PRICE $220
HEAD SIZE 100 sq. in. (MP); 110 sq. in. (OS)
LENGTH 27 in. (MP); 27.5 in. (OS)
WEIGHT 10.7 oz. (MP); 10.3 oz. (OS)
FLEXIBILITY Firm
BALANCE 3/10 in. HL (MP); 1/2 in. HL (OS)
BEAM WIDTH 24-28-24 mm (MP); 26-30-26 mm (OS)
IDEAL SWING Long (MP); medium to long (OS)
NTRP 4.0–5.5 (MP); 3.5–5.0 (OS)

COMPARE TO:
Prince Shark

HOW IT TESTED:
The first Shark was an excellent racquet, and this one is too. The big difference: Prince has incorporated its popular Double Bridge (DB) technology. Some of the main (up and down) strings are threaded through a shock-absorbing polymer located at the bottom of the head that reduces vibration without deadening feedback. The result is a solid-feeling, comfortable racquet that will be especially appealing to players who have had arm problems. The mid-plus and oversize are also slightly lighter and easier to swing than the originals—slightly. You still have to take a healthy rip to generate pop. This is a good thing if you’re an improving intermediate who wants a stick that will encourage you to develop better strokes. You also may find, as our playtesters did, that you can’t generate as much spin as you might like. But for driving through the ball this Prince will turn any minnow into a Shark.

BOTTOM LINE:
The comfort and solid feel should win you over.