Prince RipStick 300 - coming soon!

My opinion is that the Ripstick 300g is a high quality frame. It is very stable on ground strokes and volleys, has excellent directional control, and good pop.
I have issues with ball penetration through the court; if I hit too flat the ball would go long and with spin the ball would sit up. I am uncertain if I can remedy this issue with practice time with the racquet so that I feel more comfortable increasing my racquet head speed and aggressiveness.
Currently my go to frame is head gravity mp.
 

esm

Legend
The Ripstick still isn’t available in the UK yet... quick q - is the 280 and 300 essentially the “same racquet”, just different in weight and balance?
If so, I think the 280 would be a decent platform racquet, as I like the yellow/blue PJ... lol
 

tim-ay

Legend
My opinion is that the Ripstick 300g is a high quality frame. It is very stable on ground strokes and volleys, has excellent directional control, and good pop.
I have issues with ball penetration through the court; if I hit too flat the ball would go long and with spin the ball would sit up. I am uncertain if I can remedy this issue with practice time with the racquet so that I feel more comfortable increasing my racquet head speed and aggressiveness.
Currently my go to frame is head gravity mp.
I don’t want to turn every ripstick issue into a string issue, but I do think this is less of a problem if you can dial in the string / tension you prefer. I have no problem hitting driving, penetrating shots with the cafe disco ripper. It’s a very versatile frame.
 

tim-ay

Legend
The Ripstick still isn’t available in the UK yet... quick q - is the 280 and 300 essentially the “same racquet”, just different in weight and balance?
If so, I think the 280 would be a decent platform racquet, as I like the yellow/blue PJ... lol
Ha - i had thoughts of that before i bought the second 300. But the 300 is so good, i decided it wasn’t worth it. That blue looks good though. Luckily i like the 300 paint too.
 

tim-ay

Legend
How

How manoeuvrable is the frame compared to other 300s?
For me it plays pretty fast. I did add about 5 grams to the butt as it made it play closer to the PD+ I was also using, now the ripstick has taken over completely so I don’t think it needs the weight on the handle. I’m just used to it now.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah I could say mine swings about the same as my Pure Aero. No mods. It plays so similar to the pure aero that I can’t pick a favorite yet. The comfort is a little higher with the ripstick though.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Yeah I could say mine swings about the same as my Pure Aero. No mods. It plays so similar to the pure aero that I can’t pick a favorite yet. The comfort is a little higher with the ripstick though.
Thats what did in the PD+ for me. The ripstick is so comfortable without feeling mushy. For me, I feel very connected to the ball and maybe that is the way I’m stringing. Who knows, some don’t like the ports but to me they ‘make’ the frame.
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
Okay. I'm going to try the following setups with the Ripstick 300g. 1. Black Knight 16g at 52/50 2. Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 16g @ 52 in mains and Toroline Caviar 16g at 50 in crosses 3. Ashaway Kevlar/Zyex 17g at 60/55 lbs. I normally start around 48 lbs. in a 98" frame but this one is 100" and has more power than Blades, etc., so 52 might be a better baseline tension. I have a lot of other strings to test out as well (Tour Sniper, Confidential, Triax, etc.) & have some Mayami Hit Pro 16 coming (round poly).
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Okay. I'm going to try the following setups with the Ripstick 300g. 1. Black Knight 16g at 52/50 2. Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 16g @ 52 in mains and Toroline Caviar 16g at 50 in crosses 3. Ashaway Kevlar/Zyex 17g at 60/55 lbs. I normally start around 48 lbs. in a 98" frame but this one is 100" and has more power than Blades, etc., so 52 might be a better baseline tension. I have a lot of other strings to test out as well (Tour Sniper, Confidential, Triax, etc.) & have some Mayami Hit Pro 16 coming (round poly).

Silver 7 16 gauge could be really really great in this frame.
 
Okay. I'm going to try the following setups with the Ripstick 300g. 1. Black Knight 16g at 52/50 2. Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 16g @ 52 in mains and Toroline Caviar 16g at 50 in crosses 3. Ashaway Kevlar/Zyex 17g at 60/55 lbs. I normally start around 48 lbs. in a 98" frame but this one is 100" and has more power than Blades, etc., so 52 might be a better baseline tension. I have a lot of other strings to test out as well (Tour Sniper, Confidential, Triax, etc.) & have some Mayami Hit Pro 16 coming (round poly).
I am excited to hear about the ashway setup. I have a demo of the ripstick coming shortly. I only use problend or ashaway strung similar tension. But I find most rackets don't get along with that setup. The ripstick is not in my spec range but with all the good reviews I want to try it. I am a sucker for oports.
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
I am excited to hear about the ashway setup. I have a demo of the ripstick coming shortly. I only use problend or ashaway strung similar tension. But I find most rackets don't get along with that setup. The ripstick is not in my spec range but with all the good reviews I want to try it. I am a sucker for oports.
I think it might work well in this frame. The frame feels very arm-friendly while having a crisp response (not "noodle-like" as with the lower RA frames). I like the O ports and I'm able to more quickly get the racquet around for my 1HBH drive (I have a good slice but don't want to use it due to lack of time). Some other frames feel sluggish in this area by comparison. FH drives feel very good. I'm able to hit good kick serves with pace but I'm not hitting big bomb first serves like I used to (probably more me than my racquets) but I'm working on getting that back. Hitting around 110 max right now but would love to get back into the 120's like when I was younger. Then again, a 90 MPH kick serve can be more effective anyway. lol. Damn COVID lockdown and muscle atrophy... :p
 
I think it might work well in this frame. The frame feels very arm-friendly while having a crisp response (not "noodle-like" as with the lower RA frames). I like the O ports and I'm able to more quickly get the racquet around for my 1HBH drive (I have a good slice but don't want to use it due to lack of time). Some other frames feel sluggish in this area by comparison. FH drives feel very good. I'm able to hit good kick serves with pace but I'm not hitting big bomb first serves like I used to (probably more me than my racquets) but I'm working on getting that back. Hitting around 110 max right now but would love to get back into the 120's like when I was younger. Then again, a 90 MPH kick serve can be more effective anyway. lol. Damn COVID lockdown and muscle atrophy... :p
What level are you? I totally agree about the 90 mph kicker, plus way higher percentage. I only bring out the 120s to show off or have some fun. Then an American twist ace 40 love.
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
What level are you? I totally agree about the 90 mph kicker, plus way higher percentage. I only bring out the 120s to show off or have some fun. Then an American twist ace 40 love.
5.5 when in my prime. 4.5 at the moment (and for many years) due to my age, injuries, weight yoyos, and long tennis layoffs. (editing out all the other stuff I wrote...).
 
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SonRK

Semi-Pro
Hmmm..I tried it now with NRG2 strung at 54 and VS Gut/Poly Tour Air, and I don't know...not feeling it.

I liked the feel of the Beast 100 Traditional and O3 more. I found my weighted up Clash to have more feel and pop compared to the stock RipStick. Maybe it needs a stiffer string, but I don't want to aggravate any potential arm issues (had tender elbow over the summer).

I'll try a Multi/Poly combo or something before I put them on the FS board
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
Hmmm..I tried it now with NRG2 strung at 54 and VS Gut/Poly Tour Air, and I don't know...not feeling it.

I liked the feel of the Beast 100 Traditional and O3 more. I found my weighted up Clash to have more feel and pop compared to the stock RipStick. Maybe it needs a stiffer string, but I don't want to aggravate any potential arm issues (had tender elbow over the summer).

I'll try a Multi/Poly combo or something before I put them on the FS board
I'm not sure multis or gut are good in this frame? I have some gut and Triax. I'm just not sure this frame needs it as It feels pretty arm-friendly as-is. It also has a more predictable response to me compared to the Clash 98 (used when rehabbing my arm). I guess I can try the gut sometime (string it up high). I did add 6g to tail weight the frames. I played around with weight at 3 & 9 but removed it (might add later but the sticks feel okay just tail weighted). The Clash line is truly great for keeping arms healthy though!
 

tim-ay

Legend
I'm not sure multis or gut are good in this frame? I have some gut and Triax. I'm just not sure this frame needs it as It feels pretty arm-friendly as-is. It also has a more predictable response to me compared to the Clash 98 (used when rehabbing my arm). I guess I can try the gut sometime (string it up high). I did add 6g to tail weight the frames. I played around with weight at 3 & 9 but removed it (might add later but the sticks feel okay just tail weighted). The Clash line is truly great for keeping arms healthy though!
I’ve only played the rip with full poly and it’s soft enough to get away with it. But this is one of the few tweener type frames that might be ok with gut mains or something. I think the frame plays fairly controlled, so it might work. If you try it, let us know how it goes. I’ve also got around 5 grams on the handle with the disco rip and really like that balance.
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
Okay, after some string testing: 1. Did not like kevlar/Zyex at 60/55. It felt too stiff. I strung it at this tension as many recommended higher tension for the kevlar. Felt like I was going to tweak my wrist. Cut these out. Maybe lower tensions would feel better or this is just not good for this frame... 2. Tried Black Knight 16g at 52/50 in a brief practice session. It feels lower-powered and seems to have fairly predictable control (e.g., directional control and fewer balls going long). 3. Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 16g @ 52 and Torline Caviar 16g @ 50: This setup seems to offer a blend of spin and directional control but with more power. I wonder if I will hit more balls long with this setup/tension (or winners, lol)? 3. TBHS7T 16g 52 lbs and TBHS7T 17g 50 lbs.: Very good spin, about the same, maybe a little more power than BK, good directional control. However, I only used 17g as a cross because that is all I had left (from a reel). 16g in a full bed might be better. I used the last one mentioned in a 4.5 singles tourney today & won my first match in straight sets (my first "sets" in over a year). I'm leaning toward TBHS7T 16g as a main and just trying different crosses (e.g., Confidential BK, Triax, etc.). I have a reel of Mayami Hit Pro 16g (round poly) coming & will test it out. It might be good as a cross (or full bed).
 
Okay, after some string testing: 1. Did not like kevlar/Zyex at 60/55. It felt too stiff. I strung it at this tension as many recommended higher tension for the kevlar. Felt like I was going to tweak my wrist. Cut these out. Maybe lower tensions would feel better or this is just not good for this frame... 2. Tried Black Knight 16g at 52/50 in a brief practice session. It feels lower-powered and seems to have fairly predictable control (e.g., directional control and fewer balls going long). 3. Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 16g @ 52 and Torline Caviar 16g @ 50: This setup seems to offer a blend of spin and directional control but with more power. I wonder if I will hit more balls long with this setup/tension (or winners, lol)? 3. TBHS7T 16g 52 lbs and TBHS7T 17g 50 lbs.: Very good spin, about the same, maybe a little more power than BK, good directional control. However, I only used 17g as a cross because that is all I had left (from a reel). 16g in a full bed might be better. I used the last one mentioned in a 4.5 singles tourney today & won my first match in straight sets (my first "sets" in over a year). I'm leaning toward TBHS7T 16g as a main and just trying different crosses (e.g., Confidential BK, Triax, etc.). I have a reel of Mayami Hit Pro 16g (round poly) coming & will test it out. It might be good as a cross (or full bed).
Not surprised with your experience with the kevlar. The first hit and a half with kevlar is not fun. Once it loosens up it plays great and comfortable. For a while I tried going lower tension but no matter what there is a break in period. So I string it around 60/54
 

Rock-solid

Rookie
I am trying to decide whether I should get the new Ripstick 300 or the Synergy 98 to try, so I looked at the TW Reviews that has them both rated at 82 overall. However, I noticed that the individual scores on the Synergy looked a lot lower than the Ripstick and yet they are the same overall score. Puzzled by this I added up the Ripstick scores for a total of 1009, and when divided by twelve I got an overall score of 84! So either TW can't add (maybe I can't add) or they give more weight to certain shots? Does anyone know?
 
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Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
I am trying to decide whether I should get the new Ripstick 300 or the Synergy 98 to try, so I looked at the TW Reviews that has them both rated at 82 overall. However, I noticed that the individual scores on the Synergy looked a lot lower than the Ripstick and yet they are the same overall score. Puzzled by this I added up the Ripstick scores for a total of 1009, and when divided by twelve I got an overall score of 84! So either TW can't add (maybe I can't add) or they give more weight to certain shots? Does anyone know?
I'd take the TW reviews with a grain of salt and just demo to make up your own mind. I'd compare racquet reviews to movie reviews. Get feedback not just from critics, but from others. If you watch a movie and like it, then you liked it, regardless of the critics. :)
 
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Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
I'll continue to try different string setups with the 300g version. I'm going to bump up tension to around 54 lbs. 48 seems launchy depending on the string. Even 52 might be a little low. I'm going to try 54 next with full poly. I have to figure this is a 100" frame and not the Blade 98 or Strike Tour 98 and it has more power.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
I am trying to decide whether I should get the new Ripstick 300 or the Synergy 98 to try, so I looked at the TW Reviews that has them both rated at 82 overall. However, I noticed that the individual scores on the Synergy looked a lot lower than the Ripstick and yet they are the same overall score. Puzzled by this I added up the Ripstick scores for a total of 1009, and when divided by twelve I got an overall score of 84! So either TW can't add (maybe I can't add) or they give more weight to certain shots? Does anyone know?

Regardless of the rating, they are very different frames. If you hit a heavier topspin ball and want more spin and power, look at the Ripstick. If you try to play a more precise game with lower margins and more precise targets, and/or your game relies on working your way to the net frequently, look at the Synergy.
 

tariqsaleem

New User
I am trying to decide whether I should get the new Ripstick 300 or the Synergy 98 to try, so I looked at the TW Reviews that has them both rated at 82 overall. However, I noticed that the individual scores on the Synergy looked a lot lower than the Ripstick and yet they are the same overall score. Puzzled by this I added up the Ripstick scores for a total of 1009, and when divided by twelve I got an overall score of 84! So either TW can't add (maybe I can't add) or they give more weight to certain shots? Does anyone know?

I dont think they had the right reviewers for the ripstick as well. Eric seem to be the right target audience for a frame like this and his scores for the review are quite impressive. With respect to Tiffany and Jason, don't think they play the style of game that suits this racket. Needs someone who plays aggressive tennis and plays with a lot of topspin. I've ordered mine as I'm looking for a arm friendly alternate to the pure aero. Have high hopes from this racket :)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I dont think they had the right reviewers for the ripstick as well. Eric seem to be the right target audience for a frame like this and his scores for the review are quite impressive. With respect to Tiffany and Jason, don't think they play the style of game that suits this racket. Needs someone who plays aggressive tennis and plays with a lot of topspin. I've ordered mine as I'm looking for a arm friendly alternate to the pure aero. Have high hopes from this racket :)

If that is what you are looking for, I expect you will be quite pleased!
 

tim-ay

Legend
If you like to party, get the ripstick

giphy.gif
 

Papa Mango

Professional
Regardless of the rating, they are very different frames. If you hit a heavier topspin ball and want more spin and power, look at the Ripstick. If you try to play a more precise game with lower margins and more precise targets, and/or your game relies on working your way to the net frequently, look at the Synergy.
I just finished a week long demo for the 2 frames and I concur with the above.
Did not think I would like it but ended up really enjoying the Ripstick demo and I am going to pull the trigger and get one for fun.
Needs a little tail weight I think but other than that a very solid frame for the specs.

Synergy was ok. If I need a control oriented frame there are better options I think.
 

tim-ay

Legend
I just finished a week long demo for the 2 frames and I concur with the above.
Did not think I would like it but ended up really enjoying the Ripstick demo and I am going to pull the trigger and get one for fun.
Needs a little tail weight I think but other than that a very solid frame for the specs.

Synergy was ok. If I need a control oriented frame there are better options I think.
I put 5grams on the handle and it really dialed in the frame for me. It’s been a number of weeks and I really like it that way. I think you’ll like the Rip even more once you get your preferred strings in it.
 

Papa Mango

Professional
I put 5grams on the handle and it really dialed in the frame for me. It’s been a number of weeks and I really like it that way. I think you’ll like the Rip even more once you get your preferred strings in it.
Sounds about right. Me thinking slap a shock shield RG on it and be done with it, it can be my TE noodle.
I broke the multi in about 40 minutes, so rest of the demo was with PTPR @ 46/42. Thinking of settling it at 45lbs and call it a day.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Sounds about right. Me thinking slap a shock shield RG on it and be done with it, it can be my TE noodle.
I broke the multi in about 40 minutes, so rest of the demo was with PTPR @ 46/42. Thinking of settling it at 45lbs and call it a day.
Shock shield should be perfect. Might add 7-8 grams though as the stock grip is paper thin. But that could be even better! Get it to 6 HL maybe 7
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Ripstick or Clash for a female friend with a bad bout of TE. Currently using a Wilson Ultra with what can best be described as fencing wire in the string bed.
 

Papa Mango

Professional
Ripstick or Clash for a female friend with a bad bout of TE. Currently using a Wilson Ultra with what can best be described as fencing wire in the string bed.
Is that a question or a statement?
IMHO Ripstick all they way, but hey there must be some reason why I see 30% clash on the courts
 

tariqsaleem

New User
Ripstick or Clash for a female friend with a bad bout of TE. Currently using a Wilson Ultra with what can best be described as fencing wire in the string bed.
For ultimate arm friendliness try the phantoms series. The 100x 305 is a good racket and very arm friendly. She probably won't get the easy power she will from the clash or ripstick but it's very arm friendly. Lots of room to add lead to increase power if needed too
 

tim-ay

Legend
Ripstick or Clash for a female friend with a bad bout of TE. Currently using a Wilson Ultra with what can best be described as fencing wire in the string bed.
Depends. Ripstick takes a little weight on the handle in my view. Mine were also over spec. So 334 static, 6HL, probs 330-332 SW. that’s not a typical tweener spec. Clash 100 with even 2 or 3 grams on the head will be easier, lots of ladies aren’t going to like 325++ swingweight.
 
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Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
For ultimate arm friendliness try the phantoms series. The 100x 305 is a good racket and very arm friendly. She probably won't get the easy power she will from the clash or ripstick but it's very arm friendly. Lots of room to add lead to increase power if needed too

Oh I'm with you regarding the Phantom series. But she wants something with oomph so I suspect she won't accept such a low powered frame and won't want to put a ton of lead on it to get power. She was complaining the Clash 100 was underpowered compared to her Ultra.

Depends. Ripstick takes a little weight on the handle in my view. Mine were also over spec. So 334 static, 6HL, probs 330-332 SW. that’s not a typical tweener spec. Clash 100 with even 2 or 3 grams on the head will be easier, lots of ladies aren’t going to like 325++ swingweight.

Do you think it would need weight in the handle to be useful for a lightly built 3.0 female?

Is that a question or a statement?
IMHO Ripstick all they way, but hey there must be some reason why I see 30% clash on the courts

I imagine marketing and availability is a big reason. You can walk into our club pro shop and buy a Clash. You have to go to a dinky tennis shop near the airport to get a Prince in my neck of the woods. And even still you have to order in many models as they tend to only carry a few Prince sticks.

So I was just wondering if folks thought the Ripstick hit the power and comfort notes of the Clash. She already indicated she felt her Clash demo was underpowered (although that may have been the stringing on the demo).
 

tim-ay

Legend
Do you think it would need weight in the handle to be useful for a lightly built 3.0 female?

It depends what she likes. Is she ok with SW pushing 330? You might get one closer to 325 spec, but still.... that’s going to feel beefy for people that like lower SW. If she is used to that, then it won’t be any issues at all as the frame still swings fast.

I think the Clash would be easier to use for most 3.0’s though. I don’t know how to explain it, but it seems like the Clash has more power for slower swing speeds and then flattens out for faster swing speeds. A nonlinear power line, exponential decay, e to the negative alpha T stuff. Lol.

The ripstick is more controlled although seeing some of the online reviews, that probably also depends on swing speed and path, probably string set up too. I find it controlled with full poly, tour sniper. Maybe with something soft it would be a problem.

Any chance to demo both?
 

PrinceMoron

Legend
can you change the thread title.....

Mine aren’t coming any time soon. Every time I track my order it has gone back another 2 days.
 

Papa Mango

Professional
Oh I'm with you regarding the Phantom series. But she wants something with oomph so I suspect she won't accept such a low powered frame and won't want to put a ton of lead on it to get power. She was complaining the Clash 100 was underpowered compared to her Ultra.

Do you think it would need weight in the handle to be useful for a lightly built 3.0 female?
Go with the 290 version, string with a crisp multi at ~54lbs and bask in the reverence you get.
No don't add weight for a 3.0 female. Is not needed, it's only for us 3.5 spazzes that swing faster than Rafa.

I imagine marketing and availability is a big reason. You can walk into our club pro shop and buy a Clash. You have to go to a dinky tennis shop near the airport to get a Prince in my neck of the woods. And even still you have to order in many models as they tend to only carry a few Prince sticks.

So I was just wondering if folks thought the Ripstick hit the power and comfort notes of the Clash. She already indicated she felt her Clash demo was underpowered (although that may have been the stringing on the demo).
My clash demo was a long time ago (and I hated it), but from what I remember it was uncontrollable power for me.
Ripstick has more controllable power than the clash IMHO.
Other wise agree with @tim-ay above
 

tim-ay

Legend
My clash demo was a long time ago (and I hated it), but from what I remember it was uncontrollable power for me.
Ripstick has more controllable power than the clash IMHO.
Other wise agree with @tim-ay above
Yeah, this is a better way to explain what I was trying to say. But I do still think that when you’re really hitting hard the Clash almost levels off in power. This is part of what makes it more unpredictable. With the Rip, it’s powerful, but it doesn’t surprise you. I suppose strings also matter, power frames need a deader string.

Wow - I didn’t even think of the RIP 290..... that’s a great idea. I haven’t hit it, but that is probs the right suggestion.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I was thinking of suggesting the Rip 290 to her as an alternative to the ubiquitous Clash recommendations. Like others I'm not a huge Clash fan for the control variability. But I acknowledge it's comfort to power ratio is excellent for many amateurs. I just think you can get that same thing from Prince but with better feel.

If you guys think the comfort and power levels are reasonably similar I'll suggest that to her as an option. Poor woman has been off the court for over 6 months.

Go with the 290 version, string with a crisp multi at ~54lbs and bask in the reverence you get.

This seems like the best option.
 

tim-ay

Legend
How does the Rip compare to the Blade 100 in control?
I haven’t hit the 100 but the blade 98 is a flatter hitting, low powered, control racket. Very precise. But really I don’t have control issues with the RIP. But I like frames that make it easy to vary height and for me I can do that with the Rip and still hit my spots. Very easy to flatten out and rip a winner.
 

MisterP

Hall of Fame
I’m loving the Ripstick. Mine comes in strung at 323g with a 328 swingweight. People said it is overpowered, but I don’t think it’s any more powerful than any other 300g tweener: Clash 100, Pure Drive, Pure Aero, Speed MP, Ezone 100, etc. it reminds me of the old EXO3 Warrior 100. Super soft, but not as vague as I recall. Definitely no problems launching the ball, as was mentioned in the TW review.

This one’s staying in the bag for now.
 
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MisterP

Hall of Fame
I’m on a hot streak with this Ripstick. I cut out the trash Prince Vortex and replaced with Lynx Tour 1.25. It’s playing almost exactly like my old Warrior 100. But, I remember a lot of vagueness with that frame, especially on volleys, and I’m not getting that at all with the Ripper. The open ports make it softer, for sure, but it feels clean at contact. I’m buying one!
 
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