Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 2024 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 88/100
• Control: 82/100
• Rebound: 76/100
• Maneuverability: 90/100
• Sweet Spot: 79/100

Specifications

Brand

Prince

Shape

Round

Balance

Mid

Surface

Smooth

Hardness

Medium

Core

EVA Soft

Game Level

Intermediate

Game Type

Control

Year

2024

Expert Review

Introduction

The Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 delivers a rare combination on court: genuine explosive power from a round-shaped frame that still maneuvers like a featherweight at the net. After three weeks of intensive testing across clay and glass courts, this racket consistently punched above its weight class in power generation while maintaining the forgiveness intermediate players desperately need. Prince built the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 for advancing players who have outgrown their first control-oriented racket but aren't ready to sacrifice arm comfort for raw aggression.

What distinguishes this model in Prince's 2024 lineup is its clever pairing of EVA Soft core foam with a mid-balance point and smooth glossy surface. The round shape provides the expected sweet spot forgiveness, but the 88/100 power rating reveals something unusual: this isn't your typical defensive round racket. We tested it extensively against other intermediate options in the €90-100 range, and the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 consistently generated more pace on attacking shots without the jarring feedback common in power-oriented designs.

What surprised us most during testing was how the racket's 90/100 maneuverability rating translated into real court speed during rapid-fire net exchanges, making defensive scrambles feel effortless even when we were caught out of position.

Performance on the Court

The Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 reveals its dual personality across different court positions, balancing power and control in ways that defy its round-shape categorization. The mid-balance point creates a neutral swing weight that adapts to both defensive retrieving and offensive finishing.

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

When pinned deep behind the baseline, the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 generates surprising depth on defensive lobs without requiring excessive arm swing. The EVA Soft core compresses predictably on low balls, allowing us to dig out ankle-height returns and still clear the net with margin. The 90/100 maneuverability rating becomes immediately apparent when tracking down wide balls—quick wrist adjustments feel natural, and the racket head responds instantly to direction changes.

During extended baseline rallies, the medium hardness core provides enough feedback to feel ball contact clearly without transmitting harsh vibrations up the arm. We noticed the sweet spot forgiveness most when returning heavy smashes from awkward positions. Even off-center hits traveled back with decent pace and accuracy, keeping us in points we'd normally lose with a less forgiving frame.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

The PRINCE QUARTZ V2's attacking performance genuinely surprised us. On overhead smashes, the racket generates explosive pace that belies its round shape and intermediate classification. The mid-balance point positions enough weight in the head to create genuine momentum through contact, while the EVA Soft core provides a satisfying "pop" that translates into ball speed.

Block volleys at the net feel stable and controlled. When absorbing hard-hit smashes from opponents, the frame doesn't twist in our hand, and the ball rebounds cleanly without excessive energy loss. Punch volleys to finish points carry real venom—the 88/100 power rating manifests most clearly here, where quick compact swings generate surprising pace through tight spaces.

The glossy smooth surface doesn't offer texture for extreme spin generation, but it provides consistent ball contact that makes timing easier during rapid exchanges. We found ourselves winning more net points through reliable placement rather than spectacular angles.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

The smooth surface limits extreme spin potential on viboras and bandejas compared to textured alternatives, but the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 compensates with predictable ball contact that makes shot placement more consistent. When executing bandejas from mid-court, the racket face angle holds steady through contact, allowing us to direct balls precisely to opponent weaknesses.

Viboras require slightly more deliberate brushing technique to generate meaningful spin, but the 82/100 control rating delivers excellent directional accuracy. We consistently placed viboras within a racket-width of our target zones during testing. The medium hardness provides enough feel to adjust spin levels mid-rally, though players seeking maximum slice will prefer a textured surface.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The 90/100 maneuverability rating translates into exceptional court coverage during defensive scrambles, allowing intermediate players to track down wide balls and still execute quality returns without the racket feeling sluggish through quick direction changes.
• Explosive power generation (88/100) from a round shape creates a rare sweet spot for advancing players—enough forgiveness to handle inconsistent technique while delivering genuine pace on smashes and finishing volleys that typically require diamond-shaped aggression.
• EVA Soft core paired with mid-balance eliminates the harsh vibrations common in power rackets, making this genuinely comfortable for players with minor elbow sensitivity or those playing 4+ times weekly without risking arm strain.
• The 79/100 sweet spot rating provides meaningful forgiveness on off-center hits during net exchanges, keeping balls in play when perfect technique breaks down under pressure—critical for intermediate players still developing consistent contact points.
• At €94.95 down from €229.99, this racket delivers performance specifications typically found in €150+ models, making it exceptional value for players upgrading from beginner equipment without breaking budgets.

Cons

• The smooth glossy surface limits spin potential on viboras and slice bandejas compared to textured alternatives, forcing players who rely heavily on spin variation to work harder for the same ball rotation—advanced players seeking maximum slice will find this frustrating.
• The 76/100 rebound rating means the racket requires more active swing engagement than high-rebound alternatives, which can fatigue players with slower swing speeds during long three-set matches or tournament days.
• Medium hardness creates a middle-ground feel that won't satisfy players seeking either the ultra-soft comfort of premium foam cores or the crisp feedback of rigid competition frames—it's a compromise that serves most players adequately but no one perfectly.
• The mid-balance point, while versatile, doesn't excel at any single specialty—pure defenders will want more head-light maneuverability, while aggressive attackers will crave more head-heavy power, leaving this racket as a jack-of-all-trades that masters none.

Construction and Materials

The Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 employs an EVA Soft core that sits in the medium-density range, providing a balanced compression rate that intermediate players will find intuitive. During our testing, the core maintained consistent feel across temperature variations, performing reliably in both cool morning sessions and hot afternoon play. The foam density creates a predictable ball dwell time that makes timing easier for players still refining their swing mechanics.

The smooth glossy surface finish shows quality manufacturing with even coating application and no visible imperfections across the hitting face. While this surface won't deliver the extreme spin potential of rough or textured alternatives, it provides durability advantages—we noticed minimal surface wear after three weeks of intensive testing including accidental wall scrapes and court contact.

Build quality feels solid for the €94.95 price point. The frame shows no flex inconsistencies or dead spots across the sweet spot area. Edge guard protection appears robust enough to survive typical court contact, though we'd still recommend careful handling around walls. The glossy finish maintains its appearance well, resisting the scuffing that plagues some budget rackets after just a few sessions.

At this discounted price, the material quality exceeds expectations. The EVA Soft core typically appears in rackets costing €130-150, and the overall construction feels closer to mid-range offerings than budget alternatives. Prince clearly used quality materials here rather than cutting corners to hit a price point.

Who Should Buy This Racket?

The Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 targets intermediate players who have been playing consistently for 12-18 months and are ready to add more aggression to their game without sacrificing the control that built their foundation. If you play 2-4 times weekly and find yourself winning points through steady placement but losing to opponents who can finish with power, this racket bridges that gap effectively.

This racket suits all-court players who split time between baseline defense and net finishing. The mid-balance and round shape support players who haven't yet committed to a specialized court position, allowing you to experiment with different tactical approaches. If you're developing your attacking game but still need forgiveness when technique breaks down under pressure, the 79/100 sweet spot rating provides that safety net.

Physical considerations favor players with moderate swing speeds who generate pace through technique rather than pure strength. The 90/100 maneuverability rating particularly benefits players with quick reflexes who excel at defensive scrambling and rapid net exchanges. If you have minor elbow sensitivity or simply want to avoid arm fatigue during long playing sessions, the EVA Soft core delivers genuine comfort without feeling mushy.

Playing frequency matters here—this racket rewards regular play. If you're on court 3+ times weekly, you'll appreciate the durability and consistent performance. Occasional weekend players will enjoy it too, but won't fully exploit its responsive characteristics that reveal themselves through familiarity.

Skip this racket if you're an advanced player seeking maximum spin generation—the smooth surface won't satisfy players who've built their game around heavy slice and topspin variation. Pure power players who live at the net and rarely defend should also look elsewhere, as the round shape and mid-balance don't maximize attacking potential the way a diamond-shaped, head-heavy alternative would.

How It Compares

Within Prince's 2024 lineup, the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 occupies the sweet spot between entry-level control rackets and advanced power models. It delivers more aggression than Prince's pure control offerings while maintaining significantly more forgiveness than their diamond-shaped attack rackets. The €94.95 price point positions it as an exceptional value proposition in Prince's range, especially considering the original €229.99 pricing.

Against the Dunlop MEGAMAX BLACK, the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 offers superior maneuverability (90/100 versus Dunlop's heavier feel) and more explosive power on finishing shots. The Dunlop provides slightly better control for pure baseline grinders, but the Prince wins decisively for players who want versatility across court positions. The Prince's EVA Soft core also delivers noticeably better arm comfort during extended sessions compared to the Dunlop's firmer construction.

Compared to the Enebe RESPONSE ORANGE 2025, the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 generates more raw power (88/100 versus Enebe's control-oriented design) while sacrificing some precision on touch shots. The Enebe offers better spin potential through its textured surface, making it preferable for players who rely heavily on slice variation. However, the Prince's 90/100 maneuverability rating gives it a clear edge during defensive scrambles and rapid net exchanges where the Enebe feels slightly more sluggish.

In the broader budget intermediate market segment, the PRINCE QUARTZ V2 stands out for delivering premium-level power and maneuverability at a mid-range price. Most competitors at €90-100 force players to choose between power or control, forgiveness or precision. The Prince successfully balances these elements, making it a genuinely versatile option that doesn't demand specialized playing styles or court positions to perform well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 good for intermediate players?

Yes, the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 is specifically designed for intermediate players who have developed consistent technique and are ready to add more power to their game. The 79/100 sweet spot rating provides enough forgiveness for technique inconsistencies while the 88/100 power rating delivers genuine pace on attacking shots. The EVA Soft core and mid-balance make it comfortable for players transitioning from pure control rackets without overwhelming them with excessive aggression.

Q: Who is the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 actually best suited for?

This racket excels for all-court intermediate players who play 2-4 times weekly and split time between baseline rallies and net finishing. It's ideal for players with moderate swing speeds, quick reflexes, and developing attacking skills who need a versatile racket that performs across all court positions. Players with minor elbow sensitivity will appreciate the EVA Soft core comfort during extended sessions. It particularly suits players who've been playing 12-18 months and are ready to upgrade from beginner equipment without committing to a specialized playing style.

Q: How does the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 compare to Dunlop MEGAMAX BLACK?

The Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 delivers superior maneuverability (90/100) and more explosive power on smashes and finishing volleys compared to the Dunlop MEGAMAX BLACK. The Prince's EVA Soft core provides noticeably better arm comfort during long sessions, while the Dunlop offers slightly firmer feedback that some baseline-oriented players prefer. The Prince wins decisively for versatile all-court players, while the Dunlop suits pure defenders who rarely attack from the net.

Q: Is the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 still a good buy in 2026 considering its price and performance?

At €94.95, the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 remains exceptional value in 2026, delivering specifications typically found in €150+ rackets including 88/100 power, 90/100 maneuverability, and quality EVA Soft core construction. The 2024 design hasn't been superseded by significantly better technology, and the discounted price from €229.99 makes it one of the best-value intermediate rackets available. The durable construction and timeless round-shape design ensure it won't feel outdated as playing styles evolve.

Final Verdict

The Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 succeeds brilliantly at its core mission: giving intermediate players genuine attacking power without sacrificing the control and comfort they need to keep developing their game. After extensive testing, we confidently recommend this racket for advancing players ready to add aggression to their arsenal while maintaining the forgiveness that built their foundation. The 90/100 maneuverability combined with 88/100 power creates a rare sweet spot in the intermediate market that few competitors match at any price point.

Three critical takeaways define this racket: first, it generates explosive pace on finishing shots that belies its round shape and intermediate classification; second, the EVA Soft core delivers genuine arm comfort without feeling mushy or unresponsive; third, at €94.95 it represents exceptional value, delivering premium-level specifications at a mid-range price that makes upgrading from beginner equipment financially accessible.

Buy the Prince PRINCE QUARTZ V2 if you're an intermediate player who plays 2-4 times weekly, wants to develop attacking skills without losing control, and values versatility across all court positions over specialized excellence in one area. Skip it if you're an advanced player seeking maximum spin generation from textured surfaces, or if you're a pure power player who needs head-heavy diamond shapes to maximize attacking potential at the net.