Prince Ripstick 280 Feedback

[vandre]

i've got a demo ripstick 280 on the way. is anyone else interested in this frame? if so, would anyone be interested in reading some feedback/ review or watching some video (maybe)? tw did a thorough review of the 300 but there isn't much out there about the 280. thanks for your time!

 

[ericykchan]

I bought one. I found that added 4g total to 2 and 10 o'clock had transformed the racket, from semi-solid when hitting upper part of the hoop for top spin, to rock-solid. Stock already been quite head heavy so now it does feel very head heavy for me (so i added a leather grip move the balance back to handle a bit). Having said that... i should have just bought the 300g instead.

Ripstick is awesome. I play it along side the new VCore 100. Both with same string and tension. I like the power of Ripstick but VCore100 has a bit more directional control.

 

[tennispro492]

how many grams of blue tac underneath the buttcap does it take to make 1 more point headlight?

 

[vandre]

I bought one. I found that added 4g total to 2 and 10 o'clock had transformed the racket, from semi-solid when hitting upper part of the hoop for top spin, to rock-solid. Stock already been quite head heavy so now it does feel very head heavy for me (so i added a leather grip move the balance back to handle a bit). Having said that... i should have just bought the 300g instead.

Ripstick is awesome. I play it along side the new VCore 100. Both with same string and tension. I like the power of Ripstick but VCore100 has a bit more directional control.

that's really good to know. i also have demos of the ripstick 300 and the vcore 98 l. i've noticed today that it's much easier to put the ball deep with the ripstick 300 g than the vcore 98 l but it did seem a little easier to hit specific places on the court with the vcore. the v core also seems a bit more comfortable. it isn't that the ripsticks are harsh or jarring but i hit also 500 tretorn pressureless balls (that feel like bricks) out of the ball machine today and it felt like i just started.

btw, does it seem like the launch angle of the ripstick is quite a bit different than the vcores? what string are you using? why do you wish you bought the 300g?

 

[ericykchan]

that's really good to know. i also have demos of the ripstick 300 and the vcore 98 l. i've noticed today that it's much easier to put the ball deep with the ripstick 300 g than the vcore 98 l but it did seem a little easier to hit specific places on the court with the vcore. the v core also seems a bit more comfortable. it isn't that the ripsticks are harsh or jarring but i hit also 500 tretorn pressureless balls (that feel like bricks) out of the ball machine today and it felt like i just started.

btw, does it seem like the launch angle of the ripstick is quite a bit different than the vcores? what string are you using? why do you wish you bought the 300g?

I use v-square 17g @50lb for both. As for launch angle it seems to me VCore is higher. Usually after 2 sets my hands get tired my brushing up becomes slower or not enough, I was still able to get the ball over the net with VCore, not so much with Ripstick. Reason i wish I bought the 300g because I ended up customizing the 280g quite a bit, i.e. leather grip, lead tape, etc. Probably not much customization needed for the 300g version (plus the red looks better with the red v-square string).

 

[gloumar]

Hello there, historical fan of Prince rackets, I played O Ports frames thru all generations, back from Ozone MP up to lately Phantom O3 100X (more on the control edge).
I just demoed these Ripstick, both 300g and 280g, and it was just SPOT ON for my game !! (which is basically : serve / spin forehand / volleys on prefered attacking phase and some mix of slice / lob / mouse and cat game on the defensive phase).

Both frames were stringed with Prince Tour XP 16 in the 48-50lbs range. Quite a stiff poly, which married very well with the soft (some would say mushy) feeling and string-eating tendancy of the O3 tech.
First, I enjoyed more the 280 with a few weight in the handle : I come from HL frames (between 6 and 10 pts) and 300 was wayyy too much HH for me.

My first feedback : agree with TennisNerd and other reviewers : FUN, FUN and FUN again!!! Ripping serves and forehands is just a joke with this frame !!
I was also very surprised by the level of comfort and control. Coming from a softer frame, I was expecting some strong adjustment to keep the ball in court. But the TREMENDOUS ability of the frame to generate spin (this is the ultimate spin machine, Aero can get back in the closet imo) allows to find good secured depth, even on heavy shotmaking, and also very sharp and short angles.

I was impressed by the ease with which I transited from the Phantom 100 (332g all incl.) to this Ripstick 280 (322g all incl.). Everything was easier, much easier, with still loads of control and quite decent stability and plowthrough (better with 300 of course but maniability was down). I have been way more effective in all areas, specially attacking phases, putaway volleys was the sector where I noticed the most impressive gap! I could finish the point very easily, whereas with the Phantom my volley has always been a bit chewy and erratic.

DON'T BE AFRAID players! this Ripstick is not a toy!! this a true PLAYER'S RACQUET for ones concerned with comfort and spin production!!!
I have ordered a pair of these magical sticks, can't wait to play them back again...
I will review some strings also soon, I am on the quest for the holy furniture for these beauties

 

[Crocodile]

I have customers that use both the Ripstick 280 and 300 and the overall impression is a frame that combines power with some comfort. A lot of powerful frames are generally a lot stiffer whereas these frames are softer.
The only thing I noticed is that if you contacted the hall further up in the head you might hear a funny sound but a dampener would probably negate this.
My customers didn’t buy the frame to get spin, but I’m sure it has a fair bit - for these customers it was all about getting some extra power without the stiffness,