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

[mexicolan]

New tour 100 EXACTLY the same as Exo3 version??

Hi all, quick question, is the new prince tour 18x20 exactly the same as the exo3 tour 100 18x20 except for the new paint job?

I ask as I have lots of nerve problems in my shoulder/arm and have found the exo3 version to be the only racket I can use that doesn't aggravate it.

I want to buy the new version (paint job is cool!) but specs show slight differences in flex etc and TW have rated it differently to the previous version (a lower score?!) and don't seem to speak as highly about it as the previous model.

Any help would be good guys

 

[lefty10spro]

I am playing with the new Tour100 16x18 and they have indeed tweaked the specs. IMO the old version was too soft in the upper hoop and it had an unstable fluttering effect when hits were slightly off center. Much of this thread talks about lead placement to correct these problems. The new stick is absolute perfection. It is stiffer, but still a nice soft 56 flex rating. And gone are the above mentioned problems. Forget about TW playtester opinions and try for yourself. I have one strung with PPC @ 58 and one with Tonic at the same tension. To all you loyal Prince guys and gals in this thread, you will love this stick and you are welcome!

 

[MachiA.]

I IMO the old version was too soft in the upper hoop and it had an unstable fluttering effect when hits were slightly off center. Much of this thread talks about lead placement to correct these problems.

Yes, needs lead and no fluttering.

The softness of the frame makes flat hitting very controlled.

KR

 

[thejuice]

Selling mine today. I always liked the look but it just didn't click for me. I think it's a great frame for a baseline counterpuncher though (I'm an all court player that likes to end points at the net).

 

[eelhc]

Which one?

I am considering an EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 before outdoor season starts. I will be playing considerably more this year and want to try different arm friendly frames. I have a Prokennex Ki5 315 which I will use as the reference and my current daily driver is a Dunlop Biomimetic 200 Plus (before that it was a Aerogel 4D 300).

That said... Doing a little searching and reading it seems that many folks who went from the EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 to the Tour 100T ESP or the Tour 98 ESP seem very happy with the upgrade (not always the case... for example for some Dunlop frames the Aerogel's, M-Fil's or Hotmelt's are preferred over the Biomimetic line).

I tend to buy frames outright rather than demo them since I like try different strings and tensions + lead over several hitting sessions for full evaluation. So I am left with a choice...

• EXO3 Tour 100 16x18
• Tour 100T ESP
• Tour 98 ESP

The price is certainly right for the EXO3 Tour since used frames in great condition can be had for $60 or even less.

So which frame? Pros/Cons?

 

[MachiA.]

• EXO3 Tour 100 16x18
• Tour 100T ESP
• Tour 98 ESP

So which frame? Pros/Cons?

I am not that old, but i think i could not play that ESP topspin game until i am 60 y. o.

And i wanna play tennis my whole life.

Take the 16/18!

Huge spin, but you can still shorten the point and flatten a shot if needed.

KR

 

[mikeler]

I am considering an EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 before outdoor season starts. I will be playing considerably more this year and want to try different arm friendly frames. I have a Prokennex Ki5 315 which I will use as the reference and my current daily driver is a Dunlop Biomimetic 200 Plus (before that it was a Aerogel 4D 300).

That said... Doing a little searching and reading it seems that many folks who went from the EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 to the Tour 100T ESP or the Tour 98 ESP seem very happy with the upgrade (not always the case... for example for some Dunlop frames the Aerogel's, M-Fil's or Hotmelt's are preferred over the Biomimetic line).

I tend to buy frames outright rather than demo them since I like try different strings and tensions + lead over several hitting sessions for full evaluation. So I am left with a choice...

• EXO3 Tour 100 16x18
• Tour 100T ESP
• Tour 98 ESP

The price is certainly right for the EXO3 Tour since used frames in great condition can be had for $60 or even less.

So which frame? Pros/Cons?

I suggest you buy three (3) EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 from a user named mikeler. He has great references here.

I'm digging the 100T but you will be restringing a lot. Some may not like the lighter weight and want to add lead but that is easy.

The Tour 98 ESP does not have the weight distributed the way I like it. Other like it better than the 100T though and it is heavier stock.

Finally don't forget the new version of the Tour. It seems to be getting good initial reviews.

 

[eelhc]

I suggest you buy three (3) EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 from a user named mikeler. He has great references here.

I'm digging the 100T but you will be restringing a lot. Some may not like the lighter weight and want to add lead but that is easy.

The Tour 98 ESP does not have the weight distributed the way I like it. Other like it better than the 100T though and it is heavier stock.

Finally don't forget the new version of the Tour. It seems to be getting good initial reviews.

I may take you up on the EXO3 16x18s pending grip size (looking for L3), condition and cost... eMail me and we can discuss.

My current fame (Biomimetic 200 plus) is closer in spec to the 16x18 so it may be an easier adjustment.

I am not that old, but i think i could not play that ESP topspin game until i am 60 y. o.

I think you've read my mind... my concern with the ESPs is the higher launch angle. Maybe "baby steps" with the 16x18 might be better.

 

[mikeler]

I may take you up on the EXO3 16x18s pending grip size (looking for L3), condition and cost... eMail me and we can discuss.

My current fame (Biomimetic 200 plus) is closer in spec to the 16x18 so it may be an easier adjustment.



I think you've read my mind... my concern with the ESPs is the higher launch angle. Maybe "baby steps" with the 16x18 might be better.

They are L3. I think the launch angle is higher on the Exos than the ESPs.

 

[eelhc]

They are L3. I think the launch angle is higher on the Exos than the ESPs.

EMail sent...

I guess it'll depend on how much harder I have to work to bring the ball down given the higher launch angle.

 

[mikeler]

EMail sent...

I guess it'll depend on how much harder I have to work to bring the ball down given the higher launch angle.

I got your e-mail. I'll try and get back to you after lunch. The Exos turned me into a pure grinder. My winners went down with it versus other frames.

 

[mexicolan]

have now bought two of the new version Tour 100 18x20. They feel the same as my exo's except a cooler paintjob.

Anyone know what string makes a loud noise in these as everything i have tried still sounds muted? Sounds weird i know but i like a nice thwack at impact!

 

[protestov.tt]

have now bought two of the new version Tour 100 18x20. They feel the same as my exo's except a cooler paintjob.

Anyone know what string makes a loud noise in these as everything i have tried still sounds muted? Sounds weird i know but i like a nice thwack at impact!

isnt'n it a bit stiffer? and with a bit higher swingweight?

 

[mrc]

Hello All,
I am a C10 Pro user considering taking advantage of the USPTA program with Prince. Has anybody hit the EX03 Tour and the C10 Pro? How do you compare? Can I make the switch pretty quickly? I love the C10 Pro 2012. Its very whippy and fast but packs a 12.5 ounce strung weight which I love.

Thoughts?

I hit harder serves with the Prestige MP and dont consider the C10 Pro a huge serving racquet which looks like is the EXO3's biggest downside.

 

[mikeler]

Hello All,
I am a C10 Pro user considering taking advantage of the USPTA program with Prince. Has anybody hit the EX03 Tour and the C10 Pro? How do you compare? Can I make the switch pretty quickly? I love the C10 Pro 2012. Its very whippy and fast but packs a 12.5 ounce strung weight which I love.

Thoughts?

I hit harder serves with the Prestige MP and dont consider the C10 Pro a huge serving racquet which looks like is the EXO3's biggest downside.

C10 Pro seemed a lot more sluggish to me but I only hit with it for a few minutes.

 

[zerojoshua]

Kinetic 7g

One could say that I'm a bit of a rackaholic, I love to experiment in all facets of the game. More importantly, I'm a bit of a trickster and am always mixing serves and game styles up. My favorite racquets up to date was my Prince Micheal Change Longbody's and my CTS 90 Lightning's, and believe me, I've tried just about every racquet style and out there.. This lead me to a racquet I wanted to try again (Had a demo once), the exo3 Tour. I read a lot about them but my one time demo left me feeling flat (Must have been the string set up).

I saw the exo3 16x18 go up for sale on the used section for $45 and got two of them. One came strung with Prince Beast at 55 and the other with NXT at 53lbs. I am primarily a poly user but have been feeling some soreness in my shoulder from the 28" Change Longbody strung at 58lbs Yonex Poly Pro (By far my favorite poly).

I pulled the exo3 tour out of my bag with the 55lbs Beast and the vibrations went up through my arm into my glasses (Horrible). Because they were the only racquets I brought to my match I pulled out the one with 53lbs NXT in it out of my bag, and I must say, proceeded to delivered a good clean *** woopen on my opponents.

So, still loyal to my Yonex Poly Pro, I strung my main's with Yonex Poly Pro and crosses with a spare 20 foot of Dunlop Hexy fiber I had laying around @ 53lbs. It had a great feel and had definitely entered the realm of my favorite 10 racquets.

I then went back to my Chang Longbody but my arm was still a bit sore. Hard to snuggle with wife when you lay on the sore shoulder you spoon with.

Several days ago I strung up an exo3 Tour with the reliable Yonex Poly Pro 1.25 @ 52lbs. After the initial 20 minutes of break in the racquet has been simply amazing. Certainly not the best racquet I've used in any specific category, but over all the most consistent, and reliable racquet I have played with to date.

I have now played over 15 hours with this set up and am still extremely comfortable with this racquet as it has steadily climbed to my favorite racquet to date.


Till next time....

The ProKennex 7g is now my favorite racquet, due to being able to playing the most hours with out any negative side effects.
I do, however, get more service accuracy with the EXO3 Tours.

 

[corbind]

The ProKennex 7g is now my favorite racquet, due to being able to playing the most hours with out any negative side effects.
I do, however, get more service accuracy with the EXO3 Tours.

Of my 30 some demos over the last couple of years, I find the EXO3 Tour 100 to be the worst serving racquet I've tried. Yet I still use them today...

 

[zerojoshua]

Interesting

Of my 30 some demos over the last couple of years, I find the EXO3 Tour 100 to be the worst serving racquet I've tried. Yet I still use them today...

More proof that what might be good for one person may not be for another...

 

[corbind]

I'm pretty certain one of the key reasons I feel EXO3 Tour 100 sticks are terrible for serving is they absorb so much power. The flexy frame may feel great on all hits but sheesh! It takes away a lot in my eyes. I serve much better with stiffer frames.

Yet I've logged over 2 years with these frames and, even with the poor serving, the sticks are good enough otherwise for me to stick with them. Can't have everything...

 

[Dan.Levy82]

Yet I've logged over 2 years with these frames and, even with the poor serving, the sticks are good enough otherwise for me to stick with them. Can't have everything...

Different people... I have never served better. I play with some lead in the head. The flex helps me to put more spin on the ball and creating more pace while keeping the ball in the box.

 

[protestov.tt]

I'm pretty certain one of the key reasons I feel EXO3 Tour 100 sticks are terrible for serving is they absorb so much power. The flexy frame may feel great on all hits but sheesh! It takes away a lot in my eyes. I serve much better with stiffer frames.

Yet I've logged over 2 years with these frames and, even with the poor serving, the sticks are good enough otherwise for me to stick with them. Can't have everything...

but kick serve is awesome!

 

[junior74]

Ah, rebound!

I rejected her last summer, thinking she was too flexible, made me feel boring and like the stronger part; always having to take the first step and take the initiative. So, there I was, back in the river, searching for greener grass and livelier companionship. And what did I get? A bunch of flashy tweenagers and a broken elbow. And the doubt, oh, the doubt. I finally had to ask her out again. She had toughened since last time I saw her. More weight all over. I guess what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And I found nothing beats old love.

Eh, ok, increased the handle 1/4 and put 3 grams of lead at 3 and 9. Strung with black Babolat N.Vy 17s at 23 kg. Totally different stick. Greater feel, greater swingweight and the extra mass in the handle feels great. Feels so solid and reliable, I can return heavy serves with confidence

SO NICE TO PLAY WITH A STICK THAT ALLOWS YOU TO SWING OUT!

Like Costanza: I'm back! I'm back, baby!

 

[protestov.tt]

how it's compared with the old one?

 

[mikeler]

I rejected her last summer, thinking she was too flexible, made me feel boring and like the stronger part; always having to take the first step and take the initiative. So, there I was, back in the river, searching for greener grass and livelier companionship. And what did I get? A bunch of flashy tweenagers and a broken elbow. And the doubt, oh, the doubt. I finally had to ask her out again. She had toughened since last time I saw her. More weight all over. I guess what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And I found nothing beats old love.

Eh, ok, increased the handle 1/4 and put 3 grams of lead at 3 and 9. Strung with black Babolat N.Vy 17s at 23 kg. Totally different stick. Greater feel, greater swingweight and the extra mass in the handle feels great. Feels so solid and reliable, I can return heavy serves with confidence

SO NICE TO PLAY WITH A STICK THAT ALLOWS YOU TO SWING OUT!

Like Costanza: I'm back! I'm back, baby!

Are you talking about the new Tour version?

 

[junior74]

Are you talking about the new Tour version?

No, the previous one. What a great racquet!
Have you tried the new one? I see it's a little less flexy - and still gets better scores on comfort

 

[protestov.tt]

No, the previous one. What a great racquet!
Have you tried the new one? I see it's a little less flexy - and still gets better scores on comfort

and it has a little more high swingweight... I wish it were as stiff as it is now, but absolutelly identical to older version in other params

 

[mikeler]

No, the previous one. What a great racquet!
Have you tried the new one? I see it's a little less flexy - and still gets better scores on comfort

I have not tried the new one yet. I did pick up an unstrung Tour off the shelf last weekend and it seemed heavy after using the lighter Tour ESP for the last 6 months.

 

[BigM]

Has anyone here tried the non port new version of the tour? I think it's called the tour pro. I would be very interested in players feedback regarding this frame. I have been a long time user of the Exo tour 100's however I have been searching for a frame that provides a little more pop.

Thanks
BigM

 

[radioavenger]

Hey all,

having read this forum and suffering with mild tennis elbow since February I bought a used 18X20 used. It was pre-strung with nat gut & something else which was absolutely arm friendly but balls were flying so long and strings were moving so badly I decided to cut it out.
I put on some MSV focus Hex red at 21kg but after 1hr my arm used to feel stiff and sore so I cut it out and did some more research.
Finally strung it with Topspin Cyber Blue @ 22kg and absolutely love it!
Lost the raw explosiveness of the MSV but my arm does not hurt and I can still hit lots of winners!
I always wear an elbow sleeve plus elbow strap support and started using a cream that helps called Sportsgel. Icing afterwards, too.
Used to play with a Babolat PS LtD GT and then with a HEAD Prestige MP, both great racquets but I am not going back again, Prince EXO3 Tour 18X20 is my axe now!!!

 

[7zero]

I have new Tour 100 team and I am about to decide what string to put in to get similar wrist friendly setup as gut/poly but to have it more durable on clay courts. I have Volkl psycho and Solinco tour bite soft bought. Which would you recommend and at what tension? If Volkl then what as main and what to cross (multi/poly) as I read different opinions about this.

 

[EpitomeOfAwesome]

How does NG/poly go in this racquet? I am mostly interested to know if the power is controllable, and how long the setup would be durable for an intermediate (3.5 ish) male player with good technique on serves and groundies?

 

[mikeler]

How does NG/poly go in this racquet? I am mostly interested to know if the power is controllable, and how long the setup would be durable for an intermediate (3.5 ish) male player with good technique on serves and groundies?

I did not care for NG/poly in this frame.

 

[nzhao20]

I did not care for NG/poly in this frame.

What string set up do you use?

 

[aimr75]

Has anyone here tried the non port new version of the tour? I think it's called the tour pro. I would be very interested in players feedback regarding this frame. I have been a long time user of the Exo tour 100's however I have been searching for a frame that provides a little more pop.

Thanks
BigM

Its a very nice frame.. I have an additional 18grams added, swings easy, is nice and soft without feeling too flexy. Solid frame. Off centre shots are still nice and sweet spot is quite generous. You just have to be careful to not put a string in thats too powerful and/or string too low, control can be an issue

caveat, i have not tried it in stock form. Its starting weight/swing weight was way too low

 

[QuadCam]

How does NG/poly go in this racquet? I am mostly interested to know if the power is controllable, and how long the setup would be durable for an intermediate (3.5 ish) male player with good technique on serves and groundies?

I liked it, but I was breaking the strings in 2 days of playing. i first tried tonic+ crossed with SPPP at (55/50). that only lasted about 1.5 of hitting followed by 2 sets of doubles. I was disappointed to say the least with the durability, but it was some of the best tennis I had played in awhile. then, I tried the same tensions but used black magic as the cross strings. that lasted about 4 hours of playing. :-| . I haven't gone back to gut/poly since. played great, but i think the exo ports allow the gut the move more and get chewed up in record time.

 

[mikeler]

What string set up do you use?

Wilson NG mains/Ytex Protour White crosses. Don't recall tensions, I may have done a review on here.

 

[Mechanism]

Picked up a 2014 Tour 100 16x18. Been using GSpeed Pro for the last 6 months after using a Rebel 98 for a long time.

The Tour 16x18 really felt amazing during my hitting session last night. I forgot how much i love the feel of the ports and a flexy frame. Making me think about getting rid a couple of speed pros. Hope its not just a honeymoon effect, but it felt like everything i like about my Rebels with the weight of my GSPs.
I strung it with Gamma Moto 16 53m/55c

 

[jarko111]

What are the opinions on the Exo3 Tour Lite 100?
One review said the sweet spot is much harder to find than the tour 16/18 and 18/20.
Is this true, you think?

 

[tata]

Highly doubt it. The EXO frames are very comfy and forgiving with generous sweetspots. If anything it must be the lack of weight and stability causing shots to not feel as sweet as centered.

After a break from this exo tour 18x20. I took mine out again and it was just comfort and magic. I have considered using other frames before but I always keep this one aside because i know it is something i can come back, pick up and play with little adjustment. Best part of all is that if i ever feel any pain or discomfort using another racquet, 5-10min after i switch back to this mid session, the pain is gone. It really is a lifesaver.

 

[junior74]

OK, so I had both my QTours at the stringer's and had a match against a guy I have lost to three times in a row. Had to give my Exo3 Tour 18x20 a chance, and I won 2 and 2. It is amazing for the return of serve, the 2nd most important stroke in the game of tennis.

It was set up with a full bed of RIP control, which feels a bit dead in such a frame. Any suggestions for a little livelier set-up, that is arm friendly and ads control and feel and a little free power? Thanks.

 

[The_Racketeer]

How does the Tour 100 compare to the Warrior 100?

 

[smalahove]

How does the Tour 100 compare to the Warrior 100?

There are many versions of both frames, but ime they play and feel very differently.

I've tried a few warrior, incl the warrior 100 esp, which I felt was too powerful and difficult to control. All the Tour 100 (16x18, 18x20 exo3 versions) I've owned have been awesome frames. Nice weight, around 12 oz with overgrip, nice and headlight (7-8'ish?), swingweight in the 320s, superslender frame. Very, very armfriendly.

 

[The_Racketeer]

So in essence the Tour is the less powerful, more control oriented version of the Warrior?

 

[smalahove]

So in essence the Tour is the less powerful, more control oriented version of the Warrior?

You could say that, since the hoop shape are similar (iirc).

However, the beam thickness is much smaller on the Tours, as well as differences in pattern, weight, swingweight, balance and weight distribution, resulting in rackets that perform very differently.

Looking at specs, it's not always apparent that 1-2 mm beam diff makes any impression, but somehow, it does - to me, at least. The original Tour 100s were classic in design (beam 19/20/19), but had modern tech, making tham play much easier than, say, a POG. They felt like easy to handle scalpels. The Warrior 100 ESP I owned a short while, as well as the Response 97, just felt to big. So it boils down to if you like the Puredrive beam size or the PS 95 one, Head Extreme vs Prestige/Radical ...

 

[oldSchool]

just joining the Club

Have not played with any Warrior versions. Currently have 3 each of the current version Prince 100 Tour 18X20, all strung with Prince Premier Touch 17 gauge at 53 lbs. with standard vibration dampener that came with racquet. Use a Wilson Sensation over grip and 2 layers of racquet head protection tape- Wilson underneath and Gamma on top. Have used the Prince Tour 100 16 X 18- too soft in feel and powerful, and Prince Tour 100 ESP- could not get enough control with my flatter strokes. I came to the Prince Tour 100's as a result of pain in my elbow and shoulder from playing a lot of tennis (singles 3-5 times a week), using stiffer racquets ( a lot of Babolats and Wilsons) and advancing age. As I adapt to the softer feel of the EXO ports and start trusting the racquet to perform, I am finding it plays right up there with anything on the market, and maybe better. Just traded 2 new Wilson PS97's to get my 2 Prince Tour's back when my elbow and shoulder pain started returning, but don't even regret going back. Not that the Wilson PS 97 isn't a nice stick. Just thought I'd join this thread and chime in.

 

[Bama'sBest]

Can anybody compare the EXO3 Tour 100 to the newer release Tour 100 (16x18 preferably)? I see the new one stiffens up a tad and some say it fixes some deadness/fluttering in the EXO3....but is the new one as elbow kind? EXO3 had a cult following and the new Tour 100 seems to go unmentioned (or got lost in more innovative Prince releases this year). Yeah, my elbow is mad at me.

 

[oldSchool]

regarding elbow friendliness of Prince Tour 100

replying to BamasBest: I cannot comment on comparison with the EXO3 version, having not played with that one. But the most elbow friendly racquet I have played with is the 16 X 18 version of the Prince Tour 100. I strung it at lowest recommended tension with Prince Premier Touch 17gauge. My tennis elbow was so bad this summer I had to stop playing for a month, and made my comeback with this set-up. I since went on to the Prince Tour 100 18 X20, Wilson Six One 95S, and Wilson PS97 seeking more performance in my game. But my elbow pain has never been as low as with the 16 X 18 Tour 100, and my game probably would be even better today if I had just stayed with that setup. So today I am getting another Tour 16 X 18 and will probably stay with it for good. Good luck.

 

[The_Racketeer]

I am now a member of this club.

Picked up a used EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 on The Bay and it's fantastic. Had the good fortune of getting to have an extended hitting session with it before the weather gets too bad and it's just awesome.

I'm also interested to know how it compares to the newer Tour 100. Having an L5 grip makes finding these older EXOs hard, and if the new version hits the same, I may pick one up.

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

replying to BamasBest: I cannot comment on comparison with the EXO3 version, having not played with that one. But the most elbow friendly racquet I have played with is the 16 X 18 version of the Prince Tour 100. I strung it at lowest recommended tension with Prince Premier Touch 17gauge. My tennis elbow was so bad this summer I had to stop playing for a month, and made my comeback with this set-up. I since went on to the Prince Tour 100 18 X20, Wilson Six One 95S, and Wilson PS97 seeking more performance in my game. But my elbow pain has never been as low as with the 16 X 18 Tour 100, and my game probably would be even better today if I had just stayed with that setup. So today I am getting another Tour 16 X 18 and will probably stay with it for good. Good luck.

Just tried one of the Tour 100 16x18 racquets myself yesterday.
I was totally surprised by this frame. So flexy and comfy, yet still adequately powerful.
Very impressed with this racquet.

 

[GrandSlam45]

I play with the new Tour 100 16 x18 and love it, but I wouldn't classify it as an "elbow healing" racquet like the ProKennex line. Although I don't think this stick will cause arm problems (if you don't already have them) it definitely won't stop or prevent elbow and shoulder problems if you're already injured.

That being said, the amount of spin you can generate with this racquet is just sick.