ProKennex Nation

Finally some decent weather, although a bit windy. Will be hitting with the Ki15 PSE tonight with new string job.
Kirschbaum Touch Turbo Mains / Kirschbaum Touch Multifiber Crosses @ 60lbs. Looking forward to some competitive doubles.
 
I got a PK Ace Comp the other week at a flea market... strung if and hit with it now a few times and i am growning to like it.. Anyone tried it here in PK Nation?
 
I got a PK Ace Comp the other week at a flea market... strung if and hit with it now a few times and i am growning to like it.. Anyone tried it here in PK Nation?

I remember the Pro Comp. See below. What does the Ace Comp look like?

a2q8p2.jpg
 
Just got home from playing 3 sets of doubles with my Ki15 PSE and my new string job. Racquet played great with Kbaum Touch Turbo Ms / Kbaum Touch Multifiber Xs at 60lbs. Took a set to get used to the new setup, but I'm really impressed. I typically play with a Ki5, but wanted to give the Ki15 PSE a whirl.
Guy on the other side of the net just switched to the Ki5X three weeks ago because of tennis elbow and was singing its praises. Another satisfied PK owner!
 
Just got home from playing 3 sets of doubles with my Ki15 PSE and my new string job. Racquet played great with Kbaum Touch Turbo Ms / Kbaum Touch Multifiber Xs at 60lbs. Took a set to get used to the new setup, but I'm really impressed. I typically play with a Ki5, but wanted to give the Ki15 PSE a whirl.
Guy on the other side of the net just switched to the Ki5X three weeks ago because of tennis elbow and was singing its praises. Another satisfied PK owner!

What would you say would be your initial impressions on pros/cons to Ki15 PSE vs. standard Ki5? My time with the Ki5 - felt like that frame was just the most consistent frame in terms of serving, second serves were automatic and first serves - flat or spin - were 'all systems go'. Similar with the 15?
 
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What would you say would be your initial impressions on pros/cons to Ki15 PSE vs. standard Ki5? My time with the Ki5 - felt like that frame was just the most consistent frame in terms of serving, second serves were automatic and first serves - flat or spin - were 'all systems go'. Similar with the 15?

Had more power than the Ki5, for sure, which is why I strung it a 60 this time. Easy access to spin. Net play/volleys were solid and the frame was very manuverable. Once I got use to the new setup everthing worked very well. Serves were HUGE today. I floated a few forehands, but I do that with any racquet.
 
Had more power than the Ki5, for sure, which is why I strung it a 60 this time. Easy access to spin. Net play/volleys were solid and the frame was very manuverable. Once I got use to the new setup everthing worked very well. Serves were HUGE today. I floated a few forehands, but I do that with any racquet.

Much appreciated!
 

Blade0324

Hall of Fame
So thanks to you guys for your input on my Ki5 and tension etc. I lowered tension and added about 8g of weight at 10 and 2 and then another 4g in the throat. This increased the power nicely and I do like the way the racquet feels. It is certainly noteable different than my MGPP. One thing I noticed is that the MGPP seems to be more stable and have a good bit more plow through the ball. Also the weight of shot from my MGPP seems to be a bit better too. I really like the comfort of this PK frame, any other suggestions on what else I could try with it? Or maybe I should try the Black Ace or Type C???
 
So thanks to you guys for your input on my Ki5 and tension etc. I lowered tension and added about 8g of weight at 10 and 2 and then another 4g in the throat. This increased the power nicely and I do like the way the racquet feels. It is certainly noteable different than my MGPP. One thing I noticed is that the MGPP seems to be more stable and have a good bit more plow through the ball. Also the weight of shot from my MGPP seems to be a bit better too. I really like the comfort of this PK frame, any other suggestions on what else I could try with it? Or maybe I should try the Black Ace or Type C???

Your best bet may be the Ki5 PSE. The added weight will certainly help with the polw through. Given your arm troubles, I would stay with the Kinetic series for sure.
 

LafayetteHitter

Hall of Fame
Your best bet may be the Ki5 PSE. The added weight will certainly help with the polw through. Given your arm troubles, I would stay with the Kinetic series for sure.

BHSE, how would you compare the power level of the 5 PSE to the 15 PSE? So far I am really enjoying my 15 PSE.
 

LafayetteHitter

Hall of Fame
There was a guy in player development at PK a few years ago before the changes. I cannot remember his name but I wish I could. I used to get the PK leather grips from him. These grips were super leather grips.
 

The_Question

Hall of Fame
I am happy to see there are a little more threads about PK frames recently. It deserves the recognition despise the lack of heavy marketing like others.
 
BHSE, how would you compare the power level of the 5 PSE to the 15 PSE? So far I am really enjoying my 15 PSE.

Ki15 PSE certainly has more power than the Ki5 PSE. The Ki15 PSE has a Wider Beam, Larger Headsize, and a more Open String Pattern - all of these things added together = more power. But, I found that the added power in the Ki15 PSE was very easy to contol. Both are great feeling sticks.
 
Please share your string setups for your PKs
Here are my newest:
BA93 - Kirschbaum Competition Mains/Kirschbaum Touch Multifiber Crosses @ 56
BA98 - Kbaum Touch Turbo Mains/Touch Multifiber Crosses @ 56
Redondo98 - Kbaum Competition Mains/Touch Multifiber Crosses @ 58
Ki5 - Kbaum Pro Line II Full @ 58
Ki5PSE - Kbaum Touch Turbo Mains/Touch Multifiber Crosses @ 58
Ki5X - Kbaum Touch Turbo Mains/Touch Multifiber Croses @ 58
Ki15PSE - Kbaum Touch Turbo Mains/Touch Multifiber Crosses @ 56
 

edmundccc

New User
Anyone has played with the Destiny? Would like to hear what you think of comparing to PD. I love PDs in general except its stiffness. I hope PK Destiny can solve this problem while maintaining all the power and spin potential of PD.
 
I have hit with the Destiny 290 and found it to be fairly similar to the original Pure Drive. The strings in the stick were really bad, so I didn't get the full effect. It's worthy of a test drive for sure.
 
Why this baby isn't availaible in USA?

KTBA98N-1.JPG

I'm trying to find out when and if the new 295 and 325 will be available in the USA. I noticed that TW Europe does not offer the 93 Headsize. So, I also want to know if this new cosmetic will be available in the BA93.
I wonder if the 295 would even do well in America??? People seem to love the specs of the current Black Ace that is available.
 

jwbarrientos

Hall of Fame
Hey BigHitterSE,

didn't find the specs of this "babies" in TW Europe, checked the PK official site and is only published the present TW USA BAs.
 
The current Black Ace available in the US is 315g unstrung, unlike its 325g European cousin. I bet that PK sticks with the 315g weight in the US given the incredible playability of this frame...not to mention all of the psoitive feedback. Can't wait to find out.
 

CullCo

New User
LOVE the ProKennex Thread!!!
I was sponsored by them long ago as a junior and I love their story and their racquets.
ProKennex RULES and all others are FOOLS!!!
FYI - I just switched to the Black Ace 98 and I could not be more pleased.
 

jwbarrientos

Hall of Fame
LOVE the ProKennex Thread!!!
I was sponsored by them long ago as a junior and I love their story and their racquets.
ProKennex RULES and all others are FOOLS!!!
FYI - I just switched to the Black Ace 98 and I could not be more pleased.

I heard your pics and your review is coming :)
 

danix

Semi-Pro
I'm a former PK player as well. Copper Ace was my first real racquet, and I think the Ceramic Destiny was probably the frame I've played best with (course, I was in college then!)

After many years with Volkl and a little flirting with Head & Dunlop, and a shoulder surgery later, I'm finding the need to experiment with arm-friendly frames. I picked up a used V1 Classic as well as a PK Pro 5G (black/yellow).
I've concluded that the 5G is more arm friendly and has better feel than the V1, but the V1 is more forgiving and I'm more consistent with it.

On the 5G, it seems that the sweetspot is centered between 3/9, not 4/8 as I would expect. It also seems pretty dead in the top of the hoop. I wonder if the 7G has a different sweetspot given the longer length?

I never got to try a Ki10PSE but on paper, it looks like my old Destiny with the Kinetic system. I too would be curious about a replacement.
 
I'm a former PK player as well. Copper Ace was my first real racquet, and I think the Ceramic Destiny was probably the frame I've played best with (course, I was in college then!)

After many years with Volkl and a little flirting with Head & Dunlop, and a shoulder surgery later, I'm finding the need to experiment with arm-friendly frames. I picked up a used V1 Classic as well as a PK Pro 5G (black/yellow).
I've concluded that the 5G is more arm friendly and has better feel than the V1, but the V1 is more forgiving and I'm more consistent with it.

On the 5G, it seems that the sweetspot is centered between 3/9, not 4/8 as I would expect. It also seems pretty dead in the top of the hoop. I wonder if the 7G has a different sweetspot given the longer length?

I never got to try a Ki10PSE but on paper, it looks like my old Destiny with the Kinetic system. I too would be curious about a replacement.

I think you should take a look at the Ki5 or the Ki5X. I think they offer more stability on off-centered shots than the 5G.
 
Ki20 PSE Review:

This baby is the best oversized frame on the market. At a heafty 10.5 oz strung, it outweighs all competitors.
The sweetspot is HUGE! Mine was strung at 56lbs with Kirschbaum Pro Line II and the shots had plenty of pop. Control was easy to find after about 15 minutes of practice.
Want a Big serve and "can't miss" volleying? Then give this sweet frame a test drive.
Baseline shots flew long in the early going, but I adjusted my topspin and everything was clicking.
I was surprised by how easy it was to really enjoy an oversized frame of this magnitude. It's a big frame that provides very big shot making.
And, of course, my arm feels great!
 

forthegame

Hall of Fame
Quick Q for all you PK guys:

wrt the Ki5 with its 16x20 string pattern, do you need to use 17g (or thinner) strings to generate adequate spin? Got a set of 1.35mm syngut but cautious about loss of control that might ensue without adequate spin.

Thanks a bunch.
 
Quick Q for all you PK guys:

wrt the Ki5 with its 16x20 string pattern, do you need to use 17g (or thinner) strings to generate adequate spin? Got a set of 1.35mm syngut but cautious about loss of control that might ensue without adequate spin.

Thanks a bunch.

That's the beauty of 16x20, you retain the spin offered by the 16 mains, but you gain additional control with the extra crosses. You shouldn't have any problem generating spin with a 15 gauge in this frame.
 

forthegame

Hall of Fame
That's the beauty of 16x20, you retain the spin offered by the 16 mains, but you gain additional control with the extra crosses. You shouldn't have any problem generating spin with a 15 gauge in this frame.

BHSE, thank you! Will use my cheapo 1.35mm syngut to find the right tension for me and take things from there.
 
Ki20 PSE Review:

This baby is the best oversized frame on the market. At a heafty 10.5 oz strung, it outweighs all competitors.
The sweetspot is HUGE! Mine was strung at 56lbs with Kirschbaum Pro Line II and the shots had plenty of pop. Control was easy to find after about 15 minutes of practice.
Want a Big serve and "can't miss" volleying? Then give this sweet frame a test drive.
Baseline shots flew long in the early going, but I adjusted my topspin and everything was clicking.
I was surprised by how easy it was to really enjoy an oversized frame of this magnitude. It's a big frame that provides very big shot making.
And, of course, my arm feels great!

BH, How was the maneuverability of this racquet? It looks like it might be awkward especially at net with the big head and extra length. I love my 7Gs but don't use them regularly in match play (esp. doubles) because I find them hard to maneuver at net. Also the Ki20PSE's stiffness is listed as 70 - did you find it to play really stiff or have any issues with comfort, especially with your all-poly set-up?

I am a little concerned that the word "POWER" is emblazoned across the racquet's bridge. It sounds like you felt during your first session with the racquet that the power could be controlled with spin. Have you had any follow-up hits with it, and if so, any further impressions? I am struggling to tame the power of my Ki15PSE (strung at 62 with Head Rip Control). The Ki20PSE looks like it might be a rocket launcher, but on the other hand the TW description says the racquet targets 4.0+ players.

Any further comments about the Ki20PSE (or how to tame my Ki15PSE) would be appreciated!

Also, have you or anyone else tried the SQ Limited Edition?
 
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Ki20PSE
I felt like it had less power than the Ki15PSE. The beam of the Ki20PSE is a bit thinner at the neck and probably has something to do with this.
The comfort factor was there, for sure.
The racquet is lighter than my normal frame, so I found it to be easily manuverable at the net. I tend to choke-up on the grip when playing a longbody while at the net.
My Ki20PSE has "ionic" imprinted on the throat, not "power" like the pics on TW.
At 56 lbs, the all poly setup was comfortable on the 110sq inch head.
I had a lot of fun playing with the Ki20PSE.
 

danix

Semi-Pro
This is probably a good place to provide a minireview of 4 models.

Me: 4.0 allcourt, big forehand and serve, one handed backhand.
Why: as detailed earlier, some post-op (1yr+) shoulder pain bugging me with my Volkl Tour10MP (345g). Been trying the V1 which helped but it's too light for competitive play, even after adding some weight (currently at 323g).

All weights are with rubber band dampener and overgrip except where noted.

5G (original black and yellow SMI). 335g. Bought it used, strung it up with Sensation 16 around midrange. Good weight and balance, but seems a little unstable in the upper hoop, and I cannot seem to accurately find the sweetspot. It's as if it's in the wrong place?

Ki5: newer version of the 5G. 342g. Feels slightly crisper, but I didn't notice anything remarkably different otherwise.

Ki5PSE: 368g, no overgrip. old school, ain't we? If you are a physically strong and skilled player (I'm talking 4.5 or above, muscles like Nadal or a big boy/babe), then this frame gives you a lot more power than the regular Ki5 by sheer mass. The plus is that the feel is much better, but IMO that weight is simply too much for players like myself to use on a regular basis.

Ki15PSE
. 335.8g. I wouldn't have tried this frame, except I heard very good things from LafayetteHitter. This is a freak of nature. On paper, the head is too large, I don't like longer frames, I don't like thick frames. But in my hand? Good feel (much better than the Ki5), amazing yet controllable power, even on the backhand side. I was slapping the ball around like I haven't in a long time, and liked it so much, I'm using it in a mixed 8.0 match tomorrow.
Dislikes on this frame (that could be addressed): the frame is longer but the grip is shorter. I think 2 handed BH folks may complain. The longer length may be a factor in some slight wrist discomfort I feel (it may be a matter of getting used to it, I suspect). I can slice fairly well with it, but feel like I'm missing some control and precision there. I think different strings will help.

I still want to try the Volkl PB9, but as it looks right now, there are at least a couple of Ki15PSE coming my way soon.
 
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LafayetteHitter

Hall of Fame
Danix I agree about the handle on the Ki15PSE. I would think with the length of the racquet this would not have been an issue but the grip length reminds me of hitting my 2hander with a PS85. I can do it but my hand position must be perfect. I fixed this to a degree by wrapping my leather grip a little higher than the pallet as high as I could and it's much better. If I buy a third frame and continue my winning streak with this frame for a while I will most likely send them over to Bosworth and see what they can do about handle length permanently. I find my backhand slice is the only shot I don't have nailed down but i'm committed to overcoming it. I think it may be a timing issue since i'm used to sub-100" frames.

I often look at the 5PSE but I know in a third set my serves would probably drop off at least 25-30 percent and the guy I play would eat that up and ask for me leaving blood trails on my side of the court. But darn it's tempting because the plow through must be great.

I actually have a Ki5 in hand as well now and agree with your remarks. I like it and i'm hitting the ball well with it but not as well as the Ki15. I just seem to do everything better with the 15PSE and it feels better doing it. When you get your feet in position and come through the ball well with the 15PSE it REALLY feels good and can apply some serious pace to the ball. In hand it doesn't feel like it would have as much plow through as you experience on court with it.
 
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