Kuikma MS Pro

This was one of the big moves of 2023: Maxi Sanchez, after years with Bullpadel, decided to join Kuikma, a brand owned by the French multinational company Decathlon. The Argentinian player and Spanish star Lucia Sainz helped Kuikma launch its brand new Pro line. As always, Decathlon strives to offer the best value-for-money products, and as you will see, this MS Pro is no exception in that aspect.

Design and Technologies

The new Kuikma signature racket of Maxi Sanchez honors the legacy of the former number 1 player with a combination of light blue and white reminiscent of the Argentine flag. While most of the racket is black, it presents a classy and modern design. Like the LS Pro, another model from the Pro range of the French brand, the MS Pro features new technologies, including the Air Foam Frame, Dual Foam, and Shock Block System.

Performance on the Court

Contrary to expectations, the Kuikma MS Pro, in spite of its diamond shape, is not head-heavy. Instead, its balance is quite low, which aids in defense, making it less demanding than typical diamond rackets. Despite this, the racket remains effective in offense, with easy smash execution and impressive responsiveness.

The MS Pro facilitates clean and sharp volleys, and its extra maneuverability makes it a delight for offensive play. The solid feel when hitting hard is achieved through a combination of hard carbon and the new Dual Foam, a dual-density core with a compact outer layer and a softer inner layer adaptable to various shots.

The low balance contributes to defensive play, although it may not be the ideal choice for purely defensive players. The inclusion of fiberglass in the frame and faces adds an enjoyable dynamism, especially when struggling at the end of the court.
Overall, the Kuikma MS Pro is a high-level racket that we would categorize as all-around within the powerful palas range. It suits aggressive players who prefer hard rackets but still value comfort and maneuverability. If you are a skilled left-side player without an extremely offensive style or a preference for a soft touch, this racket is likely a good fit.

Conclusion

With this first Maxi Sanchez signature racket, Kuikma, the French brand under the worldwide Decathlon group, has produced an excellent product. The racket is crafted with a precise combination of technology to maximize shot power while maintaining a certain level of comfort and forgiveness.

Advanced or professional players seeking a powerful yet forgiving racket with a solid touch will likely find this model suitable. However, if you identify as a pure striker aiming for thunderous attacks, you may want to explore more aggressive options.