The Prince Phantom 93P is a gift to us from TW - My Review/AMA

[QuadCam]

Man, i am really tempted to pull the trigger on this racquet without demoing it. This thread has me hooked. I've been a Prince player most of my life. I've never found a teacher to replace my prince titanium chang midplus. That was a 95sqin, 14x18, 28" long stick. After retiring this sticks after 14 years, I've played a lot of Babs, currently have 5 aerostorms (2 2011s, 2 2013 prostocks, and 1 2016 USA). The prince only lacked a bit of pace on serve. Other than that, the prince hit a bigger, heavier ball. More forgiving, softer, everything.

My only reservation is the 18x20 pattern. I'll a lefty and play a heavy spin game.

 

[Alex78]

Really looking forward to seeing this frame becoming available in Europe.
Also thanks for the review, PP!
However, I think semantically, labelling this a "gift" might evoke false hopes... TW is a business, after all.

 

[Anton]

Man, i am really tempted to pull the trigger on this racquet without demoing it. This thread has me hooked. I've been a Prince player most of my life. I've never found a teacher to replace my prince titanium chang midplus. That was a 95sqin, 14x18, 28" long stick. After retiring this sticks after 14 years, I've played a lot of Babs, currently have 5 aerostorms (2 2011s, 2 2013 prostocks, and 1 2016 USA). The prince only lacked a bit of pace on serve. Other than that, the prince hit a bigger, heavier ball. More forgiving, softer, everything.

My only reservation is the 18x20 pattern. I'll a lefty and play a heavy spin game.

Don't give into the hype and warm Prince nostalgia - this frame spec is obviously more classic driver than high launching spinster, so unless you want to play more flat (and precise) this frame is probably not for you.

I'd recommend you demo it first...along with a DR98

 

[Power Player]

Really looking forward to seeing this frame becoming available in Europe.
Also thanks for the review, PP!
However, I think semantically, labelling this a "gift" might evoke false hopes... TW is a business, after all.

I mainly said that because the frame is under $190 new. I keep seeing pro stock style frames like Wilson Ultra at $250 now.

 

[Power Player]

Don't give into the hype and warm Prince nostalgia - this frame spec is obviously more classic driver than high launching spinster, so unless you want to play more flat (and precise) this frame is probably not for you.

I'd recommend you demo it first...along with a DR98

You can really play however you want with it. I don't play flat, I hit with a lot of spin and an extreme SW.

Are there better racquets suited to that? Sure, and I have some, but it's not a dramatic difference.

 

[Anton]

You can really play however you want with it. I don't play flat, I hit with a lot of spin and an extreme SW.

Are there better racquets suited to that? Sure, and I have some, but it's not a dramatic difference.

I'm just trying to keep expectations grounded haha

 

[Power Player]

I'm just trying to keep expectations grounded haha

True. It is just a racquet after all, but I am really enjoying it. You should have yours by now right?

 

[Anton]

True. It is just a racquet after all, but I am really enjoying it. You should have yours by now right?

Order waiting on Lux Ace 18 (@48lbs) to come into stock today - I string all my 18x20 mids with that and have it in my PC600 (TXP). Didn't want to spoil comparo by stringing it differently.

Hopefully TW can ship it today and I'll have it by Wed.

 

[dgoran]

HHEEEE'SSSSSSS. BBBAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!

Hold on to your wallets best reviewer in the planet just endorsed this stick

Personally I'm ordering today...

 

[morten]

Really looking forward to seeing this frame becoming available in Europe.
Also thanks for the review, PP!
However, I think semantically, labelling this a "gift" might evoke false hopes... TW is a business, after all.

I am not sure it will be available in Europe...

 

[Gamechanger]

How thick is the Prince Leathergrip in general? Is it a softer one? Or like Wilson?

 

[QuadCam]

Don't give into the hype and warm Prince nostalgia - this frame spec is obviously more classic driver than high launching spinster, so unless you want to play more flat (and precise) this frame is probably not for you.

I'd recommend you demo it first...along with a DR98

I've been down the road with the Ai98 and again with a dr98+. I sensee to have timing issues with those racquets. They both send to play better the more neutral balanced they were. Those racquets did not work well for me with balance points around 8PtsHL

 

[Power Player]

How thick is the Prince Leathergrip in general? Is it a softer one? Or like Wilson?

So far it is soft and not too thick. Very easy to feel the bevels. I like the gripshape a lot.

My Tfight 315's leather is pretty hard at this point - I think I have used it for 3 or 4 years. Not sure if you can soften that up or not. I always use an overgrip.

 

[mad dog1]

So far it is soft and not too thick. Very easy to feel the bevels. I like the gripshape a lot.

My Tfight 315's leather is pretty hard at this point - I think I have used it for 3 or 4 years. Not sure if you can soften that up or not. I always use an overgrip.

You can use castor oil to soften up old leather grips.

 

[andredcastro]

How can I smuggle one of these to Europe Would love to test one out.
How does it compare to the RF97 in terms of feel? I love the RF97, but i really miss a thin beam and the classic feel of the pro staff line.
This racquet might make change back to prince. I think the last racquet of theirs that I used was the Prince DB90 graphtech back in 1996 or so.

Enviado do meu Redmi Note 3 através do Tapatalk

 

[scotus]

You can use castor oil to soften up old leather grips.

It doesn't make the grip slippery?

 

[Power Player]

How can I smuggle one of these to Europe Would love to test one out.
How does it compare to the RF97 in terms of feel? I love the RF97, but i really miss a thin beam and the classic feel of the pro staff line.
This racquet might make change back to prince. I think the last racquet of theirs that I used was the Prince DB90 graphtech back in 1996 or so.

Enviado do meu Redmi Note 3 através do Tapatalk

I never thought the RF97 felt all that great honestly.

The P93 feels similar to a firmer PC600 or like a PT280 that has a thinner beam.

 

[J011yroger]

I never thought the RF97 felt all that great honestly.

That's the first logical thing you've said!

J

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

The following is based on the TW demo court, so take it with a grain of salt.

I found the Dunlop CX 2.0 Tour does everything the 93P tries to do, but with more authority. That, or it could just be my dislike of non-uniform beam width.

Dunlop only goes from 20mm to 19mm, so hardly noticeable.

But the 93P goes from 20mm to 18mm and then yet again to 16mm! It gave me a less solid feel upon impact.

 

[GBplayer]

It doesn't make the grip slippery?

With my leather grips , once a month I wash with mild soap and water then leave to dry for 24 hours and apply a very small amount of E45 or olive oil.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I never thought the RF97 felt all that great honestly.

That, RF97 has a lot going for it. But feel is honestly the LAST thing I would comment about.

And if I could, I wouldn't even bring up its feel unless provoked, cause it's really nothing to rave about.

I will say that the RF97 is one of those frames where it feels better on serves and volleys than it does just about anywhere else.

 

[mad dog1]

It doesn't make the grip slippery?

Clean the leather first. After allowing it to dry off first, then apply and let the oil be absorbed into the leather. It restores the natural tackiness of the leather.

 

[Power Player]

The following is based on the TW demo court, so take it with a grain of salt.

I found the Dunlop CX 2.0 Tour does everything the 93P tries to do, but with more authority. That, or it could just be my dislike of non-uniform beam width.

Dunlop only goes from 20mm to 19mm, so hardly noticeable.

But the 93P goes from 20mm to 18mm and then yet again to 16mm! It gave me a less solid feel upon impact.

I tried to get one of those a while back but Dunlop was sold out. Was yours stock? I feel like the 93P should have more plow if they are both un leaded.

 

[mad dog1]

@Power Player

You’re selling your boom sticks? Is the new prince 93 taking its place?

 

[QuadCam]

@Power Player , thanks again for this review. Did you play or demo the Babolat Pure Control 95 or 95+? It used to be called the Pure Storm Gt LTD.

Any way, i demoed the 95+ and it was the sweetest serving stick. Also, a perfectly hit ball feels amazing. It was a low power, high flex18x20 too. It shouldn't have been powerful but it was. At the time, i couldn't get into 18x20 frames but i regret not buying the racquet. It's no longer made.

I'm so tempted by this new Prince but am also considering the Tec 315 LTD (16x19)

I appreciate your input.

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player

You’re selling your boom sticks? Is the new prince 93 taking its place?

I had been planning to change over to the new PD Tour Plus. I want a little tighter pattern and a little more weight. I really love these extended Babolats.

I just have too many frames right now. It's a little silly, so I need to sell some. Plan is to have those and the P93, since I have gone back and forth between the two styles for so long. May as well play both.

 

[mad dog1]

I had been planning to change over to the new PD Tour Plus. I want a little tighter pattern and a little more weight. I really love these extended Babolats.

I just have too many frames right now. It's a little silly, so I need to sell some. Plan is to have those and the P93, since I have gone back and forth between the two styles for so long. May as well play both.

Are you sure you’ll like the PD Tour Plus? Maybe try it first before getting rid of the pure aero plus.

 

[Anton]

I've been down the road with the Ai98 and again with a dr98+. I sensee to have timing issues with those racquets. They both send to play better the more neutral balanced they were. Those racquets did not work well for me with balance points around 8PtsHL

Well if you look at my sig, I’ve come to agree haha

DR98 Light got everything for everyone - just add lead as needed.

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player , thanks again for this review. Did you play or demo the Babolat Pure Control 95 or 95+? It used to be called the Pure Storm Gt LTD.

Any way, i demoed the 95+ and it was the sweetest serving stick. Also, a perfectly hit ball feels amazing. It was a low power, high flex18x20 too. It shouldn't have been powerful but it was. At the time, i couldn't get into 18x20 frames but i regret not buying the racquet. It's no longer made.

I'm so tempted by this new Prince but am also considering the Tec 315 LTD (16x19)

I appreciate your input.

Yeah, the Pure Storm limited was awesome. That was a pretty demanding frame. I guess the P93 would be considered that too, but I have found it pretty easy so far, considering it's a mid that weighs 12.5. I really focused way more on footwork and positioning than racquets over the past few years. I haven't written a review or demoed much because of that. I also have a nice collection of frames so I usually don't move on something unless I have been interested in it for a little while.

I can tell you that the Tec 315 is so killer. I still have mine in 16x19. But it's super low powered stock.The SW is like 313 or so, so you have to add lead at 12, and that makes the balance around 4 pts HL if you want any real plow. I don't mind that, but some will. You can counter weight it, but you will need to make sure you put the weight at the buttcap to get the head back closer to stock.

The P93 (well, mine at least) is balanced perfectly out of the box so you don't have to do anything unless you want to.

 

[Power Player]

Are you sure you’ll like the PD Tour Plus? Maybe try it first before getting rid of the pure aero plus.

I mean, yeah - I have tried it locally. I love the Pure Drives - always have.

 

[mad dog1]

I mean, yeah - I have tried it locally. I love the Pure Drives - always have.

True. If I recall correctly, you played with the black drive for a bit.

 

[Power Player]

True. If I recall correctly, you played with the black drive for a bit.

One of my favorites tweeners ever.

The PA+ is right there too. I just finally needed a break from a year of restringing the wide open pattern.

 

[mad dog1]

One of my favorites tweeners ever.

The PA+ is right there too. I just finally needed a break from a year of restringing the wide open pattern.

this is one of the reasons why I love 18x20s now!

 

[JOSHL]

The following is based on the TW demo court, so take it with a grain of salt.

I found the Dunlop CX 2.0 Tour does everything the 93P tries to do, but with more authority. That, or it could just be my dislike of non-uniform beam width.

Dunlop only goes from 20mm to 19mm, so hardly noticeable.

But the 93P goes from 20mm to 18mm and then yet again to 16mm! It gave me a less solid feel upon impact.

I found the exact opposite to be true. The Dunlop stock was one of the worst most anemic frames I tried this year. Not enough weight,plow at all.

 

[Power Player]

I found the exact opposite to be true. The Dunlop stock was one of the worst most anemic frames I tried this year. Not enough weight,plow at all.

Wondering if his was leaded up. The stock specs do some a little bit anemic to me.

 

[stephenclown]

Yeah, the Pure Storm limited was awesome. That was a pretty demanding frame. I guess the P93 would be considered that too, but I have found it pretty easy so far, considering it's a mid that weighs 12.5. I really focused way more on footwork and positioning than racquets over the past few years. I haven't written a review or demoed much because of that. I also have a nice collection of frames so I usually don't move on something unless I have been interested in it for a little while.

I can tell you that the Tec 315 is so killer. I still have mine in 16x19. But it's super low powered stock.The SW is like 313 or so, so you have to add lead at 12, and that makes the balance around 4 pts HL if you want any real plow. I don't mind that, but some will. You can counter weight it, but you will need to make sure you put the weight at the buttcap to get the head back closer to stock.

The P93 (well, mine at least) is balanced perfectly out of the box so you don't have to do anything unless you want to.

PSL is a fantastic frame, stuck with it for years. Did you prefer the feel of the 93 over the PSL? I regret selling my PSL, can still buy new on the bay so may buy one at some stage for nostalgia but its 200AUD delivered and if can get the 93P could be better.

Is the string pattern similar between the two? I remember the PSL being incredibly dense which was fantastic for my game. Also the hoop of the PSL was fairly narrow from memory, made swinging the thing a breeze! not as wide as the 93P perhaps?

I use the TC90 so size isn't an issue, I just prefer narrower profiles, PSL and TC90 preferred over the TC95/97

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I tried to get one of those a while back but Dunlop was sold out. Was yours stock? I feel like the 93P should have more plow if they are both un leaded.

Both were whatever they had at the TW courts at IW.

Hence the disclaimer on the top of my original post

"The following is based on the TW demo court, so take it with a grain of salt."

ALSO, I grew up on the PC600, and a little bit of HM 200G. So, anything that resemble that elongated egg shaped head with a thin boxy (enough) beam will get me going.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I found the exact opposite to be true. The Dunlop stock was one of the worst most anemic frames I tried this year. Not enough weight,plow at all.

I loved it, it was a throw back to my younger days. See the post above

 

[n8dawg6]

I love the Pure Drives - always have.

paradoxically i lurve them too. big sweet spot, crisp feel, effortless tennis

 

[JOSHL]

I loved it, it was a throw back to my younger days. See the post above

I wanted to like it so much. MFil 200 was one of my fav frames ever.

 

[parasailing]

Both are great. The Tec is more head heavy and sluggish once weighted. They both serve incredibly well. The 93P is just weighted to perfectly in stock form that serving is as powerful and easy. I would say the power is about the same, but the plow of the 93P is better.



I didn't really like that racquet much at all, and I don't like frames with the balance that close to the head. So I much prefer the 93P. I also think it feels better as well.



I never played the Tour 89. One of my regrets, because that was a frame I wanted to check out. Based on the specs of the 89, I have to think both frames are going to be quite close in power.

I actually balance the Blade 98 to 6 pts HL and also added more weight to bring it closer to 12oz. I just curious how it felt in terms of flex, power, and control.

 

[SpinToWin]

I had been planning to change over to the new PD Tour Plus. I want a little tighter pattern and a little more weight. I really love these extended Babolats.

I just have too many frames right now. It's a little silly, so I need to sell some. Plan is to have those and the P93, since I have gone back and forth between the two styles for so long. May as well play both.

Demo the PK plus and PD Tour Plus side by side before committing. There’s not much in the way of manoeuvrability between the two I think. Plus I’m curious about your thoughts (surely not my main agenda here! Hehe)

 

[El_Yotamo]

@Power Player , thanks again for this review. Did you play or demo the Babolat Pure Control 95 or 95+? It used to be called the Pure Storm Gt LTD.

Any way, i demoed the 95+ and it was the sweetest serving stick. Also, a perfectly hit ball feels amazing. It was a low power, high flex18x20 too. It shouldn't have been powerful but it was. At the time, i couldn't get into 18x20 frames but i regret not buying the racquet. It's no longer made.

I'm so tempted by this new Prince but am also considering the Tec 315 LTD (16x19)

I appreciate your input.

Join the club of people who are sad about the PSL/PC 95 being discontinued...

 

[Power Player]

Both were whatever they had at the TW courts at IW.

Hence the disclaimer on the top of my original post

"The following is based on the TW demo court, so take it with a grain of salt."

ALSO, I grew up on the PC600, and a little bit of HM 200G. So, anything that resemble that elongated egg shaped head with a thin boxy (enough) beam will get me going.

That's awesome. I grew up on the Prince Response 90 and the 110. So now I have a Phantom 93 and Babolat 100s. Full circle here as well.

 

[Power Player]

PSL is a fantastic frame, stuck with it for years. Did you prefer the feel of the 93 over the PSL? I regret selling my PSL, can still buy new on the bay so may buy one at some stage for nostalgia but its 200AUD delivered and if can get the 93P could be better.

Is the string pattern similar between the two? I remember the PSL being incredibly dense which was fantastic for my game. Also the hoop of the PSL was fairly narrow from memory, made swinging the thing a breeze! not as wide as the 93P perhaps?

I use the TC90 so size isn't an issue, I just prefer narrower profiles, PSL and TC90 preferred over the TC95/97

It's been so long that I don't want to say anything inaccurate about the two. The P93 definitely feels like a thin beam frame. That is why to me, it is a bit like a Head meets a Wilson. It has no vibrations like the Head. Sweet spot is similar. It has that thin beam flex thats a bit like a Pro Staff.

The main thing that got me into it, was that it plays very solid and just does not vibrate. Really has that classic feel. Mishits are so far not jarring for me. I also mishit a lot less than I expected. I think this is because I am not playing lazy and my technique has sharpened up a bit using this. One bad habit for me with stiff Babolats was relying too much on the wrist flick on defense. It is a good shot to have, but it is easy to use it too much when you defend, instead of taking a few extra steps and setting up proplery.

Anyway, back your question - the main thing I remember was the PSL had a really small sweet spot and was really, really low powered. The P93 is not for me. The sweet spot is a little bigger than a PC600 and the plow is a little better.

 

[stephenclown]

It's been so long that I don't want to say anything inaccurate about the two. The P93 definitely feels like a thin beam frame. That is why to me, it is a bit like a Head meets a Wilson. It has no vibrations like the Head. Sweet spot is similar. It has that thin beam flex thats a bit like a Pro Staff.

The main thing that got me into it, was that it plays very solid and just does not vibrate. Really has that classic feel. Mishits are so far not jarring for me. I also mishit a lot less than I expected. I think this is because I am not playing lazy and my technique has sharpened up a bit using this. One bad habit for me with stiff Babolats was relying too much on the wrist flick on defense. It is a good shot to have, but it is easy to use it too much when you defend, instead of taking a few extra steps and setting up proplery.

Anyway, back your question - the main thing I remember was the PSL had a really small sweet spot and was really, really low powered. The P93 is not for me. The sweet spot is a little bigger than a PC600 and the plow is a little better.

Thanks for the comparison, intriguing frame, I may have to pull the trigger and then hide it from my missus. 'oh nah this is the one that was in the closet for years, they dont make frames like this anymore. Prince hasnt manufactured racquets for years for Australia.'

The PSL is ultra low powered I agree. Havent found anything like it, and it was so demanding that I am not sure we will see something like it again. Probably the reason why they changed the pure control so much when introducing the pure strike. A true tour level frame from babolat for retail and thats why I loved them for it. This nostalgia is killing me and I already have 4 frames and no doubles atm.

 

[Power Player]

Demo the PK plus and PD Tour Plus side by side before committing. There’s not much in the way of manoeuvrability between the two I think. Plus I’m curious about your thoughts (surely not my main agenda here! Hehe)

That PK is somewhat intriguing for sure. Maybe at some point I will check one out.

 

[Power Player]

I wanted to like it so much. MFil 200 was one of my fav frames ever.

I have one sitting in my closet. I liked them too. The AG200 and 4D 200 really, really did it for me.

 

[Power Player]

I actually balance the Blade 98 to 6 pts HL and also added more weight to bring it closer to 12oz. I just curious how it felt in terms of flex, power, and control.

Ok, that makes sense. I think the Blade is going to have a bit more power to it. The P93 is going to have better feel - the Blades were not totally vibration free for me. Control - the P93 is crazy good at that. Best in class.

 

[Power Player]

TW Review is up. Echoed a lot of my thoughts. They either are keeping one in the bag to work in their game with or switching to it. While I acknowledge that they sell these frames, I still think their review was accurate.

Also, if anyone cares I compared the width of this frame to the Tec 315 and PT280 again. It has the same width. The difference from the 97 Tec or 95 Head is they are longer top to bottom.