Any PK Ki5 lovers out there?

harryz · Mar 13, 2009

My new stick-- I absolutely love this thing. A friend had been trying to convince me for a while, and the more I hit with his the more I loved it and missed it. Beats my RDS 001, MG Mid, K90s and pretty much everything else I've used or tried in recent years. The Ki5 is easy to customize; I simply can't get over loving a 22mm rounded beam frame since I was convinced that thinner, box-beam mid size sticks were it for me. Boy, was I wrong. I can hit over the ball with ease, pop serves, hit wicked hard slices, and plow through and feel is simply excellent. Directional control to beat the band, and this sucker hits a HEAVY ball. And yet I've been told on pretty good authority that PK is officially out of the tennis business. Say it isn't so! Any other Ki5 lovers out there?

shell · Mar 13, 2009

You are going to find plenty of love for this frame and the PK5G. It is one of the most well rounded and easy to play frames out there. You can play it stock, or you can mod it to whatever you want. Not much out there that is consistently better. It is a shame that not more folks try these racquets...the elbow friendly reputation keeps a lot of folks off of trying it.

Play what works for you, and this one is a great all around racquet that more folks should try.

They will go down as classics in 10 years, mark my word.

NoNameZ · Mar 13, 2009

I completely understand you harryz! i've been hitting with the PSE version, and wow is it solid, and soft. great feel and the frame is a lot thinner than the 22 suggests.

harryz · Mar 13, 2009

What bums me out...

is that the "non Warehouse" in Georgia told me that PK is officially out of business. Damn, I hope that this is a rumor.

NoNameZ · Mar 13, 2009

well maybe in the US, which i hope is false, but there was a thread with the new/remake of some PK rackets, like the Black Ace, and the Ki5 (PSE)

Bud · Mar 13, 2009

Love the PK 5G!

The_Question · Mar 14, 2009

Just bought a very good condition used Kinetic Pro 5G for a dirt cheap price. It's on a light side, but a good racquet...

NoBadMojo · Mar 14, 2009

I really enjoyed my time w. the Ki5 too...why this frame never caught on escapes me.....solid with lots of controllable power. A great racquet for those who benefit by a racquet w. those specs

Steve Huff · Mar 15, 2009

Well, I thought PK was out of the US business too, so I wrote them. I got an email back stating they definitely were NOT out of the US. Thanks God. I love my ki5 too, but just recently bought 2 ki 10 PSE's. I'm getting to think I could have saved $140 by buying 1 ki 5 (to go with the one I have) instead of buying 2 ki 10s.

Bud · Mar 15, 2009

The_Question said:
Just bought a very good condition used Kinetic Pro 5G for a dirt cheap price. It's on a light side, but a good racquet...

It's nearly 12 oz. strung. Hardly on the light side.

APR · Mar 16, 2009

PK in US

I have been very confused regarding the PK in US deal. I had tried a variety of rackets going back and forth with the 5G and finally decided that it was the one. Then, determined that I could no longer get grommets for the stick. So, switched. the 5G appears to be available all over, but can you get replacement grommets?

harryz · Mar 16, 2009

Just picked up a 5G off of Craigslist

Looks like new, and it was only $25! I built it up from 1/4 to 3/8, added lead at the handle, at 12 o'clock and at 2, 4, 8 and 10 respectively, as well as a leather grip. Feels the same as my RDS 001 Mid-- around 12.5 oz-- which is my target weight these days. Can't wait to hit the courts with it tomorrow and to compare to the Ki5. Will report after...

Bud · Mar 17, 2009

APR said:
I have been very confused regarding the PK in US deal. I had tried a variety of rackets going back and forth with the 5G and finally decided that it was the one. Then, determined that I could no longer get grommets for the stick. So, switched. the 5G appears to be available all over, but can you get replacement grommets?

Yep... I have 10 or so sets I ordered from the bird. I'm stocking up in case they stop making the racquet.

tennisinoc · Mar 17, 2009

harryz said:
My new stick-- I absolutely love this thing. A friend had been trying to convince me for a while, and the more I hit with his the more I loved it and missed it. Beats my RDS 001, MG Mid, K90s and pretty much everything else I've used or tried in recent years. The Ki5 is easy to customize; I simply can't get over loving a 22mm rounded beam frame since I was convinced that thinner, box-beam mid size sticks were it for me. Boy, was I wrong. I can hit over the ball with ease, pop serves, hit wicked hard slices, and plow through and feel is simply excellent. Directional control to beat the band, and this sucker hits a HEAVY ball. And yet I've been told on pretty good authority that PK is officially out of the tennis business. Say it isn't so! Any other Ki5 lovers out there?

After a couple years of trying various demos, buying and trading rackets, I think I am finally coming to a realization that there might NOT be an upgrade to my Ki5. It might not be the most powerful, best control, best topspin, best slice, best serve, etc. of all rackets. But it is the most well rounded all court stick that I have hit with. "Jack of all trades, Master of none" kinda racket. And when it comes down to crunch time, this one always seems to be the one to always pull me through.

PK isn't out of the tennis business, just out of USA unfortunately.

vkartikv · Mar 17, 2009

Is it the SMI 5G? If you don't like it, please let me know. I have someone here who can take it off your hands...

Bud · Mar 17, 2009

vkartikv said:
Is it the SMI 5G? If you don't like it, please let me know. I have someone here who can take it off your hands...

Whose post are you referring to?

vkartikv · Mar 17, 2009

Bud said:
Whose post are you referring to?

I was refering to harry since he said he picked one up from craigslist. But I suppose anyone who has an SMI 5G can reply! This is the first model that came out and is very hard to find these days...

netman · Mar 17, 2009

Switched back to my 5gs due to my first ever case of TE. Elbow is all better but right now I see no need to give up the 5gs. Every time I return to it I wonder why I left. As I have stated many a time, not great at any one thing, just good at everything. With the added benefit of being very safe for the the arm and shoulder.

-k-

harryz · Mar 17, 2009

Mine is a plain Jane 5G

I don't think it's pre 2001, just the current 5G Kartik. Will let you know how it works out tonight. How is the RDS 001?

vkartikv · Mar 17, 2009

harryz said:
I don't think it's pre 2001, just the current 5G Kartik. Will let you know how it works out tonight. How is the RDS 001?

Very nice frame! But the KPS 88 bug has caught on and I just got a new one, so I won't be doing any purchasing in the near future. The 6.1 classics are rock solid as ever and will always occupy pole position in my bag

basil J · Mar 17, 2009

Harry I bought a KI5 when i found out I needed shoulder surgery back in december. Doctor told me I could hit groundies only, so as precaution my stringer suggested I use the KI5. This is an excellent stick . Good all around, excellent serving stick and very easy on the arm. Also plays great with good old PSGD 17 gauge at mid tension. No need to lead it up ( for me anyway) Mine weighs in at 12.1 oz with an overgrip and that is just fine. My only 2 compaints with the frame is that the throat is rounded and when I sweat it at times slips in my hands when I move to my 1HBH grip. The redondo and My TI80's have a square throats and are easy to grab, I have also found that against the biggest hitters the flex in the throat can give the frame a flimsy feel at times, other than that I really enjoy this frame. The 16 x 20 string bed is perfect for spin, control and comfort. I rotate between the KI5, Redondo MP and my TI80's with ease and it is the most comfortable frame I have ever used. It is enabling me to play through an injury withou discomfort and still maintain a high level of play while on the court.

vkartikv · Mar 17, 2009

basil J said:
Harry I bought a KI5 when i found out I needed shoulder surgery back in december. Doctor told me I could hit groundies only, so as precaution my stringer suggested I use the KI5. This is an excellent stick . Good all around, excellent serving stick and very easy on the arm. Also plays great with good old PSGD 17 gauge at mid tension. No need to lead it up ( for me anyway) Mine weighs in at 12.1 oz with an overgrip and that is just fine. My only 2 compaints with the frame is that the throat is rounded and when I sweat it at times slips in my hands when I move to my 1HBH grip. The redondo and My TI80's have a square mean and are easy to grab, I have also found that against the biggest hitters the flex in the throat can give the frame a flimsy feel at times, other than that I really enjoy this frame. The 16 x 20 string bed is perfect for spin, control and comfort. I rotate between the KI5, Redondo MP and my TI80's with ease and it is the most comfortable frame I have ever used. It is enabling me to play through an injury withou discomfort and still maintain a high level of play while on the court.

What happened to the MW200Gs?

Bud · Mar 17, 2009

vkartikv said:
I was refering to harry since he said he picked one up from craigslist. But I suppose anyone who has an SMI 5G can reply! This is the first model that came out and is very hard to find these days...

Yeah, I have 1. I like the color scheme on the SMI more than the current 5G.

Bud · Mar 17, 2009

vkartikv said:
Very nice frame! But the KPS 88 bug has caught on and I just got a new one, so I won't be doing any purchasing in the near future. The 6.1 classics are rock solid as ever and will always occupy pole position in my bag

Do you find the 88 more arm-friendly than the PSC 6.1?

basil J · Mar 17, 2009

I sold my 200Gmw's back about a year ago. I had 2 brand new ones and got an offer I could not refuse$$$$.I like the TI80 as much.

Kokopelli · Mar 17, 2009

I currently hit with the 5G PSE, an older version of the Ki5 PSE. It weights slightly more at 13.1 oz and it's a fantastic stick!!!

The_Question · Mar 17, 2009

I just got this recently, it's a great racquet, but I must ask. I shake it L & R, and sounds like sand in the head area, is that normal??

Kokopelli · Mar 17, 2009

The_Question said:
I just got this recently, it's a great racquet, but I must ask. I shake it L & R, and sounds like sand in the head area, is that normal??

YES!!!

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ractechpage.html?PCODE=KI5
"Thousands of micro-bearings are housed inside chambers around the racquet head. As the racquet swings forward, the micro-bearings move to the back wall of the frame, loading energy. When the racquet strikes the ball, this kinetic mass transfers forward, adding power and reducing frame shock and vibration."

These beads are good for elbow and shoulder health!!!

The_Question · Mar 17, 2009

Thanks Kokopelli! I read the description before, but wasn't sure if that was it. It's a very comfy racquet, and able to string to 68lbs is another plus!!

NoNameZ · Mar 17, 2009

the best thing about this racket is that it takes out all the vibration, but it doesn't leave a muted feel. i still get that responsive stringbed but no nasty twangs.

babolat should learn from this hahah jk

vkartikv · Mar 18, 2009

Bud said:
Do you find the 88 more arm-friendly than the PSC 6.1?

I just posted a thread about it! I feel the comments about the 6.1 being harsh are unwarranted. I have never felt any pain or discomfort with it. The KPS 88 may feel harsher because of the SW. I'll be contacting you about that SMI 5G....

vkartikv · Mar 18, 2009

Here's this too:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=71810

MCN · Mar 18, 2009

I use a PK Ki5 and alternate between this and a Yonex RDS002 Tour. I agree with some others here - the Ki5 is quite good at everything but not great at any one thing. It's got a nice balance, is easy on the arm, has decent stability, good pop, and generally 'safe' on everything. I bring out the 002 Tour sometimes when I want that extra plough-through plus heft at the net against big hitters. Time a smash correctly with the Yonex and it's unreturnable (whereas the Ki5 does not hit quite such a heavy ball with great penetration). I do get a bit more tired with the Yonex, however, and after a few sets my shoulder starts to ache a bit (probably from serves). I sometimes wish the Ki5 WAS great at just one shot - as an example, I can't generate as much topspin with it as much as with other racquets (still can spin it but not as effortlessly). If it had that (whilst keeping all the other good bits) I'd use it all the time.

Bud · Mar 18, 2009

vkartikv said:
I just posted a thread about it! I feel the comments about the 6.1 being harsh are unwarranted. I have never felt any pain or discomfort with it. The KPS 88 may feel harsher because of the SW. I'll be contacting you about that SMI 5G....

Interesting... I used the PSC 6.1 for quite a while and had to drop it because of the pain it was causing in my wrist and elbow.

netman · Mar 18, 2009

Steve Huff said:
Well, I thought PK was out of the US business too, so I wrote them. I got an email back stating they definitely were NOT out of the US. Thanks God. I love my ki5 too, but just recently bought 2 ki 10 PSE's. I'm getting to think I could have saved $140 by buying 1 ki 5 (to go with the one I have) instead of buying 2 ki 10s.

Steve,

I just acquired a Ki10 PSE because it seemed to be a Kinetic version of the old Laver S I liked so much. I currently have it strung with Gosen SM 17 at 55 mains/58 crosses. I generally like it but find it lacks the pinpoint control of my 5gs (which are strung the same way). Any tips on taming the open string pattern and extra power?

-k-

Bud · Mar 18, 2009

netman said:
Steve,

I just acquired a Ki10 PSE because it seemed to be a Kinetic version of the old Laver S I liked so much. I currently have it strung with Gosen SM 17 at 55 mains/58 crosses. I generally like it but find it lacks the pinpoint control of my 5gs (which are strung the same way). Any tips on taming the open string pattern and extra power?

-k-

Yes, it appears that the Heritage Type R is the 5G with a foam core in place of the Kinetic system.

tennisinoc · Mar 19, 2009

Bud said:
Yes, it appears that the Heritage Type R is the 5G with a foam core in place of the Kinetic system.

Is this fact or just stipulation?

Any valid proof? It would be interesting to see what it plays like if this is fact.
Especially with the foam core.

Bud · Mar 19, 2009

Fact, not fiction

tennisinoc said:
Is this fact or just stipulation?

Any valid proof? It would be interesting to see what it plays like if this is fact.
Especially with the foam core.

That's fact (However, it's also got some Kevlar in it like the 10G). With a stiffness of 58, though, it should be comfy.

Steve Huff · Mar 19, 2009

Netman, I put Klip Legend 16 in the mains of both, 58# in one, 57# in the other. In tighter one, I put Head Fibergel Power 16 at 58 in the crosses. In the other, I put Topspin Cyberflash 17 at 52 in the crosses. I have found that putting a thin poly in the crosses a few pounds lower helps control the power on the long strokes, but maintains the pop on the volleys. My favorite poly for crosses so far has been Pacific Poly X Force 18, but it's hard to find. I like SPPP also.

netman · Mar 20, 2009

Steve Huff said:
Netman, I put Klip Legend 16 in the mains of both, 58# in one, 57# in the other. In tighter one, I put Head Fibergel Power 16 at 58 in the crosses. In the other, I put Topspin Cyberflash 17 at 52 in the crosses. I have found that putting a thin poly in the crosses a few pounds lower helps control the power on the long strokes, but maintains the pop on the volleys. My favorite poly for crosses so far has been Pacific Poly X Force 18, but it's hard to find. I like SPPP also.

Thanks Steve. Unfortunately polys are no longer an option for me. So I will try some higher tensions. Did you find the 16 gauge offered more control than the 17?

-k-

netman · Mar 20, 2009

Bud said:
That's fact (However, it's also got some Kevlar in it like the 10G). With a stiffness of 58, though, it should be comfy.

When I tried the Type R it was obvious it was the same mold as the 5g. And yes it is very flexible. And low powered. USRSA rates it at 1764 vs. 1947 for the 5g. My shots were falling much shorter than with the 5g. As Bud says, very comfortable for a standard tech frame.

tennisinoc · Mar 20, 2009

Isn't the Kevlar suppose to make it stiffer?

How does the foam core feel compared to the Kinetic Tech?

harryz · Mar 20, 2009

Ki5 is great, but maybe too light

Even with leather grip and lots of lead. Picked up two new PSEs that will arrive tomorrow, and am going to give them a shot. Can't wait.

Bud · Mar 21, 2009

harryz said:
Even with leather grip and lots of lead. Picked up two new PSEs that will arrive tomorrow, and am going to give them a shot. Can't wait.

Let us know how you like the PSE.

NoNameZ · Mar 21, 2009

great racket. had another hitting session with it, and I found it had a lot of touch to it. harryz keep us updated.

harryz · Mar 25, 2009

Hitting results

Got the PSEs on Monday and hit with them last night. Very nice frames. It's kind of like Goldilocks for me: I love the Ki5 but it's too light and, while much better with lead, not stable enough in the upper hoop. The PSE is better in all areas but a bit too cumbersome-- not so much with the weight but the balance, which could be more HL for me. A GREAT stick, though. The K95 18x20 is just right. The PSE may be made better and more forgiving, but there is something about Wilsons for me.... So now I've got new PSEs and Ki5s that need good homes. Any takers? I can't post them on the classifieds, but you can send me a PM.

scotus · Mar 25, 2009

I tried 4 frames of PK Ki5 for about 6 months when I was struggling with tennis elbow.

With a really sensitive arm, I could tell that Ki5 was not as arm-friendly as 5G or 7G.

I took the 7G and haven't looked back since.

I have been with 7G for over 1 1/2 years, and it feels so good to have absolutely no interest in trying out new sticks.

Bud · Mar 25, 2009

scotus said:
I tried 4 frames of PK Ki5 for about 6 months when I was struggling with tennis elbow.

With a really sensitive arm, I could tell that Ki5 was not as arm-friendly as 5G or 7G.

I took the 7G and haven't looked back since.

I have been with 7G for over 1 1/2 years, and it feels so good to have absolutely no interest in trying out new sticks.

I agree... after using the Ki5 PSE... the 5G is more arm friendly. It's also why I'd like to give the 15G a try... to compare it to the Ki15 PSE I picked up, recently.

netman · Mar 25, 2009

Bud said:
I agree... after using the Ki5 PSE... the 5G is more arm friendly. It's also why I'd like to give the 15G a try... to compare it to the Ki15 PSE I picked up, recently.

Bud, I gave the 15g a try. Way to powerful compared to the 5g. Could not keep the ball in play. Now the 15 PSE version may be different since it has a lower stiffness rating.

-k-

Bud · Mar 26, 2009

netman said:
Bud, I gave the 15g a try. Way to powerful compared to the 5g. Could not keep the ball in play. Now the 15 PSE version may be different since it has a lower stiffness rating.

-k-

Still have your 15G? Was it the 15G or 15G PSE?

How was it strung?

Any PK Ki5 lovers out there?

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