Still buy Prince?

C

csg4005

Rookie
I'm currently looking at a few Prince rackets, exo3 tour 16x18 and the rebel 98. However, I'm a little worried that since Prince is restructuring, they will most likely be eliminating rackets in the future that they deem to be unprofitable.

My question is, with Prince's current state, would you purchase a Prince racket? Or, would you try to find a similar racket from a different manufacturer?
 
rdis10093

rdis10093

Hall of Fame
poor quality, and their racquets have no support from the back of the baseline, but that is just my thoughts
 
pug

pug

Semi-Pro
csg4005 said:
I'm currently looking at a few Prince rackets, exo3 tour 16x18 and the rebel 98. However, I'm a little worried that since Prince is restructuring, they will most likely be eliminating rackets in the future that they deem to be unprofitable.

My question is, with Prince's current state, would you purchase a Prince racket? Or, would you try to find a similar racket from a different manufacturer?
Click to expand...

If you like them, buy the Prince. I don't think they are going away, and you can always buy grommets or spare racquets off the auction site. I am demoing the Warrior DB Team right now and it is very nice.
 
pug

pug

Semi-Pro
csg4005 said:
what are the disadvantages of their tech vs other brands?
Click to expand...

No disadvantages, just individual preferences. I played with the exo3 tour 18x20 and it was a great stick. The paint came off easily, but that is common on many manufacturers racquets. The Warrior DB Team has a very nice fit and finish, no problems at all.
 
Vlad_C

Vlad_C

Semi-Pro
I would not recommend their EXO racquets to anyone.
I tried a couple, and got only bad vibes from them - literally.
The sooner they move away form this hole silliness, the better.

On the other hand I just bought a POG OS, it should be here in a couple of days. I am really looking forward to hitting with that.
And some of their tennis bags are very good too.

I would not necessarily hesitate to buy a Prince product just because the company is restructuring. But just as with other brands, you have to do your research. They all offer some good products, some average products, and many low-quality products.
 
Tyler91

Tyler91

Rookie
pug said:
If you like them, buy the Prince. I don't think they are going away, and you can always buy grommets or spare racquets off the auction site. I am demoing the Warrior DB Team right now and it is very nice.
Click to expand...

I think pug is right.
 
U

USS Tang

Rookie
The EXO3 Red 105 is a great racket, even with the so-called holes. Yes, the paint tends to chip off, but I keep black auto touch-up paint at home to dab on from time to time. Plenty of stability on the baseline. Volleying is a breeze.
 
E

El Diablo

Guest
It's not as if you're buying a Saab and have real concerns about parts availability down the road. Grommet sets are cheap enough, buy some extras and don't worry about it.
 
UCSF2012

UCSF2012

Hall of Fame
rdis10093 said:
why would you buy a racquet with holes in it?
Click to expand...

Those holes feel terrrible. I absolutely hate how it feels when the ball makes impact with the strings.

However, the RESULT is quite nice. Those holes expand the sweetspot, and balls hitting near the frame still bounce with pace. Mishit serves still go in instead of dumping into the net.

Once you get past having holes in your racket and how awkward the response is on ball impact, you'll notice your shot quality actually improves. All due to those holes in the racket.
 
J

JesterMania

New User
Just for the record, some of their records such as the EXO3 Tour actually have replacement hole grommets for those who don't like the O3/EXO3 ports. Like what El Diablo said, it's not like you're buying a $20k car or something - if you truly like the racquet, buy a few and a bunch of replacement grommets.
 
mrw

mrw

Semi-Pro
I say support Prince. As soon as TW gets the POG Os in a "2" I am ordering another one.
 
TheOneHander

TheOneHander

Professional
rdis10093 said:
why would you buy a racquet with holes in it?
Click to expand...


All racquets have holes in them, Einstein.

csg4005 said:
what are the disadvantages of their tech vs other brands?
Click to expand...

pug said:
No disadvantages, just individual preferences. I played with the exo3 tour 18x20 and it was a great stick. The paint came off easily, but that is common on many manufacturers racquets. The Warrior DB Team has a very nice fit and finish, no problems at all.
Click to expand...

+1

If you like the stick, buy it. Grommets are still out if that's what you're worried about-beware, though, the paint quality on the newer sticks isn't as good as it has been in the past. I still love my EXO3 Tours, though :)
 
C

CaptinStiff

New User
Prince Sports is still functioning and hasn't shuttered there doors, and they're already out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Basically they shuffled their debt around and are now under a new holding company. Although it remains to be seen if this new business arrangement will be helpful for the company or not in the long run.

Here's a recent article on the matter:
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/16/4731504/authentic-brands-group-propels.html

Personally I'm not letting this news dissuade me from buying their products.
 
gamerx52986

gamerx52986

Rookie
While I personally cant adjust to the Prince frames due to the holes, if you demo and like them by all means purchase them. I may not do well with their frames but I have a couple pair of the T-22 shoes that I just really like better than most other shoes I have used. Throw in my current hybrid of choice Beast XP mains with Premier Attack crosses and I hope Prince sticks around.
 
E

El Diablo

Guest
You know it's grim with Prince when mitchman doesn' even chime in to a Prince thread. Prince may have sold him off to raise cash.
 
Bartelby

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
One thing is for sure is that there are too many companies in a shrinking market, but that Prince's history means that there is still money to be made out of its past.

If you don't like the holes however the scene has moved to Babolat.
 
KoaUka

KoaUka

Rookie
Automatix said:
Sadly that's not an option for the new Rebel 98. :-?
Click to expand...

It is an option. You get the 98 team grommets. They're the same size/head shape. Actually, that's what I did for ease of stringing. I Still plan to try the holes once I get a boomerang. I like holes...
 
Automatix

Automatix

Legend
KoaUka said:
It is an option. You get the 98 team grommets. They're the same size/head shape. Actually, that's what I did for ease of stringing. I Still plan to try the holes once I get a boomerang. I like holes...
Click to expand...

As far as I can see (quick googling could be I didn't find them) only the 95 has the hole grommet option.
 
gonzalocatalino

gonzalocatalino

Hall of Fame
I play with the YT prestige MP and i´m playing these days with the Ozone Tours.
Once you get used to the awkard/muted feel of the O3/Exo3 tech, you will notice all the benefits of this raquets: huge swetspots, spin, comfort and decent control/power balance.

I cant hit some of the powerfull shot i´m able to hit with my prestiges (flat and heavy forehands and serves), but instead, i won on spin and "consistency" with the Ozones...
 
R

Roforot

Hall of Fame
Bloody hell, when are they going reduce their prices, especially on reels of string! That would bring in some cash!
 
Automatix

Automatix

Legend
KoaUka said:
Available on tennis warehouse website...
Click to expand...
These are the EXO3 grommets available on TW...
Prince Exo3 Rebel 95 2012 Grommet 2
Prince Exo3 Rebel 95 Hole 2012 Grommet Inserts 2
Prince Exo3 Rebel 98 2012 Grommet 3
Prince Exo3 Warrior 100 Mid+ Grommet 1
Prince Exo3 Warrior Team 100 Grommet 4
Prince Air Freak Mid Plus Grommet 1
Prince Exo3 Black Mid Plus Hole Grommet 15
Prince Exo3 Black Mid Plus Port Grommet 6
Prince EXO3 Black MP Port Grommet Inserts (Silver) 4
Prince Exo3 Black Team Hole Grommet 10
Prince EXO3 Black Team Hole Grommet Inserts (Black) 1
Prince Exo3 Black Team Port Grommet 1
Prince EXO3 Black Team Port Grommet Inserts (Black) 3
Prince Exo3 Blue Hole Grommet 2+
Prince EXO3 Blue Port Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Graphite 100 Hole Grommet 12
Prince EXO3 Graphite 100 Hole Grommet Inserts (Green) 4
Prince Exo3 Graphite 100 Port Grommet 2
Prince EXO3 Graphite 100 Port Grommet Inserts (Green) 4+
Prince Exo3 Graphite 93 Hole Grommet 2
Prince EXO3 Graphite 93 Hole Grommet Inserts (Green) 2
Prince Exo3 Graphite 93 Port Grommet 6
Prince EXO3 Graphite 93 Port Grommet Inserts (Green) 2
Prince Exo3 Hybrid 100 Grommet 3
Prince Exo3 Hybrid 104 Grommet 1
Prince Exo3 Hybrid 110 Grommet 1
Prince EXO3 Ignite 95 Hole Grommet Inserts (Red) 1
Prince Exo3 Ignite Hole Grommet 4
Prince Exo3 Ignite Port Grommet 3
Prince Exo3 Ignite Team Hole Grommet 6
Prince EXO3 Ignite Team Hole Grommet Inserts (Black) 4
Prince Exo3 Rebel 95 Hole 2009 Grommet Inserts 4
Prince EXO3 Rebel Hole 2009 Grommet Inserts (Yellow) 4+
Prince Exo3 Rebel Mid Plus Hole 2009 Grommet 11
Prince Exo3 Rebel Mid Plus Port 2009 Grommet 2
Prince EXO3 Rebel Port 2009 Grommet Inserts (Yellow) 2
Prince EXO3 Rebel Team Port Grommet Inserts 09 (Black) 2
Prince Exo3 Red 105 Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Red 105 Port Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Silver 115 Port Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Silver 118 Port Grommet 1
Prince Exo3 Tour 100 18x20 Port Insert &Bumper Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Tour Lite 100 16x18 Bumper Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Tour Lite Grommet 2+
Prince Exo3 Tour Team 100 16x18 Bumper Grommet 2
Prince Exo3 Tour/T.Team 100 Hole 16x18 Hole Insert (Or) 2+
Prince Exo3 Warrior & Warrior Team Grommet Inserts 12

Now please point out in this list the EXO3 Rebel 98 Team grommet.
KoaUka said:
It is an option. You get the 98 team grommets. They're the same size/head shape. Actually, that's what I did for ease of stringing. I Still plan to try the holes once I get a boomerang. I like holes...
Click to expand...

I've bolded the EXO3 Rebel 98 grommets, but there are no 98 Team grommets.
 
KoaUka

KoaUka

Rookie
Ok,I guess they update their site from time to time? Who woulda thought?? Regardless, my point was that the hole grommets ARE an option for the rebel 98, that's it.
 
V

vantageboy

Rookie
a player in our doubles group who uses the exo2 tour 18x20 just ordered one and got it with in 2 weeks from prince. jus saying.
 
R

RedTun

New User
I bought an EXO3 Rebel 95 last month. No regrets. Love it. I demoed several others, including: Head, Wilson, Donnay, Babolat. I chose the Prince. I say, if the racquet works for you, then buy it.
 
robbo1970

robbo1970

Hall of Fame
I seem to always default to Prince with my rackets.

When I have bought lower end models they have been consistantly better quality than other brand equivalents and my Exo3 Graphite 93 is a fantastic racquet.

I would never hesitate to get a Prince racket at any level.

But each to their own.
 
B

Benhur

Hall of Fame
I’ve been using a pair of Prince Triple Threat Viper racquets for the last 11 years, but I added about 3 ounces of lead tape to the original 9.2, all of it on the handle and right below the V, which must have brought the balance point down at least one inch (the original balance was too top heavy). I've got so used to them I can't change. I’ve tried many racquets in between but somehow never felt quite as comfortable with any of them. Conversely, everyone who’s tried them finds them too weird.
 
L

Lucas2015

Professional
Prince... it took them 30 years to produce a decent heavy- 95 inch head frame without holes or a ridiculous paintjob.

Pathetic brand. If only they had produced a 95 or 97 std length POG...
 
BlueB

BlueB

Legend
Both Longbody and regular 27" lengths were available. I've got both.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
 
Shaolin

Shaolin

G.O.A.T.
daniel2015 said:
If only they had produced a 95 or 97 std length POG...
Click to expand...

giphy.gif
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
Well damn, I guess I am crazy but the tour 100 18/20's I have are fantastic./ I had no trouble adjusting to the "holes" and I find it to be plush and comfy. Crazy me...
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
It's really more of a shame on Prince for not supplying the grommets, not even for their recent frames. I think their rackets are great and even liked the EXO3 Rebel 95.
 
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