Prince really make the O3 badminton racket and now is avaliable in Japan.....

Thanks. I heard that there would be O3-type badminton rackets, your pic pretty much confirms it for me.

I would like to know what is Prince's warrenty policy before I get myself one of these.

thumbs up for them pushing through innovation to a commercial product. Beside it's grommetless (sweetspot area), it achieved a new manufacturering process as well.

:eek: :eek:
Looks good! So many new n innovative rackets nowadays, wonder if I can resist the temptation. :p

found this from a google search

The link is here!

http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/news/bado3/index.html

Dang,

Looks fantastic. I definetely wanna string some of those !! My way of course.

Cheers !

TBBMBB(N)

Can't wait to get one and test drive it:)

Funny that I just thought of the grommet-less racket idea and Prince already made a racket.

BTW, my grommet-less racket is playing in good condition and string is holding very good.

BTW, my grommet-less racket is playing in good condition and string is holding very good.

You need to hit harder! :p :D

This is Fantastic Technology!!!!

Come to think of it, Imagine 2 rackets of the same make, example Cab 22, 1 with O3 technology and 1 standard. Same weight class as well, say 86gramss.

The O3 Cab 22 version (Of same weight) should defo perform better and be more durable due to the following reason!

1) Same amount of materials +
2) Less 'area' due to 'big round holes =
3) More materials per 'area' which equates to =
4) a denser construction which increases on frame Strength & Durabitily + Concentration of 'mass' which might
5) increase performance ?

Awesome!!!!

This is defo open to discussion tho. Please feast yourselves.

:D:D
TBBMBB(N)

ps. Musclepower is like so dead!

I hope it's not as fragile as the N series.

It comes in pink. I'm getting one! (as a gift for someone :) )

i think grommetless is not that advantageous as in tennis racket.
durability is more important in badminton

From what I can see of the frame it looks like the racquet uses average grade materials and a wide tip cross-section, the latter type of design is to compensate for cheaper raw materials but at the expense of head speed.

i think grommetless is not that advantageous as in tennis racket.
durability is more important in badminton

I concur wholeheartedly.

Ants,

Any news from Yonex? Come on! You must have tested a Yonex prototype already!!!! Fill us in!

:D:D:D

TBBMBB(N)

I concur wholeheartedly.
that's why yonex alway play it safe. See how well the new technology hold out for a year or two. If the market accepts it, there're in and even make improvement on it. If not, they look like a genius:D

Personally, i believe muscle power bumps are sufficiently close to a true grommetless frame. Yonex prolly likely not make such a huge change in frame design just for a minor improvement from their MP frame and MP grommets.

i think grommetless is not that advantageous as in tennis racket.
durability is more important in badminton


Exactly! I think this technology has great potential to increase the following :-
1) Frame strength and durability !
2) Even Head speed!!!

I'm not talking about this Prince O3 racket. I'm talking about the tech!!!

TBBMBB(N)

Wow--nice racquet I want one!!!! Do you guys know where you can buy it around vancouver/richmond area?? Or is it not out yet?

hmmm.. does prince have a site for the 03 site??

I used Google Language Tools' "Japanese to English beta" to translate the page. Among the claimed advantages of the O3 technology are:

1) O-Ports allow for greater string(bed) repulsion from off-center hits.

2) More aerodynamic, greater swing speed.

3) O3 construction is stronger and more stable.

4) And I think in the description of the rackets there is mention that the shaft is 0.5mm thinner, and 5mm longer?

The Prince Oversize series is already selling for around S$130, I shudder somewhat to imagine how much this O3 series will cost. And the pink colored racket! Do many ladies prefer to use a racket of pink color if they are able to?

Wow--nice racquet I want one!!!! Do you guys know where you can buy it around vancouver/richmond area?? Or is it not out yet?

You can get it from www.shuttle-house.com (http://www.shuttle-house.com).

Do many ladies prefer to use a racket of pink color if they are able to?

Sure, if it looks good. :D

Yours for ~$165 USD + shipping from Japan.

http://shuttle-house.com/PAGE_top_JAPANESE/MAIL_ORDER/category/PRINCE/RACKET/7B478J_b.jpg

Agreed with the durability and tech perfomance from other members. If you are a hard hitter like NGP, I think the O spots might have problem to survive for a month :P. Hope some BFers can try it out and give us feedbacks soon.

So anyone ordering from shuttle house??

I too find that durability might be a suspect. But if they launch a series, I'm sure they've tested them countless of times..... though they should've asked Mr Dinkalot to test it first too! :p

http://shuttle-house.com/PAGE_top_JAPANESE/MAIL_ORDER/Meker_Catalog/PRINCE_07/PRINCE_07_1top.html

http://shuttle-house.com/PAGE_top_JAPANESE/MAIL_ORDER/Maker_Cataloge.html

that's why yonex alway play it safe. See how well the new technology hold out for a year or two. If the market accepts it, there're in and even make improvement on it. If not, they look like a genius:D

Personally, i believe muscle power bumps are sufficiently close to a true grommetless frame. Yonex prolly likely not make such a huge change in frame design just for a minor improvement from their MP frame and MP grommets.

Well, If they promote it with 'Effortless Power' and such, I'm sure it will be a hit in no time!!! :D

TBBMBB(N)

I just called Mr Lim at Artric. He says stock has not arrived in Spore yet.

I wonder if Oakley will get mad over the symbol? it's pretty similar looking.

But then again, it's not like Oakley would take notice of a badminton racquet.

I just called Mr Lim at Artric. He says stock has not arrived in Spore yet.

so it's coming to s'pore??? :eek: did he mention roughly when?

what's Artic Sports no btw? :D

Anyone know the max string tension for this racket? 30+lbs?

i think grommetless is not that advantageous as in tennis racket.
durability is more important in badminton

Agree with Coller 100%. Also, because the top fram suppore is less, any miss hit by our lovely Panda will kill the racquet because it give a section to cave in when you miss hit on the top. That is why I want to make sure the prince gives good warrenty. Also, to comp for the miss meterial, the frame has to be thicker to comp for the missing meterial. Does anyone has the spec about the prince o3. I am guessing it it head heavy with lower recommanded tension.

Just my guess.

From the catalogue, the recommended stringing tension is between 20-26 lbs.

From the catalogue, the recommended stringing tension is between 20-26 lbs.

From Sir Dink;s picture, it says 17-25lb. Now I am confused.

From Sir Dink;s picture, it says 17-25lb. Now I am confused.

sorry, I meant the highest end model. o3 white!

http://shuttle-house.com/PAGE_top_JAPANESE/MAIL_ORDER/category/PRINCE/RACKET/7B476J_b.jpg

So anyone ordering from shuttle house??

Yep, I've ordered from them twice. I didn't have any problems but it does take a bit longer as I believe only one person there handles english accounts/transactions.

Also, the shipping is expensive and you get some kind of exchange rate transaction fee charge to your credit card.

When I clicked the title "wtf, a ozon-hole-topic on BC?"
but I'm a geek...

tech looks interesting, but wouldn't snug fitting-holes make for more feel in your racket? instead of letting it vibraten freely and uncontrolled?

From Sir Dink;s picture, it says 17-25lb. Now I am confused.
it says 17-23lb

Not sure thats just a gimmick?

But the paint job is ugly! Japs need to address that before they consider selling here in Europe.

Also I think they may get a lawsuit from these fellas:

http://www.o2.co.uk/


hmmm

of course it's a gimmick!:p
the last five years of racket production/marketing has been all about gimmicks!

and I don't think O2 pattented the letter O..so they should be fine;)...

they've more to fear form the scientist-comunnity...as the molecular formule for Ozon is O3...

so it's coming to s'pore??? :eek: did he mention roughly when?

what's Artic Sports no btw? :D
No idea exactly when.

Artric Pacific Sports, at Sembawang Shopping Center, until late Feb anyway cos the entire building is to be redeveloped.

Mr Soh at Classic will be able to tell you more about Artric. Quite a few threads mentioning the place as well :;

No idea exactly when.

Artric Pacific Sports, at Sembawang Shopping Center, until late Feb anyway cos the entire building is to be redeveloped.

Mr Soh at Classic will be able to tell you more about Artric. Quite a few threads mentioning the place as well :;

No, I know where it is as I've been there a couple of times b4 a few years ago. I just need their contact number.

No, I know where it is as I've been there a couple of times b4 a few years ago. I just need their contact number.

modious..here's Artric Pacific Sports number.. 67536486 ;)

alamak! sorry, I misread your sentence as "what is Artric Sports" instead of "what is Artric's phone number". me yes stoopid.

prince definately needs a lesson in design...

The O3 pink is very very disapointing. Black and pink... looks so... 촌스러워

if you need english world for 촌스러워, it would be out dated or old school.

Maybie better one would be the look is ugly. (probably simplest way of saying it)

This thing just looks like small squash raquet

I reckon these badminton rackets will be only be available in Japan. As you probably know, Daiwaiseiko is the Prince distributor in Japan.
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/bad/index.html

Sharapova plays with a O3 White tennis racket (18x19, 27.25inches) which I understand is sold only in Japan:
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/products/rackets/o3/io3xfw.html

Sharapova plays with a O3 White tennis racket (18x19, 27.25inches) which I understand is sold only in Japan:
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/products/rackets/o3/io3xfw.html

It should be available everywhere as long as the distributor is willing to bring it in. After all, whats the point of celebrity endorsement if the racquets are only sold in one country :) And it's not the most expensive O3 racquet....

http://www.princetennis.com/product/product_detail.asp?categoryID=252&Product=1379

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3W.html

The O3 White tennis racket sold worldwide has a 16x19 string pattern and is 27inches long. The Japanese version has a 18x19 string pattern and is 27.25inches long.

I would be very interested in the Japanese o3 white if its sold in Singapore :)

modious..here's Artric Pacific Sports number.. 67536486 ;)

thanks for the contact! :)

I asked Mr Lim at Artric again. He says that the Prince distributor is unsure whether to bring in the O3 badminton rackets cos the grommet-less, but larger string holes probably cannot handle string tensions above 24lbs... :(

I asked Mr Lim at Artric again. He says that the Prince distributor is unsure whether to bring in the O3 badminton rackets cos the grommet-less, but larger string holes probably cannot handle string tensions above 24lbs... :(

But the top model recommended tension is between 20-26lbs! Well let's see if anyone in BC is brave enough to buy it and give some feedback. :D

Ok im ready to buy, link me! Where can i buy one for shipping to UK

Nah, they're coming out in US late Feb. Stay tuned.

O3... hmm, so it is grommetless ? how does that help?

O3... hmm, so it is grommetless ? how does that help?

This is Prince's write-up on their o3 technology for tennis racquets:
http://www.princetennis.com/product/technology_library.asp?categoryID=-1

i came across some more pics of the o3 badminton racket...


http://bbs.168p.net/attachments/month_0612/prince_02_WwhKGOAjrm3O.jpg
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/news/bado3/images/badtt2.gif
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/news/bado3/images/badp03.gif
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/news/bado3/images/badp04.jpg
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/news/bado3/images/badp08.jpg
http://www.daiwaseiko.co.jp/tennis/news/bado3/images/badp09.jpg

http://bbs.168p.net/attachments/month_0612/prince_04_y6dsXs32ArTR.jpg
http://bbs.168p.net/attachments/month_0612/prince_05_mzhTdyoZ8zaX.jpg
http://bbs.168p.net/attachments/month_0612/prince_06_S9M7cJyFGzfG.jpg

2 things I found interesting.
1) you can only string it 1 way only. that means the grommets will be wear out sooner.
2) on the picture show the aero dynamic. they seen to take the picture directly from their tennis ad. the picture is wrong because unlike tennis, badminton smash do not use top spin so the air do not travel through fram that way. my educated guess is if you put it through the wind tunnel with the face against the wind, it will produce more drag than MP or NS frame.

Seems like another failed design for badminton, just like Wilson N2 N4 N6.

Very interesting!!

I really like that Prince tries this.. I am eager to test how these rackets play!!

/Twobeer

2 things I found interesting.
1) you can only string it 1 way only. that means the grommets will be wear out sooner.


I don't agree with you on that. The topside will not be a problem since all stringing methods wil have the 12'o'clock position the same way (because otherwise, the T joint will have a string wrapped around it). However, before you start stringing with a non-conventional method (like I do with my around the world method) you should take some time to consider how to weave the first cross-string. If you do that one right, the rest will follow in the right pattern.

Hi Erwin,

Thank you for not agree with me. That means either I did not do a good job of explaining my point of view or I made a mistake. I think I was not clear with what I mean regarding you can only string it "one way".

For most of badminton racquet, they have symmetrical grommet holes. that means, you can start from middle main and work your way out and tide off the mains and start cross left or right A6 (4knots method) and makes no difference. While o3 has to start and tide off on specific grommet hole, the string will pass through the same grommet hole the way every time. That will cut into the grommet hole on the top and damage the grommet faster on the top of the frame. What I usually do is to alter direction so the grommet will wear out both way. As a stringer, some time it is a pain to take out the damaged grommet because it is split on the top and the other side is flared already. Yes, it cost me less than1 cent per grommet. However, I just don't like to take out broken grommet. And it might be good since o3 did eliminate many grommet on the top and side.


I don't agree with you on that. The topside will not be a problem since all stringing methods wil have the 12'o'clock position the same way (because otherwise, the T joint will have a string wrapped around it). However, before you start stringing with a non-conventional method (like I do with my around the world method) you should take some time to consider how to weave the first cross-string. If you do that one right, the rest will follow in the right pattern.

Hi Erwin,

Thank you for not agree with me. That means either I did not do a good job of explaining my point of view or I made a mistake. I think I was not clear with what I mean regarding you can only string it "one way".

*cut
Well I guess we're both right... I thought you meant that the racket could only be strung using a specific pattern, which isn't the case.

About using both sides of the grommets, that's true for the sides. But since there are no grommets there, they won't be damaged. You're right about the grommmets on the shoulders of the frame though. But with my usual pattern they are all used both ways (If you know what I mean). So that makes no difference. I understand that it does make a difference for two-piece stringjobs, and one-piece bottom up.

Talking about how grommets can be a serious pain in the ass: This weekend I was stringing at a tournament, when I got the racket from a friend of mine. He usually gets his racket strung by someone else who doesn't replace grommets at all. Ont his racket a total of about 40-50 grommets were broken. I spent three hours working on that racket, two of which i was trying to get out a few grommets of which the middle part was stuck inside the frame. Next time I get such a wreck, he gets to remove all of the grommets himself.

so, what do these baby's cost?

and who dares to string em above 24lbs?

How about you all send me €1. I'll buy one of these, string it at 30lbs and I'll make a video of it. If it breaks, you have a great laugh en you know which racket to buy. If it holds, you can give it a try at any <30lbs tension. :p

How about you all send me €1. I'll buy one of these, string it at 30lbs and I'll make a video of it. If it breaks, you have a great laugh en you know which racket to buy. If it holds, you can give it a try at any <30lbs tension. :p

LOL!!!!! That laugh!!:D

I wonder if Oakley will get mad over the symbol? it's pretty similar looking.

But then again, it's not like Oakley would take notice of a badminton racquet.

lol i was thinking the same thing... the logo looks very similar to Oakley type logos :p

also agreed about what cooler said in regards to grommetless frames.
or the MP frame & or MP grommets...

what is with those giant gaping holes???
i wouldn't mind picking one up just to have someone string it (i dont have my machine anymore lol)...
very interesting design...

1. grommets are replaceable!

2. You obviously don't have the concept of tennis topspin versus badminton slice smash/drops....:confused: ....tennis top spin=badminton slice drop. So the big holes will benefit aerodynamically....a little bit.

2 things I found interesting.
1) you can only string it 1 way only. that means the grommets will be wear out sooner.
2) on the picture show the aero dynamic. they seen to take the picture directly from their tennis ad. the picture is wrong because unlike tennis, badminton smash do not use top spin so the air do not travel through fram that way. my educated guess is if you put it through the wind tunnel with the face against the wind, it will produce more drag than MP or NS frame.

....2) on the picture show the aero dynamic. they seen to take the picture directly from their tennis ad. the picture is wrong because unlike tennis, badminton smash do not use top spin so the air do not travel through fram that way. my educated guess is if you put it through the wind tunnel with the face against the wind, it will produce more drag than MP or NS frame.

In the real world (I mean considering smashing/slicing/driving moves), although It might not be much aerodynamically better, but it seems that it might not produce more drag as well:confused:

1. grommets are replaceable!

2. You obviously don't have the concept of tennis topspin versus badminton slice smash/drops....:confused: ....tennis top spin=badminton slice drop. So the big holes will benefit aerodynamically....a little bit.

1) yes, they are replaceable, some time it is just pain to remove them. Obviously you are very lucky that you have not run into too many broken grommets.
2) Yes, I play tennis 3 time a week. You swing at full power when you hit a top spin in tennis. For slice drop, the O grommetless design will have very small effect since you are not swing at full power (70~80% of full power) anyway. Also, Prince uses wide body design on O3. Guess what, it will have more air resistant than normal thinner frame.

Anyone know what a rough estimate of this racket is?

Now, let's pretend I don't know what a grommet is..

I'd really like to try one of these. I am not afraid to say I am just completely split between tennis and badminton. I can't say I really love either more.

If you follow the pros closely, you will know most of them are using racquets from 10 - 20 years ago that they've painted to look like the latest thing. Most will use what they used when they won their first grand slam and barely change anything from then on other than strings and grip perhaps.

The 03 is a racquet you can't "paint". Many Prince pros have switched. Nikolay Davydenko, actually started climbing the ranks almost as soon as he switched to this racquet. He swears by it and claims it made his game better. Don't believe it, he's 4th right now. Believe me he was nowhere near the top 10 before.

a quick google of 7B476j reveals many japanese retailers selling the top end o3 white for around 17,600ish yen.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c2coff=1&q=7B476j&btnG=Search

anyone going to japan soon? :p

Any Reviews ?

Has any one on the forum bought these rackets ? It would be nice if you post areview for them

Thanks

Was in Ho Chi Minh City for the weekend and was surprised to find the O3 white/pink/silver badminton racquets available at a Prince retail outlet opposite my hotel. Each racket costs ~USD100.

Someone said it will be in the US by feb. Is it actually here yet? and anyone even have one?

:eek: so the racket has no grommets, and it makes it better how?
i only see things going wrong!:confused:

anyone have reviews on them? I know a place called e78 is selling them for about 680 HKD. So yea...

I've seen the Prince O3 badminton racquets both in Japan and in NewZealand. The maximum reccomended string tension is way above Yonex', 28lbs :O

2-yota and I got a few of these in HK. We looked in Japan but HK is significantly cheaper. One was the white, one blue and one pink which was given away as a gift.

I haven't played with these yet but he has. From what I see so far, the cosmetic finishing is below regular Prince quality. I would hazard a guess that it is produced at a different factory than the one that does the NXG,OS-series,Classic series. Performance?

Hey 2-yota, care to post a review?

As ph_leung mentioned, we recently brought back some O3's. I really haven't played enough with them to give them a fair assessment. The reason I haven't used them much to begin with is because they just never felt right when I played with them. The word to explain the character of the racket is 'dead'. The hits are more of a "thud" rather than a lively "zzing" when compared to my other conventional rackets. But like I said, in defence of the O3 design, I really haven't given them enough court time. Heres a casual feedback report on them:

- O3 Blue (iso): only played for 5 min; stringer was careless and broke the racket. For the brief time I hit around with it, it didn't seem as well-rounded as the Red. Balance pt: 287mm.

- O3 Red (iso): fairly quick racket for defense. OK power for smashing too. Good all-around. Balance pt: 287mm.

- O3 White (oval): not as much a defense racket. A bit more power than the red for smashes yet it's still not considered a beast. Balance pt: 302mm.

Other notes: the White has a thicker/stiffer shaft when compared to the Red and the Blue (also thicker/stiffer than the Pink and Silver). All my rackets are strung with BG80 @ 28lbs. The finishing of the O3's are so-so. I'd be gracious giving it a 7/10. The thermo-bags they come with are very nice though.

NoName1225: most badminton shops in HK sell the O3's for $680HKD (all colours). Department stores and sports shops in malls sell them for slightly more. This price includes strings however some places will take about 15% off if you don't need stringing. Slightly off topic but for about the same HK price, the Wilson K-Factor plays much better than the O3's. Finishing is also top-notch on the K-Factor too.

If I have any further review of these rackets, I will post back in the future. Anyways, heres a few pictures:

http://www3.telus.net/public/twoyota/Badminton/hkshop1.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/twoyota/Badminton/hkshop2.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/twoyota/Badminton/o3blue.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/twoyota/Badminton/o3red.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/twoyota/Badminton/o3white.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/twoyota/Badminton/3hkrackets.jpg

Wow, great looking rackets. What store did you get these at?