The X-Men!

Ljubicic for number1

Hall of Fame
I had a very nice experience last night - since Prince are too rude to not make me a 16x19 Rebel, I have been looking for a more spin friendly alternative and a more forgiving stick on those off days. I was called in as an emergency last night for our clubs Thursday mixed team (on red porous) so I thought that was the perfect time to try a new stick for 3 sets.

A while ago, when I bought my Rebs, I also bought a Graphite 100 for the hell of it. The most I have used it for was probably 10-15 mins, and then went straight to the Rebel. The EXO3 Graphite 100 is truly a spin monster - forehands had great shape and bounce, but it was the kick serve that really got me excited. I was testing it out on the first serves, trying to get as much action on the ball as possible and they were jumping off the court at and above head height - with the Reb, I could do maybe 4 or 5 big kickers a night.

Love the thin beam on the Graphite too, really encourages you to whip the racquet up on the ball and give that ball a good hiding. Only problems I had last night was my 1 hand backhand - I sent quite a few long, not used to the bigger head size and more power, and once I switched to a more extreme eastern backhand it improved a lot more. The other problem was less control that I was used to with the Rebs, but I think that may just be due to limited play time - as well as I would of liked a bit more weight in the handle.

In summary, I had a great time with the Graphite - especially hitting big kickers consistantly and the volleys were very, very good. There is a big sweetspot on this stick, and the ball just rips of it. Won't quite replace the Reb as number one, but if it continually plays this well, it may just take over shortly.

Note: used String HOLE inserts, and strung with Luxilon Monotec Supersense at 56lb (very sweet strings for this racquet)

The Graphite 100 is certainly a spin monster, I have never produced as much spin or heavy serve with any other racquet, I still prefer the control of the Reb though and the Graphite gives me arm pain.
 

Ross K

Legend
^^^

Ljubicic, chaddles, others,


Interesting comments re the Graphite 100 above... what else would you both/others say are the main pros and cons of this frame?

Cheers X-Men!

R.
 

chaddles

Semi-Pro
^^^

Ljubicic, chaddles, others,


Interesting comments re the Graphite 100 above... what else would you both/others say are the main pros and cons of this frame?

Cheers X-Men!

R.

I'll try comparing it to the Reb to give a better picture. I have my Graphite strung with Monotec Supersense at 58lb I think (I strung it a while ago).

Pros:
- Super easy to produce spin on both ground strokes and serves, was able to produce massive kickers consistantly, big top spin forehands and awesome bh slices.
- Has excellent controllable power which combined with the spin potential produces lethal forehand passes and serves. Flat serves, overheads and volleys have a lot of pace with reasonable accuracy.
- Thin beam really combined with the swingweight really allows you to whip through the ball producing the spin and power.

Cons:
- Bit light overall, I like a pretty head light racquet like the Reb and at 2pts headlight the balance isn't exactly what I like. It doesn't feel bad, just a bit different.
- My backhand (one hander) is really average with this stick, I lose a lot of accuracy and takes me a bit to get used to it.
- Accuracy is a bit less than the Reb, not bad by any means just not as good as the Reb - the sacrifice for getting a bit more juice and spin.

A different beast than the Reb, but a lot of fun especially on en tout cas especially when serving kickers.

Also got the Ignite 95 a few weeks ago, only had 1 hit with it so far so can't really give a fair comment as yet.
 

Teyko

Banned
I haven't seen many new pics...what's up guys...thought we would be getting more peaks with the new frames out.
 

TheOneHander

Professional
Hey X-Men!

This thread needs a bump. The problem is is that not a lot of people put "X-Men" in the search box :) So not as many results for the club.

As for the Graphite, I've hit with the 100. It's a solid feeling, stable, and comfortable stick. I find that the spin potential is phenominal, which helps reign in the little bit of extra pop it gives you. My OHBH felt FANTASTIC with it, and it feels just a tad stiffer than the Rebel. I enjoyed the thin beam and the leather grip was nice as well. I just don't need to buy any more frames at the moment, otherwise, I'd switch.

Teyko, would you like to be added to the members' list? We've grown low on enlistments :)

Cheers, everybody!
 
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kimguroo

Legend
I haven't seen many new pics...what's up guys...thought we would be getting more peaks with the new frames out.

my Japanese rebel 105" and EXO3 bag will arrive from Japan within two weeks. I will post pics when it arrive. Currently, I use Japanese rebel 95 but curious about 105" (looks like complete different racket though). can't wait to see ^_^
 

TheOneHander

Professional
my Japanese rebel 105" and EXO3 bag will arrive from Japan within two weeks. I will post pics when it arrive. Currently, I use Japanese rebel 95 but curious about 105" (looks like complete different racket though). can't wait to see ^_^

Sounds cool! But your quote is from Teyko :)

I'm very curious about the 105. Are there any pics online?
 

Ross K

Legend
I'll try comparing it to the Reb to give a better picture. I have my Graphite strung with Monotec Supersense at 58lb I think (I strung it a while ago).

Pros:
- Super easy to produce spin on both ground strokes and serves, was able to produce massive kickers consistantly, big top spin forehands and awesome bh slices.
- Has excellent controllable power which combined with the spin potential produces lethal forehand passes and serves. Flat serves, overheads and volleys have a lot of pace with reasonable accuracy.
- Thin beam really combined with the swingweight really allows you to whip through the ball producing the spin and power.

Cons:
- Bit light overall, I like a pretty head light racquet like the Reb and at 2pts headlight the balance isn't exactly what I like. It doesn't feel bad, just a bit different.
- My backhand (one hander) is really average with this stick, I lose a lot of accuracy and takes me a bit to get used to it.
- Accuracy is a bit less than the Reb, not bad by any means just not as good as the Reb - the sacrifice for getting a bit more juice and spin.

A different beast than the Reb, but a lot of fun especially on en tout cas especially when serving kickers.

Also got the Ignite 95 a few weeks ago, only had 1 hit with it so far so can't really give a fair comment as yet.

Thanks!

R.
 

kimguroo

Legend
the first one is from prince Japan.
I am not sure I will get the soft case or not but hopefully, the soft case is included (I don't know why but I really like soft cases).

b85md2.jpg

4lknk2.jpg
 

kimguroo

Legend
Finally, Japanese rebel 105" and 9 pack EXO3 bag arrived today.
my Yellow EXO3 6-pack bag was getting small so I decided to get 9 pack.
I like the yellow color but Japan prince only makes green and white color for 9 pack EXO3 bag. I really like soft case for rebel ^_^
I think 105" might be totally different racket than 95"
hope I like it ^_^

2nrj91.jpg

95" and 105"
15he7fb.jpg

95 top and 105 bottom
28lsy0o.jpg


All of my Japanese version of EXO3
3 Japanese rebel 95", one 105" yellow 6 pack bag and Green 9 pack bag.
acy9mq.jpg
 

kimguroo

Legend
I don't like to write racket reviews because everyone has different swing form and background etc.... but I will try to post a little thought regarding on Japanese rebel 105".

if you think about normal 105" head size, someone might think big head size but actually It looks like 100" because of Oval shape of the racket.

I strung MSV hepta twist at 60.

I like everything on my Japanese rebel 95 except the power.
I really wanted slightly more power. that is the reason I decided to try Japanese rebel 105". many people suggested that I should lower string tension but I just like high string tension and don't want to change.

with the string, the racket is slightly head heavy. I don't like head heavy racket so I was a little worried but my forehand was still stable. I like the power of this racket. I think it's exactly what I want. a little more power than rebel 95 but not too much. I could notice that balls landed deeper.

I think rebel 95 has better control than 105 though (maybe because of string pattern). I don't know exact flex rate but I felt slighly more flexible than rebel 95.

I had huge advantages on my serves.
serves are much better than rebel 95. I don't know exact reason it might be power of racket or 0.25" longer:confused:

mmmm..... thinking of getting second one..... but should stop buying rackets hahaha.
 

Anton

Legend
Looks like I will be parting with my Rebels soon (all but one for my wife, she really likes it).

Rebel is still great but I've been working on playing with more margin by employing more loop, quicker stroke prep., more torso/shoulder tension and pretty much full western grip for power/spin generation and snap. RDS001MP (with some lead and leather on it) is really working for me to accomplish that.
 
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Woodersen

New User
Finally, Japanese rebel 105" and 9 pack EXO3 bag arrived today.
my Yellow EXO3 6-pack bag was getting small so I decided to get 9 pack.
I like the yellow color but Japan prince only makes green and white color for 9 pack EXO3 bag. I really like soft case for rebel ^_^
I think 105" might be totally different racket than 95"
hope I like it ^_^

2nrj91.jpg

95" and 105"
15he7fb.jpg

95 top and 105 bottom
28lsy0o.jpg


All of my Japanese version of EXO3
3 Japanese rebel 95", one 105" yellow 6 pack bag and Green 9 pack bag.
acy9mq.jpg

What kind of dampener is that? Those are pretty cool.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Greetings X-Men...

Been a while since I've posted so I decided to give a little update.

Still loving my Rebs. Soon to acquire a third one and then I will stop. I've decided instead to have them serviced and customized to 375g, 360SW and 9pts. HL.

The biggest change as of late is tension. I have gone from 62/60 to 58/56. This was mainly to increase power as I have recently changed to a SW grip and am getting even more spin than before and need the added power to increase depth.

Anyways, that's all for me for now.
 

ktownva

Semi-Pro
So any thoughts from anyone about natural gut in their rebel?

I have a full bed of VS gut at 57lbs in my Rebel. It feels a little better than the full bed of NXT that I had previously. The gut gives me a bit more spin and depth control, and puts me into the zone right away without any thought about the racquet or strings at all. Full bed of gut works very well in the Rebel IMO.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I have a full bed of VS gut at 57lbs in my Rebel. It feels a little better than the full bed of NXT that I had previously. The gut gives me a bit more spin and depth control, and puts me into the zone right away without any thought about the racquet or strings at all. Full bed of gut works very well in the Rebel IMO.

that is saying a lot for NXT. If gut only "feels a little better, than NXT must be pretty good!
 

ktownva

Semi-Pro
that is saying a lot for NXT. If gut only "feels a little better, than NXT must be pretty good!

NXT IS pretty good, and does play like gut as advertised. But it isn't cheap for a multi, and I always end up cutting it out when it gets loose. Since the gut should hold tension and stay playable til breaking, it will probably last me a little longer than NXT.
 

puck1230

New User
kimguroo, can you post the japan site or email me 'puckie at gmail dot com" where you purchased the prince exo3 bags. I like the purple/yellow color but the US only seems to have the red/silver bags at the moment.
 

lefty10spro

Semi-Pro
I found that weight added to the head of the graphite 100 didn't seem to work. A little at the handle seemed to help, but I use it without any lead. I use Prince Poly Spin 3D @ 50lbs in the mains and PSGD @ 52lbs in the crosses. This is one great frame.
 

shogun90

Rookie
Please add me to the list. I have 3 Rebel Teams with lead added to 10/2 and the handle for a total weight of 306 grams. One is strung with SPPP/Pearl Zone @ 35/37lbs with the string holes. Waiting for the port holes to string up another with Ashaway Dynamite 17 @ 40/42.
 

Ross K

Legend
GREETINGS X-MEN!

HOW GOES IT MY OLD SUPER-HERO COMRADES?!

I HAVE RETURNED TO YOUR RANKS TO QUICKLY ASK A SIMPLE QUESTION RE A FRAME I'M A BIT HAZY ABOUT NOW...

The Exo Graphite 10O...

HOW DOES IT PLAY - WHAT ARE ITS TRAITS?... PROS AND CONS?... ANY OTHER FRAMES IT MIGHT BE SAID TO BE A BIT SIMILAR TO?... RATE IT HIGHLY OR NOT REALLY?

I THANK THE ALL NOBLE X-MEN!

R.


:)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It's not as good. I demoed it next to the Rebel. Ross, for god's sake just stick to a racquet man!! lol. You are thinking about this stuff WAY too much.
 
Hey all, what's the best control-oriented EX03 series frame in terms of generating spin? It seems like most of their low-powered frames all have closed string patterns, so is spin generation difficult with these?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
It's not as good. I demoed it next to the Rebel. Ross, for god's sake just stick to a racquet man!! lol. You are thinking about this stuff WAY too much.

Ross makes me look normal :), but i love him!

Ross...the Graphite 100 isn't your "Holy Grail". There are so many better choices out there and you probably have tried most of them.
BTW, have you tried the new Pacific XForce Pro yet? It's like a slightly lighter Pure Storm Tour. It's challenging my 300 Tour for the top spot.
 
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ProgressoR

Hall of Fame
I'm in, Rebel 95 strung with erm, whatever the shop had in it, it was pre-strung, with PSGD, I use that at 50lbs.

Sweet stick, I have 2 of them now, trying to convince myself I need a 3rd in case the first two are incapacitated on the same day.
 

The_Question

Hall of Fame
Alright, so I bought an EXO3 Black for dirty cheap, just because the price was too good to past up. Waited forever for the string hole grommets to come out. Recently strung it w/Wilson Syn Gut Extreme on main @ 63, Cyber Flash on cross @ 61, man, this thing feels still feels so soft & muted!!

A bit of letdown...
 

lefty10spro

Semi-Pro
I beg to differ - the exo3 graphite 100 is the holy grail. All the feel of the original with the advantage of the exo3 technology. Must be used with the holes. Too good to be believed - spin monster!
 

chaddles

Semi-Pro
I beg to differ - the exo3 graphite 100 is the holy grail. All the feel of the original with the advantage of the exo3 technology. Must be used with the holes. Too good to be believed - spin monster!

I have to agree with this post - I have played extensively with both the Rebel and Graphire 100 and they are very different racquets indeed. The Rebel is a much more control orientated racquet, although it gets a reasonable amount of power and spin, it is mainly a control racquet.

I was a bit disappointed with the Graphite first use, as it played a lot differently to K90 & Rebel. One you realise that this racquet will produce the most insane amount of spin that you can imagine, and play that style, you really appreciate this racquet to the full extent. I am talking kick serves from hell, and monster forehands and 1 hand bh that always drop in. It also has ship loads of power on tap too if strung correctly - I had M2 Pro in at 56lb and it was amazing.

It is a shame that this Prince hasn't taken off, as it is a much better racquet than Aero Pro & Pure Drive sticks - and it feels like a rock solid players stick too.
 
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Ross K

Legend
chaddles and lefty,

Re Graphite 100... yes, well put, guys!... especially this:
it is a much better racquet than Aero Pro & Pure Drive sticks - and it feels like a rock solid players stick too
I still have never hit with this rack... tbh the 100 head-size isn't really my thing (unless maybe it's one of those frames where the h/size seems somehow smaller?)... one day maybe?...


skyzoo,

Okaaay, I see now!... I getcha! :wink: ... Very, very interesting... so to a customization dumb-dumb like me ( :roll: ), how much lead (broadly speaking) and to which locations exactly are we talking to get a frame close to Gael's?... btw, I sincerely hope that you are indeed carrying out this experiment yourself?!


Calling all X-Men!

I no longer play with the Reb, but does anyone who does fancy running this club/thread? All you'd have to do is go back a few pages, cut and paste the membership, make a note of ppl who asked to join and add them to the list, etc... anyone? Failing that, I don't suppose it really matters if anyone 'runs' it, as long as you Reb fans keep posting!...


R.
 

Ross K

Legend
How exactly would I go about placing lead at 3 & 9 on my Rebel?

What I meant is: going from the info I told you, how much lead and where would you put it exactly to emulate Monfils' racket? However, from studying your graphic a bit more I see you've done that already.:oops:

R.
 

skyzoo

Banned
What I meant is: going from the info I told you, how much lead and where would you put it exactly to emulate Monfils' racket? However, from studying your graphic a bit more I see you've done that already.:oops:

R.

Doubtful I can swing that kind of racket, I just want to get the balance more even and add to the sw. i'm adding about 8 grams to 3 & 9. I just want to know where/how to place it on the frame.
 
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