• Head Size: 97 sq. in. MP
  
• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: Strung — 12 oz Unstrung — 11.5 oz
• Tension: 55-65 Pounds
• Balance: 12 Pts. Head Light
  
• Beam Width: 23mm
  
• Composition: Graphite
  
• Flex: 68
  
• Grips Type: Prince Resi Pro
  
• Power Level: Low
• String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses
• Shared Holes: None
• Mains Skip:  7T, 7H, 9T, 9H
  
• Swing Speed: Fast
• Swing Weight: 295

The Prince Response 97 brings back a classic like feel with the new Prince Response. This racquet is great for players who have faster strokes and can create their own pace with this control-focused racquet.

Groundstrokes
I noticed plenty of pop to the groundstrokes. The 16x20 string pattern really helped with creating just the right amount of control and power. I felt this racquet was a little stiff (68 flex rating) and gave me some added power because of the stiffer frame compared to some of the other softer prince racquets. The weight (12 ounces) was helpful in dialing in my shots and hitting through the court. I felt the racquet was very stable and was easy to generate my own power from such a heavy frame.

Volleys & Serves
The volleys felt the best out of any stroke. I thought the racquet was pretty easy to maneuver around the net (7 points head light) and also very stable. Every volley I hit felt crisp coming off the racquet. There was no twisting at all and was easy to hit solid first volleys. This racquet is great for player that likes to serve and volley or make lots of net appearances. The heavier frame made it fairly easy to get some added pop when hitting flat serves. I think the mass and stiffness of the racquet attributed to that. When hitting slice and kicking it, I found it tough generate spin, but overall I liked serving with the racquet and thought it beefed up my first serve.

Fine Points
I liked the simple look of the racquet. The frame has some technology called a “Double Bridge” which is a dampener located in throat of the racquet which helps soften the vibration of incoming balls and reduces string vibration.

Overall
Prince has created a very nice racquet for 4.0+ players that like to move forward and play the net. It is great for the player that’s looking to add some easy power to their serves. It plays similar to the Wilson Six.One 95 16x18 and the Babolat Pure Control Tour.

About the Reviewer: Steve Roberts is the Co-Head Pro at Brookside Club of Saratoga in California. He is a graduate of the Professional Tennis Management Program at Ferris State University in Michigan. While there, he played for their national ranked division 2 tennis team. Steve is also a USPTA certified Elite Professional.