@@@@@----------The OFFICIAL Pro Kennex Ki5 Support and Discussion Thread--------@@@@@

Marcus

Semi-Pro
Does this support thread also for the Ki5 PSE?

Just picked one of these up..... WOW !! Some stick....

Unbelievable plough, great for S&V and groundies are huge if you can get your feet moving and prepare early

Mine comes in at 386g stock with OG & Dampner, I'm up early this morning to hit the gym !!!!
 
Yes! I've been having mine for a while now, haven't strung it yet. You just hold this stick and all you feel is power! with it's weight and stiffness.
 

Ramon

Legend
Just picked one of these up..... WOW !! Some stick....

Unbelievable plough, great for S&V and groundies are huge if you can get your feet moving and prepare early

Mine comes in at 386g stock with OG & Dampner, I'm up early this morning to hit the gym !!!!

I've tried it. It's too heavy for me, and compared to most people, I like heavier racquets. Too often, I found that I couldn't take a full swing if the ball was going fast enough to me, and I would have to block it back.
 

markm8

New User
I am only back playing tennis after a tennis elbow related 6 month break. Am playing with Tecnifibre nrg2 17 gauge at 55lbs and I have never played better. My arm feel great too. God bless the Ki5 315
 
Has anyone ever strung their Ki5 with a poly string like Luxilon? As much as I love the comfort of the arm-friendly strings, I have to say I miss the power and pop that the polys can provide. Of course, I don't want to ruin my arm again, but I'm wondering if a low-tensioned poly would still be safe on the Ki5?

I have a couple of packs of Luxilon Fluoro which is supposed to be a more arm-friendly poly (if there really is such a thing). I'm very tempted to try this out now that my arm is almost back to normal.

I used to hit with the Big Banger ALU Power string on a Pure Drive... a deadly combo to say the least ;)
 

danotje

Rookie
I use a 7G which is similar and just finished a trial of SPPP in a full bed. Arm wasn't even phased. Your mileage may vary.

Related, I also have a Flexbar and have been working on loosening my grip throughout my swing. Played last night with a poly hybrid that was quite stiff and had zero pain. While the Kinetic stuff absolutely helps, I think technique goes a long way, too, which is allowing me to use full poly from time to time. Again, you may have a different experience, but something to consider in your search for pain-free playing.
 

coolblue123

Hall of Fame
seems like no one plays with the Ki5x here.

I getting attached to this stick. I love the plow of this. Serves are awesome too.
 

Ramon

Legend
seems like no one plays with the Ki5x here.

I getting attached to this stick. I love the plow of this. Serves are awesome too.

I play with the Ki 5x. I got it partly because of the serves, and it really delivers. The downside is the maneuverability, which is what makes the Ki 5 the one that should appeal to more players, in my opinion. I've gotten accustomed to the extra length and swingweight.

Overall, I think the Ki 5x is a great stick. The length gives you bigger serves, a little more power, and a little more stability at the expense of mobility versus the Ki 5. It's a pretty even trade, and which one is better depends on your style.
 

coolblue123

Hall of Fame
I play with the Ki 5x. I got it partly because of the serves, and it really delivers. The downside is the maneuverability, which is what makes the Ki 5 the one that should appeal to more players, in my opinion. I've gotten accustomed to the extra length and swingweight.

Overall, I think the Ki 5x is a great stick. The length gives you bigger serves, a little more power, and a little more stability at the expense of mobility versus the Ki 5. It's a pretty even trade, and which one is better depends on your style.

This is one of them sticks that I feel has all the great qualities of a PDGT+ Roddick w/o the arm pain and a tad more control. one of the hidden gems. Really surprised it's been out since 2006 and not many have noticed. I thought this stick has better paint job quality then the original 7g. It's very hard to find glossy surface PJ's now that is harder to chip.
 
I decided to take the plunge and got my Ki5 strung with Luxilon Fluoro - the poly string that's supposedly easier on the arm. We'll see... I will pick the racquet up on Monday and will report back with a review. If it sucks, I may have to try the PPA 16 that everyone here is raving about. So far though, the best string i've tried with the Ki5 is Technifibre NRG2 17, but it doesn't last long enough.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
...I may have to try the PPA 16 that everyone here is raving about. So far though, the best string i've tried with the Ki5 is Technifibre NRG2 17, but it doesn't last long enough.

PPA 16 is turning out to be more durable that the average multi. It is not as comfy as XCel but it is good enough throughout the life of the string. What I like about the string is that it is slightly lower powered than typical multis and plays fine at lower tensions. In fact, it reminds me a little of my beloved Multifeel that I used years ago. I am thinking about stocking up on this stuff.
 

Ramon

Legend
I decided to take the plunge and got my Ki5 strung with Luxilon Fluoro - the poly string that's supposedly easier on the arm. We'll see... I will pick the racquet up on Monday and will report back with a review. If it sucks, I may have to try the PPA 16 that everyone here is raving about. So far though, the best string i've tried with the Ki5 is Technifibre NRG2 17, but it doesn't last long enough.

I predict the Fluoro won't be much different from other soft polys. For me, that usually means it's fine for the first 3 hours, but then I start feeling a numbness in my wrist after that. I hope your experience is better.

PPA 16 is a great multi. Lately, I've been shanking a lot of balls and breaking PPA prematurely. That's its biggest weakness for me, but if you're playing with a 17 gauge multi, you probably don't have that problem or else the 17 gauge wouldn't last you 2 sets. Normally, I find that PPA lasts longer than the majority of multis.
 

mikeler

Moderator
PPA 16 is turning out to be more durable that the average multi. It is not as comfy as XCel but it is good enough throughout the life of the string. What I like about the string is that it is slightly lower powered than typical multis and plays fine at lower tensions. In fact, it reminds me a little of my beloved Multifeel that I used years ago. I am thinking about stocking up on this stuff.

Before you settle on PPA, you should try Signum Pro Micronite or Discho Microfibre. I'm pretty sure they are the same string and for me it lasts just as long as PPA but does not stiffen up at the end. PPA has more spin and does not move as much but the Discho is softer and has better feel.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
Before you settle on PPA, you should try Signum Pro Micronite or Discho Microfibre.

I want to but they are more difficult to get here. The only place I can find them is in Germany and they have really high shipping costs for some reason. I can get the PPA 16 in black for €5 a pack at the moment and shipping is a mere €6. I already bought 10 packs and have 6 left, I was thinking about getting another 20 or even 30 packs. This is actually cheaper than the reel. Worst case scenario I use it as a cross string later on with something else like DM.

Is DM available in black?
 
So I hit for 2 hours last night with my Ki5 strung with Luxilon Fluoro 17 strung at 50lbs. I think this racquet/string combo is my new holy grail! The power and control were amazing. My partner said he had never seen me play so well before.

Am I kidding myself? Maybe. I realize these strings are only supposed to last 3 hours, but I will know for sure after a week. I experienced zero arm pain today, and that's usually when I know if I screwed up my elbow or not.

Anyhow, very happy to report that a poly string seems to be working well with a Ki5.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
So I hit for 2 hours last night with my Ki5 strung with Luxilon Fluoro 17 strung at 50lbs. I think this racquet/string combo is my new holy grail! The power and control were amazing. My partner said he had never seen me play so well before.

Am I kidding myself? Maybe. I realize these strings are only supposed to last 3 hours, but I will know for sure after a week. I experienced zero arm pain today, and that's usually when I know if I screwed up my elbow or not.

Anyhow, very happy to report that a poly string seems to be working well with a Ki5.

Hi GrandSlam.

I have made exactly the same switch but without such positive results so far. I cut out the syn gut that the Ki5 came with and installed a gut/poly hybrid which felt too stiff so I cut out the poly cross and put in syn gut which was better until the gut got wet and turned to mush. Now thinking a lowwe tension full poly is the way forward for the Ki5. Poly Star Energy is next at 50lbs.

Did you modify the Ki5 in any way? It feels a bit dead in the upper hoop compared to the PD. Have added 6g to the hoop and 4g at the top of the handle. Will see how it plays tomorrow once I have strung it.

Any feedback would be appreciated as I am close to moving on again and really want to get on with the Ki5 due to my recurrent TE problems.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I want to but they are more difficult to get here. The only place I can find them is in Germany and they have really high shipping costs for some reason. I can get the PPA 16 in black for €5 a pack at the moment and shipping is a mere €6. I already bought 10 packs and have 6 left, I was thinking about getting another 20 or even 30 packs. This is actually cheaper than the reel. Worst case scenario I use it as a cross string later on with something else like DM.

Is DM available in black?

I don't believe a black version is made.
 

Ramon

Legend
Hi GrandSlam.

I have made exactly the same switch but without such positive results so far. I cut out the syn gut that the Ki5 came with and installed a gut/poly hybrid which felt too stiff so I cut out the poly cross and put in syn gut which was better until the gut got wet and turned to mush. Now thinking a lowwe tension full poly is the way forward for the Ki5. Poly Star Energy is next at 50lbs.

Did you modify the Ki5 in any way? It feels a bit dead in the upper hoop compared to the PD. Have added 6g to the hoop and 4g at the top of the handle. Will see how it plays tomorrow once I have strung it.

Any feedback would be appreciated as I am close to moving on again and really want to get on with the Ki5 due to my recurrent TE problems.

I experimented with a lot combinations of lead on my Ki 5x including 3 and 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 3, 9, and 12 o'clock, and lead in the butt cap to counterbalance. I liked the way it played stock, and I really didn't have much of a reason to add weight other than seeing if it made an improvement. I did see some improvements in stringbed response, particularly with lead at 12 o'clock, but eventually I came to the conclusion that the stock racquet was fine and adding weight slowed down a frame that was already sluggish compared to my APDGT. All I add now is racquet head tape on the bumper guard, an overgrip, and an O-shaped dampener. If you use 1.5" Gamma racquet head tape, the weight is actually quite substantial (about 4-5 grams I think).

I really didn't have a problem making the transition from my APDGT. I think most people who like the Ki 5 are the type of players who take fast swings and generate much of their own power. When I took the same kind of swings with my APDGT, the ball would fly. Maybe your problem is a matter of style, which could mean getting used to the racquet or picking another frame with more power.

Personally, I thought the best place to add lead was at 12 o'clock with no counterweights because the racquet is plenty head light (I would consider the Ki 5 very head light also). However, just adding racquet head tape and an overgrip was enough for me.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
I experimented with a lot combinations of lead on my Ki 5x including 3 and 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 3, 9, and 12 o'clock, and lead in the butt cap to counterbalance. I liked the way it played stock, and I really didn't have much of a reason to add weight other than seeing if it made an improvement. I did see some improvements in stringbed response, particularly with lead at 12 o'clock, but eventually I came to the conclusion that the stock racquet was fine and adding weight slowed down a frame that was already sluggish compared to my APDGT. All I add now is racquet head tape on the bumper guard, an overgrip, and an O-shaped dampener. If you use 1.5" Gamma racquet head tape, the weight is actually quite substantial (about 4-5 grams I think).

I really didn't have a problem making the transition from my APDGT. I think most people who like the Ki 5 are the type of players who take fast swings and generate much of their own power. When I took the same kind of swings with my APDGT, the ball would fly. Maybe your problem is a matter of style, which could mean getting used to the racquet or picking another frame with more power.

Personally, I thought the best place to add lead was at 12 o'clock with no counterweights because the racquet is plenty head light (I would consider the Ki 5 very head light also). However, just adding racquet head tape and an overgrip was enough for me.

Thanks Ramon for the detailed response. i have added some lead at 3/9/12 for now to see what improvements (if any) that might make. I prefer a lower powered frame which the Ki5 certainly is in relation to the PD. My issue is a lack of a solid feel which is very subjective.Bringing the balance point down a bit might help to increase the power level a tad. Will try with lead at 12 only too.
 
Smirker... I didn't make any mods to my Ki5, so I'm playing with it in stock form. At first I experimented with adding lead to 3 and 9, and then just 12 o'clock, but it didn't work for me. I found the racquet to have less control when it was leaded, but that was just my experience. I realize everyone will have different experiences based on their playing style, arm strength, level, etc.

I tried many soft strings and even full natural gut with the Ki5, and though really comfy, for it still lacked the "pop" that I desired . The poly string @ 50lbs was the secret ingredient for me. If you desire a more stable feel, I would give it a try.
 
I don't know how significant the extra 5 or so grams is, but the racquets seem to play very well and handle heavy balls just fine. But I am interested to know if anyone ever got the 315 with an actual weight of 315g?
My demo from TW weighs 11.45oz / 325g so allowing 0.5oz /15g for strings, looks like mine is 310g as well. Interestingly, TW (US) specs the strung weight at 11.8oz / 334.52g! So I would consider paying for TW's matching service if there's really that much variation.

I played 3 sets of dubs with the KI5 315 today. For reference, I've been playing with 7g's for 10 years now, currently with full bed of RIP 17 (Discho Multifibre 1.25 is on the way). The last few years, I've been having bouts with TE and am considering moving down to 27" to see if that's a factor for me.

Once I got used to the different launch angle on the ball, it was pretty easy to play with the KI5 315. It shares some of the attributes I like about the 7g - high twistweight (racquet doesn't want to torque in my hand on an offcenter hit) and decent sized sweetspot. It also has the same comfy feel and nice headlight balance.

Less to my liking was the KI5 315 has less plowthru and volleys lacked punch compared to my 7g. My stock 7g's are around 11.8 oz (prolly higher swingweight too) so that may account for much of the difference. I would probably prefer an 11.8oz KI5 if they do exist.

On a side note, I also had a Dunlop Bio F3.0 Tour and Dunlop Bio Max 200G in the box. Anyone who likes the 7g might want to try the F3.0 even though its specs are different. Larger sweetspot and higher twistweight than last year's Bio 300 Tour, and the F3.0 has a surprising amount of spin potential for an 18x20. I had a blast serve & volleying with it. Feels pretty stiff on offcenter shots though.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
My demo from TW weighs 11.45oz / 325g so allowing 0.5oz /15g for strings, looks like mine is 310g as well. Interestingly, TW (US) specs the strung weight at 11.8oz / 334.52g!

A buddy also has two that are right around 310g. It seems to me that 315 is the max weight that the Ki5 can have and they really shoot for 310 +/- a few grams. The Ki5 is pretty popular at my club and they all play the same, so maybe even if they are off a few grams they still play identically. It bothered me at first, but now I don't care since my elbow has healed while still being able to play aggressive tennis.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Smirker... I didn't make any mods to my Ki5, so I'm playing with it in stock form. At first I experimented with adding lead to 3 and 9, and then just 12 o'clock, but it didn't work for me. I found the racquet to have less control when it was leaded, but that was just my experience. I realize everyone will have different experiences based on their playing style, arm strength, level, etc.

I tried many soft strings and even full natural gut with the Ki5, and though really comfy, for it still lacked the "pop" that I desired . The poly string @ 50lbs was the secret ingredient for me. If you desire a more stable feel, I would give it a try.

Thanks for the feedback:) Mine now weighs 120z with 4g at the tip and an over grip being the only additions other than replacing the stock grip. All my rackets seem to end up this weight, regardless of their weight when I buy them. I have a poly/syngut hybrid in it which play much better than the softer strings I have tried so far. A work in progress but so far, so good.
 
there is almost no information on Q5 315-really nobody plays this stick?
After I demo'd a Ki 315 last November, I also tried the Q5 315, Ki5x, and Qtour. The first two were strung w/ Babolat Addiction and the Qtour had PPA.

My impression was that Q5 played noticably stiffer than any of the PK's I've tried (I use the 7G). Seemed a bit out of character for PK but maybe the Q5 is shooting for a different customer profile. Since I'm prone to TE, I didn't play with it long.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
I've been playing around with strings on the Ki5 315.

First I put in Prince Premier Attack 16g in black in a full bed at around 24kgs. This is a nice string and plays well but is a little stiff. I wouldn't call it arm friendly but I also wouldn't call it unfriendly. If there is one thing that really characterizes this string it is DURABILITY. I normally break multis in about 6 hours of play but get at least 10 out of PPA.

I got a reel of Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16g in black and started playing around with it at around 24kgs. As a full bed this is a great string for comfort, and the power and spin are what I always get with other strings. Really impressive comfort, but durability is typical for a multi, even maybe a tad less. 5-6 hours and pop. I think it may last longer but when stringing it in a full bed the crosses start to notch the mains and vice versa and there are many tiny notches all over by the end of the stringing. When pulling the crosses it sounds like a violin playing. Maybe this is because of the black coating?

So, since I normally break crosses, I put the PPA in the crosses at 23kg and the MCS in the mains at 24kg. It works just great and I am still getting 10 hours a stringjob and the comfort is improved. Spin is impressive and there is more than enough power. Interestingly, the PPA doesn't notch the MCS when stringing either.

Anyway, this is a great hybrid for the Ki5 315. The extremes in comfort and durability between these two strings balances out and provides a stringbed that is both
very comfortable and durable. And the cost of these strings is not so bad either and playability wise is just as good as a full bed of XCel Premium but at half the cost.
 

Ramon

Legend
I've been playing around with strings on the Ki5 315.

First I put in Prince Premier Attack 16g in black in a full bed at around 24kgs. This is a nice string and plays well but is a little stiff. I wouldn't call it arm friendly but I also wouldn't call it unfriendly. If there is one thing that really characterizes this string it is DURABILITY. I normally break multis in about 6 hours of play but get at least 10 out of PPA.

I got a reel of Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16g in black and started playing around with it at around 24kgs. As a full bed this is a great string for comfort, and the power and spin are what I always get with other strings. Really impressive comfort, but durability is typical for a multi, even maybe a tad less. 5-6 hours and pop. I think it may last longer but when stringing it in a full bed the crosses start to notch the mains and vice versa and there are many tiny notches all over by the end of the stringing. When pulling the crosses it sounds like a violin playing. Maybe this is because of the black coating?

So, since I normally break crosses, I put the PPA in the crosses at 23kg and the MCS in the mains at 24kg. It works just great and I am still getting 10 hours a stringjob and the comfort is improved. Spin is impressive and there is more than enough power. Interestingly, the PPA doesn't notch the MCS when stringing either.

Anyway, this is a great hybrid for the Ki5 315. The extremes in comfort and durability between these two strings balances out and provides a stringbed that is both
very comfortable and durable. And the cost of these strings is not so bad either and playability wise is just as good as a full bed of XCel Premium but at half the cost.

I think breaking crosses is the exception rather than the rule, so I'm thinking your style must be unique. I usually break mains, and MCS lasted me less than 5 hours. PPA will last me 10-12 hours if I don't break it in under 5 on a shank. I agree that PPA and MCS are both very playable. I just don't particularly like MCS on volleys because I want something more crisp at net. I'm experimenting mostly with gut and using multis as a backup. I think natural gut and RIP Control are the only non-poly strings I found that I can depend on to not break early on shanks.
 

kazamzaa

Rookie
I just played my first match with Pro Kennex ki5 315. I won a guy who has regularly beat me for three years. 6-4 6-3. I thought that I could never go back to a light stiff frame like this. Now I get the benefits of such frame plus my wrist, elbow and feel perfectly healthty! I'm still in a progress of getting used to the light weight (328 strung).
Mine came strung with champions choice at 58/54 lbs.
 
Strange rattle

I've been playing with the Ki now regularly for a few months and recently noticed a strange rattling noise in the racquet head. NOT the normal "shaking sand" sound that happens when you shake the racquet. But this sounds like a large piece of something is loose inside the head, and it rattles around when I shake the racquet.

I bought 2 of the Ki's, and I've noticed the racquet with the weird sound it not playing as well as my 2nd racquet (which sounds normal). I don't know if the racquet has become damaged inside... or are various forms of rattling normal with the kinetic technology?

I haven't done anything to the racquet except normal play. Anyone else experienced this?
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
Hey Guys! Six months later and I am still in love with the Ki5 315! I still pull out my PSLGTs and PSTs occasionally but at the end of a session I still end up preferring the Ki5s. At this point I might have to stop using the other racquets and just use the 315 during the tournament season. I still have only two and will have to get at least another one when the season starts to get into high gear.

I have been using a hybrid of Mantis Comfort Synthetic in the mains (24kg) and Prince Premiere Attack for crosses (23kg) for awhile now. I use both in the black versions. Compare to a full bed of either MCS or PPA, the hybrid seems to bring out the best characteristics of each string. MCS in the mains provides a really plush feel while the PPA gives a boost of power. I think MCS by itself is a little too mushy and PPA by itself could be a little more arm friendly. The combo just seems to work the best.

Most importantly, my TE is 99% gone. After a two hour session of crushing the ball I can feel a very slight tinge but after a few hours it has already passed. Even though I was unable to train at 100% from September until late January, I still managed to improve a little using the 315. The most amazing thing is I still get the same amount of control with the 315 as I can with the PSLGT.

How is everyone else getting along with their Ki5s?
 
I think the Ki5 is an amazing control racquet and it healed my tennis elbow, but based on my strokes and swing style, I wasn't able to get enough power to satisfy. I could hit loopy top spin shots all day and never miss, but I couldn't flatten out the ball and hit winners.

I recently defected to the Volkl C10 Pro which I think has the magic power/control/comfort combo.

I will still keep my Ki5 around for matches against soft hitters, but when I need to hold my own against power hitters, the C10 Pro will be my go to stick.
 

Fusker

Rookie
I still really like mine. So it figures that just as I'm getting used to it and comfortable with it, I'm being tempted to try out the Q5 315 and the Volkl Organix 10 325.

I get a lot of questions about the Pro Kennex line too from drill classmates and opponents. Most people seem to think they went under 20 years ago or have never heard of them.
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
It is still my primary racquet. Like many, the Ki5 has helped my arm problems. I had arm problems for a while, so before it I was using a Becker London(which is very arm friendly) and thought my elbow was better so I put full poly rather than my usual multi/poly hybrid. That was a huge mistake because I re-injured my arm.

The Ki5 blew me away, I could crush the ball with control and not even feel the slightest bit of tenderness on my arm. I experimented again with full poly and still, no problems. The Ki5 is so underrated.

ProKennex was not even in my radar and with this much success and confidence I decided I needed to test drive some more. I went a little crazy this off season and scooped up three other PK sticks. I now have the Q5 315, Ki5x and the 7G. I was intrigued by the stiffness and greater power of the Q5. As for the Ki5x and 7G, I have never really given extended racquets a chance and thought I would go for it. I am only 5'10 and would like to have a little more reach.

Since September I have played very, very little and in this new year I have played under three hours. However, today I got out for a good hit and tried all four. My current ranking of them in a very limited test drive would be this:
1. Ki5- By quite a bit actually. Not a surprise because it is the only one I am in fact used to playing with.
2. 7G- This racquet seems easy from everywhere. I am not getting the sweet-spot all the time due to the length adjustment.
3. Q5- Very, very solid, but lacking some of the feel I get from the Ki5. However there is more easy power.
4. Ki5x- I really really want to have this one work. So far it is not quite there for me. However, I crushed some serves with it. It is the only one with natural gut, so perhaps that may play into a different feel.
*Conditions were cool and windy. Meaning strings were stiff and tennis balls hard.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
3. Q5- Very, very solid, but lacking some of the feel I get from the Ki5. However there is more easy power.

I tried a demo Q5 315 a few weeks back and it just didn't feel right to me either. The Ki5 is still the hidden gem in racquets for me at the moment.
 

Ramon

Legend
I still really like mine. So it figures that just as I'm getting used to it and comfortable with it, I'm being tempted to try out the Q5 315 and the Volkl Organix 10 325.

I get a lot of questions about the Pro Kennex line too from drill classmates and opponents. Most people seem to think they went under 20 years ago or have never heard of them.

I've tried the Organix 10 325. Compared to the Ki 5 it is very low powered. The older Volkyl racquets would probably be a better choice if you don't want to go down in power.
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
Well, I was all set to put my Q5 up for trade for another Ki5, but thought I would give it another chance. Wow, I had a great hit with it today. It's stiffer than the Ki5 but I liked that today for some reason. It's like a stiff Babolat without the arm pain. I can't seem to get the same control with the Q5 that I get with the Ki5 though. The ball comes off a little livelier with the Q5.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
What I like about the Ki5 315 is that is a good all round players racquet in that it doesn't do any one thing particularly well or bad, it just rewards good play. It doesn't have too much power or too little, it doesn't excel in serves to the detriment of the 1HBH, etc. In other words, I don't have to adapt my strokes to fit the Ki5 like I have to do with so many other racquets.

I think of it as a player's "platform" racquet in which the racquet is neutral and getting better simply demands more talent. I want a faster serve, I have to develop the technique, not rely on the racwuet to artificially boost it. More power? I have to develop the power, not let the racquet artificially give it to me. That kind of stuff.
 

kazamzaa

Rookie
I have used my ki5 315 for over two months now. No mods yet other than an overgrip.
The Champions Choice at 58/54 lbs turned out to be very good for only 6 hours. Then it turned dead, harsh and metallic. Then I put tonic/cofocus at 58/54 as I've had positive results with that in other frames. It plays very well for many hours. The only thing I am considering is to narrow down the difference in tension between gut and poly. It might alleviate some minor issues I have with directional control.
I might even try thinner strings as I don't seem to break these prematurely on carpet.
I am very interested hearing about how others have played with gut/poly hybrids with this frame.
 

PKfan1

Semi-Pro
Hey Ken, when you switched to the Ki5 from the pslgt did you not find the Ki 5 to be a little too powerful?
I'm not having elbow issues, but I saw a 9/10 Ki5 at the used sporting goods store for $40 and I couldn't pass it up. I strung it up with full poly at 62 and I find that I cannot take full strokes and keep the ball in. Using PSLGT and IGPMP as my normal racquets I had to change my stroke completely.
Although I must say it's a very comfortable hit.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
Hey Ken, when you switched to the Ki5 from the pslgt did you not find the Ki 5 to be a little too powerful?

It certainly does give more oomph, no doubt. When I switched I stopped playing top level opponents for a couple of months and went into training mode so that I could let the elbow heal a bit. I think by training I adapted to the higher power and now I am dialed in with the racquet. I now string the Ki5 around 4 lbs tighter than I do the PLSGTs and I think this is pretty much enough to offset the increase in power.

There is another factor at play: the PLSGT has a dense 18x20 pattern and the Ki5 is more open. This leads the Ki5 to have a higher trajectory that needs to be compensated for. I use a SW grip on both wings and worked to close the racquet face a tiny bit more than usual and add a bit more topspin when I want to really drive the ball hard.
 

lucky44

Rookie
KI5x

Does anyone know if KI5x is better on the arm compared to KI5,I current have three 7G and l am planning to try out KI5x.
 

Ramon

Legend
Does anyone know if KI5x is better on the arm compared to KI5,I current have three 7G and l am planning to try out KI5x.

There is really no reason the Ki 5x would be any better on the arm than the Ki 5. In fact, extending the length makes it harder on the arm. Despite that, I found the Ki 5x to be very arm friendly. It saved my tennis elbow.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
Just picked up a third as I think I will stick to the Ki5 315 for the season, even if I don't have TE anymore. I've come to believe that the Ki5 315 is the jack of all trades racquet. My PSLGTs give me slightly more control, and my PSTs give me slightly more power, but I am playing my best tennis with the Ki5 at the moment.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
KI5 was the original mold sold to babolat. 16 x 20 in a 98" head, the KI5 is a great utility racquet that I can pick up and go into a match anytime and play well with it. My main stick is a BB Melbourne, but I break out the KI5 from time to time and still enjoy it very much. melborne gives me a little bit more weight of shot and for some reason my BH slice is just really nasty with the melbourne, and I can't get the same low biting slice with the KI5.
 

eelhc

Hall of Fame
Ki5 315 rattle in the handle... Normal?

I've recently acquired a PK Ki5 315 and have noticed that there is a rattle in the handle.

If I shake the racquet, I hear a salt shaker sound from the head which I believe is normal. But If I hold the racquet upright and tap it, there is a rattle which sounds like there is a loose object inside the frame near the handle/throat area. I can hear the rattle every time I turn the racquet right side up then upside down. Sometimes it takes a tap on the throat to "loosen" the object. Sure sounds like something is loose and moving up/down.

I've contacted PK about this but it looks like they ignore their eMail.
 
Top