Stéphane Penso gets his hands on the Puma Nova Elite

The arrival of Puma in the universe of paddle marks a new chapter for this iconic brand in global sport. Founded in 1948 by Rudolf Dassler, brother of Adi Dassler (founder of Adidas ), Puma has built a solid reputation for itself thanks to its innovative and high-performance products, worn by renowned athletes in various disciplines such as Football , the Athletics , the basketball and the golf Today, the feline brand is expanding its territory by investing in the promising market of paddle , with iconic players like Momo González , recent semi-finalist at the Premier Padel Finals in Barcelona.

An innovative and complete range

This strategic diversification is demonstrated by the launch of a complete range combining shoes et snowshoes , combining technological innovation and contemporary design. The objective is clear: to offer high-performance equipment suitable for all levels of play, from beginners to experienced players. This initiative enriches the existing offer and stimulates healthy competition in this booming sector.

A Mediterranean anchorage

The presence of Puma paddle resonates particularly with Marseille , where the brand is already deeply rooted as an official sponsor of the Olympique de Marseille . For us, sports-loving Marseillais, see Puma engage in the paddle strengthens our conviction that this discipline will continue to develop on our Mediterranean lands, driven by the values of performance and excellence that we cherish.

Nova Elite Power

A strong meaning behind the name “NOVA”

The name NOVA , chosen by Puma for its range of padel rackets , evokes several interesting correlations with this sport:

Explosion of power : An new is a star that suddenly becomes extremely bright. This echoes the explosive power sought in the strikes of paddle , especially during smashs .
Novelty and innovation : The appearance of a new is a remarkable astronomical event. The name NOVA thus suggests the What's new and the innovation brought by Puma In the world of paddle , with some cutting-edge technologies .
Visibility and brilliance : The intense glow of a new attracts attention. Similarly, the NOVA snowshoes de Puma , with their modern designs and their vibrant colors, offer great visibility on the court.
Renaissance/New Beginning : The sudden appearance of a new can be seen as a rebirth. For Puma , the name NOVA perhaps symbolizes its entry into the market paddle , a new beginning and a new ambition in the world of racket sports.

Striking design and advanced technologies

La Puma Nova Elite PWR seduced by his striking aesthetics , the fruit of the emblematic alliance of black and red. Its diamond shape combined with a black matte finish gives it an imposing and refined presence. The design is enhanced by the puma-logo white that stands out elegantly, while touches of bright red, judiciously positioned on the screen and inside the bridge, create a visual dynamism effective. The textured coating sandpaper style optimizes the effect, complemented by a padded wrist strap for optimal comfort. The only downside: the choice of white color which risks marking quickly with use.

The closed bridge of this pala improves comfort, stability, power and durability thanks to a better distribution of vibrations and a reinforcement of the structure. This allows an optimal transmission of energy and additional control in each stroke.

Cutting-edge materials

Built with a frame in carbon fiber double tube to maximize the precision , it has been configured to minimize distortion during reactive and high intensity strikes. The 12K Twill Weave carbon fiber reinforced by TeXtreme used on the Puma Nova Elite PWR offers a set of advantages thanks to its twill weave . This diagonal pattern effectively distributes impact forces for increased strength and durability.

Optimal balance between rigidity and flexibility: The twill weave provides the rigidity needed to transmit power when hitting, allowing for faster and more powerful shots. At the same time, it maintains a certain flexibility that absorbs some of the vibrations generated by the impact of the ball. This balance contributes to playing comfort and reduces arm fatigue.
Lightness and maneuverability : The carbon fiber is inherently lightweight, and the twill weave helps optimize this. A lighter racquet offers better maneuverability, allowing for faster swings and more agile reactions on the court.

Innovative foam for optimal performance

Puma integrated the foam Evazine in his padel rackets for its specific properties which contribute to performances and playing comfort . Produced by a nitrogen injection process, the Evazine is a closed-cell, cross-linked ethylene copolymer foam offering an excellent balance between Sustainability and lightness. Its superior robustness and rigidity guarantee optimum precision and increased power. Its impermeability makes it suitable for humidity variations, and its ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures and its ease of adhesion with other materials make it a wise choice for the construction of high-performance and reliable padel rackets.

In a game situation, the Puma Nova Elite PWR reveals its true identity: a racket designed for teardrop-shaped attackers, with a head balance that favors power. It particularly excels in offensive phases, delivering punchy and precise smashes that allow points to be effectively closed.

If its handling may seem limited in fast play phases and in defense, it largely compensates with its qualities in counter attack This remarkable stability owes much to its reinforced bridge which, connecting the two sides of the racket, provides appreciable assurance in moments of high pressure.

The Elite range is enriched with a round model (CTR) which, while retaining the same technologies as the Nova PoWeR, is distinguished by its inverted design and its vertically linked bridge. This particular architecture gives the racket greater flexibility, promoting maneuverability and hitting speed, while improving vibration absorption. Although slightly less stable and powerful than its big sister, it remains extremely effective thanks to its lower center of gravity and its centered sweet spot. It will particularly appeal to players looking for a perfect harmony between control and power.

Between these two models, Puma also offers a hybrid version (HYB) , recognizable by its bright colors and open bridge. Designed for versatile players, it promises to combine power and handling without compromise, although I have not yet had the opportunity to test it personally.

Conclusion

The arrival of Puma on the market paddle in 2021 marks a significant turning point for the brand and for the sport itself. Building on its legacy of innovation and performance , Puma brings a new dynamic to this growing discipline. Its commitment is reflected in a range of high-quality equipment, combining advanced technologies and especially new ones in the world of padel (twill carbon fibers and EvaZote foams). This elite series demonstrates this ambition, by offering solutions adapted to the needs of aggressive players with a solid technical background. The incursion of Puma in the world of padel confirms the growing appeal of this discipline and promises great prospects for the future, enriching the offer and stimulating competition for the greatest benefit of enthusiasts.

In a future article, discover the range Puma Pro , available in three versions that are more accessible and easier to play than the Elite models previously tested.

Many thanks to Lilian Pontier for his trust and for providing the complete range, which will delight fans of this iconic brand.

Stéphane Penso

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