I love the most random frame - Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 7g
- Thread starter bluetrain4
- Start date
are you guys aware that PK will be bringing out a Qs or Q5 stick soon that is similar to the Q tour!!
specs are maybe "head size of 100, length 27", weight 315g, balance 310mm (10 points headlight), swingweight 295, Flex 65."
cannot confirm specs till we see the actual racquets though.
this will likely be a cross between the 7g, 5g, and Ki5.
i'm really looking forward for this model, it could be a dream stick
specs are maybe "head size of 100, length 27", weight 315g, balance 310mm (10 points headlight), swingweight 295, Flex 65."
cannot confirm specs till we see the actual racquets though.
this will likely be a cross between the 7g, 5g, and Ki5.
i'm really looking forward for this model, it could be a dream stick
So I demoed the 7g. Meh. It was ok I guess. As stated it does everything mostly ok, nothing spectacular. It felt slightly too large, awkward, and too springy/powerful. Interestingly enough I thought its volley action was the best part of it. There was too much head action on groundstrokes but whatever that action was doing on volleys helped to absorb pace and let me control slice well.
I think I just prefer smaller stiffer frames. My Yonix RdIS sticks just feel too good to me. Its probably because I'm so used to them by now.
I think I just prefer smaller stiffer frames. My Yonix RdIS sticks just feel too good to me. Its probably because I'm so used to them by now.
mikeler
Moderator
Volleying is where this stick shines. By too much head action on groundstrokes, do you mean that you were framing too many balls?
Tension
I just ordered a 7g from TW after reading this thread,I have a question on string setup,I am stringing with Babolat VS Natural Gut17 in mains at 52 and MSV cofocus at 48,do you think this setup will make the racquet little too powerful?I mean should I have gone for higher tensions ? please help so that I could change it before they ship it.
I just ordered a 7g from TW after reading this thread,I have a question on string setup,I am stringing with Babolat VS Natural Gut17 in mains at 52 and MSV cofocus at 48,do you think this setup will make the racquet little too powerful?I mean should I have gone for higher tensions ? please help so that I could change it before they ship it.
I just stumbled upon this old thread now that it has been revived. I wish I would have read it when it first came out so I would have demoed the 7G. I ended up getting the Ki 5x after comparing it to several other racquets. I never demoed the old 7G, but this updated version is a really nice racquet, and like many of you, I also found that adding lead weight to the head (mine are at 3 and 9, and I also use an overgrip) makes a noticeable improvement in stability.
I tried a gut/poly hybrid on my Ki 5x (the updated 7G). Gut/poly is a great combination; lots of spin and controlled power, but my arm just can't take poly once it dies. I think 52/48 is the perfect place to start. It might be a bit powerful, but going tighter would sacrifice dwell time and spin.
I tried a gut/poly hybrid on my Ki 5x (the updated 7G). Gut/poly is a great combination; lots of spin and controlled power, but my arm just can't take poly once it dies. I think 52/48 is the perfect place to start. It might be a bit powerful, but going tighter would sacrifice dwell time and spin.
7G
Thanks Ramon,also I have read on other threads that Cofocus feels boardy at higher tensions that's why I went with lower tension but right after ordering it stumbled across Scotus' post where he mentioned that he goes with really high tensions to tame the power,that made me worried .Currently I am playing with 5G and love it,all my arm problems are gone,I had almost decided to quit tennis until I got advise on this forum and read Mikeler's threads and switched to 5G but I am missing the extra large sweet spot I had with EXO3 Red and the power it provided so thought may be 7G will be a good fit for me,will let you guys know.Thanks!!
Thanks Ramon,also I have read on other threads that Cofocus feels boardy at higher tensions that's why I went with lower tension but right after ordering it stumbled across Scotus' post where he mentioned that he goes with really high tensions to tame the power,that made me worried .Currently I am playing with 5G and love it,all my arm problems are gone,I had almost decided to quit tennis until I got advise on this forum and read Mikeler's threads and switched to 5G but I am missing the extra large sweet spot I had with EXO3 Red and the power it provided so thought may be 7G will be a good fit for me,will let you guys know.Thanks!!
Try the lower-tension setup and see if you like it.
Who knows, maybe you can control 7G's power better than I and won't need the help of high tension.
mikeler
Moderator
There are many setups that can tame the power. I currently use Discho Microfibre 16 (full multi) at 54# in the summer heat.
netman
Hall of Fame
Been using Genesis Heptonic 18 mains with Gosen SM 17 crosses. Mains at 58, crosses at 55. This is a low powered setup that is easy on the arm, yet still provides good control for a hard, flat hitter like me.
-k-
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
Mikeler, I notice that somewhere along the line you've switched from the 7G to a Prince Exo3 Tour.
How about a comparison of the two?
Thanks,
Dave
How about a comparison of the two?
Thanks,
Dave
mikeler
Moderator
Two very different rackets but for whatever reason, I volley way better with these two rackets than anything else I've used. My serve is more accurate with the Exo but probably a little faster with the 7G. I've struggled with my forehand using the Exo and was really cracking it well the last few months with the 7G. My backhand can handle any racket or string. Touch shots I think the Exo beats the 7G. Spin production the Exo also wins but flattening out shots the 7G is better.
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DaveInBradenton
Rookie
Mikeler, how do you compare the comfort level with similar strings?
Thank you!
Dave
Thank you!
Dave
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
I received my Pro Kennex demos today from TW:
Pro Kinetic 5G
Pro Kinetic 7G
Redondo 98 MP+
The 5G was brand new; the plastic was on the grip. It's strung with Pro Kennex Elite 16, I think. Hard to read. I could find no Pro Kennex strings for sale at TW.
The 7G has been around the block of few times: black Wilson grip and Wilson Sensation Control 16.
The Redondo 98 has done the demo circuit too. The dark mustard brown leather grip doesn't have a lot of wear, but feels smooth with NO tack at all. Not appealing. The string reads Gosen Micro 17 Japan. If I matched it correctly at TW, it retails for $3.50. Perhaps that's it only virtue?
I took the 5G & 7G to the courts today for a brief session. I did a hopper of 'drop & hit' balls, alternating rackets to get a feel for them: one hand forehands & backhands and 2 hand forehands and backhands, serves. Then I hit 65 balls against my ball machine, rotating rackets periodically.
Let me say this: the purpose my my racket demo session was to see if I could improve on my present set up listed below. I still have some shoulder issues that I'm hoping one of the PKs can help. I also like the extended length concept because I think it will suit my topspin 2HFH. So frankly I'm predisposed to choose the 7G over the others.
The 5G felt stiffer to me on groundstrokes. It could be the new strings; they felt tight to me with a higher tone ping. The 5G did not have the power of the 7G. I had to raise my sights to hit deep shots. The 7G had more comfort and more effortless power on groundstrokes. No surprise, it has more leverage and perhaps softer, looser springs. Obviously, the strings in demo rackets are a variable.
Both rackets did OK on serves, but the 7G seemed more like swinging my OS Head. I felt right at home serving with the 7G.
The one thing the 5G really shined at today were slice backhands. It gave excellent control on aggressive slices.
After this brief test, I favor the 7G.
Next time out, I will compare the 7G to the Redondo 98.
Best wishes,
Dave
Pro Kinetic 5G
Pro Kinetic 7G
Redondo 98 MP+
The 5G was brand new; the plastic was on the grip. It's strung with Pro Kennex Elite 16, I think. Hard to read. I could find no Pro Kennex strings for sale at TW.
The 7G has been around the block of few times: black Wilson grip and Wilson Sensation Control 16.
The Redondo 98 has done the demo circuit too. The dark mustard brown leather grip doesn't have a lot of wear, but feels smooth with NO tack at all. Not appealing. The string reads Gosen Micro 17 Japan. If I matched it correctly at TW, it retails for $3.50. Perhaps that's it only virtue?
I took the 5G & 7G to the courts today for a brief session. I did a hopper of 'drop & hit' balls, alternating rackets to get a feel for them: one hand forehands & backhands and 2 hand forehands and backhands, serves. Then I hit 65 balls against my ball machine, rotating rackets periodically.
Let me say this: the purpose my my racket demo session was to see if I could improve on my present set up listed below. I still have some shoulder issues that I'm hoping one of the PKs can help. I also like the extended length concept because I think it will suit my topspin 2HFH. So frankly I'm predisposed to choose the 7G over the others.
The 5G felt stiffer to me on groundstrokes. It could be the new strings; they felt tight to me with a higher tone ping. The 5G did not have the power of the 7G. I had to raise my sights to hit deep shots. The 7G had more comfort and more effortless power on groundstrokes. No surprise, it has more leverage and perhaps softer, looser springs. Obviously, the strings in demo rackets are a variable.
Both rackets did OK on serves, but the 7G seemed more like swinging my OS Head. I felt right at home serving with the 7G.
The one thing the 5G really shined at today were slice backhands. It gave excellent control on aggressive slices.
After this brief test, I favor the 7G.
Next time out, I will compare the 7G to the Redondo 98.
Best wishes,
Dave
JGads
G.O.A.T.
7G is a beast. If you're two handed on both wings, frame could be sensational for you. One of the best frames ever, in my book. Have fun with it.
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
This afternoon I compared the 7G with the Redondo 98 MP+.
The Redondo demo looks like a 3rd place finisher compared to the 5G and 7G. It has a lackluster paint job. I would call it flat metallic maroon with battleship grey contrasting segments on the hoop. Not a lot of eye appeal, but I hope a brand new one would look better than this demo. Then there's the dark mustard brown (I'm being polite) leather grip that looks like it was baked in someone's trunk for a Florida summer. It's smooth and "tacky-less". The fact is, it's tacky, but not in a good way. It's got Gosen Micro 17 strings which I'm guessing are cheap (17 gauge I like though) And then there's the name, "Redondo". To me it sounds too much like REDUNDANT. You know, ........like compared to the 7G. Pro Kennex marketing, what were you thinking? Frankly, I really wanted to just compare the 5G with the 7G with the Kinetic system, but because the price to demo 2 or 4 rackets is the same, I looked for a couple other rackets to request as well.
All that being said, the Redondo really plays well! A very nice racket. I like it.
The Redondo has good power, but not as much as the effortless power of the +.5 inch 7G.
The Redondo has more control than the 7G. Less power, more control. I think it breaks down to personal preference. Take your pick.
The Redondo is a very comfortable racket, as you would expect with a flex rating in the mid 50s. I would give the edge in comfort to the 7G. I assume it's th Kinetic tech.
I prefer both these rackets to the 5G, but please note that the new demo 5G I have has the highest frequency string ping, making me think it's strung tight. I know this is not scientific, but I'm just reporting it.
Next time out, I'm going to take all three rackets to see if my impressions are the same.
Best wishes,
Dave
Tampa Bay
The Redondo demo looks like a 3rd place finisher compared to the 5G and 7G. It has a lackluster paint job. I would call it flat metallic maroon with battleship grey contrasting segments on the hoop. Not a lot of eye appeal, but I hope a brand new one would look better than this demo. Then there's the dark mustard brown (I'm being polite) leather grip that looks like it was baked in someone's trunk for a Florida summer. It's smooth and "tacky-less". The fact is, it's tacky, but not in a good way. It's got Gosen Micro 17 strings which I'm guessing are cheap (17 gauge I like though) And then there's the name, "Redondo". To me it sounds too much like REDUNDANT. You know, ........like compared to the 7G. Pro Kennex marketing, what were you thinking? Frankly, I really wanted to just compare the 5G with the 7G with the Kinetic system, but because the price to demo 2 or 4 rackets is the same, I looked for a couple other rackets to request as well.
All that being said, the Redondo really plays well! A very nice racket. I like it.
The Redondo has good power, but not as much as the effortless power of the +.5 inch 7G.
The Redondo has more control than the 7G. Less power, more control. I think it breaks down to personal preference. Take your pick.
The Redondo is a very comfortable racket, as you would expect with a flex rating in the mid 50s. I would give the edge in comfort to the 7G. I assume it's th Kinetic tech.
I prefer both these rackets to the 5G, but please note that the new demo 5G I have has the highest frequency string ping, making me think it's strung tight. I know this is not scientific, but I'm just reporting it.
Next time out, I'm going to take all three rackets to see if my impressions are the same.
Best wishes,
Dave
Tampa Bay
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
Today I decided to test the 7G against my trusty Head MicroGel Radical 107 with Bab 17 gauge natural gut tonic strung @ 52.
Power levels and control, as tested, seemed to be fairly close. This makes me wonder if the 7G, if strung with full natural gut strung at 52 like my MicroGel, would turn out to be an even better performer.
Although my MG Radical is a comfort racket, the Kinetic 7G gets the nod in comfort. That's a big deal for me. I'm a senior player with shoulder issues. I need to have the best possible shoulder-friendly racket, string, and tension combination that keeps me on the courts.
The 7G may not be the panacea for my shoulder issues, but I feel I have to give it a try.
Best wishes,
Dave
Remember when tennis rackets were wood and balls were white?
Power levels and control, as tested, seemed to be fairly close. This makes me wonder if the 7G, if strung with full natural gut strung at 52 like my MicroGel, would turn out to be an even better performer.
Although my MG Radical is a comfort racket, the Kinetic 7G gets the nod in comfort. That's a big deal for me. I'm a senior player with shoulder issues. I need to have the best possible shoulder-friendly racket, string, and tension combination that keeps me on the courts.
The 7G may not be the panacea for my shoulder issues, but I feel I have to give it a try.
Best wishes,
Dave
Remember when tennis rackets were wood and balls were white?
mikeler
Moderator
Even though I recommended the 7G in my multis thread to you, I did not realize you were having shoulder issues. The extended length is going to put more stress on your shoulder. Maybe the 5G is a better option for you health wise.
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
Hi Mike, it's thoughtful of you to mention that. I realize the extra half inch may require a bit more muscle to swing, but conversely the extra power the racket generates may
prompt me to slow up my swing speed a bit. I love to take a big whack at the ball. I'm a compulsive over-hitter, but it's so much fun!
I have to admit, my aggressive swings are probably the cause of my shoulder pain. And, using both hands on both sides, makes a faster swing speed easier. I also use one hand shots on both sides since that was the way I learned to play back in the late '50s. Basically, when the ball is in the baseball strike zone, I use two hands, otherwise one handers when I have to stretch. Since making my come-back, I need to learn to balance swing speed versus consistency/accuracy.
I've ordered a 7G with Bab 17 NG at 52 (lowest recommended tension) and will report after I get some court time.
Thanks again,
Dave
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
This afternoon was my first time out with my brand new 7G with 17 gauge VS natural gut strung at 50. The 50 is two pounds less the lowest tension ProKennex recommends, but I'm trying to get the best frame/string/tension to stop my shoulders from hurting after I play.
It was breezy (about 15 mph) off the Gulf Coast today in central Florida, but the temperature was in the lower 70's and sunny. I hit two hoppers against my ball machine, about a total of 130 balls.
I am very pleased with the way this racket plays. I did well today, I especially for the first time out. I don't feel like I have to make much adjustment from my previous racket. With the 17 gauge NG and low tension there is plenty of power. Perhaps too much power, but I need more time with the racket and without the wind. IF this cures my shoulder, I can experiment with higher tension.
The 7G comfort level is excellent. Whether it will aleviate my shoulder problems, time will tell. Let's see how I feel in a couple of week.
I am very pleased I bought the 7G. Back to the courts the day after tomorrow!
Thanks to everybody that contributed to this thread to help me make my choice.
Best wishes,
Dave
It was breezy (about 15 mph) off the Gulf Coast today in central Florida, but the temperature was in the lower 70's and sunny. I hit two hoppers against my ball machine, about a total of 130 balls.
I am very pleased with the way this racket plays. I did well today, I especially for the first time out. I don't feel like I have to make much adjustment from my previous racket. With the 17 gauge NG and low tension there is plenty of power. Perhaps too much power, but I need more time with the racket and without the wind. IF this cures my shoulder, I can experiment with higher tension.
The 7G comfort level is excellent. Whether it will aleviate my shoulder problems, time will tell. Let's see how I feel in a couple of week.
I am very pleased I bought the 7G. Back to the courts the day after tomorrow!
Thanks to everybody that contributed to this thread to help me make my choice.
Best wishes,
Dave
canadad
Semi-Pro
I have been playing with the the 7G recently and love it. It is very solid and I am hitting everything pretty well. I have not dialled in huge serves, but they are okay. I can't find too many issues, it is just a good all around frame. Amazing that something that has been around so long is still so effective.
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
I've been using my 7G for two months now. It's a very good balance between control and power. As one TW tester mentioned, it's a player's racket with power.
Like any racket, it takes some time to get acclimated. I've practiced with mine 2-3 times a week since I got it. I am satisfied that it's the racket for me. I will sell one or two of my MicroGel Radicals and stick with the 7G.
BTW, I no longer wear my tennis elbow brace. Life is good.
Best wishes,
Dave
Like any racket, it takes some time to get acclimated. I've practiced with mine 2-3 times a week since I got it. I am satisfied that it's the racket for me. I will sell one or two of my MicroGel Radicals and stick with the 7G.
BTW, I no longer wear my tennis elbow brace. Life is good.
Best wishes,
Dave
mikeler
Moderator
I found the pace with the 7G to be terrific on serves but I place my serves better with the Prince Exo Tour.
canadad
Semi-Pro
JGads had one for sale this winter, so I snapped it up hoping for a longer Ki5 that was a little better than the Ki5x. At first I thought is was average and nothing flashy. Once you get used to the extra length, you can have so much variety. It does everything well. I have made the full switch and am now going to get some more. It just does so much well, yesterday I was crushing the ball with it. Serves are average still, but my serve is in a slump anyway.
mikeler
Moderator
That is probably 1 of the 2 he bought from me, so chances are I'm the original owner of that stick!
canadad
Semi-Pro
Hah, that's pretty cool! Maybe that's why it turned a sickly shade of green when I put polyester strings into it. Just kidding, I am glad it found its way to me.
mikeler
Moderator
How would you compare it to the Ki5?
canadad
Semi-Pro
I'm not great at articulating these things but these are just my own experiences. I think the Ki5 has a little more feel and flex. I think I have a little bit more control with the Ki5, but I have played with it longer. Both have good spin, comfort and power and I seem to get similar results with them. It is still a back and forth switch for me, but I am reaching for the 7G a little more often lately. For some reason I am a little better on the bh side with the 7G.
canadad
Semi-Pro
Anyone still using this frame? I just bought my second from TW. It was all cemented when I tested a batch of different racquets recently. I just said to myself, "Why am I still doing this? Why am I still demoing frames?". The 7G fits me well and I am going stay with it. I just did a read through of most of this thread and love the advice, so thanks to all the contributors. So, now to test setups.
so they are the same frame, essentially?
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
Suggestion: when comparing frames, go to the TW University and check the side by side sweet spot, power, and other stats. Very informative.
Dave
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Glad it's still working out, my man!
I have shoulder soreness off and on now that I never had before so I've contemplated getting another 7G for the back of the bag for when the shoulder acts up, but only if I ever found one for super cheap as I'm otherwise very happy with my current frames. Happy to see my old bat still has a great home. And free health care.
mikeler
Moderator
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
MicroGel Radical MP vs 7G
Coincidently, this morning I went to the courts with rain in the area. Instead of using my Kinetic Pro 7G, I used my back up MG Radical (16g Tonic NG at 50) because I didn't want the 7G sprinkled on. I hit my usual amount of balls which is one warm-up hopper of 65 drop & hit ground strokes and serves, then two hoppers with the ball machine.
I really hit well, liking the 5 ounce less weight of the Head. I was thinking maybe the 7G was a little heavy (11.2 strung vs 11.7).
On the way home I began to feel my shoulder and for the rest of the day it's been sore. Wow, what an eye opener. The two rackets have similar string and the same tension. No doubt about it, the ProKennex remains my racket of choice.
I just took a Tylenol :+)
Maybe a ProKennex in a slightly lighter frame would be worth a demo.
Have fun,
Dave
Coincidently, this morning I went to the courts with rain in the area. Instead of using my Kinetic Pro 7G, I used my back up MG Radical (16g Tonic NG at 50) because I didn't want the 7G sprinkled on. I hit my usual amount of balls which is one warm-up hopper of 65 drop & hit ground strokes and serves, then two hoppers with the ball machine.
I really hit well, liking the 5 ounce less weight of the Head. I was thinking maybe the 7G was a little heavy (11.2 strung vs 11.7).
On the way home I began to feel my shoulder and for the rest of the day it's been sore. Wow, what an eye opener. The two rackets have similar string and the same tension. No doubt about it, the ProKennex remains my racket of choice.
I just took a Tylenol :+)
Maybe a ProKennex in a slightly lighter frame would be worth a demo.
Have fun,
Dave
I liked everything about both the 7g and Ki5 x except for the weight, which the extra length seems to exaggerate. I've got the QTour 295 on my next list of demos.
canadad
Semi-Pro
Hey JGads! It turns out it has worked well for me. I haven't had any arm problems since hitting with it. I am even contemplating a full poly set up as an experiment. I am very excited that I am moving forward with this one.
I am actually going to play with going heavier. I like heavier sticks. I plan to try Power Player's mod below.
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
Tennis racket weight seems to be based on personal preference, so experimenting is certainly recommended.
What works for me (69 years old and returning after 15 years) will not work for most, so try different weights to see what fits your physique and skills.
I've ordered 3 PK demos to compare with my 7G. I'm especially interested in the 105 Ionic K15 PSE, similar power specs, but slightly lighter at 11.5 strung.
I do wish ProKennex would ditch their similar model designations so I could keep them straight. Black Ace I can remember!
Best wishes,
Dave
What works for me (69 years old and returning after 15 years) will not work for most, so try different weights to see what fits your physique and skills.
I've ordered 3 PK demos to compare with my 7G. I'm especially interested in the 105 Ionic K15 PSE, similar power specs, but slightly lighter at 11.5 strung.
I do wish ProKennex would ditch their similar model designations so I could keep them straight. Black Ace I can remember!
Best wishes,
Dave
canadad
Semi-Pro
I tried the mod that Power Player suggested but it made it too sluggish. I quickly changed back the stock balance and it was better for me.
String wise, my top setups so far are:
1. Genesis Black Magic mains and Thunder Blast crosses at 57. However, the Thunder Blast broke in 3 hours. Great feeling combination though.
2. Full bed of Dunlop Hexy Fibre 16 at 59. I have only played 1.5 hours so far with it, but awesome and soft.
3. Solinco Tour Bite/ Babolat N.VY. This is what JGads sent it to me with and it was pretty nice.
4. Volkl V-Pro/Dunlop Comfort Synthetic at 56. The DCS broke in three hours and I did not find it that comfy.
5. Volkl V-Pro/V-Wrap at 56. Not bad, but not awesome.
String wise, my top setups so far are:
1. Genesis Black Magic mains and Thunder Blast crosses at 57. However, the Thunder Blast broke in 3 hours. Great feeling combination though.
2. Full bed of Dunlop Hexy Fibre 16 at 59. I have only played 1.5 hours so far with it, but awesome and soft.
3. Solinco Tour Bite/ Babolat N.VY. This is what JGads sent it to me with and it was pretty nice.
4. Volkl V-Pro/Dunlop Comfort Synthetic at 56. The DCS broke in three hours and I did not find it that comfy.
5. Volkl V-Pro/V-Wrap at 56. Not bad, but not awesome.
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JGads
G.O.A.T.
Might want to try full Tour Bite Soft at some point. Great string.
canadad
Semi-Pro
I was just reading a thread where this was mentioned for comfort. I do plan to use it, sounds intriguing. I feel like I am stringing almost every night, a little more durability in a softer string would be nice. I just finished putting in Golden Set Power Cord with Golden Set Velvet, we'll see how that goes.
DaveInBradenton
Rookie
You sound like the perfect candidate for natural gut.
Natural gut and a ProKennex racket are definitely worth a try.
Dave
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canadad
Semi-Pro
Hey Dave, I am cheap so I never really splurge. However, economically it may work out to cheaper in the long run because of durability. I do like natural gut though. Do you know of any on the cheaper side that are still pretty good?
