchased two of them. keep up the great work! you have a customer for life. :)
 
I just heard that Prince is launching a new program. They are going to allow anyone, for a set price, to purchase a package. The package will include X number of racquets, all customized to the user's specs, a bag, and string. This package will be orderable from any authorized Prince retailer and drop shipped to them. The purchaser writes the retailer a check and voila! you have racquets weighted and balanced to your specs.

Great idea!
 
Prince Sports said:
Hey first volley,

Great to have a Thundercloud user on the message board!

The new EXO3 models do not have shock erasers built in. This is an older technology that has been replaced by new innovations in the EXO3 line of racquets.

For athletes currently playing with Thundercloud, we recommend trying the new EXO3 Red 105. Designed with a built in vibration dampening tech called a "Double Bridge”, this racquet consists of an integrated elastomer based material that inserts directly into the yoke of the racquet @ 6 o'clock. The elastomer comes into contact with both the strings AND the racquet itself, eliminating 2 kinds of vibrations, string vibration and racquet shock. The Prince “Double Bridge” is the only tech on the market that does this simultaneously, delivering the ultimate in comfort and feel.

Thanks,
Prince Tennis - Who's Next.
Click to expand...

Doesnt EXO3 Blue have plastic inserts at 6o clock suspended on rubber?
 
Let’s please talk string patterns here: I’ve been playing with Prince forever: Graphite Mid (14 X 18), O3 Hibrid Tour (16 X 18), back to the “old” Graphite 93, tried the Ignite (awful), tried the Ozone Pro Tour MP (too light and very low SW), went back to the Graphite Mid, and now am adjusting to the EXO3 Graphite (16 X 18). With the Ignite and the “new” Graphite mid out of the lineup, and if I want to stick to a 16 X 18 pattern, does that mean Prince will leave me with only one option??? i.e EXO3 Tour (too light, low SW)… I’m definitely not going back to the 93 “old” graphite. Either there’s a new Rebel coming out with a 16 X 18, or Prince will drive me away to Dunlop or Wilson, that is probably bringing back the Pro Staff 95 (16 X 18) … Thanks for any suggestions !!!
 
AbsolutTennis said:
Let’s please talk string patterns here: I’ve been playing with Prince forever: Graphite Mid (14 X 18), O3 Hibrid Tour (16 X 18), back to the “old” Graphite 93, tried the Ignite (awful), tried the Ozone Pro Tour MP (too light and very low SW), went back to the Graphite Mid, and now am adjusting to the EXO3 Graphite (16 X 18). With the Ignite and the “new” Graphite mid out of the lineup, and if I want to stick to a 16 X 18 pattern, does that mean Prince will leave me with only one option??? i.e EXO3 Tour (too light, low SW)… I’m definitely not going back to the 93 “old” graphite. Either there’s a new Rebel coming out with a 16 X 18, or Prince will drive me away to Dunlop or Wilson, that is probably bringing back the Pro Staff 95 (16 X 18) … Thanks for any suggestions !!!
Click to expand...

What was wrong with Ignite?

btw. new frames coming out in half-year: EXO Warrior 14x18 and Rebel 98 inch with 16x18(19?) - not sure about pattern
 
ricki said:
What was wrong with Ignite?

btw. new frames coming out in half-year: EXO Warrior 14x18 and Rebel 98 inch with 16x18(19?) - not sure about pattern
Click to expand...

Thanks Ricki! EXO Warrior on a 14 X 18 pattern... Should be interesting! A Rebel 98 with a 16 X 18 should play very similar to the Dunlop 300's 16 X 18 that were great racquets for me (mostly available in Europe). The new Dunlop ones, the 200 Tour, are 95, 16 X 18, but WAY too heavy. Simply couldn't adjust to the Ignite's. Pretty good feel, but couldn't play with them. Maybe too thick, hard to maneuver...
 
AbsolutTennis said:
Thanks Ricki! EXO Warrior on a 14 X 18 pattern... Should be interesting! A Rebel 98 with a 16 X 18 should play very similar to the Dunlop 300's 16 X 18 that were great racquets for me (mostly available in Europe). The new Dunlop ones, the 200 Tour, are 95, 16 X 18, but WAY too heavy. Simply couldn't adjust to the Ignite's. Pretty good feel, but couldn't play with them. Maybe too thick, hard to maneuver...
Click to expand...

Im seriously thinking about getting Ignite 95s as they are now at super cheap 70 dollars, just had not chance to try it. I tried Ignite Team 95 and its too light/whippy for me :-(
 
ricki said:
Im seriously thinking about getting Ignite 95s as they are now at super cheap 70 dollars, just had not chance to try it. I tried Ignite Team 95 and its too light/whippy for me :-(
Click to expand...

I played with it a while. Because it was so HL, it felt a little hollow to me. I did not try putting lead in the hoop, which I think might help this frame tremendously. It was a terrific doubles racquet, so much so that if that was all I played I would still have it. However, my time is split about 60/40 towards the singles end.
 
They should bring back the Prince Woodie!!!

That racquet is almost as easy to hit with as a graphite OS racquet...

Only problem is that for the most part, the ones left now have gone too soft too hit with the same power and stability as when they were new.

Time to reissue it!
 
Never understood why people say it's easier to hit with an OS. After a certain skill level, the only difference is control, you still have to hit the ball in the sweetspot if you want that perfect shot.

WTB 14x18 exo3 graphites. I know Prince answered because "more control" but that was a defining characteristic of the racquet, and now theres a 14x18 warrior coming out? guess they found a mistake.

http://princetennis.net.ua/index.ph...ategory_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=129

russia gets the warrior, which is a combo of the exo3 black+white. 14x18 and 16x19, and several variations of it, and rebels.
america gets.. nothing! yay!
Kind of scared of the warrior, 7pts headlight. 10.6oz unstrung 100"
 
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ricki said:
Im seriously thinking about getting Ignite 95s as they are now at super cheap 70 dollars, just had not chance to try it. I tried Ignite Team 95 and its too light/whippy for me :-(
Click to expand...

Please TRY THE RACQUET before you buy it. Disaster in Sales. Heavy. High SW (very high, actually). 22 mm. LOW manuverability!!! Cheap, yes. But maybe not worth it.
 
I thought there'd be a different thread for the Perfect racket thing?

Anyways, here goes:

93-96 square inches
12-12.8 ounces
17mm-19mm beam width
65 stiffness
9-12 pts headlight
Swingweight: around 335-350ish
16X18 or 16X19 string pattern

I really like the idea an above poster had about butt caps that lengthened the racket, like by 1/4 inch each time, so I can experiment :)

Possibly a box-beam? That'd be amazing!!!!!

Anyway Prince, thanks for giving us this opportunity!
 
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