Hello to everyone! After a long absence I am back and ready to share some new stuff with you. Over the last several weeks I have been meeting with all of the manufacturer’s reps and seeing all of the new products for 2009. In the next several weeks I’ll be going through aof them and what they will be offering, but today I’m going to stick with Prince, and their new string offering for 2009.
On a personal note, a friend of mine, who was a former rep of mine is now in charge of designing the new strings for Prince, and these are his first offerings to the public! I was very excited to see what new things his expertise would bring to Prince, and how he would improve their strings. I have not had a chance to hit with any of these yet, so this will be a strictly informational post, but rest assured that I will let you know what I think once I get them in my sticks and have a hit!
Premier LT16/17:
This string falls into the playability series. The new concept for this string is “linear technology.” What that means is that the multifilaments are aligned in a parallel pattern, as opposed to other multifilaments that are twisted together. This allows for maximum dwell time, increasing comfort power and playability. It is available in both 16 and 17 gauge. I would guess that this string plays similar to Wilson NXT, and it should do well both as a full string job or as a hybrid. which we will get to later on.
This string falls into the playability series. The new concept for this string is “linear technology.” What that means is that the multifilaments are aligned in a parallel pattern, as opposed to other multifilaments that are twisted together. This allows for maximum dwell time, increasing comfort power and playability. It is available in both 16 and 17 gauge. I would guess that this string plays similar to Wilson NXT, and it should do well both as a full string job or as a hybrid. which we will get to later on.
Poly EXP 16/17/18:
This strings falls into the endurance string category. Looking to gain a share of the “softer poly” market they have introduced Poly EXP. prince says that this string is “a crisp feeling polyester with plenty of power and durability.” They have added 8 strands of softer poly to the core of this string to give it a softer feel (50% softer), for players who find traditional polys too harsh. This will compete with Luxilon ALU Power, Gamma Zo Tour, and will come in a bright Optic Yellow color (think tennis balls). It should also do well in a stand along set-up, or as a hybrid. This string is available in individual sets(16g, 17g, 18g) or 660′ reels (16g and 17g).
This strings falls into the endurance string category. Looking to gain a share of the “softer poly” market they have introduced Poly EXP. prince says that this string is “a crisp feeling polyester with plenty of power and durability.” They have added 8 strands of softer poly to the core of this string to give it a softer feel (50% softer), for players who find traditional polys too harsh. This will compete with Luxilon ALU Power, Gamma Zo Tour, and will come in a bright Optic Yellow color (think tennis balls). It should also do well in a stand along set-up, or as a hybrid. This string is available in individual sets(16g, 17g, 18g) or 660′ reels (16g and 17g).
Twisted 16L
This string is also in the endurance series. I see this string as a purely cosmetic choice for poly users. What Prince has done is combine two different colors of poly (black/yellow, black/white, or blue/white) into one continuous string. I would imagine that this will play like a traditional poly, without many bells and whistles. Prince claims it will offer a softer feel and a cool look. I did see it strung in one of the new Prince demos, and it has a crazy look to it!
This string is also in the endurance series. I see this string as a purely cosmetic choice for poly users. What Prince has done is combine two different colors of poly (black/yellow, black/white, or blue/white) into one continuous string. I would imagine that this will play like a traditional poly, without many bells and whistles. Prince claims it will offer a softer feel and a cool look. I did see it strung in one of the new Prince demos, and it has a crazy look to it!
Hybrid Spin EXPHybrid Power EXP
To take the trouble out of picking strings to hybrid together Prince has prepackaged two specialized hybrids to suit your needs. The first is Hybrid Spin EXP, which is a half set of Poly EXP (18g) and a half set of Premier LT (17g). The thinner poly strings that are meant for the mains will give you more bite on the ball, and since it is poly, you should have some decent durability. Hybrid Power EXP is the same two strings with 17g poly EXP and 16g Premier LT. The thicker strings will give you more durability, but not a noticeable jump in power.
To take the trouble out of picking strings to hybrid together Prince has prepackaged two specialized hybrids to suit your needs. The first is Hybrid Spin EXP, which is a half set of Poly EXP (18g) and a half set of Premier LT (17g). The thinner poly strings that are meant for the mains will give you more bite on the ball, and since it is poly, you should have some decent durability. Hybrid Power EXP is the same two strings with 17g poly EXP and 16g Premier LT. The thicker strings will give you more durability, but not a noticeable jump in power.
In the next couple of weeks I will post a full review on these new strings from Prince, but I thought that I would wet your appetite by showing you what was coming down the pike.
My plan is to make about two posts a week over the next couple of weeks to cover all of the new stuff that will be coming in the new year, so check back often, and don’t forget to come by the Essential Tennis Forums to discuss all of it!
