408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
The first one
New Pro Kennex Black Ace series 2020
- Thread starter JUAN_PRADO
- Start date
vantage boy
Rookie
grip shape is closet to what other brand?
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
I would say its more of a rectangular shape like Head's. I think its better suited for my OHBH.
What's your take on the 100X 305 and the BA 315?
When I was getting a frame, it was down to the 100X 305 and the BA 300 for me. Went with the Prince because there was so little feedback for the BA back then, just couldn't be entirely sure about it. Now, I feel like I can use another frame to just feel some difference (I'm a beginner, and only used the Prince consistently so far).
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
To me, I have had the Phantom 100x 305 since January 2020 and I'm still experimenting with strings/lead tape to exploit the dynamics of the frame. So far I've liked a couple of different string setups so I'm getting close to the appropriate setup that best suits me. I would say the Prince 100x is more string sensitive than the BA at the moment. Throwing in a full poly setup into the BA with strings I don't normally play with and having it still feel good confirms that at least I can put anything in the BA. I have only hit with the BA on one outing so I can't comment much on it yet besides what I had previously mentioned. The kinetic system is something that I need to get used to though...... It makes the racquet swing a little faster than my leaded 100x which is throwing off my timing.
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
Between the new Black Ace 320g 56RA and the Prince Phantom 97P 58RA, which is more comfortable and has more control? I'm not big on open patterned rackets. The 97P's 16x18 is open, but should be denser than the the BA 100" 16x19?
My perfect racket specs would be the 97P with a dense 16x19 and 56RA. A manufacturer needs marry these two frames together and make a consumer version of Andy Murray's real frame (PT57B).
My perfect racket specs would be the 97P with a dense 16x19 and 56RA. A manufacturer needs marry these two frames together and make a consumer version of Andy Murray's real frame (PT57B).
Khadir General
Rookie
Black Ace is more comfortable than each racket.
Not only because of its low stiffness, but also because of its kinetic system.
Not only because of its low stiffness, but also because of its kinetic system.
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
Looks like you should check out the old 2013 Technifibre T-Fight 315 then. This would be right in your spec range of your perfect racket
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
Finally got a chance to hit with my new BA 315 today! Compared to my Pure Aero 2016 - much more muted feeling, much less shock to my arm with off-center hits. Less spin - but still adequate. I had to lower the angle of my high topspin rally balls to get them to drop in. Good power on drives on both forehand and backhand. Dwell time felt longer, probably due to racquet flex. Good control and adequate spin on kick and slice serves. I didn't serve flat because of my tennis elbow, but I expect power will be good because it was so good on the drives. I didn't have opportunity to slice or volley. The sound of the microbearings is confidence-building. Overall, I'm happy with the racquet and look forward to advancing my game with it!
JGads
G.O.A.T.
this must be a sweet stick. I hit the 300 version and it needed some extra juice but the feel was splendid.
Dasala1977
New User
I’m planning on adding a bit (2-4 gr) of lead at 3 and 9 to add some stability and power to this wonderful racket. Did anyone try that? Thanks
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
Do you have the 300 or the 315? I think the 315 with dampener/overgrip/strings is plenty of added weight already for me
Dasala1977
New User
Right, sorry forgot to mention I have the BA 300
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
BA 315 strung with Grapplesnake Cube Mains 47lbs and Grapplesnake Alpha Crosses 49lbs.https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/l59xxndeYdQl
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
The BA 315's 56RA is a very attractive spec. Does the frame flex at the hoop or throat?
Khadir General
Rookie
I tested a lot of strings, hybrids, multifilaments in the black ace 300g, but i stayed on the multimono string. It is durable, phenomenal spin and great comfort.
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
Multi mains, Monogut Crosses? What brand/string to be specific?
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
I feel like it flexes at both. The throat has a Rubber like material where the yellow is, and the hoop flexes because of the braided graphite
Khadir General
Rookie
It is a very special string from Stringlab. https://www.stringlab.it/prodotto/stringlab-rip-curl/?lang=en
There is a test:
www.racketpedia.com
There is a test:
StringLab Rip&Curl - Racketpedia Blog
StringLab Rip&Curl is an extremely versatile multimono string that adapts to a variety of tennis players and racket frames.
www.racketpedia.com
Khadir General
Rookie
It is a very special string from Stringlab. https://www.stringlab.it/prodotto/stringlab-rip-curl/?lang=en
There is a test:
StringLab Rip&Curl - Racketpedia Blog
StringLab Rip&Curl is an extremely versatile multimono string that adapts to a variety of tennis players and racket frames.
Multimono sounds like mono-filament core with multifilament outer layer. AKA synthetic gut.
2nd hitting session with my new BA 315 today. Still loving this racquet! On the forehand, I'm still getting used to timing and excess power compared to my Pure Aero weighted to 350g. Lighter swing weight makes me contact a little early with higher launch angle making the ball sail long. My normally weak 2-handed backhand felt amazing though. I could feel the ball sink into the string bed and send it back with pace and spin.
Finally, the serves. After starting slow to see how my elbow felt, I opened up, and was serving bombs all session! The contact felt plush, nothing like the jarring sensation I was used to from the Pure Aero. Truly an amazing feeling.
Finally, the serves. After starting slow to see how my elbow felt, I opened up, and was serving bombs all session! The contact felt plush, nothing like the jarring sensation I was used to from the Pure Aero. Truly an amazing feeling.
Khadir General
Rookie
Is it a synthetic gut? :-o
It is so durable, brilliant spin and control.
Are these characteristics true for the synthetic string?
Knife
Professional
I have some Donnay Pro One's and also the Allwood, they all feel and play considerably stiffer than their stated RA.
Khadir General
Rookie
I also feel like it’s not as soft as a Clash, but it’s not rigid at all.
louis netman
Hall of Fame
Can anyone comment on the beam shape?
I've owned the mostly black 5g (SMI) for decades. It has a "D" beam shape, like my Vantage 100, which I'm not terribly fond of. From the BA pics, the shape looks to be like the old Slazenger Pro X-1, which was a truly nice shape.
I've owned the mostly black 5g (SMI) for decades. It has a "D" beam shape, like my Vantage 100, which I'm not terribly fond of. From the BA pics, the shape looks to be like the old Slazenger Pro X-1, which was a truly nice shape.
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
It is like a "D" shape with the rounded part on the inside of the throat, and the flat side on the outside of the throat
louis netman
Hall of Fame
Ok. Thx. Then, it's the reverse of my 5g where the flat part is on the inside, the rounded part is on the outside- I think I may be able to deal with this...
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
The second picture on the TW page for the PK shows this. You can also hover over the pic to magnify it.
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ProKennex_Black_Ace_315/descpageRCPK-PBA315.html
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ProKennex_Black_Ace_315/descpageRCPK-PBA315.html
mscream
Professional
Played a bit with a demo (315) today. Very interesting racquet, should be a must demo for people who gravitate towards APD-like racquets but want something much more comfortable. Super-plush, feels like cheating. Would take me some time to get used to the power and the for me unusual feel (never played with PK before). Unlike some Prince racquets, somehow the extreme flex does not affect the power level at all.
408tennisguy
Semi-Pro
its definitely a feel that takes some getting used to. i have never had a PK before either and contemplating if i'll ever get used to it
skydog
Professional
I have been a PK fan since I used the Copper Ace back in the ‘80’s. The flexibility of the Copper Ace has been a key factor in my racquet searches since I started playing regularly 6 plus years ago. I played the Ki5 PSE and Q Tour 325 for a few years, but did not like the stiffness of those offerings which lead me into the 2015 Blade 104 which became my racquet of choice. When I was able to play test the Prince Phantom prior to its US release, I knew I had found the closest feel to my old Copper Ace but was unable to buy a Phantom at that time. That lead to me trying a Prince 98 Tour ESP which became my racquet of choice back in 2017 and has remained so since then. That being said, the Black Ace intrigues me.
I had stopped searching for a new racquet after transitioning into the Prince Tour 98 ESP and kind of cornered the market with the remaining stock of frames as I have 15 frames and 20+ grommet sets in my stash. (They were essentially giving those frames away, at that time, as Prince was in transition to a single US distributer and I was able to acquire the frames for about $50 a piece). When I saw the new release of the Black Ace, it is the first time I have considered trying a new racquet. Flexible, open pattern, good platform weight and balance to work with, and the added kinetic material. The kinetics never bothered me on the PSE or Q Tour and I appreciated the additional arm safety they provide, and this is the first flexible racquet that PK put them in which intrigued me further.
With so little out there on the new Black Ace, I went ahead and ordered a pair. It may be a while before I get a review out on them as Covid-19 has put a major crimp on my normal tennis activities. Additionally, they will need to be modified to my specs (essentially, Ki5 PSE specs but a bit heavier) with a leather grip and some lead.
Looking forward to the process.
I had stopped searching for a new racquet after transitioning into the Prince Tour 98 ESP and kind of cornered the market with the remaining stock of frames as I have 15 frames and 20+ grommet sets in my stash. (They were essentially giving those frames away, at that time, as Prince was in transition to a single US distributer and I was able to acquire the frames for about $50 a piece). When I saw the new release of the Black Ace, it is the first time I have considered trying a new racquet. Flexible, open pattern, good platform weight and balance to work with, and the added kinetic material. The kinetics never bothered me on the PSE or Q Tour and I appreciated the additional arm safety they provide, and this is the first flexible racquet that PK put them in which intrigued me further.
With so little out there on the new Black Ace, I went ahead and ordered a pair. It may be a while before I get a review out on them as Covid-19 has put a major crimp on my normal tennis activities. Additionally, they will need to be modified to my specs (essentially, Ki5 PSE specs but a bit heavier) with a leather grip and some lead.
Looking forward to the process.
My wife tried my BA 315 and wanted one, too! But she doesn't have tennis elbow so I wasn't sure it would be worth buying a new racquet for her. She plays with weighted up Pure Aero 2016 Lite. I was lucky to find a brand new PK Ki 5 320 in her grip size which has similar specs - 100 sqin head, open 16x20 string pattern, at a good price on fleabay. Got the racquet today and strung it up with Volkl Cyclone / OGSM 16. She loves it and I noticed her play was more controlled and consistent with only a slight decrease in power. She feels very confident with the Ki 5. I tried it and it felt just like my BA 315, only a little stiffer. It didn't bother my tennis elbow at all. So glad I discovered the PK racquet line.
Automatix
Legend
So special that it is made in Germany?It is a very special string from Stringlab. https://www.stringlab.it/prodotto/stringlab-rip-curl/?lang=en
There is a test:
StringLab Rip&Curl - Racketpedia Blog
StringLab Rip&Curl is an extremely versatile multimono string that adapts to a variety of tennis players and racket frames.
Khadir General
Rookie
No.
It is a multimono string. Very durable, super spin and comfort, and excellent control.
A co-polyester and a multifilament mixed string.
Technifibre has now released a same string.
It is a multimono string. Very durable, super spin and comfort, and excellent control.
A co-polyester and a multifilament mixed string.
Technifibre has now released a same string.
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
@eah123 do you think the new PK BA315 is one of the most arm friendly racquets available? I'm a chronic tennis elbow sufferer. Even when I played with the original PK 5G, it wasn't enough because although it had the kinetic beads, the stiffness was way up there. The BA315 is the only PK I've seen that has the kinetic beads and be super flexible at the same time. I'm willing to try and adapt to it even though the 100" is big for my tastes and the string pattern being more open than I'd like. I play with the original Prince Phantom 93P, so I'm used to the precision from a small head and dense string pattern.
With the Kinetic system and low stiffness, I would be of the opinion that it is the most arm friendly racquet available. I don't have any comparisons other than the Pure Drive Lite, Pure Aero Lite, regulator Pure Aero, and PK Ki 5 320 racquets that my family owns. But I am getting over tennis elbow myself and playing with the BA315 feels good to me.
Khadir General
Rookie
I had a Wilson Clash for almost 1 year.
It's more comfortable than that.
Automatix
Legend
There's a German flag on the packaging...No.
Hate to burst your bubble but such strings have been produced for many years. Nothing innovative. Also you're confusing material with construction. Co-polyester is a material. Multifilament is a construction of the string, the opposite of which is a monofilament.No.
It is a multimono string. Very durable, super spin and comfort, and excellent control.
A co-polyester and a multifilament mixed string.
Technifibre has now released a same string.
Khadir General
Rookie
"There's a German flag on the packaging... "
Yes, saw it.
I said no that it’s not special that it’s made in German.
skydog
Professional
I am not sure how much different the BA will be from the Phantom 93P comfort wise. The larger head and more open pattern will play a little softer and the Kinetic system will also reduce some additional shock, but the Phantom 93P is already a pretty plush racquet. May be it’s time to try some different strings.
skydog
Professional
Just cracked open the box with my Black Aces inside and I must say I was impressed. Both racquets came in individual PK racquet bags, I had thought that this process had been discontinued across all manufacturers but PK is still doing it. They are nothing exotic, but they will protect the racquet inside a larger tennis bag when carrying multiples. Nice touch.
The racquet card was functional as well. Looked nice without someone’s face on it and actually contained the specs and a description of the technologies on board. There was some marketing speak, per usual, but they did not try to pass it off as the Holy Grail for every tennis player.
Another nice touch is the handle grip band. I have purchased generic versions of these for other racquets, but I like that PK is still including them. I find it gives the racquet a more finished look and prevents that annoying feel if/when the grip finishing tape starts to peel back.
Well, it’s time to get these strung up and modified.
The racquet card was functional as well. Looked nice without someone’s face on it and actually contained the specs and a description of the technologies on board. There was some marketing speak, per usual, but they did not try to pass it off as the Holy Grail for every tennis player.
Another nice touch is the handle grip band. I have purchased generic versions of these for other racquets, but I like that PK is still including them. I find it gives the racquet a more finished look and prevents that annoying feel if/when the grip finishing tape starts to peel back.
Well, it’s time to get these strung up and modified.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
For me the sweetest part of the frame is the ace of spades in the paintjob. Great touch. Enjoy.
It would be good to compare it to TF Triax if that's what you mean. I just saw the 16L set available on Fleabay for just $4.99 + $3 ship in the US by seller matt00_1 . Somebody want to try it and report back?
