Need advice from Pro Kennex gurus

[xolair]

I am 52 years old, 3.5 player on a good day, and I split my time between singles and doubles. I play 1-2 times per week and spend some time with my ball machine when I can't find a partner. I have a pretty strong serve and forehand, and am developing enough confidence in my 1HBH to swing all out during matches. When I allow myself to swing all out, my backhand actually produces better passing shots than the forehand but with a little less placement. I am not as comfortable at net and hit the frame a lot on volleys when I use anything under 100 square inches.

I have played with a flock of Babolat tweeners for the past few years and finally realized that they have been the cause of my arm/shoulder discomfort. As a result, I am going to sell them off and purchase a Pro Kennex racquet. Here is where I need advice from the PK gurus on the forum.

I am considering the PK Ki 15 260, Ki 15 PSE, Ki 20, and Ki 20 PSE. Beside the obvious weight and head size difference, what else differentiates these racquets? I will demo all of them before deciding, but would like to hear your personal experiences with each of them.

Thank you so much in advance.

[mikeler]

I would also consider the 5G and 7G which has been my racket the last year.

[kenyee]

Originally Posted by xolair

I have played with a flock of Babolat tweeners for the past few years and finally realized that they have been the cause of my arm/shoulder discomfort.

Which tweener did you like the most?
What you'll probably find is PK racquets are a bit heavier than Babolats...at least the pure drive that my brother has.

For arm/shoulder issues, try the PK5G...it's what I fall back to when I have arm/wrist issues. I've been using the Redondo MP for a while now w/o issues too, but it's harder to swing properly.

[xolair]

I'm afraid that the 5G and 7G may be a little underpowered for me. And the small head size will mean more frame shots at the net.

[xolair]

Out of the Babolat tweeners, I like the Aero Strike the best as it is most flexible hence gentler on the arm, and allows me to hit my 1HBH with most control. The Pure Drive 110 is wonderful at net and for popping serves, but is so stiff that even my wrist hurts each time I play.

Based on specs, the PK PSEs weigh no more than the Pure Drives, and are certainly much more flexible.

I used to play with the PK Bronze Ace in the early 80s and remember it to be a great racquet. After several moves and a divorce, I can't find it anymore

[ollinger]

Shine the "SH" beacon on the clouds and pray that Steve Huff, known to his friends and family alike as the Prokennex Whisperer, sees it.

[HEADfamilydynasty]

Originally Posted by xolair

I am 52 years old, 3.5 player on a good day, and I split my time between singles and doubles. I play 1-2 times per week and spend some time with my ball machine when I can't find a partner. I have a pretty strong serve and forehand, and am developing enough confidence in my 1HBH to swing all out during matches. When I allow myself to swing all out, my backhand actually produces better passing shots than the forehand but with a little less placement. I am not as comfortable at net and hit the frame a lot on volleys when I use anything under 100 square inches.

I have played with a flock of Babolat tweeners for the past few years and finally realized that they have been the cause of my arm/shoulder discomfort. As a result, I am going to sell them off and purchase a Pro Kennex racquet. Here is where I need advice from the PK gurus on the forum.

I am considering the PK Ki 15 260, Ki 15 PSE, Ki 20, and Ki 20 PSE. Beside the obvious weight and head size difference, what else differentiates these racquets? I will demo all of them before deciding, but would like to hear your personal experiences with each of them.

Thank you so much in advance.

Im the exact opposite i shank volleys more with larger headsizes.
Anyway if you can handle the weight you can demo the PK Ki5 PSE.
If not the ki15 and ki15 pse are also options.
personally i have no experience with any of them but my teacher prefers the 15PSE as it allows him to rip Balls from the baseline and still stick the volley all without arm aggravation.

[levy1]

USTA 3.5, 64 years old no power, very aggressive player. I play 3-5 times a week. Developed some arm and shoulder problems serving too hard for my age. Tried all the Prokennex all the way to the 30. Even bought the KI 15. They were good but I boutht a used KI5 and I had more control, yes less power. Fixed that with proper string selection for my game.

The KI5 classic is a precision instrument and you can dial in your power with strings as I have done. 7G was not maneuverable enough for me at my age.

[ced]

Originally Posted by xolair

... ... ... ... ... I am not as comfortable at net and hit the frame a lot on volleys when I use anything under 100 square inches.

... ... ... ...

I am considering the PK Ki 15 260, Ki 15 PSE, Ki 20, and Ki 20 PSE. Beside the obvious weight and head size difference, what else differentiates these racquets? I will demo all of them before deciding, but would like to hear your personal experiences with each of them.

Thank you so much in advance.

The 7G is your best bet if <100 really bothers you, but the new Q Tour should do everything you want and be a pleasure to play with.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by levy1

USTA 3.5, 64 years old no power, very aggressive player. I play 3-5 times a week. Developed some arm and shoulder problems serving too hard for my age. Tried all the Prokennex all the way to the 30. Even bought the KI 15. They were good but I boutht a used KI5 and I had more control, yes less power. Fixed that with proper string selection for my game.

The KI5 classic is a precision instrument and you can dial in your power with strings as I have done. 7G was not maneuverable enough for me at my age.

I turn 40 next year and I can handle the 7G but I know eventually I'll have to go lighter or perhaps back to regular length.

[ced]

Originally Posted by mikeler

I turn 40 next year and I can handle the 7G but I know eventually I'll have to go lighter or perhaps back to regular length.

Both you and Levi1 should give the Q Tour a try .... PK has done this one right.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by ced

Both you and Levi1 should give the Q Tour a try .... PK has done this one right.

That is 18 x 20 right? I'm not a fan of 18 main rackets.

[Ramon]

Originally Posted by HEADfamilydynasty

Im the exact opposite i shank volleys more with larger headsizes.
Anyway if you can handle the weight you can demo the PK Ki5 PSE.
If not the ki15 and ki15 pse are also options.
personally i have no experience with any of them but my teacher prefers the 15PSE as it allows him to rip Balls from the baseline and still stick the volley all without arm aggravation.

The Ki 5 PSE?? Seriously, that's one heavy stick! I included it in my reviews a few months ago:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=413091

I used to use the Babolat APDGT. I think the regular Ki 5 has enough pop for someone making a similar transition, and its weight is similar. I never tried the 5G, but that's the predecessor to the Ki 5, and either racquet is probably worth trying. The Ki 5x probably has a higher swingweight than what you are used to playing. It feels heavier than spec to me.

[Chotobaka]

Do yourself a favor and demo the 5G. It is only slightly less powerful than stiffer tweeners that are noted for power. You can easily make up the slight power difference by stringing judiciously. Terrific all-around racquet for a wide range of players, abilities and playing styles.

[xolair]

Thanks to all the recommendations for the 5G and 7G. They are probably wonderful players racquets. However, at the age of 52 and only getting older every year, I'm looking for something I can use for the next 10 years, and that would be a tweener. I will lose power, footwork, and reaction time, and will need a more forgiving racquet. I will not grow into a demanding racquet. I do not want a rocket launcher as I still have some game, but I know that I will tire out after 1 set with a heavier, more control-oriented racquet.

I'm specifically looking at the Ionic Ki 15 PSE and 20. I would appreciate any feedback on those.

Thanks.

[ced]

Originally Posted by mikeler

That is 18 x 20 right? I'm not a fan of 18 main rackets.

That it is .... and I always favored a 16 X 19 until I used the Kneissel Black Star (18x19) .... With the Q I think anything less than 18x20 would be a negative for the racquet.

Of course I say this with a 'flat hitter's' bias !!

[ced]

Originally Posted by xolair

Thanks to all the recommendations for the 5G and 7G. They are probably wonderful players racquets. However, at the age of 52 and only getting older every year, I'm looking for something I can use for the next 10 years, and that would be a tweener. I will lose power, footwork, and reaction time, and will need a more forgiving racquet. I will not grow into a demanding racquet. I do not want a rocket launcher as I still have some game, but I know that I will tire out after 1 set with a heavier, more control-oriented racquet.

I'm specifically looking at the Ionic Ki 15 PSE and 20. I would appreciate any feedback on those.

Thanks.

The 15 was the one PK racquet that I did not like. Seriously get the Q ... I've got 20 years on you and it does everything well , plus its fun to use.

[tennisjon]

Originally Posted by ced

The 15 was the one PK racquet that I did not like. Seriously get the Q ... I've got 20 years on you and it does everything well , plus its fun to use.

I agree on both parts. I play with the Ki-5x which is too much racquet for your level. My step-father (3.0 level) uses the Q and it is more arm friendly than the stiffness rating suggests. I found it to have good pop, but controllable.

[xolair]

By Q, you mean Q15 and not the Q Tour, right? Thanks, I will demo this one.

How does it compare to the Ki 15 PSE?

[ced]

Originally Posted by xolair

By Q, you mean Q15 and not the Q Tour, right? Thanks, I will demo this one.

How does it compare to the Ki 15 PSE?

No, I mean the Q Tour .. the Q15 and Q30 held no interest for me ..... my order of preference for PK sticks is :

Q Tour
#1 Core 6
7G
5G
Ki5
and last : Ki 15