@@@@@The OFFICIAL Prince EXO3 Tour 100 Club@@@@@

[ghia]

I am coming back from lateral epicodilitis and run up and down the forum searching for the most arm-friendly player's racquet out there!

From the TW vibration frecquency charts The Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (18x20) lists second with 123 (points?) and 55 stiffness rating so it should be the best arm-issues racquet in production. How does it compare to the 16x18 version regarding softness?

Is it that good for the arm? I will stay away from poly strings as I love multis anyhow.

Would love to demo but I can't. So I have to buy based on reviews>
PS: my babolats sweetspot felt smaller and smaller while developing tennis-elbow!

 

[klementine]

^ From the famous Swarchenegger line in predator...' Come-on!! What are you waiting for?? Do it!!'

 

[Power Player]

Is it good for the arm? Heck yes..it is possibly the best stick on the arm that I have used. Try that and a Pro Kennex 7G. I am not sure if there are better options for arm health.

 

[ghia]

thanks!
I will order a 18x20

 

[Rabbit]

Thanks. Did you apply the leather grip for extra weight in the handle (and then add overgrip) or to actually use the leather grip? If for weight, what differences have you noticed with the increased grams?

I installed leather because I like the feel of leather, not for the weight. I have noticed no difference in the racquet's performance since isntalling the grip from a weight perspective.

 

[parasailing]

I have the 16x18 string pattern and all I can say is awesome racquet for the arm. I usually can't string up full poly on any racquet I have demoed in the past but this one is amazing. I think I can probably even use Alu Power with this racquet. I am still testing out which poly string goes well with this racquet.

It is just that soft on the arm. I still have some issues trying to get use to this racquet. It requires a totally different swing path than my PSTGT.

You really need to generate a lot of topspin by brushing up on the ball. Otherwise, it has a trampoline effect if you just try to hit line drive shots. I do love how I can keep the ball deep at the opponent's baseline.

 

[jk175d]

I have 3 16X18s

Two with VS 17g mains @ 55 and poly crosses at 48 (WC Silverstring 1.20 on one and MSV Co-focus 1.18 on the other.)

3rd frame is all Tourbite at 47/45 for use in damp conditions.

About 2g of total weight added in each at 2 and 10, All 3 weigh in at 333-335g.

Love this racquet but I wish the PJ was more durable.

 

[tennismonkey]

i've given up trying to keep my exo3 tours in pristine condition. the paints just too soft. i took some lead tape off the racquet and it removed some paint with it. ugh.

if prince ever releases this racquet in a special edition with a new and different paintjob with paint that actually stays on -- i'd buy em.

 

[cknobman]

Count me in, been playing with what is in my sig since February.

 

[motomike100]

How much different is the tour from the exo 3 white? Thanks-mike

 

[skeeter]

I have 3 16X18s

Two with VS 17g mains @ 55 and poly crosses at 48 (WC Silverstring 1.20 on one and MSV Co-focus 1.18 on the other.)

How do you like the VS gut/WCSS byrid in this racquet? I just received an 18x20 and have always liked gut/poly hybrids in previous racquets. Or maybe gut with TB?

 

[TheSafin]

I'm so thrilled that this thread is doing well! Keep up the good work.


On a side note, my three new EXO3 Tours (16x18) came today! 2 of them are the same weight and one is off by 1 gram. I'll post some pics once I get them all strung/gripped up.

Sidenote: anybody leaded these yet? I'm curious to hear how they play with some extra heft.

 

[klementine]

Might I add this as a reference... it has all kinds of nice tid-bits in it for strings and customization..... although you don't have to look far to find it... but what the hey....

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=377369

 

[Noltae]

not the nicest shaped hoop - and 98 would have been better

 

[tapatio]

Count me in, about to order my third 18x20.

 

[jk175d]

How do you like the VS gut/WCSS byrid in this racquet? I just received an 18x20 and have always liked gut/poly hybrids in previous racquets. Or maybe gut with TB?

The SS is a great cross with gut. Very smooth and softer than some polys. It doesn't cut through the gut as fast as the co-focus either. I am still playing with a frame I strung up on Sept 1st. In that same time I'm on my 3rd stringing of gut/co-focus. Granted I do play with the co-focus more. When I first switched to the co-focus I thought I liked it more, but now I've concluded I like the SS as much but in a slightly different way. That's why I have one frame of each.

 

[Bartelby]

... and people will put lead all over it as soon as they get over the surprise of its power level and realise that it is still too low powered.

not the nicest shaped hoop - and 98 would have been better

 

[klementine]

^ I don't understand your logic on that one.

'power' is such a relative term...

It depends on your swing, the strings and tension. And what racquet your used to.

I'd much rather have a 'low-powered' racquet... because that gives me the chance to a.) be more aggressive and b.) fine tune the frame to my liking, including low tensions.

I've dabbled with stiff, 'powerful' frames in the past.... not for me and my swing. I would have to ratchet the tension up in the 60's just to bring my flatter strokes in... not the best combination.

 

[beeveewee]

I'm in with my 2 18x20s...

 

[parasailing]

not the nicest shaped hoop - and 98 would have been better

I agree, 98 sq in. like my PSTGT would have been perfect. Time to find that right copoly to use on this wonderful racquet.

 

[anewtypedude]

I hit with my new EXO3 Tour for the first time today, and it already looks like it has been through WWII. The paint chips VERY easily.

Anyone got some good advice on how to lead this thing up?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I feel like this explosion of love for the exo3 tours bodes extremely well for the new Rebel 95. Just sayin.

 

[airdupont]

Really starting to think I'm missing out on something without this racquet?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

This is what you are missing:

it's good for you, but it's noodly

 

[mxmx]

I'm in with my 2 18x20s...

seems like you have silver string port inserts?
Very cool looking...better than the gold..

is this racket really recommended?
I may be switching to it...

current rackets:
- K-blade 98
- Prince 03 speedport black team

 

[tata]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Only a demo session can answer that question. There are a few people who do not like it. YOu may want to check if you are one of the exceptions to the rule.

 

[mxmx]

well...fair enough. I feel that most modern rackets are all good anyways...within limits of course. I won't be buying lets say a exo3 silver though

 

[cknobman]

well...fair enough. I feel that most modern rackets are all good anyways...within limits of course. I won't be buying lets say a exo3 silver though

Well compared to your KBlade 98 the EXO3 tour is going to give you more spin and a softer feel since it is much more flexible.

Compared to the Speedport Black Team your going to get more controllable power, better feel, and more weight that should help you for returning serves and hard groundstrokes.

 

[Power Player]

This is what you are missing:

it's good for you, but it's noodly

Lol..flexy but it hits so big. That is what makes it special.

 

[parasailing]

I think the racquet is so flexy that it's hard to drive the ball without a high percentage of them going out. This is the 16x18 string pattern and those that have the 18x20 might not have this issue.

I have been playing with this racquet for a while and notice if you brush up on the ball, it provides great spin production and depth. Now if I can only get a heavier ball hitting with this, I would switch away from my PSTGT.

 

[mikeler]

I think the racquet is so flexy that it's hard to drive the ball without a high percentage of them going out. This is the 16x18 string pattern and those that have the 18x20 might not have this issue.

I have been playing with this racquet for a while and notice if you brush up on the ball, it provides great spin production and depth. Now if I can only get a heavier ball hitting with this, I would switch away from my PSTGT.

This is where the PK 7G shines. I've never had confidence to flatten out my forehand like I do with this stick. Spin is still there when I want it but it's much more fun belting hard winners than hitting a loopy forehand back to your opponent. Could be my string setup combined with the stick too.

 

[Orion3]

I have been playing with this racquet for a while and notice if you brush up on the ball, it provides great spin production and depth. Now if I can only get a heavier ball hitting with this, I would switch away from my PSTGT.

Have you tried a full bed of poly at very low tension? Still early days for me but the increase in spin production has been noticeable.

 

[Hominator]

I think the racquet is so flexy that it's hard to drive the ball without a high percentage of them going out. This is the 16x18 string pattern and those that have the 18x20 might not have this issue.

I have been playing with this racquet for a while and notice if you brush up on the ball, it provides great spin production and depth. Now if I can only get a heavier ball hitting with this, I would switch away from my PSTGT.

Try about 1.5 inches of lead at 10/2 and 4/8. Counter balance with lead in the handle, if you like. I've done this with other racquets and it helped lighter racquets hit heavier balls.

 

[jk175d]

I think the racquet is so flexy that it's hard to drive the ball without a high percentage of them going out. This is the 16x18 string pattern and those that have the 18x20 might not have this issue.

I have been playing with this racquet for a while and notice if you brush up on the ball, it provides great spin production and depth. Now if I can only get a heavier ball hitting with this, I would switch away from my PSTGT.

I don't know... I've been swinging out more freely than ever with this stick and the control is great, in part because of the great spin. But I can flatten out the shots when I need to. I feel the flex has the opposite effect of causing flyers. The dwell time for the ball on the strings feels like forever, so you really feel like you are almost grabbing and throwing the ball.

Maybe you should make an adjustment in your strings/tension. Where are you at now?

 

[Rabbit]

I don't know... I've been swinging out more freely than ever with this stick and the control is great, in part because of the great spin. But I can flatten out the shots when I need to. I feel the flex has the opposite effect of causing flyers. The dwell time for the ball on the strings feels like forever, so you really feel like you are almost grabbing and throwing the ball.

Maybe you should make an adjustment in your strings/tension. Where are you at now?

I agree. Control is great with this frame.

 

[klementine]

No issues with control... and mine are spec'd out at 12.5oz .... 8pts.HL

Rabbit... took your advice and dropped some weight off of my sticks. winning % is getting higher.... don't want to go lower as I'm the flatter type hitter... but might.

No matter what racquet you're swinging.. if it's landing long more often than not... first thing I'd look at is technique... second strings and tension... and last.. racquet.

This frame is like 'home-base' for me... just feels safe and sound on big swings to touch shots.

 

[Rabbit]

No issues with control... and mine are spec'd out at 12.5oz .... 8pts.HL

Rabbit... took your advice and dropped some weight off of my sticks. winning % is getting higher.... don't want to go lower as I'm the flatter type hitter... but might.

No matter what racquet you're swinging.. if it's landing long more often than not... first thing I'd look at is technique... second strings and tension... and last.. racquet.

This frame is like 'home-base' for me... just feels safe and sound on big swings to touch shots.

I'm a flat ball hitter who finally gave up trying to play the youthful heavy top game. Seriously, I had an epiphany here of late. That was a ball with moderate topspin hit with moderate pace is a great rally ball, especially in light of the extreme grips out there now. The ball just doesn't sit up. It pierces the court and has good action. The downside is that your margin of error is less, but I can live with that as I'm more comfortable doing that. The pro I worked with told me that what I call moderate pace is still more than 95% of the folks he works with and should be enough. When I dial it up, I can hit as hard as anyone (around here at least).

All that said, I find that with the Tour Team, stock except for a leather grip, I can waylay the ball when I want to. I've had 6 months with this frame and it just keeps getting better & better. I feel as comfortable with this frame as I did with the C10 except on swinging volleys; they contniue to elude me.

I agree with your post 100% with the exception of the weight thing. When last I played 5.0 (about ten years ago), I played with a 10 ounce frame. I'm having deja vu all over again as I find that I can do a lot more with the ball from an offensive standpoint and make the ball do what I want it to. I'm finally recovering my swing speed from the bout of tennis elbow I had ten years ago.

String and tension are essential, as you say. I've found the perfect setup for me. I will probably goof around with other strings and tensions, but for the life of me, my current set up of Ace/NRG at 48/50 is just too good to be true. Comfort, control, spin, and placement. If I were only taller and better looking.

 

[klementine]

^ Is just under 6'1 with mediterranean features and a bronze all year tan good enough for 'ya?

I'll trade it for that 5.0 game you had ten years ago.


Sounds good.... and happy more people are enjoying this frame.

Just can't understand why some people find it 'low-powered'.

 

[parasailing]

I don't know... I've been swinging out more freely than ever with this stick and the control is great, in part because of the great spin. But I can flatten out the shots when I need to. I feel the flex has the opposite effect of causing flyers. The dwell time for the ball on the strings feels like forever, so you really feel like you are almost grabbing and throwing the ball.

Maybe you should make an adjustment in your strings/tension. Where are you at now?

I strung Tour Bite at 55lbs so maybe need to up it a bit. This racquet has great spin potential but I still not use to the flexiness of the racquet. I guess I will keep trying to see if I can adjust to it.

 

[klementine]

For 18x20 users- my string thoughts.....

For flatter hitters, I recommend trying out Lux's M2Pro at whatever tension you please. I had it at 50 and I still can't find a better option, I even prefer it over gut/poly... crazy I know. Just accentuates the soft-ride and adds very nice power on fast swings. Not the firmest option out there... but I can attest that on hard shots it firms up a bit... like a poly. On soft-touch shots it feels pliable and forgiving. Plus, it's got a very loud 'BANG' to it. Would like to use this a main and find a good complimentary cross... but it's fine as is.... in fact I think there's one young up&comer on the atp who uses an 18x20 bed and strings this stuff full bed at under 50.... hmmmmm.

For players who like to reverse-forehand the ball, play the higher percentage shots and want to 'rip the face off the ball'. I haven't found anything better than 18g tour bite. Really crisp and the epitome of what a full bed of poly should feel like in the 18x20. Only problem is, it loses it's magic after 3-4 sessions. Maybe 6-8hrs tops.

For every one in-between... especially those who like to sit at net and want a sure thing... Gut/poly. I have champion's choice in one of my sticks and it still feels great, even after 6+ hours of court time. Probably performs better now. Have the gut in the mains and the alu in the crosses. Superb, deft touch. And logically this should be my desired set-up... but it's not.

 

[TheOneHander]

I got to hit my Tour today side-by side a Rebel 95 with ports and lead n'leather. For comparison's sake, both frames hit a heavy ball, and the Rebel is just rock solid. They have distinct feels to them-the Rebel is solid, smooth, and crisp, and the Tour is soft and comfy. In terms of groundstrokes, though, the Tour definitely won. I rarely hit flat, so the Rebel's fairly dense pattern was of no use to me. I also could feel the bite on the Tour, whereas the Rebel didn't give me enough feedback. Volleys with the Reb are fantastic, though. They're so crisp and effortless, and the whole feel of the stick is just so clean. I'm going to restring the Rebel soon with BHBR 17 (my favorite poly) and remove the lead to see how it matches up against my beloved Tour. Excited I am!

 

[mxmx]

*double post*

 

[mxmx]

I got to hit my Tour today side-by side a Rebel 95 with lead n'leather. For comparison's sake, both frames hit a heavy ball, and the Rebel is just rock solid. They have distinct feels to them-the Rebel is solid, smooth, and crisp, and the Tour is soft and comfy. In terms of groundstrokes, though, the Tour definitely won. I rarely hit flat, so the Rebel's fairly dense pattern was of no use to me. I also could feel the bite on the Tour, whereas the Rebel didn't give me enough feedback. Volleys with the Reb are fantastic, though. They're so crisp and effortless, and the whole feel of the stick is just so clean. I'm going to restring the Rebel soon with BHBR 17 (my favorite poly) and remove the lead to see how it matches up against my beloved Tour. Excited I am!

I think this is why in theory, a smaller headed racket is ideal. There is more leverage on a larger head for the racket to have directional change when the ball strikes off centre. The larger the head size, the more directional force is available for the ball to twist the racket in your hand (thus directional changes on the ball). This is why someone like Federer can get away with a 95sq racket like the Rebel. His footwork is very good, so he tends to centre the ball better than most. But not all of us is like Federer.

From what i've read, it seems as if one of the largest drawbacks of the exo tour 100 is the volleys. Its a flexible racket with a largish head...so i can imagine one could lose control on volleys. My second concern (from what ive read) would be serving first serves with this racket.

To me the kblade 98 was the most flexible racket ive owned myself and the prince rackets are normally far more rigid. I found the k-blade to be the perfect racket (if you can master how to spin with it also because of the tight stringbed pattern) - But im very brand loyal to prince and hate wilson, even though the k-blade has thus far, been one of my best rackets. It was just strange to me that i could generate more spin on the groundstrokes with the kblade even inspite of the tight string pattern than i would with the speedport black with a more open string pattern...I think its the head lightness that could help the accelleration to do this. So thats bonus points for me if i wanna get the tour 100, cause its even more head light.

But what i have found most challenging with the kblade over all things, was that the ball would at times skid off the tight string pattern and will cause many mishits...The miss hit factor was my biggest complaint of the 98 and thats not even a 95 sized head! But what you gain in one rackets' specs, you lose in another. With the kblade and rebel you should probably have a lot of stability, but lack in other areas.

In everyones experience:
What is the closest "Prince" racket to the k-blade98?

 

[mxmx]

Well compared to your KBlade 98 the EXO3 tour is going to give you more spin and a softer feel since it is much more flexible.

Compared to the Speedport Black Team your going to get more controllable power, better feel, and more weight that should help you for returning serves and hard groundstrokes.

Good to hear...

Also nice to see you are using the racket stock. No way that i'm leading my racket. I'd rather adjust my stroke, than adding weight.

 

[mxmx]

I feel as comfortable with this frame as I did with the C10 except on swinging volleys; they contniue to elude me.
.

I'm sure you already know this, but swining on a volley is not ideal. It is better to punch the ball and generate the power with the legs instead. Now if only i could listen to my own advice on the hight backhand volley :shock:

My question is though...how does this racket cope with the volleys, even with good technique? I'm guessing not as well as lets say the speedport black which is much firmer?

 

[Power Player]

This is where the PK 7G shines. I've never had confidence to flatten out my forehand like I do with this stick. Spin is still there when I want it but it's much more fun belting hard winners than hitting a loopy forehand back to your opponent. Could be my string setup combined with the stick too.

You can do either with the EXO. That is what I have learned using it. The 7G just has a really tight pattern, reminds me of a prestige. It definitely bashes the ball, but one guy I play with now says that I hit harder with the EXO and the spin kicks the ball away from him a little more on winners. I think it just boils down to preference, I don't win hitting flatter...i tried it with the pstgt, prestige and 7G and my strokes are more suited towards spin sticks. Those were all highly enjoyable racquets to use though.

 

[jk175d]

I strung Tour Bite at 55lbs so maybe need to up it a bit. This racquet has great spin potential but I still not use to the flexiness of the racquet. I guess I will keep trying to see if I can adjust to it.

Beleive it or not, you need to go DOWN a bit. If balls are flying at 55, try mains at 50 or better yet, 47 and do crosses 2 lbs lighter. You will have MUCH better ball pocketing, spin and thus control. I've been through this with the same string on the same stick.

And again, flexiness does not contribute to the balls flying, the stiffer the frame, the more powerfull and the more balls will fly. The high flex of this stick is what gives it the muted feel and makes some people say it feels low powered. But your regular hitting partners will probably tell you there is more drive on your ball with this stick so the power feel is deceptive.

I keep one EXO3 Tour strung with TB at 47/45 now for damp conditions, my other two are gut mains/poly crosses, but it's easy to switch to the all poly and not have to make any adjustments to my game.

 

[Rabbit]

I'm sure you already know this, but swining on a volley is not ideal. It is better to punch the ball and generate the power with the legs instead. Now if only i could listen to my own advice on the hight backhand volley :shock:

My question is though...how does this racket cope with the volleys, even with good technique? I'm guessing not as well as lets say the speedport black which is much firmer?

From behind the service line, I like to take a cut at a bolo volley every once in a while. I guess the C10 kinda spoiled me because I rarely missed those with it.

To your other question, the EXO3 Tour Team 100 is great on volleys for me. I did not like it at all at the net strung with Lux BB Original @ 48, but that was the string I think. Strung with Lux Ace/TF NRG 17, it is a scalpel at net and can do anything I am able. FWIW, I really prefer to play at net.

 

[JGads]

I think this is why in theory, a smaller headed racket is ideal. There is more leverage on a larger head for the racket to have directional change when the ball strikes off centre. The larger the head size, the more directional force is available for the ball to twist the racket in your hand (thus directional changes on the ball). This is why someone like Federer can get away with a 95sq racket like the Rebel. His footwork is very good, so he tends to centre the ball better than most. But not all of us is like Federer.

From what i've read, it seems as if one of the largest drawbacks of the exo tour 100 is the volleys. Its a flexible racket with a largish head...so i can imagine one could lose control on volleys. My second concern (from what ive read) would be serving first serves with this racket.

To me the kblade 98 was the most flexible racket ive owned myself and the prince rackets are normally far more rigid. I found the k-blade to be the perfect racket (if you can master how to spin with it also because of the tight stringbed pattern) - But im very brand loyal to prince and hate wilson, even though the k-blade has thus far, been one of my best rackets. It was just strange to me that i could generate more spin on the groundstrokes with the kblade even inspite of the tight string pattern than i would with the speedport black with a more open string pattern...I think its the head lightness that could help the accelleration to do this. So thats bonus points for me if i wanna get the tour 100, cause its even more head light.

But what i have found most challenging with the kblade over all things, was that the ball would at times skid off the tight string pattern and will cause many mishits...The miss hit factor was my biggest complaint of the 98 and thats not even a 95 sized head! But what you gain in one rackets' specs, you lose in another. With the kblade and rebel you should probably have a lot of stability, but lack in other areas.

In everyones experience:
What is the closest "Prince" racket to the k-blade98?

I played with the Blade 98 for about a year and playtested the EXO for a few weeks. My two cents:

KBlade absolutely bombed serves and could crack some very nice groundies from the back of the court that had pace and precision, but the stiffness also lent itself to the occasional flier. On the downside, I've never in my life had a worse racquet at the net. That thing died up there, had no stability if you caught the ball toward the edge of the frame, would duff volleys left and right.

EXO Tour (18/20) that I got to playtest from TW blew me away in the control department - didn't think a 100-incher could be that control-oriented, but the flex made it so that fliers were very rare, much more rare than the Blade. It also volleyed EXCEPTIONALLY well, stabbing them back or drop-volleying, I had excellent touch up close, always, much more so than the Blade 98. On the down side, I was never as comfy hitting the bomb first serves with the EXO as I was with the Blade. Though I also never experimented with lead, and others have said lead at the top of the hoop or at 3 and 9 do wonders on serve for the EXO. ...

Can't really talk about other Prince sticks vs. the Blade, because the only other Prince I've tried in the last few years was a partner's Rebel, and for whatever reason I just hated that thing, wasn't for me. EXO was, for the most part, excellent.

 

[skeeter]

For 18x20 users- my string thoughts.....

For flatter hitters, I recommend trying out Lux's M2Pro at whatever tension you please. I had it at 50 and I still can't find a better option, I even prefer it over gut/poly... crazy I know. Just accentuates the soft-ride and adds very nice power on fast swings. Not the firmest option out there... but I can attest that on hard shots it firms up a bit... like a poly. On soft-touch shots it feels pliable and forgiving. Plus, it's got a very loud 'BANG' to it. Would like to use this a main and find a good complimentary cross... but it's fine as is.... in fact I think there's one young up&comer on the atp who uses an 18x20 bed and strings this stuff full bed at under 50.... hmmmmm.

For those of us who still like gut mains (I pefer gut/poly hybrids), wonder what this would be like as a cross? It's not a poly, but sounds like it performs like a soft poly.