I meant "budget" frame strictly by the pricing hierarchy of the frames back in the mid-80s. IIRC, in 1984 the PS85 was offered at around $180, the Sting at $100, and the Graphite Force at $85.
I'm not sure if you ever checked out
my thread on my experience with the Wilson Graphite Force. I first picked up the frame as a kind of "Goodwill" purchase at a local used sporting goods store for $10.
From the first hit I was hooked. Believe me, I tried hard not to like it. I thought I was a 'dyed in the wool' PS85 fan and was lamenting dealing with the used market and prices of classic PS85s. I've compared the Graphite Force to the PS85, the Sting Mid, the BLX90, the kPS88.....every time I still go back to the Graphite Force.
Tennis Man, I know you say that there are so many classic frames and so little time and I agree with you. If you do happen to see one at Goodwill try and pick one up. I consider posters like you (along with drakulie and others) well versed in all things PS85.
I really find the Graphite Force a sturdier version of the Sting Mid, but with more pop and spin because of the "non-condensed" stringing pattern, a thicker (20mm) cross section, and a slightly less headlight balance. Comfort is enhanced with the Graphite Force being a graphite/fiberglass composite.
Even though the Graphite Force is a 16 x 19, it's evenly spaced and not condensed at the center of the stringbed. The PS85 was advertised as having this "feature" to offer more control to prevent the trampolining effect of an evenly spaced string pattern.
From the first hit I was addicted and I couldn't believe it. Even my hitting partners, who've only known me as using the PS85 commented on how much better I hit with the Graphite Force.
The way I look at it, the mid-80s were a real experimental time for all racket companies. You see a lot of proliferation of product lines with different head sizes or the usages of the same/similar molds with frame layups using different materials. As for quality control, I've bought several Graphite Force frames and they are very close in weight and balance.
Although the Graphite Force didn't have any pro player associations (like the PS85 or the Sting) that I know of, I think it's a quality frame - far from what a "budget" frame is these days.
The way I feel about the Graphite Force is the way you feel about the Sting Midsize. You say that frame is worth the money ($20) and you'd still spend money on a "premium string job" for that frame, right?
I think, if I find that I enjoy a $20 frame as much or more than a $150 frame, why spend more on the "more expensive" one. Personally that's why I think the Graphite Force disappeared so quickly......back in 1985, consumers might have thought, why spend double for a PS85 when you can get a Graphite Force?
BTW, I alleviate the biting feeling of a string job costing more than what I spend on a frame by stringing my own frames. Also, I might think.....instead of spending money on more string, I might just pick up another Graphite Force if available.