RACKET TEST: the Prince
O3
Tour!
Nicol
David’s conversion to the Prince
O3
Tour could be seen to be successful with British Open and World titles and
former world No.1 Peter Nicol celebrated his move to the new racket with two
major titles – but how will it perform for average players. The Squash
Player tests and examines the new racket.
"The new racquet represents, without doubt, a significant new development by
Prince," explained Nicol. "The sweetspot is huge and the added power off the
wall pays huge dividends – I will definitely be using the racket all the
time from now on.
What’s different about the O3. Immediately you see the racket you
notice that instead of the traditional string size holes in the grommet
strip there are large oval holes that accommodate two strings and cover the
distance between the two strings. There are four oval double holes down each
side (accommodating eight of the cross strings) and four oval double holes
along the top accommodating the eight most important main strings. The main
strings wrap around the Prince innovated Power Ring in the throat which
gives the longest strings possible. With the Power Ring and the Oval holes
(Prince call them O-Ports) the string has the opportunity to move over its
entire length which has benefits of providing superb power. The Prince
design maximising the use of long strings and bringing them into play over
their entire length results in a larger sweet spot (Prince now call it a
sweet zone) which gives the ability to provide power over a wider range of
the string area. Even if your name is Peter Nicol the ability for off centre
power and control can be very useful.
The holy grail of squash rackets is to combine both Power and Touch (or
feel) each given by different (and opposing) stiffness profiles and
materials.
The O3 scores highly in both Power and Touch while maintaining
excellent Control and Stability. The removal of material on the sides has
not created any issues with stability and off centre shots can maintain good
control without twisting.
The grip, (as is now the way with most racket companies) comes very small
and even those with small hands will wish to place a grip over the top of
the manufactures provided grip. (Too smaller grip will lead to the racket
twisting in the hand on off-centre shots.)
This was a beautiful racket to play with. There was no jarring or vibration.
This is a mid-weight racket coming in at 145gms unstrung or approximately
157 strung so the ball still needs to be stroked no flicked but it is light
to hold, well balanced and easily manoeuvrable.
The bumper strip is regulation clear and regulation non-marking.
At present we have not heard of any durability issues.
Price and Suppliers:
The O3 comes with a recommended retail price of: £149.99
Discounted offers can be found at:
PWP- 0870 797776
Just Rackets- 01438 318100 (also see banner on SP home page)
Sweatband – (banner on SP home page). |