Prince EXO3 Fact Sheet

Following up on the release of Prince's EXO3 technology, here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the technology more.

What is EXO3 technology?

EXO3 technology is a game-changing, patented racquet design concept found only in Prince's 2009 line of performance frames. The heart of EXO3 is an engineering breakthrough called the Energy BridgeTM - an exo skeletal structure made from a blend of multiple strands of carbon fiber that creates tennis' first suspended string bed. This radical new design technology re-writes the laws of physics to actually capture more wasted energy at the crucial moment of impact and channel it back into the ball where players need it most. The result is a never-before-realized blend of power, spin, comfort and feel.

How exactly does it work?

When a racquet and ball collide, energy dissipates - causing players to lose some of the important attributes that make a great shot: power, precision, comfort and feel. The Energy BridgeTM suspends the string bed allowing the strings to move more freely, unlike traditionally constructed racquets which restrict them. The suspended string bed results in less frame vibration and more power. The Energy ChannelTM, a sculpted groove within the frame that enhances the dynamic benefits of the Energy BridgeTM, provides added stability, boosts ball control and increases spin. Together they capture more wasted energy (up to 26% more) and direct it back into the tennis ball. More energy into the ball means reduced frame vibration, increased outbound and rotational ball energy and velocity which result in more comfort, more spin, more control and more power.

Can I actually see EXO3 technology?

Yes. Throughout the course of racquet history the most successful, significant technologies were those that were most visible. EXO3, like O3 technology before it, is completely visible - something players can literally put their finger on. Because of the unique Energy BridgeTM construction and eye-catching cosmetics, racquets in the EXO3 line will look unlike anything else on the court and will be completely recognizable to players both up close and from a distance.

What exactly will it provide in terms of benefits?

Facts:

* EXO3 delivers up to 26% more energy back into the ball
* EXO3 provides a sweetspot up to 83% larger than a non-EXO3 racquet
* EXO3 creates up to 26% more spin
* EXO3 reduces frame vibrations by up to 50%
* EXO3 gives players up to 25% more control

Will players actually notice a difference when using EXO3?

Yes. With EXO3, Prince has ushered in a new era in performance racquets that is light years ahead in terms of design and production. As part of the development process, the company conducted extensive research/development trials and elaborate playtest initiatives with various player types including many of the best players in the world. Consistently, players commented on how much they were 'feeling' their shots with EXO3, how good the racquets felt in their hands and how this increased confidence in their game.

Different player types want different things from a racquet. So, does EXO3 work for everyone?

Prince has meticulously applied EXO3 technology, in varying degrees, to each model in the line in order to address the needs of all segments of the market. While the game improvement models will continue to delight the millions of players who have looked to Prince innovation over the years to help them play better and have more fun on court by offering unparalleled combinations of comfort and power, the two players spec models will offer state-of-the-art performance to advanced level competitors who are looking for more spin, precision and control benefits. The EXO3 Silver and EXO3 Red have been engineered with both the Energy BridgeTM and Energy ChannelTM technologies for players looking for ultimate comfort with plenty of power. The EXO3 Graphite and EXO3 Rebel will feature the Energy ChannelTM and will come in high performance weights, cross sections, beam widths, headsizes and string patterns.

Who invented EXO3 technology?

EXO3 is the culmination of a five-year research and development initiative led by Prince's industry-leading engineering team located outside of Venice, Italy. Born out of Prince's full understanding of its patented and trailblazing O3 technology, head engineer Roberto Gazzara and his team listened carefully to what players were asking and what they heard, consistently, was a wish for everything - more power, more control, more comfort and more feel, all in one racquet. Again on the forefront of racquet design, one of the beauties of what Gazzara and his team created with EXO3 is that the core technology delivers combinations of these benefits that will be appreciated by all levels of frequent players.

Will EXO3 racquets be played by any ATP or WTA touring professionals?

Word of the player frames in the 2009 EXO3 line is spreading fast among ATP and WTA players. Already, in recent weeks some of the world's best have engaged in extensive playtest programs and have made the switch from their current racquet model or previous racquet brand to play EXO3. Leading the charge come January will be Gael Monfils, the exciting twenty-two year old Frenchman who has decided to make the switch from his previous racquet brand to use the EXO3 Rebel 95 and will carry the EXO3 flag for the Prince brand. In coming weeks, fans around the world will see additional players playing EXO3.

I am seeing more and more sporting goods (baseball bats, hockey sticks, etc.) with holes in them - is this the same technology?

This is not EXO3 technology per se, but companies are licensing Prince's patented O-Tech platform (on which EXO3 is built) to incorporate O-Technology into their products. Whether it is baseball bats (www.reebokobat.com), lacrosse or hockey sticks, what you are seeing is Prince technology making an impact in sports outside of tennis. In fact, amazingly, this marks the first time in history that a tennis company has exported a technology to other sports. O-Tech has become increasingly visible and will continue to make a major impact in athletic performance.

VISIT THE EXO3 WEBSITE

January 6, 2009

Prince EXO3 Fact Sheet