Hey thanks! I wasn't thinking too much about the racket choices that clay court specialists make, but I guess in hindsight it's applicable because David Ferrer also used a similar stick (I'm not sure about the specifics of what he used). Regardless, I'm glad you found the video helpful!
@@11sweetspot11 Not to mention Pablo Andujar... Btw, do you know a website which I could buy those o3 prince from? Im in EU and o3 are discontinued.Thanks!
Prince are coming out with a new version of the O3 Phantoms soon, and it will add to their current Phantom line (the ones with Zylon instead of Twaron). So you may have to wait just a bit if you're in North America/Europe. My guess is that it's going to be early 2025. The previous generation O3 Phantoms are all sold out now, and you can only get them second hand. Regarding the Japan editions: the new O3 Phantoms with Zylon have already been released there. The one I show in this video is the previous generation (with Twaron instead of Zylon). princetennis.jp/product-category/tennis/tennis-racket/tennis-racket-phantom-2025 I'm not sure how to get the Japanese versions imported here in North America. There are services in Japan that buy things on your behalf and ship them to you but they can cost a pretty penny and moreover, I haven't tried a service like this out myself so I can't recommend one (sorry!).
sweetspot is massive, plush, comfortable, tons of spin, whips through the air....with some added weight, this thing is AWESOME. I like the Japan look w the green on the sides better than the US version. Love this frame and decided a couple weeks ago, after a long search, Im switching to it. Davydenko and Ferrer used the O port tours on the mens side. Jankovic, Sharapova used o3 too so they are good enough even at the pro level.
I have the previous generation US version of this frame. The ports give it a unique feel and sound which many players don't like, but the effort to get used to them is really minimal and the frame has a lot of advantages. Unfortunately it seems like the ports are so unpopular that ported frames won't be sold in the US any more.
Yeah, for me the time required to get used to them was pretty minimal too, but I've also heard the exact opposite. One just has to try and see how it goes. I do feel, as you do, that this technology is not very popular. I'm really curious as to why this is the case. I've heard it's because the longer stringing time is unpopular, but I'd love to know if it's actually true. It''s a shame, because the less variety in technology out there (especially the kind that is visible to the naked eye), the less innovation that will happen in this space.
Nice video man! Must cut super fast through the air. Have not had the chance to play with a Phantom. But my dad's old and super thin Graphite Comp cuts way fast. Eager to see your video on Syn Gut. God bless ma man!
Hey, thanks mate! đ I would love to try a Graphite Comp someday too! This syn gut video is turning out to be a bigger (and more holistic) project so it'll be a little while before it comes out, sorry! I'll try and get it out as fast as I possibly can. If there's something you want me to explore or give thoughts on then let me know! đ
@@11sweetspot11 Thanks man, sounds good! Would love to hear your thoughts on different tensions, and how the sensations vary. That's the main thing. And that not many, go deep into. Instead most testers barely touch instead. I say that is the main thing because of that aspect, and because we can't feel what you have tested, but the most real the explanation is, the most we can trust it and have the same experience later.
Alrighty, I'll make sure to include these details đ "Feel" and "performance" is my main lens for this video. P.S. I have a video coming out in over a month from now, in the last half of July, that talks about a string that you'll definitely want to try seeing your interest in gut/syn guts. I've been testing it for a loooong time, it plays just so damn unique. Stay tuned! đ And thanks so much for all the positive comments, I'm really glad that my videos help you out! đ
The original o3 Tour MP (2005/2006 version) fares well with the Signum Pro Poly Plasma, either in 1.18mm or 1.23 mm. I was amazed to see at Stringforum that most of the players with the o3 Tour on this forum played with this string! I am still playing with that frame and with that string (1.18).
Yeah, I've wanted to try that racket for a long time. But itâs just that: to try it. I would not enjoy actually playing with it, even though it probably has great feel. It's because its small sweet spot and headsize would get in the way of my game (and what I actually prefer in a racket).
Yes, it would be a stretch for most players today. Todayâs 98s and 100s are much easier to use but using some of the older frames are just fun to hit with because of their limitations and graceful aesthetics. They are also great practice tools because you have to be more aware of your footwork, timing, and swing length or you will constantly frame shots, miss the sweetspot, or send balls flying out of control. Whatâs funny is how these racquets were considered easy to use, powerful, and light when they first came out. But the standard of comparison were usually wood and aluminum frames.
Yeah, I agree with using them as practice tools! I'm actually working on a video about this with a really interesting twist. Hopefully it's well received and people can see my point of view on this. It's crazy to think that those rackets were considered easy to use! I feel we're all a product of our environment and what we get exposed/used to. Do you have any old frames you recommend as good training tools? I know the Saber is really popular but I've always wondered if there is an equivalent.
@@11sweetspot11 I started with a junior version of the Donnay Allwood which Borg made popular. If you want to talk about difficult to use imagine being 7 years old with a standard head size racquet of 65 to 70 sq inches and made of wood. And that was considered to be easy to swing. Back then the one-handed backhand was considered the proper stroke to learn versus the bastardized two-hander. That was tough. I then graduated to a Prince Junior aluminum racquet. Though it was said to be an oversize 110 head, back then racquets were not as precisely specified as rhe are today where frames are made in 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 105, 107, etc. and everyone claims that they can tell the difference. In the 80s the oversize Prince and Wilson frames came first at supposedly 110 but in reality didnât look or feel that big, especially when I compare them to some of the 100+ racquets today. Of course, Prince later labeled them 107s and kind of admitted that the headsize tolerances were a little loose and not consistently done the same way throughout the industry. Wilson and Head did the same so that actual headsizes were more or less approximations. A midsize could be anything from the 80 sq inch Head Edge to the 90 sq inch Prince Spectrum. 95s came later and were considered midpluses. Head and Dunlop always seemed to have the smallest headsizes for a given category. My Dunlop Max 200G which McEnroe and Graf made famous was an 84. Most of the Head frames on tour like the turquoise Graphite Pro and the original Prestige were 89.5. The original Wilson Pro Staff and the Ultra 2 were 85s. Only later did Wilson start embracing the 95s. Back then even the so-called oversize frames were mainly players frames. Yamaha was the first manufacturer that I remember making a 100 with the Secret-04. Yonex had 88 sq inch R-22 which Navratilova and Andres Gomez played. Becker played the Puma Boris Becker Super, which was an 88 or so. Mats Wilander played the Rossignal F200 which was like an 85. Brad Gilbert played something called a Fox which had like 85 sq inch 8-sided head shape. There was more design experimentation then and you can see it in head shapes. And the toughest frame to play with was Lendlâs Adidas GTX Pro which was supposedly super stiff, sported an old-style reverse tear drop head shape from the wooden racquet days that wasnât even a midsize but was like 75 square inches and it weighed over 13.5 ounces. Yeah, so most of the frames back then had much smaller headsizes, 12-13 oz weight, and were either extremely flexible or very stiff (Wilson Ultra 2, Prince Boron, etc). Comparatively speaking, players today have it easy.
I did not; I actually didn't even know such a thing existed. I just lock the turntable on my machine and that does the trick. A little bit of a PIA, but not a big deal after getting used to it from my first few times stringing this racket. I personally feel that people online make too big a deal of the additional effort that is required to string this racket.
@@11sweetspot11 they string a lot of rackets lol. If you have to string a racket in 20 to 30 minutes and want to watch TV it's annoying having to either brake manually or use your hip which is a terrible thing on crank machines. It's nice when you can watch something and not have to look down as much at the racket when stringing.
I still have prince O3 speedport Tour, perhaps the beam thin almost similar, and it has the power level 872, really a nice frame, I strung it with Solinco confidential
Solinco Confidential would be an interesting try in this đ I've been thinking trying about natural gut in this personally (or maybe even a gut hyrbid).
Nice aspect in this video. But despite all its benefits this racquet isn't made for me. As long as I am in control of the point many racquets are fun. My approach in the past was a thin beam, but stiff. Heavy and densely strung. Laserlike accuracy, my shots were hard as hell and pretty close ro the line. I could and should do well with that Phantom, too. Even more so as my arm has had it with "stiff and heavy". But there's a problem: as soon as I come across a really good player (you know these these guys who know what you are doing before you know by yourself, move as quick as Alcaraz and pick up any speed of your best shots), I am no longer in control of the point. And then I still need all the things that I need when pushing, but also a little power fromthe racquet when I barely reach the ball. Which (due to hip injury) is more often the case than not. And that is where the Phantom would let me down.
Hey, thanks, I'm glad you liked how I approached this video. I completely agree with you, for me this racket doesn't hold up if I come up against much better players. So far I've put it down to a skill issue (which is the most likely culprit in my case haha), but against the really good players that hit heavy balls you absolutely need help from the racket. If I ever get to that kind of a level I'll definitely think about switching frames!
I can tell it's a flexy frame, but personally I'm definitely not sensitive enough to label it a noodle. Any other racket you've come across that feels similar to this?
You need power with that flexy a frame so why are you dropping your left arm like it doesn't matter? Oh right you don't have time for such nonsense in Squash. MAKE TIME in Tennis. Both arms should raise together. You'll notice the difference. It will be a what was I thinking moment for you. Word of warning I ripped out my Rotator Cuff going for every bit of power on an O3. The need for more power in today's game is real, but as plush as a Phantom O3 is the power is illusive. That's where I got into trouble, my technique was perfect but your Phantom won't protect your arm when going for it. But OK a fun racquet but light years away from any Babolat. The Twist and Rip Stick do have substantial improvements. A lady in our Doubles group can hit a harder shot with her Beast, but Prince can't seem to supply the power you will crave from it. My two coppers elevate that left arm on your one hand backhand you'll get way more body into your game... effortlessly. Think Shapovolov watch his technique. There's a reason he does that and it's not to look pretty.
Hey, yeah I'm aware that left arm is an issue. I'm currently working with a coach to correct it, but it's in the context of a prior injury from when I was younger so it'll be a super slow and careful correction. Hopefully in a year I'll be much better!
Best Prince stick...POG. Thin beam, heavy, plush, plough thru, 106. Many many used it in its heyday but not the 97. AND 106 still available.
Hello, great video!
Thanks for explaining the reason why lots of claycourters who have an "aero playstyle" picked the O3 prince. Makes sense now!
Hey thanks! I wasn't thinking too much about the racket choices that clay court specialists make, but I guess in hindsight it's applicable because David Ferrer also used a similar stick (I'm not sure about the specifics of what he used). Regardless, I'm glad you found the video helpful!
@@11sweetspot11
Not to mention Pablo Andujar...
Btw, do you know a website which I could buy those o3 prince from? Im in EU and o3 are discontinued.Thanks!
Prince are coming out with a new version of the O3 Phantoms soon, and it will add to their current Phantom line (the ones with Zylon instead of Twaron). So you may have to wait just a bit if you're in North America/Europe. My guess is that it's going to be early 2025.
The previous generation O3 Phantoms are all sold out now, and you can only get them second hand.
Regarding the Japan editions: the new O3 Phantoms with Zylon have already been released there. The one I show in this video is the previous generation (with Twaron instead of Zylon).
princetennis.jp/product-category/tennis/tennis-racket/tennis-racket-phantom-2025
I'm not sure how to get the Japanese versions imported here in North America. There are services in Japan that buy things on your behalf and ship them to you but they can cost a pretty penny and moreover, I haven't tried a service like this out myself so I can't recommend one (sorry!).
@@11sweetspot11 tyvm for all the explanations
sweetspot is massive, plush, comfortable, tons of spin, whips through the air....with some added weight, this thing is AWESOME. I like the Japan look w the green on the sides better than the US version. Love this frame and decided a couple weeks ago, after a long search, Im switching to it. Davydenko and Ferrer used the O port tours on the mens side. Jankovic, Sharapova used o3 too so they are good enough even at the pro level.
I have the previous generation US version of this frame. The ports give it a unique feel and sound which many players don't like, but the effort to get used to them is really minimal and the frame has a lot of advantages. Unfortunately it seems like the ports are so unpopular that ported frames won't be sold in the US any more.
Yeah, for me the time required to get used to them was pretty minimal too, but I've also heard the exact opposite. One just has to try and see how it goes.
I do feel, as you do, that this technology is not very popular. I'm really curious as to why this is the case. I've heard it's because the longer stringing time is unpopular, but I'd love to know if it's actually true.
It''s a shame, because the less variety in technology out there (especially the kind that is visible to the naked eye), the less innovation that will happen in this space.
Nice video man! Must cut super fast through the air. Have not had the chance to play with a Phantom. But my dad's old and super thin Graphite Comp cuts way fast. Eager to see your video on Syn Gut. God bless ma man!
Hey, thanks mate! đ I would love to try a Graphite Comp someday too!
This syn gut video is turning out to be a bigger (and more holistic) project so it'll be a little while before it comes out, sorry! I'll try and get it out as fast as I possibly can. If there's something you want me to explore or give thoughts on then let me know! đ
@@11sweetspot11 Thanks man, sounds good! Would love to hear your thoughts on different tensions, and how the sensations vary. That's the main thing. And that not many, go deep into. Instead most testers barely touch instead. I say that is the main thing because of that aspect, and because we can't feel what you have tested, but the most real the explanation is, the most we can trust it and have the same experience later.
Alrighty, I'll make sure to include these details đ "Feel" and "performance" is my main lens for this video.
P.S. I have a video coming out in over a month from now, in the last half of July, that talks about a string that you'll definitely want to try seeing your interest in gut/syn guts. I've been testing it for a loooong time, it plays just so damn unique. Stay tuned! đ
And thanks so much for all the positive comments, I'm really glad that my videos help you out! đ
The original o3 Tour MP (2005/2006 version) fares well with the Signum Pro Poly Plasma, either in 1.18mm or 1.23 mm. I was amazed to see at Stringforum that most of the players with the o3 Tour on this forum played with this string! I am still playing with that frame and with that string (1.18).
That's some interesting information, I'll pick up some Poly Plasma to try it out!
The Pro Staff Original 85 has a 17mm beam. I think the reissue is still sold through Tennis Warehouse.
Yeah, I've wanted to try that racket for a long time. But itâs just that: to try it.
I would not enjoy actually playing with it, even though it probably has great feel. It's because its small sweet spot and headsize would get in the way of my game (and what I actually prefer in a racket).
Yes, it would be a stretch for most players today. Todayâs 98s and 100s are much easier to use but using some of the older frames are just fun to hit with because of their limitations and graceful aesthetics. They are also great practice tools because you have to be more aware of your footwork, timing, and swing length or you will constantly frame shots, miss the sweetspot, or send balls flying out of control. Whatâs funny is how these racquets were considered easy to use, powerful, and light when they first came out. But the standard of comparison were usually wood and aluminum frames.
Yeah, I agree with using them as practice tools! I'm actually working on a video about this with a really interesting twist. Hopefully it's well received and people can see my point of view on this.
It's crazy to think that those rackets were considered easy to use! I feel we're all a product of our environment and what we get exposed/used to.
Do you have any old frames you recommend as good training tools? I know the Saber is really popular but I've always wondered if there is an equivalent.
@@11sweetspot11 I started with a junior version of the Donnay Allwood which Borg made popular. If you want to talk about difficult to use imagine being 7 years old with a standard head size racquet of 65 to 70 sq inches and made of wood. And that was considered to be easy to swing. Back then the one-handed backhand was considered the proper stroke to learn versus the bastardized two-hander. That was tough. I then graduated to a Prince Junior aluminum racquet. Though it was said to be an oversize 110 head, back then racquets were not as precisely specified as rhe are today where frames are made in 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 105, 107, etc. and everyone claims that they can tell the difference. In the 80s the oversize Prince and Wilson frames came first at supposedly 110 but in reality didnât look or feel that big, especially when I compare them to some of the 100+ racquets today. Of course, Prince later labeled them 107s and kind of admitted that the headsize tolerances were a little loose and not consistently done the same way throughout the industry. Wilson and Head did the same so that actual headsizes were more or less approximations. A midsize could be anything from the 80 sq inch Head Edge to the 90 sq inch Prince Spectrum. 95s came later and were considered midpluses. Head and Dunlop always seemed to have the smallest headsizes for a given category. My Dunlop Max 200G which McEnroe and Graf made famous was an 84. Most of the Head frames on tour like the turquoise Graphite Pro and the original Prestige were 89.5. The original Wilson Pro Staff and the Ultra 2 were 85s. Only later did Wilson start embracing the 95s. Back then even the so-called oversize frames were mainly players frames. Yamaha was the first manufacturer that I remember making a 100 with the Secret-04. Yonex had 88 sq inch R-22 which Navratilova and Andres Gomez played. Becker played the Puma Boris Becker Super, which was an 88 or so. Mats Wilander played the Rossignal F200 which was like an 85. Brad Gilbert played something called a Fox which had like 85 sq inch 8-sided head shape. There was more design experimentation then and you can see it in head shapes. And the toughest frame to play with was Lendlâs Adidas GTX Pro which was supposedly super stiff, sported an old-style reverse tear drop head shape from the wooden racquet days that wasnât even a midsize but was like 75 square inches and it weighed over 13.5 ounces. Yeah, so most of the frames back then had much smaller headsizes, 12-13 oz weight, and were either extremely flexible or very stiff (Wilson Ultra 2, Prince Boron, etc). Comparatively speaking, players today have it easy.
Did you get the Prince boomerang tool too? Cant find the right size for my Japanese Phantom O3.
I did not; I actually didn't even know such a thing existed. I just lock the turntable on my machine and that does the trick. A little bit of a PIA, but not a big deal after getting used to it from my first few times stringing this racket. I personally feel that people online make too big a deal of the additional effort that is required to string this racket.
@@11sweetspot11 they string a lot of rackets lol. If you have to string a racket in 20 to 30 minutes and want to watch TV it's annoying having to either brake manually or use your hip which is a terrible thing on crank machines. It's nice when you can watch something and not have to look down as much at the racket when stringing.
I still have prince O3 speedport Tour, perhaps the beam thin almost similar, and it has the power level 872, really a nice frame, I strung it with Solinco confidential
Solinco Confidential would be an interesting try in this đ
I've been thinking trying about natural gut in this personally (or maybe even a gut hyrbid).
Nice aspect in this video.
But despite all its benefits this racquet isn't made for me.
As long as I am in control of the point many racquets are fun. My approach in the past was a thin beam, but stiff. Heavy and densely strung. Laserlike accuracy, my shots were hard as hell and pretty close ro the line.
I could and should do well with that Phantom, too. Even more so as my arm has had it with "stiff and heavy".
But there's a problem: as soon as I come across a really good player (you know these these guys who know what you are doing before you know by yourself, move as quick as Alcaraz and pick up any speed of your best shots), I am no longer in control of the point. And then I still need all the things that I need when pushing, but also a little power fromthe racquet when I barely reach the ball. Which (due to hip injury) is more often the case than not.
And that is where the Phantom would let me down.
Hey, thanks, I'm glad you liked how I approached this video.
I completely agree with you, for me this racket doesn't hold up if I come up against much better players. So far I've put it down to a skill issue (which is the most likely culprit in my case haha), but against the really good players that hit heavy balls you absolutely need help from the racket.
If I ever get to that kind of a level I'll definitely think about switching frames!
Hi. Where could this be bought? I currently play the Phantom 100X 305 16x18
This can be purchased in Japan. I got this from Windsor Racket Shop in Shibuya, Tokyo
Is this 16x18 or 18x16 ? I am using blade 98S for years â€
It's a 16x18. I've played with the Blade 98S before, it's a nice stick!
It's a NOOOODLE
LMAO
I can tell it's a flexy frame, but personally I'm definitely not sensitive enough to label it a noodle.
Any other racket you've come across that feels similar to this?
They have USA version
You need power with that flexy a frame so why are you dropping your left arm like it doesn't matter? Oh right you don't have time for such nonsense in Squash. MAKE TIME in Tennis. Both arms should raise together. You'll notice the difference. It will be a what was I thinking moment for you. Word of warning I ripped out my Rotator Cuff going for every bit of power on an O3. The need for more power in today's game is real, but as plush as a Phantom O3 is the power is illusive. That's where I got into trouble, my technique was perfect but your Phantom won't protect your arm when going for it. But OK a fun racquet but light years away from any Babolat. The Twist and Rip Stick do have substantial improvements. A lady in our Doubles group can hit a harder shot with her Beast, but Prince can't seem to supply the power you will crave from it. My two coppers elevate that left arm on your one hand backhand you'll get way more body into your game... effortlessly. Think Shapovolov watch his technique. There's a reason he does that and it's not to look pretty.
Hey, yeah I'm aware that left arm is an issue. I'm currently working with a coach to correct it, but it's in the context of a prior injury from when I was younger so it'll be a super slow and careful correction.
Hopefully in a year I'll be much better!