My first experience with the RED 105 was a sharp low backhand volley off of a return of serve. Though I didn’t win the point, the touch and control that the racket exhibited is what you would expect a racket to perform like at the net—a flawless feeling. My second shot was a forehand return of serve cross-court that was so hard an so well placed that I experienced euphoria at that very moment. Ok, shot number two was amazing! Does it get better?

 

 

Groundstrokes
As the specs of the racket detail, it’s a very light, very maneuverable and a very solid frame. I was very pleased with its swing weight and how it sliced through the air easily. The overall balance seems to be perfect for its intended use. I particularly like the combination of power and control---though a touch too much power for my game (I like to swing away a little more). Overall, and for most players, its power and control are dead on… lots of control and touch. I could see using this frame with a change of strings, possibly the new Prince Endurance to mitigate some of its power…but that’s only my preference.

 

I loved the feeling it gave me on both backhand and forehand with respect to its easy and solid feel. I was able to get the ball deep without a lot of effort, and the spin was fantastic. I didn’t need to over hit to generate any power and the control and touch was spot on. This racquet was definite winner on the groundstrokes. In my opinion I wouldn’t change much, other than its strings, as my only preferential item.

 

Return of Serve
Much like the groundstrokes, the return of serve was solid, very controllable, with very good power generation. I didn’t have any issues placing my shots or finding the sweet spot. Again, spot on perfect! The 9.9 oz and its head heavy balance made it VERY easy to plow through and control the shots.

 

Volleys
I’m not sure what to say here…the racket played perfectly, as do most Prince Rackets at the net. The touch and control are the best I’ve felt from any rack in a very long time. It produced a solid feel with great control and a predictable power. Again, sorry, spot on. Anyone playing doubles will die for this racket. It’s perfect at the net!

 

Serve
Even with the Sun, a little rain must fall. This was my most disappointing aspect of the racket and one that I rely on ‘heavily’ to get me out of some tight spots. I didn’t feel that the racket lived up to its full potential based on the other parts of the game. Even with its 27.25” length it didn’t generate the power I need to really feel like this frame was “the one”. From a second serve standpoint, control and placement were excellent, but I still lacked that “pop” when I need it, on both the first and second serve. I’m sure if I tinkered around a little more and adjusted a few items I could learn to love and live with it, but that’s for another day.

 

This racquet is best for 3.5-4.5 all court players looking for more control without sacrificing the power they already have. Players with moderate to fast swing speeds will be rewarded by using the RED 105. Its stability, feel and control are sweet music to everyone….its 9.9 ounces frame is light but well balanced and easy to maneuver. This racquet is a truly great frame and one of the best on the market.