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

[Vegetable Lasagne]

Just booked in a game for later tonight. Going to play the entire match with the Prince Tour 100 16x18's.
Might even record the game and make a highlight video.
Really liking these sticks!

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

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.

Agreed! I'm using a friend's 16x18's with old strings and they are still making for super easy spin production.
I'd love to try one freshly strung and maybe add some lead to the throat to dial them in to my preferred spec range.

 

[airdupont]

Too bad this one doesn't exist in a LB version

 

[GrandSlam45]

I haven't quite dialed in the right strings yet. I've been playing with a full bed of NRG2 17 @ 57lbs, which is ok, but I have a feeling a good poly hybrid would be insanely good with this racquet.

Anyone have any suggestions for string set ups that give the racquet more pop?

 

[sma1001]

Agreed! I'm using a friend's 16x18's with old strings and they are still making for super easy spin production.
I'd love to try one freshly strung and maybe add some lead to the throat to dial them in to my preferred spec range.

I see your sign off lists the VCore Tour G as your racquet of choice. That must be very different from the Tour 100?

PS: I'm in this club now too!

 

[Alex78]

Huge fan of this racket here as well.
I have so many different rackets (over 70 by now), but I know I play best with the EXO3 Tour 100 (18x20). The only thing I'm not sure about yet is if I prefer a 4 1/4 or a 4 3/8 grip. I use a leather grip underneath, and I can either wrap a relatively thick Gamma Supreme generously on top of a 4 1/4 or a thinner Pacific Grip-A-Round on top of a 4 3/8. Decisions, decisions...

 

[tennis1111]

Also after many racquets my favorite is Tour 100 16x18 with full poly.
For me it is better then exo3 Tour. It has more control, better staility and also better for serving.

I hope Prince will bring up Textreme Tour 100 next year! Loving the new colors and hoping for new bags nice as racquets!

 

[speedysteve]

As a 2nd hand racquet bottom feeder I got my EXO3 Tour 100 this week and strung it up with my arm friendly choice of VS Team 17g and MCS at 56lbs.

I've only hit serves and practise with it so far but like it already. Gonna play my first match with it tomorrow - er I mean today. Time for bed so I can run around as needed tomorrow

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

I see your sign off lists the VCore Tour G as your racquet of choice. That must be very different from the Tour 100?

PS: I'm in this club now too!

Similar in some ways, but different in others.

Biggest difference is spin production. It comes much easier with the Prince.
I find I need to work a bit harder to get spin from my Yonex, but it's still quite capable in the spin department.

The other key difference is the access to power.
The Yonex is capable of hitting an explosive shot, but you really need to set up and unleash hell to produce it.
The Prince is not quite as heavy a shot, but it's more consistent at making it's heavy shot if that makes sense.
In other words, you don't need to swing for the trees to produce a penetrating ball with the Prince.
But yeah, with the Prince I haven't been able to emulate the most damaging shots that I used to make with the Yonex.
However, that may change after adding lead to the Prince. We shall see.

There's also quite a difference in the ball shape that each racquet produces.
The Yonex hits a lower trajectory and the ball tends to bounce forward and out at the opponent.
I love that about the Yonex. Catches opponents off guard quite a bit.
The Prince tends to hit a bit more loopy with more spin and the ball jumps up higher off the ground.
Now having said that, the Prince is still capable of making a flat penetrating shot, and the Yonex capable of making a loopy shot, but I found I need to adjust my stroke to make that happen. If I swing with my natural rhythm and swing path, the Prince is a higher, loopier trajectory and the Yonex a flatter and more penetrating trajectory.
I recorded some footage of my match the other night. When I get around to posting it, you should be able to see the difference in the shape of my shots compared to the Yonex.

 

[sma1001]

Thanks for the comparison - really interesting. post the footage. Will definitely review it.

 

[speedysteve]

If I swing with my natural rhythm and swing path, the Prince is a higher, loopier trajectory

I found that today a bit - That's why folk are saying they lack a bit of penetration perhaps.

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

Thanks for the comparison - really interesting. post the footage. Will definitely review it.

Cheers mate, no problem.

Here's my last outing (3rd November) with the Yonex Tour G 330:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_HhVh9hm5Q

And here's the other day with the Prince Tour 100 16x18:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOL5Z6Ar8p4&feature=youtu.be

That game with the Prince Tour 100 is the first game I've played since having elbow and shoulder problems after that last game with the Yonex Tour G 330. So be aware that my timing is a bit off with the Prince.

BTW that's why I've been looking at moving to a Prince frame. I need to find something ultra soft to protect my arm from further injury so I can keep playing tennis as I get older.
I'm also interested in the Prince Tour 95, but I think if I add lead to the Tour 100, I won't need to test out the 95.
Really hope I can make the Tour 100 work for me as I love it's soft, silky, flexy feel.

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

I found that today a bit - That's why folk are saying they lack a bit of penetration perhaps.

Yeah steve, that may well be the case.
But I found it's something that can be overcome after getting used to the Tour 100's higher trajectory off the stringbed.
And maybe a bit of lead will help too.
I'll report back after I try it.

 

[The_Racketeer]

As a 2nd hand racquet bottom feeder I got my EXO3 Tour 100 this week and strung it up with my arm friendly choice of VS Team 17g and MCS at 56lbs.

I've only hit serves and practise with it so far but like it already. Gonna play my first match with it tomorrow - er I mean today. Time for bed so I can run around as needed tomorrow

So how'd the match go with the EXO Tour 100?

 

[GrandSlam45]

Cheers mate, no problem.

Here's my last outing (3rd November) with the Yonex Tour G 330:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_HhVh9hm5Q

And here's the other day with the Prince Tour 100 16x18:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOL5Z6Ar8p4&feature=youtu.be

BTW that's why I've been looking at moving to a Prince frame. I need to find something ultra soft to protect my arm from further injury so I can keep playing tennis as I get older.

Damn Veg... that's a pretty wicked forehand you got there!

I too suffer shoulder and elbow problems, but so far the Tour100 has provided no relief. It definitely feels soft during hitting, but my arm is just as sore after a match than with any other racquet.

Let me know if your experience is different.

 

[mikeler]

Damn Veg... that's a pretty wicked forehand you got there!

I too suffer shoulder and elbow problems, but so far the Tour100 has provided no relief. It definitely feels soft during hitting, but my arm is just as sore after a match than with any other racquet.

Let me know if your experience is different.

Make sure you don't have a death grip on the racket.

 

[sma1001]

Here's my last outing (3rd November) with the Yonex Tour G 330:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_HhVh9hm5Q

And here's the other day with the Prince Tour 100 16x18:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOL5Z6Ar8p4&feature=youtu.be
I'm also interested in the Prince Tour 95, but I think if I add lead to the Tour 100, I won't need to test out the 95.
Really hope I can make the Tour 100 work for me as I love it's soft, silky, flexy feel.

Great first strike hitting. Your OHBH with the Yonex was doing some real damage. Thanks for posting!

 

[speedysteve]

So how'd the match go with the EXO Tour 100?

I won.
It was close though!
He was serving better than when we've met previously and it was very windy.
He is a squash player as well as tennis and is fit and runs down everything. Was hitting short slice / side spins all on the backhand to try to stop me dictating but he has good penetration on the forehand...
I played with the EXO3 the whole time. Not sure any other racquet would have done better in the conditions and match up.

 

[speedysteve]

Push stick? Uhuhuhh

This evening I had a good hit with a nice strong player. We've hit before and it's always a good session.
Everything was perfect - cool conditions 6 degrees C, nice floodlights.
Club supplied balls - Nice Dunlop champ ones.

I was seeing the ball like a football - everything seemed perfect!

I'd brought my EXO3 Tour along that I had weighted up to my C10 Pro / Redondo levels that I like best - 363g, balance point of 31.2cm (that's 10 points headlight) - just the way I like em

I could not quite believe it!
I was able to generate huge (for me) levels of top spin with penetration and get the ball zinging off the court the other end.
I could see the acceleration it was getting and it was causing my partner some problems on hit backhand side.
Nice depth and with plenty of power but the spin keeping the ball in.
Esp good for keeping down the line over the high part of the net balls in with
the power I wanted.
It felt great!

I also like the backhand slice cuts with the open string pattern. Much more bite than the Redondo 18x20 pattern can give me.
I am using a hybrid of VS Team Nat Gut mains and Mantis Comfort Synth crosses.

The other guy commented on the zing / launch I was getting!

I found double handled backhand to be more spin receptive too. This helped bring the ball in - not as much as the forehand but def working and shorter crosscourt backhands were more easily and regularly accomplished.

We pushed each other hard for a good session.
This racquet did seem a bit like cheating!

Before as it was - unweighted, I could not seem to get the launch angle right / was not getting the penetration I wanted - so very happy with my tweaks.

This racquet in this trim will definitely be getting more outings and some quality time. Gonna be a killer at club doubles on returns and baseline work.

I did have a couple of spells at the net and found it fine - lets see!

 

[Peppershaker]

Late to the party!

Duplicated somehow

 

[Peppershaker]

Late to the party!

Apparently late to the party, but count me in!

Was as a result of spending much of the summer painting suffering thru serious tennis (painter’s) elbow when a pro at the club told me to try his Tour 100 16x18. After two hours of tennis noticed that my elbow was still sore but not anywhere near what it typically was. He let me borrow it a few days and within a week I knew I had found my new racquet. Bought it off of him and attempted to buy another…..unfortunately the shop that I purchase from was out, but did have the 18x20 model on sale. I had never liked any 18x20 I tried in the past but it was on sale and figured I’d give it a try…………..loved it!!!!!! Even more than the 16x18, and after one session got immediately on the net and purchased another.

After a couple of months I still have lingering TE (and summer yet of painting ahead of me), but it’s getting better and I’ve noticed my shoulder feels better than it has in years. My control seems better and really can’t say anything negative about the racquet.

String wise I’m using what I have found provides me with good power, feel and control……I’m sure it will not excite many but I have a lot of 50+ players that I string this combination for and almost everyone likes it. Prince Lightning XX 16 gauge with Dunlop Syn Gut 17 gauge strung at 61 lbs. For those who feel this is too soft, just going to DSG 16 gauge seems to stiffen up the string bed enough.

 

[GrandSlam45]

I found that adding some lead to 3 and 9 really gives the racquet some extra pop. It might reduce the spin slightly, but I think it's a good tradeoff.

I'm usually not a string breaker, but this racquet gobbles up multi's in less than 6 hours of playing. I'll be trying a hybrid set up this weekend.

 

[speedysteve]

I found that adding some lead to 3 and 9 really gives the racquet some extra pop. It might reduce the spin slightly, but I think it's a good tradeoff.

I'm usually not a string breaker, but this racquet gobbles up multi's in less than 6 hours of playing. I'll be trying a hybrid set up this weekend.

Yes, to get the balance / feel I wanted I have about 6g at 3 and 9 o'clock and the rest on the handle to bring the balance to head light enough and get overall weight up enough.

I've read about folk getting tired using heavier frames - I just never seem to - ok only play best of 3 ever

 

[sma1001]

I'm struggling to get much out of this when serving? Any suggested mods for this issue? Thanks!

 

[speedysteve]

I'm struggling to get much out of this when serving? Any suggested mids for this issue? Thanks!

Hit it, hit it real good

I only had a few serves last night with my weighted up version. Didn't seem a problem - I'll know more tomorrow after club doubles...

 

[sma1001]

EDIT: suggested mods, not mids!

 

[speedysteve]

Well, had a good ol serve with the exo3 tour weighted up now.
Was no problem for hard flat. More access to spin/kick with the 16 x18 pattern than my 18 x 20 racquets.
The magic of Friday evening was broken though! More wind, shorter more varied balls to try to whip up, and cheap Penn balls just didn't seem to take the spin as much!
Any old excuse eh?!
Playing again to tomorrow evening. More exo3 time I think.

 

[B Cubed]

Question to this thread. I randomly picked up a Tour 18x20 not too long ago (wanting a tighter bed). My go to stick is the POG 100. I used to play with Radical OSs, so I figured the flex and tighter string pattern of the Tour 18x 20 wouldn't be hard to adjust to. I love the comfort, and it's not difficult to get used to the tighter string bed.

But for some reason, I find it really hard to dial in with the port grommets. Did other people have this issue when first playing with an Exo? I've heard once you get used to it, it's awesome. Does it take time?

 

[klementine]

^ Yes, it takes some adjustment. It took me two good weeks, playing 3-4 times a week with the previous version, to get accustomed to the feel.

That said, once you get used to the feel and power level, it is rewarding. Since I've put it down, I'm hard pressed to find a frame that is so 'match friendly'.

In other words, it won't blow you away just hitting around, practicing, serve pace, etc., but it offers the rec player (4.0+) to really swing out during matches, especially when playing against opponents who are below you, which can be really tricky.

Nice thing is, they are easily customized for higher level opponents. I had mine at 332gr, 11ptsHL unstrung and it was still super comfortable with a more 'powerful' set-up.

 

[speedysteve]

I've been sticking with this racket.
I had overdone it on the lead at 3 and 9 a bit and reduced to perhaps 3 grams or slightly less.
I kept the weight in the handle end.
This has brought the racquet into my power range (using nat gut mains and synth crosses) very nicely.

I am really enjoying my play with this racquet.
I've started going for slightly less powerful serves but with better placement and it's working. I don't think it is that this racquet can't hit a hard serve. Just that slice and kick techniques get such good results - I find myself hitting them and being rewarded more.
So is my biting slice. I had the best slice backhand with big OS stiff Head racquets of the 90's with Head Rip Control mains, but they were not good for my arm.
With the EXO3 Tour I am finding, I have gentle on the arm in all depts, great topspin put aways and nice biting slice / sidespin backhand.

As written above, you need to give this racquet time, lots of time. Time to adjust to it and for me time to dial it in.
I am now finding nice confidence in my shots, and with that I can manoeuvre my opponent around more even in tight match situations - a great feeling.

 

[speedysteve]

Just me using this racquet now? Haha!

A little update.
I have found nat gut mains / soft multi in the crosses suit me / my arm best in the tour 100.
I do however need a racquet I can play with when it's pretty wet (UK living!), as at times I have practise sessions and even doubles in wet conditions and the gut doesn't like it...
Don't worry the courts are very enough for the above.

I remembered I'd bought a EXO3 team tour 100 off **** by mistake (roll eyes) a while back and at the time tried it with Head Rip Control) and didn't like it!
Well my cunning plan was to lead it up to the same spec as my tour 100 (31.2cm bal and 360g static), and then put the most arm friendly multi I've found, Mantis Comfort Synth in, full bed. At fairly low tension.
I played with it last night and found it very arm friendly indeed, and fairly similar in power to the hybrid in the tour 100.
The MCS when new it's very grippy indeed so I was getting over spin at first but then it settles down, and I was happy with it.
Quoted RDCs for these racquets are 52 for the tour and 60 for the team tour...
I have a DIY racquet deflection measurerer I made, and that tells me the team tour is only a bit less flexi than the tour. In fact the tour measures more like 56 than TWs 52!

Anyway, I have now found me a durable, similar enough set up for wet, so consistency is maintained and the exciting news is I got another EXO3 Tour 100 that I will weight up and string in gut (mains) and this time Dunlop S-gut multi as it's very smooth - to try that combo.
I might even try a couple of the polys off the gut/poly epic thread but only if my arm continues to improve / is 100%

Great to have two identical sticks for a bit of tension variation and setup evolution, & a trusty wet weather one too. All are 16x18 btw

Anyone else here tried the team tour or the lite versions?

 

[sma1001]

Hi Steve. I'm still experimenting with lead on the exo tour. Haven't foun the perfect set up yet, but I'm still a believer! I have been thinking about the T version for my wife, but it may be too close to the O3 Pink (with lead) she plays at the moment. Just an of the cuff question: have you played any of the aerogel Dunlop?

 

[speedysteve]

Hi Steve. I'm still experimenting with lead on the exo tour. Haven't foun the perfect set up yet, but I'm still a believer! I have been thinking about the T version for my wife, but it may be too close to the O3 Pink (with lead) she plays at the moment. Just an of the cuff question: have you played any of the aerogel Dunlop?

Yes, these EXO3 racquets are special fun.

I've not played with the Aerogel. So many racquets, so little time to try them all

 

[speedysteve]

I strung up my 2nd EXO3 tour today. I went a little higher on tension so I can pull it out if I feel I want a little more control or the balls are flying a bit on me.
Weighted up exactly the same as my first one. Only diff is one has a Tournatac blue overgrip, the other White Wilson pro

I also hit more today with the EXO3 Team Tour 100 that is weighted as my Tour 100's but has MCS full bed.
It performed very similarly today. I can enjoy playing EXO3 come rain or shine.

 

[Rokushio]

Hello fellow Exo3 Tour users!!

I don't remember if I have presented myself here already, so...

I have recently bought my 3rd exo3 tour 16x18 L2.
I've been enjoying this racquet for 2 years already. Switched from a Aero Pro Drive due to shoulder injury.

I love the spin, the feeling, the paintjob, the thin beam..everything. I just want to buy as many of these as I can just to stock myself.

My string setup is Kirschbaum Helix 1.25, between 45lbs to 50lbs. 4 1/4 grip, and 1HBH. Probably NTRP between 4.0 and 4.5, 24yo clay court specialist

I wanted to ask you guys 2 things:
1. How do you compare the exo3 tour to the new Tour ??
2. I've been seeing that many guys here recommend adding some lead. Why is that? and where and how much weight for starting to experiment?

 

[loosegroove]

Hello fellow Exo3 Tour users!!

I wanted to ask you guys 2 things:
1. How do you compare the exo3 tour to the new Tour ??
2. I've been seeing that many guys here recommend adding some lead. Why is that? and where and how much weight for starting to experiment?

The EXO3 Tours and newer Tour 100's are pretty much the same racket. I noticed the newer one felt slightly stiffer with a slightly higher swingweight. I respectively attributed that to the fact that my EXO3's are old and have been strung and hit a bunch, and that the one I used most is slightly under spec weight wise. But my findings have been corroborated by others, so I guess it wasn't just my sticks. As far as lead goes, I like it stock, but do use some head tape that adds weight to the hoop.

 

[DJTaurus]

Suggest string and tension for Tour 100....?... i believe 48lbs will be perfect for that stick but what string?

 

[aussie]

Suggest string and tension for Tour 100....?... i believe 48lbs will be perfect for that stick but what string?

My EXO3 Tour 18x20 is pure heaven with Isospeed Professional 17 @ 46. Soft, huge dwell time, feel, comfort, sufficient spin and yes control even at 46. With a flex of 52 this setup is an absolute pillow for any elbow issues.

 

[speedysteve]

I've found this stick to be pure G.E. tonic with Nat gut mains and soft multi cross. Gut/gut just too lively.
So much so I can just about get away with gut/poly - but as of yet, only just.

I'm still loving the feel and spin off the 16x18 & the relatively large head.

 

[Kasmatsu]

I've only ever used 16g Pro Red Code in my 18x20. I just put in the orange 17g Cyclone. It looks nice, but I haven't hit with it yet.

 

[racket king]

Does anyone still use these? Specifically the 2nd gen Prince 100 Tour?

Thinking about getting one to try out but (a) I don't generally like O ports and (b) I'm not really a grinder.

Is this likely to suit? Can you still get string insert grommets for these?

 

[ruhil]

if only the bumper guard was available

great racquets but I am tired of the lack of replacement bumper guards. Might have to bury the 3 I have, switch to the upgraded Textreme version and slap on head-tape.

 

[jonestim]

great racquets but I am tired of the lack of replacement bumper guards. Might have to bury the 3 I have, switch to the upgraded Textreme version and slap on head-tape.

TW has 2 16x18s in stock:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Tour_100_16x18_Grommet/descpagePRINCE-PT100G1618.html

and 4+ 18x20s
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Tour_100_18x20_Grommet/descpagePRINCE-PT100G1820.html

 

[ruhil]

TW has 2 16x18s in stock:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Tour_100_16x18_Grommet/descpagePRINCE-PT100G1618.html

and 4+ 18x20s
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Tour_100_18x20_Grommet/descpagePRINCE-PT100G1820.html

thanks; but every order ends up with a "sorry, out of stock, will have to special order" response. I asked Prince and they said they aren't making these grommets + bumper kits and are not sure the ones for the Tour version will fit since. Blank on **** too.

 

[Surion]

I just bought the 16/18 version due to some upcoming elbow issues.
I don't want to risk playing with my Pro Staff to make it even worse, so I got this one.
It came pre strung, probably Syn gut or whatever.

What a sweet racquet!
Super spin-friendly, great great feel, especially for stops, good power for my serve. I was impressed that I could generate this much power with that flex rating.
Well, my elbow still bothered me during this first outing, but not nearly as much as my previous racquet.

I think I found my new racquet.

I'd like to string it with Poly Tour Pro.
Should I get the 1.30 version due to the very open pattern?
And what tension would you recommend?

Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[B Cubed]

Are they selling these pre-strung now? I noticed a few 18x20's on the bay for a cheaper price. I'm debating going back to them (been using the POGs).

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

2. I've been seeing that many guys here recommend adding some lead. Why is that? and where and how much weight for starting to experiment?

As good as I found the Tour 100 16x18 in stock form, for me it became an absolute beast with some lead at 3 and 9 and also tailweighting to get it over 10 points headlight.
Plowthru, stability and accuracy is greatly increased. And power gets a significant bump also.
Oh and with some silicone in the handle, the comfort factor is off the charts.
See my thread here for some customization ideas:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=528737

Does anyone still use these? Specifically the 2nd gen Prince 100 Tour?

Thinking about getting one to try out but (a) I don't generally like O ports and (b) I'm not really a grinder.

Is this likely to suit? Can you still get string insert grommets for these?

Yep it's the only racquet I'll use these days. Hopefully Prince keeps making it in some shape or form.
Don't have to be a grinder to use this gem of a frame. It'll do anything with excellence; serving, one-hand BH, two-hand BH, forehand, volleys, touch shots, spins, flat shots. It's all in there. Just a really awesome stick that can suit a variety of playing styles.
In the past I'd always shied away from the Prince frames with the ports as I thought they looked ugly and were gimmicky. But now I'm so glad I tried it. If it's the O-Port technology that makes the Tour 100 16x18 play as soft as it does while not losing out on anything else, then I'll gladly take it; warts and all. And I have. Ha!

I just bought the 16/18 version due to some upcoming elbow issues.
I don't want to risk playing with my Pro Staff to make it even worse, so I got this one.
It came pre strung, probably Syn gut or whatever.

What a sweet racquet!
Super spin-friendly, great great feel, especially for stops, good power for my serve. I was impressed that I could generate this much power with that flex rating.
Well, my elbow still bothered me during this first outing, but not nearly as much as my previous racquet.

I think I found my new racquet.

I'd like to string it with Poly Tour Pro.
Should I get the 1.30 version due to the very open pattern?
And what tension would you recommend?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Damn straight mate!
I'm using my Tour 100 16x18 with Gosen OG Micro 17 1.22mm and it's great. And thats down at 45lb on one frame, and 40lb on the other.
The comfort factor is enhanced and I find the play-ability even better than with poly (I've tried Volkl Cyclone and Cyclone Tour, and on both occasions cut the Volkl poly strings out the very next day and went straight back to the Gosen).

 

[7zero]

I became member too. I put same set up as on my team versions just to be able to compare. This is realy a weapon.. I hope I have enough power to swing this. It is quite difference in mass for returns, blocking or just last second hits..

 

[Mac33]

While I agree this frame is awesome,in stock form I found it lacked power with a small sweetspot.

When I added around 20 g to the hoop only it added significant power and increased the sweetspot hugely.

I lost mine years ago but thinking I should buy another.

The feel is so buttery.

 

[7zero]

strange thing - yesterday I lent my frame to friend and it came back with chip in paint in front edge (in direction of ball hitting), I said OK it might happens. Today I was playing it for an hour and after I found there are chips in paint in all sides.. I did not touch the ground, I did not throw it in anger to the fence - all I was doing was playing on clay. Do you think it is possible to get it damaged like this from ball dirty by clay dust? I am surprised - I play with two Tour team 100 and they look like new compare to this one after two hours of play.