Versions of Boris Beckers Puma/estusa mold

teachingprotx · Sep 15, 2017

I wanted the puma winner to be as flexy as it seemed to be on paper . But it felt just as stiff as the super but The weight was different on mine . I had it specd' at 12.8 strung 5 pts headlight and came out at 61 RA and it felt like a 65 RA to me . Too heavy and still to stiff for me . My puma batches in high school1992 all bought slightly used felt way way softer than the winner did .
Going back to early 2000's I hit briefly with a strangers / playing on the court next to me / he was nice enough to
Let me hit some with his

Super nice of him. Anyway he let me hit with his estusa which I thought was the same as the one I was using that day . Take into account estusa was not popular at all here really ever . So it was odd and cool that we both had one. His version was the most flexible mold of puma or any estusa if ever hit with . Felt amazing ! It had to be low 50's maybe 40's RA . I tried to buy it off him but no no no ., and I can't recall what version it was . I know for sure it was way more flexy than mine which was the power beam pro . His wasn't the pro or the braided and his had a bumper guard . Mine didn't .. so I guess he had the regular power beam.. but it doesn't line up wit the specs. His felt way more flexible than the 60's RA posted on line .. oh and .. his was lighter than mine by quite a bit . Hell maybe he had a crack in it .. but wherever and whatever it was it hit one of the best balls I ever played with .

Deleted member 3771 · Sep 16, 2017

PaulC said:
Provantech should be 80% graphite and 20% fiberglass (same as the PB and PB Pro, it did feel a tad flexier, but it's defintely NO 50-50 graphite/fiberglass or the likes, at least from my recollection of my hitting session back then, but I am not 100% sure, since I don't own a Provantech anymore)

Consider the same 80 graphite/ 20 fiberglass composition Estusa frames:

PB Pro -- 65 RA
PB -- 62 RA

The graphite composition ratio alone may not determine the overall flex/stiffness feel entirely. PB feel WAY flexier than PB Pro, for example, despite the same composition ratio.

And Yep, I DON'T like 18X20 pattern. It feels entirely different from the rest of the Estusas.

Puma Super and Winner are MUCH flexier and heavier than the Estusa bunches (Estusas, like I said, were "modernized" in terms of weight, flex and swingweight etc, at least for those that I got in the early-late 2000s)

IMO, the only Estusa that you may find *a bit* comparable to Winner and Super would be the PB Pro, due to its heaviest weight (12.4 oz strung) among the entire Estusa range plus the 16X19 pattern.

Since you didn't like the 18X20 string patter of the Estusa probavtech PB, do you like the regular 16x19 Estusa PB?Are they the same besides the string pattern?

struggle · Sep 16, 2017

teachingprotx said:
Where is the pro kennex models ? I have never known of any and I am pretty knowledgeable on all the estusa / puma variants .
I thought only 2 others existed . Can't remember off my head but one was a Spanish name like Sergio casasle. Or something . And the other was a winn or Finn I think .
But never ever pro kennex I'm super excited to see a pro kennex puma super/ estusa ! Please someone post pics !

Agreed. PK made rackets for folks (they were like Giant Bicycles, built for everyone) but i don't think they made Puma sticks.

Deleted member 3771 · Sep 16, 2017

teachingprotx said:
I wanted the puma winner to be as flexy as it seemed to be on paper . But it felt just as stiff as the super but The weight was different on mine . I had it specd' at 12.8 strung 5 pts headlight and came out at 61 RA and it felt like a 65 RA to me . Too heavy and still to stiff for me . My puma batches in high school1992 all bought slightly used felt way way softer than the winner did .
Going back to early 2000's I hit briefly with a strangers / playing on the court next to me / he was nice enough to
Let me hit some with his
Super nice of him. Anyway he let me hit with his estusa which I thought was the same as the one I was using that day . Take into account estusa was not popular at all here really ever . So it was odd and cool that we both had one. His version was the most flexible mold of puma or any estusa if ever hit with . Felt amazing ! It had to be low 50's maybe 40's RA . I tried to buy it off him but no no no ., and I can't recall what version it was . I know for sure it was way more flexy than mine which was the power beam pro . His wasn't the pro or the braided and his had a bumper guard . Mine didn't .. so I guess he had the regular power beam.. but it doesn't line up wit the specs. His felt way more flexible than the 60's RA posted on line .. oh and .. his was lighter than mine by quite a bit . Hell maybe he had a crack in it .. but wherever and whatever it was it hit one of the best balls I ever played with .

Interesting story. Maybe Boris Becker let him have one of his Estusa's, or maybe he had them modified in some way. Does anyone know if the Estusas have a hollow empty chamber inside the handle so that silicone can be added inside the handle, or is the handle already filled with some material?

teachingprotx · Sep 17, 2017

I think mine were made of wood or polyurethane. I don't recall any holes or chambers . But don't quote me as when I was playing with them I was still afraid of tennis rackets , meaning I never attempted modifying anything except change the over grip and put in and take out vibration dampners.

127 mph · Sep 17, 2017

TheNatural said:
What was the name of the Prokennex model?

struggle said:
Agreed. PK made rackets for folks (they were like Giant Bicycles, built for everyone) but i don't think they made Puma sticks.

The name of the racket was the Experimental.

I did not mean to imply they built all or any Puma's. But the made this racket which is the same mold.

TW had 1 listed in Oct 2014 for $250

teachingprotx · Sep 19, 2017

Any pics ???? I remember the ones that two sold but did not realize those were pro kennex experimentals? Did it say that on the frame ? What Color was it ? Was it like the same mold and everything of the puma ? I'm very excited and curious if anyone has pics of this pro Kennex Puma!

127 mph said:
The name of the racket was the Experimental.

I did not mean to imply they built all or any Puma's. But the made this racket which is the same mold.

TW had 1 listed in Oct 2014 for $250

PaulC · Sep 19, 2017

TheNatural said:
Since you didn't like the 18X20 string patter of the Estusa probavtech PB, do you like the regular 16x19 Estusa PB?Are they the same besides the string pattern?

I like the BALANCE, SWINGWEIGHT and 16X19 pattern of the PB, but not the flex. I actually prefer PB Braided more due to it's modern-er crispy/stiff feel, but have to lead it up a little to make it less head-light and increase the super light swing-weight (308g ish) a little.

Provantech got quite a bit more control and a bit heavier than PB, as I recalled.

127 mph · Sep 19, 2017

teachingprotx said:
Any pics ???? I remember the ones that two sold but did not realize those were pro kennex experimentals? Did it say that on the frame ? What Color was it ? Was it like the same mold and everything of the puma ? I'm very excited and curious if anyone has pics of this pro Kennex Puma!

Do not confuse it with the Prince rackets that were called experimental a few years back.

These were player rackets. 12.5 unstrung with a 16 by 19 pattern 12 points headlight and a 318 unstrung swingweight.

Colour is dark black/blue and is light around the tip.

teachingprotx · Sep 19, 2017

Ok I think I got it so it was a puma mold Euro egg shaped head ...v throat
And it was dark blue or black and The tip of the head was light in color ?
Ok let's see a pic of this !

127 mph said:
Do not confuse it with the Prince rackets that were called experimental a few years back.

These were player rackets. 12.5 unstrung with a 16 by 19 pattern 12 points headlight and a 318 unstrung swingweight.

Colour is dark black/blue and is light around the tip.

t

teachingprotx · Sep 19, 2017

TW staff : Brittany !!
Can you find a pic of a puma mold from pro Kennex that you guys sold at tennis warehouse back in 2014 retail for $250? I would love to see this so much !

teachingprotx · Sep 20, 2017

127 mph said:
Do not confuse it with the Prince rackets that were called experimental a few years back.

These were player rackets. 12.5 unstrung with a 16 by 19 pattern 12 points headlight and a 318 unstrung swingweight.

Colour is dark black/blue and is light around the tip.

Hi 127!!
Yes please send me images of the racket I'm dying to see them

thank you so much

My email is
skyoni73@hotmAil.com

teachingprotx · Sep 20, 2017

https://imgur.com/gallery/hN5IQ
Test ?

teachingprotx · Sep 20, 2017

https://imgur.com/a/AWEpf
Here it is! Thank you 127 for the pic I have never in my entire life ever seen this! Amazing !!!!!!! Damn I wish I had it!! Wish they would have listed the ra on this one !!!! Big huge shout out to 127 poster ! Thank kind sir!

BorgCash · Sep 21, 2017

teachingprotx said:
https://imgur.com/a/AWEpf
Here it is! Thank you 127 for the pic I have never in my entire life ever seen this! Amazing !!!!!!! Damn I wish I had it!! Wish they would have listed the ra on this one !!!! Big huge shout out to 127 poster ! Thank kind sir!

So it was sold for $250 ?

teachingprotx · Sep 21, 2017

I guess this was an ad on tennis warehouse back in 2014. Apparently only one was available . Which obviously makes it quite rare . I have to think there's more then one in the world .

ppmishra · Oct 25, 2017

TheNatural said:
I had the impression that the estusa PB(16x19) and provantech (18x20) were like the Puma winner because I have come across some comments in this forum saying the Estusa PB are copies of this Puma. Maybe that was all wrong then.

Only a 'bit'- that doesn't sound encouraging for someone looking for a racket like the Super but with a regular handle. The plastic handle on the super doesn't feel solid compared to a regular handle.

The estusa 18x20 provantech pb limited edition is way too light ( as Paul C has explained) compared to both puma versions. Also the frame has a bumper guard and the frame is thicker @ 3, 9, 12. However after adding about 0.5 oz of lead to the hoop and 0.1 oz to the handle it feels a lot more solid to me and the hoop is more stable than the super. The control is awesome even @48/45 multi/poly cross. The SW is now 335 but still 7.5 pts hl. I recently acquired a 16x19 estusa 1990 provantech limited edition which was used but still in good condition for $30. This one had some lead on the sides and a fake screw on the handle but no headguard and this felt closest/almost identical to the puma super in terms of weight, heft, grommets and swingweight (12.8 oz, 365 SW, 4 pts HL like a log and very solid frame). Also, it appeared to be similar to the bosworth frames that had been sold on TW but not identical. However neither estusa version had a leather grip and both are 80/20. Both are great frames in their own way.

teachingprotx · Oct 26, 2017

Wow that’s rare indeed !Where on earth did you find an estusa with a faux screw in the handle ?

teachingprotx · Oct 26, 2017

The 18x20 estusa provantech is lighter ?! By how much ? I remember all my pro V’s weighed 12 oz and then some . If you tell me that the 18x20 is under 11.5 I will be shocked and on the hunt for one ASAP

ppmishra · Oct 26, 2017

teachingprotx said:
The 18x20 estusa provantech is lighter ?! By how much ? I remember all my pro V’s weighed 12 oz and then some . If you tell me that the 18x20 is under 11.5 I will be shocked and on the hunt for one ASAP

teachingprotx said:
Wow that’s rare indeed !Where on earth did you find an estusa with a faux screw in the handle ?

From the bay. I was shocked because it seemed very similar to the bosworth customized version and had doubts whether it was the genuine article but the bosworth frames had a fake screw on the buttcap too, 16x19, no bumper guard, customized lead tape and overgrip but no leather grip and was as hefty as the super from the specs. This one did not have any over grips and there was additional lead tape on the handle but felt much heavier than the 18x20.

ppmishra · Oct 26, 2017

teachingprotx said:
The 18x20 estusa provantech is lighter ?! By how much ? I remember all my pro V’s weighed 12 oz and then some . If you tell me that the 18x20 is under 11.5 I will be shocked and on the hunt for one ASAP

I will post the info shortly. I do have the unstrung numbers somewhere.

ppmishra · Oct 26, 2017

teachingprotx said:
Wow that’s rare indeed !Where on earth did you find an estusa with a faux screw in the handle ?

The 16x19 frame has 1990 championship limited edition printed on it. Not sure if the bosworth frames did but Becker is supposed to have used them at the 1991 French open although only for a few months.

ppmishra · Oct 26, 2017

teachingprotx said:
The 18x20 estusa provantech is lighter ?! By how much ? I remember all my pro V’s weighed 12 oz and then some . If you tell me that the 18x20 is under 11.5 I will be shocked and on the hunt for one ASAP

I was not able to find my unstrung weight but the strung specs for the estusa pb 18x20 before my modifications are as follows:

sw: 315;
strung weight: 341 grams (multi/poly) ~ between 12 -12.1 oz;
flex 61;
~ 9 pts HL

I definitely needed to add lead tape since it was on the lighter side for me (too HL)and coupled with the low flex not enough pop for me. But at least the specs gave me room to customize and I really like it now. it's a very precise stick and fantastic for low slices and accurate volleys. Plenty of power if strung low, great spin for a 18x20 with a full swing, recommended tension on the frame says 55-65 but that was obviously for natural gut. I string mine in mid to high 40's

michael valek · Oct 28, 2017

Just played excellent doubles with my Puma supers. Love them.

teachingprotx · Oct 28, 2017

ppmishra said:
I was not able to find my unstrung weight but the strung specs for the estusa pb 18x20 before my modifications are as follows:

sw: 315;
strung weight: 341 grams (multi/poly) ~ between 12 -12.1 oz;
flex 61;
~ 9 pts HL

I definitely needed to add lead tape since it was on the lighter side for me (too HL)and coupled with the low flex not enough pop for me. But at least the specs gave me room to customize and I really like it now. it's a very precise stick and fantastic for low slices and accurate volleys. Plenty of power if strung low, great spin for a 18x20 with a full swing, recommended tension on the frame says 55-65 but that was obviously for natural gut. I string mine in mid to high 40's

Oh that’s cool info thank you !
Your correct that is def lighter than mine . Was the 18x20 weighed with any add on lead or was that “ unmodded”? If so that would put that in a 11oz class possibly

I’ve seen them on the bay . The white and black checkered version and they always state SPL on the grip sticker .
Which I assume means super light . Which I always wanted to know what the SPL = in real terms of weight .
So if you weighed it with no lead that makes it 12.1 oz. but if it had some lead , which personally I hope it did . Then that bad boy may be around 11.5 strung . So if I took off the stock bumper then I bet I could get it down to 11oz strung pop out all the grommets and I can get to 10.8 or so . Then I string it with Kevlar I’m around 10.6 oz which is my wheel house . And I bet that thing is a 60 Rdc /RA . Strung enough times can get it down to 58 rdc .. which would be almost perfect ! I love these sticks so much but my 43 year old arm can’t do the weight but if I could get down a couple pegs in weight she could be a contender . I’m a sucker for that head shape and the way the shoulders taper down into the handle . It was like it was meant for one handed backhands . NO frame feels better than these frames when taking a high prepared backhand back swing ala Becker . The way the left hand cradles the bride and shoulder is absolutely tactile perfection and brings so much confidence . Same thing on volleys and the ready position . If you prepare with an erect racket head with the dominant hand on the grip and the non dominant up around the “ that shoulder bridge “ lack of a better word .... is pure magic ! Anyone else feel that on that / on those frames ? Oddly enough The Babolat aero storm kinda has that thing going on too but nothing comes closer to perfection then the estusa/ Puma bad boys!

michael valek · Oct 28, 2017

Agree. Best frame ever for exactly that reason. I’ve been playing with my pog oversize for last few weeks but thought I’d try the pumas today. Indoor doubles on a lightning fast court, and played very well. Volleying especially. Some crazy blocked slice returns off some guy serving 200kmh. Held up well.

ppmishra · Oct 28, 2017

teachingprotx said:
Oh that’s cool info thank you !
Your correct that is def lighter than mine . Was the 18x20 weighed with any add on lead or was that “ unmodded”? If so that would put that in a 11oz class possibly I’ve seen them on the bay . The white and black checkered version and they always state SPL on the grip sticker .
Which I assume means super light . Which I always wanted to know what the SPL = in real terms of weight .
So if you weighed it with no lead that makes it 12.1 oz. but if it had some lead , which personally I hope it did . Then that bad boy may be around 11.5 strung . So if I took off the stock bumper then I bet I could get it down to 11oz strung pop out all the grommets and I can get to 10.8 or so . Then I string it with Kevlar I’m around 10.6 oz which is my wheel house . And I bet that thing is a 60 Rdc /RA . Strung enough times can get it down to 58 rdc .. which would be almost perfect ! I love these sticks so much but my 43 year old arm can’t do the weight but if I could get down a couple pegs in weight she could be a contender . I’m a sucker for that head shape and the way the shoulders taper down into the handle . It was like it was meant for one handed backhands . NO frame feels better than these frames when taking a high prepared backhand back swing ala Becker . The way the left hand cradles the bride and shoulder is absolutely tactile perfection and brings so much confidence . Same thing on volleys and the ready position . If you prepare with an erect racket head with the dominant hand on the grip and the non dominant up around the “ that shoulder bridge “ lack of a better word .... is pure magic ! Anyone else feel that on that / on those frames ? Oddly enough The Babolat aero storm kinda has that thing going on too but nothing comes closer to perfection then the estusa/ Puma bad boys!

I listed the unmodded strung specs of my 18 x 20 estusa pb. The swingweight of 315 and 9 pts hl was before I added lead.
Sorry no idea about the black and white frame but If I recall correctly the power beam braided which has the same "kinetic stabilizers" @3;9;12 with a 16x19 pattern is also listed at 341 grams with a similar headlight balance but much stiffer so probably not what you are looking for, but safe to say that the strung weight of the lightest powerbeams is 12.1 oz, at least from what I know. You are spot on about the design. It's amazing how well they play and for one handed players almost an extension of the arm despite the head size. I do have my share of mishits but this is a unique frame.

ppmishra · Oct 28, 2017

teachingprotx said:
Oh that’s cool info thank you !
Your correct that is def lighter than mine . Was the 18x20 weighed with any add on lead or was that “ unmodded”? If so that would put that in a 11oz class possibly I’ve seen them on the bay . The white and black checkered version and they always state SPL on the grip sticker .
Which I assume means super light . Which I always wanted to know what the SPL = in real terms of weight .
So if you weighed it with no lead that makes it 12.1 oz. but if it had some lead , which personally I hope it did . Then that bad boy may be around 11.5 strung . So if I took off the stock bumper then I bet I could get it down to 11oz strung pop out all the grommets and I can get to 10.8 or so . Then I string it with Kevlar I’m around 10.6 oz which is my wheel house . And I bet that thing is a 60 Rdc /RA . Strung enough times can get it down to 58 rdc .. which would be almost perfect ! I love these sticks so much but my 43 year old arm can’t do the weight but if I could get down a couple pegs in weight she could be a contender . I’m a sucker for that head shape and the way the shoulders taper down into the handle . It was like it was meant for one handed backhands . NO frame feels better than these frames when taking a high prepared backhand back swing ala Becker . The way the left hand cradles the bride and shoulder is absolutely tactile perfection and brings so much confidence . Same thing on volleys and the ready position . If you prepare with an erect racket head with the dominant hand on the grip and the non dominant up around the “ that shoulder bridge “ lack of a better word .... is pure magic ! Anyone else feel that on that / on those frames ? Oddly enough The Babolat aero storm kinda has that thing going on too but nothing comes closer to perfection then the estusa/ Puma bad boys!

I know this might sound strange but if you are looking for a lighter frame with good plowthru the red and black Wilson 97s (older version) with a 18x17 pattern is worth demoing. It may not be your cup of tea since the flex is 65 and the balance is only 4 pts hl (high swingweight) but it comes stock with a leather grip and surprisingly unlike typical Wilson frames. Worth a demo.

ppmishra · Oct 28, 2017

michael valek said:
Agree. Best frame ever for exactly that reason. I’ve been playing with my pog oversize for last few weeks but thought I’d try the pumas today. Indoor doubles on a lightning fast court, and played very well. Volleying especially. Some crazy blocked slice returns off some guy serving 200kmh. Held up well.

Great to hear. I'm hesitant about using mine in match play since I don't want to rough it up but practicing with it is sweet, but nothing surprising considering the flex and the stability.

michael valek · Oct 30, 2017

Picked up a provantech. On the way soon. Hoping to locate as many frames as possible and use them all the time. Only frames which I would use otherwise are POG. Or max 200g but I don’t think I can get away with that these days. Not modern frames any more not satisfying enough.

Rabbit · Nov 1, 2017

I just picked up an almost new Puma Boris Becker Super off the large auction site. I re-gripped and re-strung it. I am looking forward to hitting with it tomorrow. I have to say it's a beautiful frame.

Rabbit · Nov 2, 2017

Did my regular Thursday night practice...but did it with my Puma Boris Becker Super. All I can say is WOW. The BB Super is just an awesome frame. Off the ground, on both sides, it gives great spin, power, and control. At net it shines even more. Volleys feel like you are almost catching the ball and directional control is awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed hitting with it tonight and can only wish in my younger days I had been a devotee of this frame rather than the Wilson ProStaff. As a long time ProStaff user, this frame is hands down better.

michael valek · Nov 2, 2017

What did you string it with and what tension?
Yes. And nothing feels better in the hand, it’s a real light sabre. That bit in Star Wars when obi wan describes it as more elegant than a blaster. “an elegant weapon of a more civilized age”.

Rabbit · Nov 3, 2017

michael valek said:
What did you string it with and what tension?
Yes. And nothing feels better in the hand, it’s a real light sabre. That bit in Star Wars when obi wan describes it as more elegant than a blaster. “an elegant weapon of a more civilized age”.

I strung it with Pacific Futura TXT 54M/50C. I really was impressed with the feel at net.

tennistiger · Jan 6, 2018

Got a new ProVantech BKS. Although I am an expert in Estusa Becker Frames this is the first one I got with an extreme difference in shaft width. Like the old Head Double Power Wedge. Has anybody seen this before, everything other seems to be correct and did not look like a fake.

- If someone can tell me how to put in a picture here I would do !!

127 mph · Feb 11, 2018

Puma Boris Becker Super with 80% graphite and 20% fiberglass. Has anyone else seen this? If you have info please share. 50% 50% seems like the standard composition.

Ultra 2 · Feb 12, 2018

As for retail models, the Becker Super (blue/red) were advertised as 80/20 graphite/Glass.

The earlier Becker winner (silver/red) were advertised as 50/50.

There were other variants but these were the 2 popular ones here in the states.

teachingprotx · Feb 13, 2018

tennistiger said:
Got a new ProVantech BKS. Although I am an expert in Estusa Becker Frames this is the first one I got with an extreme difference in shaft width. Like the old Head Double Power Wedge. Has anybody seen this before, everything other seems to be correct and did not look like a fake.

- If someone can tell me how to put in a picture here I would do !!

I know it well!
Completely different animal than the provantec thin beam . It plays very powerful . I unfortunately couldn’t keep a ball in the court with it as it was a rocket launcher . Very stiff and powerful and heavy too. Too bad as it’s a great looking racket and the paint job is very high end ! Gorgeous up close I got a ton of compliments on her when using it for a week or so before I gave it to a student

teachingprotx · Feb 13, 2018

Interesting how you mentioned the head power wedge as some of those wide bodies played rather soft and flexible and had a lot of controlled power . But the bks estusa played the opposite . Plays like most of the wide ones of back in the day .. I compare it more to a Prince approach cts frame . I eventually had to give her up as I was stringing mine in the low 80’s just to keep my forehand’s in the court

teachingprotx · Feb 13, 2018

Still though I loved the way it looked face on . The side profile not so much as it’s incredibly thick in some parts like a Wilson profile !

teachingprotx · Feb 13, 2018

Lastly one more thing . For sure you will be likely to be the only one in a thousand miles of any direction to play with it so that in itself will be quite cool I think , and get ready for people to come up to you and ask if they can see it or hold it. It’s that neat looking believe you - me

tennistiger · Feb 16, 2018

teachingprotx said:
I know it well!
Completely different animal than the provantec thin beam . It plays very powerful . I unfortunately couldn’t keep a ball in the court with it as it was a rocket launcher . Very stiff and powerful and heavy too. Too bad as it’s a great looking racket and the paint job is very high end ! Gorgeous up close I got a ton of compliments on her when using it for a week or so before I gave it to a student

What i meant: BOTH are ProVantech BKS and both habe different beam with in the troat!

teachingprotx · Feb 16, 2018

Rabbit said:
Did my regular Thursday night practice...but did it with my Puma Boris Becker Super. All I can say is WOW. The BB Super is just an awesome frame. Off the ground, on both sides, it gives great spin, power, and control. At net it shines even more. Volleys feel like you are almost catching the ball and directional control is awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed hitting with it tonight and can only wish in my younger days I had been a devotee of this frame rather than the Wilson ProStaff. As a long time ProStaff user, this frame is hands down better.

I played with the Wilson 85 pro staff from 1988 to 1990 then switched to the already discontinued puma super .both played similiar to me but with the Becker outshining it from all areas over the pro staff. The color and the throat how it came down to perfectly cradle the opposite hand in the ready position . I wish I could have that mold in a lighter more flexible package . As it’s to heavy and to stiff for me these days . But wow what a great racquet and still one of my all time fave looking Sticks ever !

thejerk · Feb 25, 2018

The Super with the screw in it is my favorite racket.

RDM · Mar 16, 2018

I bought this today for a couple of dollars. Neither Puma or Estusa but called Power AP Midsize. It’s made in Taiwan and has a note on the side about BFS - Braids Fibers System.

teachingprotx · Mar 18, 2018

RDM said:
I bought this today for a couple of dollars. Neither Puma or Estusa but called Power AP Midsize. It’s made in Taiwan and has a note on the side about BFS - Braids Fibers System.

Whoa that’s cool! Never seen that before ever !!! Wonder how it plays?

RDM · Mar 18, 2018

teachingprotx said:
Whoa that’s cool! Never seen that before ever !!! Wonder how it plays?

A Puma Becker Pro is the other variation of this racquet design that I have, so I can test it against that for comparison.
I suspect that it is probably a re-branded Estusa Power Beam Braided given the reference on the side to its "Braids Fibers System" - and it doesn't have the Pumas adjustable handle either.

teachingprotx · Mar 18, 2018

Very cool racket . not a 1990,s estusa example, I wouldn’t think as the color aesthetics alone date it entirely to the mid 80,s white colorway ceramic hey day. Plus it has the same pattern ie shared holes as the puma molds ( estusas did not have shared holes . I suspect it’s a variant mold of the puma winner / super mold but with a different matrix of graphite and epoxy fiberglass resin etc. Hell ,either way it’s a super cool stick and I’m happy and feel blessed to be able to see it on here .thank you for sharing and please let us know how it hits! Where on earth , may I inquire , did you find this gem?

RDM · Mar 18, 2018

teachingprotx said:
Very cool racket . not a 1990,s estusa example, I wouldn’t think as the color aesthetics alone date it entirely to the mid 80,s white colorway ceramic hey day. Plus it has the same pattern ie shared holes as the puma molds ( estusas did not have shared holes . I suspect it’s a variant mold of the puma winner / super mold but with a different matrix of graphite and epoxy fiberglass resin etc. Hell ,either way it’s a super cool stick and I’m happy and feel blessed to be able to see it on here .thank you for sharing and please let us know how it hits! Where on earth , may I inquire , did you find this gem?

I picked it up in a Salvation Army Charity Shop here in one of the suburbs of Melbourne (Australia). Couldn't mistake the geometry when I saw it there in the bin with a whole lot of other racquets (got a Prince Pro Magnesium 110 for a couple of dollars there as well).
The AP font on the racquet sort of looks familiar to me - maybe a defunct local sports store chain that had some made for them. Were any of the Pumas ever marketed as "braided" construction?

RDM · Mar 18, 2018

It’s getting a little more curious now. I have just put it against my Puma Topstar (sorry, not a Pro as I had previously stated) and can report the following. Weight for each is pretty much the same (356g) and the beam thicknesses are approximately the same, but the “unknown” frame is thicker in the width dimensions (12.5mm vs 14mm) which you may be able to spot in the above image. The “unknown” frame also has a standard style string grommet strip like the Estusas rather than the Puma “rivet” style one, and is a touch less headlight at around 5 points and is 26 7/8” long.
I’ve just had a hit with it against a wall and it feels softer and more substantial in comparison to my Puma. More “old school”, not quite as manoeuvrable, but much more comfortable.

Versions of Boris Beckers Puma/estusa mold

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