Flirting with the idea of trying out a Pro Kennex frame -- suggestions?

[sstchur]

I have been playing with the Fischer Pro One 98 (SL) for about 2 years now. I play well with them, and I don't have any arm pain or anything, so I'm not looking to PK for that reason.

But I've always been intrigued and I know PK has a cult following. I'm interested in trying one out, just to see. I play pretty well with the Fischers, but would like to see if there's a frame out there that might give me a boost -- maybe a bit more pop on my serve or a bit more spin or something like that.

I'm about a 4.0, with mechanically very sound strokes. I like to play baseline and I like to dictate play. I'm a not a particularly skilled volleyer. I like to (try to) serve big and end points pretty quickly.

Is there a particular PK that folks would recommend toying around with? I know the Redondo is a classic, and I did actually demo that once way back when when. IIRC, it didn't feel quite as "buttery" to me as the Fischer, but it was a while ago, so maybe I'm not remembering correctly.

Anyway, something really solid would be good, especially on off center hits, but which still provides that nice, soft, cushy feel.

Suggestions welcome.

 

[Power Player]

Black Ace or PK7g are probably the 2 flagship sticks.

For a soft feel, you want flex. That would be the 93 inch Black Ace.

The 7g feels more crisp and prestige like, but would probably suit your game more.

 

[JGads]

ProKennex 7G and the Black Ace line. Solidity, fullness, heaviness, crispness. The Ace line to me is much better than the Redondo - crisper and more powerful and to me more maneuverable, but still UBER-controlled. There are Redondo heads that will argue. The 7G is like a softer feeling (but still crisp) and easier-to-swing 6.1 95.

I've demoed everything. ProKennex is absolute top-of-the-line stuff.

 

[sstchur]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm gonna search for a used 7g and if I find one, I'll just buy it. I don't feel like going the demo route, and besides, I'm in the nice position of having some money to blow on racquets

7G, here I come.

 

[JGads]

Enjoy. Keep in mind that it is an extended stick, and the feel is a bit weird at the start (there are sand pockets within the frame that you'll hear slightly), but after an initial getting-to-know phase the 7G comes out of its shell and will hit any shot you want it to hit. Stellar, stellar frame. And the new ones go for much cheaper than most sticks.

 

[sstchur]

Enjoy. Keep in mind that it is an extended stick, and the feel is a bit weird at the start (there are sand pockets within the frame that you'll hear slightly), but after an initial getting-to-know phase the 7G comes out of its shell and will hit any shot you want it to hit. Stellar, stellar frame. And the new ones go for much cheaper than most sticks.

Actually the extended part is something that I consider a plus. In high school, I played with a 28" stick. Since taking 10 years off and getting back into the game, I have returned to a 27" standard, but have always felt that a bit of extra length might really help my serve again. I have a really nice service motion, but I'm not very tall, so every bit of extra reach helps me.

 

[JGads]

Ok, then, the 7G sounds perfect for you. And yes, the extra stick length is great for the serve. It hits some bombs. Good luck, brave warrior.

 

[sstchur]

Ok, then, the 7G sounds perfect for you. And yes, the extra stick length is great for the serve. It hits some bombs. Good luck, brave warrior.

Thanks! Can't wait. I will report back once I manage to get my hands on one.

 

[mikeler]

Why not just buy a new one? They are only $119 here on TW. BTW, the 7G has been my racket of choice since the past summer. Best volleying stick I've ever used.

 

[bluetrain4]

The 7g is really a great frame. And, cheap!!

 

[sstchur]

Why not just buy a new one? They are only $119 here on TW. BTW, the 7G has been my racket of choice since the past summer. Best volleying stick I've ever used.

Gah! You are a bad influence! I suppose you might be right though -- looking at the sold used ones, they seem to hold value well, so if it doesn't work out, I guess no big deal. And I'm not going to sell off my Fischers just yet, so I can always go back if need be.

Oh hell, I just might do this. I'm kicking myself now though for not snapping up a bunch of those 20% off gift cards when I had the chance :-/

 

[sstchur]

The 7g is really a great frame. And, cheap!!

Well, I got my 4 Fischers (used but practically unscathed) for $200. Now /that/ is cheap

 

[sstchur]

Alright PKers... you've convinced me to buy one of these.

What string setup do y'all recommend?

I tend to like softer strings (Gamma Pro 18 is my fav) and have mostly shied away from polys, though I do hybrid with Big Ace Micro every now and then b/c it is pretty soft for a poly and it's ultra thin, which I really like.

I used to string low with the Fischers, but lately if I do a full bed of gut or Gamma Pro 18, I've been stringing in the more "traditional" range like 63 or so (lock out).

Suggestions?

 

[Power Player]

Yes..I would read Mikeler's multis threads as he used the 7g for the majority of the testing if I remember correctly.

 

[JGads]

Hybrids are heavenly in this frame. So are full softer poly setups. Currently have a BHS 17/babolat N.Vy hybrid that is epic. But Mikeler is the string guru; I defer to him.

 

[mikeler]

Alright PKers... you've convinced me to buy one of these.

What string setup do y'all recommend?

I tend to like softer strings (Gamma Pro 18 is my fav) and have mostly shied away from polys, though I do hybrid with Big Ace Micro every now and then b/c it is pretty soft for a poly and it's ultra thin, which I really like.

I used to string low with the Fischers, but lately if I do a full bed of gut or Gamma Pro 18, I've been stringing in the more "traditional" range like 63 or so (lock out).

Suggestions?

One of the issues you'll run into with this frame is that it does not feel stiff but the flex rating is still 66. So it has some great pop for such an arm friendly stick. So an 18g multi might be launching balls all over the court but I've never hit with Gamma Pro or played with an 18g string ever. Might be worth starting with that string and judging durability versus performance before figuring out where to go next. My 2 cents.

 

[JGads]

One of the issues you'll run into with this frame is that it does not feel stiff but the flex rating is still 66. So it has some great pop for such an arm friendly stick. So an 18g multi might be launching balls all over the court but I've never hit with Gamma Pro or played with an 18g string ever. Might be worth starting with that string and judging durability versus performance before figuring out where to go next. My 2 cents.

Hey Mik, just curious: what's your top setup, string and tension wise, in the 7G? Just curious since I believe you've tried so much.

 

[mikeler]

Hey Mik, just curious: what's your top setup, string and tension wise, in the 7G? Just curious since I believe you've tried so much.

If our club courts were not wet every single day then my elbow could probably tolerate the PVAudio named "Mikeler Matchup" of Weiss Cannon Black 5 Edge 17 mains @ 52# with Genesis Thunder Blast 16 crosses @ 56#. I'm going to take an unscheduled break due to gout so that will only help my elbow.

 

[scotus]

If our club courts were not wet every single day then my elbow could probably tolerate the PVAudio named "Mikeler Matchup" of Weiss Cannon Black 5 Edge 17 mains @ 52# with Genesis Thunder Blast 16 crosses @ 56#. I'm going to take an unscheduled break due to gout so that will only help my elbow.

Ouch. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Does gout only afffect the feet, or do you think it might do something to your elbow as well?

 

[scotus]

One of the issues you'll run into with this frame is that it does not feel stiff but the flex rating is still 66. So it has some great pop for such an arm friendly stick. So an 18g multi might be launching balls all over the court but I've never hit with Gamma Pro or played with an 18g string ever. Might be worth starting with that string and judging durability versus performance before figuring out where to go next. My 2 cents.

Gamma Professional 18 felt really mushy to me in a 7G, even just as a cross.

If you are a power hitter, I recommend that you give Rip Control a try if you want a multi.

But since the OP has no arm problem, any of his favorite polys would be just fine.

 

[Squidward]

Put me on the PK bandwagon as well. I use the Redodndo mainly, but just picked up a BA98 to try.

I've tried most of the major mfg's out there, PK is STILL at the top of my list!

Good Luck!

 

[sstchur]

Gamma Professional 18 felt really mushy to me in a 7G, even just as a cross.

If you are a power hitter, I recommend that you give Rip Control a try if you want a multi.

But since the OP has no arm problem, any of his favorite polys would be just fine.

Thanks for the suggestion. I was considering maybe going with a hybrid setup, but not sure what to go for.

Whenever I hybrided the Fischers, I'd do something like

M: Pro Supex Maxim Touch 17 @ 55
X: Big Ace Micro 19 @ 52

But I dunno -- sounds like that sort of a setup might be too much of a rocket launcher for the 7g?

What kind of hybrid would you guys recommend and what tension?

I'm actually open to trying just about anything, but for me, the most important things is having a "pillowy" feel. I like it to feel like the ball is really dwelling on the string bed.

 

[scotus]

I typically had Babolat VS at 70-72 lbs with Luxilon M2 Pro at 66 lbs.

 

[scotus]

7G is comfortable but I don't associate it with a "pillowy" feel. It is a stiff racquet and it will give you the crisp feel and power. It has a surprisingly good touch, but I am afraid you might be looking for a feel that is found typically in a very flexy frame.

 

[scotus]

You can try your Maxim/BA combo, perhaps at 3 lbs higher (at least), and then adjust from there.

 

[JGads]

Currently have Big Hitter Silver 17/Babolat NVy 16 at 53/58.5, and it's bliss.

Nice to see some PK love around here. I demo everything but my 7G and Ace Mids have stood strong as my go-to match sticks for awhile now. They're so good. Even won a league season when I switched over to them last year.

 

[sstchur]

7G is comfortable but I don't associate it with a "pillowy" feel. It is a stiff racquet and it will give you the crisp feel and power. It has a surprisingly good touch, but I am afraid you might be looking for a feel that is found typically in a very flexy frame.

Well I definitely do like flexy frames (that's why I use the Fischer), but I do find that it definitely lacks power. This is why I'm hoping to find something "comfortable" but which offers more pop.

I'm hopeful that the combination of stiffness, kinetic technology, and the right string setup can give me the added "pop" I want and still offer a "comfortable" and "controlled" feeling hit.

If not, then I suppose I just wasted money buying before trying :-/

But no big deal, life goes on if that's the case.

 

[JGads]

Well I definitely do like flexy frames (that's why I use the Fischer), but I do find that it definitely lacks power. This is why I'm hoping to find something "comfortable" but which offers more pop.

I'm hopeful that the combination of stiffness, kinetic technology, and the right string setup can give me the added "pop" I want and still offer a "comfortable" and "controlled" feeling hit.

If not, then I suppose I just wasted money buying before trying :-/

But no big deal, life goes on if that's the case.

You'll be fine. It's hard to describe, the 7G. Stiff frame but soft to the hand/arm, not at all 'harsh.'

 

[Power Player]

sstchur, you are going to be a happy guy I think. the 7g gives you the benefits of a stiff racquet, yet is very easy on your arm.

 

[sstchur]

sstchur, you are going to be a happy guy I think. the 7g gives you the benefits of a stiff racquet, yet is very easy on your arm.

Thanks, that's what I'm hoping for. I'm excited! I nearly (/nearly/) paid to have it over nighted, but then thought better of it. Will have to wait till early next week.

Can't wait though. Too much time to think about a string setup -- I will drive myself mad!

 

[Power Player]

Scotus is correct though..it does not have a pillowy feel, but the feel is outstanding. More of a crisp plushness. It was like a prestige met a pure storm to me.

You could always make it softer with gut mains though. So comfort will never be an issue with this racquet.

 

[mikeler]

sstchur, you are going to be a happy guy I think. the 7g gives you the benefits of a stiff racquet, yet is very easy on your arm.

This is a perfect description of the 7G.

 

[mikeler]

Ouch. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Does gout only afffect the feet, or do you think it might do something to your elbow as well?

I just got an acute attack in the typical big toe joint. My elbow feels great.

 

[my76]

I've never tried the 7g it sounds great but everything you guys are saying about the 7g in my experience applies to the Ki5x.It's very solid, powerful with great control and so easy on the arm.Is anyone able to compare the 7g to the Ki5x?

 

[Ramon]

I've been demoing racquets to switch from my APDGT. The PK Ki 5 is an easy transition from the APDGT. I also tried the Ki 5 PSE (the heavier version). I can instantly adjust to either frame. I seem to play better with the Ki 5 right now, but I'm seriously thinking that the PSE version might be better for me if I adjust to it. I also tried a friend's 7G for a couple hits and I was surprised at how well I played with an extended frame.

I'm impressed with all the PK racquets I tried. The only thing that concerns me is that they aren't quite as arm-friendly as the Prince EXO3 Tour 100. The EXO3 Tour 100 is harder to adjust to. I don't seem to control the ball as well with it, but I'm torn between whether I should buy it for the arm-friendliness and gamble on being able to adjust to it eventually.

 

[scotus]

I've never tried the 7g it sounds great but everything you guys are saying about the 7g in my experience applies to the Ki5x.It's very solid, powerful with great control and so easy on the arm.Is anyone able to compare the 7g to the Ki5x?

Ki5X is to Ki5 what 7G is to 5G. An extended version.

I never demoed Ki5X, because Ki5 was not as comfortable as 5G and 7G.

Also, the unresponsiveness/deadness in the upper string bed was most pronounced in Ki5, followed by 5G (moderate). 7G was the most responsive.

 

[my76]

Also, the unresponsiveness/deadness in the upper string bed was most pronounced in Ki5, followed by 5G (moderate). 7G was the most responsive.[/QUOTE]

I've heard about the upper hoop deadness in the Ki5 but the 5x definitely does not have that problem.I'm just a bit curious about the 7g because people say such great things about it but it's mostly because I'm a Prokennex ionic junkie.I also use the Ki 15 with great results and I'm thinking about trying the Ki 15 PSE.

 

[scotus]

I've been demoing racquets to switch from my APDGT. The PK Ki 5 is an easy transition from the APDGT. I also tried the Ki 5 PSE (the heavier version). I can instantly adjust to either frame. I seem to play better with the Ki 5 right now, but I'm seriously thinking that the PSE version might be better for me if I adjust to it. I also tried a friend's 7G for a couple hits and I was surprised at how well I played with an extended frame.

I'm impressed with all the PK racquets I tried. The only thing that concerns me is that they aren't quite as arm-friendly as the Prince EXO3 Tour 100. The EXO3 Tour 100 is harder to adjust to. I don't seem to control the ball as well with it, but I'm torn between whether I should buy it for the arm-friendliness and gamble on being able to adjust to it eventually.

I agree that EXO3 Tour is more arm-friendly than the PKs with Kinetic System. EXO3's super flex (52 to 55 RA), coupled with its much lower innate power allows you to use strings at a much lower tension, resulting in excellent arm-friendliness even without the Kinetic system.

But if you want the power that is somewhat comparable to the APDGT in a far more arm-friendly package, PK 5G, 7G & Ki 5 are right up your alley.

Just an aside: imagine the kinetic system installed in flexy frames like EXO3 Tour or Redondo. That would be a TE sufferer's dream come true.

 

[Steve Huff]

I use a ki 5. I think that's their "flagship" model, and the 5 series has been their best seller for years. Their SQ series is their most expensive, but it's a higher powered racket. Not sure which Fischer you used, but the 7g is a 27.5" long frame. The Black Ace and ki 5 are both standard length frames. I haven't tried the new version of the BA, but that's what I used in the 80s when they first came out. Both are nice.

 

[sstchur]

I use a ki 5. I think that's their "flagship" model, and the 5 series has been their best seller for years. Their SQ series is their most expensive, but it's a higher powered racket. Not sure which Fischer you used, but the 7g is a 27.5" long frame. The Black Ace and ki 5 are both standard length frames. I haven't tried the new version of the BA, but that's what I used in the 80s when they first came out. Both are nice.

I've been playing with the Fischer Pro No. 1 98 (SL, No tolerance) for the past two years. I like it a lot, but it's very underpowered, and I could use a little extra pop.

The fact that it's 27.5" is actually a selling point for me. I'm not very tall, extra reach is helpful to me especially on serve (I used a 28" frame way back when in high school, but when I got back into the game I went back to 27")

Truth be told, I've always missed the extra reach a little. I'm sure it'll take some adjustment in the beginning, but I have pretty sound mechanics, so I expect I'll be able to adjust and the extra length will end up being a benefit for me (at least I hope so).

 

[Ramon]

I've been playing with the Fischer Pro No. 1 98 (SL, No tolerance) for the past two years. I like it a lot, but it's very underpowered, and I could use a little extra pop.

The fact that it's 27.5" is actually a selling point for me. I'm not very tall, extra reach is helpful to me especially on serve (I used a 28" frame way back when in high school, but when I got back into the game I went back to 27")

Truth be told, I've always missed the extra reach a little. I'm sure it'll take some adjustment in the beginning, but I have pretty sound mechanics, so I expect I'll be able to adjust and the extra length will end up being a benefit for me (at least I hope so).

The Pacific X Force Pro is a reincarnation of the Fischer M Pro One 98 (Pacific bought Fischer Tennis). I've been demoing the X Force Pro, and I actually like it, too. I think the Ki 5 is more powerful with more spin potential, so I like the Ki 5 a little better so far, but I'm not sure yet. The X Force Pro has a nice feel to it and seems very precise. The guy I was hitting with also thought the X Force Pro was a well rounded stick when he tried it.

 

[sstchur]

The Pacific X Force Pro is a reincarnation of the Fischer M Pro One 98 (Pacific bought Fischer Tennis). I've been demoing the X Force Pro, and I actually like it, too. I think the Ki 5 is more powerful with more spin potential, so I like the Ki 5 a little better so far, but I'm not sure yet. The X Force Pro has a nice feel to it and seems very precise. The guy I was hitting with also thought the X Force Pro was a well rounded stick when he tried it.

Yeah, I've been following Pacific and what they've been doing with the Fischer molds. I never tried any of them though, since I have 4 of the Fischer Pro One 98s, and didn't really feel there was any real reason to try them.

I've liked the Fischers and have played well with them, but part of me feels like I've played well with them because I just stuck with them and got used to them. It wasn't love at first hit or anything. In fact, it took me a few months to dial in on them.

I've dabbled with other frames here and there but have always gone back to the Fischers in the end. We'll see what happens with the 7g. I have high expectations. I'm gonna try to commit to giving it a fair shake and use it exclusively for at least a month.

 

[tennisinoc]

Interestingly, I am in the progress of seeing if it might be a possibly to move from the Ki5 to the Pro 1 line. The Ki5 is the most comfortable racket that doesn't play like a noodle and has ample power with great control. I have played with the MS Pro 1 in the past and personally think it has more power than the Ki5 but had less control. But I did not give the Pro 1 a fair amount of time to fine tune it with different string set ups because I did not own a stringer at the time and wasnt willing to invest in experimenting. But now that I own a stringer, I feel that with the proper string set up, it can be an appropriate weapon to switch to from my Ki5. I currently have a Pro 1 on its way back into my hands via USPS to make a proper verdict.
Both have the same comfort level and playability.

 

[sstchur]

Interestingly, I am in the progress of seeing if it might be a possibly to move from the Ki5 to the Pro 1 line. The Ki5 is the most comfortable racket that doesn't play like a noodle and has ample power with great control. I have played with the MS Pro 1 in the past and personally think it has more power than the Ki5 but had less control. But I did not give the Pro 1 a fair amount of time to fine tune it with different string set ups because I did not own a stringer at the time and wasnt willing to invest in experimenting. But now that I own a stringer, I feel that with the proper string set up, it can be an appropriate weapon to switch to from my Ki5. I currently have a Pro 1 on its way back into my hands via USPS to make a proper verdict.
Both have the same comfort level and playability.

I tried lots and lots of setups with the Pro One. In the end, I settled on some extra weight in the handle by way of a TW leather grip + overgrip. Then I also have 2 to 4 grams (depending on the frame; I have 4 of them) of lead at 12 o clock.

I found that that setup is what gave me the smoothest groundstrokes. With some lead in the hoop, it was a little too whippy for me.

 

[scotus]

The Pacific X Force Pro is a reincarnation of the Fischer M Pro One 98 (Pacific bought Fischer Tennis). I've been demoing the X Force Pro, and I actually like it, too. I think the Ki 5 is more powerful with more spin potential, so I like the Ki 5 a little better so far, but I'm not sure yet. The X Force Pro has a nice feel to it and seems very precise. The guy I was hitting with also thought the X Force Pro was a well rounded stick when he tried it.

I thought the X Force Pro was a paint job of Fischer Black Granite.

 

[tennisinoc]

I found that that setup is what gave me the smoothest groundstrokes. With some lead in the hoop, it was a little too whippy for me.

Did you mean, "WITHOUT some lead in the hoop"?

Whats your favorite string set up and tension in your Pro 1's?
What is it exactly are you looking to fill what the Pro 1 doesn't do for you?

Pop- I would give to the Pro 1. I served awesome with it.
Spin - I would give to the Ki5. I could control the ball better.

 

[lgbalfa]

back in the day i played with the copper ace.

i loved that racquet.

when it is time for me to look at new frames again, i will certainly consider the redondo 98.

 

[sstchur]

Did you mean, "WITHOUT some lead in the hoop"?

Whats your favorite string set up and tension in your Pro 1's?
What is it exactly are you looking to fill what the Pro 1 doesn't do for you?

Pop- I would give to the Pro 1. I served awesome with it.
Spin - I would give to the Ki5. I could control the ball better.

Oops, yes I meant "without"

I've tried several string setups, and in the beginning liked lower tensions (and I string on a lock out). I used to use softer multi likes Pro Supex Maxim Touch 17 or Alpha Gut 18 down around 53/50. I then found Gamma Professional 18 which is probably my favorite multi, but I started stringing it up much higher (around 63/60).

I also had success with multi/poly hybrid. I'd put a multi like Maxim Touch in the mains and a poly like Big Ace Micro in the crosses.

I'm honestly not sure what I'm looking for that the Pro One doesn't provide. To be honest, I'm a bit of a racquetaholic. But I have some disposable income and can afford to try lots of frames and ticker, so I do it 'cause it's kinda fun.

I play well with the Fischers but feel like I could use a bit extra pop. I also really like the idea of an extended frame as I feel it may give me extra rearch on my serve.

 

[mikeler]

Going to an extended frame (PST+) took me a month to really get used to where to hit the ball on the strings.

 

[Mister drool]

God yes. Try one!
I have a redondo mid, and hopefully another one coming soon.
I had in the past a copper plus 90, clone frame of the k90 but much more flexible, and all I can say is that I love Pk frames. A very underrated company and racquets if you ask me. On the subject, anyone knows anything about the new Qtour 98 pk is about to launch?
325gr (unstrung?)
18x20
Sw. 309 – the only aspect of the frame I do not like so much, would be better is it was beefed up to 320’s
And 12pts head light balance!
What more can a guy ask?


Answer: a beer