Prince Twistpower X100 Tour

Prince has launched a heavier racquet of the Twistpower. It’s called the Prince Twistpower X100 Tour and I hope to review it soon.

I really enjoyed the Prince Twistpower X100 when I reviewed that racquet (check out my Prince Twistpower X100 review here), so I’m curious what the Tour version can do for my game. However, as far as I understand, the only difference between the Tour version and the regular version is the difference in weight, balance and swing weight. Like with other racquet models and brands, this means that the Tour version is heavier and packs more power and plow-through. The downside is that it will be more difficult to maneuver.

Where to buy the Prince Twistpower X100 Tour

You can buy the Prince Twistpower X100 Tour from Tennis Warehouse. The Tour version is not yet available in Europe as far as I know, but you can purchase the regular version from Tennis Warehouse Europe or Tennis Only add a bit of weight to it and you’re going to have something very similar.

Design and Graphics

The Twistpower racquets are known for their twisted shaft, which is supposed to improve stability. Not sure if that’s the case or if it’s just a marketing thing, but they do look interesting and different. In Japan, where these were designed, they sell a left-handed and a right-handed version of the Twistpower racquets, but from what I understand the different directions of the “twists” doesn’t make a difference to the playability.

Tech

Besides the twisted shaft, there is something called Triple Tube Technology (I like how they come up with these names!). It means the racquet is foam-filled in certain locations. Similar to what other brands like for example Tecnifibre or Angell do with their racquets. Foam-filled racquets generally offer good dampening, but a slightly muted feel.

Specs

The specs are very similar to the standard version. Basically a 10 gram difference from the 290g X100 to the 300g X100 Tour. You can compare them below.

Prince Twistpower X100 Tour

Head Size: 100 in / 645.16 cm
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight:11.2oz / 318g
Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 66
Beam Width: 24.5mm / 24.5mm / 20mm
Grip Type: Prince ResitTex Pro
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 18 Crosses

Prince Twistpower X100

Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight:10.8oz / 306g
Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight: 314
Stiffness: 66
Beam Width: 24.5mm / 24.5mm / 20mm
Grip Type: Prince Synthetic
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 18 Crosses (Mains skip: 8T,8H)

Playing level

Intermediate
+3.0 NTRP
+4.5 UTR

For player ratings, check this post.

Playing style

Baseliners who like to take charge of the point and hit with spin. This is a power/spin racquet.

Pros + and Cons –

Pros +
Power
Spin
Softer feel than many similar racquets

Cons –
You need to use plenty of topspin to control it
Can still be stiff to players with arm problems (check out my top comfort racquets here)

Stroke by stroke

Serve: Good power on serve
Groundstrokes: All about power/spin, but flatter hitters will lack control
Slice: Decent for the category
Touch: Excellent
Spin: Yes, lots

Competitors

I would place the Prince Twistpower X100 Tour in the spin and power category. It’s one of my favorite racquets in that category.

Babolat Pure Aero
HEAD Extreme MP
Tecnifibre TF-X1
Dunlop SX 300
Prince Ripstick 300

Verdict

I base some of these writings on my customized Prince Twistpower X100, where I added weight to 12 o clock and the handle to achieve similar specs to the Prince Twistpower X100 Tour. I hope to do a full review of the Tour version as soon as a demo is available to Tennis Warehouse Europe. However, since the difference is only weight, I think players who are open to customizing racquets can get a similar response from their regular Twistpower racquet.

I think the Twistpower is one of the best spin/power racquets out there based on the wonderful feel you have on impact. There is a crisp yet plush response that is hard to describe unless you have played with the first generation Aero Pro Drive. But it’s reminiscent of that one with a bit more comfort.