Pro Kennex an improvement over Yonex VCP 97 HD for arm health?

[Strayfire]

Hi everyone,

I'm suffering from a bad case of Winter tennis elbow lately with my Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD + Multifeel. Issues started when I cut out the worn out TF X-One and got it restrung with Multifeel as per usual.

Theoretically, the VCP 97 HD + multis + VDM should be pretty soft.

Just wondering if switching to something like the ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315 2021 would actually be an arm health improvement over the VCP HD.

I would love to demo the frame but it's not sold in Australia...

 

[Crocodile]

Yes, switching to the PK will improve your arm health for sure. You could get them in Australia but currently they haven’t ordered any of the new frames.
Your best bet is to order from TW USA. You will not be disappointed in the arm safety offered by the Q series PK frames particularly the 325 and 315 versions.
I would also recommend that you try the Angell K 7 Red and Lime, these are great for your arm and the Tecnifibre TF 40 315 is a good one as well.
Finally the Gravity MP is another option, and Prince Phantoms.

 

[Strayfire]

Yes, switching to the PK will improve your arm health for sure. You could get them in Australia but currently they haven’t ordered any of the new frames.
Your best bet is to order from TW USA. You will not be disappointed in the arm safety offered by the Q series PK frames particularly the 325 and 315 versions.
I would also recommend that you try the Angell K 7 Red and Lime, these are great for your arm and the Tecnifibre TF 40 315 is a good one as well.
Finally the Gravity MP is another option, and Prince Phantoms.

Yeah TW USA will be $170 + $36 USD shipping (Total: $206 USD = $271 AUD).

Just wondering how the Q+ 315 differs from the Black Ace and the 325. Looking for the nearest to my current frame.

I kinda bought the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD last year mostly based on the 59RA rating and VDM... Guess it wasn't plush enough for my broken elbow.

In the past I played with the Angell TC 97 found it to be overly launchy. Angell is also probably the priciest option.

Tecnifibre TF40 I've demoed, but I didn't like it.

 

[toby55555]

Pam was my go to brand when I had TE, kept me playing. There was one model though that was less forgiving, can’t remember the name but heavier Pro version in black.
Wilson Clash is even more arm friendlier in my opinion, first racket I’m able to use Poly in, couldn’t with PK.

 

[Unforced Winner]

If you have elbow issues while using multifilament strings, then it's probably not an issue with the racquet's stiffness, but more probably a combination of the racquet's weight and your technique.
Maybe try some lighter racquets with the same multifilament string.

 

[Strayfire]

If you have elbow issues while using multifilament strings, then it's probably not an issue with the racquet's stiffness, but more probably a combination of the racquet's weight and your technique.
Maybe try some lighter racquets with the same multifilament string.

Well it only effects me if I play in Winter + at night time. Summer + nighttime? fine. Winter + daytime? fine.

Usually happens at the beginning of a fresh restring + Winter + night = problems. Was fine before with some really old TF X-One from March.

It is peak Winter in Australia, btw, for our Northern hemisphere friends.

I'll look into it, but my working theory is that my contact at night is bad + inherent loss of elasticity in strings/balls that makes it bad to play with.

I've been messing around with a flexbar (red) lately as well hoping to rehab myself.

 

[Crocodile]

Yeah TW USA will be $170 + $36 USD shipping (Total: $206 USD = $271 AUD).

Just wondering how the Q+ 315 differs from the Black Ace and the 325. Looking for the nearest to my current frame.

I kinda bought the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD last year mostly based on the 59RA rating and VDM... Guess it wasn't plush enough for my broken elbow.

In the past I played with the Angell TC 97 found it to be overly launchy. Angell is also probably the priciest option.

Tecnifibre TF40 I've demoed, but I didn't like it.

The black ace is cut from the similar cloth as the Ki philosophy whereas the Q Tours evolved from the Redondo and 2009 Bkack Ace frame. The TC 97 with the 16/19 is launchy but the K7 Lime is quite controllable and buttery.
Another option that you could try is the a Volkl Tour 10 with its 19.5mm beam. You can still get them, even in Almagro Specs.

 

[Strayfire]

The black ace is cut from the similar cloth as the Ki philosophy whereas the Q Tours evolved from the Redondo and 2009 Bkack Ace frame. The TC 97 with the 16/19 is launchy but the K7 Lime is quite controllable and buttery.
Another option that you could try is the a Volkl Tour 10 with its 19.5mm beam. You can still get them, even in Almagro Specs.

So if I understand correctly then the Redondo and Q Tour is similar to a HEAD Prestige or K7 Lime?

Black Ace is some sort of control tweener or K7 Red?

 

[vantage boy]

Yeah TW USA will be $170 + $36 USD shipping (Total: $206 USD = $271 AUD).

Just wondering how the Q+ 315 differs from the Black Ace and the 325. Looking for the nearest to my current frame.

I kinda bought the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD last year mostly based on the 59RA rating and VDM... Guess it wasn't plush enough for my broken elbow.

In the past I played with the Angell TC 97 found it to be overly launchy. Angell is also probably the priciest option.

Tecnifibre TF40 I've demoed, but I didn't like it.

The 315 Ki QTour is a more powerful version of the BA Pro-a bit head lighter and the new green one has a 60 flex -as far as comfort they are at the top of the list and both have great playability for a 3.5 up player

 

[smalahove]

I haven't tried the HD version, but I played extensively with the DG and VCP 97 in both 310 and 330g, and ime if you play these stock with tensions above 50 you get a smallish sweet zone, and even small mishits take their tall on the arm, regardless of SW (plow) and TW (stability). I've had my run with TE, and have absolutely no issue playing with polys in any racket, but I don't go above 46 lbs to ensure a large sweet zone and great ball pocketing, which protects the arm.

I've tried the X-one a few times, in a PD at 52sh lbs, and to me, that setup felt much firmer with little ball pocketing, than my regular setups, esp when freshly strung. I haven't tried that many multis, but the ones I've tried feel more like syntgut, and they haven't had the elasticity of the polys I like.

 

[Strayfire]

I haven't tried the HD version, but I played extensively with the DG and VCP 97 in both 310 and 330g, and ime if you play these stock with tensions above 50 you get a smallish sweet zone, and even small mishits take their tall on the arm, regardless of SW (plow) and TW (stability). I've had my run with TE, and have absolutely no issue playing with polys in any racket, but I don't go above 46 lbs to ensure a large sweet zone and great ball pocketing, which protects the arm.

I've tried the X-one a few times, in a PD at 52sh lbs, and to me, that setup felt much firmer with little ball pocketing, than my regular setups, esp when freshly strung. I haven't tried that many multis, but the ones I've tried feel more like syntgut, and they haven't had the elasticity of the polys I like.

I think you might be right about the tension thing. My elbow was fine with the worn out string until I restrung. I usually do 51lbs/23kg so I might try 47lbs/20.5kg and see how it goes.

 

[CosmosMpower]

HD is pretty low RA already but it's possible.

 

[Power Player]

I used the Vcore Pro - great feeling frame. ProKennex frames are more comfortable, but they also (depending on the model) can provide more free power as well. So that's the advantage I get with them.

I use a different model (Q+5) which has a higher RA, but it's been fine for my arm/shoulder anyway.

PK has been making frames with actual tech that works, so it's a good bet you should experience more comfort.

 

[PD1978]

Clash 98 might be a good alternative. I just ordered one myself. Considered the Black Ace as well. But thought I’d appreciate the free power to help my arm.

 

[topspn]

You're playing a pretty arm friendly racquet with a very arm friendly string. Something else is the problem for you would be my best guess

 

[tonylg]

Why not just rest your arm until it gets warmer? I usually play 3 or more nights per week, but not this time of year. Haven't played at night since May. It's just too cold.