The Prince Phantom 93P is a gift to us from TW - My Review/AMA
- Thread starter Power Player
- Start date
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I dont think it is. I love the new PJ though, but I don’t think that’s worth 40$.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I think the reviewers said 2020 was more comfortable and an improvement... but how much is hard to tell and whether you feel that justifies the extra $40 is something only you can decide.
I might look to get one when it's on a deep discount... until then I'll just keep my 2018.
calmrottweiler
Rookie
What tensions would you recommend if I wanted to string the 93P with Solinco Vanquish?
calmrottweiler
Rookie
I've been told if control is what you want, then this is the racquet to buy...
also does anyone know what's the difference between the phantom and phantom pro 93? The pro version is $119
calmrottweiler
Rookie
From what i've read the 2020 version has Twaron added and is slightly more stable... No negative reviews so I'm guessing the $40 shouldn't be a deal breaker..
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
The Phantom Pro 93P is the 2018 version. They dropped the Pro in the name for the 2020 version. 2018 doesn't have Twaron.
Slowtwitcher
Legend
It's a great control racquet (the 18x20). Really worked for me once I bumped twistweight to over 14.5. Massive sweetspot.
pico
Hall of Fame
How did you bump the twistweight?
Slowtwitcher
Legend
Just 4g lead at 3/9 o'clock
PrinceMoron
Legend
It would be even longer but everyone is out there using the frame rather than writing about it.
The only bad thing about it is that you buy other frames and never use them.
shamaho
Professional
Sorry to say but all these absolute questions if : is A better than B ... are meaningless without adequate context.
These rackets either 14x18 or 18x20 are very good for attack-minded players and those that go to the Net often...
I would not call it merely a "control" racket but rather a "precision" racket for attack minded players - but not necessarily the agressive baseliner....
It's well suited to those players that rely on very small margins... either of timing or ball placement
shamaho
Professional
Or if you want this another way.... in star-wars terms is the closest thing to a light-saber vs. a laser-blaster (ie. pure drive and similar ;-)
shamaho
Professional
Replying to myself that despite of what I said, Lleyton Hewitt did use a 93 sq. in racket as a counter-puncher player.... so...
shamaho
Professional
That really depends on your preference, style of play and physical ability !
For ex. for myself, I'm well into the veteran age category... I need some help with the spin to get the ball in, also I'm not that tall so I need help in creating the arc on the ball trajectory... I'm not that strong to hit a flatish shot and I am very often half-step behind schedule... so I prefer the 14x18 - simple choice.
Now if I was younger, taller, stronger, faster... I'd probably go with the 18x20
shamaho
Professional
but you don't need to go by whatever somebody else says.... you shoud demo each and make your choice
PrinceMoron
Legend
I much prefer the 18 20 but I hit quite flat
There is quite a big difference
Thought the more open pattern would be amazing but everything is a disappointment after the 18 20
if you play on clay you might want the 14 18
There is quite a big difference
Thought the more open pattern would be amazing but everything is a disappointment after the 18 20
if you play on clay you might want the 14 18
shamaho
Professional
I really enjoyed the 14x18 (not phantom sorry, but its great grand-dad POG Mid) when playing on (red) Clay to create those high bouncing balls, yet maintain that precision when looking to attack.
Wall Ball Wizard
Rookie
Ok, I've arrived at the 93p party a little late. Gone back a bit on this thread, but it's a little long winded. Is there that much of a difference between the 1st gen and 2nd? Especially considering the price difference?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Not sure how much the Twaron affects things and how much of it there is, but it's considered the magic sauce that made the Head PT630 what it is. Having said that, the RA is not significantly different between the two versions, and the added stability that they talk about could be achieved with a bit of Tungsten Tape (which is what I've done).
Once the current version gets discounted heavily, I will buy another 93P 18x20 and find out for myself... with the view to it not being a disaster if I have two 93Ps instead of one (if there is no significant difference between them). If there is a huge difference, I will sell the one that I like least and keep the one I like more. Win/Win
Very different. Didnt like eather of them.. never felt connected with the ball with them..
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
For me the PT2.0 has the better ball feel on impact and feels noticeably firmer (but comfortable). It also hits the bigger ball. I ended up preferring the 93P because it's more maneuverable and I prefer the more headlight balance. Its stock static weight is a bit heavier but it feels significantly lighter. I find tennis more enjoyable with the 93P.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
What grip size?
Is there really anybody who played/tried the18x20 2018 as well as the 2020 version side by side? For instance the tennis-nerd in his review didn't find much of a difference despite the addition of Twaron and the ATS technology, but this is the only source I could find. Thank you
bluebonsai
New User
I played with the 2018 version for the better part of the last two years. Only hit with the new version as a demo for a week. The differences are very subtle. Main thing I noticed was more forgiveness at top of the hoop and touch more power. If I were sticking with the frame I'd definitely move to the 2020 version. If you're coming to it new then I don't think it matters much which you choose. Oh and the paintjob on the 2020 is really cool!
First of all, I hit flat shot a lot and my previous racquet is ProKennex Redondo 98 MP. I like Phantom very much but I still play with Redondo so far. If you have similar experience to mine ( I usually choose control racquet ) , this racquet is amazing . Also, this racquet requires lots of foot work and focus, you cannot play lazily on court or you won't feel the right thing from the racquet and you would feel this is not a good racquet. You need to be almost fully focused when you use it.
( That is my experience while using it.)
I do have two versions of 93p. I feel the new version is more mute on impact. I think it is because of the new material added into it. Also, I feel little more comfortable while the ball contacted. I definitely feel that there is little bit soft than 2018 version. On the contrary, you can feel the ball when you hit while using 2018 but 2020 ( you can still feel it a little bit but not quite prominent. I think it is because of the new material. The new design and material dampening shocks also dampening the feel of contact. Speaking to power, I feel they both have very similar power level, I couldn't quite feel the difference. From the description of TW, 2018 has no Twaron but has stiffness of 61, 2020 added Twaron at 2 and 10 o'clock in order to increase power little bit but has stiffness of 60. Basically , the power is very similar ( Higher stiffness has more power than lower stiffness based on TW ). That is why I said the power is quite similar sometimes you don't feel any difference. Talking about stability, I feel that the new version has little bit stable on impact especially off-center hit. As for control, I think both of racquet has similar level of control. It is very hard to say which one is better. I use 2018 and 2020 back and force depending on how I feel each day. It is totally up to you and what you really want from tennis. I think phantom 93p is well designed so that there is no big room to improve it and very hard to make it to another level. You can choose any version of this racquet because they both won't fail you. ( I currently use 2020 version a lot, FYI )
Thank you both for your feedback. This is what I already suspected. Undoubtedly the paint job on the 2020 version is amazing but I put my hands on 2x 2018 93p in excellent conditions for 120 CHF (135 $, for both!!) and to be honest for this price I couldn't let them go. I will report my experience on those sticks as soon as I get them and I will be able to play again (here in Switzerland tennis courts are closed until end of February 
).
).I have been hitting with the 2018 version a couple of years (18x20). I have a counter punching style of play and attribute most of my improvements coming from 3.5 to 4.0 (not saying much) to this frame. That said, I am craving more power. Currently I am demoing the 2019 version of the CX200 (18x20) and have found almost no need for adjustment and more power over all without sacrificing control. I might play with string options on the 93 since they play similar but there's a good chance I will switch for more put away power. I still love this racquet and it's likely to stay in my bag for years to come.
Honestly, phantom 93p is for someone who can generate their own power. If you need more power and stay to similar racquet. I suggest you to try Head Pro tour 2.0. $159 from TW.
I am intrigued by that frame. My only concern was comfort as my shoulder and elbow do not react well to stiffness (the reviews look good). I have several racquets in my bag that offer more power (mid 65 stiffness) but are too hard on my arm or lack control. Hitting with the CX had little or no effect on my current arm issues (overuse) and was an easy transition. I'm giving my arm a break and trying a few demos for fun. I'll elaborate further and say serving with the 93 is where I lack the most power, as I shy away from pushing off too much with my legs to protect my back (old injuries). Results with the CX were undeniable (so far
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I am intrigued by that frame. My only concern was comfort as my shoulder and elbow do not react well to stiffness (the reviews look good). I have several racquets in my bag that offer more power (mid 65 stiffness) but are too hard on my arm or lack control. Hitting with the CX had little or no effect on my current arm issues (overuse) and was an easy transition. I'm giving my arm a break and trying a few demos for fun. I'll elaborate further and say serving with the 93 is where I lack the most power, as I shy away from pushing off too much with my legs to protect my back (old injuries). Results with the CX were undeniable (so far
How about Prince textreme tour 95
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I am intrigued by that frame. My only concern was comfort as my shoulder and elbow do not react well to stiffness (the reviews look good). I have several racquets in my bag that offer more power (mid 65 stiffness) but are too hard on my arm or lack control. Hitting with the CX had little or no effect on my current arm issues (overuse) and was an easy transition. I'm giving my arm a break and trying a few demos for fun. I'll elaborate further and say serving with the 93 is where I lack the most power, as I shy away from pushing off too much with my legs to protect my back (old injuries). Results with the CX were undeniable (so far
It's a lovely frame to hit with and if you need a power boost, just go real low tension in it. I don't find it stiff at all. But it does feel "boardy" with high tension strings in the tight 18x20 string bed.
It's not my go to competition frame but it's my favorite hitting session frame.
Mitch_1979
Rookie
I concur. My story is also that I used the 93p to 'fix my game' and move me into 4.0 territory. I've since wandered off looking for some more free power (but w the same low launch angle).
- v7 blade was too hot
- VCore 95 (from ~2018) was too cold
- Textreme Tour 95 was just right
The 93p has more precision, but the Tour 95 gives me more natural spin, so... targets are bigger but fewer shots sail long.
I looked at the CX. I get the impression that it would still be too low-powered for my preference.
Also have thought about the Prestige Mid, the Pro Tour 2.0 (already suggested), or the new VCore 95.
Phantom Crew, I did pick up a couple 2018 93Ps (18x20) from TW during the sale. Thanks for your advice!
I have noticed that the bevels on the butt cap are digging into my palm causing and ripping some massive blisters. Is anyone else have this problem? A month into the pandemic, my local pro shop ran out of Prince Leather Grips, so I installed Wilson leather grips when I needed to have a butt cap re-stapled on my original 93P. Blisters weren't an issue until I started hitting with the recent additions. I like the Prince Leather Grips because they are soft (so I don't need an overgrip)... but maybe this is a drawback since the edges on the cap are sharp.
I have noticed that the bevels on the butt cap are digging into my palm causing and ripping some massive blisters. Is anyone else have this problem? A month into the pandemic, my local pro shop ran out of Prince Leather Grips, so I installed Wilson leather grips when I needed to have a butt cap re-stapled on my original 93P. Blisters weren't an issue until I started hitting with the recent additions. I like the Prince Leather Grips because they are soft (so I don't need an overgrip)... but maybe this is a drawback since the edges on the cap are sharp.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Maybe when you wrapped the leather grip, you didn't get it to overlap over the edge of the butt cap? Probably not a problem if you use an OG because you can wrap it over the edge.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I had to re-wrap a couple of my 93P’s because they weren’t installed correctly and exposed the edges. I made sure to cover all edges to prevent any discomfort. Even then, I put an overgrip to soften up the feel so that the edges wouldn’t rub against my palm. It’s worked out great.
The edges aren’t as sharp as the RF97, which no matter what I do makes my palm tender.
Thanks for the responses. There is one slightly exposed corner on the cap which looks like the main culprit on the newest edition. I usually let the local pro shop install my leather grips. I tend to get OCD when I install the grips myself (recovering perfectionist - hence my aversion to overgrips). I love the Fairway grips, but they are pure murder on the hands until you sufficiently break them in over a the course of a few months. Wilson grips are slightly better. The Prince leather grips were fantastic in that they required no break in period. Maybe it was just the coincidence of the Prince grip being stretch to aggressively in the factory over a cap with sharper edges.
Maybe I'll see if the pro shop can file down the edges ever so slightly.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You arent the first to have this issue. I like the flare of the buttcap but it can bug other people for a bit. It will go away with time.
A cheat would be to use an OG and make sure the wrap is on the edges, that will dull the buttcap a little for you.
PrinceYonex
Semi-Pro
I agree with this. The 93p is much more headlight, and with smaller head and thinner beam, moves through the air faster. It also feels smoother and more flexy at impact. But for me, I ended up preferring the Pro Tour 2.0, precisely because it feels more powerful, while still very controlled. I find that with the PT 2.0 I’m attacking the ball more aggressively, without losing control. The 93p was just too low powered for me.
Both racquets have very dense string patterns that give a consistent response. The ball tends to go where it feels like it’s heading upon impact. But I ended up finding the Pro Tour to have a little better feedback, a slightly more predictable response.
calmrottweiler
Rookie
Been playing with the 93P 18 x 20 for about a month now. Took me atleast a week to figure out that this racquet is suited for people with flatter strokes. However, while attacking its easy to hit with sufficient top spin to keep the balls from going long.
My initial thoughts were that my forehand was falling well short of the depth I would like and that I have having issues with my Double handed backhand when compared to the 100P. Tried Dunlop Explosive spin 17, Hyper G 17g, Kirschbaum Pro line II Rough.
Some issue I still faced :-
Mid Court Volleys not consistent unreliable POP of the stringbed.
Issues with Back Hand primarily timing (my fault) and depth of shots (both FH and BH)
I kind of liked the feel with the Kirschbaum. I then added 6 grams on the shaft near the V and 1.5 gms each at 10 and 2 and this racquet just changed character.
My FH depth is spot on am able to hit real deep consistently causing issues for my opponents. My backhand seems much more consistent with timing and the depth. Mid court volleys are also much more consistent.
This leads me to believe (my deductions) that although the static weight is 330gms as the racquet is really headlight, its somewhat killing the POP or power. This minor modification has caused the racquet to really perform more reliably (for me atleast).
Obviously the other route to take would be to get 18g strings and string in the mid 40s, but I prefer this route and string at around 52. Swinging this weight for 2-3 hours will be a challenge am already used to the RF340 so its not that different.
Suggestions and comments please.
My initial thoughts were that my forehand was falling well short of the depth I would like and that I have having issues with my Double handed backhand when compared to the 100P. Tried Dunlop Explosive spin 17, Hyper G 17g, Kirschbaum Pro line II Rough.
Some issue I still faced :-
Mid Court Volleys not consistent unreliable POP of the stringbed.
Issues with Back Hand primarily timing (my fault) and depth of shots (both FH and BH)
I kind of liked the feel with the Kirschbaum. I then added 6 grams on the shaft near the V and 1.5 gms each at 10 and 2 and this racquet just changed character.
My FH depth is spot on am able to hit real deep consistently causing issues for my opponents. My backhand seems much more consistent with timing and the depth. Mid court volleys are also much more consistent.
This leads me to believe (my deductions) that although the static weight is 330gms as the racquet is really headlight, its somewhat killing the POP or power. This minor modification has caused the racquet to really perform more reliably (for me atleast).
Obviously the other route to take would be to get 18g strings and string in the mid 40s, but I prefer this route and string at around 52. Swinging this weight for 2-3 hours will be a challenge am already used to the RF340 so its not that different.
Suggestions and comments please.
I love this thing in stock form with 18g (poly) in the mains and 17g (syngut) in the crosses (54lbs). My recent desires have me demoing other frames. I might try adding some weight to see if I can get the power boost you are getting but I have my doubts.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I think the best power boost is from lower tensions. With the super tight string bed you can go really low and not lose control. Adding weight just seems to detract from the amazing balance of this frame.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I've done both... added weight at 3, 9, and 7" above the butt cap (plus overgrip and rubber-band dampener), and used 18g strings (1.15mm-1.18mm) @ 46M/ 43C.
Plays fantastic. It still doesn't have the power of some of my other racquets, but I've had the feedback that the weight-of-shot is decent enough, and the precision is so good that it encourages a level of creativity very few racquets can match.
Fabulous stick, great feel, touch, and maneuverability. I get plenty of depth and spin, but can also flatten the ball when needed.
calmrottweiler
Rookie
how much weight have you added in total?
