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

klementine

Hall of Fame
Mikeler,
Take the grip off. Then, you should find a total of 5 staples, a small one used to attach the grip and four bigger staples used to attach the buttcap to the pallet.

Find the smallest flat head screwdriver you have and go to work prying the staples loose.

The best method is to start at the bottom, then reverse the racquet and begin prying from the top. Then reverse again, and so on and so on, until the staples come loose.

The reason for that is, you don't want to embed the staples or ruin the buttcap by applying too much pressure or all from one side.

When you want to reattach the buttcap and if you don't have an electric staple gun, use some 2 part epoxy for plastic found at home depot or lowes.

Good luck.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Oh yeah. Make sure to wear a glove so that you'll have a better grip on the screw driver, makes things easier. Even dish washing gloves help.

Prince buttcaps are THE hardest to remove from my experience. Head, Babolat and Wilson being the easiest. Might want to also have a pair of needle nose pliers handy.
 

jonestim

Hall of Fame
The tiny screwdriver in the original Leatherman tool is perfect for it. It is easy to grip and pry with. I have done a number of Prince caps with it.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Oh yeah. Make sure to wear a glove so that you'll have a better grip on the screw driver, makes things easier. Even dish washing gloves help.

Prince buttcaps are THE hardest to remove from my experience. Head, Babolat and Wilson being the easiest. Might want to also have a pair of needle nose pliers handy.

Hmm, this sounds like a lot of work just to peek inside. I might just keep the racket as an emergency 4th at my club.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
I would just go to your local post office (seeing as you have no scale) , they usually have a scale available in the front. Weigh the racquet, if it's off by +/-7grams, you know someone added some weight somewhere in the handle.

The balance is easy to get. Find the mid-point of the racquet. The exo3Tour100 being 27 inches long, the mid-point is 13.5 inches. Balance it on a chair or broom. Then measure the difference from the balance point to the mid-point. If it's 1 inch of difference ( balance point being under the mid-point and closer to the yoke), then it's 8pts HL, every 1/8th of an inch being a point. If it's over an inch, you've got a very head light frame and I would suspect someone added weight to the handle.

The less difference there is from the balance point to the mid-point, the more head heavy the racquet will be. No difference = even balanced.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I would just go to your local post office (seeing as you have no scale) , they usually have a scale available in the front. Weigh the racquet, if it's off by +/-7grams, you know someone added some weight somewhere in the handle.

The balance is easy to get. Find the mid-point of the racquet. The exo3Tour100 being 27 inches long, the mid-point is 13.5 inches. Balance it on a chair or broom. Then measure the difference from the balance point to the mid-point. If it's 1 inch of difference ( balance point being under the mid-point and closer to the yoke), then it's 8pts HL, every 1/8th of an inch being a point. If it's over an inch, you've got a very head light frame and I would suspect someone added weight to the handle.

The less difference there is from the balance point to the mid-point, the more head heavy the racquet will be. No difference = even balanced.

I know there is something in the handle. It is quite a bit heavier in hand. The question really boils down to whether I feel like tinkering around with it one day to get it up to spec. I've been playing so badly with it, I gave it a good heave into the fence and took quite a bit of paint off it and I may have a slight crack in the frame. Overall, the frame just does not "feel" like the 3 new ones I bought from TW a few months ago. It's not just the weight but something else does not seem right with it so I think I'll just stick it in my locker in case I ever break a few strings one day and need something to hit with.
 
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tata

Hall of Fame
Guys I'm in the middle of some tinkering with my 18x20 and what I'm about to try is 6gram total at 3 and 9. I know that stability, power and plow should increase but will it make a significant change to the balance and everything else? I whipped the thing around the house and it still feels whippy and quick. The reason I have gone with this set up is to get some more stability without drastic change to weight/swingweight and mobility.

Should I be expecting significant changes in this set up?
Would it be wise to counter balance? Most of the people here that add that much lead to the hoop tend to counter balance it, but in this case I have chosen not to.
 
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corbind

Professional
Guys I'm in the middle of some tinkering with my 18x20 and what I'm about to try is 6gram total at 3 and 9. I know that stability, power and plow should increase but will it make a significant change to the balance and everything else? I whipped the thing around the house and it still feels whippy and quick. The reason I have gone with this set up is to get some more stability without drastic change to weight/swingweight and mobility.

Should I be expecting significant changes in this set up?
Would it be wise to counter balance? Most of the people here that add that much lead to the hoop tend to counter balance it, but in this case I have chosen not to.

I typically add 6.4 to 8 grams in the hoop in 3" strips. I put it at 3 and 9 o'clock for greatest stability and it REALLY adds it. I counter balance it at the very tip of the racquet (butt) with about 5-6 grams.

That setup should get you a decent plow on the ball and you'll feel like you're hitting with a different (better) racquet. Hitting with the EXO stock is horrible on mishits.
 

tata

Hall of Fame
I had a hit today with the set up with 6g total at 3 and 9. I'd say I am satisfied to say the least. The racquet was still quick and easy to manuever. The twisting and fluttering has gone thanks to the lead. Still maintained the same characteristics of stock form. It was almost like playing stock but more stable.

I guess this is my attempt at keeping this thread alive.
 

mikeler

Moderator
In another month or so I'll be trying poly again in the mains. I'm thinking since I use full multi setups in my 16 x 18s at 50 pounds that I probably should start with the poly at 40 pounds and the multi crosses at 44. Thoughts anyone?
 

uscmba02

New User
I had a hit today with the set up with 6g total at 3 and 9. I'd say I am satisfied to say the least. The racquet was still quick and easy to manuever. The twisting and fluttering has gone thanks to the lead. Still maintained the same characteristics of stock form. It was almost like playing stock but more stable.

I guess this is my attempt at keeping this thread alive.

I added 4g total to 3 & 9 in 4" strips (I picked this because that's what the package of tourna lead tape recommended) to my 16x18s. It is amazing to me how much of a difference it made to killing the "fluttering" (that's a perfect way to describe it).

The 16x18 with a wilson leather grip and overgrip along with 4g of lead and VS gut mains with PHT crosses @ 58/54 is going to be my setup this year. Loving these things.
 

tata

Hall of Fame
In another month or so I'll be trying poly again in the mains. I'm thinking since I use full multi setups in my 16 x 18s at 50 pounds that I probably should start with the poly at 40 pounds and the multi crosses at 44. Thoughts anyone?

I think the main difference will be the feel. I tried PHT 17 in the main with prince premier 17 in the cross before and it felt muted. But then i changed to full bed nxt tour 17 and BAM the crisp feel was right there.

I added 4g total to 3 & 9 in 4" strips (I picked this because that's what the package of tourna lead tape recommended) to my 16x18s. It is amazing to me how much of a difference it made to killing the "fluttering" (that's a perfect way to describe it).

The 16x18 with a wilson leather grip and overgrip along with 4g of lead and VS gut mains with PHT crosses @ 58/54 is going to be my setup this year. Loving these things.

From this I think you will get more plow through. While my set up with 6 grams total at 3 and 9 provided stability, it didn't have the same plow when i added weight to the handle. That extra weight from the leather and OG will get you plow.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I think the main difference will be the feel. I tried PHT 17 in the main with prince premier 17 in the cross before and it felt muted. But then i changed to full bed nxt tour 17 and BAM the crisp feel was right there.

I don't care about a crisp feel and I am no fan of NXT.
 

bigdaddyps

Semi-Pro
I bought this racket recently because it's arm friendly. I do like it. I even strung it with real Babolat VS team gut at 58 to give my TE as much relief as possible. Now comes the weird part.
I only played with the strings for about 4 1/2 hours of seniors doubles. was just getting used to it. Then I opened the cover on Wed, pulled the racket out and saw that the string had broken in the upper left hand corner?! What the...?
Anyone have any similar experience with this gut in this racket? I did get the shop to re string for free, by the way.
Does this racket have an innate problem with gut, or was this a freak thing?
 

mikeler

Moderator
I bought this racket recently because it's arm friendly. I do like it. I even strung it with real Babolat VS team gut at 58 to give my TE as much relief as possible. Now comes the weird part.
I only played with the strings for about 4 1/2 hours of seniors doubles. was just getting used to it. Then I opened the cover on Wed, pulled the racket out and saw that the string had broken in the upper left hand corner?! What the...?
Anyone have any similar experience with this gut in this racket? I did get the shop to re string for free, by the way.
Does this racket have an innate problem with gut, or was this a freak thing?


This racket has an innate problem with STRING. Take a 16x18 pattern with Oports allowing the string to move around more and string breakage may be a new problem you will have to deal with to achieve some very good arm comfort. I string my own rackets, so I don't care about breaking strings. I like fresh strings too so this racket is perfect. :)
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
I have the original Prince oport 16/18 and it almost worked for me, so how would the current model differ from the original?
 

jk175d

Semi-Pro
I bought this racket recently because it's arm friendly. I do like it. I even strung it with real Babolat VS team gut at 58 to give my TE as much relief as possible. Now comes the weird part.
I only played with the strings for about 4 1/2 hours of seniors doubles. was just getting used to it. Then I opened the cover on Wed, pulled the racket out and saw that the string had broken in the upper left hand corner?! What the...?
Anyone have any similar experience with this gut in this racket? I did get the shop to re string for free, by the way.
Does this racket have an innate problem with gut, or was this a freak thing?

Probably an an issue with that particular set of strings or more likely the string job. I don't have any problem with gut. Though I only use it in the mains.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
I have the original Prince oport 16/18 and it almost worked for me, so how would the current model differ from the original?

Some quick bullet points comparing the exo3T100 to the Ozone.

- cleaner string bed feel, less muddled, still muted
- less inherit power
- more flex, but not a 'noodle'
- less comfortable with full poly than the original, but great for hybrids/multi
 

corbind

Professional
I bought this racket recently because it's arm friendly. I do like it. I even strung it with real Babolat VS team gut at 58 to give my TE as much relief as possible. Now comes the weird part.
I only played with the strings for about 4 1/2 hours of seniors doubles. was just getting used to it. Then I opened the cover on Wed, pulled the racket out and saw that the string had broken in the upper left hand corner?! What the...?
Anyone have any similar experience with this gut in this racket? I did get the shop to re string for free, by the way.
Does this racket have an innate problem with gut, or was this a freak thing?

That is, indeed, a freak thing. :shock: Strung at 58 is mild tension and under 5 hours of doubles I'd be pissed as heck if I were you. Did you check around the grommets for anything sharp? I have full beds of gut on my sticks and never had a problem on the 16x18 or 18x20 frames.
 
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eman resu

Professional
Has anyone here tried syn gut at min. tension (53 for my Ozone TOur)? I tried Head competition 2 1.30 Poly at 54 and loved it for the first 2 hours. The next day it was just dead (and I never believed this dead poly thing until then). It played just like a regular cheap syn. minus the comfort, lost all the wonders of the fresh string. So I might just save my arm and some money and string lower with syn...
 

Sundan

Rookie
They are selling out the Lite version of this racquet at my club,does it play similar to the "normal" version besides being lighter ?

I would lead it up if i buy it.

Since they are on sale i cant demo,so kinda have to take a chance :)

Im buying it for its softness,RA 58.

I was looking for the normal version but they only have the Light.
 

jonestim

Hall of Fame
They are selling out the Lite version of this racquet at my club,does it play similar to the "normal" version besides being lighter ?

I would lead it up if i buy it.

Since they are on sale i cant demo,so kinda have to take a chance :)

Im buying it for its softness,RA 58.

I was looking for the normal version but they only have the Light.

The Light version does not have EXO3 Ports at the top and bottom and is a 16x19 pattern. Even with lead to get to the same weight/balance/sw it would most likely play quite different.
 

loosegroove

Hall of Fame
Has anyone here tried syn gut at min. tension (53 for my Ozone TOur)? I tried Head competition 2 1.30 Poly at 54 and loved it for the first 2 hours. The next day it was just dead (and I never believed this dead poly thing until then). It played just like a regular cheap syn. minus the comfort, lost all the wonders of the fresh string. So I might just save my arm and some money and string lower with syn...

Yeah, I've tried it (actually I've gone even lower than 53). It played pretty well I thought. I probably would have stuck with syn gut, but it breaks really fast in such an open pattern. Why not hybrid a poly in the mains and a decent soft synthetic gut in the crosses? Currently I'm using O-Power (an SPPP clone from Mamba Tennis) in the mains and Pro Supex Spiral Flex syn gut in the crosses. Doesn't break so quickly like a full synthetic gut job (plus I think it plays better), nor does the string bed feel completely dead after just a few hours.
 

Rob1

Rookie
You can count me in here.
One thing you will never get TE with this racquet.
Currently usually Spiky Shark full bed at 55 and it it great.
 

Mateo

Rookie
Well after 7 months I am back to my EXO3 Tour 100. In that 7m period, I was searching for something new like some drug addict, from Radicals, Rebels, my PT630 and so...
Than one day I have pull out my Exo, with 5g of lead at 3&9, full poly at 57/55 total weight 345g, and come to conclusion that this is it. Of course there is downside from my point of view about 16x18 is that in 20 shots one shot is like racquet is playing for itself (trampoline) but poly at 57/55 is really minimizing that effect. Control is really great for open patter, and power level is low.
I have also 18x20, but I am not so lethal on my shots as with open pattern.
So I settle down with my exo; it is flexi, very arm friendly, with added pop when needed, great spin, nice weight, control is on good level with this setup, so for me I have in that racq every aspect on decent level.
Speed pro G is only frame that is pulling me to demo it, and I will do that in future, but as racketaholic, I have to settle down on one stick and get used to it because switching frames as I do is never good thing.
So Exo Tour 100.....yes this New Jersey stick will be in my bag for long time.
Regards to Exo tour 100 players...
 

mikeler

Moderator
You can count me in here.
One thing you will never get TE with this racquet.
Currently usually Spiky Shark full bed at 55 and it it great.


I just got tennis elbow with it last week using a full multi string job. It was an acute incident on one forehand where I just squeezed way too hard on the handle. My long term TE finally cleared a few weeks ago thanks to the Exo. Time to sit on the sidelines for a few weeks. :(
 

Mateo

Rookie
I just got tennis elbow with it last week using a full multi string job. It was an acute incident on one forehand where I just squeezed way too hard on the handle. My long term TE finally cleared a few weeks ago thanks to the Exo. Time to sit on the sidelines for a few weeks. :(
Exo will rehab you again I am sure.
 

maxpower103

New User
I'm playing with the Ozone Tour MP, in a fall I broke one of the rackets and would need to buy a new one but no longer sells this model. What is the difference with the EXO3?
 

Sundan

Rookie
Hi,just jumping in here with a few questions;

I tried some volleys with my friends prince exo3 tour,and it felt nice, solid and soft feeling,however i counted the strings and its 16x18 !?

I thought the 16x18 was a new pattern,but these are really not new,its hard to even read the racquet(s),he has 2.

The inside typing was however intact and im sure it said 310 unstrung weight,and i think it said 325 swingweight, however those specs doesnt match the new ones on TW,so what could this be ?

The "outer" logos etc is pretty worn, but i could read "exo 3" and Tour atleast,and it has the same color scheme as the tours.

Im curious just because i liked the feeling,so if the new ones is similar to this i might get one if i find cheap somewhere.

Thanks for any inputs !
 

jonestim

Hall of Fame
16x18 is not new. It came out about two years ago, along with the 18x20.

310 is the unstrung weight listed in the throat. 295 is the unstrung swingweight. TW lists the strung specs.

Sounds like you were playing with the standard 16x18 Exo3 Tour 100
 

Sundan

Rookie
Would you say its normal to wear down a racquet that much in 2 years so that you hardly can read the model name on it ?

He is indeed a tennis coach so ofcourse he use his quite alot more than i do,it just felt like they were more close to 8 years old than 2,and he had 2, both really worn.

Ill ask him again when i meet him next time though.

However i hope you are right because its easier to find an current model than an old,and it felt really solid and had a soft hit, unfortunately we just did some vollying in close distance so i didnt try any groundies with it,but i was impressed with the feel.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Would you say its normal to wear down a racquet that much in 2 years so that you hardly can read the model name on it ?

He is indeed a tennis coach so ofcourse he use his quite alot more than i do,it just felt like they were more close to 8 years old than 2,and he had 2, both really worn.

Ill ask him again when i meet him next time though.

However i hope you are right because its easier to find an current model than an old,and it felt really solid and had a soft hit, unfortunately we just did some vollying in close distance so i didnt try any groundies with it,but i was impressed with the feel.

It's strange how well this particular racket does at net. With such a flexible frame, I did not think net play would be a strong suit but for whatever reason it does a great job with volleys.
 

Sundan

Rookie
I have done some research now, it seems the racquet i thought was exo3 tour 16x18 is in fact the o3 tour, found some pictures of that model and it looks as it might be that rather than the other.

I just assumed it was the exo3 because of the painting, but the one he had said O3 Tour,and the Exo3 tour has more detailed text,and more white in it.

My bad,sorry :)

However,have anyone compared the O3 tour with the new exo3 tour 16x18 ?
 

tata

Hall of Fame
I heard it works well on the frame. Unsure of tension and gauge but personally i prefer the thinner gauges.
 

Matt G

Rookie
Can someone please post a good close up photo of the specs section of the throat area for the tour team 100 or tour 100's??

Or if someone can tell me the engineering codes for the team or tours that would be great!

Have 2 x pro stock team 100's and trying to see if the layups are different than retail. Really enjoyed the sticks!
 

ricki

Hall of Fame
Can someone please post a good close up photo of the specs section of the throat area for the tour team 100 or tour 100's??

Or if someone can tell me the engineering codes for the team or tours that would be great!

Have 2 x pro stock team 100's and trying to see if the layups are different than retail. Really enjoyed the sticks!

18x20 one: TX255A-100; 7T12U<B>
 

Matt G

Rookie
Thanks guys!

So looks like they are a different layup! Because they don't match the layup codes at all

The good thing is they are both 27.5, which I like for my double handed backhand, and they have nice long handles

One is a 16x18 and one a 18x20!

Both leaded up to 338g.

Pictures to come.
 

BigM

Rookie
Hey Guys I'm looking for a new string to try in the Exo's. I currently have been using Big Banger Original for Tension maintenance and Alu Power Rough for the Amazing feel I get. I'm looking for something in the middle of these 2 strings as in something that holds tension well and has some nice feel (For Poly). Anyone have any suggestions.
 

Matt G

Rookie
My two pro stock Team 100's. The 263P is the 16x18. The 264P is the 18x20.







Weighed both up to 338g with leather grip and some lead tape under the handle. Might even throw some lead at the 12 to bring the swingweight up for some extra plow.

Good thing they are light so easy to customise!
 

ricki

Hall of Fame
Team mold is better It hink as it has stiffer and wider beam (a little), but I could ot stand how light it is and how much I would need to customize it. I like to only add min. 8 grams of lead stickers at 2 and 10 (place between top and side ports) - and for this I prefer slightly headlight heavier frames...
 
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