• Head Size: 98 sq. in. MP
  
• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: Strung — 11.4 oz Unstrung — 10.9 oz
• Tension: 53-63 Pounds
• Balance: 12 Pts. Head Light
  
• Beam Width: 21mm
  
• Composition: Graphite
  
• Flex: 59
  
• Grips Type: Prince Resipro
  
• Power Level: Low
• String Pattern: 16 Mains / 16 Crosses
• Shared Holes: None
• Mains Skip:  7T, 7H, 9T, 9H
  
• Swing Speed: Medium-Fast
• Swing Weight: 285

The Prince Tour ESP is one of the many new Prince racquets with the new ESP technology (Extreme String Pattern). It also incorporates Prince’s EXO3 technology, which helps creates a larger sweet spot on the racquet. A weight of 11.4 oz strung, a swing weight of 285 and a 12 point head light balance make this racquet very unique.

Groundstrokes
From the baseline this racquet is excellent. It has a very nice clean feel and allows for ridiculous amounts of spin on your shots. When playing with the Tour 98 ESP, I felt like I could hit the ball slightly harder and it would still drop into the court. Also, a nicely timed drop shot might play well when done right. It has a high strung weight but with its head-light balance, it feels closer to a 10 oz. racquet. Those players looking for a heavy racquet with a lighter feel might want to try this racquet out for themselves. For someone who is an aggressive baseliner, this racquet could enhance your playing style.

Volleys
Volleys had a lot of pop and a nice feel to them, but I couldn’t get as much control as I wanted at times. On overheads I was able to create a lot of spin and power when I needed it, making this frame better for put away shots than trying to do something fancy with the ball.

Serves
Serves were great with this racquet. The spin on my slice was on point, and the jump on my kick serve was more than I normally see on most racquets. You get spin and power with slight less control, but if you have been playing for a while you should know how to compensate for this loss. The players with a big flat first serve might not get all that the racquet provides, but those with good slice and kick serves will most definitely like the addition of spin.

Overall
Overall, this is racquet is very appealing with its glowing yellow frame and black outlining. It is most definitely comparable with Wilson’s Spin Effect technology. I usually use the Steam 99S, and I felt that the racquets were somewhat similar in their play. This racquet is perfect for someone who wants a little extra mass to work with and loves to maximize spin. The addition of the double bridge vibration dampener was nice as well; the racquet felt that much more stable while I was hitting with it. The Tour 98 would be great for a 3.0-4.5 NTRP rated player.

About the Reviewer: Corey Thompson is a student in the Professional Tennis Management Program. He is PTR certified for both 10 and Under as well as Adults.