Prince Tour 16 x 18..
- Thread starter Sebang
- Start date
I play with the Prince Exo3 Tour 16x18 (the previous version) and this is my experience.
After a shoulder injury the coach next to my court suggested me to use his racquet(the exo3 tour). At first the feeling was weird, like muted, you feel disconnected. Was not so impressed until I saw it had 52 flex, which is the lowest I have ever seen, and decided to try it a little more, so I kept borrowing it to the coach.
After a month, you get used to the racquet to the point you cannot play with anything else. The mute feeling transformed into a total pocketing feeling. Some people say "buttery", but it is difficult to describe, the only way is trying. I certainly can understand why people dislike prince ports, but you really gotta give them some time.
Also it produces TONS of spin and it is very powerful. Ive been in love since then. I am about to get the new Tours and maybe try the Tour ESPs too.
(I come from Babolat Aero Pro Drive, nice stick but too stiff!)
After a shoulder injury the coach next to my court suggested me to use his racquet(the exo3 tour). At first the feeling was weird, like muted, you feel disconnected. Was not so impressed until I saw it had 52 flex, which is the lowest I have ever seen, and decided to try it a little more, so I kept borrowing it to the coach.
After a month, you get used to the racquet to the point you cannot play with anything else. The mute feeling transformed into a total pocketing feeling. Some people say "buttery", but it is difficult to describe, the only way is trying. I certainly can understand why people dislike prince ports, but you really gotta give them some time.
Also it produces TONS of spin and it is very powerful. Ive been in love since then. I am about to get the new Tours and maybe try the Tour ESPs too.
(I come from Babolat Aero Pro Drive, nice stick but too stiff!)
PROS:
-Spin
-Power
-Reeeally soft so arm-friendly
-Perfect weight (310gr unstrung)
CONS:
-PAINT quality in the exo3 sucks, it cheaps easily. I don't have references for -the new Tour.
-It takes some time to understand the unique feel.
SOME RARE CHARACTERISTICS:
It's 7 point headlight
Very thin beam (which I love)
The so loved/hated ports (I actually think this was of the many reasons why Prince sales went down. My experience with ports was excellent tho).
Prince should really aim better who to sponsor. I mean Ferrer and Bryan Brothers?? Tenistically they are top level, but they don't have the charisma, the appeal, the high profile to boost Prince sales.
-Spin
-Power
-Reeeally soft so arm-friendly
-Perfect weight (310gr unstrung)
CONS:
-PAINT quality in the exo3 sucks, it cheaps easily. I don't have references for -the new Tour.
-It takes some time to understand the unique feel.
SOME RARE CHARACTERISTICS:
It's 7 point headlight
Very thin beam (which I love)
The so loved/hated ports (I actually think this was of the many reasons why Prince sales went down. My experience with ports was excellent tho).
Prince should really aim better who to sponsor. I mean Ferrer and Bryan Brothers?? Tenistically they are top level, but they don't have the charisma, the appeal, the high profile to boost Prince sales.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Yes, I will agree with just about everything that has been said. Except I don't think that it is very powerful. But it can produce a very heavy ball with the right strings and a player that provides good racket head speed.
I have the new Prince Tour 100 16x18. Bought due to arm/elbow problems after a few years on Babolats. Takes a while to get used to but it's a great weapon once you get dialled in. Here's my thoughts so far:
LIKES:
• spin potential - lots of it. I mean lots!
• great for my arm. Best in its class
• good weight for popping back shots on the stretch
• absorbs powerful shots well
• the more you use it, the more you learn what it is capable of. It always surprises me!
DISLIKES:
• a little too powerful sometimes so shots can't be to flat (perhaps I need to increase string tension) so you have to brush up and over the ball a lot
• paint job is a bit ugly but you get over it!
• flexy feel is sometimes a bit weird when you want pop
Try one out though. I think this is the stick that will always divide opinion.
LIKES:
• spin potential - lots of it. I mean lots!
• great for my arm. Best in its class
• good weight for popping back shots on the stretch
• absorbs powerful shots well
• the more you use it, the more you learn what it is capable of. It always surprises me!
DISLIKES:
• a little too powerful sometimes so shots can't be to flat (perhaps I need to increase string tension) so you have to brush up and over the ball a lot
• paint job is a bit ugly but you get over it!
• flexy feel is sometimes a bit weird when you want pop
Try one out though. I think this is the stick that will always divide opinion.
tennis1111
Semi-Pro
I played with exo3 tour for a while and multi is no option for this racquet. You can get control with tour only with poly at high tension (at least 24 kg) and then this racquet is great for playing. It is not for flat hitting (16*18 version) but if you put some spin in it, spin would be fantastic. For me power is great, just like loosegroove described. Very easy racquet to play with.
Is there any diference between exo3 tour and new tour 100 besides stifness?
Is there any diference between exo3 tour and new tour 100 besides stifness?
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GaryB
Guest
The paint job is great!
I haven't played with mine yet, but have it freshly strung with Yonex ptp at 52lbs. Can't wait to get it out for a hit
smalahove
Hall of Fame
^this^ I had both string pattern version, and tried a poly/multi hybrid (volkl psycho) which felt way to soft - and I love the exo3 feel. I'd def go with a higher tension poly, like the prince tour xc / prince beast xp / volkl cyclone / volkl cyclone tour.
On the 16x18, I'd opt for a thicker poly, like 16, strung @58 or higher (the recommended string tension is 53-63 pounds).
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking about getting hold of a couple of these sticks again
A_Instead
Legend
I agree with these comments.. IT does take time to get used to the soft marshmellowish response. BUT once you do.. WOW.
Spin and heavy weight of shot.
I will be willing to bet that those 99s ers out there who gave up on it due to the string breaking issues would try the the Tour 100 and allow the time to get use to the soft flex... They would make the switch.
Spin and heavy weight of shot.
I will be willing to bet that those 99s ers out there who gave up on it due to the string breaking issues would try the the Tour 100 and allow the time to get use to the soft flex... They would make the switch.
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GaryB
Guest
Had a quick hit this evening with my new Tour 100. The feel will definitely take some getting used to - such a muted response. However, very nice power and spin on both sides, volleys surprisingly good and decent serves too (despite many peoples grumbles).
I have it strung with Yonex ptp at 53lbs which seems to me a nice, low-powered option which encourages really swinging out at the ball.
Oh, and the spin this racket provides on groundstrokes is awesome. Looking forward to more hitting and really clicking with this stick
I have it strung with Yonex ptp at 53lbs which seems to me a nice, low-powered option which encourages really swinging out at the ball.
Oh, and the spin this racket provides on groundstrokes is awesome. Looking forward to more hitting and really clicking with this stick
Quite surprised by this. On my first hit, the serves were the first thing I noticed that were dramatically improved. I suddenly had a far more reliable 2nd serve with kick!
Further plays this week showed it was the same situation. And that is with stock synthetic gut. If I put some Luxilon or Volkl polys on this thing, I'm sure the spin will be insane!
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GaryB
Guest
It surprised me too! Most reviewers have commented that it wasn't a great serving stick. I really enjoyed serving with it
Agreed. How anyone can say it's not a great serving stick needs their head tested. Flat, slice, kick... it does the lot with interest!
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GaryB
Guest
I had asked that in a previous post and it seems most people go for the less powerful polys at 50-55. Some recommendations that came back included Yonex ptp, Weiss cannon b5e & tourna black zone. I went with the Yonex ptp at 53 and that feels great in this stick
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GaryB
Guest
The paint on this racket is of poor quality. I've used it twice and already see five paint chips! As a comparison, my blades which I've used for six months have two/three scratches max each
Having used this stick a few times now, it can get a bit wild if tension drops. I still haven't restrung it from the stock synthetic gut in all fairness but the last couple of hits have been a tad frustrating.
Flat hitters might find it tends to lash off the racket face and requires some serious brushing up the back of the ball to get it to drop in. I was soon pining for my Volkl's a low and behold, I pulled out my Organix 9 and beat one of my regular hitters today by a bagel in the opening set.
So jury's still out on this one. I might try the 18x20 as I need better control. The open string pattern isn't very forgiving.
Flat hitters might find it tends to lash off the racket face and requires some serious brushing up the back of the ball to get it to drop in. I was soon pining for my Volkl's a low and behold, I pulled out my Organix 9 and beat one of my regular hitters today by a bagel in the opening set.
So jury's still out on this one. I might try the 18x20 as I need better control. The open string pattern isn't very forgiving.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
His is an O3 tour with the round ports and 28" long.
I strung my Exo3 Tours with poly as low as 45 and still had control.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
jonestim
Hall of Fame
The O3 was the model before the EXO3. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/PO3T/PO3TReview.html but his is pro-stock and not retail.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
That's just paint to look like they are rectangular. You can see at the bottom of the pic that the inside of the port is rounded. There is no hybrid. Any further discussions on this should be moved to the Pros' Racquets and Gear forum. Not that any more discussion is needed - it's a 28" O3 pro-stock with a Tour 100 paint job.
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GaryB
Guest
I would agree with everything here in regards to the new tour 100 version.
The only negative being the paint is awful, chips way too easily!
The_Racketeer
Professional
I'm curious why multis aren't an option for these racquets. I have a Warrior 100 with the EXO ports and use mutlis with great success. I've always stayed away from polys due to their short life. Is it this racquet in particular or all EXO port sticks that you think should steer clear of multis?
tennis1111
Semi-Pro
I didn't play with warrior so I wouldn't know but on other racquets I don't have this problem with multis. Multi usually give me more power and less spin and maybe little less controle. On exo3 tour strung with multi my attack shots would just fly away. With poly on exo3 I don't have this problem.
I have very sensitive arm and for now the best poly for my arm are SP Firestorm and Red Devil. Red Devil is little lower powerd then SPF, so for me Devil is better choice for exo3 tour.
Some other softer poly, Like SPPP or Prince beast gave me problems with golfers elbow.
I have very sensitive arm and for now the best poly for my arm are SP Firestorm and Red Devil. Red Devil is little lower powerd then SPF, so for me Devil is better choice for exo3 tour.
Some other softer poly, Like SPPP or Prince beast gave me problems with golfers elbow.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Yeah, there's a few reasons. People obviously choose poly for more spin/control in general and that is surely true for these open string pattern rackets. But I'd also add that the the Exo Ports already feel soft/muted so I think a lot of people like some extra stiffness from the string. And a huge thing is the Tour 16x18 and Warrior with their relatively open string patterns combined with the Ports are string eaters. A multi just wouldn't last for most 4.0 and up players.
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Sebang
New User
Update: Bought the racket and I love it. I have three strung at 53lbs with proline black 1.25. My serves with this racket are on point. I find it easy to place the ball exactly where you want with this frame. I can generate decent power on a flat serve but can generate more than enough spin on my kick serves. Groundies are real solid from the base line. My opponents struggle with the heavy topspin the racket allows me to generate most of the time. Unfortunately I have to part ways with this frame for now because I just got a wilson sponsorship. Cant wait to be re united though
Freedom M.D.
Rookie
Exo3 tour100 with ALUPOWER ROUGH @58 lbs = jesus christ. believe me, this racket is really able to bear stiff poly strings with way HIGH tension. you could go higher than 55lbs with any poly string due to very low flexibility this racket has. Very soft and comfortable. If I didn't string it by myself, I wouldn't believe it was 58..
The_Racketeer
Professional
I always thought multis lasted longer than polys. Am I wrong? I'm not a 4.0 player so I guess I really don't have to worry about this yet.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Well multis last in the sense that they can retain most of their playability until they break. Poly on the other hand often goes dead (though some people on this board will say otherwise). However, poly is much more durable. In my Tour 16x18, most 16 gauge multis break within 5 hours of playing singles, but all poly, or poly mains with multi crosses will last at least double of that.
Also, I notice that you have both the Pro Kennex Q5 295 and Warrior 100 in your sig. I've been thinking about going a little lighter, and both these rackets are on my radar. I demo'd both of them, but the string setups were so different, plus I didn't have the rackets at the same time, so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on how they compare to one another.
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Demoed this stick with the Tour 98 ESP. I could not get used to the soft flexy feeling of the Tour 100 at all. Power level was rather inconsistent depending on where on the stringbed you hit. Bad strings perhaps.
The 98 was surprisingly good on the other hand. Guess I prefer a stiffer frame.
The 98 was surprisingly good on the other hand. Guess I prefer a stiffer frame.
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mikeler
Moderator
I use polys at 60# on the Prince Tour 100T ESP.
The_Racketeer
Professional
The Warrior 100 is incredibly comfortable, swings fast, and is very maneuverable. As I demoed other racquets I realized just how muted the feel was, and that punching volleys was a cinch, but dropping touch shots was tougher. I gave the PK Q5 a go and it felt very similar to the Warrior 100 with regard to heft and flex, but felt much more solid on volleys and touch. Also, the weight distribution around the hoop of the PK feels better on my serve. I think the very round head shape of the Warrior lends to a evenly distributed weight, while the PK has a bit more mass at the tip. I leaded up the Warrior at 12 and it's helped quite a bit.
One reason I switched from the Warrior to the PK was that I felt I was able to crush winners a lot easier and more consistently, while the Warrior was a little less surgical. However, having played with the PK for a while, I'm finding I miss the amazing comfort of the Warrior. Despite the PK's arm-friendly tech, Prince's EXO ports are better. That's why I'm looking into the Tour series. Hopefully, more control, less free power, and the same comfort as my Warrior.
Tour plus weiss cannon black 5 edge at 53 is incredible
LightHeaded
New User
i recently switched from the ex03 16x18 tour to the new pro tour 100. i pulled the ex03 out of my bag today to have a hit. the first thing you notice if you havent hit it in awhile is that it seems very polarized. once you get it swinging it wants to keep accelerating. even at 7 pts headlight it seems very tip weighted. reminds me of the speed pro. maybe it is more due to the extreme flex and narrow throat.
what i love the most with this frame is the 1h backhand. i can be super late or have terrible form and it doesnt matter. the flex and pocketing just carry the ball to bring it back into position. you get so much spin and margin you have tremendous confidence that you can just swing away.
since the string pockets so much thanks to the ex03 ports and since it has so much flex, a really dead poly works well in this frame. you feel like you can just tear the cover off the ball.
if you want to sit back and hit groundstrokes all day with lots of margin it is great. i think it is a more forgiving version of the radical in that regard.
i dont like it on volleys and serves. on volleys, it is ok if you can take a punch at ball, but will just fall to the ground on any reaction volleys.
on serve, it just doesnt seem to accelerate fast enough for a good flat serve. great for kick and slice however.
what i love the most with this frame is the 1h backhand. i can be super late or have terrible form and it doesnt matter. the flex and pocketing just carry the ball to bring it back into position. you get so much spin and margin you have tremendous confidence that you can just swing away.
since the string pockets so much thanks to the ex03 ports and since it has so much flex, a really dead poly works well in this frame. you feel like you can just tear the cover off the ball.
if you want to sit back and hit groundstrokes all day with lots of margin it is great. i think it is a more forgiving version of the radical in that regard.
i dont like it on volleys and serves. on volleys, it is ok if you can take a punch at ball, but will just fall to the ground on any reaction volleys.
on serve, it just doesnt seem to accelerate fast enough for a good flat serve. great for kick and slice however.
tennis1111
Semi-Pro
Yes, it is very easy racquet to play with. I was so consistent with it. Great for my every stroke, but my two handed backhand. I am hitting it pretty flat so it tends to sail away with exo3. You really need to zip the stroke with this racquet and then it plays fantastic.
The best thing was how racquet produced deep spinny balls.
LightHeaded, please compare EXO3 tour 16*18 with your Pro tour 100. Thanks!
The best thing was how racquet produced deep spinny balls.
LightHeaded, please compare EXO3 tour 16*18 with your Pro tour 100. Thanks!
LightHeaded
New User
The pro tour is a better overall frame. i cant say anything is outstanding with it, but it is better for serving and volleying. its actually great for volleying since it doesnt pocket so much. it has good control and more power than the ex03. i miss the ex03 on backhands. with the pro tour i cant be as sloppy, but that is just me. the lack of ex03 makes it feel much crisper and less pocketing. the thicker beam takes away the comfort but gives it the power. ive been suffering from a mild case of tennis elbow with it with a full bed of cyclone at 54lbs. i havent tried a hybrid in it. i actually just sent it back to TW to jump on the PS97 bandwagon.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Polystar Energy - all the power you'll ever need
LightHeaded
New User
antinoos, buy the grommets.
lefty10spro
Semi-Pro
I recommend you DO NOT try to grommet this frame. If you want a solid body grommeted Tour, Prince now makes it! For more pop, string with natural gut (I prefer Babolat Tonic+ Ball Feel) at 55 lbs. Slap on a tournagrip and 4g (total) of lead at 10 and 2 o'clock. This lead placement raises the sweet spot slightly and makes the upper hoop hits feel less dead and more stable. Remember that this is one of the most flexible frames made. Elbow and shoulder pain magically go away and you will swear that you are playing with an old school wood frame. Pure delight. For a spinnier option, put poly in the crosses at 50#. All this being said, this is not a powerful frame, so when antinoos said he wanted "much power", he should perhaps look elsewhere, like the Warrior line.
I really like this racquet just want a string to give me a little more power.....
