New Boris Becker Puma/Power Beam/Estusa petition

[MikeVolkl123]

Ok, I am sick and tired of seeing tons of overpriced version of the classic Puma Super Boris Becker frame. I used that frame for over 15 years till they crumbled in my hands as "not wuite as good" Estusa models. So, Boris since you have the original mold and have the means to produce tennis rackets I ask all of those on this board to petiton Mr.becker to chrun out some new stock asap! Add some of your new delta core technology to them Boris, chrun out some oriiginals with your new color scheme...there is such an interest in the old frames this would surely be the biggest seller.
Contact info I found. Anyone know of another way to contact? I believe there was a racket based website but I cannot locate it.

Fan Mail Address:
Boris Becker
Cleven-Becker-Stiftung
Ruessenstrasse 6
6341 Baar
Switzerland

Secondary Address:
Boris Becker
Lübmedia GmbH
Engelhardstr. 12
81369 München

 

[El Diablo]

Strange that they stopped making them despite "such an interest."

 

[big bang]

Ok, I am sick and tired of seeing tons of overpriced version of the classic Puma Super Boris Becker frame. I used that frame for over 15 years till they crumbled in my hands as "not wuite as good" Estusa models. So, Boris since you have the original mold and have the means to produce tennis rackets I ask all of those on this board to petiton Mr.becker to chrun out some new stock asap! Add some of your new delta core technology to them Boris, chrun out some oriiginals with your new color scheme...there is such an interest in the old frames this would surely be the biggest seller.
Contact info I found. Anyone know of another way to contact? I believe there was a racket based website but I cannot locate it.

Fan Mail Address:
Boris Becker
Cleven-Becker-Stiftung
Ruessenstrasse 6
6341 Baar
Switzerland

Secondary Address:
Boris Becker
Lübmedia GmbH
Engelhardstr. 12
81369 München

I got BB´s cellphone number, want it?

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Sure, is it 1-800 idiot?

I got BB´s cellphone number, want it?

Seriously

 

[kuyaariel]

I have some Estusa Power Beams that I'm looking to sell if anyone is interested

 

[TennisMaverick]

Boris is a crazy big-time capitalist. If he thought that he could make money on his old frames, he would produce them. Even though they are made in China, start-up costs are very expensive, even if you already have a mold. Producing 1,000 frames from an existing mold, will still put you in the red after manufacturing and selling all of the produced stock.

 

[MikeVolkl123]

I am

I have some Estusa Power Beams that I'm looking to sell if anyone is interested

Pics. Price etc..
thx

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Price them right and they will sell like hotcakes

Boris is a crazy big-time capitalist. If he thought that he could make money on his old frames, he would produce them. Even though they are made in China, start-up costs are very expensive, even if you already have a mold. Producing 1,000 frames from an existing mold, will still put you in the red after manufacturing and selling all of the produced stock.

You would be in the black in no time,

 

[MikeVolkl123]

He is maiking frames now so...

Boris is a crazy big-time capitalist. If he thought that he could make money on his old frames, he would produce them. Even though they are made in China, start-up costs are very expensive, even if you already have a mold. Producing 1,000 frames from an existing mold, will still put you in the red after manufacturing and selling all of the produced stock.

Plop the mold into the shop and rev em up.

 

[TennisMaverick]

Plop the mold into the shop and rev em up.

You would have to convince Boris or whomever, that they could sell more than a thousand, and then, more than enough that season, to make a profit, after overhead, including, numerous trips to Fujian.

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Profit

You would have to convince Boris or whomever, that they could sell more than a thousand, and then, more than enough that season, to make a profit, after overhead, including, numerous trips to Fujian.

Well since he has tons of frames under his name that are on the cheap rack it might be time to consider the need for a different approach eh...

 

[TennisMaverick]

Well since he has tons of frames under his name that are on the cheap rack it might be time to consider the need for a different approach eh...

The London sells big-time, and so does the Sportster. With the cosmetic change, The Melbourne is poised to become a big seller as well. 3 outta 6 ain't bad.

The PB 10 Mid in many ways plays similar to Boris' 50/50 Pumas, if you lead them up.

 

[TennisMaverick]

FYI: Boris does not own the patent on the frame. In fact, the design patent is probably over, so anyone can take the frame, make a mold, and start producing frames.

 

[kuyaariel]

Sure. Do you have an email address I can send to so I can send you the photos?

Pics. Price etc..
thx

 

[kuyaariel]

Feel free to email me at kuyaariel@yahoo.com

Pics. Price etc..
thx

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Really I thought he had the mold?

FYI: Boris does not own the patent on the frame. In fact, the design patent is probably over, so anyone can take the frame, make a mold, and start producing frames.

Where did you get that info? The Estusas are not the same mold as the Pumas.

 

[MikeVolkl123]

The Melbourne/ What frame is that?

The London sells big-time, and so does the Sportster. With the cosmetic change, The Melbourne is poised to become a big seller as well. 3 outta 6 ain't bad.

The PB 10 Mid in many ways plays similar to Boris' 50/50 Pumas, if you lead them up.

I never heard of the Boris becker Melbourne. Any pix or stats, links? Hmm I will have to demo that PB 10 Volkl. My last Volk were the 10 Mid VE's with tons of lead, had a similar feel to the Puma but more whippy. I am now using the Toms Machine Kneissl and have finally felt that same power flex that the Puma had, I also leaded up the sided and top on the Kneissl TM.
Thx for all the info. I do not have a Boris Email addy btw.

 

[Rabbit]

From what I was told, the patent doesn't count, it's ownership of the mold which Puma gave him when he settled with them on owed payments.

There was also a blurb on the boards some years ago about Becker and his famed racquet. Since he owned the molds, and prior to his interest in Volkl, and was still playing, he contacted Head in Austria. Head agree to run X number of frames off for him at a cost of roughly $25/frame.

I just can't see startup costs being that prohibitive on a frame that already has the mold, the layup, and processing in place. Becker could run off 1000 frames and the etailers would buy them up I'd bet.

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Hi Rabbit...agreed

From what I was told, the patent doesn't count, it's ownership of the mold which Puma gave him when he settled with them on owed payments.

There was also a blurb on the boards some years ago about Becker and his famed racquet. Since he owned the molds, and prior to his interest in Volkl, and was still playing, he contacted Head in Austria. Head agree to run X number of frames off for him at a cost of roughly $25/frame.

I just can't see startup costs being that prohibitive on a frame that already has the mold, the layup, and processing in place. Becker could run off 1000 frames and the etailers would buy them up I'd bet.

Yes, I read he has the mold and in my mind he has the means to generate a frame with all of the Volkl/Boris Becker frames out there so what gives? A few months ago TW had some of those Head created frames for sale if I am correct>

 

[Rabbit]

Yes, I read he has the mold and in my mind he has the means to generate a frame with all of the Volkl/Boris Becker frames out there so what gives? A few months ago TW had some of those Head created frames for sale if I am correct>

I believe you're right. Becker could have them created. I think, if there's sufficient interest, your idea is a good one. You might have better luck contacting TW with the results of the survey since they would be able to guarantee Becker a sale. Further, I would ask TW for a tentative price and then see how many people are willing to prepay for a number of frames... If TW had a lot pre-sold, then they'd probably be able to push a little harder.

This is not so far fetched as TW pushed Donnay's buttons with the International Series and even bigger, Prince's. Prince ran off a batch of POG OS and MS for TW.

 

[TennisMaverick]

I just can't see startup costs being that prohibitive on a frame that already has the mold, the layup, and processing in place. Becker could run off 1000 frames and the etailers would buy them up I'd bet.

You must not do any business with Chinese manufacturers where all sticks are now made.

Just before Thanksgiving, I had dinner with some Volkl execs, and I asked them about some C10 Pro Tours which I was/am selling. They told me that they wanted to bring that stick back, because it is the most asked for stick that they have ever produced for the US market, and used sticks sell for $150 each. It was already, a SMU when first produced, and if they wanted a run of 1,000 today, sales of those sticks would not cover the cost of manufacture. So whatever Boris was quoted BITD, is no longer relevant.

If you guys are really serious, get a NOS, strip the paint, and use it as a male pattern and make a mold. Lay-ups back then were not very sophisticated; you could probably figure it out by cutting another stick cross-sectionally. His stick was 50/50, fiberglass/graphite. So with two sticks, you can start your own manufacture. A small domestic model maker here in the USA could do that work for you with a non-metal mold for up to 1,000 units without a problem.

 

[MikeVolkl123]

How do I do those things?

I believe you're right. Becker could have them created. I think, if there's sufficient interest, your idea is a good one. You might have better luck contacting TW with the results of the survey since they would be able to guarantee Becker a sale. Further, I would ask TW for a tentative price and then see how many people are willing to prepay for a number of frames... If TW had a lot pre-sold, then they'd probably be able to push a little harder.

This is not so far fetched as TW pushed Donnay's buttons with the International Series and even bigger, Prince's. Prince ran off a batch of POG OS and MS for TW.

Like create an actual poll, get in touch with someone at TW???

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Revolutionary idea!

You must not do any business with Chinese manufacturers where all sticks are now made.

Just before Thanksgiving, I had dinner with some Volkl execs, and I asked them about some C10 Pro Tours which I was/am selling. They told me that they wanted to bring that stick back, because it is the most asked for stick that they have ever produced for the US market, and used sticks sell for $150 each. It was already, a SMU when first produced, and if they wanted a run of 1,000 today, sales of those sticks would not cover the cost of manufacture. So whatever Boris was quoted BITD, is no longer relevant.

If you guys are really serious, get a NOS, strip the paint, and use it as a male pattern and make a mold. Lay-ups back then were not very sophisticated; you could probably figure it out by cutting another stick cross-sectionally. His stick was 50/50, fiberglass/graphite. So with two sticks, you can start your own manufacture. A small domestic model maker here in the USA could do that work for you with a non-metal mold for up to 1,000 units without a problem.

I am going to do some researching my friends, see how a mold can be created etc...now anyone want to donate a NOS Becker Super? lol!

 

[TennisMaverick]

I am going to do some researching my friends, see how a mold can be created etc...now anyone want to donate a NOS Becker Super? lol!

Even if you have an old one, the model maker can adjust for the deformities due to any deep head wear from surface contact. BITD, prototype frames were made from latex molds, which are cheap.

 

[big ted]

1. i think i remember tw in talks with bringing it back in limited production a few years ago (may have been before becker line?) but they changed their mind..

2. i dont think enough ppl would buy them for it to be cost efficient. i dont think agassi's reissued radical sold very well and hes more popular. also the frame is outdated technology and the headsize is small so i think only mostly boris fans would buy it but not many ppl would really play with it


http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=249877&highlight=estusa

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=150717&highlight=estusa

 

[TennisMaverick]

I never heard of the Boris becker Melbourne. Any pix or stats, links? Hmm I will have to demo that PB 10 Volkl. My last Volk were the 10 Mid VE's with tons of lead, had a similar feel to the Puma but more whippy. I am now using the Toms Machine Kneissl and have finally felt that same power flex that the Puma had, I also leaded up the sided and top on the Kneissl TM.
Thx for all the info. I do not have a Boris Email addy btw.

Check-out the Melbourne Thread.

 

[Rabbit]

Like create an actual poll, get in touch with someone at TW???

That would be my suggestion. TW would be able to tell you if it was a viable option or not. They have plenty of contacts. Pacific is apparently bringing back the old Stich model (there is a thread on that as well) and that couldn't have been cost prohibitive since they already had the 'formula'. And, the old Vacuum 90 had a wood racquet-like grommet which is even more costly. Again, from what I've been told, the grommets are where the money is, not the frames in relation to manufacture.

Becker's Head run were identical to what he played with from Puma, even the screw in the handle (which was non-functional). The cost then was $25/racquet; even if it's $50/racquet now (which I severly doubt it would be), he could turn them at a nice profit as well as TW.

 

[tennistiger]

The Head Mold is NOT identical to the Puma and Estusa. At 5 and 7 clock position the Head is a bit wider (looking from above and not from the side). Thickness of the beam is also 1mm more than the Puma. The Heads had a foam grip with buttcap and the pumas the complete adjustable standard grip 5.

 

[MikeVolkl123]

Auction site shows several at very high prices

1. i think i remember tw in talks with bringing it back in limited production a few years ago (may have been before becker line?) but they changed their mind..

2. i dont think enough ppl would buy them for it to be cost efficient. i dont think agassi's reissued radical sold very well and hes more popular. also the frame is outdated technology and the headsize is small so i think only mostly boris fans would buy it but not many ppl would really play with it


http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=249877&highlight=estusa

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=150717&highlight=estusa

Respectufully I do not think the Agassi Head Radical roll out compares as you can get them el cheapo now a days so

 

[pbeam]

The Head Mold is NOT identical to the Puma and Estusa. At 5 and 7 clock position the Head is a bit wider (looking from above and not from the side). Thickness of the beam is also 1mm more than the Puma. The Heads had a foam grip with buttcap and the pumas the complete adjustable standard grip 5.

Bumping this, now ancient thread.

To me, personally, the idea of Head reissuing these, at low manufactured cost, as a Custom Rackets (they do have that section at their website, currently "under construction"), is very appealing, even if they are "mids".
Mid sized racket head has its advantages - well felt - for instance, when you take another venerable classic, Fischer Vacuum pro Mid, they move more quickly through the air in the swing, that is one of the advantages.

What I would do is either redistribute the weight (change the balance) towards more head light - lower SW, or even better - reduce the total weight, keep the balance reasonably head light-ish and allow customer any customisation of the balance / weight distribution, with simple means. This would be far more flexible than the BECKER WC 95 frame in its current stock form, which is to me way too heavy for very fast swings, but that could also be a matter of habit. Some people do prefer a bit heavier sticks, even though I believe, for most of the non-pros, that one shouldn't have Djokovic and Nadal-type swing weight in the racket.

 

[rony67]

Is this not the Becker Mould in TW's Instagram Stories from Kennelbach, from Aug 1th this year?

 

[NicoMK]

Is this not the Becker Mould in TW's Instagram Stories from Kennelbach, from Aug 1th this year?

If not, it looks like it.
Hell, what is somebody waiting to re-issue this piece of art? That we're all too old to handle it??

 

[ron schaap]

If not, it looks like it.
Hell, what is somebody waiting to re-issue this piece of art? That we're all too old to handle it??

Even Becker is too old to handle it, moreover he never used this model with his nane on it. It is believed Boris used the Vilas model instead which looked alike. Anyway the Becker model is the most awfull racket i ever tried . Its like a wet noodle with absolute no power, no sweetspot at all. Nowadays too small anyways. It only belongs to hang in a museum like the Dunlop 200.

 

[PaulC]

Even Becker is too old to handle it, moreover he never used this model with his nane on it. It is believed Boris used the Vilas model instead which looked alike. Anyway the Becker model is the most awfull racket i ever tried . Its like a wet noodle with absolute no power, no sweetspot at all. Nowadays too small anyways. It only belongs to hang in a museum like the Dunlop 200.

The Estusa Power Beam modernized versions (Pros and Braided) are WAY more powerful and rivals Prince POG mids, which both play like 95s.

Enough power (with a little customization for the Braided) to rally with 6.0+ players. (80+ miles ground strokes) for those who used to play with mids.

 

[pbeam]

Even Becker is too old to handle it, moreover he never used this model with his nane on it. It is believed Boris used the Vilas model instead which looked alike. Anyway the Becker model is the most awfull racket i ever tried . Its like a wet noodle with absolute no power, no sweetspot at all. Nowadays too small anyways. It only belongs to hang in a museum like the Dunlop 200.

The Becker model you have tried is Puma Super Boris Becker, or?
(the mold shown in the picture is from the Head Factory at Kennelbach, that racket was manufactured according to his specifications after he tried Estusa's and decided not to continue playing with them).

 

[vsbabolat]

Even Becker is too old to handle it, moreover he never used this model with his nane on it. It is believed Boris used the Vilas model instead which looked alike. Anyway the Becker model is the most awfull racket i ever tried . Its like a wet noodle with absolute no power, no sweetspot at all. Nowadays too small anyways. It only belongs to hang in a museum like the Dunlop 200.

I think you should rethink your thoughts. Back over the summer Boris was using his Puma.

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[NicoMK]

How nice it is to see Boris on a tennis court! Read long ago that his hip prevented him from playing, that's too bad.

He almost looks in - rather - decent shape, that's cool, I like Boris a with a real racket, for God's sake! The other guy looks outrageous with a Babolat, especially when wearing a nice Puma shirt !

Hey Puma, it's time to make rackets great again.

 

[tennistiger]

Is this not the Becker Mould in TW's Instagram Stories from Kennelbach, from Aug 1th this year?

It is !

 

[joe sch]

I have some Estusa Power Beams that I'm looking to sell if anyone is interested

Agree, those Estusa Power Beam Braided Racquets are nice options for those not wanting to play or buy the older puma supers.
I also have a few in mint condition.

SPECS:

Midsize Specs
Head Size:
92 sq. in. / 593 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.2oz / 346g
Balance: 10pts Head Light
Swingweight: 309
Stiffness: 67
Beam Width: 18-19 mm
Composition: 100% Graphite
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Estusa Super Soft
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Mains skip: 8T
One Piece
Shared Holes: 7T,9T,7H,8H
String Tension: 55-65 pounds

 

[joe sch]

I think you should rethink your thoughts. Back over the summer Boris was using his Puma.

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Exactly, how can some of these posters think a world class player can no longer handle an older classic racket, especially one that he played quite successfully

 

[TW Staff]

Please keep all for sale, trade and wanted posts to the classified forums. Several posts have been removed from this thread. Posting classified type posts in this forum can result in being banned from Talk Tennis.

Thank you for your cooperation,
TW Staff.

 

[pbeam]

Please keep all for sale, trade and wanted posts to the classified forums. Several posts have been removed from this thread. Posting classified type posts in this forum can result in being banned from Talk Tennis.

Thank you for your cooperation,
TW Staff.

1. Hardly anyone has these frames today.
2. All of us asking the questions (queries for contact with other members) did this openly, in good faith and with no bad intention.
3. I have tried to send a PM to the member in question, but there was no option to do so at the forum.
4. Anyone in its right frame of mind, including me, would never deliberately do the breach of the forum rules, in particular with the malicious intent towards the TW.
It was really unknown to me that we should not post or write what I - we did. Just reacted sort of instictively to the post of the member.

What you say is that the only way to get these frames is to put the ad in the appropriate classifields section.
The only, and substantial problem I see with that, technically (business or purchase-wise) is that there is no guarantee that the member who has these racquets will see our ads, under the "Wanted" section, nor that the member himself posted the ad where he sells these frames, in the classifields.

I will check the classifields to see whether any such add has been put. Just wanted to explain that none of us acted deliberately in the malicious manner towards the TW staff or the forum itself, nor towards other members.

 

[kuyaariel]

Correct. How do you pm a member?

 

[ron schaap]

How nice it is to see Boris on a tennis court! Read long ago that his hip prevented him from playing, that's too bad.

He almost looks in - rather - decent shape, that's cool, I like Boris a with a real racket, for God's sake! The other guy looks outrageous with a Babolat, especially when wearing a nice Puma shirt !

Hey Puma, it's time to make rackets great again.

Even without legs Boriswould probablybeat 99% of us here. Why isnt he playingwith a Volkl which are real racquets as opposed to this wet noodle crap Puma? Didnt he had 50% of shares in Volkl tennis company?

 

[ron schaap]

The Becker model you have tried is Puma Super Boris Becker, or?
(the mold shown in the picture is from the Head Factory at Kennelbach, that racket was manufactured according to his specifications after he tried Estusa's and decided not to continue playing with them).

Yes i played with ordinary Puma with the screw, not with rare pro stocks.

 

[RFRF]

The Becker model you have tried is Puma Super Boris Becker, or?
(the mold shown in the picture is from the Head Factory at Kennelbach, that racket was manufactured according to his specifications after he tried Estusa's and decided not to continue playing with them).

Even without legs Boriswould probablybeat 99% of us here. Why isnt he playingwith a Volkl which are real racquets as opposed to this wet noodle crap Puma? Didnt he had 50% of shares in Volkl tennis company?

I don’t understand that he owned 50% of volkl and the rights to the frame but never reissued the super or winner. Very strange?

 

[vsbabolat]

I don’t understand that he owned 50% of volkl and the rights to the frame but never reissued the super or winner. Very strange?

He and a business partner were the licensee for Völkl tennis for a few years. Boris got rid of all their sponsored players and launched brand Boris Becker tennis with Völkl tennis part of it. Boris then got out of the business and is run by a company out of San Diego, Ca with the racquets still being designed in Germany. I don’t think he owns the mold. Estusa owned the mold until their demise. Boris did contract HEAD to manufacture his racquets in Austria and this racquets did have the screw in the butt-cap but were non functioning.

 

[pbeam]

I don’t understand that he owned 50% of volkl and the rights to the frame but never reissued the super or winner. Very strange?

Even more so seeing the recent pics at the instagram, posted above, few posts ago. He could have taken any of his Völkl BB or BB frames, but chose still the old paintjobed Pumas...

Even though... Boris is far from "mobile" at the court these days, due to the two hip replacement surgeries, or one, and the pics on insta were some sort of promotional jippo, probably.

He did love his frames, as written in one of his books.

I saw few minutes of his exho match vs. Federer, could have been around 2006., or within +/- two years span... it was funny seeing Becker on the court with Fed, blasting some backhand drive winners past Federer, next point, Fed blasts the forehand winner back...

 

[NicoMK]

I saw few minutes of his exho match vs. Federer, could have been around 2006., or within +/- two years span... it was funny seeing Becker on the court with Fed, blasting some backhand drive winners past Federer, next point, Fed blasts the forehand winner back...

Never heard of that exo and I can't find it anywhere. Any link maybe? Thanks.

 

[pbeam]

Never heard of that exo and I can't find it anywhere. Any link maybe? Thanks.

I have been searching for it for some time, if someone has uploaded it, but never found anything except for the photo of Becker and Federer together prior to the match.
It was broadcasted on Eurosport, about the time (the years) mentioned in my post.