Stéphane Penso is once again testing one of the palas of the padel. The opportunity to give you an idea about new products. This time, the Kuikma P990 Hybrid Soft.

After a trial run, a master stroke?

One year after launching its first models, Kuikma completes its range by incorporating a new form, the famous drop of water. Available in two versions, hard and flexible eraser, it's the flexible, the Hybrid Soft, that interests us today.

First contact

What appeals as soon as we take this racket in hand, is its balanced. We immediately feel that we will be able to control the ball.

It is the characteristic of these forms there, in drop of water. And I must admit that it's amazing, me (Stéphane) who have only recently known diamond shapes.

The strap is sliding (I know there are fans). The weight is ideally distributed, we are on low values, 362gr on my scale. For those looking for a little more weight in mind, nothing prevents you from adding a frame protector (+ 8gr).

The aesthetics remain sober and basic, a black background with pastel lines and red touches. A special feature for our tennis friends, the handle XL which allows to do the backhand with 2 hands.

But enough blah, it's time to hit the ball.

In the field

The test conditions are not perfect, 20:30 p.m. with a humidity of 65% and a temperature of 7 °.
As of the first exchanges, the astonishment is there. The blows go away on their own, without forcing. Noise is absorbed, no vibration. EvaSoft offers a exceptional comfort, and the tolerance of this racket in off-center hits is simply amazing.

Court bottom

The responsiveness of this racket will get you out of the most delicate situations. No need to force to bring out the ball when you are in the defensive position (against window, side window), the flexible eraser takes care of everything. Same thing when we have to play a classic stroke, forehand or backhand, the efforts are less, we let go of the strokes less and we play more in restraint, because it goes strong, very strong!

It will take time to adapt if you want to play in the feet of the opponent, and add a small lifted effect in order to have a curved trajectory, upward-downward, on pain of having a too steep curve.

Basic attack

Concerning the attacking game, it is exactly the same phenomenon as in defense, you have to contain your passion in order to keep the ball in the ground. It's all the more obvious when you need to lob, no need to force for the ball to gain height. On the other hand, at the exit of the attack window (bajada), if you are in the right tempo and well placed, you can give it your all and let the power of this pala and
your arm.

Net

The handling and control of this pala is just amazing, and I say goodbye!

Water drop shape + soft eraser + perfect balance, and you have in your hands the combination so much sought after for the vast majority of players, the relentless ratio of maneuverability / power. The maneuverability in the net is breathtaking. In fast play, this racket is ideal. Its ideally distributed weight, reflex flights are no longer a problem. The only point that bothered me during these 2 hours of play, is a lack of precision in the shots, which was to be expected. A light racket and a soft eraser are not known to offer surgical shots.

Smasher with the P990?

You are a left player, slightly “nag”. You have only one goal in your life, to get the most balls out of the field? Well gentlemen, even if on paper the characteristics of this racket are not optimal, to slam the par 3, well you will be pleasantly surprised!

The purists will certainly direct you to its little sister with a harder rubber, for more power, but you will inexorably lose in playing comfort. For me the choice is quickly made!

The bandejathey go alone

Due to its optimal balance, bandejas and viboras are done by being a little more “secure”. When you feel comfortable with a racquet, that its weight and balance perfectly meet the player's expectations, you let go of your arm more easily. With a rough surface, the spin is downright fantastic. It turns, it spins, whether you play to the left or to the right, the ball which hits the opposing plexiglass shoots with a power and an astonishing angle. This will be all the more useful for servers who like to put on effect, who are looking for everything
price to touch the plexiglass, even if I think this racket is more suitable for servers who put the full power in the ball.

Conclusion

Here we have an impressive pala, which is not crammed with technology, names or registered patents, some more incomprehensible than others. Kuikma has once again teamed up with Horacio Alvarez Clementi, one of the main names in padel for decades to focus on the essentials, to offer a pleasant racket with proven technologies, which will suit the greatest number, from the recreational player to the expert, left or right, and for a price that is simply inconceivable compared to to the quality of this racket: 90 €

Most:

  • Comfort
  • Getting started
  • Offset tolerance
  • Good power reserve

Cons:

  • Brand lacking visibility in international competitions
  • Maybe a little too light for those looking for raw power

Stéphane Penso

Fan of padel, Stéphane has become the official tester of the planet padel in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the snowshoeing world, he is able to scan your gear from head to toe!