Imagine this yellow Rebel 98 matching with some Asics Gel Resolution 3 yellow tennis shoes, now on Sale in TW. No, please.
Sorry, but I couldnt help saying it.
TW Review: Prince EXO3 Rebel 95 & 98
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Imagine this yellow Rebel 98 matching with some Asics Gel Resolution 3 yellow tennis shoes, now on Sale in TW. No, please.
Sorry, but I couldnt help saying it.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Way too premature!
Unlike past racquet changes, I have no complaints at all against the DC Pro. The Rebel 98 has almost identical specs so it naturally has me curious. I am curious how I will like the much lower stiffness rating of the Rebel compared to the Becker? The other difference is the headshapes. The Becker is very round and the Rebel very oval.
The Rebel would have to REALLY blow me away to unseat the DC Pro from the #1 position in my bag
Agent Orynge
Professional
Way too premature!
Unlike past racquet changes, I have no complaints at all against the DC Pro. The Rebel 98 has almost identical specs so it naturally has me curious. I am curious how I will like the much lower stiffness rating of the Rebel compared to the Becker? The other difference is the headshapes. The Becker is very round and the Rebel very oval.
The Rebel would have to REALLY blow me away to unseat the DC Pro from the #1 position in my bag
How many positions are there in your bag?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
^^^ and how many bags do you have Mr. Jack?
hahahaha
Seriously though, my #1 racquet gets 95% of my playing time. Any other challengers have to get lucky to get court time
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
so I had a nice hit with the Rebel 98 tonite....
The Reb98 feels too light for me in stock form. But it has potential to be really nice with added weight. I just felt it had insufficient plowthru and stability in its stock state. Other similar spec'd racquets like the London & DC Pro have more plow and aren't nearly as whippy feeling as the Reb98. The Reb98 will work best with fast whippy swingers that use a lot of racquethead speed. I was forced to swing faster and harder than I usually do with my DC Pro. The feel at impact is VERY soft and muted...almost too mushy feeling. I was missing the clean and crisp response of my DCP. This was the largest negative for me...the very soft and mushy response. It made it tough to get feedback for how hard to hit the next shots.
All that being said, there is a lot to like about the Reb98. If you prefer a light and very fast feeling, very flexible and soft racquet with decent power that has a pretty thin beam and smallish headsize, then the Reb98 is the one for you. To me, it seems like a rather "niche-like" racquet.
The Reb98 feels too light for me in stock form. But it has potential to be really nice with added weight. I just felt it had insufficient plowthru and stability in its stock state. Other similar spec'd racquets like the London & DC Pro have more plow and aren't nearly as whippy feeling as the Reb98. The Reb98 will work best with fast whippy swingers that use a lot of racquethead speed. I was forced to swing faster and harder than I usually do with my DC Pro. The feel at impact is VERY soft and muted...almost too mushy feeling. I was missing the clean and crisp response of my DCP. This was the largest negative for me...the very soft and mushy response. It made it tough to get feedback for how hard to hit the next shots.
All that being said, there is a lot to like about the Reb98. If you prefer a light and very fast feeling, very flexible and soft racquet with decent power that has a pretty thin beam and smallish headsize, then the Reb98 is the one for you. To me, it seems like a rather "niche-like" racquet.
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dParis
Hall of Fame
The bolded passage can describe the whole Prince O/ports experience pretty accurately. It's the nature of the tech, I suppose. I would prefer to demo this racquet with the string holes installed, but there is not much chance of that happening.
I'm a little surprised to hear it lacks plow with a swingweight over 320 and being only 3 pts. head light. It also sounds like you're saying you don't think much of it in the control department due to the lack of clear feedback?
Magic of tennis
Semi-Pro
Can someone compare Rebel 98 with Tour 100?
I am enjoying my exo3 tour 100 but I am curious about rebel 98
I am enjoying my exo3 tour 100 but I am curious about rebel 98
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The racquet doesn't lack control once u get used to the feedback. It isn't overly powerful, but has a decent amount of pop. It reminds me a lot of the PB10 Lite. A lite whippy soft players frame with nice power.
Anton
Legend
I'm also very curious
SJSA
Professional
My primary racket is EXO3 Tour 100 (16x18) and had a chance to test Rebel 98 about 2 months ago. Rebel is more stable and stiffer but less spin.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
It took me weeks to really get used to the Oports on the Prince. 1 day of hitting probably won't cut it TBH.
Agent Orynge
Professional
I don't think you should have to "get used" to a racquet, especially when there are so many options these days.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Cool. Well you don't have to do it if you don't want to.
But most people truly learn a stick in 2 weeks not 1 day in my experience.
Unless you pick it up and just hate it off the bat of course, then there is no point in spending the time.
The EXO ports take some time to get used to before you can really make a decision. It's just how it is.
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JackB1
G.O.A.T.
What is it exactly that you have to get used to? Is it the feel or something more?
Agent Orynge
Professional
Getting used to the performance of a racquet is one thing, but if I don't like the feel right away I'll go elsewhere. Not trying to force my opinions on you, since we clearly have different tastes.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah because like you said at first you are not sure how hard you want to hit and what the ball is doing right after contact. I found that goes away in time, but you also can benefit from crisper strings as well.
The first few weeks I went back and forth between string holes and ports, but the more time I spent with the ports, the more I realized they were they way to go in the Prince sticks.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Of course..you weren't clear on that in the prior post which I was I said what I said..but I agree.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Gotcha.
My demo has full multi and it feels very loosely strung now, so there is a huge trampoline effect if you drive the ball instead of spin it. But I just don't think I like the ultra muted soft feel. It feels to me like my racquet was shot up with novacaine
I can see some people liking it though. Jason at TW sure seems to. Personally I think the London is a much better racquet.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Demoing an EXO or Prince with ports and low tension multi is miserable.
I know because I did it.
Better use a western grip for that experience.
I know because I did it.
Better use a western grip for that experience.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
Got the demos in. Just strung up the 95 and the 98 (Beast mains, Premier LT crosses). Will get to hit with them tomorrow.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ Hello Mitch!
If you could just comment on the string distribution of the Reb95?
It was rumored or speculated that they would open the 18x20 up a bit more. Is this true? Does the string distribution look to be more open than the previous Rebel?
Regards,
Klem
If you could just comment on the string distribution of the Reb95?
It was rumored or speculated that they would open the 18x20 up a bit more. Is this true? Does the string distribution look to be more open than the previous Rebel?
Regards,
Klem
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
Pretty sure it's the same exact mold/pattern:
Here's a pic of the 2012 model on top of the 1st Generation model:
Cell phone pics...sorry for the blur. Nonetheless, the pattern looks pretty much identical (black crosses in the 1st gen, natural crosses in the 2012).
Here's a pic of the 2012 model on top of the 1st Generation model:
Cell phone pics...sorry for the blur. Nonetheless, the pattern looks pretty much identical (black crosses in the 1st gen, natural crosses in the 2012).
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klementine
Hall of Fame
Thank you very much for the pics!
But you shouldn't have gone through all that.. I would've been happy with a 'yes' or 'no' :smile:
Once again, thanks and yes, it's pretty much the same spacing.
I believe it was 'onkystopmer' or 'onyx', one of those TT'rs.. he had complimented after hitting the Reb95 that it was pt630 territory for him, as far as feel goes. I'm assuming.
Happy demo'ng and let us know your thoughts. I know you've played with the 1st gen Reb pretty much since it came out, so your opinion interests me a great deal.
But you shouldn't have gone through all that.. I would've been happy with a 'yes' or 'no' :smile:
Once again, thanks and yes, it's pretty much the same spacing.
I believe it was 'onkystopmer' or 'onyx', one of those TT'rs.. he had complimented after hitting the Reb95 that it was pt630 territory for him, as far as feel goes. I'm assuming.
Happy demo'ng and let us know your thoughts. I know you've played with the 1st gen Reb pretty much since it came out, so your opinion interests me a great deal.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
Yup, I've been playing the original since it came out. Very much looking forward to hitting tomorrow...the increased flex is intriguing. I love me an arm friendly racquet. I'm not planning on adding as much lead to the new one since they adjusted the balance, but I'm sure I'd add some somewhere!
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
PS-I figured the pics would be helpful...I wanted to know as well.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Its a shame because I can't really get an idea how this racquet would really play with proper stringing. The multi is so loose that after every few hits the strings are pushed all over the place. With the right string setup and some added leadtape, I have a feeling this thing would play totally differently.
TopspinAce
Rookie
They should of kept the same design but with yellow
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
They should of kept the same design but with yellow
The design is the same, only with slightly tweaked specs.
Are you saying you wish they didn't change anything except the cosmetics?
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
Ok, back from my initial playtest.
Overall, I preferred the new 95: Nice pop on serve and fantastic feel on volleys. However, it's less forgiving on groundstrokes (at least compared to my leaded up 1st Gen Rebel). If you hit a little high in the hoop, the addition flex prevents the ball from coming off with power (meaning, short ball or net error). I think some lead will fix this for me. When you hit dead center, it feels great. The biggest thing I've noticed is that this frame achieves it's power more from the strings (and the trampoline effect), than the last Rebel (which had a little more power from the frame itself).
The 98 was pretty sweet. More power than the 95. Nice comfort. Great for serves (both spin and flat). I had to hit more topspin than usual to keep the ball in the court, but I could really impart a lot of action on the ball with this frame. It's much more forgiving on groundies than the 95. I didn't get to hit many volleys with it yet.
All in all, I think the TW review was pretty accurate in citing the differences in the frames. I'm pretty sure I'll be going with the 95 for my racquet of choice in 2012.
Overall, I preferred the new 95: Nice pop on serve and fantastic feel on volleys. However, it's less forgiving on groundstrokes (at least compared to my leaded up 1st Gen Rebel). If you hit a little high in the hoop, the addition flex prevents the ball from coming off with power (meaning, short ball or net error). I think some lead will fix this for me. When you hit dead center, it feels great. The biggest thing I've noticed is that this frame achieves it's power more from the strings (and the trampoline effect), than the last Rebel (which had a little more power from the frame itself).
The 98 was pretty sweet. More power than the 95. Nice comfort. Great for serves (both spin and flat). I had to hit more topspin than usual to keep the ball in the court, but I could really impart a lot of action on the ball with this frame. It's much more forgiving on groundies than the 95. I didn't get to hit many volleys with it yet.
All in all, I think the TW review was pretty accurate in citing the differences in the frames. I'm pretty sure I'll be going with the 95 for my racquet of choice in 2012.
TopspinAce
Rookie
No no no,I like the tweeks but I just dont like cosmetics,the old rebel is just Original Green with the yellow graphics,really neat,the new one is just plain yellow...
Thanks for the review. Couple of questions, if I may:
--Any comparisons to the EXO Tour 100 (18x20)? I play with this now but hoping either the 98 or 95 might have a little more oomph while still maintaining the flex, feel, and control that I like with the Tour.
--Are you 1hbh or 2, and which of the two did you like for bhands?
--How did the weight feel for each? I believe the 95 weighs in around 12oz strung, while the 98 lists at 11.2.
--Where did you get your demos?
Thanks!
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
^^^The 98 is closer to the Tour in terms of weight and feel (mind you I've only hit a little with the Tour frames).
I hit 1hbh. I preferred the weight of the 95 (but that's what I'm used to as I play the 1st Gen model with lead at 3/9).
Weight felt good, though I'm used to more. I definitely missed the mass of my old Rebels. I'll add lead when I get my playing frames.
I'm a Prince sponsored teaching pro, so I was able to get to try the demos early as a friend/fellow pro is on the Elite Team at Prince.
I hit 1hbh. I preferred the weight of the 95 (but that's what I'm used to as I play the 1st Gen model with lead at 3/9).
Weight felt good, though I'm used to more. I definitely missed the mass of my old Rebels. I'll add lead when I get my playing frames.
I'm a Prince sponsored teaching pro, so I was able to get to try the demos early as a friend/fellow pro is on the Elite Team at Prince.
TopspinAce
Rookie
lucky,overall would you stick with Rebel 95 1stgen or the new 95? pls reply
Thanks Mitch. I was looking forward to your feedback as such a loyal Reb user. The slight surprise for me is, well, you're making the Reb 98 sound like my cup of tea. Could you say a bit more re topspin/groundies/flat versus spinny groundies. TIA.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
I taught some more with it today. I'm really digging the new 95. I'll definitely be switching (as we're encouraged to play with current models), but I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm liking the balance of the frame and how it moves through the air. The feel is improved. I think I'll add a little lead here and there and really fall in love with it.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
I think it'll take another hit or two to form a more complete opinion, but I'll DI my best to answer your questions.
It was necessary for me to add more topspin to my usual stroke when hitting out, otherwise the ball would fly. Adding spin was no big deal considering how maneuverable the frame is...pretty easy to whip through the air. I didn't hit much slice with it, so I can't comment on that. Flat stokes felt solid on contact.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
Ok, here are my findings with the 98:
This stick is for players with a more vertical swing on the Groundies (ie not players with flat strokes). Unless you're blocking back a groundie with a smooth stroke and firm wrist, I found it to be a little unstable. the lack of plow on a flat stroke is noticeable (but I'm sure a little lead will help with this). As soon as I started hitting more topspin, the stability issue disappeared. I found the frame to move very nicely through the ball when moving the racquet on edge.
This stick is for players with a more vertical swing on the Groundies (ie not players with flat strokes). Unless you're blocking back a groundie with a smooth stroke and firm wrist, I found it to be a little unstable. the lack of plow on a flat stroke is noticeable (but I'm sure a little lead will help with this). As soon as I started hitting more topspin, the stability issue disappeared. I found the frame to move very nicely through the ball when moving the racquet on edge.
Is it your opinion, then, that the 95 might be more suited to those with flat strokes? I tend to hit with a hybrid eastern/semi-western grip and most groundstrokes are on the flatter side of things, though I can generate decent topspin when desired.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
If you can handle the weight, the 95 is better for flat strokes in my opinion.
Thanks. I have my EXO 3 Tour leaded up to just under 12, so guessing that the 95 (which lists at TW as right at 12) shouldn't be too much of an issue. Look forward to trying it out.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
The demo I have weighs 12.2 with strings and dampener, FYI.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
I concur. I feel like players with a medium paced, deliberate stroke will like it as well. Fast, flat swings won't work well with this frame.
TopspinAce
Rookie
Would you stay with old Rebel or New Rebel?
Lendl
Semi-Pro
I have witnessed the opposite the past week. I have a friend that is a 5.0 who has a very powerful, flat stroke on both sides and he has been a Prestige MP user for maybe 10 years. He went from the i.Prestige to the Microgel to the Youtek and he is wanting a bit more pop so he has been demoing the Rebel 95, 98 and the Aero Storm Tour. His final two are the Rebel 98 and the Aero Storm Tour.
So far the Rebel 98 has been a great fit for his type of game. Huge, flat strokes that are aided by the open string pattern to give just enough topspin to keep those balls close to the baseline in. I don't think the 95 was that impressive but different people like different things.
So far the Rebel 98 has been a great fit for his type of game. Huge, flat strokes that are aided by the open string pattern to give just enough topspin to keep those balls close to the baseline in. I don't think the 95 was that impressive but different people like different things.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
I love the feel the new 95 has to offer.
Not to argue (and you said it...different people like different things), but I'm surprised your friend prefers the 98 over the 95. I just can't see someone that hits a fast, flat stroke finding the court without a fair amount of spin. Plus, the 98 is far more stable with more of a vertical swing. What's he using for string? Our demos are Beast/Premier hybrids at 60lbs.
You did mention that the racquet allowed him enough spin to keep the balls within the baseline, so his stroke can't be that flat, right?
Not to argue (and you said it...different people like different things), but I'm surprised your friend prefers the 98 over the 95. I just can't see someone that hits a fast, flat stroke finding the court without a fair amount of spin. Plus, the 98 is far more stable with more of a vertical swing. What's he using for string? Our demos are Beast/Premier hybrids at 60lbs.
You did mention that the racquet allowed him enough spin to keep the balls within the baseline, so his stroke can't be that flat, right?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I totally agree with this. I cant see anyone using the 98 without a lot of loopy topspin to bring the ball down. The 95 would be far better for a flatter stroke.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
There was no old Rebel 98, so there is nothing to compare to on that one.
I didn't try the new 95.
Lendl
Semi-Pro
He does hit topspin, I think everyone does to at least some extent. He hits far flatter than anyone I hit with and we have 20 or so 4.5-5.5 guys in our group. He was in a pickle as far as needing more pop than his Prestige provided without having the ball sail on him. I think his mostly flat strokes didn't jive the best with the closed string pattern of the Prestige and the way he kills the ball it would barely clear the net and would go long
for a comparison I'd think he plays similar to like a Berdych. He kills the ball with a penetrating flatter stroke but does have topspin but less than a lot of other guys.
So with this Rebel 98 he has the same stroke but the amount of topspin on the same stroke creates more topspin so it drops in for him better.
I've strung it for him in both a full synthetic gut 17g at 60 and a hybrid of Cyberflash (M) and synthetic gut (C) at 56.
For whatever reason he was not a fan of the 95.
for a comparison I'd think he plays similar to like a Berdych. He kills the ball with a penetrating flatter stroke but does have topspin but less than a lot of other guys.
So with this Rebel 98 he has the same stroke but the amount of topspin on the same stroke creates more topspin so it drops in for him better.
I've strung it for him in both a full synthetic gut 17g at 60 and a hybrid of Cyberflash (M) and synthetic gut (C) at 56.
For whatever reason he was not a fan of the 95.
