The Prince Graphite Classic Oversize 107: Is it truly a timeless classic? This legendary racquet, favored by tennis greats like Andre Agassi and Gabriela Sabatini, has stood the test of time for over three decades. Its enduring popularity among club players speaks volumes about its balanced feel and effective design. But does this vintage racquet still hold up against modern competition?This review delves into the performance of the Prince Classic 107, examining its power, control, and overall playability. We'll explore its specifications, including its oversized head size and impressive sweet spot, and analyze its strengths and weaknesses on the court. Discover whether this iconic racquet remains a worthy contender in today's fast-paced game, or if its legacy overshadows its current capabilities.
Pros And Cons
- Huge sweet spot
- Comfortable feel
- Plays ultra stable
- Off-center hits feel good
- Nice feel on volleys
- Remarkably precise for an oversized racket
- Swings easily with a relaxed swing
- Tougher time to get mass moving and serve big
- Struggled a bit with head speed
Read more: 5 Best Babolat Tennis Rackets to Dominate the Court
A Blast from the Past: History and Legacy
The Prince Graphite Classic Oversize 107 isn't just a tennis racquet; it's a legend. First hitting the courts over 30 years ago, it's enjoyed remarkable longevity, a testament to its design and playability. This racquet was wielded by tennis greats like Andre Agassi, Gabriela Sabatini, and Michael Chang, solidifying its place in tennis history.
Even today, many club players continue to rely on its performance, proving that classic design can stand the test of time. The enduring popularity speaks volumes about the racquet's balanced feel and effective design.
On-Court Performance: Feel, Power, and Control
During my testing phase with Head Lynx Yellow and String Project Magic strings (tension at 57 pounds), the Prince Classic 107 delivered impressive power. Its hefty graphite frame, sizable sweet spot, and comfortable feel are instantly noticeable. The racquet’s power is well-managed, making it suitable for a range of playing styles.
The thin beam cleverly compensates for the larger head size, ensuring a consistently connected feel despite its swing weight. Despite its size, it swings surprisingly effortlessly with a relaxed swing. This exceptional balance makes it remarkably versatile.
Specifications and Playability
My test racquet boasted a 107 square inch head size, a 19mm beam, weighed 339 grams, had a balanced point of 30 cm, and a swing weight of 333. These specifications contribute to its exceptional stability, especially on off-center hits.
While several iterations exist, the differences in stiffness are minimal, with overall playability remaining consistent across generations. The stability and feel make volleys particularly precise, despite the oversized head size.
Areas for Improvement: Serve and Head Speed
My only significant challenge was with serves. Generating sufficient head speed and mass to serve aggressively proved difficult. This was the only aspect of the racquet’s performance that felt somewhat limiting.
However, this minor drawback doesn't significantly detract from the racquet's overall excellent playability, making it a highly capable all-around racquet.
Final Verdict: A Classic Worth Considering
The Prince Graphite Classic Oversize 107 is a fantastic racquet that continues to impress. Its combination of power, control, comfort, and stability makes it a classic that lives up to its reputation.
If you’re not intimidated by the larger head size and appreciate a racquet with a rich history and proven performance, I highly recommend giving this racquet a try. Its consistent performance and classic feel make it a worthwhile addition to any player's bag.
