The 100X is the new Phantom Pro. It comes in two weights and patterns. I deal with both in this Prince Phantom 100X Racquet Review.
Prince Phantom 100X Racquet Review
The previous Phantom Pro was extremely flexible for a modern frame. This update is a bit stiffer but is still below 60 RA strung, which means comfort won’t be an issue. They have also added the Anti-Torque system (Textreme and Twaron at 10 and 2 in the hoop as well as the shaft). The idea with ATS is to stabilize the frame. The 100X series also comes with the CTS beam, which goes from 18 to 22 mm. So if you like thin-beam racquets that play like more modern frames – check out the 100X series. The 305 is perhaps one of the best racquets I have tried in a long time, and I will tell you why in this Prince Phantom 100X racquet review.
Check out the Prince Phantom line at Tennis Only, Tennis Warehouse or Tennis Warehouse Europe.
Specs
I have reviewed both the 305g 16×18 version and the 320g 18×20 in this review. Below are the strung specs of my racquets:
Head size: 100 sq inches
Beamwidth: 18-20.5-22 mm
Strung specs (w overgrip)of the Prince Phantom 100X 16×18 305: 327g, 31.7 cm balance, 322 SW.
Strung specs (w overgrip)Â of the Prince Phantom 100X 18×20 320:Â 345g, 31 cm, 334 SW.
It is clear that the 305 version will be more spin-friendly and easier to use, while the 320 version will be more controlled and demanding.
I tested the racquets with a bunch of different strings: Solinco Confidential, Dunlop Explosive Spin, RS Paris Octagon.
How do they play?
I believe the two different Prince Phantom 100X racquets play exactly as intended. You get more spin with the 305 and more control and stability with the 320. Both racquets are plush, comfortable, and offer a great sense of connection to the ball. Since I am gravitating towards lighter racquets these days, the 305 is my favorite. It is such an impressive racquet that I find it difficult to fault. The spin and power are both there; the feel is excellent, it handles both flat and topspin shots well. It is one of the most complete racquets I have tried in a while. The only issue I had with it is that on some occasions, it felt slightly unstable, but that was very slight, and overall I found the stability impressive for the weight, swing weight, and flex rating.
The 320 also had a great feel. It offered a bit more directional control, a lower launch angle, a slightly more penetrating slice. But it wasn’t as easy to swing, and I like the free spin the 305 version offered me. Since the swing weight of my racquet was 334, it was a bit more challenging to generate enough topspin to achieve control, but for advanced players, this might not be a problem. When I switched between the racquets, I noticed that with the lower launch angle of the 18×20, I was clipping the net a lot more with that frame.
Summary – Pros and Cons
Let’s look at some pros and cons of the Prince Phantom 100X racquets.
305 16×18
Light and easy to swing
Great spin potential but not an annoyingly high launch angle
Impressive stability for its weight and flex
Very plush and comfortable
320 18×20
More control and stability than the 305
More difficult to swing
Lower launch angle
These racquets are both excellent, and I enjoyed this play-test. The Prince Phantom 100X 305 is something so rare as a modern frame that is plush, spin-friendly, and still controlled. It reminds me a bit of the Gravity Tour but offers a bit more comfort and spin. It is simply put a brilliant, all-round racquet. Definitely already on the list for the Gear of the Year 2020.
The 320 is also a nice racquet, but I did struggle a bit more with the weight and string pattern of that frame. You get more things for free with the 305. But if you like a bit more weight on your racquets and like to attack the ball with a flatter game – the 320 would likely be your best bet.
Have you tried the Prince Phantom 100X? What did you think of it?Â
65 comments
Awesome review, I’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on getting the 305 until I saw another article to confirm Tennis Warehouse’s outstanding reviews. I really appreciate your work and dedication to these great reviews!
Side note, I’m an American that is going to be moving to Stockholm fairly soon. Any specific suggestions for tennis clubs/leagues? Around 4.5+ level.
Thanks. The best idea is to join a club and start asking about their local leagues and tournaments there. I lived in Stockholm for 9 months, but just as I was about to leave I was asked to join the league team as there is usually a waiting list for the bigger clubs. I joined SALK and their facilities and atmosphere is very nice: https://salk.se/english/
How does the 305 compare with Clash tour (Clash pro)?
A more connected feel, the Clash is very muted. It is also a bit faster through the air thanks to the thinner beam design.
I purchased the Phantom 100x 305 when it first came out. It is very user friendly due to the 100 sq inch head, lower SW and open 16 x 18 pattern. I added 2 grams of lead at 12 to add some plow. The 100x 305 has a nice balance of power and control, very spin and arm friendly. I thought it might have been a little string sensitive but I may have strung it at too high of tension at 54/53 with Gosen Micro 16. Due to cooler conditions should have strung it 2 or 3lbs lower which would improve the feel. I am also currently using the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 which is a bit more demanding but prefer the feel of the Blade.
For match play without a doubt would prefer to use the 100x 305 as you get easier power and spin over the Blade. When the weather warms up will strongly considering making a switch to the Prince frame.
I feel exactly the same about the 16×18 version – very connected to the ball and plays like a pillow on my hand yet producing amazing power still!
Out of curiosity, what tension did you use on your 305g? I strung it at 50lbs on prokennex IQ Hexa but it was a bit too powerful so I increased to 53lbs.
How would you compare the Wilson Ultra Tour with the 100x 305?
The 100X gives you easier access to spin and power and a bigger sweet spot. The Ultra gives you better control.
How does it compare with Angell TC101 you just reviewed? Seems like both are very comparable except the size of sweet zone
It feels faster through the air and a bit plusher.
How is the 100X 305 for a player who plays mostly flat?
I would probably go for the 100X 18×20 or the Prince Phantom 97P if you are a flat hitter.
Thank you for the review! I have been playing with Yonnex Ai100 since past few years and has served me well, though, lately I feel I may have to move to something different. Reason is that two of my tennis buddies/opponents have suddenly moved from average frames to RF97 autograph. Suddenly, playing with them now, feels like the RF is giving them more ease of play, they are able to touch my shots and keep the ball in play more, their slices are better now and if I hit a poor/slow shot, they are able to counter that with a heavy fast shot! We play mostly doubles, so its an advantage for them to not get too bogged down by the RF97A weight during the doubles game.
My options are:
1) move to RF97A as well – I did do a trial of RF97A and felt that RF due to its weight/heft gives you some support to counter fast shots easily but just pointing and touch and using the opponents power. At net also due to its heft, its easy to volley. The issues, I realized is that, I am unable to hit top spin like I did with Ai100. It feels like with this stick its more of playing flat. Should I then consider this option, and give it time and hope that my game will improve and adjust to RF97A?
2) move to something like Head Gravity 360+ pro – Your and TW reviews for this racquet are good and enjoyed them. But not sure if this one is a right one to gravitate to from Ai100 to counter RF97A opponents.
3) move to Prince 100X 305 – Same as gravity pro, reviews for this racquet is great from you and TW. Should I move to this racquet or 1 or 2 option s above?
Other racquets I am thinking about – Tecnifibre TF40 305, Dunlop SX 300 Tour, extended length racquets like Yonnex Ezone 98+/100+
Any pointers or words of wisdom are welcome. Thank you!
I offer a racquet consultation service if you want more detailed advice, but I would generally not recommend the RF97 Autograph unless you are a very advanced player. In my opinion, it is not really fast enough for doubles. I would recommend you to try the Prince 100X. The Gravity Pro is a bit more demanding but also better for a flatter game style.
For your review seems similar to the Pro Kennex Ki+Q Tour Pro 315 (2019). Another very good frame and underrated.
The ProKennex is under-rated for sure, this one feels a bit more connected to the ball.
Great review and hitting; like those slice forehands! Regarding the difference in launch angles and control, I think a new metric might be useful: as well as the pattern, a measure of the typical cell size at the sweet-spot could help, since some patterns are open and others more dense. As far as I can tell, sweet-spots are about the size of a ball or two (at most) in the middle of the frame, so measuring the typical gap between strings at that point (and if they are square or rectangular) might tell a lot about the launch/control features. For example, I noted that my 6.1 95S has 0.85×1.3cm rectangular cells in the sweet-spot (good for spin), whereas my 6.1 95L has 1cmx1cm square cells (good for control). It would be interesting to know the difference between the sweet-spot cell sizes between these two Prince rackets, since they are quite different patterns, and if that directly links to launch/control.
When will you be reviewing the new Phantom 100P? I see it and the new 93P in the picture with the other two 100X’s. I am curious if the new 93P, 93P 14×18, and 100P are indeed improvements on the original versions. Thanks!
It should be ready in about two weeks. I can already say that there are definite improvements in feel and stability.
Talking about Prince, Lucas Pouille just switched to Babolat. Seems that Isner is now the only pro on ATP tour with a Prince racquet.
Yeah, I saw that! I mainly think he needs a change because his talent deserves better results. We will see how it goes!
Hi,
I’m currently using the DR98, but am curious to know how you think the 100x 305 compares to the k7 red especially in terms of power and comfort/feel?
Thanks
Hi,
The 100X feels is a bit more powerful and stable than the K7 Red. Both offer great comfort, but I am more connected to the 100X. Cheers / J
Hi Jonas,
Thanks for doing this site, it led me to demoing rackets from my local hsop and ending up buying the other weekthe wilson clash 100 tour. wonderful.
reading this review, please can you say how this PRINCE PHANTOM 100X compares to the PRINCE TEXTREME TOUR 100 310. I thought it odd that was missing
thanks.
Hi Gareth,
I appreciate the comment. Yeah, I forgot to add a comparison between the two. The Phantom 100X is faster through the air and more spin-friendly. The feel is also slightly plusher. Cheers / Jonas
Hi, would you say the phantom 100x is noticeably more powerful and comfortable than the tour 100 310?
Great review.
How would you compare it to the DR98 ? Clash 98 ? Blade V7 ? Gravity ?
Thanks
Great job running this website and the reviews. How would you compare Phantom 93P and Phantom 100X as a good replacement for Pro Staff 90 BLX. Which one has more control and is more headlight (to aid better swing) ?
Thanks. If you want something similar to the 90 BLX – you should go for the 93P. It is easier to swing and offers better control.
Hi Jonas !
Great review as always . The DR98 was great but killed my wrist, how would you compare it to this new phantom 100x (305g) ? (And is it more forgiving and spinning ?)
Hi,
Yes, the Phantom 100X is definitely more forgiving. The spin potential is about the same.
Cheers / Jonas
Thanx a lot for your answer Jonas.
Cheers and best for you.
Good stuff, looking forward to your verdict on the 100P
Hello, how do you find the 305 on flat or poorly covered closures? I do not speak of playing only flat but only in closing when I enter the field to close the point! Do you need coverage?
Sorry, I don’t understand the question? Please write in your original language and I will figure it out.
ciao volevo sapere come si comporta la 305 sui colpi di chiusura piatti o poco coperti di spin! io non gioco piatto però quando entro in campo dopo la costruzione del punto cerco la botta piatta di chiusura!
volevo sapere se è un telaio da spingere per farlo rendere anche a regimi piu bassi ! grazie
Hi Jonas, great reviews as usually!
How did the Solinco confidential workout with the Phantom 100x? What do you think about Hyper G instead of confidential?
Thanks!
Hi Jonas,
Started to follow your YouTube channel a while ago, it’s so hard to find good reviews these days, most have commercial influence, thus trying to push a certain racket model instead of an unbiased review and compare. Please keep up the work you are doing!
I am a recreational tennis player around 4.5 lvl, in a search of a bit easier to handle stick, with good amount of free power, but still with some control and comfort on the arm. Seems like Prince Phantom 100x and HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed MP , you recently reviewed, may fit my needs, but I cant get to final decision. How do they compare in terms of power, control and comfort ? The thin-beam and 321 SW of the Phantom 100x seem a bit concerning regarding the ability to generate some free power …
Thanks in advance!
Hi Aivars,
Thanks!
I would say that the Speed MP gives you a bit more free power and is a bit easier to use. Control is about the same for both racquets, but the Phantom wins the comfort category (the Speed is not harsh though).
I hope this helps. The Phantom is a plush racquet, where the Speed is more in between plush and crisp.
Regards / J
Hi Jonas,
I’m currently using a Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 16×19, weighted to 334g w/overgrip & 4g lead @3, 9, &12. I love it from all areas of the court, but want to have a racquet with a little more forgiveness but similar control. So far it’s between this Phantom 100x 305g, the Diadem Elevate Tour 98, and the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310g. Can you compare these three in terms of power, control, spin/launch angle, and feel?
Recently started watching your videos and really appreciate the detail / insights you give! Keep up the great work!
My question is, how much of a difference is there between the 100x 305 and the Pure Strike 16×19 3rd Gen?
I was gifted the Wilson Pro Staff 95S a few years ago. I feel the time is now to make a change to something that offers more power without losing the control and comfort I have with the 95S. What are your thoughts?
How does the 305g version compare with your customized Head Gravity MP?
Do you prefere the Gravity MP over the Gravity Tour?
cheers!
Hi Jonas,
Could you give me a hand?
Im an intermediate player using a Blade 16×19 v7, i find it hard sometimes to get my shots deep when playing from full court and have to place some effort on it. I like the control i get at volleys and shots inside court.
Im looking for a bit easier racquet to play with.
Do you think the 100x 305, would be easier for me? Im also looking at the Speed 360+ mp, but im not sure which one will fit better.
Thank you !!!!
Hi Daniel, both the Phantom 100X 305 and the Speed MP are easier to use. The best is to demo, but I would go with the Speed MP. If you are still unsure I would recommend getting a consultation. Cheers / J
I just ordered this racket strung with triax 17@24kg. As I have hyperflexible elbows I did not want run the risk yet with poly. The trial racket i tested was strung with poly but at quite al low tension I believe (could have been the flex of the racket). No elbow issues. What is your advise wrt tension for poly and multi in this racket ? As the triax is relatively stiff i did not want to string too high. And in general, what is your advice with strings and tension in flexible verses stiff rackets ?
How did you like the Confidential string in this racquet and would you recommend it for this racquet? Thanks for all the reviews you are doing an awesome job!
I think it worked really well – I can definitely recommend it. Thanks.
How would you compare it to the Prince Textreme tour 100 (310)? In terms of Spin, power, feel, control, launch angle….
and which one would you prefer personally and which one for baseline topspin hitting on clay? – Phantom 100p, Phantom 100x, Textreme Tour 100 310 or 100p?
Really appreciate your estimation.
Hi, your reviews are so so helpful. It is precise, to the point, and consistently good. I wish my tennis was like that! My question: I use the Phantom Pro 100 (16×18). But I am a more flat hitter and want more control. So I am considering the Prince Tour 100p (18×20). Is that due for an update this year – I don’t want to buy it just weeks/months before the new one comes out. Do you have any information on that?
Either I get that or the Phantom 100x (18×20). How do these two compare?
Thanks so much for your input.
Hi Arun, thanks! Yes, it is due an update :) The Phantom 100X 18×20 I found quite demanding although it does have a flat trajectory, I prefer the Pro 100. Or actually, my favorite is the Phantom 100P. Excellent racquet! Try that one if you can demo it.
Regards
Hi TN, excellent review and content. I think our styles have a lot in common.
I’m curious to know if you would still recommend the Prince Phantom 100x 305 a year after the review? If so, could you recommend a well balanced and durable string to pair it with?
Thanks, Kamaran (London)
Do you test also the O3 model of 100X? I test this model and not the standard, from your review and my test the two sticks seems very similar. Just on serve i think the O3 don’t give you enough power on flat and not very killer Stick on the net.
What do you think about the difference with and without O3.
Thankd
Hi. Is the prince 100x 305, more control than Clash pro? What is the main diferences in this 2?
I live in MEXICO City using Clash pro and I really want to try prince, but they dont sell in Mex. So I have to buy it in eBay for to try. So, it really helps if you tell me diferences and if it works or they are very similar for to spend in that. Thanks very much
Hi Luis, yes, it’s low-powered and offers more control. It’s also not quite as stable but has a more predictable stringbed.
Hello TN, just wondering how the 100X 305 compares with the T-Fight 305? I’m currently playing with the Yonex Ezone 100 and am looking for something more maneuverable at the net. Many thanks.
Hey, these are very different racquets. The Tfight offers plow-through, control and a heavy swing weight. The 100X is a more spin-friendly and maneuverable racquet. For netplay, I’d take the Tfight. Cheers / J
Hi TN, thanks for your prompt response. To be clear, I was referring to T-Fight 305 RS. I recall you did a video about the 300 RS some time back and its review was good (even better than the 305 RS) – it’s like a good all-rounder and excels at the net.
Hi thanks for your review! I am wondering the launch angle of 100X 305 will it be very high?
Hey, I don’t think it’s too high, it’s quite controllable.
Hi, This was the best review i found on this Prince 100x 305g, unfortonatly i live in Portugal and i cant get one to playtest, buying a racket without testing before is not the ideal…
I have benn playing with the Volkl V-sesnse v1 pro since 2018 , they are now in theyr last legs and i realy need to find a new racket, i have tried the Head Gravity Tour, but the feel was a bit to muted, the same thing happended wen i tried the Wilson clash… Do you know if the feel in this Prince 100x 305g is also like that? Do you have any other recomendation? (I can playstest almost all the brands big brands in Portugal, but not Prince…)
Thank you!
The Prince has a cleaner response but a lot of flex, so if that is not your cup of tea, you might want to go for something with more feedback.
Hello,
My level is 4.0 and my game is focused on volley serves, reflex shots and touch, with a very good backhand chop very low for the chip and charge. I have been playing for more than 10 years with the Head Speed ??MP Youtek IG. With its 300 grams, its balance at 32 cm unstrung, its ultra-maneuverable side (inertia / swingweight of 308!) and its great flexibility (60 Ra), it is ideal for my game. I love its prolonged contact with the ball ! But these characteristics cannot be found elsewhere and I cannot find any racquet with which I feel so good and natural, especially at net… I have nevertheless tried Clash, Blade, Gravity, Vcore 97… I have no way of give the Phantom 100X a try, but according to tests and reviews, it seems to be suitable. What do you think ? In your opinion, which one should I go for, the 290 or the 305?
Thank you for your help ;-)
Hi Olivier, I have a consultation service if you want in-depth assistance, but based on what you write, I would go for the 305. Cheers / Jonas
I picked up a Phantom 100X in the 2023 January sales (UK), strung it with Hyper G 1.10mm at 48lbs and thought I had finally found my perfect racket but after a week and a few practice sessions paint is flaking off around the grommet holes in the upper hoop and one grommet has broken causing excess vibrations. I realise some people aren’t bothered about cosmetics but for this to happen after one week is concerning. Initially I was planning to touch up the chips and replace the grommets but then found that they’re not in stock with any of the major UK/EU retailers (one said they contacted Prince UK who told them that they’ve never been available in the UK). I also contacted tennis warehouse USA who said they don’t have any but we’re expecting some in March. Sadly I’m now in the process of returning this racket. This could be an issue for others like me who like to restring often.