Pro Kennex Golden Ace

This is the last wood racket that I used to play and teach. When I received word from the supplier back in the mid-1980's that they had stopped making the racket, I ordered all that he had. I think it was nearly a dozen of them. I'm now down to two brand new ones in the original packaging and six or more that I have strung and used. I take them out to play when I become nostalgic about the old wood racket days. Even though this was a mid-size, it has all the wonderful characteristics of wood frames with the added punch of a larger frame.

Racket Weight 12 ounces unstrung

Here is the original packaging as they arrived from the wholesaler.

Below is the signature of Josè-Luis Clerc on the frame.

Here are some nice links to information regarding this racket.

http://www.80s-tennis.com/pages/pro-kennex-golden-ace.html

Stringing Pattern

Here is a Brad Gilbert interview with Rod Laver. One of the things Laver mentions is how he played with the Golden Ace and loved it so much he was ready to go back on the tour. Laver thought this was a great racket.

Below is the remainder of my Golden Ace Collection that includes two in the wrapper, one in near mint condition, one Blue Ace, and one early version.

Here is a close-up of the Blue Ace that appears to be the same racket but is thinner in the frame thickness..

This is the early version of the golden ace. You can see the red frame more evident versus the gold color overlay.

Here is a racket case with straps that was available back in those days.