Prince Tour 100 16x18 - Good Strings

O

offshore1

New User
I am sure this has been asked before but does anybody have a favourite string / weight for the 2014 Prince Tour 100 16x18?

I am looking for the middle ground between speed, control and comfort (and durability) - a joe average so to speak.

Thanks for any help; I have just run out of time today for searching threads for existing answers on this.
 
This is an interesting frame, from the standpoint that is hits pretty good groundstrokes, but is very underpowered when it comes to serving.
I usually string natural gut mains and soft poly crosses at 58/55. This gives enough power on serves and enough control on groundies.
I would also recommend a thin powerful poly like SPPP 17g or thinner.
It also worked for me with full bed of x-one Biphase 17, just above mid tension. I believe that 18g might work even better.
For a budget friendly, arm friendly option you can go with Pro's Pro Gutex Ultra 17.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
If you're a multi fan, try Prince Premier Control 16. It provides above average control and spin (for a multi) at a very affordable price. Plus it's super comfortable for those of us who use the Prince Tour 100 for arm friendly comfort and feel.
 
I also fairly recently got 2 of these PT 16 x18 sticks. My background is that I'm a big spinner, 4.5+, used Bab APD with copolys forever and got bad TE this past Dec., so went to the super low RA but still a spin monster PT 16 x 18.

Still experimenting with string setups but have come to the realization that I will have to hybrid now and can no longer play comfortably with full copoly.

Not sure what OP's gamestyle/stroke production is like, so it's hard to choose a string setup for you. Is your ball flat, spinny? do you like tighter stringbeds? do you have elbow or shoulder problems which led to you getting this flexy stick?

To PC2016, so you like Prince Premier Control 16 as multis go?? I'm thinking of hybriding Tech. X-1 Biphase with Tour Bite Soft, after having done researching on both strings... I realize Biphase is pricey. You said the spin with Premier Control is above average. I've heard Biphase has some of the best spin for a multi. Any experience with it?

Yeah, I'd love to hear anyone's reflections on this stick and/or any string setups on it.
 
Zlatni said:
This is an interesting frame, from the standpoint that is hits pretty good groundstrokes, but is very underpowered when it comes to serving.
I usually string natural gut mains and soft poly crosses at 58/55. This gives enough power on serves and enough control on groundies.
I would also recommend a thin powerful poly like SPPP 17g or thinner.
It also worked for me with full bed of x-one Biphase 17, just above mid tension. I believe that 18g might work even better.
For a budget friendly, arm friendly option you can go with Pro's Pro Gutex Ultra 17.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Zlatni, so you feel the PT 16 x 18 is underpowered when it comes to serving?? I guess it depends on alot, including how lively, stiff your string bed is considering it's such a flexy racket. Since I used the APD for so long, which is lighter, the Prince T 16 x18 seems decent on the serve.
 
Biphase is a very powerful multi. I wouldn't use that in a full bed, but you could use it as a cross along with a poly main such as Tour Bite soft. I'd tend to go with Premier Control before Biphase in a full bed, just because it's easier to control, and has great spin. Prince Synthetic gut actually plays really well in this frame too - as long as you are ok re-aligning your strings.
 
Last edited:
I agree with sma1001, Prince Syn gut plays well in this frame, but it only lasted ~90 minutes for me and I am absolutely not a string breaker.

Just try it out, it's cheap and reliable.
 
Really depends on your preferences. Back when I tried the frame I wanted a really crisp yet lively string in there to get more of a response. I would use Head Sonic Pro Edge if I was to use the frame again.
 
Thanks for the replies on this so far.

Under powered on the serve (?)

This racquet weighs 310g 10.9ox unstrung - but is still good for arm comfort? Seems a slight contradiction, but everyone seems to say the same thing.

It sounds very different to the Head racquet I have been using, that's for sure.
 
Gut/poly plays beautifully in this frame. I also liked Kirschbaum Black Shark 17, Max Power 17, Super Smash Orange 17 looked great and played great. I also added some lead at 12, it will transform the frame IMO. I have 1/4 inch lead tape, running the entire length of the bumperguard (on both sides of the grommets), but you might want to try out a little and see if you like it.
 
welcome2petrkordaland said:
Zlatni, so you feel the PT 16 x 18 is underpowered when it comes to serving?? I guess it depends on alot, including how lively, stiff your string bed is considering it's such a flexy racket. Since I used the APD for so long, which is lighter, the Prince T 16 x18 seems decent on the serve.
Click to expand...
I agree that the stringbed stiffness affects the serve speed. But for me I think it is more about the head shape and size. It is much slower through the air than Tour 98 for instance.
And I also agree that it is better than APD. All my racquets are weighed to around 12.5 oz and 330+ sw. I have a hard time generating any power on serve with an 11 oz racquet. Probably due to timing I guess.
But Tour 100 is very controlled on serve, and sometimes that works better for me than outright pace.
 
I used it with 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9 (3 grams each) and 8 grams near top of the handle. Favorite strings were SP Poly Plasma 1.23 and Kirschbaum Pro Line II 1.25. But other polys also felt good, it is more a matter of personal preference. The lead really helped in the power department though, without sacrificing control. Comfort was really great.
 
Last edited:
I just unloaded my textreme 100T and bought one of these instead. Anyway, I am wondering how low people have successfully strung poly in this frame (with good results). I have the following kicking around I could try:

Golden Set Power Cord 16
Kirsch Pro LIne II 18
Diadem Solstice Power 16
Kirsch Spiky Black Shark 16
I also have some syn gut (sweet 16 and Golden Set)

Will the ports make everything super goofy at low tensions?

Thanks
 
offshore1 said:
What didn't you like about the textreme 100 T , if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Actually I liked it just fine and played well with it. I have a wonky wrist and just prefer the dampened feel of the ported racquets. Primarily have been using the Tour T ESP (16x16) which has been excellent but thought I would like to try a 16x18 to get a bit more directional control without sacrificing much comfort.
 
Black Shark at 50 was fine. But Gut/poly is insane in the Tour 16x18. I also found adding a leather grip increased the feel and added a little weight in the handle, and a little lead tape at 12 transforms the frame. I would guess you could go a little lower with Black Shark (but not much) I think the Pro line 18 would break pretty easy...but while it's in there, it should be a ridiculous spin frame ;) If you hit with a significant amount of force, it is doomed to break in under 4-5 hours IMO. 18 Gauge seems like it is meant for 18x20 frames that need a little more openness. The Tour 16x18 is wide open and the ports allow a lot of string movement (still, one of my favorite frames). It will murder 18 gauge anything

I wouldn't say the ports make everything super goofy. But between the ports and the low flex, I have found stiff/crisp strings to play very well in it. But if you want the most comfortable frame ever, put a soft string in the Tour 16x18. Once you get used to that frame, it is magical. You might want to grab a set of grommets or another one if you plan on sticking with it. Prince is sold out of them (unless you are grip 1), so once the retailers deplete their stock, it will be gone :( Enjoy your new stick!!! It is one of the great ones!!
 
JohnBP wrote very good. Btw I think it is a freme with best swingweight/manuverability ratio.
Also, RPM blast plays great in this frame. Fantastic spin. But it thas not last long.
Sonic pro edge 17 is also fantastic in 16x18, more all around string then RPM blast.
I now use multi main and poly cross. Fantastic combo and you stil have good spin. Much better feel for volleys...
You can also try nxt/hyper g combo. Slice is incredible with this combo
 
I never strung low in the Tour 100. Usually SP Poly Plasma or KB Pro Line II, both at 26 x 25k. And that is coming from a guy who likes his strings on the softer side. I also tried syngut, strung at 27x26k, and that was just fine as well. Never tried going low, which I did on my current PB 10 (18x20, 98 head): 19k. I don't think (assumption, I know) it will be as nice feeling in the tour 100 16x18 though....
 
gvsbdisco said:
I just unloaded my textreme 100T and bought one of these instead. Anyway, I am wondering how low people have successfully strung poly in this frame (with good results). I have the following kicking around I could try:

Golden Set Power Cord 16
Kirsch Pro LIne II 18
Diadem Solstice Power 16
Kirsch Spiky Black Shark 16
I also have some syn gut (sweet 16 and Golden Set)

Will the ports make everything super goofy at low tensions?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I'd say the Black Shark at around 45 would work well if you like lots of spin and don't mind supplying all the power
 
JohnBPittsburgh said:
Black Shark at 50 was fine. But Gut/poly is insane in the Tour 16x18. I also found adding a leather grip increased the feel and added a little weight in the handle, and a little lead tape at 12 transforms the frame. I would guess you could go a little lower with Black Shark (but not much) I think the Pro line 18 would break pretty easy...but while it's in there, it should be a ridiculous spin frame ;) If you hit with a significant amount of force, it is doomed to break in under 4-5 hours IMO. 18 Gauge seems like it is meant for 18x20 frames that need a little more openness. The Tour 16x18 is wide open and the ports allow a lot of string movement (still, one of my favorite frames). It will murder 18 gauge anything

I wouldn't say the ports make everything super goofy. But between the ports and the low flex, I have found stiff/crisp strings to play very well in it. But if you want the most comfortable frame ever, put a soft string in the Tour 16x18. Once you get used to that frame, it is magical. You might want to grab a set of grommets or another one if you plan on sticking with it. Prince is sold out of them (unless you are grip 1), so once the retailers deplete their stock, it will be gone :( Enjoy your new stick!!! It is one of the great ones!!
Click to expand...
Thanks JBP. I will keep my eye open for grommets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

7
Prince Tour 100 16x18 Discontinued?
Replies
34
Views
6K
smalahove
smalahove
S
Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (16X18) - What string?
Replies
1
Views
3K
5imon
5imon
G
Prince Tour 16x18 v Tour Pro v Tour 100t
Replies
1
Views
948
tmc5005
tmc5005
Tennis Fanatic 070
Prince EXO3 Tour 100...18x20 or 16x18, which stringpattern is more arm friendly?
Replies
18
Views
6K
Sundan
S
G
Today's equivalent of the Prince Tour 100 (2015) ?
Replies
7
Views
1K
jonestim
jonestim
Back
Top