Price: $220
Head size: 100 sq. in. (mid-plus); 93 sq. in. (mid)
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.5 oz. (mid-plus); 12 oz. (mid)
Flexibility: Firm
Balance: 3/10 in. head light (mid-plus); 1 1/0 in. head light (mid)
Swingweight: 330
Ideal swing: Long
NTRP: 4.0–7.0 (mid-plus); 4.5–7.0 (mid)
Compare to: Prince Ozone Tour (mid-plus); Prince Graphite Original (mid)

How it tested: Besides the addition of O Ports, large grommetless string holes to reduce wind drag and provide more forgiveness, the updated Graphite is constructed with the new Energy Channel. The feature redistributes weight toward the outer edges of the hoop with a groove running inside the frame’s head (like a permanent piece of lead tape). The design is meant to increase stability so that less energy is lost at contact and more is transferred into the shot. As you would expect from a Graphite, this version is still low on power, but high on control and feel. Creating spin wasn’t difficult on serves, and you could direct them anywhere in the box. The mid-plus was viewed as more playable, but it doesn’t have the same level of stability as the heavier midsize. The Graphite also is available with grommets that can be placed in the O Ports to give the frame a more traditional, crisp response.

Playtester comments: “Has great plowthrough on groundies”; “A scalpel at net”; “When I brushed up on my strokes the ball jumped”; “Needed to be dialed in to really spank a shot.”

Bottom line: If you want control and a solid response, the new Graphite is hard to beat.