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

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

how much weight have you added in total?

I've added 8g plus the Tourna grip overgrip and the #64 Rubberband (although I cut it to suit). I can't remember the exact static weight... but most of my racquets are around the 360g mark. I probably outlined it in a previous post in this thread.

 

[Dartagnan64]

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.

The only times I've had comments about my FH being a weapon was when I was using the 93P regularly. My buddies were definitely more frightened of it than with any of my other frames. Sadly my vision has declined so that I just can't use it as well as I'd like competitively. Now I mostly bring it out if i'm just hitting.

But you can laser some FH's with that frame.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Took it out today for a couple sets. Man it feels good to hit with that racket. I've got a bit of TE so I'm using Origin/Velocity at 52/48lbs. I was hitting and serving beautifully with that setup.

For me it's the perfect frame if I'm playing someone a little weaker than me or a pusher. Then I can use its precision to take control of points like the ball is on a string.

It never works that well when I'm using it against hard hitting better players. There I'm better off with my POG 107 just redirecting their pace back at them. But against someone hitting softer, you can whack some great FH's around with amazing precision and pace.

 

[Vicious49]

I used mine last night for a set of doubles. It really is a fun frame to play with. It's more powerful than you'd suspect basedd on how thin the beam is. I currently have it strung up at 46# with HyperGSoft 18g

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I used mine last night for a set of doubles. It really is a fun frame to play with. It's more powerful than you'd suspect basedd on how thin the beam is. I currently have it strung up at 46# with HyperGSoft 18g

I had mine at 48M/45C with Hyper-G 18g (1.15mm)... played great... but next time I'm going with 46M/43C. The tension differential helps with the launch angle and there is no loss of control.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I used mine last night for a set of doubles. It really is a fun frame to play with. It's more powerful than you'd suspect basedd on how thin the beam is. I currently have it strung up at 46# with HyperGSoft 18g

Thing cuts through the air so nicely that you get a lot of easy RHS. Plus the lower launch angle gets the ball through the court pretty quickly. I feel like Lendl when I use it.

 

[calmrottweiler]

I've strung one of mine up with Solinco Vanquish @ 50. lets see how it goes today...

 

[mhkeuns]

RPM Blast 18G at 44 - 48lbs worked the best for me. It really is a wonderful stick with thin poly at low tensions. Such a nice frame that rewards players to play the attacking tennis.

 

[bluebonsai]

My top three in this frame:
1) Luxilon Big Banger Ace @45
2) Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 120 @42
3) Solinco Hyper-G 115 @43

 

[calmrottweiler]

I've strung one of mine up with Solinco Vanquish @ 50. lets see how it goes today...

Awesome hit today. the racquet feels real plush with the multifilament strings. Power levels are more than sufficient. Am gonna try an 18 guage Poly @ 48 or so.

 

[goldenhawktennis]

Bumping this thread to ask, does anyone have any early intel into if/when another 93p might be on its way? I know the current model isn't that old, but want to get the feelers out before I pull the trigger on this bad boy. Would hate to commit right before a price drop or sale.

Also, random aside, what are people finding to be the typical shipping times for a racquet from TW? I'm based in Austin, TX at the moment.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Bumping this thread to ask, does anyone have any early intel into if/when another 93p might be on its way? I know the current model isn't that old, but want to get the feelers out before I pull the trigger on this bad boy. Would hate to commit right before a price drop or sale.

Also, random aside, what are people finding to be the typical shipping times for a racquet from TW? I'm based in Austin, TX at the moment.

Haven't heard much about what Prince plans are for the Phantom line. Given Prince's ways, I suspect they will create a new players line focusing on the narrow throat and ATS and call it something else. The Synergy is a riff off the Phantom 100P. I could see them totally making a Synergy 93 with an 18x18 string bed.

 

[irulan]

I've gotten unstrung racquets anywhere between 1 day and 6 days (ordered a Ripstick on the 17th), shipping to San Francisco. Given that you're not super close to their Alpharetta or San Luis Obispo warehouses, I would expect 2 days delivery @goldenhawktennis.

 

[goldenhawktennis]

Haven't heard much about what Prince plans are for the Phantom line. Given Prince's ways, I suspect they will create a new players line focusing on the narrow throat and ATS and call it something else. The Synergy is a riff off the Phantom 100P. I could see them totally making a Synergy 93 with an 18x18 string bed.

Like many I'd presume, I personally haven't been a huge Prince racquet follower until the recent 93p model. So it sounds like they're known for constantly changing the name of the player's line and bringing weird string patterns to market? Do we know when Prince is due for an update to the key lines? Are they an 'every 2 years' type or more regular than that? What month did the 2020 93p drop?

 

[goldenhawktennis]

I've gotten unstrung racquets anywhere between 1 day and 6 days (ordered a Ripstick on the 17th), shipping to San Francisco. Given that you're not super close to their Alpharetta or San Luis Obispo warehouses, I would expect 2 days delivery @goldenhawktennis.

Noted. FWIW, I was an SFer myself before recent travels! Would've been cool to meet a fellow TT buddy out there. Do you (or anyone) know if having them string a purchased racquet delays the process? Has the following from their site still applied during Covid times:


Free 2 Day Shipping

• Free 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50.00. Offer valid in the contiguous U.S. only.
• Orders received Monday through Friday before 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PST) ship that same day. Orders received Monday through Friday after 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PST) ship the next business day.
• Orders do not ship or deliver on Saturday, Sunday or observed holidays.
• Delivery is guaranteed in 2 business days once the package departs our warehouse.

 

[goldenhawktennis]

Also don't mean to derail the thread! Just need to confirm a few logistical things before I send one of these gorgeous mid-size, purple beauties my way for more in-depth review

 

[dlw]

I am located in Houston, TX and I usually get unstrung frames from TW in 2 days

 

[irulan]

Noted. FWIW, I was an SFer myself before recent travels! Would've been cool to meet a fellow TT buddy out there. Do you (or anyone) know if having them string a purchased racquet delays the process? Has the following from their site still applied during Covid times:


Free 2 Day Shipping

• Free 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50.00. Offer valid in the contiguous U.S. only.
• Orders received Monday through Friday before 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PST) ship that same day. Orders received Monday through Friday after 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PST) ship the next business day.
• Orders do not ship or deliver on Saturday, Sunday or observed holidays.
• Delivery is guaranteed in 2 business days once the package departs our warehouse.

Clauses 2 and 4 definitely didn't apply for my recent order. Ordered Wednesday, shipped Friday morning, received Wednesday afternoon.

I've used the 2020 18x20 and the 2018 14x18, didn't find them to be all that different other than the effects of the string pattern. Solid player's stick, I just haven't fully developed the skill to wield it well yet

 

[goldenhawktennis]

I am located in Houston, TX and I usually get unstrung frames from TW in 2 days

Clauses 2 and 4 definitely didn't apply for my recent order. Ordered Wednesday, shipped Friday morning, received Wednesday afternoon.

I've used the 2020 18x20 and the 2018 14x18, didn't find them to be all that different other than the effects of the string pattern. Solid player's stick, I just haven't fully developed the skill to wield it well yet

Noted with thanks! I'd love for them to string it for me too, just need it to arrive to my current location before 4/2 and wondering if that's cutting it close.

 

[irulan]

Noted with thanks! I'd love for them to string it for me too, just need it to arrive to my current location before 4/2 and wondering if that's cutting it close.

Definitely cutting it close, though you could always talk to a racquet specialist and ask what their current turnarounds are!

 

[goldenhawktennis]

Welp, TW crew added some confidence that the stick should arrive before 4/2, but I expedited shipping to allow some more buffer anyways. Excited to be a part of the Phantom posse around here soon!

And if anyone is curious how I landed here: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...p-me-find-my-new-stick-a-decade-later.692810/

 

[calmrottweiler]

Congrats. You will enjoy this racquet. get an 18 guage string and string it 46-48ish. If you want a little higher net clearance string the crosses 42-44ish.

 

[goldenhawktennis]

Congrats. You will enjoy this racquet. get an 18 guage string and string it 46-48ish. If you want a little higher net clearance string the crosses 42-44ish.

I know thinner gauges are where it's at with this frame, but as a lifelong 16g string guy, I'm dipping my toe in the water first with Hyper G 17g at 47 lbs. Can always get braver as I go

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I know thinner gauges are where it's at with this frame, but as a lifelong 16g string guy, I'm dipping my toe in the water first with Hyper G 17g at 47 lbs. Can always get braver as I go

I strung mine with Hyper-G 18L (1.15mm) @ 48M/45C and the racquet played well, there were no issues with the control, depth of shot was excellent but never flew on me... yet the string bed although comfortable could still get a bit comfier (and the DT was just a smidge higher than my ideal - 38), so next time I would go with 46M/43C and see how I go.

Let us know how you fare.

 

[calmrottweiler]

Have got Solinco confidential 17 in one 93P for testing tomorrow. Got it at 46/42 lets see how it goes...

 

[goldenhawktennis]

I strung mine with Hyper-G 18L (1.15mm) @ 48M/45C and the racquet played well, there were no issues with the control, depth of shot was excellent but never flew on me... yet the string bed although comfortable could still get a bit comfier (and the DT was just a smidge higher than my ideal - 38), so next time I would go with 46M/43C and see how I go.

Let us know how you fare.

This is reassuring. I know full bed multis are very different from full bed polys in terms of power level, but with full X1B in my K90 at 56 lbs (and having liked it), I was wondering if stringing the 93p nearly 10 lbs lower would result in my sailing the ball deep and without the forgiving topspin capabilities in the K90's more open pattern. But your feedback gives me a bit of confidence all should be okay haha.

Also, apologies, what's "DT?"

 

[Addxyz]

This is reassuring. I know full bed multis are very different from full bed polys in terms of power level, but with full X1B in my K90 at 56 lbs (and having liked it), I was wondering if stringing the 93p nearly 10 lbs lower would result in my sailing the ball deep and without the forgiving topspin capabilities in the K90's more open pattern. But your feedback gives me a bit of confidence all should be okay haha.

Also, apologies, what's "DT?"

I've kept it within 42-45 with full bed poly and no issues.

DT = dynamic tension.

 

[calmrottweiler]

I've kept it within 42-45 with full bed poly and no issues.

DT = dynamic tension.

Is this with 17g or 18g strings?

 

[Addxyz]

Is this with 17g or 18g strings?

1.20 and 1.15.

 

[goldenhawktennis]

I've kept it within 42-45 with full bed poly and no issues.

DT = dynamic tension.

Got it. Is that the tension that the strings plateau to after initial wear-in and becoming deader? Sorry if that's a newb question, just unfamiliar with the term

 

[tennisboy2121]

Can someone compare the 93p and the diablo mid?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

This is reassuring. I know full bed multis are very different from full bed polys in terms of power level, but with full X1B in my K90 at 56 lbs (and having liked it), I was wondering if stringing the 93p nearly 10 lbs lower would result in my sailing the ball deep and without the forgiving topspin capabilities in the K90's more open pattern. But your feedback gives me a bit of confidence all should be okay haha.

Also, apologies, what's "DT?"

DT is Dynamic Tension. Dynamic tension is the force required to deflect the center of the string bed a specific distance. Could be measured in Kg, Newtons, or pounds. ... so a DT of 34 means 34 Kg would deflect the string bed 1 cm.

I just found that sometimes I would string different racquets at different tensions based on strings used, gauge, head size, etc... and that when the Dynamic Tension would be around 38 (for me) the string bed would feel right irrespective of the tension I requested (whether it was 48M/45C or 53M/50C, etc). Therefore, I found the DT value to be the constant measurement of my desired string bed softness and feel rather than a specific tension. Once I knew what tension achieved my optimal DT value of 38 (can vary between 36 and 40 - below and above are not acceptable anymore), I would then know what tension to ask for in the future for that specific racquet. Usually, similar string patterns seem to produce similar DT values so it becomes easier to estimate with greater certainty. For example, for 18x20 string patterns with 18 gauge strings (which I tend to use in tight pattern string beds), and a poly full bed or a poly/ hybrid set-up, the desired tension is usually between 46-48 lbs in the Mains and 43-45 lbs in the Crosses).

Hope that helps.

 

[antony]

Love this racquet. Finally demoed it from TW and I can send this wherever I want it

 

[BLACKOUT]

Absolutely phenomenal frame. Can't wait to get a few purple ones and customize those

 

[antony]

I’m demoing the 93p now alongside the six.one v13 I just bought and I prefer the six.one. Six.one has Luxilon strings though so maybe that’s why

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I’m demoing the 93p now alongside the six.one v13 I just bought and I prefer the six.one. Six.one has Luxilon strings though so maybe that’s why

Two different kettle of fish... but awesome racquets in their own right.

 

[antony]

Two different kettle of fish... but awesome racquets in their own right.

can you describe to me the difference to you?

The phantom feels more plush. I bet I'd like it more with a similar high tension string job.

 

[Addxyz]

can you describe to me the difference to you?

The phantom feels more plush. I bet I'd like it more with a similar high tension string job.

93P is just way flexier than the 6.1. 6.1 also provides a bit more free power.

You can try a higher tension string setup on the 93P, but that saps a lot of the little power that it has.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

can you describe to me the difference to you?

The phantom feels more plush. I bet I'd like it more with a similar high tension string job.

Well, I agree with what @Addxyz has said. To that, I will add that one racquet is very thin beamed, has a box beam, has a lower RA, is much more control-oriented, low powered, and is a precision scalpel (Prince Phantom Pro 93P); the other is a thicker beamed, stiffer, more powerful, less precision and less control-oriented (in comparison to the 93P), non-box beam weapon (Wilson 6.1 95).

The Phantom 93P needs a looser string bed to provide some additional power, so I personally would not string it tight. The ball dwells on the string bed much longer, and the feel is plusher in comparison to the 6.1 95. Both have precision, but the 93P is the more precise of the two.

The 6.1 95 has easy power and a great weight-of-shot, it has a more direct feel and a great balance. If your technique and footwork/ fitness are good, you just need to get out of the way and let the 6.1 95 do the rest for you. The 93P requires much more involvement from the player.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah I string my P93s at 45#s full poly. I actually find the power to be really good with that setup.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Yeah I string my P93s at 45#s full poly. I actually find the power to be really good with that setup.

Mine I had strung with Hyper-G 1.15mm at 48M/45C and I found it a tad tight (but still comfortable - the DT was 39 and I prefer 37-38) initially, but then once the tension dropped and I played with it a few times, it was good. The next string job will be 46M/43C (or 45M/42C). I think that will be my sweet spot.

I completely agree with you that in the mid-40s tension it has good power and weight-of-shot (and the feedback from my hitting partners confirms it too). Then, you add incredible precision, and the racquet becomes a magic stick. I really enjoy playing with it.

 

[Dado111]

has anyone tried the extended version, or customizing it with extended buttcup? it would add 10-20sw while remaining 9''hl, sounds perfect...

also, do we have any consensus about best strings and weight? i will get my hand on the one used unstrung 93p 18x20 so i know what to do... i like stiffer control polys (playing with rf97a currently, co focus 1.25 24/25kg)

 

[mhkeuns]

I found the 18G poly (*rpm blast was my favorite) strung between 45 to 48lbs worked the best for me.

 

[mhkeuns]

can you describe to me the difference to you?

The phantom feels more plush. I bet I'd like it more with a similar high tension string job.

The 93P feels much better strung with thin poly (17L, 18G, or even the 19G) at the tension between 44 to 48. Some have even strung it at lower tensions that worked out great. Using the thicker gauge string or string it at too tightly the 93P could feel boardy. The Six One played better with 17G poly or thicker 16G at 50 lbs for me.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I liked Hyper-G (1.15mm)... so far. I strung it at 48M/45C but would go a little lower next time... maybe 46M/43C.

Now that I have my own stringer I will be trying many more strings and changing them more often. I agree that due to the tighter string pattern and the more controlled nature of the racquet, mid-low 40s tension thin gauge strings would be what I would try with any string type.

 

[Dado111]

thats about 21/22kg, right? i see that the recommended is 20-24... so that is a happy middle

 

[Power Player]

has anyone tried the extended version, or customizing it with extended buttcup? it would add 10-20sw while remaining 9''hl, sounds perfect...

also, do we have any consensus about best strings and weight? i will get my hand on the one used unstrung 93p 18x20 so i know what to do... i like stiffer control polys (playing with rf97a currently, co focus 1.25 24/25kg)

TourSniper at 46 pounds or so would play great in the P93.

 

[2ndServe]

I did use a rebel 95 18x20 2009 version.

How is the 93 different. is the launch angle much high with the 14x18 vs 18x20?

 

[mhkeuns]

I did use a rebel 95 18x20 2009 version.

How is the 93 different. is the launch angle much high with the 14x18 vs 18x20?

The 18x20 93P feels more connected than the Rebel 95. To me, the 93P offered more predictable responses, whereas the Rebel 95 felt softer. I lean towards the 93P having better control but both are really nice rackets. The launch angle was similar, iirc. Not sure of the 14x18, but having used the POG mid and the Spectrum Mid, I’m pretty certain that the control will be there with added power and spin.

 

[TheFlash26]

TourSniper at 46 pounds or so would play great in the P93.

From personal experience you are 100% correct. It was my favorite string in the 93p in the mid-40's.