pro kennex q5

zedek

New User
has anyone heard any news about pro kennex coming out with a q5 racket, one that would have similar specs to the ki5? Also has anyone used the volkl organix 9? can you please provide me with your opinion on the organix' power, comfort, stability, control? it seems to have not received good reviews from TW. :cry:
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
has anyone heard any news about pro kennex coming out with a q5 racket, one that would have similar specs to the ki5? Also has anyone used the volkl organix 9? can you please provide me with your opinion on the organix' power, comfort, stability, control? it seems to have not received good reviews from TW. :cry:

I see that the specs for the Q5 315 and 295 are in Racquet Finder. Where did you see there were poor reviews from TW?
http://www.racquetfinder.com/compare.php?pcode=PXFC
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
It's interesting that it looks like PK is planning to go thicker and stiffer with the Q5. Maybe they figured their main player's stick wil be the QTour?

I wonder if there will be an extended version. I am loving the Ki 5 and curious to try the Ki 5x or the 7g. I had not used Pro Kennex racquets until recently and have fallen in love with the Ki 5. I find it pretty forgiving actually. I have an arm that can't take much, so it is pretty plush. You play with the Ki 5x don't you? I have never actually used an extending length racquet and think it may help my 5'10 self play bigger.
 

Ramon

Legend
I wonder if there will be an extended version. I am loving the Ki 5 and curious to try the Ki 5x or the 7g. I had not used Pro Kennex racquets until recently and have fallen in love with the Ki 5. I find it pretty forgiving actually. I have an arm that can't take much, so it is pretty plush. You play with the Ki 5x don't you? I have never actually used an extending length racquet and think it may help my 5'10 self play bigger.

When I bought the Ki 5x, I expected it be like the Ki 5 only longer, afterall, the specs are similar, right? Wrong! The difference in perceived mass is bigger than the specs suggest. I was whipping around the Ki 5 like it was just another light, modern frame like the APDGT. However, when I picked up the Ki 5x, I had to change the swing on my forehand because I could no longer put easy spin on the ball with my wrist. Eventually, I adjusted to it, and all is well now. The extra length helps on serve. It also seems to add stability, or maybe it's just the fact that I tend to hit on the higher part of the hoop and the extra length moves my contact point closer to the sweetspot.

Go ahead and demo it. It's worth a try, but be prepared for the change.
 

Ramon

Legend
The pictures are up now. They look nice. It's tempting to try the Q5 315, but I'm still not wild about the wider and stiffer beam. I might be closer to a QTour kinda guy. I still like my Ki 5x with its extended length and more of the kinetic technology. I'll probably wait a bit longer for now, but I'll be interested to hear what other people think about the new frames.
 
^^ funny that you refer to the "wider beam." The Q has a straight 22.5 mm beam, your racquet has a straight 22 mm beam, a difference probably within the margin of error of measurement and one you'd be unlikely to even detect by looking at the racquets. Also, your racquet has less, not more, of the kinetic technology as they've added more kinetic cells in the new frames.
 

Ramon

Legend
^^ funny that you refer to the "wider beam." The Q has a straight 22.5 mm beam, your racquet has a straight 22 mm beam, a difference probably within the margin of error of measurement and one you'd be unlikely to even detect by looking at the racquets. Also, your racquet has less, not more, of the kinetic technology as they've added more kinetic cells in the new frames.

It's not just the beam width, it's also coupled with the higher stiffness. If you raised the stiffness by the same amount again, you would have something as stiff as a Pure Drive. The spec changes look significant to me. Obviously, they are moving it in the direction of a tweener frame. I suppose that's not such a bad idea since they also sell the QTour anyway. Knowing my game and personal preferences, I would probably like the QTour better, but I won't know for sure until I try.

I heard that the Q Series has 4 kinetic chambers at the 2, 10, 8, and 4 positions, and that's it, while the Ionic/Kinetic series has a kinetic strip that covers most of the hoop and also has kinetic particles in the handle. I've also heard from QTour owners on this forum that you can barely hear the particles when you shake the racquet, but that sound is more pronounced in the Ionic/Kinetic frames.
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
It will be interesting to see how this plays with its stiffness being increased like this. What immediately comes to my mind is more power, less feel and less control. We'll see I guess. I also wonder if these racquets will get the PSE and X treatment.
 

Ramon

Legend
By looking at the specs, you can tell that the Q5's are right in the middle of the QTour and Q15, so it makes sense for that lineup. If they had the same stiffness as the Ki 5, they would basically be lighter QTours. 295g would be too light for a true player's spec racquet. I see the Q5 competing with the Wilson Juice, Head IG Extreme, and Prince Warrior.

The Ki 5/5x are the player's spec Ionic frames. I hope PK keeps making them because they are significantly different from the Q5; not just different specs but also different implementations of Kinetic technology. I suspect the days of the 5G and 7G are numbered.

As for a Q5+ and Q5 PSE, I doubt it. Personally, I'd rather see a QTour+, and who would want a 67 stiffness frame that's nearly 13 oz?
 
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I would like to see the upgraded ki 5 pse (q 5 pse) with similar specs to the ki 5 pse. There's not too much wrong with that racquet, and is my favorite or second favorite of all time.
 

kenyee

Semi-Pro
I've also heard from QTour owners on this forum that you can barely hear the particles when you shake the racquet

Head yes (you can't hear it), handle no (you can still hear it in the QTour).


I suspect the days of the 5G and 7G are numbered.

I hope not...I found the Ki5 too stiff compared to the 5G...I'd get a spare 5G if they got rid of it :p
 

tolesy

New User
I am curious about the new Q5s.

I have a Qtour with a leather grip. I love the frame off the ground, i'm hitting deeper and flatter than ever before, but I struggle with generating good spin and pop off the serve.

So tempted to test a new Q5... Can't wait for customer reviews or a TW review.
 

Ramon

Legend
I am curious about the new Q5s.

I have a Qtour with a leather grip. I love the frame off the ground, i'm hitting deeper and flatter than ever before, but I struggle with generating good spin and pop off the serve.

So tempted to test a new Q5... Can't wait for customer reviews or a TW review.

If you're looking for more spin and pop on your serve, you should demo the Ki 5x as well. The stiffness is similar to the QTour, it has a more open string pattern, and it has an extra half-inch of length. It's the best serving racquet I ever used, and I happen to like it on everything else, too.
 

mikeler

Moderator
By looking at the specs, you can tell that the Q5's are right in the middle of the QTour and Q15, so it makes sense for that lineup. If they had the same stiffness as the Ki 5, they would basically be lighter QTours. 295g would be too light for a true player's spec racquet. I see the Q5 competing with the Wilson Juice, Head IG Extreme, and Prince Warrior.

The Ki 5/5x are the player's spec Ionic frames. I hope PK keeps making them because they are significantly different from the Q5; not just different specs but also different implementations of Kinetic technology. I suspect the days of the 5G and 7G are numbered.

As for a Q5+ and Q5 PSE, I doubt it. Personally, I'd rather see a QTour+, and who would want a 67 stiffness frame that's nearly 13 oz?


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
Has anyone ordered this? I was going to, but I sprained my ankle. I'm also eager to see what the feedback is like.
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
I have one (315 gm.) that a friend just purchased, strung with Silverstring, letting me play with it tomorrow morning. I'll post some feedback.
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
^^ exceptionally comfortable racquet, has a cushioned feel that's as soft as anything I've hit with lately. No dampener needed with this one, didn't even try it that way. Super solid, nice plow, I was more confident at net with this thing than any racquet I've volleyed with recently, extremely stable, allowed me to take volleys from all sorts of odd angles (playing doubles) and redirect them accurately. From the ground, extremely stable, lots of power (less than a PDR, more than most frames in this class), plenty of spin -- I was regularly surprised to see balls dropping in when I expected them to sail. Typical for PK, the finish is exceptional on the racquet. I'm not switching to it as the 315 is a bit heavier than I feel I can handle for long matches.
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
^^ exceptionally comfortable racquet, has a cushioned feel that's as soft as anything I've hit with lately. No dampener needed with this one, didn't even try it that way. Super solid, nice plow, I was more confident at net with this thing than any racquet I've volleyed with recently, extremely stable, allowed me to take volleys from all sorts of odd angles (playing doubles) and redirect them accurately. From the ground, extremely stable, lots of power (less than a PDR, more than most frames in this class), plenty of spin -- I was regularly surprised to see balls dropping in when I expected them to sail. Typical for PK, the finish is exceptional on the racquet. I'm not switching to it as the 315 is a bit heavier than I feel I can handle for long matches.

Awesome, it sounds great. I am very eager to try this out.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
^^ exceptionally comfortable racquet, has a cushioned feel that's as soft as anything I've hit with lately. No dampener needed with this one, didn't even try it that way. Super solid, nice plow, I was more confident at net with this thing than any racquet I've volleyed with recently, extremely stable, allowed me to take volleys from all sorts of odd angles (playing doubles) and redirect them accurately. From the ground, extremely stable, lots of power (less than a PDR, more than most frames in this class), plenty of spin -- I was regularly surprised to see balls dropping in when I expected them to sail. Typical for PK, the finish is exceptional on the racquet. I'm not switching to it as the 315 is a bit heavier than I feel I can handle for long matches.

Interesting note above about the softness, considering the high stiffness rating on this bat. Just curious: cushier, softer than ... which frames exactly? Have you hit with any PK frames (or others) that this might be comparable to, feel wise?

I like how PK keeps coming out with 16/20 patterns, which to me seems like the ideal compromise between open/closed.
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
^^ softness not unlike the Ki5 and Ki10 PSE, both of which I've used for short times, both more flexible, but this racquet felt just as cushy as those.
 

tolesy

New User
^^ exceptionally comfortable racquet, has a cushioned feel that's as soft as anything I've hit with lately. No dampener needed with this one, didn't even try it that way. Super solid, nice plow, I was more confident at net with this thing than any racquet I've volleyed with recently, extremely stable, allowed me to take volleys from all sorts of odd angles (playing doubles) and redirect them accurately. From the ground, extremely stable, lots of power (less than a PDR, more than most frames in this class), plenty of spin -- I was regularly surprised to see balls dropping in when I expected them to sail. Typical for PK, the finish is exceptional on the racquet. I'm not switching to it as the 315 is a bit heavier than I feel I can handle for long matches.

Wonder how the 295 would feel with a leather grip a some lead at 3 and 9?
 

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
Bumping this for any more feedback on the new Q5's. Anyone tried the 295 yet?

I just returned my last batch of demo sticks -- Q5 295 and Ki5 315 among them. I am recovering from a hand/wrist injury, so I have become hyper-sensitive to the comfort of various racquets. I really liked the Q5. Every bit as comfortable as my Pacific X-Force, and it did everything right for me. I could switch back and forth between these two with little to no adjustment. It also felt just as comfortable as the Volkl Organix 10 295, which for me is the among the plushest feeling lightweights I have hit with. The Ki 315 was a bit of a let down. It felt a little pingy compared the Q5 (and my own 5G/7G's), despite the Ki5's lower stiffness rating. Q5 295 is must-demo for anyone looking for a racquet in this weight range.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
I just returned my last batch of demo sticks -- Q5 295 and Ki5 315 among them. I am recovering from a hand/wrist injury, so I have become hyper-sensitive to the comfort of various racquets. I really liked the Q5. Every bit as comfortable as my Pacific X-Force, and it did everything right for me. I could switch back and forth between these two with little to no adjustment. It also felt just as comfortable as the Volkl Organix 10 295, which for me is the among the plushest feeling lightweights I have hit with. The Ki 315 was a bit of a let down. It felt a little pingy compared the Q5 (and my own 5G/7G's), despite the Ki5's lower stiffness rating. Q5 295 is must-demo for anyone looking for a racquet in this weight range.

That's great feedback. There is a third option in Europe. We have a 295g version of the Ki5.

As yet the Q5 does not seem to be available here but I will be keen to try it when it finally appears. A plush feeling lightweight sounds right up my street. I tend to buy lighter weight frames around 11oz but always seem to end up leading them, looking for a solid feel. An 11oz, 100" solid feeling stock frame would be perfect.

The closest I have to that is a Prince Ozone Tour but the feel is very muted. My N-Tour 2 is plush but 95". Always a compromise to be found, the Q5 295 or Ki295 might be just what I am looking for.
 

Ramon

Legend
I just returned my last batch of demo sticks -- Q5 295 and Ki5 315 among them. I am recovering from a hand/wrist injury, so I have become hyper-sensitive to the comfort of various racquets. I really liked the Q5. Every bit as comfortable as my Pacific X-Force, and it did everything right for me. I could switch back and forth between these two with little to no adjustment. It also felt just as comfortable as the Volkl Organix 10 295, which for me is the among the plushest feeling lightweights I have hit with. The Ki 315 was a bit of a let down. It felt a little pingy compared the Q5 (and my own 5G/7G's), despite the Ki5's lower stiffness rating. Q5 295 is must-demo for anyone looking for a racquet in this weight range.

For some reason, it seems that nobody ever thinks the Ki 5 is that comfortable, but after they use it for a few days they notice their elbow feels better. Maybe that's just how the Ionic Kinetic system works in that racquet?
 

skeeter

Professional
Just demo'd the Ki 5 along with the Q5 (315). Similar to what another poster said, the Ki 5 felt a little pingy against the Q5. I was a little skeptical about the Q5 due to the stiffness rating, but it felt amazingly plush for such a rating; I half wonder if the rating is a bit overstated. And, as someone else also stated, I kept hitting strokes that I really thought would be long and they seemed to drop in; wasn't intentionally hitting hard topspin or anything. And definitely not a muted feel; nice "thwack" sound to all my hits. Real stable up at the net as well. Only thing that didn't impress me right off the bat was serves; didn't seem to stand out in any real way, but could be user-error as when I really focused on pronating, I seemed to hit with more power. But, all in all, really impressed with the Q5. May take it on an extended demo!
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
Okay I have now hit with the Q5 315. I have been using the Ki5 lately and it was interesting hitting both together. I have never found the Ki5 to be pingy, having said that, I found the Q5 to be a little more crisp and solid. I have been able to aggressively hit the ball in with the Ki5 and it continued with the Q5. The flex is noticeably different, the Ki5 is indeed more flexy and the Q5 is definitely stiffer. I think the plow is more with the Q5 and I felt I could drive my 1hbh quite well with it. I could really hit my approaches well with the Q5 and drive bh slices with good pace. Volleying was good, I don't feel that these 5 series racquets have awesome feel, but I can volley pretty well with both. I did not get a chance to serve. I only hit for 45 minutes(it gets dark early now).
I pretty much agree with Skeeter's assessment, a good thwacking stick.
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
Have switched to the 295, added weight consists of 2.5 grams each at 3:00 and 9:00, plus two overgrips. Very happy with the racquet in this form, found the 315 a bit too much for me, too sluggish. Supreme comfort with the 295, plenty of pop and spin. I found the Ki5 underpowered when I hit with it several years ago.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Hate to be a dissenter, but I hit with the Q5 315 a little bit this week and didn't like it. Wasn't terrible, but performance seemed just about average and most importantly (to me), it felt a bit too 'modern' in that it was stiffer, crisper, a bit more hollow feeling than I'd anticipated given people's descriptions as it being 'plush.' Would not describe this frame as being very plush. It's not bad, but my 7G feels much nicer and more full by comparison.
 

sstchur

Hall of Fame
Ki Q5

I've got a Q5 arriving today and will get it strung up and ready for a test drive in a next few days.

I went with the lighter version, figuring it could always be leaded up.
 

danix

Semi-Pro
Just got a demo. I bought a pair of Q Tours which bother my arm (go figure) so I reverted to the Ki5. At this point, the Ki5 is the only thing I can play with, even the Becker London which is not a stiff frame bothers me.
 

ciocc

Rookie
Only thing that didn't impress me right off the bat was serves;

I had the same impression too when I hit with a Q5 this morning. The demo was strung with Prince Premier Attack @59lb, according to TW, and the racket was brand new:mrgreen:

Comparing to my Black Ace 93, strung with poly/sg, the Q5 lacks pop in serves. It could be because of the thin beams and head size of the 93 that make it easier to come around. Q5 has that solid and crisp feel, but not harsh. Sweet spot is much bigger than BA93 (obviously). Ground strokes are more powerful so I have to adjust my swing path to keep the ball in with more topspin.
 

danix

Semi-Pro
Initial impression: close to a Ki5 in many ways. More Kinetic "stuff" than the Q Tour. Hitting against the wall it felt crisper than a Ki5, didnt bother my arm. Will try it in a match tomorrow.

On a side note, I have grown more comfortable with the Ki5 and can finally hit with pace. Feel is still lacking, but I've realized it volleys really well and is a great doubles stick.
 

jayserinos99

Hall of Fame
Hate to be a dissenter, but I hit with the Q5 315 a little bit this week and didn't like it. Wasn't terrible, but performance seemed just about average and most importantly (to me), it felt a bit too 'modern' in that it was stiffer, crisper, a bit more hollow feeling than I'd anticipated given people's descriptions as it being 'plush.' Would not describe this frame as being very plush. It's not bad, but my 7G feels much nicer and more full by comparison.

I'm feeling the same way. I have the Q5 315 demo this week and although it played decently, I wouldn't call it plush. I'd love to try this frame modded with some lead at 3/9 and strung with my go-to string at the moment (TB17) at my regular tension (48-52).
 

canadad

Semi-Pro
Initial impression: close to a Ki5 in many ways. More Kinetic "stuff" than the Q Tour. Hitting against the wall it felt crisper than a Ki5, didnt bother my arm. Will try it in a match tomorrow.

I agree with this completely.

On a side note, is anyone else bothered that the title in this thread is all in lower case? I thought about starting a new one, my I did tell myself to get over it.
 
I have the Q5 315 and I like it a lot... other very similar racquets to it are the Extreme Pro 2.0 and Pure Drive Roddick 2012. The Q5 is a touch softer than either than these and slightly less powerful, but could play all three interchangably. I like the backhand slice best with the Q5 and seem to serve more consistently albiet slightly less powerfully. Overall, very nice stick that has no real weakness. Also like the Kinetic tecnology for arm protection and prefer the PK grip shape. Take 5% out of the PDR and you have the Q5
 

danix

Semi-Pro
Well, I did get to use the Q5, for a while anyway.
I went out to play a league match and took the Q5 straight out of the bag. Definitely not as soft feeling as the Ki5 (I have that strung with Mantis Comfort Synthetic) but I figured maybe it's the strings or the tension I'm feeling.

Off the ground, impressions continued - this is a slightly stiffer Ki5. I hear plenty of the Kinetic material, so I highly doubt it's actually localized in those 4 pockets. I think they decided to standardize on the design and/or make it look "new".
Groundstrokes, I felt like I was getting more power than the Ki5, perhaps due to the stiffness. Serves were a little more directional and had a bit more pop than the Ki5 - overall I felt like I had a better idea of where the ball was going with the Q5.

Here's the weird thing - hit a forehand and heard a crack, I thought the whole frame had cracked. I popped a main string at the very top of the frame, just right of center. Wonder if it was a stringing flaw because I am not a string breaker and I have never ever broken a string in that spot.

Throughout the time with the Q5 I kept thinking "wow, I kind of miss the Ki5 which I never thought would happen". But then post string break, returning to the Ki5, I realized that I had to swing a little harder, had less precision and feel with the Ki5.

I'm on the fence. I already have a pair of QTour I jumped into too quickly. I think I'm going to sell those, and get a Q5, and give it an extended demo.

One last note - just above the grip, the Q5 has a little bridge thing that reminds me of the Destiny frames, though the frame itself is not as rounded. The Destiny were the forefathers of the Pure Drives as you may know.

I do not think the Q5 hits anything like a Pure Drive or PDR - those have way more power due to the woofer system.
 

kenyee

Semi-Pro
danix: how does the sweetspot and plushness of the Q5 compare w/ the QTour? And have you ever hit w/ the BA98 or PK5G?
 

ciocc

Rookie
I have demo'ed both BA98 and Q5 before. My impression:
1. Comfort: BA98 > Q5
2. Power: Q5 > BA98 (Bigger SP on Q5)
3. Control: BA98 ~ Q5
4. Maneuverability: Q5 > BA98
5. Stability: BA98 ~ Q5
6: Feel: BA98 = Muted; Q5 = Hollow

My 2 cents
 

eugenius

New User
Seems to be very little feedback on the review pages of TW re the Q5.I am currently playing with 2yrs of tennis elbow,and is considering switching to the Q5 or KI5.How many people have directly compared them,esp elbow comfort.
Also ,if anyone knows,how these 2 compare with the new Donnay Pro One
Thanks
 

Ramon

Legend
I have demo'ed both BA98 and Q5 before. My impression:
1. Comfort: BA98 > Q5
2. Power: Q5 > BA98 (Bigger SP on Q5)
3. Control: BA98 ~ Q5
4. Maneuverability: Q5 > BA98
5. Stability: BA98 ~ Q5
6: Feel: BA98 = Muted; Q5 = Hollow

My 2 cents

Just as I thought. The Q5 is a step closer to a Pure Drive. That's neither good nor bad. When summer comes around, I'll probably playtest the Q5 and the QTour. It will be interesting to compare them to my Ki 5x.
 

Dgdavid

Professional
Also interested in anyone who has a view on the Ki 5 vs Q5.
I have just "discovered" the Ki 5 as part of a search for something a little less arm distressing than the Blades. Ki 5 demo has been great in doubles but not trying it in singles until tomorrow. Would be interesting to see what the Q5 has to offer over it.
 

danix

Semi-Pro
TW shipped me another Q5 demo - I was going to buy one, but they are out of stock in my size.

Basically, it's a lot like a Ki5 - I went into a tournament match with the Q5 right out of the box, and had no issues adapting.
It's a slightly more head light, crisper feeling Ki5.

My elbow felt OK after playing but I noted shoulder soreness again, which I had felt with the Q Tour and do not usually feel with the Ki5. On the other hand, this was the first 3 set singles match I've played in a long time, so that is likely a factor.

I think when they are back in stock I will order a Q5, rotate it with my Ki5, and then decide.
 
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