Prince Tour 98 2026 Racquet Review

The TW playtesters could aim for small targets and execute riskier shots from the baseline with the Prince Tour 98 2026 in hand. While Brittany tends to prefer 100-square-inch racquets, this last year she has found herself enjoying the 98-square-inch head size more and more. She said, "I needed just a small adjustment period to get used to the racquet, and then I was really able to get into a groove. The first thing I noticed was that this racquet veered slightly toward control, and I had to add a little extra to get my pace up. At the same time, the Tour 98 2026 did a great job of absorbing pace, so I was able to return hard-hit shots with ease. Even though there wasn't as much free power, I loved how precise I could be, and I could go after my shots. There was definitely access to spin, and I enjoyed mixing in some high loopier shots and some short angled shots to keep my balls out of my opponent's strike zone. I also found success slicing the ball, and I felt confident when I had to drop a hand to hit a reaching one-handed backhand."

“I almost switched to the ATS Textreme Tour 98 when I hit with it, but it was just a tad too soft for my taste (and I didn't love the cosmetic)," said Michelle. "I was eagerly awaiting this updated 2026 version, and I was really happy with it right away. The beam felt slightly firmer, with a bit more pop, but there was still plenty of control. The Tour 98 2026 was stable and fluid to swing, and I found I could access all the pace I needed and good depth. The only issue I had during this playtest was that I was testing the Tour 100 310g alongside the Tour 98 2026, and I had never really hit with the ATS version of that racquet. I sort of became smitten with the 310-gram Tour and was putting what it has to offer ahead of this Tour 98. Both racquets work really well for my game by reining in my power. Both racquets also offer me good control and targeting, with enough mass to put balls away on my terms. I would say the Tour 100 310g is a bit more powerful, and the 16x18 stringbed helps me with a little extra safety on my defensive shots."

Chris loved the control of the Tour 98 2026 from the baseline. He said, "I felt very confident with this racquet in my hands. I was hitting for the corners during point play and never felt the need to take my foot off the gas. The Tour 98 2026 also had great feel. I felt very connected to my shots, and I loved the plush and comfortable response. I think Prince has done a great job making this racquet feel silky smooth without making the feel muted by over dampening it. I also got a little more pop on my shots when comparing this racquet to the previous model. I didn't find a huge difference between the two, just a bit more power and stability from the updated Tour 98 2026."

The TW playtesters enjoyed the stable and responsive feel the Tour 98 2026 offered on volleys. Chris had nothing but positives to share in this category. He said, "Just like the previous version, this Tour 98 2026 was an absolute gem at net. I loved the solid response and comfort, and the good blend of control and power. I was able to place my volleys very well, and when given the chance to be offensive, I found ample power to help me get the ball away. I liked that the racquet stayed stable on more defensive shots, and I was able to effectively dig out some tough low volleys."

"Volleys were probably my favorite shot to hit with the Prince Tour 98 2026 for several reasons," added Brittany. "The racquet was plenty maneuverable for me, and I was able to get it into position easily and quickly. It was also stable enough to volley back even the hardest hit passing shots. Then there was the feel. I have loved the Prince feel since back in my junior days 25-plus years ago, and I instantly get nostalgic every time I use a Prince racquet. I felt really connected to the stringbed, which allowed me to get creative with my volleys. I loved how crafty I could be!"

Michelle agreed with the other playtesters, saying, "Volleying with this racquet was awesome! I had a chance to do some point play against Lucas during this review, and unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to come to the net because he was kicking my butt so well around the court. But, when I was able to get up there, the racquet did exactly what I asked of it. I enjoyed hitting first volleys and putting the point away at the net. I found good touch and felt really comfortable against big hitters up there. I was so comfortable at the net that I would just close tight and swipe the ball away."

Consistency and spin were the name of the game for the TW playtesters when it came to serving with the Prince Tour 98 2026. Michelle preferred the feel of this 2026 model over the last generation. She said, "I enjoyed serving with the Prince Tour 98. The updates seemed to help with a bit of pop and pace on first serves, and the string pattern made it easy for me to find some spin and good kick. The racquet felt very predictable and super reliable when I was serving."

Chris also served well with the Tour 98 2026. He said, "I was able to get some nice slice and pace on first serves. I was also able to get my slice serve to kick wide nicely on the deuce side. I even snuck in some aces here and there. On second serves I was able to be consistent. My serves had enough spin to allow me to give the net good clearance and still get the ball to dip well within the lines. I wouldn't say I was getting tons of extra power, but I was finding enough to get the job done."

Brittany utilized spin and precision more than pace on her first serves with the Tour 98 2026. She said, "I loved hitting slice serves into the body on both sides. When I wanted to go for a slightly riskier first serve, I would go wide on the deuce side. Every now and again, I would add some extra racquet head speed and flatten out my serve. However, that took a little more out of me, and I would preferred to conserve my energy over the course of a match. I tapped into the spin potential on my second serves. There wasn't anything specific that I loved or disliked on the second, but it got the job done."

Returning serves with the Tour 98 2026 was easy for Brittany. She said, "I was able to step in, take a big cut at the ball and aim for bigger targets. I was able to start off offensively whether I was returning first or second serves. On first serve returns, like with groundstrokes, I was able to absorb the power and redirect it to riskier targets. I never had any fear of overhitting. I had to add a little extra effort to get the pace I wanted on second serve returns, but I felt fully in control."

Chris said, "One of my favorite shots to hit with the Tour 98 2026 was the return. This racquet felt great off both wings. The solidness, comfort and control of this racquet at impact really impressed me. During point play I found myself naturally returning aggressively. I found equal success going cross court and down the line, which allowed me to return with good variety."

Michelle felt in complete control when it came to returns. She said, "I had a chance to playtest this Tour 98 side by side with the Tour 100 310g, and what I really loved about both racquets was how well they absorbed pace when I needed it the most. I can get a little excited about going for big shots off my return, and this racquet helped rein in my shot selection. I could also put balls away against weaker serves. It was just super stable and solid!"