PK KI5: why did I ignore you?

basil J · Nov 2, 2010

So I had shoulder surgery last year and for a short spell I used the KI5 before I had surgery, more or less so I could play with minimal discomfort until I got operated on. (2 Bone spurs, removal of cartiladge and cleaned up my Labrum). After surgery I went to the BB11mid, then MP back to my redondo and even tried the 200GMW before settling back to my main stick the TI80. All the frames were excellent in some capacity, but the Redondo and 200Gmw are too low powered for me moving forward, the BB's and the TI 80 inflamed my shoulder with regular use so I was at a point where I was literally going to give up the game. I hit one afternoon with a 4.5 lady friend and she had commented that I had great strokes but it looked like I was working very hard on most of my shots. She suggested that I try an easier frame. She had gone through some sticks this year as well and ended up with the youtech radical and loved it. She was a longtime 200g/300g player prior to the switch.
I went home that day and pulled out my KI5 which had been sitting in my closet for a year and a half unused and decided,"if this thing bothers my arm, then I am done, if not I will give it another try, it is after all a "players frame" so it should be sufficient to play good 4.0 ball right?
3 weeks later, I am loving this thing. With overgrip & head tape I have a new and old yellow one, and they both weigh in at 12.4 oz strung at 7 pts HL.
This frame is so comfortable, I can't believe I did not stick with it after surgery. It has excellent power, great spin ( I love the 16 x 20 string bed), good touch and my serve has even gotten better since moving to this frame.
I have played a few practice matches this week and will begin regular match play this weekend and yup, the Yonex frames are out of my bag. I love those sticks buy i can't take the fatigue and pain in my shoulder any longer.
I have had no stiffness or pain at all after I play now. I have one strung with Full VS gut at 60# and one with 17g Klip detonater at 58# and both are equally comfortable. This frame is giving me everything the Redondo MP did, with the addition of extra power for some nice clean winners and more aces, with equally excellent control. The control I get with the KI5 equals the Ti 80. Good plow. Good spin, angles & touch.
I never took this frame as a serious racquet, but I sure am now. Going onto 4 weeks of use and I enjoy it more everytime out.

scotus · Nov 2, 2010

That's great to hear.

If Ki5 ends up bothering you as well, it is still not the end of the world. You can always go with 5G.

richsox · Nov 2, 2010

Congrats on the reunion Basil! I just finished a 3 week demo with my first taste of a Pro Kennex Racket - yes the Ki5 - what a discovery!

me:

Several years as a Pure Drive user, average club player, but never had the all round court game. I relied usually on my serve to stay with the proper tennis players in the club,...

Since using the PK Ki5, I've noticed a serious change in consistency as have others who have played me....I just feel I can dig in, and go toe to toe on ground strokes, without fear of balls flying out the court....

This racket has a wonderful blend of power, and control, and touch. Even putting aside the arm friendliness of the racket, it is a joy to play with.

Ordered mine strung with Babolat VS Gut 17 guage at 58lbs.

Arriving tomorrow in time for my Thursday club night, and Friday Single's match.........

Am seriously surprised that more people have not bought into Pro Kennex,....seems like me, we all get hood wonked by the marketeers of the major brands

MrAWD · Nov 2, 2010

It looks like you will really ended up with Redondo Mid after all!! Getting closer!!

Fedja

basil J · Nov 2, 2010

Fedja I like the 100# head. Much more power than the Mid...

Hominator · Nov 2, 2010

Great to hear. I have the 5G, which is similar, and enjoy that frame immensely...

prjacobs · Nov 2, 2010

richsox said:
Congrats on the reunion Basil! I just finished a 3 week demo with my first taste of a Pro Kennex Racket - yes the Ki5 - what a discovery!

me:

Several years as a Pure Drive user, average club player, but never had the all round court game. I relied usually on my serve to stay with the proper tennis players in the club,...

Since using the PK Ki5, I've noticed a serious change in consistency as have others who have played me....I just feel I can dig in, and go toe to toe on ground strokes, without fear of balls flying out the court....

This racket has a wonderful blend of power, and control, and touch. Even putting aside the arm friendliness of the racket, it is a joy to play with.

Ordered mine strung with Babolat VS Gut 17 guage at 58lbs.

Arriving tomorrow in time for my Thursday club night, and Friday Single's match.........

Am seriously surprised that more people have not bought into Pro Kennex,....seems like me, we all get hood wonked by the marketeers of the major brands

Rich,
How's your serve compared to the pure drive?

hcb0804 · Nov 2, 2010

basil J said:
So I had shoulder surgery last year and for a short spell I used the KI5 before I had surgery, more or less so I could play with minimal discomfort until I got operated on. (2 Bone spurs, removal of cartiladge and cleaned up my Labrum). After surgery I went to the BB11mid, then MP back to my redondo and even tried the 200GMW before settling back to my main stick the TI80. All the frames were excellent in some capacity, but the Redondo and 200Gmw are too low powered for me moving forward, the BB's and the TI 80 inflamed my shoulder with regular use so I was at apoint where I was literally going to give up the game. I hit one afternoon with a 4.5 lady friend and she had commented that I had great strokes but it looked like I was working very hard on most of my shots. She suggested that I try an easier frame. She had gone through some sticks this year as well and ended up with th youtech radical and loved it. She was a longtime 200g/300g player prior to the switch.
I went home that day and pulled out my KI5 which had been sitting in my closet for a year and a half unused and decided,"if this thing bothers my arm, then I am done, if not I will give it another try, it is after all a "players frame" so it should be sufficient to play good 4.0 ball right?
3 weeks later, I am loving this thing. With overgrip & head tape I have a new and old one, and they both weigh in at 12.2 oz strung at 7 pts HL.
This frame is so comfortable, I can't believe I did not stick with it after surgery. It has excellent power, great spin ( I love the 16 x 20 string bed), good touch and my serve has even gotten better since moving to this frame.
I have played a few practice matches this week and will begin regular match play this weekend and the yup, Yonex frames are out of my bag.
I have had no stiffness or pain at all. I have one strung with Full VS gut at 60# and one with 17g Klip detonater at 58# and both are equally comfortable. This frame is giving me everything the Redondo did, with the addition of extra power for some nice clean winners and more aces, with equally excellent control. The control I get with the KI5 equals the Ti 80. Good plow. Good spin, angles & touch.
I never took this frame as a serious racquet, but I sure am now. Going onto 4 weeks of use and I enjoy it more everytime out.

Basil- how long after surgery was it that you started playing again? I just had a similar deal 6-7 weeks ago- repair of a torn (shredded was the word the surgeon used) labrum, repair of a partially torn and frayed rotator cuff, and a bone spur. Doc said he cleaned all that up and I am 3 weeks into rehab now. It's a rough go, doing daily stretches and they have me wearing a JAS splint for 30 minutes 3 times a day. Very painful recovery....but I am starting to think about sticks again for my return as I guess my beloved Pure Drive is out of the question now!

basil J · Nov 2, 2010

My surgery was not as complex as yours. I was hitting groundstrokes 7 weeks post surgery and serving at the 2 1/2 month mark. In hindsight, I should have gone slower. My shoulder still has stability issues and I still have to Ice down after long matches and I still do an array of rehab exercises till this day. I have much better range of motion and none of the jolting pain I used to get, but I will probably never be 100%. My surgeon was amazed that I can still play. he said I have the shoulder of a 70 year old and will probably need replacement by 60. I hope to prove him wrong, thus my quest to find the best performing comfort racquet available. I hope my search is over..

basil J · Nov 2, 2010

Scotus is the 5G even a more comfortable frame than the KI5? does it have the same pop and control. the specs look almost Identical. I tried one once years ago and was not impressed, but That was when the shoulder was healthy- the old ncode 6.1 days....

hcb0804 · Nov 2, 2010

basil J said:
My surgery was not as complex as yours. I was hitting groundstrokes 7 weeks post surgery and serving at the 2 1/2 month mark. In hindsight, I should have gone slower. My shoulder still has stability issues and I still have to Ice down after long matches and I still do an array of rehab exercises till this day. I have much better range of motion and none of the jolting pain I used to get, but I will probably never be 100%. My surgeon was amazed that I can still play. he said I have the shoulder of a 70 year old and will probably need replacement by 60. I hope to prove him wrong, thus my quest to find the best performing comfort racquet available. I hope my search is over..

Wow. I had surgery 7 weeks ago and cannot even dream of hitting a groundstroke. My Doctor and therapist both agree I am looking at 6-7 MONTHS until I can play again, and that is being optimistic. By the way I used a PK Ki5x for a while and never really grew fond of it, so I tried the Babolat PD and fell in love with it and played with them the past 3 years until my injury. I might have to try the PK again now though, but the standard Ki5 not the extended length.

scotus · Nov 2, 2010

basil J said:
Scotus is the 5G even a more comfortable frame than the KI5? does it have the same pop and control. the specs look almost Identical. I tried one once years ago and was not impressed, but That was when the shoulder was healthy- the old ncode 6.1 days....

Yes, most definitely.

I played Ki 5 for about 6 months when I was recovering from TE.

But with my arm still sensitive, Ki 5 would bother me. So I tried 5G and 7G. They were definitely more comfortable.

By specs, I think 5G may be a bit stiffer than Ki5. But ask anyone on this board who has had arm problems and has played with both. I bet you 9 out of 10 members would tell you that 5G is more comfortable.

I ended up choosing 7G. If 5G is more comfortable than 7G, it is by a hair. And I preferred the way 7G performed for me.

richsox · Nov 3, 2010

prjacobs said:
Rich,
How's your serve compared to the pure drive?

Well, I certainly don't get my free points as much anymore (Pure Drive was an ace machine), but the Ki5 does allow me to put enough "bite" to give the returned something to think about and does get me get a few aces (but I have to do some cranking-which funnily enough can overstrain my shoulder).

2nd serve (a slight bit of a kicker I have) and serve placement has been a real pleasant surprise with this stick for me....

But all in all, I feel I have a true all court game, yeah I miss the Pure Drive for effortless power especially onn serving, but at the moment the PKi5 is giving me an ability to stay the distance and win in rally's (I feel I can stroke all day, without fear of hitting a ball out).

I'll never sell my PD's, I've ordered a PKi5 to compliment my babolat set, I only hope the good experience with a PKi5 was not down to the ol demo syndrome (meaning everything works with the demo racket, but when you buy one for real, nothing seems the same - we'll see!)

basil J · Nov 4, 2010

Of all the frames I have used over the last year, the KI5 is easiest the most powerful on serve. Dunlop 200G was probably the lowest powered along with the TI 80.

richsox · Nov 4, 2010

well have had my Ki5 now for few days (ordered a new one with Bab VS Gut at 58lbs, which has followed a 3 week demo session) - I'm more than happy with the pwoer this gives me, and the control is just awesome - i think i'll buy another!

basil J · Nov 4, 2010

Played my forst match with the Ki5 today against a 4.0 I lost to 3 times this summer. I won 6-3,3-6, 6-3. Serving was solid and steady, groundstrokes were also very predictable. My net game was off today, but overall I was very pleased. I played 2 sets with the poly hybrid and the last set with the gut. I actually felt more power off the hybrid set up. I play again tomorrow. No shoulder issues at all.

basil J · Nov 5, 2010

Played another tough match today. Was on serve in the second after losing the first on one break when the buzzer went off. My opponent told me I was hitting a much tougher ball with the poly set up, so I may switch over to a hybrid full time. Great control. I chip & charge on almost every 2nd serve now and the control on service returns is fantastic.

Hominator · Nov 5, 2010

basil J said:
Played another tough match today. Was on serve in the second after losing the first on one break when the buzzer went off. My opponent told me I was hitting a much tougher ball with the poly set up, so I may switch over to a hybrid full time. Great control. I chip & charge on almost every 2nd serve now and the control on service returns is fantastic.

Any arm or shoulder issues with the poly set up? Thanks.

basil J · Nov 5, 2010

No issues with the poly. It felt harsh for the first 5 minutes, but then it settled & felt good. When I went back to the VS gut it felt too soft and my opponent told me the gut balls were a lot easier and less heavy than the hybrid shots.

Hominator · Nov 5, 2010

basil J said:
No issues with the poly. It felt harsh for the first 5 minutes, but then it settled & felt good. When I went back to the VS gut it felt too soft and my opponent told me the gut balls were a lot easier and less heavy than the hybrid shots.

Thanks. I loved the action I could get on the ball with a poly, but I sidelined myself for about 6 months using one. I'm hesitant to open that door again. Maybe it's worth a try in my 5G...

basil J · Nov 5, 2010

Use a soft co-poly. I have used both Tourna blue, Klip Kboom and they are both pretty soft.I Never use a full poly string bed. always a soft cross...

basil J · Nov 11, 2010

Played a good practice match against a hard hitter who uses a Redondo Mid yesterday. The Ki5 continues to impress me with the relative ease I can go from defense to offense. Ironically I am finding that the poly hybrid set up is better all around than the full VS gut. This may be the best return of serve frame I have come across in a long time. Slice returns have good bite and I almost always chip & charge second serves now on the BH side. I have also found that I can hit most of my serves effectively from the same ball toss so my opponents are often guessing where I am going to go. Comfort is excellent with no residual soreness whatsoever so far.

richsox · Nov 11, 2010

basil J said:
Played a good practice match against a hard hitter who uses a Redondo Mid yesterday. The Ki5 continues to impress me with the relative ease I can go from defense to offense. Ironically I am finding that the poly hybrid set up is better all around than the full VS gut. This may be the best return of serve frame I have come across in a long time. Slice returns have good bite and I almost always chip & charge second serves now on the BH side. I have also found that I can hit most of my serves effectively from the same ball toss so my opponents are often guessing where I am going to go. Comfort is excellent with no residual soreness whatsoever so far.

I completely echo your sediments on being able to easily switch from a "defense to offense" attack game, and I too have experienced the ability to serve varying serves (from kicker to slice to flat serve ) with musc better disguise,...I am completely blown away by the atribute of this racquet.

A biting slice suddenly has become an offensive weapon as well....

Although I cannot blow opponents off the court as I might have done (in years gone by - could be an age thing too!)with my Pure Drives, I feel I have been able to more accuraelt place serves, and thus I have not suffered any real loss of ace's

Ki5 with VS Gut at 58lbs

Hominator · Nov 11, 2010

While I've been hitting mainly with my Babolat Aero Storm GTs and Volkl PB10 Mids for the past few weeks, I hit last night with my 5G again (previous model to the Ki5). It feels very similar to my Aero Storm GT, but I just love the solid response from the 5G. It feels so predictable. I'm going to be stringing it with full poly at 30 lbs. to see how it plays.

basil J · Nov 11, 2010

I am not blowing anybody off the court , but instead I am playing much looser and consistently, because I can switch gears so easily and like you said, the BH slice is a nice driving low shot that I use offensively as well as defensively with much more regularity than ever before. I also find that if I have a sitter and I tee of on it, my control is quite excellent and even if I don't hit a clean winner, I can ususally derive a defensive shot that is easily capitalized upon. My new favorite shot is when I get pulled out wide on the deuce side and I go straight down the line usually for a clean winner. The control inspires confidence, and frankly, the frame just feels "easy" to use, especially for a players frame. -Huge sweetspot!

Hominator · Nov 11, 2010

basil J said:
I am not blowing anybody off the court , but instead I am playing much looser and consistently, because I can switch gears so easily and like you said, the BH slice is a nice driving low shot that I use offensively as well as defensively with much more regularity than ever before. I also find that if I have a sitter and I tee of on it, my control is quite excellent and even if I don't hit a clean winner, I can ususally derive a defensive shot that is easily capitalized upon. My new favorite shot is when I get pulled out wide on the deuce side and I got stright down the line usually for a clean winner. the control inspires confidence, and frankly, the frame just feels "easy" to use, especially for a players frame. -Huge sweetspot!

I sometimes forget that this frame has typical player's frame specs. It does feel very easy to use - great description. It seems to fall in between a player's frame and a tweener, playability wise, at least.

richsox · Nov 11, 2010

one other interesting peice on using the Ki5, is that when I have found myself down in a set (and this happened a few times), at 4-2 or 4-1, I can just "dig in" and chisel away with this racket consistently and predictably, and just feel I can stroke away until the sun goes down..........and finally win the set (this happened a few times)

This is the only racket I have ever used in the past 7 years - that has pushed my beloved pure drives to the "other side" of my bag.............

I'm am thinking about buying a second, just in case PK supercedes it.....

The perfect blend of power, control, feel, arm freindliness at last!

....and oh I just love it that I am not one of the herd using the "usual brands" you see all over the club house!

basil J · Nov 11, 2010

I almost always feel the same way. Even If I am down in a match, I have the confidence that if I lose, it's because I am getting beat and not "giving it away" due to errors or leaving short sitters. I also like that because my serve is getting exceptional action, I now S&V often on 2nd serves and use the element of surprise very effectively. The combo of chip & charge on 2nd serves and S&V on my 2nd serve has become very effective in mixing it up and keeping my opponents off balance. the young guys aren't that comfortable with opponents coming in as often as I do. Punch volleys are easy with this frame as well so I am much more offensive than in the past where often times I was just blocking the volley back and often leaving a 2nd shot for my opponent.

Hominator · Nov 11, 2010

basil J said:
I almost always feel the same way. Even If I am down in a match, I have the confidence that if I lose, it's because I am getting beat and not "giving it away" due to errors or leaving short sitters. I also like that because my serve is getting exceptional action, I now S&V often on 2nd serves and use the element of surprise very effectively. The combo of chip & charge on 2nd serves and S&V on my 2nd serve has become very effective in mixing it up and keeping my opponents off balance. the young guys aren't that comfortable with opponents coming in as often as I do. Punch volleys are easy with this frame as well so I am much more offensive than in the past where often times I was just blocking the volley back and often leaving a 2nd shot for my opponent.

I agree. Volleys feel very solid with this frame

ced · Nov 12, 2010

scotus said:
Yes, most definitely.

I played Ki 5 for about 6 months when I was recovering from TE.

But with my arm still sensitive, Ki 5 would bother me. So I tried 5G and 7G. They were definitely more comfortable.

By specs, I think 5G may be a bit stiffer than Ki5. But ask anyone on this board who has had arm problems and has played with both. I bet you 9 out of 10 members would tell you that 5G is more comfortable.

I ended up choosing 7G. If 5G is more comfortable than 7G, it is by a hair. And I preferred the way 7G performed for me.

I agree with Scotus .... the 5G tops the KI 5 and the 7G tops them both.

markwillplay · Nov 12, 2010

see basil, I have just been working hard at recovering from the hip replacement (coming along fine 4 1/2 months out). Planning on starting to hit next year really (just going to work hard all winter to get into best shape possible and give time for full recovery)...I knew I could just wait on you to find my stick for me (ha ha ha).

jorel · Nov 12, 2010

richsox said:
I completely echo your sediments on being able to easily switch from a "defense to offense" attack game, and I too have experienced the ability to serve varying serves (from kicker to slice to flat serve ) with musc better disguise,...I am completely blown away by the atribute of this racquet.

A biting slice suddenly has become an offensive weapon as well....

Although I cannot blow opponents off the court as I might have done (in years gone by - could be an age thing too!)with my Pure Drives, I feel I have been able to more accuraelt place serves, and thus I have not suffered any real loss of ace's

Ki5 with VS Gut at 58lbs

sediment cuz of its moving sedimentary material
get it???... get it????.

netman · Nov 12, 2010

I have used the 5G off and on for many years. It is a great all-court frame that excels at nothing, but is very good at everything.

If you can play poly in it, more power to you. I found that poly dramatically reduced the arm-friendly nature of the the frame. Well, at least stiff poly. I have recently been using Gosen Polyon Comfort 17 and found it to offer a great mix of poly control and syn gut comfort.

Bottom line is the 5g/Ki 5 design has been around for more than 15 years because it is a great all-around racquet. I put it right up there with the Prestige, POG, PS 85 and Pure Drive as a timeless design.

-k-

skraggle · Nov 12, 2010

jorel said:
sediment cuz of its moving sedimentary material
get it???... get it????.

I suggest caution, or poster may show up and dump 12 tons of sentiment on your driveway.

richsox · Nov 13, 2010

jorel said:
sediment cuz of its moving sedimentary material
get it???... get it????.

Good catch.......kind of I*onic isn't it !

skraggle said:
I suggest caution, or poster may show up and dump 12 tons of sentiment on your driveway.

yerp that's right 2and" i've got a freind who's a "sentiment mixer" truck driver too who can do it (er or did he say cementiment mixer.........mmmm...am confused now...)

skraggle · Nov 13, 2010

richsox said:
Good catch.......kind of I*onic isn't it !

yerp that's right 2and" i've got a freind who's a "sentiment mixer" truck driver too who can do it (er or did he say cementiment mixer.........mmmm...am confused now...)

This, ladies and gentlemen, is how to handle yourself when people give you crap in forums.

Nicely done.

basil J · Nov 14, 2010

Played my first league match yesterday against a 4.0 I lost to in our last 3 previous outings. I easily won 6-4,6-3 using a good mix of attacking all court ball. He was surprised that My unforced error count was very low and my winner count was quite high.I was also very offensive on his 2nd serves that he seemed to struggle with all afternoon. Only 2 double faults for the whole match and a nice first league match outing that has truly reinforced that I have made the right decision to dump my TI 80's and move to a friendlier easier players frame. I have both frames strung up with Klip detonater hybrid at 58# and comfort control spin and power seem perfect for my game right now. Short balls that have given me trouble in the past, I am now pasting for winners in the corners with good confidence and reliability.

basil J · Nov 18, 2010

Played a real flat ball hitter tonight on a suoer slick court, lost 4-6,4-6. The poly set up did not feel so good tonight off the ground but I think it was more of my lackluster performance more than anything else. I really struggled to find my range hitting many shots just long tonight. I have not played against this type of player in yeras. Big serve flat FH & 2HBH, lots of short angles , took everything off the rise and everything just stayed low. It took me a few games to find my timing and ultimately I lost the match on a hanful of points so I am not terribly dissapointed. I did serve very well tonight and I am really enjoying this frame for all court tennis very much. It is equally comfortable from the back of the court and at the net. Comfort remains excellent. I have not had to ice my shoulder, even with poly in the mains since switching to this frame. i have sold my TI 80's and will committ to this frame over the winter. If my arm starts to bother me with this frame, then it will be time to give it up and move on to another sport.

markwillplay · Nov 19, 2010

Hey Bill, did you ever hit with the yonex rdis 200? I have been away for a while. Figured I would ask...if so, how did it compare to the pro kennex. Figured it may be more comfy than the ti80. Hope the shoulder holds up bro.

richsox · Nov 19, 2010

Played our Club Pro today (he is the real deal as well, former touring Pro player-years ago, and he does have a bad knee - but still spot on when he touches the ball),......I hung with him (to both of our surprise!) to 3-3. He did end up winning 6-3, but both he and I were amazed at the consistency I was getting on my strokes....

......there really is something about the Ki5 (IMO) which really inspires confidence in strokes, and allows me to "chisel away" when down even at 40-luv, and turn the game around to a win. He commented that my forehand (flat by all accounts) was a weapon today.

I just feel this racket is a stepping stone to "my" becoming a better all-court player. Previously I was all about blasting serves (was a Pure Drive user for years), and now I find I can put together some real "point construction" play action tactics,...has actually made tennis feven more fun!

I'm actually wondering about demo-ing the Ki15 PSE, as I hear it is great for big flat serves ( I do miss my free points via aces), BUT would I sacrifice my all-court game that I get with the Ki5?....

Anyone out there who has hit with both the Ki 15 PSE and the Ki5 - I love to hear from ya?

Kevin T · Nov 19, 2010

richsox said:
Played our Club Pro today (he is the real deal as well, former touring Pro player-years ago, and he does have a bad knee - but still spot on when he touches the ball),......I hung with him (to both of our surprise!) to 3-3. He did end up winning 6-3, but both he and I were amazed at the consistency I was getting on my strokes....

......there really is something about the Ki5 (IMO) which really inspires confidence in strokes, and allows me to "chisel away" when down even at 40-luv, and turn the game around to a win. He commented that my forehand (flat by all accounts) was a weapon today.

I just feel this racket is a stepping stone to "my" becoming a better all-court player. Previously I was all about blasting serves (was a Pure Drive user for years), and now I find I can put together some real "point construction" play action tactics,...has actually made tennis feven more fun!

I'm actually wondering about demo-ing the Ki15 PSE, as I hear it is great for big flat serves ( I do miss my free points via aces), BUT would I sacrifice my all-court game that I get with the Ki5?....

Anyone out there who has hit with both the Ki 15 PSE and the Ki5 - I love to hear from ya?

You will certainly lose some of that all-court effectiveness. The 15 PSE is great for quick-reaction returns and can really smoke groundies but certainly compromises feel and control. I'm a serve and volleyer and when I'm in shape and playing well, the 15 PSE is money in the bank...crushes first serves, nice and stable at net and good on returns. I'm not going to get in a long-term baseline grind and will always go for the early winner, so it works well for me. The Ki 5 is probably PK's finest all-around frame.

basil J · Nov 20, 2010

Mark I have not tried the RDIs 200. The KI5 ihas become a "last resort" frame for me right now. It killed me to put down the TI 80 because it was everything I wanted in a frame, but the constant icing down after every match became too much, especially for my wife, so I decided that if I cannot make the KI5 work then I would put the racquets down for good. Thankfully, I have had no issues so far, even with a poly hybrid. Ihave 2 -4 1/'2 grips built up to a 5/8" with a shrink sleeve and the strung weights with overgrip is at 12.4oz, a little heavier that I originally wanted but the feel is perfect so I will not toy around with any more mods. This is turning out to be an awesome S&V frame. I get great action on my slice and kick serves and I can throw the occasional heater up the middle with pretty good heat. Pace off the ground is also pretty good, so it's not like I am walking off the court looking for anything"more" from my racquet. It is a little too muted for my liking, but I have adjusted and now enjoy the "Thwap" I get on my serve & groundies. I suggest you give it a try. the technology seems to really work.

gslefeb · Nov 20, 2010

Shoulder or Elbow?

Is your sore arm related to the elbow or shoulder?

When I read on ARM pain here, I think most are referring to the elbow. I was wondering if the Ki5 - would help with the shoulder also.
thanks.

netman · Nov 21, 2010

gslefeb said:
Is your sore arm related to the elbow or shoulder?

When I read on ARM pain here, I think most are referring to the elbow. I was wondering if the Ki5 - would help with the shoulder also.
thanks.

Yes it will help with shoulder pain. I have a surgically repaired shoulder and it occasionally starts complaining and needing ice. I switch to my 5g frames and within a couple of matches no more pain.

-k-

basil J · Nov 21, 2010

I had shoulder surgery and that is why I have moved to this frame as well. I minimal cartliadge left in my shoulder and it is easily inflamed, especially from serving and the KI5 so far has allowed me to play pain free.

nimailni · Nov 21, 2010

Does anyone know which models of other manufacturers are the most similar to Ki-5 and G5? TW listed Yonex Rdis 200, Pacific X Force Pro as similar ones, but I wonder if someone with more experience can make a list.
thanks

beststringer · Nov 21, 2010

hcb0804 said:
Wow. I had surgery 7 weeks ago and cannot even dream of hitting a groundstroke. My Doctor and therapist both agree I am looking at 6-7 MONTHS until I can play again, and that is being optimistic. By the way I used a PK Ki5x for a while and never really grew fond of it, so I tried the Babolat PD and fell in love with it and played with them the past 3 years until my injury. I might have to try the PK again now though, but the standard Ki5 not the extended length.

Try the ki 30. that thing's a beast

scotus · Nov 22, 2010

nimailni said:
Does anyone know which models of other manufacturers are the most similar to Ki-5 and G5? TW listed Yonex Rdis 200, Pacific X Force Pro as similar ones, but I wonder if someone with more experience can make a list.
thanks

No other company offers the Kinetic System.

basil J · Nov 23, 2010

Played a tough 2 setter yesterday. First time I noticed the low power level off the ground. I can generate very heavy driving topspin easily with this frame and I noticed yesterday that if I don't finish my swings that I dump a few shots into the net that I normally would not. Where this frame is really working great for me is taking balls on the rise. Against a hard hitter, I can camp right on the baseline and drive the ball deep into the corners with relative ease ( as long as I prepare). I may try a softer string set up next time around to help compenstae for the lower power level. I like the poly hybrid, but probably could go down to 56# from 58# next time around and still maintain excellent control. My best shot right now is my 1HBH. I fell like I can take a rip from anywhere on the court and still maintain excellent control with good confidence.

prjacobs · Nov 23, 2010

Can someone who's played with the Ki5 and 5G possibly compare them?
Thanks,
Paul

PK KI5: why did I ignore you?

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