Prince Textreme Tour 98 XR-J (Japanese/Asian exclusive)

[kimguroo]

I just received Prince Textreme Tour 98XR-J.
I used to use EXO3 rebel 95 and 105 so I really like flat boxed beam. Unlike tour 98, Textreme tour 98 has flat boxed beam but a little strange. Throat area is slightly thinner so it makes a little strange shape. The beam is slightly thicker than tour 98.
I thought Textreme tour 98 is Textreme version of Tour 98 rackets but it's Textreme version of EXO3 shark 98 which is also Japanese exclusive.

I prefer port insert Prince rackets but It only came with hole insert grommet. One of distributor did not import port insert rackets so I might need to find port grommet set from Japan T_T.

I am very curious about stiffness but need to visit local shop to measure so if I have a chance to measure the stiffness, I will update.

Actually I did not intent to use this racket. I am currently happy with my Yonex Regna but my mixed double partner wants some Prince rackets similar to her Tour 98 rackets. Since tour 98 rackets do not support Sony sensor. She got Blade 98S because of Sony sensor but she hates blade 98s and somewhat reason she doesn't play well with 98s so I decided to import Textreme 98 and see whether she likes or not. If she does not like it, Probably I will keep it as a backup.

If I chance to hit with this racket I will write a review.

Here is pic and spec.

 

[Zielmann]

I find it interesting that the specs are printed inside the hoop, as opposed to in the throat as they usually do.
Looks good, though. Yellow on black is always nice.

 

[kimguroo]

I find it interesting that the specs are printed inside the hoop, as opposed to in the throat as they usually do.
Looks good, though. Yellow on black is always nice.

There is no space in throat to write something haha.
The frame has an unique design. I just measured throat area and definitely thinner (about 1-2mm) than rest of frame which is 23mm.

 

[Zielmann]

There is no space in throat to write something haha.
The frame has an unique design. I just measured throat area and definitely thinner (about 1-2mm) than rest of frame which is 23mm.

If prince can fit the racquet specs on the inside of the throat of a Classic Graphite (19mm beam), within the area below the cross-bar, they could certainly do it on this racquet.
Do they have something else printed in that area instead?

 

[kimguroo]

If prince can fit the racquet specs on the inside of the throat of a Classic Graphite (19mm beam), within the area below the cross-bar, they could certainly do it on this racquet.
Do they have something else printed in that area instead?

Yes. It has one line but two lines might be too crowded ^_^
Anyway here is the pic.
It's weird that throat area is thinner. I don't know how this design will affect the racket performance. Interesting...

 

[Uncoil]

That's a nice looking stick.

 

[Zielmann]

Yes. It has one line but two lines might be too crowded ^_^
Anyway here is the pic.
It's weird that throat area is thinner. I don't know how this design will affect the racket performance. Interesting...

Ooh, I must not have described what I meant properly. My bad!
Talking about on the inside of the beam down in the open triangle above the handle and below the bridge. This is where I've most commonly seen racquet specs printed in the past, especially by Prince.

 

[kimguroo]

Ooh, I must not have described what I meant properly. My bad!
Talking about on the inside of the beam down in the open triangle above the handle and below the bridge. This is where I've most commonly seen racquet specs printed in the past, especially by Prince.

Now I got what you mean. It's not throat area hahaha.
In throat area, it has letters of "textreme" and "power level 830" (inside), outside is just "Prince" for both side.
Now I am seeing that Japanese and U.S. Version has different paint job. Actually letters.
U.S. Version has name of racket and powe level outside of throat but Japanese textreme rackets have "Prince" outside of throat.
Actually I like Japanese version. It's a little strange to see big power level number from outside of throat.

 

[kimguroo]

Just went to local store for measurement of stiffness.
Unstrung was 65-66 (RDC) so probably when it's strung, stiffness might be between 62-64.
Exactly what I was assumed.

 

[kimguroo]

My mixed double partner tested the racket and she said it's a little stiff because she uses rebel 98 which is soft but it might be okay to use it. Unfortunately she broke string at top of the racket. Looks like she miss hit a ball then broke the string. Strung multi at 17g but need to string with lower gauge. She usually uses NRG but I strung with tonic natural gut 15 main and 17G synthetic gut cross. I feel like Prince should make this racket in 16x19 pattern.
Center of racket string density is somewhat tight. Similar to AI98 but off center string density is too wide so there is a danger to break string if one miss hit balls...

Also compared with head shape of rebel 98. Rebel 98 is more oval shape and Textreme tour 98 is more rounded shape.

I tried to hit briefly but the string was broke so could not use it.
My brief observation was
ball trajectory was not high so it might be easy to hit flat shots.
A little concern about controls.
Need to test more though.

 

[kimguroo]

Finally I played tour 98XR-J briefly.
my initial impression was a little stiff but I don't feel stiffness after a few balls.
the racket has nice spin potential. in my taste, a little light but still provide decent plow-through feeling.
the power was good with tonic natural gut main and synthetic cross at 56. probably I might lower 3 Lbs in order to boost more power, if I use it.
somewhat reason, I hit much better backhands with this racket. I have more control and power when I hit backhands.
I have two hand backhand which are already benefit to my game. Seems like this racket makes me stronger backhands side.
I often played ad side for double games so I might use this racket for double (Also volleys are good too).

My mixed double partner still has an issue from power. she felt a little too much power from the 98XR-J. Unfortunately, I could not string higher than 56 or use poly strings because of her tennis elbow problem (She injured her elbow when she rode mountain bike so she can't play stiff rackets and strings). I noticed that she has more spin than her current racket (Rebel 98) and those spin balls penetrate more than her blade 98s.
When she played with blade 98S, I could see more spin but balls are sitting so I could easily attack those balls.
looks like she might need more time to adjust or she might fit better with new Textreme 100P.

 

[elkwood]

Sweet looking rac !!! I was thinking it was a port rac then noticed that it had grommets in the Holes !

 

[kimguroo]

Sweet looking rac !!! I was thinking it was a port rac then noticed that it had grommets in the Holes !

I like port inserts too and probably need to find port inserts from Japan.

 

[Alan_Hill]

I like port inserts too and probably need to find port inserts from Japan.

Hey @kimguroo
I just bought 2 of these very nice stick.
I've heard someone said these line (and the previous shark 98) is a prostock line for a asian market.
My experience with Prince racquets, for example the TX287A (need to go home and check for exact code) which TX287 is the mold of TT Warrior 107, A usually stands for retail.
My TX250P which is the Tour 100 16x18 prostock
TX255P is 18x20 version
TX250C which C is custom layup, could be pretty high specs without any lead.

And these Tour 98 XRJ core is TX252F-98. I've never see F before.


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[kimguroo]

That was me. I said textreme 98 XR-J was previous version of shark 98 but I don't think shark 98 was prostock racket.
Honestly I am not familiar with prostock rackets though.
People thought textreme 98 XR-J was textreme version of rebel 98/tour 98 and had some good expectations but it was just different racket. Unfortunately I was not too interested in the racket and sold it as soon as my mixed double partner finished her testing.

 

[Imago]

Now I got what you mean. It's not throat area hahaha.
In throat area, it has letters of "textreme" and "power level 830" (inside), outside is just "Prince" for both side.
Now I am seeing that Japanese and U.S. Version has different paint job. Actually letters.
U.S. Version has name of racket and powe level outside of throat but Japanese textreme rackets have "Prince" outside of throat.
Actually I like Japanese version. It's a little strange to see big power level number from outside of throat.

1300 is big.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Alan_Hill]

That was me. I said textreme 98 XR-J was previous version of shark 98 but I don't think shark 98 was prostock racket.
Honestly I am not familiar with prostock rackets though.
People thought textreme 98 XR-J was textreme version of rebel 98/tour 98 and had some good expectations but it was just different racket. Unfortunately I was not too interested in the racket and sold it as soon as my mixed double partner finished her testing.

Mine is only 288g unstrung with silicone injected.
Light weight and plenty of room for lead tape but surprisingly solid and much plow through. Feel like much heavier frames.
I'm adding leather grip and lead tape. They come with both ports and string hole grommets. I prefer ports. Ports combine with Textreme. How great is that!

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[JohnBPittsburgh]

Those pics are beautiful!!! It makes my racquetaholic tendencies start to act up!!

 

[jmacdaununder2]

JB - Maate, you're almost as tragic a Princaholic as me; not to derail the thread but how's that Golden BBros special working out for you? I'm Prince green with envy on that one!! Stil hangin' for Phantom news as well - my heart skips a beat when I see the 'P' words in the 'Racquets' column - I gotta get out more...

 

[JohnBPittsburgh]

Lol, I am loving the BB LTD frame!!! It serves wickedly, the feel is great, control is amazing, and it looks even better in person!!! It's an awesome frame, and I can't wait until I can post pics of the new Phantom when it comes out I am glad to see others who are helping to keep Prince alive and well!! They just need to make it through this little spell, and I am hoping that great things are on the horizon for the Prince!! Lol, I wish all threads were just about Prince frames and their amazing feel. #TextremeLove

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Noice!! Actually liking the look of the non-ported - not that I mind ports - Phantom Pro 100 XR, which, even though it doesn't have a 'J' suffix in its name on the Prince Tennis Japan web site - whereas the other Phantom does - seems to be the one that isn't going to be sold internationally. (Go figure.) I'm not sure about the 16mm beam; but as always, I'll be checking in here in hopes of finding out. P.S. Has anybody bought a Tour Pro 100 XR 310g - black/orange - from behind the bamboo curtain? That baby looks mighty sweet also!!

 

[tata]

Been looking at this frame lately on the jap prince website. Does anyone know where u can get my hands on this? Looks like L3 is the biggest size they got.

 

[skydog]

Just an FYI...your doubles partner can swap out butt caps to make the Tour 98 Sony compatible. If you can find Textreme butt caps, they are compatible. If unable ( could not find Textreme butt caps in the states) the Wilson butt caps are a direct fit on my Tour 98 ESP’s and are Sony sensor compatible.

I replaced the butt caps on all of my Tour 98 ESP as I wanted trap doors for weight and balance adjustment purposes. It is a fairly simple process.

 

[kimguroo]

Just an FYI...your doubles partner can swap out butt caps to make the Tour 98 Sony compatible. If you can find Textreme butt caps, they are compatible. If unable ( could not find Textreme butt caps in the states) the Wilson butt caps are a direct fit on my Tour 98 ESP’s and are Sony sensor compatible.

I replaced the butt caps on all of my Tour 98 ESP as I wanted trap doors for weight and balance adjustment purposes. It is a fairly simple process.

I already did it for her long time ago but now she plays with old babolat rackets (at least 7 years ago model) and playing good tennis. She stopped to use Sony sensor too...

 

[TennisHound]

Wow, sweet racquet. I wonder if there's a Tennis Warehouse Japan?

 

[stephenclown]

Wow, sweet racquet. I wonder if there's a Tennis Warehouse Japan?

Would have to buy from global rakuten, its like fleabay. I would purchase this if I didnt have the angell and was available ready in the west, it looks like an amazing frame!

Also, if you know about Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in other sports, usually their domestic goods have much higher tolerences and quality control because their customers have much higher demands of quality. This is likely the reason why Yonex still has such great QC. I wouldnt be surprised if these Princes are better than what you can purchase in the west and potentially why Prince Japan is going so well.

 

[lijko]

@Alan_Hill

Hello,

if you are looking to sell them, I could be your man.

Cheers


Envoyé de mon ASUS_Z012D en utilisant Tapatalk

 

[kimguroo]

@Alan_Hill

Hello,

if you are looking to sell them, I could be your man.

Cheers


Envoyé de mon ASUS_Z012D en utilisant Tapatalk

I already sold the racket long times ago. If you contact me a little bit earlier, I could get one for you since my wife is visiting in Asia.

 

[lijko]

Hey kimguroo,

Me again;-)

Do you know where to find some grommets for this Japanese exclusivity ?

I finally found one and as I really like this racquet, I would like to find parts.

Anyway, thanks and cheers,

B.

 

[kimguroo]

Hey kimguroo,

Me again;-)

Do you know where to find some grommets for this Japanese exclusivity ?

I finally found one and as I really like this racquet, I would like to find parts.

Anyway, thanks and cheers,

B.

That grommet was hard to find since they only had hole insert.
Usually Japanese racket comes with both hole insert and port insert.
Yonex usually put grommet part number so people might be able to find grommet sets but price does not list part number through their website. Unfortunately I don’t have information....
If I travel to Asia and find a information, I will let you know. There is good chance that I might travel there in this winter.

 

[Alekok1221]

I want one please sell one i can trade or pay

 

[kimguroo]

Hey kimguroo,

Me again;-)

Do you know where to find some grommets for this Japanese exclusivity ?

I finally found one and as I really like this racquet, I would like to find parts.

Anyway, thanks and cheers,

B.

Which grommet do you need? I don’t think I can find port grommet but I might be able to find hole grommet.
I remember I bought some extra grommets in Asia but it was almost two-three times expensive than US though.

I want one please sell one i can trade or pay

My brother-in law will visit me end of this month so if you are really serious about it, send me a message. BTW probably only grip size 2 (4 1/4) will be available.
He usually bring one racket but I don’t really have any interest since there is no special rackets. Probably ask about Prince textreme graphite. I already have one but good to have two as a back up ^_^

 

[mhkeuns]

Wow! The racket looks so nice. Are we going to have anything close to that paintjob? Maybe Prince Textreme Rebel 95?

 

[lijko]

That grommet was hard to find since they only had hole insert.
Usually Japanese racket comes with both hole insert and port insert.
Yonex usually put grommet part number so people might be able to find grommet sets but price does not list part number through their website. Unfortunately I don’t have information....
If I travel to Asia and find a information, I will let you know. There is good chance that I might travel there in this winter.

Hello,

First, thanks for your answer.

I’m looking for the O3 holes grommets. So, yes, if you travel this winter in Asia, Let me know, we could find a deal together.

Enjoy your tennis until;-)

 

[lijko]

If somebody wants this racquet, he can use buy-nippon.com, a trader between peoples outside of Japan and yahoo auction. He could find some 98XR-J for about 100$.

Cheers

 

[dnguyen]

Mine is only 288g unstrung with silicone injected.
Light weight and plenty of room for lead tape but surprisingly solid and much plow through. Feel like much heavier frames.
I'm adding leather grip and lead tape. They come with both ports and string hole grommets. I prefer ports. Ports combine with Textreme. How great is that!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mine is 13.5oz with Fischer vacuum pro 90 because I need extra power on serve!