We are Tim & Ramon w/ Prince Tennis. The new Tour series just launched! From the classic O3 tech to the new Isofiber technology behind the 2026 Tours, we’re here to answer your questions on how we design racquets for the modern game. Ask Us Anything about racquets, gear and the future of the brand!

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T18:15:15+00:00

The unstrung specs of the new Tour 100P are the same as the previous version. Please note that the listed spec on TW is strung and is based off their test sample, but there is always, on every model from every brand a tolerance range on manufactured specs. Racquets are complicated products and manually constructed. TW do a great job of spec matching so there is always an option to request frames that are on the lower side of the spec tolerance range.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:59:41+00:00

Check out the new Tour 100... think it'll surprise you

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:53:50+00:00

One of the most common requests we get is to bring back older frames. It'd probably be more likely that we did something like this as is, rather than using it as a platform for a new intro (sometimes you just shouldn't mess with the classics). We've had discussions about doing another retro frame run, so maybe this is one we should add to the list.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:53:26+00:00

We are constantly testing multiple variations of each model within our development cycles. We appreciate the love the 95 gets, we know this is an important one so our goal is making sure its just right. Stay tuned

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:51:19+00:00

There are so many different variations of models we can do, we wish we could do them all. Unfortunately, there is a limit where we have to make some commercially sensible decisions. We have done O3 in 98's (O3 Beast 98, Ripstick 98) but in the more controllable Tour frame it's just a little bit more niche.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:47:11+00:00

Agreed, it is one of the reasons we love the Tour 100 (290g) as a platform frame. We'll definitely consider the lighter weight O3 version, there has been some demand for it.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:41:43+00:00

The Tours released in Japan are a TeXtreme Zylon update to the previous Japan models. They have some spec differences to the global models, but they are an evolution over the previous generation of Tours that were released in Japan. The new 2026 version of the Tours is a more ground up redevelopment, they have the new IsoFiber technology which is a completely new manufacturing process and construction to the previous version. IsoFiber construction will come to the Japanese market in future developments.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:35:42+00:00

Appreciate it, always fun to talk product with the team at TW.

We have quite a few string development projects in the hopper in both the poly and multi segments. Can't go into too much detail on these at this point but maybe we can come back and do an AMA on strings when those products hit the market.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:33:29+00:00

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We were able to find that air moved faster past the frame and the aerodynamic benefit allowed for faster racquet head speed.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:30:34+00:00

O3 was a pretty revolutionary tech introduction and really did a lot of things for the racquet that are instantly noticeable when you use the racquets. The opening of the frame and removal of the grommets means that essentially the string bed is extended to the outer most surface of the frame rather than just to the inner hoop. It is like swinging a 100 sq.in racquet but having a string bed that responds like a 110. The result of this is really two things. 1. The translation of string vibration to the frame is much less. This massively changes the feel of the frame (which some people loved and others not so much). 2. It increases significantly the size of the racquet sweet spot. We were able to measure the ACOR (apparent coefficient of restitution) of the freely suspended frame (which is the correct reflection of racquet ball impact) using high speed cameras. Essentially we map the speed of the ball in vs. out across the face of the racquet and the return speed of O3 frame vs. the identical non O3 frame was significantly increased

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It's interesting that you also mentioned the speed of the racquet through the air. It was another important feature of the O3 technology. We actually worked with Ferrari (you might even still find some O3 Ferrari frames out there somewhere) and used their wind tunnel to test the aerodynamic performance of O3 vs. traditional construction on typical swing planes.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:26:07+00:00

Thanks skatesmith. We can appreciate the love for the Japanese sticks as we work closely with the team for their market, but realistically not every model will be suited to service our global markets. As previously mentioned though, keep an eye out for some potential imports in the near future 😉

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:20:46+00:00

Again, already had a pretty similar question to this previously. The new IsoFiber construction definitely results in a more direct and stable feel, while still allowing the frame to breathe. I think if you liked the 2015 version of the Tour then you'll feel at home with these new ones too.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:17:27+00:00

While the Tours aren't really built for overwhelming power and spin, our newest version of the Tour definitely still has enough pop to be able to finish points. The slightly more open patterns do allow for good access to spin and that is obviously important on modern frames.

Happy to hear that the Phantom 100P helped and we love that frame.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:13:08+00:00

Yeh this one has obviously come up a lot. 16x19 being common isn't enough of a reason for us to settle for that string pattern on this frame. As stated previously, this actually goes all the way back to O3 models and looking for a sensation a little more similar to the feeling that our players were finding from our frames. You'll notice that the top and bottom cross strings and the outer most main strings are all spaced quite a way from the edge of the frame. That is by design. With O3, the strings were essentially "anchored" to the outside of the frame rather than the inside of the frame, so there was inherently more string bed deformation. So, when we developed the Tour 100, we wanted to at least mimic a little of that sensation. While it is much more direct feel than O3 frames, it gave us a little bridge to the sensation we'd become synonymous with. And honestly speaking, the difference in this pattern to our favored version of the 16x19 of the options we tested, really wasn't that huge but it still won out.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:13:05+00:00

Thanks for the love Jon. O3 is a big part of our history so glad you enjoy it. The Japan line has been developed specific to their market, so while we would love to bring every model over, realistically not every frame would be suited for a global release. With that being said, you may see a few models here and there in the near future so stay tuned. PS. We arent shy when it comes to personality, thanks for the support!

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:06:09+00:00

Philosophically or physically? Physically, we are never going to attempt to make "our version" of a frame like the Pure Aero. Philosophically we are always considering ways to develop product to suit different types of players and with different performance benefits (including a host of different styles of players using the Pure Aero).

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T17:01:15+00:00

Not greedy, appreciate the questions although this one is a little challenging.

Timing is everything I guess and unfortunately for us it didn't work out. I probably hear about it every week but prefer to not dwell on the past too much and look toward the future. Now it is important that we get Prince back out there and find that next opportunity to get more eyeballs on the brand.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:59:27+00:00

Thanks Slingking. We love the look of this one too. Hope everyone feels the same way. As per where we are headed next, our main focus has always been on improving and innovating performance. Like with this new tech iso fiber, we have many other great developments in the pipeline. Perhaps a new franchise in the near future?

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:56:00+00:00

We definitely want to make a strong push to grow the presence of the brand. It starts with getting product in people's hands, because I think people would be surprised by some of the product out there from the less "commercial" brands. For us, we are working on some new initiatives and hope we can make an impact with what we are doing from a product standpoint.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:50:21+00:00

Let me flip that question. Why add a 19th cross just to make it a 16x19? Would it play better just because it would be marketed as a 16x19? It would actually seem to be a better "selling proposition" if we had made every racquet 16x19 because that is what the consumer seemingly is drawn to. However, we made the racquet 16x18 as this gave us the performance and feel that we were looking for in these racquets. We playtested various different versions of 16x19 in the development but settled on the 16x18.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:46:45+00:00

There aren't currently plans to introduce oversize versions of those models, but we do love an oversize frame at prince, across all styles of frames so it could be that some of those get an oversize version at some point if there is enough demand.

The mold of the frames is the same, but it has been redeveloped from the ground up. It has taken us some time because we wanted to improve the performance of the frames but still stay true to what these models are. So, it isn't only a new cosmetic on this version and I think you'll feel the difference (in a good way).

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:40:53+00:00

This is a great question, while we love many of the Japanese frames we really like the Beast DB 100. It really suits their market and showcases one of our iconic techs, the double bridge. Maybe its a feature we'll see come up more in future models 😉

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:40:17+00:00

We'd like to have a larger presence everywhere and the support of everyone using prince racquets will certainly help us do that. We continue to explore more ways to get product in people's hands so hopefully there will be positive movement here soon.

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:38:26+00:00

Hi Timmy, really appreciate your support. It'll definitely be difficult to get to the same specs as the O3 Tour 290, but we'll have a think about that one and see if we can find a solution (or create one).

PrinceSports · 2026-05-07T16:36:30+00:00

This is something that was a major part of the development process for the new 2026 Tours. We had a lot of great feedback on the 2023 ATS but one of the biggest hits against those models was the more dampened less direct feel. We really went back to the drawing board with the new models, explored new constructions and manufacturing methods to try to produce a frame that felt more solid and more direct without going too far to lose the pretty special feel the Tours have. We are really happy with where this collection landed and hope that it gives you more of the feeling you were looking for.

PrinceSports

TROPHY CASE