TheOtherBecker
Rookie
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The Prince Phantom 93P is a gift to us from TW - My Review/AMA
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PBODY99
Legend
Seems the frame coloring is a nod to the "Ghost who walks "
Just getting into this. I was hoping to transition to Prostaff 90s but it felt rubbish today, really harsh off centre. I took out of my bag my Pro Stock Blade 93 which has an RA rating of 60. It felt much more comfortable. Unfortunately, it's a one-off I'm told and was made for an individual's play test but he didn't go for it. So I'm looking for something else and thought that maybe the Phantom 93P is where I should be looking for an arm friendly racquet.
max
Legend
I'm a big Phantom fan. Didn't make that connection before, though.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The Phantom Pro 93P is a wonderful racquet. The current version feels firmer to me than the RA indicates, but is by no means uncomfortable. There is a new version about to go on sale in early January, so maybe it would pay to wait and see what the reviews of the new one are like in comparison to the current one, then buy the one that feels/ sounds better.
I have the 18x20 version and love it... great racquet and thanks to Prince for having the guts to make it and sell it.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!
May 2020 be filled with great health, prosperity, lots of tennis, and fantastic gear purchases and product lines.
Looking forward to talking to you all throughout the coming year.
May 2020 be filled with great health, prosperity, lots of tennis, and fantastic gear purchases and product lines.
Looking forward to talking to you all throughout the coming year.
I've recently hit both 93 and 97P, played the POG MP 4-stripe for years when I was younger, and to me the 97P feels more like the POG than the 93 does. Something about the sound and where the racquet flexes. Both 93 and 97P are awesome racquets and I'd be happy with either, 97P just reminded more of the good old days.
Update, bought the 93P 18x20 again cause I just missed it and discovered my forehand grip was to blame for the wrist pain... turned it more western and pain is gone. What a beautiful racket, glad to have it back.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Did you get the first version or the new 2020 version? If it's the new one, how do you like it in comparison to the first iteration? Thanks
Original 93P 18x20. Found one that was under spec, 341g strung with OG, so thrilled it is a bit easier to move around.
Haven’t hit any of the new Phantoms. I am very curious about the new 100P but will hold off for awhile.
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
Can anyone give a comparison between the 2018 and 2020 18x20 93s? I know there was one a few pages back but it has since been removed.
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
Since nobody else seemed to have much experience with the new 93P 18x20 I decided to jump the gun and purchase a few. I recently rediscovered my love for the previous version and it’s untouchable blend of pinpoint control, comfort, maneuverability, stability, and feel. That may be a lot of adjectives but if you’ve hit with the 93P before you know what I’m talking about. As others have said, it really is the ultimate racquet for the attacking player.
First off, the cosmetic of the new version is incredibly nice. You really have to hold the racquet up close in decent lighting to notice the purple with black line accents. Personally, I like how low key it looks, and I find the purple to have a very calming effect. It’s definitely a sharp contrast to the latest Prestige update which looks panic attacks inducing.
The one problem with the paint, as others have mentioned, is the clear coat. It chips and scratches relatively easily, and my previous gen 93Ps which aren’t even a year old yet are looking quite beat up. I hope @Prince Tennis Official is able to use our feedback to improve the paint quality in their future racquet generations.
Now, onto how the differences to the outgoing model. Spoiler alert: They’re subtle.
For reference my go-to string in the 93P is Hyper G 18 @ 50/48 LBS.
Right off the bat I noticed slightly more pocketing and a more plush feel compared to the previous gen. The difference is extremely slight however, and the direct and solid feel from the OG version that we all know and love is still very prevalent. IMO the change mostly improves comfort and helps a touch with arm fatigue. Both racquets are very interchangeable when hitting them side by side. I’m guessing the difference is mostly from the addition of Twaron into the layup, which seems to do something because stability on off center hits is definitely improved, albeit slightly.
When it comes to raw performance, the new 93P plays almost identical to its predecessor. This thing is magical if you like to attack. Painting the lines and going for broke is spectacularly easy, and the incredible direct feel makes volleys and drop shots a piece of cake if you get your feet in position. I just don’t feel this same confidence with any other racquet.
I know this may sound silly, but the 93P is the only racquet I can play with that I simply cannot hold responsible for affecting my performance. I don’t feel any limitations playing with it, and the incredible control and consistency of the stringbed makes it impossible for me to blame anything but myself for making mistakes. Being able to think about your game and not your racquets is such a freeing feeling, and I feel this stick can totally be the cure for other racquetholics who like to play high risk attacking tennis.
Personally, since the previous gen is currently on sale for a decent price I think it’s the better buy at the moment, however if you are looking for the most comfortable feel possible or prefer the new cosmetic you won’t be disappointed. I think upgrade might be a bit too strong of a word comparing to the previous gen, however the extra comfort is a great plus for me personally. As I said earlier in my post, these two racquets are very very similar when it comes to feel, and you can totally switch between them in the middle of a session if need be.
Anyways, that’s all I gotta say for now. I’m typing this up on my phone and didn’t expect it to end up being so long, so I apologize in advance if formatting isn’t perfect. If you have any other questions let me know!
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First off, the cosmetic of the new version is incredibly nice. You really have to hold the racquet up close in decent lighting to notice the purple with black line accents. Personally, I like how low key it looks, and I find the purple to have a very calming effect. It’s definitely a sharp contrast to the latest Prestige update which looks panic attacks inducing.
The one problem with the paint, as others have mentioned, is the clear coat. It chips and scratches relatively easily, and my previous gen 93Ps which aren’t even a year old yet are looking quite beat up. I hope @Prince Tennis Official is able to use our feedback to improve the paint quality in their future racquet generations.
Now, onto how the differences to the outgoing model. Spoiler alert: They’re subtle.
For reference my go-to string in the 93P is Hyper G 18 @ 50/48 LBS.
Right off the bat I noticed slightly more pocketing and a more plush feel compared to the previous gen. The difference is extremely slight however, and the direct and solid feel from the OG version that we all know and love is still very prevalent. IMO the change mostly improves comfort and helps a touch with arm fatigue. Both racquets are very interchangeable when hitting them side by side. I’m guessing the difference is mostly from the addition of Twaron into the layup, which seems to do something because stability on off center hits is definitely improved, albeit slightly.
When it comes to raw performance, the new 93P plays almost identical to its predecessor. This thing is magical if you like to attack. Painting the lines and going for broke is spectacularly easy, and the incredible direct feel makes volleys and drop shots a piece of cake if you get your feet in position. I just don’t feel this same confidence with any other racquet.
I know this may sound silly, but the 93P is the only racquet I can play with that I simply cannot hold responsible for affecting my performance. I don’t feel any limitations playing with it, and the incredible control and consistency of the stringbed makes it impossible for me to blame anything but myself for making mistakes. Being able to think about your game and not your racquets is such a freeing feeling, and I feel this stick can totally be the cure for other racquetholics who like to play high risk attacking tennis.
Personally, since the previous gen is currently on sale for a decent price I think it’s the better buy at the moment, however if you are looking for the most comfortable feel possible or prefer the new cosmetic you won’t be disappointed. I think upgrade might be a bit too strong of a word comparing to the previous gen, however the extra comfort is a great plus for me personally. As I said earlier in my post, these two racquets are very very similar when it comes to feel, and you can totally switch between them in the middle of a session if need be.
Anyways, that’s all I gotta say for now. I’m typing this up on my phone and didn’t expect it to end up being so long, so I apologize in advance if formatting isn’t perfect. If you have any other questions let me know!
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Sounds very positive.
I'm glad the precision and directness of the first version are still there. Adding softness, comfort, and further stability to this already very capable weapon can only enhance it and further solidify it as one of the best racquets out there. Excellent news. It solves some of the minor gripes I had with the original (that were totally solvable with slight modification).
I look forward to additional reviews.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
As far as the original version goes, I had no problems with the launch angle but I tend to use 18 gauge strings and my tension is in the mid-40s. I haven't tried the new Blade, but never had problems with any of the old ones in the 18x20 string pattern (again I used 18 gauge strings).
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
I'm glad someone bought the new one!
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
I played with the 18x20 v7 since it’s release through January. The launch angle on the Blade is generally higher than the 93P. The Blade pockets the ball more and it is easier to generate topspin. However, with fast full strokes and an 18g poly or a multi, you shouldn’t have any issues with the 93P. The direct feel and control helps give a great awareness of exactly where the ball will go, and this makes it quite easy to transition coming from a different racquet. The thin beam and balance also help create racquet head speed, which should make an even easier transition from the blade imo.
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
If you like a high launch angle you might like the 93P 14x18 better over the 18x20. The 14x18 still has a very nice feel, and it is crazy how much depth and spin you can get with it. Almost like a much more comfortable Pure Aero with better control and touch, and a 93” Head size
If you like a high launch angle you might like the 93P 14x18 better over the 18x20. The 14x18 still has a very nice feel, and it is crazy how much depth and spin you can get with it. Almost like a much more comfortable Pure Aero with better control and touch, and a 93” Head size
yes true, never played with such an open string pattern, could it be a bit too extreme in the opposite direction with no control at all. maybe not if the head size is 93
Mitch_1979
Rookie
I'll weigh in... I logged 300hrs w the 18x20 93p, and another 50 w the 14x18 93p, and now 50 w the 18x20 V7 Blade.
I did not stick w the 14x18 93p because the launch angle was just too much of an adjustment for my naturally loopy TS forehand stroke.
I got really comfortable with the launch angle in the 18x20 93p and I found the V7 blade to be a very easy transition; launch angle was slightly higher, but was getting more topspin from the same mechanics. Was hitting with the same Tier One Black Knight 18g in both, at similar tensions.
max
Legend
The only 18 g strings I've used were in Squash racquets. How do these hold up? My box has one or two packs of 18 g syngut.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
They are fine in tighter string patterns. With the Phantom Pro 93P I used Hyper-G 18 gauge (so far) and they lasted a very long time, only got better as time went by (my tension was too high for this racquet @ 48M/45C for the feel I like - next time 45/42), and I had excellent directional and depth control.
I played with my TC95 63RA 18x20 strung with MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm @48M/45C and I was very happy and most impressed. The string lasted a long time, I could hit all of my shots and the comfort was excellent.
I also used Volkl Cyclone 18L (1.15mm) in my 16x20 Fischer VT Pro 95. Worked like a charm... so much so, that I will be using that string in other racquets in my collection.
Give it a go and see what you think... after all, we're all different and the only way to know if you truly like something is to try it yourself.
stephenclown
Professional
Hey guys, doing some work on a 93P as I have moved on to the 97P. Waiting for Volkl pallets to arrive to finish this one off. This is a test run to see if I want to tinker with my 97Ps at this stage. Hoping the silicone will be a welcome addition to the phantom feel and the weight adjustment will improve the overall playability.
The lead weights are surprisingly not that heavy. Hairpin at an expected weight range.
There is a deep channel along the side of the hairpin under the grip. I may end up filling this one with silicone, unsure how to make the best use of that. It was completely filled with foam.
I did some weighting with a spare Angell pallet I had laying around and it looks like it will be about 311 grams with grip, buttcap and pallet. This gives me a fair amount of room to work with. The Angell pallet was close to fitting but I think the Angell hairpin is fractionally smaller so it was bowing slightly along the joint.
Going to aim for 360 grams strung with over grip, and hopefully around 350 swing weight. Might extend it by 1/4 or 1/2 an inch.
The lead weights are surprisingly not that heavy. Hairpin at an expected weight range.
There is a deep channel along the side of the hairpin under the grip. I may end up filling this one with silicone, unsure how to make the best use of that. It was completely filled with foam.
I did some weighting with a spare Angell pallet I had laying around and it looks like it will be about 311 grams with grip, buttcap and pallet. This gives me a fair amount of room to work with. The Angell pallet was close to fitting but I think the Angell hairpin is fractionally smaller so it was bowing slightly along the joint.
Going to aim for 360 grams strung with over grip, and hopefully around 350 swing weight. Might extend it by 1/4 or 1/2 an inch.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Hey guys, doing some work on a 93P as I have moved on to the 97P. Waiting for Volkl pallets to arrive to finish this one off. This is a test run to see if I want to tinker with my 97Ps at this stage. Hoping the silicone will be a welcome addition to the phantom feel and the weight adjustment will improve the overall playability.
The lead weights are surprisingly not that heavy. Hairpin at an expected weight range.
There is a deep channel along the side of the hairpin under the grip. I may end up filling this one with silicone, unsure how to make the best use of that. It was completely filled with foam.
I did some weighting with a spare Angell pallet I had laying around and it looks like it will be about 311 grams with grip, buttcap and pallet. This gives me a fair amount of room to work with. The Angell pallet was close to fitting but I think the Angell hairpin is fractionally smaller so it was bowing slightly along the joint.
Going to aim for 360 grams strung with over grip, and hopefully around 350 swing weight. Might extend it by 1/4 or 1/2 an inch.
Interested to find out how it turns out.
TennisHound
Legend
Finally got a hit with the 93p 14x18. Wow (in a seriously good way)! I hit some on a ball machine and wall, and it was one of the sweetest hitting frames I’ve hit in a long time. It’s faster through the air than the 18x20. I tried serving, and didn’t feel any shoulder pain, but I’ll have to try it in a match.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Old or new??
TennisHound
Legend
New, the purple one. It felt a little crisper than the green one (I’ve only used the 18x20). Dang it’s a sweet racquet. I changed my ball toss a little (more out to the right for slice) and no shoulder pain. I hit some miss hits here and there, but made shots that I haven’t made in a long time (played doubles). I’m sure the green one (14x18) is fine too.
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stephenclown
Professional
Quick update, Volkl pallets fit perfectly with a couple layers of double sided carpet tape (the brand I used is thin). Prince buttcap fits the S pallets perfectly as well. 0.25" internal length on the end of the Prince buttcap. I advise to use the prince buttcap as the Volkl will need extra length past the hairpin for 27"
Waiting for silicone to cure, cant wait to play with this thing, headlight, heavy and feels solid. It will end up with the following specs:
338 grams unstrung, no overgrip, no lead at the moment - 2 grams at 10-2 to be added to bring it up to 340g base
27.25"
Hopefully close to 350 swingweight due to extended length.
I aimed for these specs because I wanted a racquet comparable to the RF97 but with a thinner beam and slightly extended length (my miss is high, so hopefully this brings the sweetspot into my swingpath)
I had to use a 4 1/4 pallet due to only having that size buttcap
Will grab 4 3/8 buttcap and change over shortly.
Destroyed 1 3/8 pallet trying to remove due to the Volkl buttcap being a poor alternative - carpet tape is seriously strong stuff. If removing any in the future I will use mineral turps to remove the bond, like I do for golf grips.
Wondering if the channel for weight adjustment in the hairpin has any impact in feel? The deeper channel where the weight is added has a lot more graphite on that side of the handle. Added some extra weight to the other side to hopefully even it out. Probably more of a psychological thing in the end.
Will try to add some photos later
Waiting for silicone to cure, cant wait to play with this thing, headlight, heavy and feels solid. It will end up with the following specs:
338 grams unstrung, no overgrip, no lead at the moment - 2 grams at 10-2 to be added to bring it up to 340g base
27.25"
Hopefully close to 350 swingweight due to extended length.
I aimed for these specs because I wanted a racquet comparable to the RF97 but with a thinner beam and slightly extended length (my miss is high, so hopefully this brings the sweetspot into my swingpath)
I had to use a 4 1/4 pallet due to only having that size buttcap
Will grab 4 3/8 buttcap and change over shortly.
Destroyed 1 3/8 pallet trying to remove due to the Volkl buttcap being a poor alternative - carpet tape is seriously strong stuff. If removing any in the future I will use mineral turps to remove the bond, like I do for golf grips.
Wondering if the channel for weight adjustment in the hairpin has any impact in feel? The deeper channel where the weight is added has a lot more graphite on that side of the handle. Added some extra weight to the other side to hopefully even it out. Probably more of a psychological thing in the end.
Will try to add some photos later
One Handed Dynasty
Semi-Pro
Carpet tape works great, It holds pallets stronger than even an epoxy. The method that’s worked best for me when putting on a new handle is:
1) Put on the pallets without any tape, the butcap without any staples, and then wrap on your base grip and OG.
2) Take the specs and calculate how much weight to add and where, purposely being a few grams and MM short of the target static weight and balance.
3) Take everything off and add it directly to the hairpin.
4) Put everything back on with the tape and staples, measure the specs again, and then add lead on the pallet to match the target specs.
Also make sure to measure the hairpin after you’ve weighted it, that way you’ll be able to start with step 3 after your first one.
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stephenclown
Professional
I just put the butt cap and the grip on the scale when I was weighing it. This isn't my game racquet anymore so the balance doesn't worry me much and it was more of an experiment to check how the weighting and ease of modding for the 93P. The channel for the weighting in the handle made injection in the butt painful. I would need to be very careful in doing it to my game racquets though.
You seem like you have done this a bit, is it difficult to get them exactly the same with silicone? I am hoping it feels great with the silicone but hesitant to touch my 97P's given my inexperience with serious mods. The feel of the 97P is also far superior to the 93P so I am unsure if I need to silicone them.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
One Handed Dynasty
Semi-Pro
It’s a popular material to use because it’s dense, form filling, and has negligible shrinkage after curing. If you use an app like RacquetTune to calculate how much weight to add and where, the viscosity makes it easy since you can alternate from injecting to laying the racquet on a scale to measure until you’ve added the right amount. I wouldn’t worry too much about negatively impacting feel by adding weight to the handle. What you’re doing is increasing the recoil weight, which is good for comfort and arm health.
How are you liking the 97P so far and did you add any lead to the hoop? The TW review made it sound like it needed some lead from 10-2 to open up the sweetspot. I’m debating between a 93p and 97p to try out.
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stephenclown
Professional
Thanks, will check it out. I'm having a **** of a time securing the Butt cap. Don't have a staple gun and the cap was moving when trying to attach it. Ended up using some silicone to stick it in place for the moment. Bunnings is our hardware option in my area and it's useless full of cheap crap. Last time I used staples but toward the end of the hairpin attaching due to length extension. Any tips?
I really like the 97P but I played garbage tonight, no energy. The other night I was in heaven on clay again. I do have extra weight yeah, probably 6 grams at 12 in a few strips. I will probably do one long strip under the grommet and then 2 shorter strips at 2 and 10. Really opens the frame up with lead, I suggest demoing to see how you like it. Launch angle of the 97 is very neutral so people probably perceive it as low spin but has ample for my game. Middle mains dense like the 93P then open up, feel is exceptional. Seamless transition from the 93P, just an increase in power and feel with playability improved
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TennisHound
Legend
^^^Still playing the 93P 14x18, and still liking it very much. There's just things it does really well, like returns, volleys, and topspin lobs. Its more maneuverable than my PD, and usually allows me to win the point when I make it to the net. The PD of course, has more power and certain things it does well, but there's things it cannot do compared to the 93P. The main thing the PD does well is causes no shoulder pain while serving : )
One Handed Dynasty
Semi-Pro
I got this from Home Depot for $20 a while back, it gets the job done: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-Fastener-PowerShot-5700-Forward-Action-Staple-Gun-5700/100049752
How far are you extending? I know you said you wanted a 350 swingweight so a good reference to keep in mind that every 0.25in adds ~10kg•cm^2 to the SW. For extending past the graphite hairpin I would definitely advise using a different method than just moving the butcap down. If your butcap isn’t flush against the handle the racquet will be unstable and you’ll feel the handle moving around in the cap. There’s actually a butcap made for doing exactly what you want, just google xtp butcap. The extension is built in so all you have to do is put the butcap on like you normally would and staple it. The other structurally sound ways to extend a racquet are a lot harder and require either making a mold or substituting a metal rod and epoxy in place of silicone, so not very fun.
Dang the 97P sounds too good to not demo. I played with PS90’s from juniors through college so a dense open pattern, great feel, needing lead to open up the top half of the stringbed, and moderate launch angle are the characteristics of a great racquet in my mind haha. I’m gonna put in an order to demo that and the 14x18 93P. The idea of a flexy mid thats also a spin rocket launcher sounds perfect if I can control it.
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stephenclown
Professional
I have been sick for a week so I had my first hit with the 93P modified tonight and this is a seriously good change in my opinion. Reminds me more of the solidity that I had with the PS Tour 90 (yellow + black).
Final specs:
27.24" long
370.7 grams
31cm balance
360 swingweight (manually measured) - 2 grams of lead just above 3&9, rest under bumper.
Strung with OGSM mains @ 50 / Toalson ProFocus cross @ 50
Feel is seriously smooth, very plush and good pocketing. Large improvement over stock, sweetspot feels much larger. Flat hitting is so good, incredibly power on flat balls.
Bit rusty tonight so I struggled a bit overall with rally balls but it feels very good. The extra length has pushed the sweetspot into my hitting zone.
Going to keep hitting with it a bit but if it continues to make me smile I will do a similar but slightly less extreme mod to my 97P - will probably aim for 365grams, 355 swingweight, slightly less headlight, 27.25". The 97P will need a slightly lower static weight so I can still whip it effectively.
Final specs:
27.24" long
370.7 grams
31cm balance
360 swingweight (manually measured) - 2 grams of lead just above 3&9, rest under bumper.
Strung with OGSM mains @ 50 / Toalson ProFocus cross @ 50
Feel is seriously smooth, very plush and good pocketing. Large improvement over stock, sweetspot feels much larger. Flat hitting is so good, incredibly power on flat balls.
Bit rusty tonight so I struggled a bit overall with rally balls but it feels very good. The extra length has pushed the sweetspot into my hitting zone.
Going to keep hitting with it a bit but if it continues to make me smile I will do a similar but slightly less extreme mod to my 97P - will probably aim for 365grams, 355 swingweight, slightly less headlight, 27.25". The 97P will need a slightly lower static weight so I can still whip it effectively.
stephenclown
Professional
Hope it works out for you, it is a beast of a racquet but swings easy for me with the change in weight distribution. I am still low on energy due to an illness so hoping to get back into form shortly and able to swing it more effectively and consistently. High forehands now are among the best of any frame I have hit - RF97 (red and black) & TC97 18x20 similarly amazing
I would like to check more of an extension but 1/4" seems to be enough to have a difference in feel without being too much different in playability. Also I am unsure how much room I have to extend without a true extension Butt cap or custom mold handle. Prince buttcap is very good so I want to keep it, crisp corners and good amount of flare.
I wanted to extend after I saw the video of the 93P player with Tennisnerd and thought that it could enhance the core features of the frame and deal with some of its drawbacks. I think an extended 14x18 could be an incredible frame, probably the new version for updated feel.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Lockdown is contributing to my racket collection. Thankfully I sold three others so not in trouble with the wifey. I’ve been following this thread for awhile so I had a decent idea of what to expect. This is strung with ALU Power 1.20mm at 47lbs. I might try Hyper G later on at the same gauge.
Open to any string recommendations.
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liftordie
Hall of Fame
Great feel but really ZERO power...
Lockdown is contributing to my racket collection. Thankfully I sold three others so not in trouble with the wifey. I’ve been following this thread for awhile so I had a decent idea of what to expect. This is strung with ALU Power 1.20mm at 47lbs. I might try Hyper G later on at the same gauge.
Open to any string recommendations.
Hyper-G is by far a better choice than Alu. Try also X-perience.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
That's fine, I play with the VCORE95 as my main B, so I know what to do with low-powered rackets: add weight and lower string tension with thin gauges.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
It can help... You will see.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Let me enjoy my impulse buy.
haqq777
Legend
Enjoy it. It is a fantastic racquet!
